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The Croatia 3 Island tour in Split is one of the most popular activities to do in the city, and if you’re pressed for time it’s the ideal way to cram a bit of island hopping into your itinerary.
After having the time of my life on the wonderful 5 island tour, I caught the island hopping bug and just wanted more! For this reason, I decided to book myself on the Split 3 island tour, another very popular island hopping route from Split.
Although if I had to compare I did prefer the 5 island tour over the three island tour (more island time is always better), the 3 island tour is the perfect introduction to Croatian island hopping if you’re on a time or budget constraint.
There are a tonne of operators offering this tour, but, after doing extensive research, I decided to opt for this epic 3 island tour.
Here is why I chose this tour over all of the competitors:
- Snorkel gear is included in the price.
- Booking via Get Your Guide means you have extra protection. Their cancellation policy means you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, which is helpful as plans can change.
- The tour is in the ‘G Originals’ category. This means it is one of the highest-rated tours on Get Your Guide, so Get Your Guide has added its stamp of approval to the tour. This is quite rare!
Unlike the 10-hour 5 island tour, the 3 island tour is the perfect half-day activity. It lasts around 5.5 hours, and costs around half of the price of the 5 island tour, at around €59. This makes it perfect if you fancy jumping on a speedboat and going island hopping without spending a fortune.
Top tip: What currency is used in Croatia? As of 1 January 2023 the currency in Croatia is now the Euro. All prices in this post are listed in Euros.
Table of Contents
Stops on the 3 Island Boat Tour from Split:
- Trogir
- Blue Lagoon
- Šolta
This itinerary means you’ll get a little taste of everything – you get to explore the stunning old town of Trogir, go snorkelling in the bluest waters you’ll ever see at the Blue Lagoon, and lounge on the dreamy shores of Šolta island.
The Boat Ride
I met my tour group bright and early at the Toto Travel office by Split harbour at 8.30am. If you fancy a lie-in, though, they also run this tour at 2.30pm. There were only seven of us on the tour, which made me very happy – I love small groups!
Just like the 5 island tour, we hopped on to a speedboat, the most fun way to get around in Split!
The first boat journey, to Trogir, lasted around half an hour, which I spent admiring my gorgeous surroundings and listening to our tour guide tell us all about local life in Split and the history of Trogir.
It can get very windy on the journey and no matter how hot the day might be, chances are you’ll get cold on the boat. For this reason, be sure to pack both a sweater and sunscreen.
Stop 1 – Trogir
As you step off the boat, you’ll understand why so many people visit here on a short trip from Split. The charming old town in Trogir was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997, and every corner of it is goooorgeous!
Although there are a few fun things to do in Trogir, this isn’t a town crammed full of attractions, so I was glad I just spent 90 minutes or so here during the 3 island tour rather than making a dedicated journey just to visit Trogir from Split, as so many tourists do.
Your first stop at Trogir should be Kamerlengo Castle, which dates back to the early fifteenth century. You can pay to enter the castle, which costs €1.30 or just walk around its walls for free.
I recommend spending some time strolling along the Trogir promenade and also checking out the clock tower and city loggia, a perfect example of the postcard-perfect architecture in Trogir.
Stop 2 – Blue Lagoon
By now, the day was getting HOT, so I was thrilled to be returning to the Blue Lagoon, a stop that was also included on the 5 island tour and a place that I fell in love with.
You’ll find the Blue Lagoon in between the islands of Veliki and Krknjasi, and it gets its name from the unbelievably blue water that stretches between the two. It’s the perfect place to go swimming and snorkelling to cool off from the scorching Croatian sun!
This is when it also becomes very convenient that the 3 island tour I chose included snorkel equipment.
You’ll have around 1 hour at the Blue Lagoon to chill out and soak in the sights before continuing to the third and final stop on the 3 island tour – Šolta!
Click here to book the 3 island tour in Croatia!
Stop 3 – Šolta
It’s a pretty wild statement, but you’ll believe me when you see it for yourself – I think Šolta is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia!
