Five islands in one day, fast and fun. This small-group speedboat tour from Split mixes Hvar Old Town time, swimming stops on quiet islands, and snorkel gear for the Blue Lagoon.

I especially like the scale: your boat holds only 12 people, so the day feels calm even when you are hopping between islands. I also like that you get multiple water breaks with snorkeling equipment and safety gear, so you are not stuck watching from the shore, even if you do not plan a full day of independent boating. Guides like David and Maren help set a relaxed vibe with music and steady timing.

One consideration: this is a speedboat day on open water, so if the sea is rough you may feel it, and the tour can be subject to weather and sea conditions. Also, it is not suitable for everyone, including people with mobility impairments or back problems.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• 12-person boat size keeps the day feeling personal instead of crowded
• Hvar time plus Fortica Fortress views gives you both city wandering and lookout payoff
• Pakleni Islands swimming stop with time to snorkel, plus a famous Carpe Diem beach vibe
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can go straight from boat to water
• Milna and Maslinica breaks add quieter harbor and stone-houses scenery between big-name stops
• Blue Lagoon up to 1.5 hours with photo time and water time all in one stretch

A 12-person speedboat day from Split, built for time on the water

This tour runs from Split out to island-hopping stops along Dalmatia, using a speedboat that’s designed for quick travel and more hours where it counts, in the water and at shore breaks. You meet at the Smile Travel office in Split, then head to the boat and go. The day moves with a clear rhythm: drive, brief break, then back out for the next island.

That “small group” detail matters more than it sounds. With a maximum of 12 people, you get less waiting around at landings and more flexibility during swims and snorkeling breaks. You also feel the crew is focused on the group in front of them, not managing a long line of strangers.

The route is built around variety. You get city time in Hvar, beach-and-archipelago time in the Pakleni Islands, then more relaxed coastal villages and swimming on less-typical spots before finishing at the Blue Lagoon.

Milna on Brač Island: harbor photos and a slower pace before Hvar

Your first real land stop is Milna on Brač Island, with about 45 minutes to stretch your legs, take photos, and get a feel for Dalmatian coastal life. Milna is known for its scenic harbor, fishing boats, and ancient stone architecture, so it’s the kind of place where you can walk a little and still feel like you are on a postcard.

This is also a smart early stop. It breaks up the boat time before you get into busier sightseeing in Hvar. If you want a quick win, aim for a few minutes just to look outward from the harbor, then decide whether you want to wander more or simply reset before the next stretch.

Downside, like many island tours: 45 minutes goes by fast. If you love detailed town walks, treat Milna as a preview rather than a full exploration day.

Hvar Old Town and Fortica viewpoints: spend your 90 minutes wisely

Hvar is the headline island for many people, and this tour gives you about 1.5 hours in Hvar town. That time is enough to do a proper loop through the Old Town area, then either browse shops, enjoy viewpoints, or work your way toward Fortica Fortress for a look over the harbor and hills.

If you want the payoff, prioritize the walk up to Fortica for views. It is the kind of spot where you can pause, take photos, and understand why Hvar is so famous in the first place. After that, you can spend the remaining time doing whatever fits your mood, wandering streets or grabbing a snack.

One practical note: Hvar’s food scene is popular, but the tour does not list lunch as included. Some departures are reported to include pizza lunch, so if you care about a planned meal, confirm with the operator on your day. Either way, bring water, because that island sun can move quickly even when you feel like you have time.

Pakleni Islands: swimming, snorkeling, and a Carpe Diem stop

After Hvar, you head toward the Pakleni Islands, a long island chain off Hvar about 10 kilometers with 16 islands. You get around an hour there, which is usually the sweet spot for a swim and snorkeling without turning into an all-day beach commitment.

This stop is where the tour turns from sightseeing mode into water fun mode. There is a swimming break and snorkeling gear is included, so you can gear up and spend time looking at underwater views without needing to rent anything. The day also includes a photo stop and a bit of walking, so you do not arrive to the beach, jump in, and then disappear for the rest of the hour.

The tour also calls out Carpe Diem, a famous beach bar area in the Pakleni Islands. Even if you do not plan to stay for a drink, it helps you understand the vibe: this is a well-known hangout with an easy, holiday feel.

Consideration: an hour is great for swimming, but it is not enough if you want a long beach day with zero schedule. Plan to be active, not just relaxed.

Šolta and Maslinica: calm coastal breaks between the big names

Between the Pakleni stop and the Blue Lagoon finale, you visit Šolta and then Maslinica. These are the kinds of breaks that make this day feel more “real Croatia” and less like a checklist.

On Šolta, you get about 45 minutes with swimming and snorkeling. This is another chance to use the included gear, and the timing works well because you are not hopping only once into the water. If you want to practice snorkeling a bit, this stop is a friendly place to do it, because you have another swim later anyway.

