Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split

The main draw here is simple: you leave Split’s busy waterfront behind and spend a full day in the clear water around three Croatian islands. You get swimming time at Čiovo and the Blue Lagoon, then a slower stop in Maslinica, a small Dalmatian village on Šolta.

I like the easy mix of water and land. I also like that lunch is included, with a choice of beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger, plus wine served onboard. Guides such as Nana and Ivan have been praised for keeping people informed and adding a friendly touch to a long day at sea.

The main caution is the boat itself. With capacity for up to 130 people, the experience can feel crowded, and timing may suffer if several boats are operating or the sea is rough. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but you may not anchor in the best position, and route changes are possible.

Key things to know before booking

• Three stops, about eight hours: You visit Čiovo, Krknjaši Bay at the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on Šolta.
• Swimming is central: Expect up to three water stops, with time for swimming and some snorkeling.
• Lunch is served at sea: Choose a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with fries at check-in.
• The group may be large: The boat can carry as many as 130 people, so this is not a quiet private cruise.
• Maslinica adds village time: You get a change from swimming, with stone houses, a marina, shops, and places for gelato or coffee.
• Weather controls the day: Rough seas can alter the route or cancel the trip, with a new date or refund offered in that case.

Leaving Split Port at 9 a.m.

The day begins at Obala Lazareta 1, at St. Nicholas Pier in Split Port. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m., and departure is scheduled for 9 a.m. Take that time seriously. The boat must follow the port schedule, so arriving late can mean missing the cruise.

The meeting point is close to Split’s central waterfront and public transportation. You will choose your lunch option before departure: beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with French fries. That is useful, since it avoids confusion once the boat is underway.

This is a full day, not a quick harbor outing. You are looking at about eight hours, with a return to the same meeting point in Split. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a little patience for shared-boat logistics. The boat provides the setting, but you will be spending a lot of time in open sun and on the water.

The boat can hold up to 130 people. That number matters. On a good day, a large boat gives you room to move, shaded areas, and a more stable ride than a tiny speedboat. On a crowded departure, though, boarding and disembarking take longer, and the swim stops may feel less personal.

Čiovo: a calm first swim

The first stop is on Čiovo, an island connected to the mainland near Trogir. The boat pauses at a quiet bay where the water is generally calm and clear, making this a gentle way to begin the day.

You get about an hour here. Swim from the boat or spend time near the beach, and you may find a beach bar for a drink or a break from the water. This stop is less about sightseeing and more about settling into the rhythm of the cruise.

I like having this early swimming stop because it gives you time to test the water and get comfortable before the boat reaches the more exposed Blue Lagoon. It also makes the day appealing to people who want a sea outing but do not need a packed schedule of monuments and guided walks.

Snorkeling is part of the plan, but expectations should stay modest. The clear water is the attraction, not a major underwater site. Equipment details can vary, so do not assume that a full snorkeling kit is automatically provided. Some departures have offered masks for a refundable deposit, while other equipment has not always been available as expected.

If you do not swim well, ask the crew what flotation equipment is available before entering the water. Past departures have included noodles, inflatable rings, and paddle equipment, but supplies and rules can vary. Life jackets are safety equipment, yet the crew may control when and how they are worn. If you need one to feel secure, discuss that before the boat leaves.

Krknjaši Bay and the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay is the day’s headline stop. The sea here has the bright turquoise color people come to Dalmatia to see, and the water is usually clear enough for a pleasant swim.

You have about an hour and a half at this stop. While you swim and snorkel, lunch is prepared and served onboard. That arrangement saves time and lets you eat without giving up a separate restaurant stop.

The best part is the view from the water. You can float, swim around the boat, and look back at the pale coast and open sea. It is a classic Croatian island setting, but the popularity of the place has a downside: several boats may be anchored in the bay at once.

Where your boat anchors makes a real difference. Some departures have stopped farther from the prime swimming area, perhaps because of boat size or the number of vessels already there. The water can also be choppier than at the first bay. If you are a weak swimmer, use the flotation aids and stay close to the boat.

Do not confuse a beautiful sea color with an exceptional snorkeling site. You may see small fish and clear water, but the underwater scene is not the main reason to book this trip. You are paying for a pleasant swim, coastal views, and the ease of reaching the bay from Split, not for a dedicated marine excursion.

Lunch is practical rather than a major culinary event. The beef and tuna choices have generally been the safer picks for hungry swimmers. The vegetarian burger has received less consistent praise, so vegetarians may want to bring extra snacks. Food quality can also suffer when lunch is prepared for a large group, and some departures have had complaints about cold food or small portions.

Wine is included onboard, with wine served after lunch. Water and juice are also available. The juice may be a powdered drink rather than fresh fruit juice, so bring your own preferred drink if that matters to you.

Maslinica on Šolta: the best change of pace

Maslinica is the most land-focused stop. Set on Šolta Island, this small Dalmatian village has traditional stone buildings around a picturesque marina. After hours of swimming, it feels good to walk on firm ground and see a little local life.

