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

A full day on Croatia’s clear water. This cruise makes island-hopping easy, with three swimming stops, a generous 8.5-hour schedule, lunch, wine, coffee, doughnuts, fruit, water, and juice all folded into the $62 price. I especially like the relaxed pacing and the chance to see both quiet coves and the small village of Maslinica.

The main catch is that the boat can feel busy in peak summer, and the benches are not made for luxury lounging. Wind can also make the ride chilly, even on a sunny day. Still, friendly hosts such as Nana, Marco, Sandra, and Ivana have helped make this one of Split’s better-value days on the sea.

Five things to know before you book

• Three very different stops: Swim near Čiovo, relax in the famous Blue Lagoon, then stroll through Maslinica on Šolta.
• Lunch is included: Choose a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, with French fries and wine.
• Water gear is available: Use snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards with a €10 deposit.
• The boat day is long but well paced: Sailing time is broken up by stops of about 90 to 100 minutes.
• Bring a warm layer: Open-water rides can feel cold once the boat picks up speed.
• Best for active, easygoing days: This suits swimmers, families, couples, and anyone who wants a simple island sampler rather than a private yacht trip.

Leaving Split at 9:00 for a full sea day

The meeting point is at Split Port, St. Nicholas Pier, Obala Lazareta 1. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts. Check-in is at 8:30 am, and the boat departs at 9:00. In April and October, the schedule shifts half an hour later, with check-in at 9:00 and departure at 9:30.

I would arrive early. One useful reason is practical: early arrivals have a better chance of finding a preferred seat. A June departure had enough people sitting on the floor once the boat filled, and the benches were described as hard and small. This is not a deal breaker for most people, since the day includes regular stops, but it is worth knowing before you picture a cushioned cruise chair.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise out of Split. It gives you time to settle in, watch the coast recede, and get a feel for the rhythm of the day. Coffee and a doughnut are served early, with drinks available during the journey. The mood is informal, with music and a social atmosphere rather than a quiet, narrated sightseeing trip.

You can also arrange hotel pickup from Split’s city center, Bačvice, Riva, or Marjan areas for an additional charge. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the tour. Enter your accommodation address when booking and wait for confirmation within 24 hours. This is useful if you do not want to find the port early in the morning, especially with children.

Čiovo brings the first swim and the shipwreck

After about an hour at sea, the boat reaches a bay on Čiovo for roughly 90 minutes. This is the first real chance to get into the water, try the snorkeling gear, or simply sit near the beach bar and enjoy the view.

The stop is especially appealing if you like a little variety. You are not asked to spend the entire time swimming. You can take photos, stay on the boat, use an inflatable, or try a stand-up paddleboard. The water activities give the stop more energy than a simple photo break.

A shipwreck near this area is one of the memorable features of the day. Goggles can help you look beneath the surface, and several people have found the wreck and surrounding fish to be a highlight. Conditions can change, though. Windy weather has caused the route to be altered, and the wreck may not always be visited or easy to see.

That flexibility matters in the Adriatic. The operator can change the route, boat, or full activity if rough seas or bad weather make the planned course unsafe. You should treat the wreck as a possible bonus, not the one reason to book.

The first stop also sets the pattern for the day: enough time to swim without feeling rushed, followed by a period of sailing. Bring water shoes if you have them. They are listed among the recommended items and are useful around rocky Croatian shorelines.

The Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop

From Čiovo, the cruise continues for about 30 minutes toward Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You get around 100 minutes here, making it the longest stop on the schedule.

The water is the star. The Blue Lagoon is made for floating, swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the bright coastal scenery. The boat supplies inflatables, goggles, and paddleboards, although the number of paddleboards is limited. If you want one, move quickly when the equipment becomes available, since the same boards may be popular throughout the stop.

Lunch is served during this part of the day. You choose your meal at the meeting point from three options:

• Beef burger with French fries
• Tuna burger with French fries
• Vegetarian burger with French fries

Wine is served with lunch, while water and juice are available during the cruise. A seasonal piece of fruit comes later on the return journey.

The food is best viewed as practical boat-trip fare, not restaurant dining. Some meals have been described as tasty and filling, while one beef burger arrived lukewarm and had little beyond the patty. The tuna and vegetarian choices have also been well received. If lunch quality is central to your holiday plans, keep your expectations sensible. If you want a hearty meal included in a day of swimming, the arrangement does the job.

There is one pacing detail worth noting. Lunch may be served before everyone is allowed to swim at this stop, and preparation can take time. That can feel frustrating when the Blue Lagoon is right outside and the water looks inviting. On the other hand, the meal gives you a proper break before the afternoon portion of the cruise.

