Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split

If you love turquoise water, this day fits. You get three island stops in one full-day cruise, plus time to swim and snorkel in between. Guides run the day with a clear rhythm, and the sights are the point: land views from the boat, then water views that look unreal.

I especially like the three-stop itinerary. It keeps you moving, but not frantic, so you actually get swim time at each place. I also love the simple onboard lunch and wine setup, where you choose your burger ahead of time and keep refilling after lunch.

One thing to think about: sea conditions and boat logistics can change the feel of the day. The route may shift for safety, and a few reports complained about crowding, timing delays, or onboard comfort issues on certain boats.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Three islands, one ticket: Ciovo, the Blue Lagoon area (Krknjasi Bay), and Maslinica on Šolta
• Real swim time at up to three stops for swimming and snorkel breaks
• Lunch with choices onboard: beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with fries
• Wine included on board, with multiple mentions of it being plentiful after lunch
• Village break in Maslinica with harbor views and traditional stone houses
• Active crew energy led by hosts like Nana, with friendly, hands-on guidance

Split To the St. Nicholas Pier: timing that actually matters

This cruise starts in Split Port, at Obala Lazareta 1, also known as St. Nicholas Pier. The day runs like a ship, meaning you need to be there early. Check-in is 8:30 am, and the boat leaves at 9:00 am on the dot to respect the port timeline.

What I like about this setup is that it prevents the usual chaos. You’ll board with a clear plan, and the guide keeps things moving as the day unfolds. The tour also caps at 130 travelers, so it’s not a tiny private boat, but it’s not a floating stadium either.

You’ll have a mobile ticket, and you can plan around the fact that the tour is offered in English. If you hate standing around in the heat, arrive a bit early, grab water, and settle in before they start lining people up.

Ciovo first: calm bays and a beach-bar kind of stop

Your first island stop is Čiovo, where you’ll land at a peaceful bay designed for exactly what you want from this kind of trip: clear water, easy swimming, and time to relax without hustling.

The schedule here is about one hour, which is short enough to feel efficient, but long enough to do one good swim and still have time to hang near the water. If the group is in a good mood, this is often when you’ll feel the day click into gear.

You may find a beach bar in the area, plus open time to do your own thing along the shoreline. If you’re the type who likes slow mornings, Ciovo is a good match. If you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll still get enough time to enjoy the water without rushing.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: where the day’s best photos happen

The Blue Lagoon area is the headliner, and you’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes here. Expect vivid turquoise water and a lot of people going straight for a swim the moment they’re able.

This is also where the day changes from sightseeing to water play. You’ll have free time to swim and snorkel while lunch is prepared and served onboard. Translation for your day: you get a “double win” stop, water first, then food without having to chase the schedule.

A practical note: the water can be busy, and some boats anchor farther out than others. If you care about easy swimming access, aim for the most convenient spot when you climb in. For non swimmers, this stop can be more stressful if currents feel noticeable, because not every entry point feels equal.

Snorkel gear can also be a question. Some experiences include snorkel masks with a deposit, with the snorkel itself not always included. If snorkeling matters to you, it’s worth asking on board what’s available before you assume you’ll have everything.

Maslinica on Šolta: the village stop with real charm

Your final stop is Maslinica on Šolta Island, and it’s a nice contrast to the water-heavy middle of the day. Think traditional stone houses, a picturesque marina, and a small harbor area that feels more local than staged.

You’ll get around one hour here. That’s enough to wander, grab a coffee or gelato if you want, and soak in the slow-village pace. Many people use this stop as a cooldown after the most active swim time earlier.

This is also where some travelers go a bit further, including short walks up for viewpoints near a church area. If walking in heat is your limit, you can still enjoy Maslinica from the harbor side without pushing it.

Lunch and wine onboard: good value if you manage expectations

At this point, you’re probably thinking, is the lunch actually worth it? In a word, usually yes. The cruise includes a lunch with your choice of beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with fries, and the meals are served onboard.

I like the fact that lunch is built into the schedule instead of being an optional add-on that you have to track. That alone saves time and makes the day feel smoother.

