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

A boat day in Croatia that still feels simple. I like how this cruise packages all-inclusive food and drinks with real swim time. I also like the rhythm of the day, three different water stops plus Maslinica for a relaxed walk. The main drawback to plan for is that lunch is solid but basic, and on some days it can arrive lukewarm.

This is the kind of trip where you show up, follow the crew’s lead, and spend your energy on sunscreen and wet hair, not logistics. If you’re staying near Bačvice, Riva, or Marjan, you might be able to catch the shuttle, but it is an extra cost. The onboard hosts often get high praise, with names like Nana and Marko popping up as standout guides.

Key things to know before you sail

• Three swim stops with gear available: goggles, inflatables, and SUPs are part of the water fun, with a small deposit for equipment.
• Lunch happens during the Blue Lagoon time: you do not lose the best swimming window to a long food break.
• Drinks are genuinely included: water, juice, coffee, a doughnut, plus wine with lunch.
• Maslinica is for strolling, not sightseeing marathons: think marina views and stone houses with time to wander.
• Arrive early for seating comfort: some people report limited seating at check-in, especially early in the day.
• Bring the right footwear: water shoes help for getting on and off the boat and exploring the shore areas.

Why this Split to Blue Lagoon cruise feels like a no-stress beach day

Split’s waterfront is lively, but this cruise is designed to pull you away from the city buzz fast. You spend the day moving through Dalmatia’s coastal scenery at an easy pace, with multiple chances to jump into clear water and rinse off the salt as you go.

The biggest value here is that it is truly “all-inclusive” in the way that matters during a sea day. You get coffee and a doughnut, water and juice throughout, and wine with lunch, plus lunch itself with a choice of beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger. At around $62 per person, that bundle is hard to beat if you would otherwise pay separately for boat time, food, and drinks.

The day is also paced for comfort. There are stretches of cruising time, but you are not stuck waiting forever between stops. Each destination has a practical goal, swim first, snack and reset second, stroll and enjoy the views third. That balance is a big reason the trip works for first-timers and families, not just hardcore beach people.

One more thing I appreciate is the “crew runs the day” approach. You get regular updates, clear instructions for what is next, and staff that keep the rhythm smooth. You still choose how active you want to be, but the schedule is handled for you.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

Let’s talk about the number, but also what is behind it.

You are paying for:

• A full day on the water (about 8 hours 30 minutes)
• Multiple swimming stops at Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik, and Maslinica on Šolta
• Lunch plus wine with lunch
• Coffee and a doughnut
• Water and juice all day
• Time to breathe at each stop, not just a quick photo and sprint

Where you might spend extra money elsewhere is not limited to food and drink. If you book similar boat time on your own, you usually end up paying for snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Here, the water activities are included up to the point of using equipment like snorkeling goggles, SUPs, and inflatables. There is a small €10 deposit for those water items, but it is clearly part of the experience rather than a surprise add-on.

The one “value trade-off” is lunch quality versus luxury. It is not gourmet, but it is filling. Some people note the burger can be pretty plain, or that it arrives lukewarm depending on conditions. If your expectations are high for food like a fine-dining meal, you may be disappointed. If you want a satisfying lunch you do not have to think about while you are on the move, it is fine.

Also consider that hotel pickup, when available, is an extra cost. If you are already near the port, you might skip the add-on and simply plan an easy walk or short taxi ride.

Getting to the boat: Split Port timing, meeting point, and what to bring

The trip starts at Split Port, St. Nicholas Pier. The meeting point address is Obala Lazareta 1. Check-in is at 8:30 am, and departure is typically 9:00 am.

Two seasonal notes matter:

• In April and October, departure is 9:30 am, and check-in is 9:00 am.

This is one of those tours where arriving on time really means arriving early. Some people report that seats can be limited at the beginning, and you may end up sitting on the floor or on hard benches until the group settles later. So if you want a comfortable start, get there with a little buffer.

You will recognize the Gray Line sign and staff with matching shirts. Bring a digital or printed voucher for check-in.

Pack smart for a sea day:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes

If weather or sea conditions turn rough, the provider can change the route or even cancel for safety. You are also not allowed pets on the tour.

And a practical heads-up: the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern, you’ll want to think ahead about boat steps and boarding.

Čiovo stop: your first swim, snorkel gear, and a calm bay reset

Your first meaningful pause is on the Čiovo area. You get around 1.5 hours there, with a mix of photo time, sightseeing, and water activities.

Čiovo works because it is a gentle entry to the day. You have already left the bustle of Split, and the crew gives you a clear window to settle in. This is where you can:

• Swim
• Try snorkeling
• Relax near the shoreline
• Use inflatables or a SUP if you want to take it slower

Even if you are not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy this stop. The onboard water toys help you float, take photos, and avoid feeling like you have to “perform” in the water.

Snorkeling gear is available, and the goggles have been a highlight for seeing underwater details at the swim stops. Even if you do not spot anything dramatic, just getting a good look at fish and sea life is usually part of the fun.

The only consideration here is temperature and wind. Late spring and early fall can feel sunny in the air but cooler on the water between swims, so keep an extra layer in your bag if you run cold.

The Blue Lagoon near Drvenik and Krknjaši: where the water turns unforgettable

This is the star stop for most people. You get about 100 minutes in the Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik, specifically the Krknjaši region.

This is where the turquoise look earns its reputation. It is also where you spend the most time doing exactly what you came for: swimming and snorkeling.

