Speedboats, islands, and snorkel time in one day. I really like the small-group speedboat setup (space for only 12) and the Blue Lagoon water time with snorkel gear. One thing to keep in mind: the trip runs on the sea schedule and it may be affected by sea and weather conditions.

I also appreciate the way the day mixes classic Adriatic sights with actual water breaks instead of turning into a rush-tour. The English-speaking staff (including guides like David and Maren on some departures) keep the pace friendly with music, safety gear, and quick transfers so you spend more time in the places you came for.

Key highlights you’ll feel immediately

• Twelve passengers max on a fast, nimble speedboat (more personal feel, less waiting)
• Snorkeling gear included for clear-water stops like the Blue Lagoon and Šolta
• Hvar Old Town time plus a chance to visit Fortica Fortress viewpoints
• Pakleni Islands swimming with a recognizable stop near Carpe Diem
• Multiple island atmospheres in one day: Milna, Hvar, Pakleni, Šolta, Maslinica, Blue Lagoon

Split meeting point and the small-boat advantage

The tour meets at the front of the Smile Travel office on Marmontova ul. 5 in Split, and you return there at the end of the day. No hotel pickup is listed, so plan to be there on foot or with a quick local taxi/bus ride.

The main reason this tour works is the boat size. With room for only 12 people, you’re not stuck in a crowd at every stop. On a day like this, that matters because you’re constantly switching between water, boarding steps, and short walks in town.

The pace plan: how the day is timed for swimming (not just photos)

This is a 10-hour outing built around short “arrive, enjoy, move” blocks. You’ll get around with speedboat transfers between islands, with time on each stop ranging from about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Here’s the shape of your day:

• Milna (Brač): about 45 minutes
• Hvar town: about 1.5 hours
• Pakleni Islands: about 1 hour
• Šolta: about 45 minutes
• Maslinica: about 1 hour
• Blue Lagoon: about 1.5 hours

This timing is the value equation. If you compare it to doing one island at a time, you’re spending less of your vacation day in transit and more of it actually in the water and viewpoints.

Milna on Brač: a calmer start with harbor views

Your first real stop is Milna on Brač Island. Milna is known for its scenic harbor with fishing boats and older stone architecture, so it’s a good “warm-up” town before you hit Hvar’s bigger energy.

With roughly 45 minutes here, I treat this stop like a quick reset:

• take a few photos around the harbor
• get your bearings on the stone streets
• decide early if you want a short stroll or just relax and enjoy the sea views

If you love small-town Croatia, Milna sets the tone nicely. The downside is also simple: 45 minutes is not enough for a deep dive, so keep expectations light and focus on the waterfront atmosphere.

Hvar City: old-town time plus Fortica Fortress views

Next comes Hvar town on Hvar Island, one of Croatia’s most famous stops. You’ll get about 1.5 hours, which is just enough time to do the “greatest hits” without feeling like you’re dragging your feet.

You can explore places like:

• the oldest theatre in Europe (as listed by the tour)
• Venetian palaces in the old town area
• Fortica Fortress for panorama views

The smartest way to use your time is to pick a priority before you arrive. If you want the views, Fortica is the move, and you’ll likely want to come back down for a stroll in the Old Town afterwards. If you’re more food-and-people-focused, you can keep it simpler: walk the main lanes, grab a drink, and enjoy the waterfront scene.

Food note: the tour details list lunch as not included, but some departures include a pizza lunch. Since it’s not guaranteed in the official list, plan to budget for lunch anyway, and treat any included meal as a bonus.

Pakleni Islands: swim stop in the archipelago with a Carpe Diem reference

After Hvar, you head to the Pakleni Islands, a long archipelago (about 10 kilometers) with 16 islands. You’ll have around one hour total, and the highlight is time in the water—plus snorkeling gear if conditions are right.

This is where the day shifts from “town sightseeing” to “you’re really on vacation now.” You can expect:

• a photo stop vibe from the boat
• time for a swim in the archipelago
• snorkeling with the provided gear

There’s also a named stop area tied to Carpe Diem, which helps anchor what many people are picturing when they imagine Pakleni.

One consideration: one-hour water time sounds great, but it’s still time-limited. If snorkeling is your top goal, show up ready—wet suit or not doesn’t matter here, just bring a practical mindset: sunscreen on early, goggles fit, and a towel plan.

Šolta: another snorkeling-friendly coast break

Šolta is your next island stop, with about 45 minutes. The tour notes swimming and snorkeling here, plus scenic views on the way.

Šolta works well as a “second chance” for the water experience. If your Blue Lagoon snorkeling feels cut short (weather can be a factor), Šolta gives you another shot. It also breaks up the day so you’re not only doing big-name Hvar every time the boat stops.

