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

Three swims make this sea day easy to like. This 8.5-hour cruise leaves Split for Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on Šolta, mixing clear water, island views, lunch, and plenty of time to slow down. I especially like the generous stop times and the easy all-inclusive setup, with breakfast doughnuts, drinks, lunch, wine, fruit, and water equipment covered. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, and seating is limited enough that arriving early matters.

I also like the friendly hosts, especially Nana, Marko, Sandra, Ivana, Lana, and Anja, who have earned praise for keeping the day organized and cheerful. Food opinions are mixed, though most people find the lunch filling. The burger and fries may arrive lukewarm, and the included wine and soft-drink choice are basic rather than fancy.

Key points to know before booking

• Three water stops: Swim at Čiovo, the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on Šolta.
• Long, relaxed day: The cruise runs for 510 minutes, with roughly 90 to 100 minutes at each main stop.
• Food and drinks included: Coffee, a doughnut, lunch, wine, water, juice, and seasonal fruit are provided.
• Water gear available: Use snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards with a €10 deposit.
• Arrive early: Check-in begins at 8:30 am for the usual 9:00 am departure, and seats can fill quickly.
• Best for swimmers: This suits people who want several chances to get in the water, not a quiet sightseeing boat with little activity.

What this Split boat day is really about

This is a full day on the Adriatic, not a quick harbor ride with one rushed photo stop. You leave Split Port at St. Nicholas Pier, spend much of the morning and afternoon moving between coastal spots, and return to the same pier after a full day outside.

The plan is simple. You board, get some food and coffee, cruise out from Split, then alternate between swimming stops and scenic boat rides. The longer stretches give you open-sea views, while each stop offers a different reason to get off the boat or jump into the water.

I like that the schedule gives you enough time to settle into each place. Čiovo lasts about 90 minutes, the Blue Lagoon stop runs for about 100 minutes, and Maslinica gives you another 90 minutes. That is enough time for a swim without making you feel hurried every time you reach the shore.

The mood is informal. Music plays on board, the crew gives regular updates, and the day has a social, summer feel. It is not designed for silent contemplation, private space, or a small luxury group. Think friendly shared boat, practical food, swimming gear, and a lot of sunshine.

Leaving Split Port at 9:00 am

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

For the standard schedule, check-in is at 8:30 am and departure is at 9:00 am. In April and October, the schedule shifts to a 9:30 am departure with 9:00 am check-in. You should be at the checkpoint 30 minutes before departure, not wandering around the port hoping to spot the boat at the last moment.

Arriving early is more than a formality. Several people found the seating limited, with some ending up on the floor or on hard, narrow benches. If you want a better chance at a comfortable place, get there for check-in rather than arriving just before the boat pulls away.

Hotel pickup is available from accommodation in central Split, Bačvice, Riva, and the Marjan area for an added charge. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the cruise. You enter your address during booking and receive confirmation within 24 hours. This is useful if you have children or do not want to find a taxi before breakfast.

The first hour at sea, coffee and doughnuts

Once the boat leaves Split, the city quickly becomes part of the background. The first hour is a sightseeing cruise toward Čiovo, with views across the water and time to get settled.

Coffee and a doughnut are included, along with drinks during the cruise. The morning food is modest, but it is a welcome touch before the first swim. Seasonal fruit appears later on the return journey, giving the day a light start and finish around the main meal.

The boat has a relaxed party feel, with music and a host explaining what comes next. Nana receives especially warm praise for being friendly and attentive, while Marko, Sandra, Ivana, Lana, and Anja are also noted for clear instructions and good energy.

Do not expect a formal lecture about Dalmatian history. The value here is practical guidance: when to swim, where to find equipment, how long you have, and what happens next. That keeps the day moving without forcing you to organize anything yourself.

Čiovo, your first chance to swim

The first main stop is on Čiovo, where you have about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or time near a beach bar. It is a gentle way to begin the water activities because you can choose your pace.

The stop has been used for swimming near a shipwreck, and goggles are available if conditions allow. Several people particularly enjoyed seeing the wreck and fish below the surface. It is not guaranteed, though. Wind and sea conditions can change the route, and some departures do not reach the wreck.

This is also where the shared nature of the boat becomes clear. Equipment such as goggles, inflatables, and paddleboards is available, but there may be more demand than gear. The €10 deposit for snorkeling equipment is returned when you bring it back, according to the tour details.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you can stay near the boat or use the inflatables. If you want a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session, you might find the equipment supply and busy water less ideal. Bring your own mask if snorkeling is central to your day.

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon and the main lunch stop

After about 30 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. This is the classic postcard part of the day, with clear turquoise water and a broad setting for swimming, floating, and sunbathing.

You get around 100 minutes here, so there is no need to leap into the water the second the boat stops. You can swim, use an inflatable, try a paddleboard, or simply sit and take in the view. The water is the main attraction, not a long village visit.

Lunch is served around this stop. You choose at the meeting point between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, with French fries. Wine is included with the meal, along with water and juice.

