Split: Blue Lagoon 3 Islands All-Inclusive Cruise with Lunch

Clear water, three stops, one easy day. This full-day cruise from Split mixes swimming, island scenery, and lunch without asking you to plan ferry times or pack a picnic. I like the generous time at Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica, plus the cheerful hosts, especially Nana, Marco, and Sandra.

I also like the simple all-inclusive setup: coffee and a doughnut early on, water and juice through the day, wine with lunch, and fruit on the return. The main catch is comfort. Boat benches can feel hard and small, seats may fill quickly, and the food is pleasant rather than restaurant quality.

Key points to know before boarding

• Three very different stops: Swim near a shipwreck at Čiovo, relax in the Blue Lagoon, then walk around Maslinica on Šolta.
• Lunch is included: Choose beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger, all served with fries and wine.
• Water gear costs a deposit: Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available with a €10 deposit.
• Bring a warm layer: The boat can feel chilly when moving, even on a sunny day.
• Good value at $62: Drinks, food, swimming equipment, and a full day on the Adriatic make the price attractive.
• Arrive early: Check-in is at 8:30 am for the usual 9 am departure, and early arrival helps with seating.

What this Split boat trip is really like

This is a long, relaxed day at sea rather than a fast sightseeing race. You leave from Split Port at St. Nicholas Pier and spend much of the day moving between swimming bays and the small island village of Maslinica.

The route works because the stops have different moods. Čiovo is the active opening, with swimming and snorkeling around a shipwreck. The Blue Lagoon is the classic postcard stop, with clear water and time to float, sunbathe, or use a paddleboard. Maslinica gives you dry land, stone houses, a marina, cafés, and a chance to stroll.

I like that the day has a clear rhythm. You cruise for a while, stop for water time, cruise again, eat, swim, walk, and then return to Split. The guides keep announcing what comes next, which matters on a boat day when it is easy to lose track of time.

The mood is informal. Music plays onboard, drinks are easy to get, and the crew generally keeps things moving without turning the day into a lecture. Nana receives repeated praise for her friendly energy, while Marco, Sandra, Anja, Ivana, and Lana are also singled out for being helpful and clear.

Do not expect a quiet sailing yacht or a small private excursion. This is an organized group cruise, with shared benches and a social atmosphere. If you want a calm boat, a little music, and plenty of swimming, that works in your favor. If you want solitude, luxury seating, or a detailed history talk at every stop, choose something else.

Leaving Split at 9 am

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1 at Split Port, by St. Nicholas Pier. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts.

For the standard summer schedule, check-in is at 8:30 am for a 9 am departure. In April and October, the boat leaves at 9:30 am, with check-in at 9 am. I would arrive at the stated check-in time, not at the last minute. One practical reason is seating. At least one person found that arriving later meant sitting on the floor, and early arrival also gives you time to show your digital or printed voucher.

The boat starts with an open-water cruise of about an hour. This is a good time to settle in, look back at Split, and enjoy the first refreshments. Coffee and a doughnut provide a modest breakfast, while water and juice are available during the day.

A hotel pickup service is offered for accommodations in the city center, Bačvice, Riva, or the Marjan area, for an additional fee. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the boat and must be arranged with your address during booking. If you stay within walking distance of the port, meeting there is likely the simpler choice.

Čiovo: shipwreck snorkeling and the first swim

The first stop is on Čiovo, for about 90 minutes. It is a useful opening stop because you can get straight into the water, try the snorkeling gear, and see how the day feels before lunch.

The shipwreck is the unusual feature here. It gives you something to look at beneath the surface, rather than just a general swim in a pretty bay. Goggles are available, and several people enjoyed seeing the wreck and fish close to the boat.

The conditions can change the experience. In windy weather, the route may be altered and the wreck may not be visible. Even in good weather, this is a popular stop, so it may feel crowded around the most interesting swimming area.

You can use inflatables and, when available, stand-up paddleboards. There are only a few paddleboards, so do not count on having one whenever you want it. Snorkeling goggles and other equipment require a €10 deposit, so bring that amount or be ready to arrange the deposit with the crew.

This stop suits confident swimmers and families who want active water time. Parents should note that the cruise offers equipment, not a private swimming lesson or dedicated child supervision. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet, since they are specifically recommended along with a towel, hat, sunscreen, and swimwear.

The Blue Lagoon near Drvenik

After another short cruise, the boat reaches Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You get roughly 100 minutes here, making it the longest stop and the center of the day.

The water is the main attraction. It is clear, bright, and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, floating, and taking photographs from the boat. The stop is less about visiting a town and more about enjoying the Adriatic at its best.

Lunch is served during this part of the trip. You choose at the meeting point between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, with French fries. Wine is served with the meal, and water and juice continue to be available.

I would set your expectations correctly. The meal is filling and convenient, not a carefully prepared restaurant lunch. Some people found it tasty and larger than expected, while one person found the burger and fries lukewarm and plain. The beef burger may come without the usual lettuce, tomato, or salad, so the tuna or vegetarian option may appeal more if you want something different.

There is one small timing issue to keep in mind. Depending on how the crew organizes lunch, you may be asked to wait before swimming, and the meal service can take a while. If the water is calling, that delay can feel longer than it sounds. Still, the long stop leaves enough time for lunch and swimming.