This tiny, unspoilt island is one of the lesser-known islands near Split, meaning you’re likely to enjoy some peace and quiet when you’re here. It’s one of the hidden gems when island hopping in Croatia.
You’ll dock at Maslinica, the only village and port on the western side of Šolta. There’s pretty much nothing to do here except to go wandering around the island or chill on the beach, which are the only two things you would even want to do since this place is just so dreamy!
After taking in the views of the lovely Šolta, it’s time to head back to Split. The journey will take around 30 minutes, and by now I guarantee you’ll feel so chilled out that you’ll practically float off the boat when you dock back in Split!
Should I Book the 5 Island Tour or the 3 Island Tour?
If you’re researching the 3 Island Tour, chances are you’ll come across the 5 Island Tour as well. The 5 island tour is basically a longer and more comprehensive island hopping tour from Split.
I actually went on both of the tours, and although I loved the 3 Island Tour, I have to admit… the 5 Island Tour is a million times better.
Not only is it pretty much double the duration of the 3 Island tour, but the stops are (in my opinion) more interesting. It’s better value for money, in my opinion, if you have the extra money and time to spare. You can read my full review of the 5 island tour here.
However, if you don’t have the spare money or time, fear not – the 3 Island Tour is still definitely worth it.
If you’re wondering what the differences between the two tours are, I have summarised them below:
| Tour | Duration | Destinations | Price | Where to book |
| 3 Islands Tour | 5.5 hours | Trogir, Blue Lagoon and Šolta | € 59 | Click here! |
| 5 Islands Tour | 10 horus | Blue Cave, Komiža island, Stiniva Cove, Blue Lagoon, Hvar | € 115 | Click here! |
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
As early as you can! Get Your Guide has an excellent cancellation policy so it’s worth bagging your place as soon as you can and taking advantage of their awesome flexibility. In peak summer months, tours can sell out fast (especially the best ones) so it pays to be organised. You can book your place here:
I had an amazing time on the 3 Island Tour From Split and highly recommend you go on it if you’re in Split! It’s the perfect introduction to the Croatian islands, and one of the best boat excursions from Split.
FAQs about the Three Island Tour from Split
What should I pack for the 3 Island Tour?
Pack a sunhat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, swimsuit, sweater and lots of water. I cover all of this and more in my ultra-detailed Croatia packing guide, so don’t forget to check that out!
What’s included on the Three Island Tour from Split?
You get great value for money on this tour! Your speedboat ride, skipper and guide, snorkelling gear, life jackets, bottled water and a guided tour of Trogir are all included in the price of your 3 Islands Tour.
What is the 3 Island Tour in Split, Croatia?
The 3 Island Tour is a boat tour that takes you to three beautiful islands off the coast of Split. It’s an all-day excursion that allows you to explore some of the most stunning places in Croatia.
Which islands are included in the tour?
The tour typically includes visits to the islands of Trogir, Šolta, and Drvenik Mali.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the 3 Island Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on board the boat. However, since this is a half-day trip, your best bet is to eat before and after the tour and save yourself the hassle. If you don’t bring your own packed lunch, you’ll get the opportunity to dine on the island of Šolta.
Is the 3 Island Tour in Croatia suitable for children?
Yes! In fact, since this tour is only a half-day tour, I’d argue that it’s the best boat trip from Split for kids to go on. There’s ample time for sightseeing, swimming and exploring, meaning your kids won’t get bored. The distances you’ll need to travel on the speedboat are also less, meaning it’s less likely you’ll encounter seasickness.
How long does the 3 Island Tour last?
The 3 Island Tour usually lasts around 5.5 hours.
Is the 3 Island Tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
That totally depends on your mobility issues. The tour involves getting on and off the boat several times and walking on uneven terrain on some of the islands. If you have specific concerns, it’s best to contact the tour operator directly to discuss your needs.
What is the best time of year to take the Split 3 Islands Tour?
The best time to take the 3 islands tour in Croatia is from May to September, Croatia’s summer. The three island tours only run in these warmer months due to sea conditions and cold temperatures in the Croatian winter.
