REVIEW · SPLIT
Private Speedboat Tour: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands from Split
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by KARLA luxury rib · Bookable on GetYourGuide
First time you’ll see the Adriatic from a speedboat. This private trip runs from Split to UNESCO-listed Trogir and then out to the Blue Lagoon area around Drvenik Veliki for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. I like that it feels relaxed and personal, not rushed. You get a proper onboard setup too, including sun shade, safety gear, bottled water, and even a fan for comfort on the ride.
What I especially love is the mix of sights and water time in one 5-hour half-day. You also get snorkeling mask gear and you can spend the most time where the water looks best. One consideration: this is an active outing, with sea time and water stops, and it’s not suitable for everyone (back problems, wheelchair users, and pregnant women should skip it).
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Private Speedboat Comfort on the KARLA Luxury RIB
- How the 5-Hour Route Flows From Split to Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Islands
- Trogir UNESCO Town: How to Use the Land Time Well
- Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki: Swimming and Snorkeling That Actually Feels Worth It
- Čiovo Island Coves: The Calm Part of the Trip You Control
- Optional Maslinica on Šolta: A Quieter Harbor Stop With Olive-Grove Coastline Vibes
- Price and Value: $749 for a Private Group Up to 10
- What to Pack for This Speedboat Day (and What You Can Skip)
- Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This Private Speedboat Tour From Split?
- FAQ
- How long is the private speedboat tour?
- What does the tour include?
- Is there a guide included in Trogir?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What should we bring for the Blue Lagoon and island stops?
- Who is this tour not suitable for?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- Private for up to 10 people means the route and stops can be tailored to your group
- Trogir UNESCO stop gives you a real land-world before the swims and snorkels
- Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling with mask gear and crystal-clear water time
- Čiovo island coves are about smaller beaches and quieter shoreline moments
- Optional Maslinica on Šolta adds a calmer harbor and olive-grove coastline vibe
- No guide in Trogir means you’ll explore the town on your own
Private Speedboat Comfort on the KARLA Luxury RIB

This tour runs on a KARLA luxury rib, which is exactly what you want for coastal sightseeing: fast, stable-feeling, and made for hopping between water stops. The comfort details matter more than you’d think. You’ll have sun shade onboard, safety equipment on the boat, and bottled water included. One small but real plus from past groups: there’s also a fan onboard, which helps when the sun is high and the ride heats up.
Because it’s private, you’re not managing a crowd. You’re managing your own group pace. That means if you want more time at a beach or less time walking through a town street, you can usually work that out with the crew. You’ll also have an English-speaking host/greeter, which makes it easier when you’re trying to understand where you’re going and what to do next.
And since this is a boat day, I like that the essentials are covered. Fuel is included, insurance is included, and you’re not left wondering what you’re paying for besides the ride itself. The trade-off is simple: you’re still in a boat, so come ready to handle sea air, sun, and water time.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Split
How the 5-Hour Route Flows From Split to Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Islands

This is a half-day plan designed to pack in the best contrast: town + open water + swim stops. The tour starts back at the meeting point in Split (in front of Hotel Ambassador, or at a gas station on the west coast), and it ends back there too.
You’ll typically move through these phases:
- Trogir first, a UNESCO World Heritage town on the mainland side
- then Drvenik Veliki / Blue Lagoon area for swimming and snorkeling
- then onward to Čiovo island for hidden coves and beach time
- with an option to add Maslinica on Šolta if your timing and interests fit
Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll want to check what’s offered on your travel dates. The overall duration listed is 5 hours, so it’s not a long cruise where you forget your sunscreen. It’s a focused window. That’s why it works well for people who want a big day feel without sacrificing your whole schedule.
One thing to keep in mind: since you’re traveling by speedboat, you’ll spend some time in transit between stops. That’s part of the value. You’re paying to save time and reach the water-side spots that are harder to reach by bus or ferry.
Trogir UNESCO Town: How to Use the Land Time Well

