Three islands, five hours, real Adriatic swims. This half-day run by Ria Tours takes you from Trogir or Split out to standout swimming spots, with big sea views along the way and time to actually cool off, not just look at water.

What I like most: you get crystal-clear anchored water for snorkeling plus a real change of scenery with Maslinica on Šolta and a swim stop on Čiovo. And I also like the practical touches onboard—shaded seating, Bluetooth music, a fridge, and a shower—because after a few hours on the sun, those small comforts matter.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is weather-dependent, and the skipper can adjust or cancel for safety. In the cooler shoulder season, plan for a light jacket on the boat if temperatures are under about 27–28°C.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-boat feel: many departures are described as not overcrowded (one account notes a max of 14).
• Snorkeling time where it counts: about 1.5 hours at the first water stop.
• Two different “island vibes”: a relaxed village break in Maslinica, then a quieter bay on Čiovo.
• Onboard comfort is built in: fridge, shower, shade, and music via Bluetooth.
• Life jackets are for emergencies: you’ll still swim in open water at your own pace.
• You may catch sunset on the afternoon departures while heading back.

Speedboat Pickup in Split or Trogir: Where to Be on Time

You start from one of two points. If you’re meeting in Trogir, look for Fortress Kamerlengo. If you’re meeting in Split, the pickup is at Mletački mul, Riva.

This matters because the trip starts fast—there’s no long “waiting around then we leave.” Aim to arrive early, scan the dock area, and get yourself organized before the boat comes in. The host greets in English, so you should be able to confirm the exact meeting spot without a language scramble.

A 5-Hour Plan That Doesn’t Waste Your Holiday Time

This is set up as a half-day, roughly 270 minutes (about 5 hours), and the pacing feels intentional. You’re not stuck on the water for hours without breaks. You also get multiple moments where you can be active—swim and snorkel—plus calmer time for walking and photos.

A typical flow looks like this:

• Speedboat ride out, then your first long swimming stop
• Then a village break on Šolta for strolling and views
• Then a final bay stop for another swim/chill session
• Finish with the return ride back to Split or Trogir

From a value standpoint, what you’re paying for isn’t just transportation. You’re paying for time in the right places—especially that first water stop, where you get the longest window.

Blue Lagoon (Krknjaši – Veliki Drvenik): The Swimming Stop That Sets the Tone

The day kicks off with the Blue Lagoon. Expect a ride to get there—about 15–20 minutes from Trogir or 35–40 minutes from Split—then you’re anchored in calm enough conditions to enjoy the water.

At this stop you’ll get around 1 hour and 30 minutes to:

• Swim
• Snorkel
• Relax on the boat
• Grab an ice-cold drink (and yes, the tour includes coffee onboard too)

One nice detail is that this first stop is always on the anchor. That usually means you’re not constantly climbing up and down. You’re set up for “in-water time,” not a quick photo-and-go.

Two practical notes for comfort and safety:

• You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus life jackets are provided—but life jackets are for emergencies only, not as flotation for casual swimming.
• If you’re picky about sun, bring sunscreen and a hat. The onboard shade helps, but you’ll still spend time in strong coastal light.

Maslinica on Šolta: Stone Houses, Castle Views, and a Real Walk Break

After your first water stop, you head to Maslinica on the island of Šolta. The speedboat ride is short—about 15–20 minutes—so the move feels easy rather than tiring.

You’ll spend about 1 hour here, which is exactly enough time to do three things without rushing:

• A photo stop
• A bit of sightseeing and walking
• A relaxed browse of the waterfront area

Maslinica’s standout is its restored 16th-century castle, which is now used as a luxury hotel. Even if you don’t go inside, the setting gives you that old-stone, slow-coast feel. You also get traditional stone houses and a more lived-in rhythm than the beach breaks.

Why this stop is worth it: it breaks up the “all water, all sun” tempo. You get to stretch your legs, reset your head, and enjoy a different side of Dalmatia than just open water views.

Čiovo’s Duga Cove and Beach Bar Borkko: Quiet Water, Easy Chilling

Your last major stop is on the island of Čiovo, at the Duga Cove area near Beach bar Borkko. The ride is about 25–30 minutes, and then you get around 1 hour for swimming and free time.

