Split: Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 6 Islands Small Group Boat Tour

Traveling through Croatia’s Dalmatian coast often feels like flipping through a living postcard — shimmering waters, charming villages, and landscapes that seem almost unreal. While we haven’t personally taken this particular tour, it’s widely praised for its carefully curated stops, knowledgeable guides, and overall value for money. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, this experience promises a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and fun.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to explore six different islands in one day, each with its own personality and charm. Second, the visit to the Blue Lagoon, a highlight for snorkelers and sunbathers alike, with crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip. Third, the small group size (max 12 people) ensures a more intimate, relaxed vibe and personalized attention from the crew. On the flip side, some travelers might find the speedboat ride a bit bumpy if the sea gets rough, so packing for comfort and safety is wise.

This tour fits well for those looking for a full-day adventure packed with variety—ideal for travelers who want to see a lot but still enjoy some downtime. It’s especially suitable for curious explorers who appreciate good value, scenic beauty, and charming local spots. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 participants for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Diverse Island Stops: Visit 6 islands, including Hvar, Bra, and Maslinica, offering a variety of scenery and cultural sights.
• Blue Lagoon Highlight: Crystal waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable crew like Rocco and Ella, praised for safety, friendliness, and fun energy.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and a pizza lunch—making it a budget-friendly full-day tour.
• Weather Dependence: Activities are subject to sea and weather conditions, with options to reschedule or receive a full refund if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Day in the Life of a Croatian Island Hopper

Starting Point & Luggage Storage
Your day begins at the Smile Travel office in Split, where you’ll check in and leave any luggage behind if needed. The departure is smooth, with friendly staff guiding you through the process. The boat, a swift and comfortable speedboat, holds only 12 people, making it feel more like a private adventure than a crowded tour.

Milna on Bra Island
Your first stop is Milna, a quiet coastal town loved for its picturesque harbor and stone architecture. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and soak in the laid-back Dalmatian vibe. Reviewers like Lucy and Michelle mention how this tranquil village offers a peaceful start to your day, with some even noting the “beautiful Mediterranean views” and “scenic harbor.” You’ll have about an hour here, enough time to explore or grab a quick coffee.

Hvar Town & Fortica Fortress
Next, the boat whisks you away to Hvar, a prominent island known for attracting celebrities and travelers alike. Expect a lively, stylish atmosphere, but also plenty of history. You’ll have free time to explore the Old Town’s cobbled streets, visit the Venetian palaces, or climb to the Fortica Fortress for panoramic views. Reviewers like Joe and Stacy rave about the fun tunes, excellent guides, and the chance to discover hidden corners of Hvar. Some mention the old theatre, which is Europe’s oldest, adding a touch of cultural richness.

Pakleni Islands & Snorkeling
The next stop is the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of about 16 islands, about 10 km long. The crew arranges a swimming stop at the famed Carpe Diem beach club, where you can relax, sunbathe, or snorkel. If you’re into underwater exploration, snorkeling gear is provided, and reviewers like Maria and Foteini highlight the “crystal-clear waters” and “great vibes.” It’s a chance to cool off, snap some Instagram shots, and enjoy the natural beauty.

Maslinica Village
A quieter, charming village on the island of Šolta, Maslinica offers a peaceful contrast to the busier spots. Think traditional stone houses, lush olive groves, and a serene harbor. Reviewers note its “authentic Dalmatian life” and “beautiful natural surroundings,” perfect for those wanting an authentic vibe away from crowds. It’s a spot to swim, relax, and soak in local culture for a little while.

Blue Lagoon
Arguably the tour’s star attraction, the Blue Lagoon is famed for its stunning, untouched scenery. The water here sparkles with shades of blue, making it a favorite for swimming and sunbathing. Reviewers consistently mention how “the waters are so inviting,” and the snorkeling is “amazing and refreshing,” especially on a hot day. The lagoon’s beauty is almost indescribable, and many find it a highlight of the trip.