Trogir is a UNESCO-listed town, and that sets expectations: you’re not just walking past a few buildings. You’re looking at a real historic place with old-stone streets and a town layout that’s meant for wandering. You’ll have time to explore Trogir’s charming streets and take in the atmosphere before heading back toward the water.
Here’s the practical detail that affects your experience: a guide in Trogir is not included. That doesn’t make the stop less valuable. It just changes how you should approach it. If you enjoy self-guided wandering, you’ll be fine. If you prefer commentary and structured explanations, plan for it by downloading offline maps or a casual history overview ahead of time (so you’re not trying to figure it out mid-walk).
The other factor is matching your energy level. Trogir is walkable, but you’ll still be on a schedule inside that 5-hour window. I’d go in expecting a relaxed stroll, not a full-day museum visit. If your group loves photos, this is where you’ll want your camera or phone ready—because the streets and waterfront angles can be spectacular.
Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki: Swimming and Snorkeling That Actually Feels Worth It

The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline for a reason. This is where the tour shifts from walking to doing. You’ll head to the Blue Lagoon area around Drvenik Veliki and you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in clear water.
What’s included here helps you start fast: you get snorkeling gear with a mask. That’s enough for most people to enjoy the water and look around. You’re also given bottled water on the boat, so you’re not scrambling for hydration right after you jump in.
What I’d watch for is how you plan your “water time.” Since it’s a private group and the itinerary is flexible, you can usually choose how hard you go:
- If you just want a swim and a photo-friendly beach break, you can keep it simple.
- If you want to snorkel longer, you’ll want to set expectations early and make sure you have time to return to the boat comfortably.
The tour description also points to sand beach time and vibrant marine life in the water. I’d treat that as a cue to go slow with your snorkeling. Keep your mask adjusted, move calmly, and don’t rush—clear water gets better when you give yourself a minute to settle.
Bring the basics that actually matter here: swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. The sun on a speedboat day can be surprisingly persistent, even when you’re moving. Also, have a hat. It’s the difference between enjoying the stop and thinking about shade the whole time.
Čiovo Island Coves: The Calm Part of the Trip You Control

After Blue Lagoon time, you’ll head to Čiovo island, where the tour focuses on hidden coves and relaxed shoreline exploring. This part is less about one famous beach and more about getting little patches of coastline that feel quieter and more personal.
Because it’s private, you’re not limited to one overcrowded pier. You can enjoy small coves, swim again if the water’s good, and slow down for food. The tour description mentions you can savor delicious local cuisine here, but food and drinks are not included—so you’ll want cash or a payment plan you’re comfortable with. If your group includes picky eaters, this is one place to set a simple expectation: you’re building your own meal plan on the island, using the tour stop as your timing anchor.
This is also a good moment to reset. If you’ve been out in sun and water, take a slower walk, watch the shoreline, and let your body cool down. The Adriatic can be stunning and still tiring. Think of Čiovo as the “steady pace” segment after the swimming highlight.
One drawback to note: if your group has limited mobility or back sensitivity, the cove-to-boat movement can be more challenging than a straightforward beach. The tour isn’t positioned for wheelchair users, and people with back problems may find the sea travel and boarding process uncomfortable.
Optional Maslinica on Šolta: A Quieter Harbor Stop With Olive-Grove Coastline Vibes

There’s an option to visit Maslinica on Šolta, which shifts the feel of the trip from “swim and snorkel spotlight” to “quiet coastal village break.” Maslinica is known for a peaceful atmosphere, olive groves, and a stunning harbor.
Why I like having an optional stop like this: it gives you control over what your day becomes. If your group wants calmer views and a slower landing after water time, Maslinica can be a great fit. If you’d rather stay in pure swim mode, you can treat it as a bonus rather than a must-do.
Because the tour is flexible, this kind of option works best when you’re honest with yourself about energy. If everyone’s still buzzing from the Blue Lagoon swim, you’ll probably enjoy Maslinica. If you’re tired and want maximum water time, you may prefer to keep the route tighter.
Food is still not included, so plan for that if you intend to snack or eat. If you love harbor views, this is where you’ll probably spend time with your phone camera instead of your snorkeling gear.
Price and Value: $749 for a Private Group Up to 10

