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

The best part of this Split boat trip is its simple rhythm: cruise, swim, eat, stroll, and do it again. You get three very different stops, from a quiet bay near Čiovo to the bright water of the Blue Lagoon and the stone harbor of Maslinica on Šolta.

I like the generous time in the water and the fact that lunch, wine, water, juice, coffee, doughnuts, and fruit are built into the day. I also like the friendly hosting, with guides such as Nana, Marco, Sandra, and Ivana frequently praised for clear instructions and good humor. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, with hard, small benches and limited paddleboards during the busiest months.

Key points at a glance

• Three different stops: Swim at Čiovo, relax at the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon, then explore Maslinica on Šolta.
• A full 510-minute day: The schedule gives you about eight and a half hours from Split and enough time for three substantial stops.
• Lunch with a choice: Pick beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger, served with French fries and wine.
• Water gear included: Use inflatables, snorkeling goggles, and stand-up paddleboards with a €10 deposit.
• Easy food and drinks: Coffee, a doughnut, seasonal fruit, water, and juice are part of the package.
• Best for active sun seekers: You should be comfortable with boat travel, swimming, sun, and a long day outdoors.

What this Split island cruise is really like

At $62 per person, this is a value-minded way to spend a full day on the Adriatic. You are not paying only for transport between islands. The price also covers lunch, wine, drinks, morning refreshments, fruit, and access to water toys, so the add-on costs are limited.

The tour leaves Split at 9:00 a.m., with check-in at 8:30 a.m. In April and October, departure shifts to 9:30 a.m., with check-in at 9:00 a.m. You meet at St. Nicholas Pier, Obala Lazareta 1, where you look for the Gray Line sign and matching staff shirts.

You should arrive early. One practical issue is seating. The boat may not have a proper seat for everyone at all times, especially when it is full, and some people have ended up sitting on the deck or on hard benches. That is not a deal breaker for most people, since the day includes several stops, but it matters if you need a roomy, quiet ride.

The boat ride itself is part of the day rather than dead time. Music plays, the crew gives updates, and you get open-water views as you move between the stops. The guides are a major part of the atmosphere. Nana is often singled out for being warm and funny, while Marco, Sandra, Ivana, Lana, and Anja have also hosted the route.

This is not a silent sightseeing cruise with a long lecture about every island. It is more relaxed and social. You get enough information to know where you are going and what to do next, then plenty of freedom to swim, sunbathe, take photos, or walk ashore.

Čiovo gives you the first swim and a possible shipwreck

The first major stop is on Čiovo, about an hour after leaving Split. You have roughly 90 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, a photo stop, and time near the shore.

This stop sets the tone for the day. The sea is the main attraction, so bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel handy. Snorkeling goggles are available with a €10 deposit, and the boat also carries floats and inflatables.

A shipwreck near this area is one of the more unusual features of the route. When conditions allow, you can look down at it with the provided goggles. It gives the first swim a little more purpose than simply jumping into open water. You may also see fish around the wreck.

Conditions can affect this part of the day. Strong wind or rough water may force the crew to adjust the route, and the shipwreck is not guaranteed. The boat operator can change the boat, alter the stops, or cancel for safety reasons.

Čiovo is a good first stop because you have enough time to settle into the day. You are not rushed through a five-minute photo stop. Still, the focus is swimming rather than a guided visit to a town, so anyone wanting museums, monuments, or detailed island history will need a different excursion.

The Krknjaši Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop

After about 30 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You have around 100 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the day.

This is the spot most people picture when they think of a Croatian island cruise: clear turquoise water, open views, and a long break to swim or float. The water is the star, so pack water shoes if you dislike rocky entries and use sunscreen often. A hat is also useful during the open-water sections.

The Blue Lagoon is ideal for a slow middle section. You can swim, use an inflatable, try a paddleboard, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The available stand-up paddleboards are limited, so you may need to wait your turn during a busy summer departure. The same applies to some of the floating equipment.

Lunch is served during this stop. You choose at the meeting point from a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, each with French fries. Wine is served with the meal, while water and juice are available throughout the cruise.

The food is filling and practical rather than restaurant dining. Some meals arrive lukewarm, and the burger presentation can be plain, with little or no salad garnish. On the other hand, the portions are generally enough for an active day in the sun, and the tuna and vegetarian options provide useful alternatives to the beef choice.

One timing detail may matter to you. The crew may ask you to wait for lunch before swimming, and the meal service can take time. If you are eager to get into the water, that pause can feel frustrating. It is worth treating lunch as part of the schedule rather than assuming you can swim immediately on arrival.

Maslinica on Šolta slows the pace

The final island stop is Maslinica on Šolta, reached after about 25 minutes of cruising. You get around 90 minutes to visit the village, swim, snorkel, take photos, or sit beside the water.