Maslinica on Šolta: peaceful village energy and olive-grove scenery

Then you arrive at Maslinica, a quieter coastal village known for its harbor, traditional stone houses, and nearby olive groves. You’ll have about one hour.

This part of the route is valuable because it cools down the day. After Hvar’s popularity, Maslinica feels like a step back from the crowds—more slow walks, fewer frantic “see everything” moves.

I’d use Maslinica for:

• a relaxed shoreline walk
• quick village photos with the stone buildings
• a swim if you still want it, otherwise just unwind

If you’re traveling with people who don’t want only beach clubs and fortress viewpoints, this stop tends to land well.

Blue Lagoon: the final swim and snorkeling highlight

Your last major stop is the Blue Lagoon area, with about 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. This is the climax stop on the itinerary: untouched-feeling coastline, clear water, and that classic Adriatic “wow” look.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to bring your own set. Still, I’d show up prepared with:

• sunscreen (reapply if you’re staying in the water)
• a towel and change of clothes (boarding back onto a speedboat can be chilly and windy)
• a phone camera plan (pack it dry if you’re prone to wiping saltwater off everything)

Timing matters here. Many tours are stingy with the final swim, but 1.5 hours gives you room to do your first swim, get comfortable, and then come back for another look at the water.

Also, it’s worth keeping your eyes open during the cruise segments. On some outings, dolphins have been spotted on the way to Hvar, and that’s the kind of bonus you remember for years.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $130 per person for roughly 10 hours, this tour isn’t “cheap,” but it can be good value if you want a lot of variety in one day.

Here’s the value breakdown that matters:

• You’re paying for transport between multiple islands (not just one)
• You get included snorkeling equipment and safety gear
• The boat is fast, and the small group helps you make the most of limited stop time
• You’ll experience both towns and swim stops, which is hard to replicate if you’re organizing it yourself

If you’re the type who hates spending vacation time juggling ferries and schedules, this format is efficient. If you prefer slow travel and want longer stays in one place, you might prefer splitting your week with a day each for Hvar, Brač, and the Blue Lagoon area.

What’s included (and what to budget for)

Included:

• small-group island-hopping tour
• high-quality speedboat and fuel
• English-speaking staff and a licensed skipper
• music
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets/safety gear
• luggage storage (if you need it, contact them)
• a small gift (souvenir)
• passenger insurance and tax/fees

Not included:

• lunch and food/drinks
• hotel pickup/drop-off

In practice, I recommend budgeting for snacks and at least a lunch solution of your own. If a pizza lunch happens on your departure, that’s a pleasant surprise, not a plan you should rely on.

What to bring so the day feels easy

The list is straightforward, and I’d follow it closely:

• sunglasses and sun hat
• swimwear, beachwear, towel, and a change of clothes
• sunscreen and water
• camera
• cash

One practical tip: pack your “in-water stuff” in one bag or pouch so you can change quickly. Speedboats can be breezy, and you don’t want to do a complicated gear hunt while other passengers are boarding.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour is best for people who want:

• a mix of scenery and swimming
• efficient island hopping from Split
• a small group feel without a crowded mega-boat

It’s specifically not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people over 65 (as listed)

And because it’s subject to sea and weather conditions, if you’re sensitive to motion or rough water, you should think carefully before choosing a speedboat day.

Should you book the Split: Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 5 Islands tour?

If your goal is maximum island variety with real water time, I think this is a strong pick. The combination of Hvar town plus snorkeling-ready stops (Pakleni, Šolta, and the Blue Lagoon) gives you a full picture of Dalmatia in one outing, and the small group size helps it feel relaxed.

I’d only hesitate if you want a slow, unhurried day in one place, or if you’re in a category that the tour states it’s not suitable for. Otherwise, for a first trip to Split and the islands beyond, this is the kind of day that makes the photos feel justified.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

The boat holds up to 12 passengers, which keeps the experience more personal than large-group tours.

Where do I meet for the tour in Split?

You meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split on Marmontova ul. 5.

Where do we return at the end of the tour?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point on Marmontova ul. 5 in Split.

What islands and stops are included?

You’ll visit Milna on Brač, Hvar City, the Pakleni Islands (swimming stop), Šolta, Maslinica, and the Blue Lagoon area.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety gear/life jackets are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is listed as not included, but some departures have mentioned pizza lunch in guest feedback. Budget for food anyway.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, water, beachwear, and cash.

What happens if the weather or sea conditions are rough?

The tour may be subject to sea and weather conditions, so plans can be adjusted based on conditions.

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