Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split

Turquoise water, three islands, one long day. This cruise gives you a simple way to leave Split behind and see the Adriatic from the water. I like the generous mix of swimming, island time, and scenic cruising, and I like that lunch, water, juice, and wine are included. The main consideration is the large group size, with as many as 130 people, plus occasional route or timing changes caused by weather and boat operations.

At about $78.60 per person, this is a fair deal if you want a full day on the sea without arranging ferries, food, and stops yourself. Come ready for an active day, arrive early, and keep your expectations realistic: this is a lively boat outing, not a quiet private charter.

Key things to know before you book

• Three different island experiences: Swim near Čiovo, spend time at the Blue Lagoon, and finish in the Dalmatian village of Maslinica on Šolta.
• Lunch is served on board: Choose a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with french fries, followed by wine after lunch.
• You need to arrive early: Check-in is at 8:30 am for a precise 9:00 am departure from Split Port.
• The group can be large: The boat may carry up to 130 people, so this suits social, energetic passengers more than anyone seeking peace and quiet.
• Swimming time is central: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. Snorkeling gear arrangements may vary.
• Weather can change the day: Rough seas may lead the captain to alter the route or cancel the cruise.

A full day from Split with plenty of sea time

This eight-hour cruise is built for people who want to see more than Split during a short stay. You board at Obala Lazareta 1, at St. Nicholas Pier in Split Port, then spend most of the day moving between bays, villages, and open water.

I like the basic rhythm. You get a swim stop, lunch with a view, another swim or snorkel opportunity, and time in a small island village. It avoids the usual problem of an island excursion that spends nearly all day on a boat with one rushed stop.

The tradeoff is scale. With a maximum of 130 people, the experience can feel busy, especially when several boats arrive at the same popular bay. If you want a peaceful morning on the water, a small private boat would suit you better. If you enjoy meeting people and want an easy, social day, the larger setup keeps the price sensible.

The crew is often praised for keeping the mood light. Nana receives especially warm comments for her friendly hosting, clear updates, and helpful food and gelato suggestions. Ivan is also mentioned as part of a fun crew on some departures. Guides matter on a long boat day, and a good host can make the difference between a smooth outing and eight hours of confusion.

Starting at Split Port at 9:00 am

The morning begins early. Check-in is at 8:30 am, and departure is scheduled for exactly 9:00 am because the boat must follow the port timetable. Do not treat the check-in time as a loose suggestion. You need to be at Obala Lazareta 1, St. Nicholas Pier, at least 30 minutes before departure.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it practical if you are staying in central Split. Still, allow extra time to find the correct pier and boat. A busy port is not the place to arrive at 8:59 with breakfast in hand.

At check-in, you choose your lunch: beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. That is useful because you do not need to sort out your meal later while swimming or walking around an island. The menu is simple rather than gourmet. Beef burgers have received better marks than the vegetarian option, so vegetarians should consider bringing a few extra snacks.

The day normally runs until late afternoon and returns to the same meeting point. Water and juice are available throughout, and wine is served after lunch. The juice is described as a powdered drink rather than fresh fruit juice, so keep your expectations modest.

Čiovo: an easy first swim in a calm bay

The first planned stop is on Čiovo, an island connected to the mainland near Trogir. The boat pauses at a quiet bay for about one hour, giving you a gentle start before the day gets busier.

This stop is mainly about getting into the water. The seas here are described as calm and clear, making it a good place to swim, float, or try snorkeling. You can also stay on shore near a beach bar and enjoy the view without committing to a full swim.

I like having this first stop because it lets you settle into the boat day. You can test the water, find a comfortable place on deck, and work out how the swimming routine operates. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew about available flotation aids before entering the water.

The practical drawback is that one hour passes quickly. Changing, swimming, drying off, and reboarding can use much of the stop. Keep your belongings together and do not wander far from the boat unless the crew gives clear instructions.

The Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay

The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and it is easy to see why. Krknjaši Bay is known for clear turquoise water, bright coastal views, and a setting that looks best from the deck as the boat approaches.

You get about 90 minutes here. That is enough time for a proper swim if you move efficiently, and it gives you a chance to float, snorkel, or simply enjoy the water while lunch is prepared on board.

The phrase Blue Lagoon can set an unfairly high expectation. This is not a private, empty swimming cove. Popular boat excursions gather here, and the best anchoring spots may already be occupied. On some departures, the boat has anchored farther from the most scenic part of the lagoon, which can make the water feel less special from the deck.

The water itself can also be choppier than at the first stop. One account describes currents that made swimming harder for people with limited ability. If you are unsure in open water, use a noodle or float, stay close to the boat, and ask the crew what safety equipment is available.

Snorkeling is part of the advertised experience, but equipment details deserve attention. Some passengers have used masks supplied for a deposit, with the snorkel not necessarily included. Ask what is available before you leave the pier, and consider bringing your own mask if snorkeling matters to you.

Lunch is served during this part of the day or around the swimming schedule. You choose a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with french fries. The beef option is generally the safer choice for people who want a substantial meal. The vegetarian burger has received mixed feedback, so a vegetarian should pack backup food.

After lunch, white wine or sparkling wine is served, and the wine supply is described as generous. Drink carefully. You still need to walk, swim, and manage a moving boat for several more hours.

Maslinica on Šolta: the most grounded stop

The final scheduled stop is Maslinica, a small Dalmatian village on the island of Šolta. After the bright water of the lagoon, this feels like a useful change of pace.

