From Split: Blue Lagoon & Underwater Museum (Lunch & drinks)

Crystal water beats the usual Split crowds. This full-day boat outing strings together Blue Lagoon snorkeling and Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum, with a real lunch stop in between, so it feels like more than just transport between pretty places.

I especially love the fresh lunch on board with domestic red and white wine, and I also like that snorkeling is set up for you with included gear and shallow water access. One important consideration: if you get seasick easily, this is a lot of time on the water, so it may not be the best match.

Key things you will notice

• Shallow snorkeling, no experience needed with water around 4-5m where you can float and look for sculptures.
• Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum at Uvala Jelinak, with over 50 life-size sculptures.
• Big swim breaks at Fumija Bay and the Blue Lagoon, plus extra resort time to relax between water moments.
• Lunch plus drinks included on board, including domestic wine during lunch, plus unlimited lemon juice and water.
• Free resort beach setup like sunbeds and umbrellas, plus beach bar access at the underwater museum stop.
• DJ music on the return and a more fun, party-leaning feel for the trip back toward Split.

Split to Fumija Bay: the day starts with calm water time

The meeting point is simple if you know where to look. Head to the middle of Split’s Riva promenade, at Mletački mul. Once you’re on board, the day shifts from city mode to sea mode fast.

The first cruising stretch gives you time to settle in and get your basics handled: towel, sunscreen, swimwear, camera ready. There’s no sense in rushing here. The tour is built around comfort and short breaks that add up, rather than one long, nonstop grind.

Fumija Bay is the first mood shift, and it matters. This is described as a peaceful cove with untouched nature, and that shows in how you can actually slow down. You get time to swim, sunbathe, and just watch the water. If you’re the type who likes to ease into the day instead of jumping straight into a crowded hotspot, this early calm stop is a big plus.

One practical note: the tour runs a full day, so if you want the best comfort later, you’ll do yourself a favor by putting on sunscreen before you’re out there for hours. You’ll be in the sun, and you’ll be in the water.

On-board lunch with wine: one of the best parts for value

Many boat tours sell you the sea and treat food as an afterthought. This one does better. Lunch is freshly prepared on board and served while you’re relaxing. Domestic red and white wine is included during lunch, and lemon juice plus water are unlimited for the whole day.

This is where the value math starts to make sense. At $70 per person, you’re not only paying for the swims and museum access. You’re also paying for a full-day meal setup. Since snacks, soda/pop, and ice cream are not included, the lunch and included drinks help you avoid spending extra money during the day when you might otherwise be tempted.

The vibe on board, based on past experiences from other guests, tends to be relaxed. People often mention friendly crew and an easy atmosphere. That matters more than you might think. When staff keep the flow smooth, it saves you time and stress, especially when everyone is switching between swim calls, reboarding, and gearing up for snorkeling.

If you’re planning what to bring, think simple: swimsuit, towel, camera, and sunscreen. If you like photos, bring a camera you can keep dry between swims.

Blue Lagoon: your main snorkeling playground near Split

After the first set-up and the Fumija Bay time, you’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, which is one of the best-known snorkeling spots close to Split. The water color is what brings people in, but the real draw is what you can see once you’re floating at the right depth.

You do not need diving skills. Snorkeling gear is included, and the key detail for first-timers is that the water stays shallow, around 4-5m below the surface. That means you can snorkel without feeling like you’re committing to anything deep or technical. You can just slip in, breathe normally, and look for life in the water.

This is also where the tour works for different comfort levels. You can be a confident swimmer and chase views, or you can take it slow and do casual snorkel sessions. The tour gives you a dedicated chunk of time here, not just a quick stop.

A small gear heads-up: snorkeling gear is included, but fins are not. There’s also a 10€ refundable deposit tied to the snorkeling gear. If you already own fins and prefer your own fit, you might consider bringing them, but if not, you can rent fins for an extra fee.

Also remember the tour notes say this isn’t meant for alcohol-heavy partying. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and that keeps the water time safer and easier for everyone.

Drvenik Veli sightseeing cruise: the in-between moments are part of the trip

There are cruising stretches between swim zones, including a stop that references Drvenik Veli. Even though these parts can feel like downtime, they’re part of how the day stays comfortable.

This is when you’ll likely feel the rhythm of the tour. Staff call you when it’s time to move. You cool off, watch the coast, and get ready for the next water break. If you’re prone to boredom, you might want something simple to do between stops like a book, music playlist, or just watching the coastline slide by.

You’ll also get a sense of the geography around Split and the nearby bays. It’s the kind of day where the scenery helps you understand why these snorkeling stops are popular, even if you haven’t studied Croatia’s coastline.

Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum at Uvala Jelinak

The star stop is Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum, located in a tranquil bay near Trogir, at Uvala Jelinak. This is the point where the tour becomes more than a swim day and turns into an experience you’ll remember.

Here’s what you’ll find once you enter the water just a few meters down. You’ll see over 50 life-size sculptures, including an 8-meter statue and a sunken airplane. And again, you do not need to dive. The snorkeling depth is shallow enough for normal snorkeling gear to work.

