Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands hopping with Lunch & Drinks

Split-to-sea day without the stress.

This cruise strings together three very different stretches of Dalmatia, from a calm beach bar on Čiovo to the famous turquoise waters near Drvenik, then a slower-paced stop in Maslinica on Šolta. You get multiple chances to swim, snorkel, and snack, with the whole day paced like a good vacation should be.

What I like most is the way the day starts easy: on the ride out of Split, you’re served coffee and fresh doughnuts, so you’re set up for the first views right away. I also love the food setup, because lunch comes as a real onboard meal (beef, tuna, or veggie burger) with unlimited water, juice, and wine around lunch and after, plus seasonal fruit to round it out.

One thing to keep in mind: the route and timing can change if the sea turns rough or weather shifts. Also, since the best time in the Blue Lagoon depends on conditions and boat handling, it’s worth having realistic expectations about how long you’ll get in the water at each spot.

Key points worth knowing

• Coffee and doughnuts early on to make the cruise feel like a proper start, not a waiting game
• Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo gives you a sheltered place to swim and snorkel, then just chill
• Blue Lagoon time with snorkel kit and paddle fun (goggles have a 10€ refundable deposit)
• Maslinica is the slow stop where you can stroll, take photos, and cool off with a swim
• Lunch plus drinks are built in (water, juice, wine with lunch and after) for strong value

From St. Nicholas Pier to Čiovo: start with coffee and sea views

Your day starts at Split Port, Obala Lazareta 1, at St. Nicholas Pier. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts, because that’s the easiest way to get on board without wasting time.

Once you’re underway, the cruise out of Split feels like part of the experience, not just transport. You’ll be on the water for about an hour before the first stop, with scenic views along the coast that help you settle into “vacation mode” fast. This is also when the crew serves the first sweet and caffeine hit: coffee plus fresh doughnuts, which is a smart touch because it keeps the morning comfortable even if you’re already hungry from travel or an early start.

If you’re the type who wants good views without rushing, this pacing works. You’re not sprinting between places; you’re cruising, snacking, and preparing for actual water time.

Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo: a sheltered swimming break that feels local

The first real break is at Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, which is plenty time to do the three things most people want on this kind of trip: swim, snorkel, and relax with minimal planning.

This bay is described as popular and sheltered, and you can feel why that matters. Sheltered water usually means easier swimming, less fuss getting in and out, and a calmer vibe if you just want to drift and enjoy the day. You can go straight into the water with your snorkel gear, or stay more “beach bar” and lounge with an easy, casual atmosphere.

Practical note: bring water shoes if you’re picky about footing. The tour’s general advice is to pack a towel and sunscreen, and that fits how this stop plays out. You’ll likely be in and out of the water, and you’ll appreciate not having to scramble for basics later.

Also, this is a good spot for your first photos. Even if you’re saving your “wow” shots for the lagoon, you’ll get plenty of color and light here because the water is clear and the bay setting is friendly for looking around.

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon on Drvenik: turquoise swimming time, snorkel kit, and real play options

Next comes the big-water moment: the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. The stop time is about 100 minutes, so it’s not just a quick dip. This is where you’ll want to spend your energy.

This lagoon area is known for bright turquoise water and excellent visibility, which is exactly what you want for snorkeling. If you’re bringing snorkel gear confidence, you’re in the right place. The trip includes snorkelling equipment, with goggles available through a 10€ refundable deposit. That’s not a random add-on, it’s a practical system, and it means you should factor a moment for deposit handling when you get set up.

There’s also optional fun beyond floating and swimming. The tour includes a stand-up paddleboard and inflatables, so if you’re traveling with someone who wants movement beyond snorkeling, this part helps the day feel more active.

One small reality check: the word Blue Lagoon can get people expecting a perfect postcard every second. In one account, the shipwreck in the area was not especially impressive, but the swimming and views were still worth it. Translation for you: the water matters more than any single object floating nearby.

If conditions are rough, your time here might be affected. The tour explicitly notes the route may change due to rough sea or weather, so keep your plans flexible in your head. You’re booking a sea day, and the Adriatic can be moody.

Maslinica on Šolta: a charming fishing village where you can actually slow down

After the lagoon, you’ll cruise onward to Maslinica on Šolta, with about 1.5 hours on site. Maslinica is described as Šolta’s most charming, authentic fishing village, and that’s the right expectation.

This is where the cruise turns from water-focused into village time. You’ll do a photo stop and then you’ll have free time to stroll around the stone houses and the marina area. You can also cool off with a swim if you still have energy after the lagoon.

A couple of highlights mentioned for this stop:

• Marchi castle and its park are included as an option, so you can pair sea time with a bit of walking and scenery
• You can simply wander, grab a coffee, and enjoy the slower rhythm without needing a plan

This stop is valuable because it breaks the pattern. Many boat tours feel like swimming stations with a stop tossed in between. Here, Maslinica gives you a different kind of satisfaction, more about place than activities.