Wine is part of the deal too, and multiple mentions say it starts after lunch and is unlimited for the rest of the onboard portion. If that’s your kind of bonus, it’s one of the reasons this cruise gets such strong ratings.

Now the balanced part. Vegetarian options get mixed feedback. Some people found the vegetarian burger just average, and a few advice threads also suggest bringing your own snacks if you’re picky or very hungry. If you’re a vegetarian traveler, plan as if lunch is decent, not life-changing.

Swimming gear, inflatables, and the shipwreck question

This is a cruise where you’re expected to get in the water. Many reports highlight that you can use floaty support like inflatable tubes and pool noodles, plus paddle boards and other gear depending on the boat.

Snorkeling can be straightforward if the water is calm. If it isn’t, the crew may adjust where you swim. Some people even mention a special stop related to a shipwreck near the Solta area that can be visible from the surface. But there are also complaints that this shipwreck element didn’t happen on rougher days.

So here’s the mindset I’d use: book for the water stops first. Treat any shipwreck moment as a bonus that depends on the sea and captain decisions.

On safety, the cruise does reserve the right to adjust routes or cancel for rough seas, with the captain making the call. Still, if you have specific safety needs, don’t assume the rules will match what you’re used to from other tours. One safety-related complaint mentioned restrictions on life jacket use. If that’s important to you, ask questions early when you board so you understand what’s expected.

Group size, crowding, and why your “comfort level” can vary

Even with a maximum of 130 travelers, this kind of day can feel crowded because everyone moves together. The stops are shared spaces, and during peak conditions you may see other boats anchored at the same time, especially near the Blue Lagoon.

A few travelers reported that departures can run late, or that the group may be split between boats if there’s congestion or switching. There were also complaints about basic onboard comfort, including issues like toilets not working on one smaller boat, and some frustration about feeling rushed at certain stops.

None of that means you shouldn’t book. It does mean you should calibrate your expectations. This is a fun, active day trip, not a luxury cruise. If you can handle a little noise, a little wait, and the possibility of swapping boats, you’ll probably have a great time.

Who should book this cruise from Split, and who might skip it

This tour is a good fit if you want an easy day away from Split with real sea time. It’s also ideal if you like meeting people on shared excursions, since the tour atmosphere tends to be social. The host experience seems to matter here a lot, with guides like Nana mentioned as especially friendly and organized, and sometimes Ivan also credited for making the day fun.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• you’re comfortable with boat rides and a set timetable
• you want swimming and snorkel breaks without planning anything yourself
• you like the mix of water stops plus a village moment in Maslinica

You might skip it if:

• you expect guaranteed access to a shipwreck stop every single day
• you need very quiet, uncrowded conditions
• onboard comfort details like bathroom reliability are a must for you
• you have strict safety expectations about life jacket use and don’t want any uncertainty

Should you book the Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands cruise with lunch from Split?

I think this is a solid booking when you want one day that covers multiple highlights without car planning or ferry stress. The value is strongest if you’ll use the swimming time, because the cruise gives you water access at up to three stops and rolls lunch and drinks into the flow.

Book it if you can be flexible about sea conditions and you’re excited by the big visual payoff of Blue Lagoon water plus the charm of Maslinica. If you’re vegetarian, consider coming prepared with a snack, just in case the vegetarian burger doesn’t hit the mark for you.

If you read this and think you need a perfectly timed, never-crowded, always-comfy boat day, then this might not be your best match. For most people who want a fun, memorable sea day from Split, it’s an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon and 3 islands cruise from Split?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It departs from Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split (St. Nicholas Pier) and returns back to the same meeting point.

What islands are included in the day?

You visit Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon/Krknjasi Bay area, and Maslinica on Šolta Island.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch is served on board with a choice of beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with french fries. You also choose your lunch option at the meeting point.

Is wine included?

Yes. Wine is served on board, and some schedules include wine after lunch.

What should I bring for swimming or snorkeling?

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The tour includes swim opportunities at multiple stops, and some boats provide snorkeling masks with a deposit (the snorkel itself was not included in at least one report).

What happens if the weather is rough?

The captain can change the route or cancel the tour for safety. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.