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

The best part of this cruise is its simple rhythm: three beautiful sea stops, plenty of time in the water, and no need to arrange lunch, drinks, or equipment yourself. You get a proper full day on the Adriatic for $62, which is strong value if swimming matters more to you than formal sightseeing.

I especially like the long swimming breaks and the easygoing crew style, often led by hosts such as Nana, Marco, or Sandra. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded in high summer, and its hard, narrow benches are not made for eight hours of lounging.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different stops: Swim at Čiovo, relax at the Blue Lagoon, and stroll through Maslinica on Šolta.
• A shipwreck viewing stop: Bring goggles or use the supplied masks to see the wreck near Čiovo when sea conditions allow.
• Lunch and drinks included: Choose beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger, with fries, wine, water, and juice.
• Water toys onboard: Paddleboards, inflatables, noodles, and snorkeling goggles are available with a €10 deposit for the gear.
• A true full-day outing: The cruise runs for 510 minutes, with about 90 minutes at both Čiovo and Maslinica.
• Good value, with a few limits: The price covers much of the day, but seating, food temperature, and summer crowds can vary.

Three Adriatic stops from one Split departure

This is a swimming cruise first and an island sightseeing trip second. That distinction matters. You will see attractive coastal villages and enjoy the ride, but the day is built around getting into the water, drying off in the sun, and moving on to another bay.

The boat leaves from St. Nicholas Pier at Obala Lazareta 1, close to Split’s port area. Check-in is at 8:30 am for the regular 9:00 am departure. In April and October, the schedule shifts to a 9:00 am check-in and 9:30 am departure.

The opening cruise lasts about an hour. It gives you time to settle in, watch Split recede, and get your first coffee and doughnut. The crew usually explains the plan early, then gives clear reminders before each stop. That helps on a day with several people, swimming gear, food service, and strict return times.

You should arrive early. One practical complaint is that the boat may not have a comfortable seat for everyone, especially when demand is high. If you want a better choice of seating, do not stroll up at the last minute.

Čiovo and the shipwreck swim

The first stop is on Čiovo, where you have about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. This is the most active stop because the water activities begin right away and the nearby shipwreck can be viewed when conditions permit.

The wreck is a memorable extra. It is close enough to see with goggles, and several pieces of equipment are available onboard. The site can become crowded in the peak season, so do not expect a quiet private swim around it. Wind can also change the plan. One cruise operated in windy weather without reaching the wreck, though the day still included three swimming stops.

The sea is the main attraction here. You can use inflatables, noodles, or a paddleboard, or simply swim near the boat. Snorkeling goggles require a €10 deposit, and the same deposit arrangement applies to the available water gear. Bring your own mask if you prefer not to wait for equipment.

This stop suits confident swimmers and families who want active time in the water. You should still watch the crew’s instructions and stay aware of the boat and other swimmers. The stop is not designed as a formal guided snorkeling tour, so you are free to explore at your own pace.

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon for lunch and a longer rest

After another short cruise, the boat reaches Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You get about 100 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the day. The clear turquoise water is the reason most people book this trip, and there is enough time to swim, float, snorkel, and sit back without feeling rushed.

Lunch is served during this stop. You choose at check-in between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, all served with French fries. Wine comes with the meal, while water and juice are available throughout the cruise.

The food is filling rather than refined. Some people find the burgers tasty and larger than expected, while others find the burger and fries only lukewarm or too plain. The beef option may be served as a patty without salad toppings, so set your expectations accordingly. If you want a lighter meal, the tuna or vegetarian choice may suit you better.

The timing of lunch is worth noting. The crew may ask you to wait before swimming while food is prepared, and service can take time. On a busy departure, that can feel frustrating when the water is right beside you. Still, having a proper meal included saves money and avoids the usual scramble to find food at an island stop.

Maslinica on Šolta adds a village stop

The final destination is Maslinica on Šolta, reached after another short cruise. You have about 90 minutes here for a swim, a walk, or a coffee near the marina.

Maslinica gives the day a useful change of pace. After two water stops, you can put on dry clothes and wander among traditional stone houses, look around the marina, or browse small shops. Handmade jewelry has been noted as one shopping option. The village is compact, so this is not a full island tour, but it gives you a taste of Šolta beyond the water.

You can also swim here. That makes the stop flexible for mixed groups. One person can stroll through the village while another stays near the sea. Families may appreciate this break because it is easier to change the pace than on a boat-only itinerary.

I would not book this cruise expecting hours of independent exploration on Šolta. Maslinica is a short visit within a long boat day. Its value is the contrast: a small coastal village after the bright open water of the first two stops.