A key detail is that lunch and drinks are tied to this segment. During this stop, you will get lunch served onboard, along with wine with lunch. In addition, water and juice are available throughout the cruise, and coffee plus a doughnut are part of the day’s food rhythm.

So think of the Blue Lagoon as two experiences in one:

1. A long swim window with gear and float time
2. A reset with lunch and a glass of wine while you catch your breath

Shipwreck spotting and snorkeling tips

Some days include a shipwreck to see closely, and the crew provides goggles to help you find it. One practical tip: the wreck may be busy, so if you want a clearer view, go a bit earlier in the stop window or move away from the busiest moment.

If you plan to snorkel, do it when your energy is best, not when you are exhausted. The stop is long, so you do not have to rush.

A balanced note on food at the best moment

Because lunch is served during the best swim window, you get a convenient break. But food quality can vary a bit with boat timing and handling. People sometimes say:

• The burger can be plain
• The fries and burger may arrive lukewarm

That does not ruin the day, but it does explain why some people rate the food higher than others. My advice is simple: treat the lunch as part of the cruise convenience, not the main event. The real main event is the water time.

Maslinica on Šolta: stone houses, marina views, and time to wander

After the Blue Lagoon, you head to Maslinica on the island of Šolta. You get about 1.5 hours there, with time for a photo stop, visiting, and free time.

Maslinica is a nice change from the swim-heavy vibe. This is where you can:

• Walk around the waterfront
• Look at traditional stone houses
• Hang out near the marina
• Grab a coffee by the sea if you want something different

Some people love adding a quick browse of small shops in town, including handmade-style items and local goods. You might not find a giant shopping scene, but you will get that relaxed island feel.

And yes, you may still get one last swim opportunity here. Maslinica gives you the chance to close out the day with softer pacing.

The downside is that Maslinica is not designed for long “big sightseeing.” If you expect multiple major monuments or a deep museum-style visit, this stop will feel short. But if you want charm plus a few views plus a chance to stretch your legs, it is a great final act.

Onboard vibe: music, friendly hosts, and how the day feels in motion

Where this cruise really wins is how it feels once you are onboard.

Hosts like Nana and Marko are mentioned often, and the vibe tends to be upbeat and supportive. You get guidance for each stop, and staff help with the flow so you are not standing around wondering what to do next.

Music on the boat is part of the fun too. People talk about tunes playing throughout the day and even playful moments when the weather turned. That kind of atmosphere matters because a sea day can go either way with wind. When the crew keeps energy up, the trip stays light.

One more real-world detail: seating and comfort can vary. Some people mention hard benches, and a few report limited seating early in the day until everyone settles. If you are sensitive to comfort, plan to bring a small layer or cushion if you have one, and expect you might be standing or shifting your weight at times.

Also, the deck is where you’ll spend your time between swims. You will likely get the best views from the open air, so bring your sunglasses and get ready for the sun to bounce off the water.

Water activities included: SUPs, inflatables, snorkeling goggles, and the small deposit

This cruise is not just sit-and-sail. You have water toys available:

• Stand-up paddleboards
• Inflatables
• Snorkeling goggles

There is a €10 deposit for snorkeling equipment and some activity items. Plan on that so you are not caught off guard.

What I like about the setup is that you do not have to be an expert. SUPs are fun for beginners who want an easy glide, inflatables work for relaxing without effort, and goggles help you make the most of whatever you can see underwater.

If you do not want to snorkel, you can still enjoy the water stops by floating and swimming casually. This tour gives you options, which is exactly what you want on a day where weather can shift.

Timing and pacing: how the long day stays fun (instead of stressful)

This is a full-day cruise, about 510 minutes total, so yes, it is long. But the pacing keeps it from feeling like a grind.

The day flows like this:

• Morning departure from Split Port
• A scenic travel phase, then a first water stop at Čiovo
• Travel time again, then the main swim and lunch window at the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik
• A final arrival at Maslinica for a more relaxed walk and a last swim chance
• Return to Split

Between stops, wind and sea spray can make it feel cooler than you expect, even if it is sunny. Bring a light layer you can throw on between swims. It is the difference between feeling comfortable and feeling chilled while the boat moves.

Also, do not plan to overstuff your day with other activities right before. You will have sun, salt, and a little motion. A calmer morning helps you get the most out of the water time.

Should you book it: who this cruise is perfect for

I think you should book this tour if you want a classic Croatia day at sea with built-in food, drinks, and time to actually swim. It is especially good for:

• First-time visitors who want highlights without planning transportation
• Couples who want an easy itinerary and no restaurant decisions
• Families who can enjoy swimming in safe, supervised stop windows
• People who care more about water time than deep sightseeing

You might want to skip it if:

• You need wheelchair access
• You are very sensitive to hard seating or long time onboard
• You expect restaurant-grade lunch quality

If you are on the fence, here is my practical call: this cruise is at its best when you treat lunch as a convenient refuel and the water as the main event. If that matches your travel style, you will probably love how smoothly the day runs and how much time you get in the Adriatic.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from in Split?

It meets at Split Port, St. Nicholas Pier, with the meeting point address listed as Obala Lazareta 1.

What time should I arrive for check-in?

Check-in is at 8:30 am for the 9:00 am departure. In April and October, check-in is 9:00 am for a 9:30 am departure.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch is included with a choice of beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with French fries. Wine with lunch is also included.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes. Water and juice are available throughout the cruise, and coffee plus a doughnut are included. Wine is served with lunch.

What water activities are included, and is there a deposit?

Stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, and snorkeling goggles are available for water activities. There is a €10 deposit mentioned for using the snorkeling equipment.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.