Maslinica gives the tour a welcome change of pace. After two mainly aquatic stops, you can walk through a small seaside settlement with traditional stone houses and a picturesque marina. It is a better place for a coffee, a short stroll, and photos than the open-water stops.

You can still swim here, so keep your towel and water shoes accessible. You may also find small shops and handmade jewelry stores near the village, but the available time is limited. This is a taste of Šolta, not a full island visit.

I like this final stop because it adds a little local character to a day that could otherwise feel like a series of swimming breaks. If your priority is maximum time in the water, you might wish the village stop were shorter. If you want a mix of sea and shore, the 90-minute pause works well.

The return cruise includes coffee, fruit, and changing views

The return to Split takes about 80 minutes. By this point, you will probably be ready for a calmer stretch after swimming and walking.

Coffee and a doughnut are included during the day, usually making an easy breakfast or morning snack. Seasonal fruit is served on the return, which is a refreshing finish after a filling lunch and hours in the sun.

Bring an extra layer even in warm weather. The boat can feel chilly when it is moving, especially with wind across the deck. One practical tip is to pack a light jumper or jacket, because the temperature on the water can be very different from the temperature at the port.

Music is part of the ride. The atmosphere is informal and upbeat, and the crew may use music to keep the mood light if the weather changes. That suits people who want a social day rather than a quiet sailing trip.

The boat arrives back at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. The day lasts 510 minutes, or eight hours and 30 minutes, so do not schedule a tight evening commitment immediately afterward.

What is included, and what still needs planning

The all-inclusive setup is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. You receive:

• Boat transport from Split
• Swimming stops at Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica
• Beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with fries
• Wine with lunch
• Water and juice throughout the cruise
• Coffee and a doughnut
• Seasonal fruit
• Inflatables and snorkeling goggles
• Stand-up paddleboards, subject to availability
• Use of water gear with a €10 deposit

You still need to bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. A light jacket is also sensible, even though it is not listed as required.

Hotel pickup is available for an additional fee if you stay in central Split, Bačvice, Riva, or the Marjan area. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the tour, and you provide your address during booking. This is useful for families or anyone who does not want to find a taxi before breakfast.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. You should have your digital or printed voucher ready at check-in.

How the $62 price holds up

At $62, the value is strong if you plan to swim and make use of the included food and drinks. Buying separate boat transport, lunch, beverages, and access to water equipment would quickly push the cost higher.

The tour is less compelling if you want a small boat, quiet sailing, or a private island visit. The package is designed for an organized group day, and the boat may feel busy in July and August. The food is convenient and filling, but you should not expect a carefully prepared restaurant meal.

I also would not choose it mainly for paddleboarding. There are only a few boards, and busy departures can make access uneven. Choose it for the combination of three stops, swimming time, lunch, and an easy plan for the whole day.

Who should book this day at sea?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a full day outside without arranging ferries, restaurants, and equipment themselves. Children aged seven and nine have enjoyed this kind of schedule, but everyone should be comfortable around water and able to manage a boat day.

It suits you especially well if you want:

• Several chances to swim
• A social boat atmosphere
• A simple lunch and drinks included
• A mix of sea time and a village visit
• Clear instructions from a host
• Good value from one booking

I would be more cautious if you dislike sun exposure, boat movement, hard seating, or group activities. The tour is also not the best choice for wheelchair users, and anyone expecting a calm luxury cruise may find the setup basic.

Booking and weather advice

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 qualify for a refund, so plan extra time for the port.

Weather matters more than it does on a land tour. The operator can change the route, change the boat, or cancel if the sea is rough or conditions are unsafe. An altered route can mean missing a planned shipwreck sighting or changing a swimming stop.

Bring your voucher, arrive 30 minutes before departure, and do not count on finding a last-minute seat if you arrive late. The Gray Line sign and staff shirts make the meeting point easier to spot at St. Nicholas Pier.

Should you book the Split three-island cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, active day with three swimming areas, lunch, drinks, and a village stop for one set price. The strongest features are the generous time at each stop, the friendly hosts, and the range of included extras.

Skip it if you want a small private boat, refined food, or a quiet itinerary with no music and no group schedule. For most people who want to see a little of the Dalmatian coast while spending much of the day in the sea, $62 is a sensible deal. Arrive early, bring a warm layer, and treat the paddleboards as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from in Split?

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

What time should I arrive?

For the usual 9:00 a.m. departure, check-in is at 8:30 a.m. In April and October, departure is at 9:30 a.m. and check-in is at 9:00 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts 510 minutes, or eight hours and 30 minutes.

Which stops are included?

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

What lunch choices are available?

You choose a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. Lunch comes with French fries and wine.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and juice are available throughout the cruise. Coffee, a doughnut, seasonal fruit, and wine with lunch are also included.

Can I use snorkeling gear and paddleboards?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available with a €10 deposit. Paddleboards may be limited when the boat is busy.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The operator may change the route or boat, or cancel the cruise for safety if the weather or sea conditions are unsuitable. Late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.