Labadusa Beach & Final Relaxation
Your last stop is Labadusa Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax with a drink from the beach bar. It’s the perfect ending, with plenty of opportunities for photos and a chill vibe to conclude your island-hopping adventure.

Return to Split
After a well-rounded day packed with sights, swims, and fun, the boat heads back to Split. The journey back offers more scenic views, and many reviewers mention feeling satisfied with the balance of activities and free time.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included
The tour offers a lot of value for $116 per person. It covers transportation on a speedboat, fuel, English-speaking staff, licensed skipper, music, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, luggage storage, and passenger insurance. The small size means more personalized service.

Not included
Food and drinks are not covered, but most travelers suggest bringing snacks or a light lunch. Some reviews mention the included pizza lunch, which is a nice bonus, but others prefer to bring extra provisions.

Transportation & Group Size: Why It Matters

Traveling on a speedboat makes a significant difference. It’s fast, fun, and allows you to cover many more islands in one day than a slower ferry might. Plus, the boat’s size (max 12 people) keeps the trip intimate, allowing guides like Rocco and Ella to give personalized attention and share local insights, making the experience more engaging.

The boat’s speed and the crew’s skill ensure smooth rides, even when the sea gets a little choppy — as some reviewers have noted. While the boat is generally comfortable, a bumpy ride might happen if weather conditions turn rough, so packing a light jacket or motion sickness remedies could be beneficial.

Authenticity & Value: Why Travelers Keep Coming Back

Reviewers repeatedly mention how knowledgeable guides like Ella and Rocco make the trip stand out. Their friendly demeanor, local tips, and fun playlist create a lively, safe environment. Many describe the day as “action-packed,” yet relaxed enough to enjoy at each stop.

The value here isn’t just the scenery — it’s the combination of multiple island visits, snorkeling equipment, and the small-group vibe. For $116, you get a full day of exploring, swimming, cultural sights, and some downtime, which many travelers find hard to beat compared to more expensive, less varied tours.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to see a wide variety of islands without the hassle of organizing individual trips. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a speedboat and looking for a lively, engaging day. If you’re into snorkeling, stunning scenery, and local culture, you’ll feel right at home.

It’s not ideal for kids under 8, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, as the boat ride can be bumpy. Also, if weather turns bad, the tour might get canceled — so keep an eye on the forecast to plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for travelers 8 years and older. Very young children or those with mobility issues might find the speedboat ride challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Pack light, as luggage storage is available if needed.

Will I get wet on the boat?
The boat is designed for speed and efficiency, so you might get splashed, especially during fast rides. Reviewers say they stayed dry most of the time, but a rain jacket or extra towel might be handy.

What if the weather is bad?
Activities depend on sea and weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date, tour, or a full refund.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, allowing you to explore underwater life at stops like the Blue Lagoon and Pakleni Islands.

Can I store luggage?
Yes, luggage storage can be arranged — just contact the provider in advance if you need to leave bags behind.

Is there lunch included?
Some reviews mention a pizza lunch included as part of the tour, but food and drinks outside of that are not provided. It’s advisable to bring extra snacks.

This small group boat tour from Split offers an excellent way to see Croatia’s stunning islands with a good dose of fun, comfort, and culture. The combination of scenic stops, knowledgeable guides, and the thrill of speedboat rides creates a memorable adventure for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Dalmatia without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

If you’re after a lively, well-organized day with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and photo opportunities, this tour is highly recommended. Its value becomes even clearer when you consider the included snorkeling gear, small group size, and expertly curated itinerary.

While not suited for everyone—especially those seeking a more relaxed or accessible experience—it’s ideal for active travelers who love a bit of speed, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery in one package.

This Croatia island-hopping tour is a fantastic, affordable way to experience the best of Dalmatia’s islands, from glamorous Hvar to tranquil Maslinica and the breathtaking Blue Lagoon. It’s a full day of adventure that combines scenic beauty, authentic villages, and fun in the sun.

You can check availability for your dates here: