You’ll board a speedboat in Split for swimming at Croatia’s famous Blue Lagoon, then unwind with a drink on Čiovo Island’s Okrug Gornji beach before exploring Trogir’s UNESCO-listed old town with your local guide. Expect salty air, laughter with strangers, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re back on shore.
The first thing I remember is our captain waving us over with that half-grin Croatians seem to do so well — like he knows something about the sea you don’t. We all clambered onto the speedboat in Split, not really knowing each other yet. There was this salty breeze and someone’s sunscreen already in the air. I tried to say “hvala” (thank you) and got a quick nod back; pretty sure my accent was off but no one cared. The boat cut across the water fast, which woke me up more than my morning coffee ever could.
We reached the Blue Lagoon before I’d even finished gawking at the color of the water — it’s actually that blue. The captain tossed out some snorkeling gear and said we had about an hour to swim or just float around. I slid into the water and it felt cool but not cold, like a relief after the sun on deck. There were tiny fish darting past my feet and crushed shells under my toes when I stood up — weirdly soft, almost powdery. Some people just lay on their towels, but I couldn’t stop looking at how clear everything was below me. It smelled faintly of seaweed and salt, nothing else.
Next stop was Čiovo Island, Okrug Gornji beach specifically — which our guide pronounced way better than any of us could manage. The beach bar (Borkko? Borko? Not sure) had these plastic chairs sunk into sand and music that drifted out over the water. My drink tasted slightly too sweet but honestly, it fit the mood. We watched a group of locals play cards right there on their towels; one guy kept laughing so hard he almost lost his hand every round.
Trogir was last — you feel it before you see it because suddenly there are stone walls and old bridges everywhere. Our guide pointed out a church from the 13th century (“older than your country,” he joked to an American couple). We wandered through narrow lanes where laundry hung above us and old women sat in doorways talking quietly. I bought a pastry from a bakery that smelled like butter and lemon; still think about that bite sometimes when I’m back home in my kitchen.
The tour is a half-day trip departing from Split and returning after visiting three main stops: Blue Lagoon, Čiovo Island (Okrug Gornji), and Trogir.
Yes, snorkeling gear such as goggles is included for use at the Blue Lagoon stop.
No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the departure point in Split 30 minutes before departure.
No meals or drinks are included; however, you can buy refreshments at Okrug Gornji beach bar or in Trogir.
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the speedboat ride; it may not be recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.
The captain may change the route or cancel for safety reasons if conditions are poor; safety comes first.
Your half-day includes transportation by comfortable speedboat from Split with an English-speaking captain and crew guiding you between stops at Blue Lagoon, Čiovo Island’s Okrug Gornji beach, and historic Trogir. All fuel costs are covered, plus snorkeling goggles are provided for swimming breaks along the way—just bring your voucher to check-in before departure.
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