The meal is designed to fill you up after swimming rather than win a culinary award. Many people find it tasty and larger than expected, with the tuna and vegetarian options receiving favorable comments. Still, one clear weakness is consistency. The burger may be plain, without lettuce, tomato, or salad, and the fries and burger can arrive lukewarm.

There was also an occasional wait for lunch, with one family wishing they could have swum before the meal arrived. If you are hungry, have a little patience and keep the doughnut or fruit in mind as part of the day’s food. The lunch is useful and filling, but do not book this as a food-focused cruise.

Maslinica on Šolta, a change of pace

The next cruise lasts about 25 minutes and brings you to Maslinica on Šolta. This stop gives the day some variety because it is more than an open-water swim.

Maslinica is a small seaside village with a marina, stone houses, and places to walk. You can take photos, browse the waterfront, have a coffee, or swim again. The 90-minute stay gives you enough time to do more than step ashore and immediately return to the boat.

I like this stop because it breaks up the swimming routine. Three water stops sound perfect in hot weather, but after several hours in the sun, a short walk and coffee can feel just as welcome as another jump into the sea.

The village visit is still brief. You will not get a long cultural tour or much time for a slow meal. Some people wish they had longer at each stop because the settings are so appealing. If you want to explore Šolta in depth, arrange a separate visit. This cruise gives you a pleasant sample, not a full island tour.

The ride back to Split

The final cruise lasts about 80 minutes, making the return one of the longest stretches on the water. Seasonal fruit is served, and you can use the time to rest, listen to music, talk with people from the boat, or watch the coast pass by.

Bring an extra layer even in warm weather. Wind can make the ride feel surprisingly cool, especially after you have been swimming. A sun hat, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, and water shoes are sensible. Water shoes are particularly useful around rocky shorelines and when getting in and out of the water.

The sea can also affect the plan. If weather or rough water makes the original route unsafe, the provider can change the route, cancel the trip, or use a different boat. That is a normal condition for an open-water day, but it matters if you are booking around a fixed schedule.

What is included, and what is not

For $62 per person, the value is strong if you use the food, drinks, and swimming equipment. You are paying for a full day on the water, three main stops, lunch, wine, morning refreshments, fruit, and an organized return to Split.

The included drinks help keep costs predictable. Water and juice are available throughout the cruise, and wine comes with lunch. The selection is not extensive, and one person wished more soft drinks were included, but you are unlikely to face a string of extra purchases once on board.

Stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, and snorkeling goggles are available with a €10 deposit. There are only a few paddleboards, so you may need to wait your turn. Bring cash or confirm the preferred deposit arrangement before boarding if you want to use the gear.

Hotel pickup costs extra. The exact added price is not stated in the tour information, so check it before confirming. Pets are not allowed, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Late arrivals and no-shows do not receive a refund, so port timing matters.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a simple way to see several Adriatic stops without arranging ferries, restaurants, beach equipment, or return transport. Families can appreciate the clear schedule, included food, and float equipment. Children aged 7 and 9 have enjoyed the format, according to the tour feedback.

It also works well for couples and friends who want a social day with music and a little holiday energy. The hosts make an effort to keep people involved, and the three stops prevent the day from becoming one long boat ride.

You may want a different tour if you dislike crowds, need guaranteed comfortable seating, or want a quiet small-boat experience. This is a popular shared cruise, especially in summer. You should also think twice if swimming is not part of your plan, since much of the day is built around getting into the sea.

The boat can feel cool between stops, seats can be hard, and lunch is practical rather than refined. Those are manageable issues, but knowing them in advance makes the day easier.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want good value, three swimming opportunities, and an easy full-day plan from Split. The strongest parts are the generous time at each stop, the friendly crew, and the amount included for $62.

Arrive early for a better seat, bring a warm layer, and pack your own mask if snorkeling matters to you. Keep lunch expectations sensible, and remember that wind may change the route.

I would recommend this cruise to active families, first-time visitors to Split, and anyone who wants a relaxed taste of the Dalmatian islands without planning every detail. I would skip it only if you want luxury, solitude, or a serious food experience.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Split Port at St. Nicholas Pier, Obala Lazareta 1. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts.

What time should I arrive?

For the usual schedule, check-in is at 8:30 am and departure is at 9:00 am. In April and October, check-in is at 9:00 am and departure is at 9:30 am. You should be at the checkpoint 30 minutes before departure.

What lunch choices are available?

You choose one of three options at the meeting point: beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. French fries and wine are included with lunch.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and juice are provided throughout the cruise. Coffee and a doughnut are served in the morning, wine comes with lunch, and seasonal fruit is served on the return journey.

Can I use snorkeling and paddleboard equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available with a €10 deposit. There may be limited paddleboards, so you might need to wait for one.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and water shoes. An extra jumper or light coat is also useful because the boat can feel cool and windy between stops.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Late arrivals and no-shows for the booked day do not qualify for a refund.