Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Island Cruise with Food and Drinks

Three islands, clear water, and lunch on board make this one of Split’s easiest ways to get out on the Adriatic. For $81, you get breakfast, a beef or tuna burger, snorkeling gear, sunbeds, and unlimited water, lemonade, and wine. I especially like the smooth mix of swimming stops and relaxed sailing, plus the friendly crew members such as Mario, Bepo, Bapo, and Ivana. The main thing to consider is the large boat, which can feel busy, and the shipwreck stop may have changed.

This is sold as an 8-hour outing, though the opening information describes it as a 9-hour adventure. Either way, plan on giving it most of your day. The meeting point is at stand 11 on Split’s Riva promenade, so arrive early and confirm you are at the correct stand, not simply the right general waterfront.

Key points to know before booking

• Šolta starts the day with breakfast and a swim: You get a welcome drink and breakfast donuts before swimming and snorkeling near Nečujam.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop: Expect about two hours for lunch, water time, and views around Drvenik Island.
• Čiovo adds a beach-bar finish: Borko beach bar gives you a land-based break, drinks, and another chance to swim.
• Lunch is casual rather than fancy: Choose a 100% beef burger, tuna steak burger, or veggie burger, all served with fries.
• The boat is spacious but not intimate: A large group can mean a livelier atmosphere and less quiet space.
• The wreck information needs checking: One recent account says the shipwreck had been removed, with the boat stopping at another pretty location instead.

Setting Out from Split’s Riva

The day begins at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, the broad waterfront promenade in central Split. Look for stand 11 and allow extra time to find it. One person nearly missed the departure after confusing berths with stands, although the crew called and helped them reach the boat.

Once aboard, you settle in with a welcome drink and breakfast donuts. This is a small but useful touch. You are not asked to wait until lunchtime on an empty stomach, and the sweet breakfast fits the easygoing holiday mood. Coffee and other purchases may be available on board, but they are not part of the included package.

The first cruise lasts about an hour. That is a fair amount of time on the water, so pick your seating with care. You may find shade, open-air areas, and sunbeds, but the boat can carry a large group. Some people appreciate the music and social atmosphere. If you want a quiet morning, this is not a private sailing trip.

The crew’s friendliness is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Mario is repeatedly praised for his work at the bar, while Bepo, Bapo, and Ivana are also named for being helpful and attentive. Names and staff assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: service is a major part of what you are paying for.

Šolta and the Nečujam Water Stop

Šolta is the first island stop, with around 75 minutes for breakfast, swimming, and snorkeling. The island gives you an early taste of the calmer side of Dalmatia, away from Split’s busy waterfront. The water is the real attraction here, with time to get in before lunch and the larger Blue Lagoon stop later in the day.

The advertised highlight is the Nečujam shipwreck. You may be able to swim near the abandoned vessel and see fish around it, but check the current situation before booking. A recent report said the wreck had been removed and that the boat used another attractive swim area instead. This matters if the wreck is the main reason you are interested.

The snorkeling equipment is included, but you pay a deposit for it. The gear may be basic, more like swimming goggles with a nose cover than a full snorkel setup. That is enough for a quick look beneath the surface, but serious snorkelers may prefer to bring their own equipment if allowed.

The 75-minute stop is long enough for a swim and a little floating around, but not for a long shoreline visit. Several people liked the overall pacing but wished one of the early swim stops had more time. You should treat this as a water break, not an island tour with extensive walking.

The Blue Lagoon’s Clear Water and Open-Air Lunch

After another hour of cruising, the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Island. This is the centerpiece of the day, and it is easy to see why. The water is famously clear and turquoise, with the boat stopping so you can swim straight from the vessel.

You can jump from the boat, use the ladder, or simply relax on board. The top-deck jump is a favorite for confident swimmers, but you do not need to leap from anywhere to enjoy the stop. Bring a towel, protect your phone, and keep in mind that the water may feel cool outside the height of summer. In October, several people chose to admire the lagoon rather than swim.

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about two hours and includes lunch. You choose from three main options:

• 100% beef burger with fries
• Tuna steak burger with fries
• Veggie burger with fries

The tuna burger receives the most enthusiastic praise, and several people call it the best choice. The beef burger also suits anyone wanting a familiar, filling meal. The veggie option is the least predictable choice, as one diner enjoyed the overall meal but found that version disappointing.

I would describe lunch as tasty, practical, and good value rather than premium dining. The food is designed for a boat day, not a restaurant meal. You eat with the water around you, and that setting adds plenty. If you have dietary needs beyond the listed choices, ask the operator before booking because no wider menu is provided.

Unlimited drinks include water, lemonade, and wine. The lemonade is closer to lemon squash than fresh juice. Wine is served freely, which adds to the party mood, but it also means some people may drink more than planned. Families with young children should know that the boat can develop a lively atmosphere after lunch.

The tour uses disposable cups, so bring a reusable cup if you have one and want to reduce plastic use. That is a small practical improvement, especially on a day when drinks are available for hours.