Let’s talk value in plain math. The price is $749 per group, up to 10 people. If you fill the group, that’s about $75 per person for a private speedboat day with fuel, insurance, the crew, safety equipment, sun shade, snorkeling masks, and bottled water included.
Even if you don’t fill all 10 spots, the structure is still what makes this worthwhile for many groups: you’re buying a private boat, not a seat on a crowded cruise. Private speedboats can cost more per person when you only have two or four travelers. Here, the “up to 10” setup can make the per-person cost workable for families, small groups of friends, or multi-family trips.
Where the value can feel slightly lower is the “guide vs no guide” piece. You don’t get a guide in Trogir, and food and drinks are not included. If you want guided commentary and included meals, this tour might feel more expensive than it is. If you’re fine exploring on your own and paying for meals at stops, the included boat package is a strong deal.
One more practical point: you get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. That matters when you’re booking around weather and sea conditions.
What to Pack for This Speedboat Day (and What You Can Skip)

You’ll be in sun, salt air, and water for part of the trip, so pack like you’re going to a beach day with transportation baked in.
Bring:
- Passport or ID card
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Beachwear
- Your drinks (drinks and snacks are suggested)
- Cash for purchases on islands
- Camera or mobile phone
Know what not to bring:
- Smoking is not allowed.
If you tend to forget the basics, set a reminder the night before. The towel + swimsuit combo is the one people regret missing, because you’ll still want to use the water time. Sunscreen is the next one. You can look fine on the dock and feel it after you’ve been riding and sunbathing for an hour.
Also, bring a little patience for boarding and boarding height. Speedboats are efficient, but they aren’t designed for slow-motion boarding.
Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This trip is best for people who want a private Adriatic day with a real mix: a UNESCO town stop plus swim-and-snorkel time plus island coves.
It’s a good fit if:
- you’re traveling with a group (up to 10) and want to keep costs reasonable
- you care about water time and want crystal-clear stops
- you like flexible itineraries and can decide what matters most that day
- your group is comfortable walking a bit in a historic town
It’s not suitable for:
- pregnant women
- people with back problems
- wheelchair users
- babies under 1 year
That list isn’t just legal fine print. It’s a sign that the boat and water stops involve movement you shouldn’t force.
If you’re looking for a low-effort day where you stay mostly on land and avoid water, this probably isn’t the match.
Should You Book This Private Speedboat Tour From Split?
Book it if your ideal day includes three things: a UNESCO town stroll, serious swim time in clear water, and island coves you don’t have to share with half the planet. The private boat package makes the day feel efficient, and the fact that snorkeling masks are included helps you get into the water without extra shopping.
Don’t book it if you’re expecting a guided Trogir experience with included meals, or if your group needs wheelchair-friendly access or accommodations for back or pregnancy-related limitations. Also, if you’re not comfortable with sun and sea conditions, you might end up spending time wishing you’d chosen a slower plan.
If you can fill at least a portion of the up-to-10 group capacity, the price tends to look more reasonable. And if Maslinica sounds like your style, ask about it as part of your customization so the day matches your group mood—more harbor calm or more water time.
FAQ
How long is the private speedboat tour?
The duration is 5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.
What does the tour include?
It includes a luxury speedboat ride, sun shade onboard, snorkeling gear with a mask, safety equipment, fuel, boat crew, insurance, and bottled water.
Is there a guide included in Trogir?
No. A guide in Trogir is not included.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in front of Hotel Ambassador or in front of a gas station on the west coast, and it ends back at the meeting point.
What should we bring for the Blue Lagoon and island stops?
Bring passport or ID, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, drinks, and cash for purchases on the islands.
Who is this tour not suitable for?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, and babies under 1 year. Smoking is also not allowed.





























