All-inclusive Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Day Tour with Lunch

A full day on the Adriatic starts here. This $76 cruise packs swimming at Čiovo and the Blue Lagoon, lunch, drinks, fruit, and a stop in Maslinica into one easy day from Split. I especially like the fresh doughnuts and coffee at the start, and the fact that lunch and soft drinks are already covered, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet.

I also like the balance between water time and village time. You get clear bays for swimming and snorkeling, then a quieter hour and a half to walk through Maslinica on Šolta. The main consideration is the sea: rough weather can make the return to Split uncomfortable, and this is not a good choice if you want a calm, land-based day.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: Swim at Čiovo, spend time in the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, then walk around Maslinica on Šolta.
• Food is built into the day: Coffee and doughnuts start the cruise, lunch and drinks are served aboard, and seasonal fruit comes out on the way home.
• Small group setting: The boat is limited to 15 participants, which should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Bring water shoes: The swimming stops are rocky or beach-based, and water shoes will make getting in and out easier.
• Budget for the beach bar: Drinks at Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo are not included.
• Allow ten hours: Check-in is at St. Nicholas Pier at least 30 minutes before departure, and the day returns to the same pier.

Setting out from Split’s St. Nicholas Pier

The meeting point is St. Nicholas Pier, at Obala Lazareta 1. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Staff in company T-shirts will meet you at the pier, handle check-in, and guide you to the boat.

That early arrival matters in Split, where the waterfront can be busy and several boats may leave from nearby piers. Give yourself time to find Gat Svetog Nikole without rushing. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the waterfront.

Once aboard, the day begins with coffee and freshly made doughnuts. This is a small touch, but it makes a difference on a long excursion. You can settle into your seat, take in views of Split and the coast, and avoid starting the morning hungry.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with a restroom onboard. The group size is limited to 15 people, a useful advantage for a ten-hour outing. You are less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and it should be easier to hear the English-speaking guide when information is shared.

Čiovo and the first swim

After roughly an hour of cruising, the first main stop is a peaceful bay on Čiovo. The schedule allows about 90 minutes here, enough time to swim, snorkel, sit by the water, or have a drink at Beach Bar Borkko.

This first stop eases you into the day. You are not expected to jump straight into a packed sightseeing program. Instead, you get a proper swim and a chance to enjoy the slow pace of island life.

The water is described as crystal clear, making this a good place to use the supplied snorkeling mask. A €10 deposit is required for the mask, so bring that amount with you. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer.

The beach bar is not covered by the tour price. That is easy to overlook because food and drinks are included elsewhere in the day. Keep a little cash or a payment card available for anything you order there.

I would use this stop for swimming rather than expecting a major cultural visit. The appeal is the bay, the water, and the unhurried break. If you prefer long walks or historic sights, this part may feel light on activity. If you want a proper splash in the Adriatic, it fits the bill.

The Blue Lagoon near Drvenik

From Čiovo, the boat cruises for about 30 minutes to the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You have another 90 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and watching marine life.

This is the visual centerpiece of the day. The water is known for its bright turquoise color, and the setting gives you the classic Adriatic combination of open sea, rocky shores, and clear water. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photographs from the water, though that item is not included.

The stop is designed for active relaxation. You can swim, float, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The itinerary does not promise special equipment beyond the snorkeling mask, so bring your own fins or other gear if you need them.

Lunch is prepared and served on the boat during this part of the cruise, along with water and selected soft drinks. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular Croatian dish. The value is in having a prepared meal without losing more time to a restaurant stop.

This arrangement also makes the day easier. You do not need to search for a place to eat at the busiest swimming stop, and the boat remains your base for the excursion. Seasonal fruit is served later on the return journey, giving you another light snack after a full afternoon.

The Blue Lagoon can be the busiest-feeling part of the trip simply because it is famous. The tour gives you 90 minutes, which is enough for a swim and some photographs, but not an entire afternoon of quiet solitude. If you want uninterrupted peace, the first bay at Čiovo may suit you better.

Maslinica on Šolta, where the pace changes

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat makes a shorter cruise of about 25 minutes to Maslinica on Šolta. You have around 90 minutes to walk, take photographs, explore, and get a feel for a traditional Dalmatian island village.

Maslinica is valuable because it breaks up the swimming schedule. Narrow stone streets and traditional houses give you a chance to see a more settled side of island life. Instead of spending every stop beside the water, you can wander through the village and look for small details in the old buildings and quiet corners.