This is also where free time matters. You’re not rushed through. After stepping off the boat, you have full access to the resort area, including a beach bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas. The description emphasizes a quiet beach feel without nearby house noise, which makes a big difference when you’re coming off snorkel time.

So you can do a sensible pattern:

1) Swim or snorkel to look at the sculptures

2) Take a break on the resort beach

3) Go back in for another pass if you want

Because the sculptures are life-size and spread out, it helps to slow down. If you try to race through everything in one go, you’ll miss the details. If you take a second loop, you’ll start noticing how the placement changes your point of view underwater.

And if you’re traveling with someone who isn’t as into snorkeling, this stop still works because you can rest on the resort beach and use the beach bar between water sessions.

Resort time and aqua park access: a practical break from swimming

In addition to the museum resort access, the inclusions mention access to parts of an aqua park on the third stop. That detail matters if you want more variety than just swim, snorkel, and sit.

I’d treat this as a bonus rather than a core reason to book. The tour’s heart is the sea and the underwater museum. But if your group wants something extra during the day, it’s good to know the option exists.

The main idea is pacing. The tour doesn’t ask you to be in the water constantly. It gives you time to recover, which makes it easier for non-daily swimmers to enjoy themselves.

Return to Split with drinks and DJ music

On the ride back toward Split, the mood shifts into relaxation again. You can enjoy a drink while taking in coastal views. DJ music is also mentioned for the return, which adds energy without needing you to do anything except sit back and enjoy the ride.

This is one reason the tour tends to feel like a full-day event rather than a series of disconnected stops. The return is built like a payoff. If you’ve spent the earlier hours in the water, it’s a nice break to simply coast along, dry off, and cool down.

Price and what you really get for $70

At about $70 per person, this tour packs in several things that would otherwise cost extra if you tried to piece them together:

• Boat transport from Split out to multiple bays
• Entrance ticket access at the underwater museum resort area
• Lunch on board with domestic red and white wine during the meal
• Unlimited lemon juice and water
• Snorkeling gear included (with a 10€ refundable deposit)
• Resort beach setup like sunbeds and umbrellas at the museum stop
• Beach bar access

The items not included help you plan ahead. You should budget for fins if you want them, because they’re not included. Snacks are also not included, and strong beverages plus soda/pop and ice cream are not included either.

If you’re trying to choose between doing the underwater museum alone and a multi-stop boat day, the math often favors this kind of tour because the museum stop is easier when someone else handles the transport and timing. You’re basically paying for convenience and full-day structure.

For families or mixed-experience groups, the shallow snorkeling design reduces stress. For experienced snorkelers, the Blue Lagoon stop plus the museum sculptures offer enough variety to keep it interesting.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is a good match if you:

• Want a full-day sea plan that includes both swimming and a unique snorkeling-based attraction
• Like the idea of a proper on-board lunch with drinks rather than a small snack
• Are comfortable swimming and snorkeling in shallow water

It’s not a good match if you:

• Are prone to seasickness, because you will be out on the water for a long stretch
• Want a purely quiet nature day with no music, since DJ music is part of the return experience

Also, if you’re a first-time snorkeler, this can be less intimidating than other snorkeling tours because the water depth is described as shallow and the gear is included.

Tips to get the most out of your day

A few practical moves will make the difference between a good day and a great one.

• Put on sunscreen early. You will be in and out of the sun and water.
• Bring a towel and a camera you can manage between swim calls.
• If you hate feeling cold in shade, consider a light cover-up for breaks between water sessions.
• If you want better photos underwater, clean your lens and manage your settings before you get in the water.

Finally, keep your expectations realistic. This is snorkeling, not diving. The experience is designed for gentle exploration, not technical underwater work. That’s part of the charm.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon and underwater museum tour?

If you want a single, well-paced day from Split that combines the famous snorkeling water near the city with Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum, this is a strong option. The best reasons to book are the included lunch with wine, the shallow snorkeling setup with gear, and the fact that you get real resort time at Uvala Jelinak, not just a rushed museum pass.

Skip it only if seasickness is an issue for you or if you prefer very quiet, no-frills outings. Otherwise, it’s exactly the kind of coastal day that fits well in a short visit to Dalmatia.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 510 minutes, so it’s a full-day outing.

Where does the tour start in Split?

You meet at the middle of the Split Riva promenade at Mletački mul (as shown on Google Maps).

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and there is a 10€ refundable deposit. Life jackets are also included.

Do I need diving experience for the underwater museum?

No diving experience is needed. Snorkeling is described as shallow, around 4-5m depth, and snorkeling gear is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared on board, and domestic red and white wine is included during lunch. Lemon juice and water are unlimited during the whole day.

Are sunbeds and umbrellas included?

Yes. The museum stop includes entry to the whole resort area with sunbeds and umbrellas, plus beach bar access.

Are fins included?

No. Fins are not included, though fins may be available for rent.

What drinks are included besides lunch?

Lemon juice and water are unlimited all day. The tour also includes drinks during lunch, and there is beach bar access at the resort. Strong beverages and soda/pop are not included.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.