Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Tour with Lunch & Hidden Bay

The draw here is a full day on the Adriatic for $76, with a Blue Lagoon swim, lunch on Čiovo and a final stop billed as an exclusive Hidden Bay. It is a beach-and-boat day, not a guided tour of island towns or local history.

I like the included lunch and drinks, which make the price easier to judge, and the chance to spend time at several swimming spots without arranging your own boat. The schedule also gives you a full afternoon by the water.

One caveat: the wooden ship and Hidden Bay promises may not match every departure. Some people have found a standard motorboat instead, and the secluded bay was not reached on some trips. Go for the sea and swimming, not for a guaranteed vessel or secret cove.

• The Blue Lagoon is the main swim stop, though boats and yachts can gather around the swimming area.
• Lunch is served at Borko Beach on Čiovo, with fish, chicken or vegetarian options. On some departures, the meal comes late in the day.
• Hidden Bay is a selling point, not a certainty. Ask whether the stop is planned for your date.
• The boat description deserves a check. The tour is promoted as a vintage wooden ship, but the vessel may be a regular motorboat.
• Food and drinks are included, but the choice and service can vary. Bring water as a backup if you prefer to have your own.
• Arrive 15 minutes early, and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and non-slip shoes.

A Split boat day built around swimming

This tour sets out from Split at 10:00 AM and is scheduled to return at about 6:00 PM. You spend the day moving among coastal swim stops, with a meal on Čiovo and time to relax on the boat or shore.

That simple format is the point. You do not need to plan separate transport to the Blue Lagoon or find a beach restaurant yourself. The fare includes the boat trip, lunch, wine after lunch, water and soft drinks, a morning croissant and snorkeling equipment.

The tour is described as a three-island trip, but the named stops are the Blue Lagoon, Borko Beach on Čiovo and Hidden Bay, also on Čiovo. Think of it as a day with several places to swim, rather than a detailed circuit of three distinct islands.

The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 57 ratings, a useful reminder to set expectations carefully. Some people have had a memorable day thanks to the scenery and crew; others found the boat crowded or the promised stops and inclusions inconsistent.

Blue Lagoon: turquoise water, with boats in the picture

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim and use the snorkeling equipment. The water and coastal setting are the main draw, and this is likely the stop to picture when deciding whether the trip suits you.

Keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon is popular. Boats and yachts may be gathered around the swimming area, so it can feel less secluded than its name suggests. If you want quiet water with no other boats in view, this may not be the right outing.

Snorkeling gear is included, but the equipment may be limited. On one departure, the gear provided consisted of masks without snorkels, and it was available only at the Blue Lagoon. If snorkeling is central to your plans, ask what equipment is supplied and consider bringing your own mask and snorkel.

The tour’s timing allows for a swim, but the information does not specify how long you stay at each stop. You will be given time limits on the day, so do not expect an open-ended beach visit.

Borko Beach: lunch on Čiovo, possibly late

The next named stop is Borko Beach on Čiovo Island. The plan is to eat here, with a choice of fresh fish, chicken or a vegetarian dish, prepared with local ingredients. After lunch, wine is served.

A meal and drinks included in the fare are practical advantages. A beach stop gives you a break from the boat, and the choice of dishes offers more flexibility than a single set meal. If you have dietary needs, tell the operator when booking so they can try to accommodate them.

The timing is worth noting. On at least one trip, lunch was served after 4:00 PM. That is a long wait if you usually eat at midday, so have breakfast before departure and consider bringing a small snack. The included croissant is described as an industrial, packaged-style pastry, not a fresh bakery breakfast.

The meal has been described as edible or good, but it is best to think of it as convenient tour food rather than a reason to book. The tour information does not promise a particular menu beyond the fish, chicken and vegetarian options, and food quality can vary.

Hidden Bay: the appealing promise that needs checking

The final stop is promoted as Hidden Bay, a secluded spot on Čiovo where you can swim or unwind away from the busiest waters. A quieter cove would be a fine way to finish the day, especially after a popular Blue Lagoon stop.

But this is the part of the plan with the biggest uncertainty. Some people on the tour did not see the bay at all, despite it being a key selling point. Conditions, timing or route changes may affect the stop, but the reason is not specified. Ask the operator before booking whether Hidden Bay is expected to be included on your departure.

The tour also does not promise a guided walk or a visit to a village. The emphasis is on swimming and relaxing, not sightseeing on land. If you want to explore island streets, learn about local history or spend several hours ashore, look for a different itinerary.

The boat and crew can shape the whole day

The experience is promoted as a trip on a historic wooden ship. That sounds appealing, but the vessel may not match the description: one departure used a regular motorboat instead. If the old-ship atmosphere matters to you, confirm the boat type before paying.

Comfort can be basic. One person found the boat cramped when it was full, with hard wooden benches. You are on board for much of an eight-hour outing, so a full boat and firm seating are worth considering if you need more space or back support.

The crew experience also seems to vary. On a particularly praised trip, hostess Josipa, sailor Šima and captain Andrej helped create a cheerful atmosphere. That is a lovely sign of what a good day can feel like, but staffing may change, and not every departure includes much commentary. Do not book expecting a narrated island tour.

Timing can slip, too. One trip left 30 minutes late while waiting for a family. Arrive at Stand number 2 at least 15 minutes before departure, and keep your schedule flexible later that day. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is $76 good value for this itinerary?

At $76 per person, this can be fair value if you want a full day on the water and expect to make use of the meal, drinks and swim stops. Booking a boat, finding transport and buying lunch separately would take more planning, while this fare bundles the main parts of the day.

The value depends on what you expect from the word all-inclusive. The listed inclusions are a croissant, lunch, wine after lunch, soft drinks and water, plus snorkeling equipment. Personal expenses and additional beverages are not covered. Reports of limited drink choices and service problems suggest you should not assume a wide bar menu or attentive table service.

The price is less compelling if the vintage vessel and secluded bay are the main reasons you are considering it. Those details are not equally reliable across departures. Ask direct questions about the boat, the Hidden Bay stop and snorkeling gear before you book.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours before departure is eligible for a full refund. Weather can cause route changes or cancellation, with alternatives offered if needed. The tour is in English and is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What to bring for eight hours by the water

Pack a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. Towels and sun protection are not provided, and you will want both for swimming and time in the sun. A camera is useful for the coastline, but keep it secure around water.

Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear for moving around the boat and walking on the islands. The information does not describe the shore surfaces in detail, so shoes you can manage when wet are a sensible choice.

If you rely on snorkeling, bring your own snorkel if you have one. The supplied gear may be limited to masks, and equipment may be handed out only at the Blue Lagoon. For a long gap before lunch, a small snack can help, especially if you are used to eating earlier.

Who should book this Split island trip?

I would consider this tour if you want an easy, social day of swimming and scenery, and you value having lunch and basic drinks included. It suits couples, friends and families who are happy to spend most of the day on a boat or at beaches, without needing a deep cultural program.

It is a weaker fit if you are sensitive to seasickness, want a quiet and uncrowded lagoon, need a roomy seat, or expect a polished guided tour. Party groups are not allowed. The tour’s quality depends in part on the vessel, the crew and whether the final cove is actually visited, so it pays to ask about those details before booking.

Book if the Blue Lagoon swim and convenient full-day format are your priorities. If the wooden ship or Hidden Bay is the deciding factor, confirm both first, or choose a tour with those details clearly guaranteed.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It is scheduled to run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, returning to the meeting point in Split.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Stand number 2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

What places does the tour visit?

The named stops are the Blue Lagoon, Borko Beach on Čiovo Island and Hidden Bay on Čiovo Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with fish, chicken or vegetarian options. Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking.

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are listed as available throughout the day, and wine is served after lunch. Additional beverages are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. The gear may be limited, so ask what is supplied for your departure if you need a snorkel.

Is the boat a vintage wooden ship?

The tour is described as a vintage wooden ship, but the vessel may differ. Confirm the boat type with the operator before booking if this matters to you.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, a camera and comfortable non-slip footwear.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.