Maslinica has a picturesque marina, traditional stone houses, a small church, cafés, restaurants, ice cream shops, and a beach. You get about one hour to walk around, look at the harbor, swim, or sit in the shade with a cold drink.

This is the stop I would value most if you want a little local character rather than nonstop swimming. The village is compact, so you can see the main harbor without a long hike. A short walk toward the church provides a higher view, though the church may be closed.

Nana’s recommendation for a local gelato shop has been a highlight for some people, with strawberry flavor receiving a specific nod. That sort of small suggestion can improve a short stop, especially when you only have an hour and do not want to waste it searching.

The limitation is time. Maslinica is not a place for a detailed island visit. You will get a quick taste of the village, not a complete tour of Šolta. If you want long café time, a beach afternoon, or a serious walk, the schedule will feel tight.

Shipwreck reports and route changes

Some descriptions of this outing include a shipwreck stop near Nečujam on Šolta, along with paddleboards, inflatables, and pool noodles. The supplied route for this experience lists Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica, so you should not book this particular departure solely for a shipwreck.

Weather and sea conditions can change the order or location of stops. A shipwreck visit may be removed when the water is too rough, and the captain can replace a planned swim with a safer bay. That is the right call for a boat excursion, but it means the day may not match every promotional image or past schedule.

There are also reports of different boats being used, with one boat moving more slowly or having different facilities from another. This can affect how long you spend at each stop. Ask at the pier which boat you are boarding and whether it has a working toilet, especially since a full day at sea makes that a reasonable concern.

The operator may also transfer passengers or adjust the route when boats are overbooked or when conditions change. Most of the time, these changes are handled by the crew, but they can cause waiting in the sun and less time at a stop. Bring water, a hat, and patience.

Food, drinks, equipment, and comfort

The included meal adds real value to the price. Buying lunch and drinks at island cafés could quickly push the cost higher, and you avoid spending your best swimming time looking for food.

The meal is functional rather than a highlight in itself. Beef and tuna burgers are the stronger choices based on the available feedback. The vegetarian burger may be adequate for some people but has also been described as average or disappointing. French fries come with the meal, and you can bring snacks if you need more food.

Water and juice are available during the cruise. Wine begins after lunch, with white or sparkling wine served in generous quantities. If you do not drink, the included soft drinks are useful, but do not expect fresh juice or a large range of beverages.

Some boats provide pool noodles, inflatable rings, and paddleboards. Snorkel masks may require a €10 deposit, returned when the mask comes back, while snorkels may not be included. Equipment can vary, so bring your own mask if you care about seeing underwater.

The life-jacket policy deserves a direct question before you book if you cannot swim. One serious complaint describes a policy allowing life jackets mainly for emergencies and while sitting, rather than during normal movement or water activities. The supplied information does not promise that you can wear one continuously, so ask the operator about the current rule before paying.

Pets are not allowed. Most people can take part, but this is still a boat day involving boarding, swimming, sun, and movement around a busy vessel.

Is $78.60 good value?

At $78.60, I consider this a good-value day if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, three island stops, lunch, and drinks. You are buying convenience as much as sightseeing. The boat handles the route, and the crew keeps food and drinks moving while you enjoy the sea.

The price works best for a first visit to Split when you want a broad sample of the coast. You get three distinct settings in one day: a calm bay, the famous lagoon, and a small island village.

The value weakens if your main goal is quiet swimming or a private experience. A full boat can mean crowding, delayed boarding, less choice of seating, and a less personal feel. It also weakens if you expect a full lunch with strong vegetarian choices or fresh juices.

The high overall score and 95 percent recommendation indicate that the basic format works well for most people. Still, the low ratings reveal practical risks: late departure, overbooking, missing facilities, route substitutions, poor food on some boats, and refund disputes. I would book with a flexible schedule rather than placing this on the one day before your flight.

Who should book this cruise?

You are a good match if you want:

• A full day away from Split without planning ferries
• Several chances to swim in clear coastal water
• A social boat atmosphere
• Lunch and drinks included in one price
• A short look at Maslinica and Šolta
• A trip that works for a mixed group of swimmers and non-swimmers, with care around safety rules

You may want another option if you need a small boat, a quiet deck, guaranteed snorkeling equipment, strong vegetarian food, or a fixed route with no substitutions.

Families and groups of adults can have a very good day here, especially when the crew is attentive. People who dislike sun, crowds, or open-water swimming should think twice. The cruise is built around the sea, not around museums, long guided walks, or detailed island history.

My practical verdict

I would book this cruise for the mix of swimming, scenery, lunch, and easy island access. Nana’s hosting receives particularly strong praise, and the day offers more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Before booking, confirm the current boat facilities, equipment rules, and route. Arrive at 8:30 am, bring snacks if you are vegetarian, pack your own snorkel mask if possible, and do not assume the shipwreck is included. If the weather is good and you enjoy a lively day on the water, $78.60 is a sensible spend from Split.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Split Port at Obala Lazareta 1, St. Nicholas Pier, 21000 Split, Croatia.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 8:30 am, 30 minutes before the scheduled 9:00 am departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and returns to the original meeting point in Split.

Which islands does the scheduled route visit?

The scheduled stops are Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay, and Maslinica on Šolta Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You choose a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with french fries at the meeting point.

Are drinks included?

Water and juice are available, and wine is served after lunch.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities at up to three stops, depending on conditions and the captain’s decisions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Equipment details can vary. Some departures provide snorkel masks for a refundable €10 deposit, but the snorkel may not be included. Bringing your own equipment is the safest choice.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. Rough seas or poor weather may cause the captain to change the route or cancel the cruise for safety reasons.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.