Do not expect a long guided history tour. The time here is primarily free time, so you set your own pace. Walk slowly, take photographs, and enjoy the contrast between the bright sea and the stone village streets. If you want to sit with a drink or browse for a souvenir, this is the most natural stop for it, though personal spending is not included.

Maslinica also gives families and mixed groups a useful choice. Swimmers can make the most of the earlier stops, while anyone who prefers dry clothes and a walk can enjoy this part of the day. Couples may like the change of mood, and friends can split up briefly without needing to follow a rigid guided route.

The drawback is simple: 90 minutes goes quickly. You can see the village and get a taste of local life, but you will not cover all of Šolta. Think of Maslinica as an introduction, not a full island tour.

The ride back to Split

The return cruise lasts about 80 minutes. Seasonal fruit is served during the journey, a sensible finish after swimming and lunch. You can sit back, enjoy the coast, and let the crew handle the trip home.

This is also the part of the day when sea conditions matter most. A past booking account described a frightening return in bad weather, while another account warned that a boat ride could be rough and forceful. Those comments are worth taking seriously. Even a comfortable boat cannot smooth out a choppy Adriatic crossing.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the crew advises, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. The included food helps, but it is still wise to carry any medication you normally use. Bring a spare layer or change of clothes in case spray reaches you.

The boat has a full canopy according to one detailed account, but you should still pack sun protection. A hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, water shoes, and snorkeling gear are specifically recommended. Pets are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What the $76 price really covers

At $76 per person, this is not simply a boat ticket. The price covers a full ten-hour cruise, fuel, taxes, insurance, a crew, restroom access, coffee, doughnuts, lunch, unlimited water, selected soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and the main transport between three stops.

That makes the cost reasonable if you plan to spend a full day on the water. Buying separate transport, meals, and drinks could easily make a self-planned outing less convenient. You also avoid the work of comparing boat routes or finding your way between islands.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You get two swimming stops and one village visit in the same day. The cost is less attractive if you only want to swim at one quiet beach or if you dislike long boat rides.

Remember the extras. Beach Bar Borkko is paid separately, as are souvenirs, optional activities, and personal purchases. Hotel transfers are also not included. The €10 snorkeling-mask deposit is refundable when the equipment is returned, though the supplied details do not specify the exact refund process.

The tour has a 4.4 rating from seven published ratings, a small sample that suggests a generally positive experience but does not guarantee smooth weather or identical conditions on every departure. The most consistent praise is for the beautiful swimming areas, the range of places visited, and the value of seeing several parts of the Split area in one day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a simple day at sea without arranging every detail themselves. The included food is especially useful for families, while the small group limit should make the day feel more manageable than a large public boat trip.

It also suits first-time visitors to Split who want an overview of the surrounding islands. You will not become an expert on Čiovo, Drvenik, or Šolta in one day, but you will sample beaches, open water, and village life.

You may want a different experience if you dislike boats, get anxious in rough seas, or need step-free access. The day includes several hours of cruising, and the schedule leaves limited room to linger at any one stop.

It is also not ideal if your priority is Blue Lagoon photography without crowds, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a long cultural tour. This is a broad, relaxed sampler. Its strength is variety, not depth at a single location.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive early at the pier and wear clothes that can handle sea spray. Pack a hat, sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, water shoes, and snorkeling equipment if you have your own.

Bring a small amount of money for the Čiovo beach bar and the €10 mask deposit. Keep valuables in a waterproof pouch, and carry a light change of clothes for the return ride.

Do not assume lunch will match a particular dietary preference, since no menu details are provided. If you have important dietary needs, ask the provider before booking rather than relying on guesswork.

Finally, check the weather forecast and keep plans flexible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful for a sea-based tour, where conditions can shape the whole day.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and three islands tour?

Book it if you want a well-fed, low-effort day that combines swimming, sightseeing, and a taste of island life. The included meals and drinks, small group size, restroom, and three-part route give the $76 price solid value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed calm water, wheelchair access, or a slow visit focused on one island. For most people who enjoy the sea and want to see more than one place around Split, this is a practical and cheerful way to spend ten hours. Just pack for sun, spray, and the possibility that the Adriatic may show some muscle.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from St. Nicholas Pier, also called Gat Svetog Nikole, at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in. Staff in company T-shirts will meet you and guide you to the boat.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts 10 hours, including the cruises, swimming stops, visit to Maslinica, and return to Split.

What food and drinks are included?

Coffee and freshly made doughnuts are served at the start. Lunch, unlimited water, selected soft drinks, and seasonal fruit are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A snorkeling mask is available with a €10 deposit. You may also bring your own snorkeling gear. Fins are not listed as included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.