Cruising Toward Čiovo and Borko Beach Bar

After lunch and the Blue Lagoon swim, the boat cruises for about 30 minutes to Čiovo. The final stop lasts around 75 minutes and feels different from the earlier locations. Instead of staying only on the boat, you can enjoy free time near Borko beach bar, swim from the beach, and have a drink in the cove.

This stop has a relaxed finish. The beach-bar setting, hammocks, and clear water give you a chance to slow down after a full day of swimming. Several people especially enjoyed the hammock nets and the combination of a drink with a final swim.

The bar is separate from the included drinks, so budget for anything you order there. Credit cards were accepted at the time of one recent visit, but you should not rely on that detail without checking. The included wine, water, and lemonade are served on the main boat, not as a general tab at every stop.

Some people feel the final stop is shorter than the first swim stop, while others find the schedule well balanced. You get enough time to swim and sit down, but not enough for a long beach afternoon. Think of Čiovo as a pleasant final pause, not a full island visit.

Boat Comfort, Group Size, and the Pace

The boat is described as comfortable, spacious, and well maintained. The smooth sailing is good news if you are prone to seasickness, although no boat can promise perfect conditions. One person who normally feels dizzy on boats found this ride comfortable, and the crew helped when another person became unwell.

The experience is built for a big group. One account describes roughly 100 people on board. That brings advantages: the price stays reasonable, the boat has a social energy, and the crew can offer food and drinks at scale. It also means you should not expect personal attention at every moment or a peaceful private cruise.

Music plays during the day, and the atmosphere is generally cheerful. Solo visitors can fit in easily because the boat naturally encourages conversation. Families can also manage the outing, with one group spanning a two-year-old to a nearly 70-year-old. Still, parents should be comfortable supervising children around open water and a busy boat.

The schedule is active but not frantic. You spend about an hour cruising to the first island, another hour reaching the Blue Lagoon, and longer stretches returning toward Split. If you dislike sitting on a boat, the opening and closing rides may feel long. If you enjoy sea views and a drink on deck, those stretches are part of the pleasure.

Is $81 a Fair Price?

At $81 per person, the package offers solid value if you plan to swim and use the included food and drinks. You get a full day on the water, three island-area stops, breakfast donuts, lunch, snorkeling equipment, sunbeds, WiFi, and unlimited water, lemonade, and wine.

The value is strongest when you compare it with arranging several separate boat transfers, meals, and swim stops yourself. You also avoid the planning work. The crew manages the route, meal service, equipment, and timing while you concentrate on the sea.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink wine, skip lunch, dislike group outings, or want substantial time on land. You are paying for convenience and a full schedule, not a quiet or highly personal sailing experience. An extra meal is not included, and drinks or food bought at Borko beach bar cost extra.

The cancellation policy is helpful: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is in English, with an English-speaking crew. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What to Pack for the Swim Stops

Keep your packing simple, but bring the items that make an open-water day easier:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• A reusable cup
• Dry clothes for the return ride
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

The crew may provide help if you feel seasick, but it is sensible to prepare before departure. Bring some extra money for purchases at Borko beach bar and any food or drink beyond the included lunch.

You should also wear footwear that is easy to remove. Much of the day is spent moving between the boat, the water, and a beach setting. The supplied snorkeling equipment has a deposit, so ask the crew how and when it is returned.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want an easy way to see several swimming areas without organizing ferries or restaurants. It works especially well for couples, groups of friends, solo visitors, and families who enjoy music, swimming, and a busy social setting.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the boat jumps and open-water stops. You can still enjoy the day without jumping, since ladders and beach access are available, but this is not a sightseeing cruise where you remain dry.

The cruise is also a good choice for people who value a complete package. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, sunbeds, and equipment simplify the day. You can spend eight or more hours outside without repeatedly reaching for your wallet.

I would think twice if you want small-group service, long stays on each island, or a serious snorkeling experience. The stops are timed, the group is large, and the equipment is basic. Also confirm the shipwreck stop before paying if that feature matters to you.

Should You Book the Blue Lagoon Cruise?

Book it if you want a cheerful, well-organized day with clear water, several swim stops, and food already handled. The crew’s warm service, especially from people such as Mario and Bepo, adds real value, and the Blue Lagoon is a strong centerpiece.

Skip it if the idea of a large boat, music, wine service, and fixed timing sounds tiring. The long cruise sections and changing shipwreck stop are the main cautions. For most people seeking a first taste of Split’s nearby islands, though, $81 is a fair price for a full day with very little planning required.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

Meet the guide in front of stand 11 on Split’s Riva promenade at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda.

How long does the activity last?

The activity is advertised as 8 hours, while the opening description calls it a 9-hour adventure. Plan to spend most of the day on the water.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Šolta, the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Island, and Čiovo, where you can visit Borko beach bar.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast donuts and a welcome drink are included.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose a 100% beef burger, tuna steak burger, or veggie burger. All are served with french fries.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, lemonade, and wine are included during the cruise. Extra food and drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use, but a deposit is required.

Is the shipwreck definitely part of the route?

The advertised stop includes the Nečujam shipwreck, but a recent update said the wreck had been removed and the boat used another attractive location instead. Confirm the current route if this is important to you.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.