Food and drinks value: doughnuts, lunch choices, wine, and fruit

This is one of the strongest parts of the tour’s value for your day. At $76 per person, you’re not just paying for access to stops. You’re paying for food, drinks, and practical water gear being included.

Early on, you get doughnuts and coffee. That might sound small, but it sets the tone. Later, lunch is served onboard with a choice: beef, tuna, or a veggie burger with French fries. There’s also unlimited water, juice, and wine, during and after lunch.

Two things matter for you:

1. Lunch being included means you’re not scrambling to find a meal at the exact moment you’re hungry. In hot coastal places, that saves energy.
2. The drink inclusion is part of the experience for people who want a celebratory day on the water without paying again and again.

That said, it’s worth knowing one practical downside people noted: there can be a wait for lunch if the kitchen setup is busy. One review mentioned longer lunch timing because there’s only one cook and a small fryer. So if you’re the type who gets hangry, plan for a little patience around the meal window.

The fruit at the end is also a nice finish. It turns the last stretch back toward Split into something lighter, not just a march back after a long day.

Snorkeling, paddleboard, and inflatables: included extras that change the day

This isn’t only a sightseeing cruise. It includes stand-up paddleboard, inflatables, and snorkelling equipment (with the refundable goggles deposit). Those add-ons matter because they shift the day from passive watching to hands-on water time.

If you want to snorkel seriously, the main thing to know is that you’re set up with basic equipment through the crew. You still have to be comfortable in open water, but you’re not paying for rentals. And if you’re new to snorkeling, Blue Lagoon visibility is exactly where you get your first good experience.

If you prefer a more playful approach, the paddleboard and inflatables help you enjoy the water even if snorkeling is not your thing. It also spreads activity across different comfort levels in a group, which is great if you’re traveling with friends or family where everyone wants something slightly different.

A good packing checklist also helps: the tour asks for warm clothing, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. Even if you’re mostly in a swimsuit, warm layers are smart because sea air can cool you down when you’re out of the sun or cruising between stops.

Timing, cruising gaps, and how to make the most of each stop

The day is structured around travel time between islands and activity blocks at each location. In total, it runs about 510 minutes, which is roughly 8.5 hours on the water.

That schedule means you’ll feel the rhythm:

• Cruising time out of Split to start the day
• A shorter, calm swimming and photo stop at Borkko
• A longer main water stop at Blue Lagoon
• A village stop where you can walk and decide how much swimming you still want
• Then the return cruise back to Split

Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Use your earlier stop at Borkko to test how you feel in the water. If you’re unsure, start slow.
• Save your energy for the Blue Lagoon stop, because that’s where the snorkeling conditions are best and you have time for paddleboarding too.
• At Maslinica, keep your walking light. The goal is to enjoy the village, not to turn it into a long hike.

Also remember the schedule can shift due to weather. That doesn’t mean the day is ruined. It means you’ll need to be flexible and let the crew’s adjustments guide you.

Who should book this Split Blue Lagoon and islands cruise

This cruise fits best if you want a complete day without heavy planning. It’s a strong option for:

• Couples who want swimming time plus a pretty village stop
• Families balancing relaxed cruising with enough activity to keep teens and adults interested
• Friends who like a mix of beach vibes and photo-worthy water

It’s also a good choice if you appreciate included basics: coffee and doughnuts, lunch options, fruit, and drinks. That combination reduces decision fatigue.

However, it’s not a great fit if mobility is limited, because the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. And if you only care about maximizing one single swimming spot, you might feel like time at each stop is controlled. The tour is built for variety, not for one-location perfection.

One more thought from real-world experiences: the boat swap or crowding can change how comfortable you feel on board. Some people reported the newer or smaller vessel felt cramped. That’s not something you can predict ahead of time, but if you’re sensitive to space, it’s worth considering.

Should you book this cruise?

Yes, you should book if you want a well-paced sea day that mixes swimming, snorkel time, and an authentic-feeling village with included food and drinks. The value is strong because lunch and drinks are part of the price, not a separate purchase after you’re already tired and hungry.

Skip it or look at alternatives if you:

• Need step-free access or wheelchair-friendly facilities (this one isn’t suitable)
• Are expecting a perfectly timed, guaranteed length of Blue Lagoon swimming regardless of sea conditions
• Hate the idea of waiting even a bit for lunch service during busy periods

If you’re flexible, pack smart, and treat it like a day at sea rather than a checklist, this tour is a very practical way to see why Dalmatia is so famous for its water and its islands.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You board at St. Nicholas Pier, Split Port (Obala Lazareta 1). Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 510 minutes, which is about 8.5 hours.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast includes doughnuts and coffee. Lunch includes a meal option, plus unlimited water, juice, and wine during and after lunch. Seasonal fruit is also included.

What lunch options can I choose?

At the meeting point, you choose one: beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with French fries.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, and goggles require a 10€ refundable deposit.

Are stand-up paddleboards and inflatables included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards and inflatables are included with the tour.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change due to bad weather or rough sea conditions.