What the all-inclusive setup really covers

The phrase all-inclusive is useful here, but it has limits. The listed price includes:

• Cruise transportation 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 in the morning
• Seasonal fruit on the return trip
• Inflatables and noodles
• Stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling goggles with a €10 deposit

The drinks are a real part of the value. Water and juice are available during the cruise, and several people have been pleasantly surprised by the amount provided. Soft-drink choices may be limited, so bring your own preferred drink only if the operator allows it and you need something specific.

The doughnut and coffee make the early departure easier. Fruit on the return journey is a small but welcome touch after a day in the sun. These details will not make or break the cruise, but they mean you do not need to pack a full day of food.

At $62, the package is competitive for a 510-minute outing. A comparable self-planned day would involve arranging transport, finding several swimming locations, paying for lunch, and possibly renting water equipment. The trade-off is that you give up privacy and flexibility. This is a shared boat experience with a fixed schedule.

The crew sets the mood

The hosts are one of the strongest parts of the day. Nana receives repeated praise for being warm, attentive, and lively, while Marco, Sandra, Ivana, Lana, and Anja have also led departures praised for clear instructions and good energy.

That matters because a long boat day can become confusing if nobody explains where to go, when to return, or how the water equipment works. The better hosts keep you updated without turning the trip into a lecture. Music is also part of the atmosphere, and the crew may use it to keep the mood light when weather changes.

Do not expect a history-focused guided tour. The emphasis is on timing, safety, food, and making sure you enjoy each stop. If you want detailed stories about Dalmatian history or island culture, you will need a different kind of excursion.

The tone is social and relaxed. Families with children have enjoyed it, and the mix of swimming, music, food, and village time keeps the day from feeling repetitive. Solo visitors can also fit in easily because the boat naturally creates a group setting.

Boat comfort, weather, and what to pack

The boat has useful facilities for swimming, but it is not a luxury yacht. Benches can be hard, narrow, and uncomfortable over several hours. Seating may also be limited, so arriving early is smart.

The ride between stops can feel cool, even in sunny weather. Wind over open water makes a sweater or light jacket useful, especially on the longer return cruise. You should also bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Water shoes
• A warm layer for the boat ride
• Your digital or printed voucher

Water shoes are practical around rocky shorelines and when entering the sea. A waterproof phone case is also sensible, although it is not listed as required.

The route depends on the sea. Rough conditions may lead the operator to change the route, use a different boat, or cancel for safety. The shipwreck stop is also not guaranteed in poor weather. If you are prone to seasickness, plan accordingly, since this is a long day on open water.

Hotel pickup is available for an added fee from accommodation in central Split, Bačvice, Riva, or Marjan. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the cruise. This can be worthwhile for families or anyone who does not want an early walk or taxi search, but the standard meeting point is already at Split Port.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. Late arrivals and no-shows do not qualify for a refund, so build in extra time for reaching the pier.

Who will enjoy this Split cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a full day outside Split with lots of swimming and a simple plan. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and friends who want a social boat day rather than a private charter.

It is also a good pick for first-time visitors who want to sample several Dalmatian settings in one outing. You get open-water views, a wreck swim, the Blue Lagoon, and a Šolta village without changing hotels or arranging separate ferries.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, need generous personal space, or care most about gourmet food. The boat can feel full, the benches are basic, and lunch is practical rather than special.

The trip also demands a long day. At 510 minutes, you will spend much of the day on or near the water. That is a benefit if you want to make the sea the center of your Split visit, but too much if you prefer short sightseeing stops and a slow afternoon back in town.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want three swimming locations, included meals and drinks, and an easy day at sea for $62. The strongest reasons are the generous stop times, the chance to see the shipwreck, the useful onboard water gear, and the friendly hosting style associated with Nana, Marco, Sandra, and the wider crew.

Go in with realistic expectations. The boat is shared, seating can be basic, lunch quality may vary, and the route can change with wind or rough seas. Arrive early, bring a warm layer and water shoes, and choose your lunch carefully at check-in.

For a relaxed, good-value introduction to the islands near Split, this is an easy recommendation. For quiet luxury or serious cultural touring, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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 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 between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. Each option comes with French fries, and wine is served with lunch.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

The boat provides stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, and snorkeling goggles for water activities. A €10 deposit is required for the equipment.

Is hotel pickup available in Split?

Yes. Pickup is available for an additional fee from accommodation in the city center, Bačvice, Riva, or Marjan. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the cruise.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available. Late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.