This is the stop where the vibe shifts again: it’s described as calm, with time to unwind. You’ll also have a swim option with a natural sandy seabed, which is a big difference from rocky entries in some coastal spots.

What you can expect here:

• Another chance to swim and snorkel
• Plenty of room to lounge
• Time to grab a drink at the beach bar area

Some passengers also mention enjoying time on lounge-style seating or nets at the bar. Either way, it’s built for the kind of “we’ll stay just a bit longer” mood that makes boat days feel special.

If you book the afternoon slot, you may also catch a sunset moment on the return ride back toward Split—more than just a pretty sky, it’s a good way to end a day of saltwater.

Onboard Comfort: The Little Things That Make the Ride Feel Premium

This is one of those tours where the boat setup supports the experience. You’re not just paying for stops; you’re paying for a smoother ride between them.

Included onboard:

• Shaded area (huge for a hot coast day)
• Fridge for keeping drinks cold
• Shower on board (helpful if you want to rinse before leaving)
• Bluetooth music (keeps the boat ride from feeling like a silent transfer)
• Storage for your belongings (so your bag doesn’t end up in the way)
• A bottled water and coffee

Lifejackets are part of the package too. And while the boat offers comfort, remember the reality: it’s still the Adriatic. You’ll feel sun and wind. Shade and a cold drink help, but you’ll want to dress smart.

Also, the hosts and captains are consistently described as friendly and attentive, and many mention the crew sharing facts as you go. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy it, but it adds color to what you’re seeing from the water.

Price and Value: Why $73 Feels Fair for This Route

At $73 per person for about 5 hours, this isn’t the cheapest option. But it’s also not a “pay extra for nothing” kind of price.

Here’s what’s built into the value:

• Transport by speedboat between islands (the core of the experience)
• 1.5 hours of snorkeling/swimming at the Blue Lagoon
• Another hour for Maslinica and about another hour at Duga Cove
• Snorkeling equipment plus life jackets
• Cold drinks support (bottled water included, and coffee onboard)
• Comfort add-ons like shade, fridge, shower, and music

What’s not included: food. So if you’re the type who gets hungry fast, plan to buy something on your own at the beach bar stop or bring a simple snack. You don’t want the last part of the day to feel like you’re thinking about lunch while everyone else is floating.

If you’re deciding between a long, crowded tour and a short, more focused one, this makes sense. You get meaningful water time without turning the day into a full-day travel project.

What to Bring (and the Safety Rules You Should Actually Follow)

Pack for water and sun, not for a museum day. You’ll want:

• Hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

Cash is handy because the stops can include places where you might want to buy a drink. (And food isn’t included, so plan accordingly.)

Weather and temperature matter. If the outside temperature is below about 27–28°C, the tour recommends bringing a light jacket for the boat portion. That advice isn’t about being dramatic—it’s about comfort when wind hits you on the move.

Two safety reminders that I think you should take seriously:

• Life jackets are for emergency use only, so don’t rely on them as swim support.
• The pace and order of stops can change if sea conditions require it, because safety comes first.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This is a great match if you want:

• A half-day that feels like an actual escape, not a bus tour
• Time in two swim zones plus a village walk
• A boat experience with comfort extras like shade, fridge, and onboard shower
• An English-speaking host and crew who keep things organized

It may be less suitable if:

• You need wheelchair access (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users).
• You don’t like plans that depend on weather. When seas are rough, the skipper changes the plan or cancels.

Should You Book This Split/Trogir 3-Island Speedboat?

If your idea of a perfect Croatia afternoon includes real water time, a village stop for photos and a walk, and you like the idea of getting between places fast, I’d book it. The mix of Blue Lagoon swimming time plus the Maslinica break and Čiovo’s calm bay makes the 5 hours feel full in the right way.

If you’re traveling with strong sun sensitivity or you hate being at the mercy of sea conditions, then read the weather reality carefully. But if you can be flexible—and you pack smart (hat, towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for cooler days)—this is the kind of trip that tends to leave people talking about the water, not the paperwork.

FAQ

Where are the pickup points for this tour?

You’ll be picked up either in Trogir at the Fortress Kamerlengo area, or in Split at Mletački mul, Riva.

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The duration is about 270 minutes, or roughly 5 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food is not included.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The tour depends on weather conditions. The skipper may modify or cancel the tour for safety, and if canceled you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.