Maslinica comes next, with about 1 hour. It’s known for its peaceful beauty, a picturesque harbor, traditional stone houses, and olive groves. This is a great pause to slow down, take more grounded photos, and appreciate the slower rhythm of a smaller coastal village. If you are the type who likes to watch people at the harbor, this is your moment.

Practical tip: wear your sunscreen early. You may feel covered after the boat rides, but sun exposure adds up fast when you are stopping in and out of light and shade.

Blue Lagoon: the snorkel payoff at the end of the day

The tour finishes with the Blue Lagoon area, after returning by boat from Maslinica. You typically get around 1.5 hours here, with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and photos.

This is the stop that most people remember because it’s the classic “Adriatic water” moment: bright, clear, and photogenic. The snorkeling equipment is included, and you also have life jackets for safety, so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than handling logistics.

I like how the final timing works. By the time you reach the Blue Lagoon, the day has already fed you views and islands, so you can treat this like the closing chapter. If you still have energy, snorkel. If you just want to relax, you still get that postcard water and time to reset.

One thing to keep in mind: the Blue Lagoon’s conditions can vary with sea and weather. If conditions are not ideal, the crew will adjust how you use the water time. This is why that “bring swimwear and towel” list matters.

Price and logistics: what $130 gets you, and what to plan for

At about $130 per person for a 10-hour small-group speedboat day, you are paying for two things: speed between islands and structured water time at multiple stops. You are not paying just for scenery, you are paying for transportation, a licensed skipper, fuel, and snorkeling equipment.

That value becomes more obvious when you compare it to piecing together separate transport and rental gear. Here, the boat handles the route and the included gear removes a common friction point.

What can change your personal value calculation is food. The tour listing says lunch, food, and drinks are not included. Yet some people report a pizza lunch bonus on their day. Since that detail is not guaranteed in the tour description, assume you may need to buy your own meals unless you are told otherwise by the operator when confirming your departure.

Also plan for what you carry. There is luggage storage available at the meeting office if you do not want bags on the boat. If you bring a lot of heavy gear, you will feel it more on a speedboat day, even when the group is small.

Practical tips so you enjoy every stop

This tour is easy to enjoy if you pack smart and move with the schedule. Here’s what I would do to make the day feel smooth.

• Bring a change of clothes and a towel. You will be wet at least once, often more.
• Wear sunscreen before you reach open water time, not after.
• Bring sunglasses and a sun hat. Boat glare is real.
• Pack water. The tour is focused on the water and the stops, not hydration logistics.
• Bring cash for snacks or souvenirs if you want them during Hvar free time or village breaks.
• If you get motion sickness easily, consider taking precautions in advance. The fast boat can be thrilling, but it can also be a lot.

Comfort and fit matter too. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 65 years based on the activity rules. That is not a judgment of people, it’s about the realities of getting on and off a speedboat and spending time active on multiple stops.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want a single-day island experience from Split without renting a boat or planning ferry connections. You will like it if you enjoy speedboat travel, short city wandering, and repeated swimming chances.

It also fits well for photographers. You get multiple photo stops and different scenery in the same day, from harbor towns to archipelago water to Blue Lagoon angles.

If you hate tight timing, or you want long, slow beach hours, this may feel rushed. The itinerary is built for movement, not for staying put all day.

And if you want guaranteed total calm on the water, remember this can be subject to sea and weather conditions. You are going out on an open-water route, so the day can be affected.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 5 Islands small-group boat tour?

If your goal is maximum island variety in one day, this is a strong pick. The small group of 12, the repeated swimming and snorkeling breaks with gear included, and the mix of Hvar town plus the Pakleni Islands make it feel like real value for your time.

Book it if you are excited by a fast-paced day where you can still carve out moments for photos and swimming. Pass if you need long stops, expect a slow beach day, or fall into the activity restrictions listed for age, pregnancy, back problems, mobility, or older travelers.

If you want to double-check one thing before paying, ask about meal specifics for your departure day, since the tour notes say lunch is not included, while some groups report a pizza lunch. Get that confirmed, pack the water and swim gear, and you will be in good shape for a classic Split-to-islands day.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour in Split?

You meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split. The meeting address is Marmontova ul. 5.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is 10 hours.

How many people are on the speedboat?

The boat holds room for only 12 people, keeping the group small.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety gear and life jackets.

What is the Blue Lagoon stop like?

You get a break at the Blue Lagoon with time for photo stops and free time, plus swimming and snorkeling. The stop is listed as about 1.5 hours.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and beachwear. Cash can also help for purchases on shore.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The tour may be subject to sea and weather conditions.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

The tour information says lunch, food, and drinks are not included.