The scheduled stop is about an hour. That is enough for a short stroll along the harbor, a coffee, an ice cream, or a look at the village church and nearby views. You will not have time for a long island hike, but you can make the most of the village by walking away from the immediate waterfront.

Maslinica is also a useful backup for anyone who tires of the water. You can sit by the harbor instead of swimming, then return to the boat when you are ready. The mix of stone houses, small shops, coastal water, and boats gives the day a more human feel than a schedule made only of swimming stops.

Timing can vary in practice. Rough water, late departures, boat traffic, or a changed route may shorten one stop and lengthen another. If Maslinica is the part you care about most, listen for the host’s instructions and keep an eye on the return time. The boat will not wait for a long independent walk.

Guides, crew, and the feel onboard

The guide can shape this trip more than the scenery. Nana has been singled out for friendly hosting, clear updates, and helpful suggestions at the stops. Ivan has also been praised for making the day fun. A good host matters when you are dealing with boarding lines, lunch service, changing swim conditions, and a mixed group of people.

Expect a social excursion rather than a quiet sail. You may meet families, couples, solo visitors, strong swimmers, and people who simply want to sit in the sun. The large capacity makes the price reasonable, but it also means the experience depends on how full your departure is.

There have been complaints about delayed departures, nonworking toilets, boat changes, and one boat reaching a stop later than another. Those are not minor concerns on an eight-hour outing. Before boarding, note where the toilets are and ask the crew if all facilities are working. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a stable seat and avoid going into the day without food or water.

The company can change the route when the weather or sea conditions are unsafe. A shipwreck stop has appeared on some versions of the day, but it is not part of the three-stop schedule described here. Do not book this cruise specifically for a shipwreck. Wind, waves, and boat operations may replace a planned stop with another swimming area.

What the $78.60 price gets you

At $78.60 per person, this is a fair value if you want a full day on the sea without arranging transport, lunch, and several separate stops yourself. The price covers the boat ride, the three planned locations, lunch, and onboard wine. It also gives you a simple way to reach island scenery that would take more planning by local ferry.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You swim at Čiovo, spend longer at the Blue Lagoon, then walk through Maslinica. You are not paying for a private skipper, a small group, or a polished food experience.

A private boat would offer more control over anchoring spots and timing, but it would cost far more. A public ferry would be cheaper in some cases, yet it would not provide the same shared lunch, organized swim stops, or direct route between locations.

You should factor in extras. Bring snacks if you need a substantial lunch, especially if you choose the vegetarian option. You may also need a deposit for snorkeling equipment if it is offered, and you will want money for gelato, coffee, or drinks in Maslinica.

The strongest value comes on a sunny, calm day when the boat runs on time and you enjoy being part of a group. If you want quiet coves, gourmet food, or exact control over the schedule, the price will feel less attractive.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to you if you want to get out of Split for one day and see several island settings without renting a boat. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys swimming with a little village time added.

It is also a good choice if your ideal holiday day includes sun, water, casual food, and new people. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable around open water or ready to follow the crew’s safety guidance.

You may want a different outing if you dislike crowds, need guaranteed toilet facilities, or expect a carefully timed luxury cruise. The boat is large, the route can change, and the lunch is functional rather than refined.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but pets are not allowed. The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If the operator cancels for poor weather or insufficient bookings, you should be offered another date, a different experience, or a full refund.

For cancellations made by you, the cutoff is 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Practical ways to have a better day

• Arrive for the 8:30 a.m. check-in, not at the 9 a.m. departure time.
• Choose your lunch before boarding and bring an extra snack if you have a large appetite.
• Pack a towel, sun protection, a swimsuit, and a dry layer for the boat ride home.
• Ask about toilets and flotation equipment before the first swim.
• Treat the Blue Lagoon as a swimming and scenery stop, not a major snorkeling site.
• Keep your Maslinica walk short and return early to avoid delaying departure.
• Do not count on a specific shipwreck stop or exact anchoring position.
• If the sea is rough, expect the captain to change the route for safety.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon cruise from Split?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, full-day sea outing with three island stops, lunch, wine, and plenty of time in the water. The best moments come from the simple things: floating in clear water, looking across the Croatian coast from the boat, and wandering Maslinica with a gelato in hand.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a large-group cruise, not a private sailing trip. Food quality, comfort, stop lengths, and anchoring positions can vary. If you accept that tradeoff, the trip offers a lot of coastline and swimming for the money.

I would especially choose it on a calm-weather day and arrive ready for an active, social outing. If your priority is quiet, precise timing, or first-rate meals, spend more on a smaller boat instead.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. The scheduled departure is 9 a.m., and the boat must leave on time because of the port schedule.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours and returns to the original meeting point in Split.

Which islands and places are included?

The planned stops are a bay on 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. Lunch is prepared and served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Wine is served onboard with lunch, and water and juice are available. Additional drinks in Maslinica are not stated as included.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are planned at up to three stops. Water conditions can change, and equipment availability may vary.

Can the route be changed or canceled?

Yes. The captain may change the route because of bad weather or rough seas. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The operator may also cancel if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.