The Blue Lagoon is also where the all-inclusive pricing earns its keep. You are not searching for a beach restaurant, paying for every soft drink, or arranging a separate boat to the swimming area. At $62, that convenience is a strong part of the value.

Maslinica on Šolta: a change of pace

The final island stop is Maslinica on Šolta, with about 90 minutes to visit, swim, or explore. This is the most town-like part of the day, and it helps prevent the cruise from becoming one long sequence of swimming stops.

Maslinica has a small marina, traditional stone houses, and a pleasant waterfront setting. You can take a walk, buy a coffee, browse small shops, or swim one more time. The village is compact enough for a short visit, but 90 minutes is not enough for a full island tour. Think of it as a taste of Šolta, not an in-depth visit.

I especially like this stop for anyone in your group who wants a break from the water. You can dry off, stretch your legs, and sit by the sea while stronger swimmers take another dip.

There is also less structure here. The crew gives you free time rather than a formal guided walk. That is good if you prefer to set your own pace, but you should not expect a detailed cultural tour of Šolta.

The return cruise to Split

The final cruise lasts about 80 minutes, giving you time to cool down and watch the islands recede. Seasonal fruit is served, which is a welcome change after burgers, fries, and drinks.

This is where a warm layer earns its place in your bag. Even under a strong sun, the wind can make the return trip cold, especially after you have been swimming. One useful packing tip is to bring a jumper or light jacket, not just beachwear.

The boat returns to Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. The full experience lasts about 510 minutes, so reserve most of the day. It is not a tour to squeeze between a morning palace visit and an evening dinner reservation.

Food, drinks, and onboard comfort

The food setup is generous for the price. You receive a doughnut and coffee in the morning, lunch with fries, wine with lunch, water and juice throughout the cruise, and seasonal fruit later in the day.

The drink selection is not unlimited in every possible sense. Water, juice, coffee, and wine are included, while some soft drinks may not be. If you want a particular soda, bring it or check with the crew before boarding.

Boat seating is the main comfort concern. Benches can be hard and narrow, and the boat may not have a seat for every person if you arrive late. The trip includes regular stops, so you are not sitting without a break all day, but I would still arrive early and bring a small layer or light cushion if you have back concerns.

Music adds to the holiday feel. The crew has even used playful songs when rain arrived, which tells you the atmosphere is more casual party boat than silent nature cruise. That can be fun, especially for a group of friends or a family with older children. It may be less appealing if you want uninterrupted quiet.

Is $62 good value?

At $62 per person, I consider this strong value for a full day on the water. You are paying for the boat, three stops, lunch, breakfast, drinks, fruit, and access to swimming equipment with a refundable-style deposit arrangement.

The comparison is not simply between this and a cheap ferry ticket. A ferry might take you to one island, but it would not give you the same sequence of swimming bays, onboard food, organized timing, and water equipment. You also avoid arranging several separate boat connections.

The limits are clear. This is not a private charter, the meal is basic, paddleboards are limited, and popular swimming areas can feel busy. If you are happy with those tradeoffs, the cost is sensible. Several people who booked in the shoulder season also found the boat less full, while summer can bring a livelier and more crowded feel.

The free cancellation deadline is 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Bad weather or rough seas may lead the provider to change the route, change the boat, or cancel for safety. Late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for a refund, so treat the check-in time seriously.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want an easy Adriatic day with three distinct stops and little planning. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want a mix of swimming, sightseeing, food, and music.

Families can benefit from the simple schedule and included food. A parent traveling with children aged seven and nine found the day manageable, and the inflatables can help children who do not want to swim constantly. You still need to supervise your own children around the water.

It is also a good first boat trip from Split. The route gives you a taste of Čiovo, Drvenik, and Šolta without requiring a separate island-hopping plan.

I would hesitate if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also look elsewhere if you want a luxury boat, a quiet sailing experience, a serious food tour, or a small group with lots of personal attention.

My verdict on the Split three-island cruise

This is a well-priced, good-humored day that puts swimming first and sightseeing second. I like the three-stop design, the long pauses in the water, the friendly crew, and the fact that lunch and basic drinks are already handled.

The practical weaknesses are seating, crowds, limited paddleboards, and an uncomplicated lunch that may arrive less hot than you hope. Bring a jacket, arrive early, pack water shoes, and choose your lunch carefully at check-in.

Book it if you want maximum scenery and swimming for $62 with minimal planning. Skip it only if shared boat comfort, music, or a basic group lunch would spoil the day for you.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Split Port at St. Nicholas Pier. The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1, and you should look for the Gray Line sign and matching staff shirts.

What time should I arrive?

For the usual schedule, check-in is at 8:30 am and departure is at 9 am. In April and October, check-in is at 9 am and departure is at 9:30 am.

Which islands and stops are included?

The cruise stops at Čiovo, the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica on the island of Šolta.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. French fries and wine are included with lunch.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and juice are available during the cruise, with coffee and a doughnut in the morning. Wine is served with lunch, and seasonal fruit is provided on the return journey.

Can I use snorkeling gear and paddleboards?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available. A €10 deposit is required for the equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and a warm layer or light jacket for the boat ride. You also need a digital or printed voucher at check-in.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for a refund, and rough sea or bad weather may cause the provider to alter or cancel the trip.