Maslinica on Šolta slows the afternoon down

After about 25 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches Maslinica on Šolta. You have roughly 90 minutes here, enough for a short walk, a coffee by the water, photographs, or another swim.

Maslinica offers a welcome change from the open-water stops. Traditional stone houses line the small seaside village, and the marina gives you a pleasant place to wander. You can browse handmade jewelry stores, sit near the shore, or use the final swimming opportunity before returning to Split.

I like this stop because it keeps the tour from becoming three versions of the same beach break. The Blue Lagoon supplies the big swimming moment, while Maslinica gives you a touch of island life. It is not a long cultural visit, so do not expect a detailed walking tour or much time for serious sightseeing. Think of it as a compact village pause with water views.

If you have children, Maslinica can also be a useful change of pace. After several swims and a long boat ride, a short walk and a drink may be easier than another active water session. If you want to maximize swimming, stay near the shoreline and use the remaining time for one last dip.

The return to Split is part of the experience

The final cruise lasts about 80 minutes. That is a long stretch on the water, but it gives you open-sea views and a chance to rest after the stops. Seasonal fruit is served along the way, adding a light finish after lunch.

This is also when the value of a warm layer becomes clear. Even in bright weather, wind across the boat can feel surprisingly cold during longer crossings. One person specifically advised bringing a jumper or coat, and I agree with that practical tip. Pack the layer in your day bag rather than leaving it buried under a towel.

The boat returns to Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. Since the total duration is listed as 510 minutes, plan to give the entire day to the trip. This is not an activity to squeeze between a morning museum visit and an evening reservation.

What the $62 price really includes

At $62 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the inclusions. You are paying for the cruise, three stops, lunch, wine, water, juice, coffee, a doughnut, seasonal fruit, and access to water equipment with a refundable-style €10 deposit arrangement for goggles and similar gear.

A day built independently could quickly add up. Transport to island beaches, meals, drinks, and water equipment would each cost extra. Here, you pay once and spend the day moving between the stops without arranging ferries or finding separate restaurants.

The value is not about luxury. Seating can be basic, the boat may be full in summer, and the lunch is simple. The value comes from convenience and coverage. You see Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon, and Šolta in one day, with enough time at each stop to do more than take a quick photograph.

Some drinks are included, but do not assume every soft drink is available. Water and juice are specifically provided, along with wine at lunch. If you want a particular soda or specialty drink, bring your own only if permitted, or check the current arrangements before departure.

The hosts make a real difference

The strongest part of the experience is the crew. Nana receives repeated praise for being warm, attentive, and fun, while Marco is noted for clear instructions and upbeat energy. Sandra, Ivana, Lana, and Anja have also been singled out for keeping people informed and cared for.

That matters on a boat day with several moving parts. You need to know when to return to the boat, how to use the equipment, where to meet after a village visit, and what happens if the weather changes. Regular updates make the long schedule feel easier to follow.

Music is part of the atmosphere too. This is not a silent nature cruise. The tone is sociable and cheerful, with music playing onboard and crew members willing to keep the mood light. During one rainy spell, the crew even turned the weather into a joke with a song. If you prefer quiet sailing, bring that expectation down a notch.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see several island locations without managing ferries, beach transfers, and lunch plans. It works particularly well for families with children, couples who want a simple day at sea, and solo visitors who enjoy an easygoing group setting.

It also suits strong swimmers and casual swimmers alike. You can choose between the water, the boat, a float, a paddleboard, or a walk in Maslinica. The equipment adds choice, though the small number of paddleboards means you may need to share.

This is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, want a private or quiet boat, or expect a polished restaurant meal. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. Late arrivals and no-shows do not receive a refund, so arriving at the checkpoint 30 minutes before departure is important.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, and pack a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, water shoes, and a warm layer. Keep your voucher on your phone or in printed form for check-in. If you need to cancel, full refunds are available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized, active day with three chances to swim, simple food, friendly hosts, and no need to plan each island stop yourself. The $62 price is especially fair when you use the included drinks, lunch, and equipment.

Skip it if you want spacious seating, a quiet yacht, or gourmet food. For most people, though, the mix of the Blue Lagoon, the possible Čiovo shipwreck, and the stone village of Maslinica delivers a satisfying taste of the Dalmatian coast in one long day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Split Port at St. Nicholas Pier, Obala Lazareta 1. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing shirts with the same sign.

What time should I arrive?

For the regular 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.

Which stops are included?

The cruise stops at Čiovo, Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica village on the island of Šolta. Swimming is available at all three locations.

What lunch choices are available?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available for water activities with a €10 deposit. Paddleboards are limited in number.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and water shoes. A warm jumper or light coat is also useful for windy periods during the longer boat rides.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Late arrivals and no-shows for the booked day trip are not eligible for a refund.