Blue Lagoon & Islands Day Cruise from Split with Lunch

From Split, this cruise trades city streets for a day of sea air, island stops and swims in clear Dalmatian water. You’ll visit Nečujam Bay, Maslinica on Šolta and Drvenik, with lunch served onboard between stops.

I like the mix of time in the water and time ashore, and I like that lunch and several drinks are included in the $65 price. One consideration: the Blue Lagoon name can raise expectations, but the water and conditions can vary, and the last stop may feel more like a pleasant swim break than a dramatic natural wonder.

At a glance

• Nečujam Bay: Swim and snorkel near a shipwreck off Šolta.
• Lunch onboard: Choose a beef, tuna or vegetarian burger with fries.
• Maslinica: Spend time swimming, relaxing on the beach or strolling through the village.
• Drvenik stop: Finish with time to swim and take in island views at the Blue Lagoon.
• Useful extras: Snorkeling goggles, a stand-up paddleboard and inflatables are available; goggles require a €10 deposit.
• Crew: English-speaking hosts include Anja, Nana, Marco, Ivo and Robert, depending on the departure.

Nečujam Bay: A swim with a shipwreck nearby

After boarding at St. Nicholas Pier in Split, you head out to Nečujam Bay on Šolta. The first stop sets the tone: get into the water, cool off and use the snorkeling goggles to look around the area near a shipwreck. It gives the swim a point of interest beyond simply floating beside the boat.

Bring water shoes if you have them. They are on the recommended packing list, and they can make getting in and out of the water more comfortable. You’ll also want a towel and swimwear ready to hand, rather than buried under your other belongings.

The snorkeling gear is provided, but there is a €10 deposit for it. That is worth remembering when you plan what to bring to the pier. A stand-up paddleboard and inflatables are also included, adding options for anyone who wants a break from swimming.

The stop is a chance to spend time in the sea, not a guided marine-life lesson. If you’re expecting a detailed wreck exploration or a formal snorkeling tour, this may not be the right fit. The appeal is simpler: clear water, time to swim and an unusual underwater feature to look for.

Lunch onboard: A practical pause between swims

After the first swim, lunch is served aboard the boat. You choose from a beef, tuna or vegetarian burger, with french fries. The meal is straightforward, which is a sensible match for a day spent moving between islands and swimming stops.

Choose your lunch option at the meeting point, before the cruise gets underway. If you have a strong preference, make that decision early rather than assuming you can sort it out later. The vegetarian choice is specifically listed, but no other dietary options are given, so ask the operator before booking if you need something beyond the three choices.

Wine, juice and water are included. Beer is included only with some booking options, as is a sunbed, so check what your selected price covers rather than assuming these extras come with every ticket. That distinction matters when comparing options: the basic value is the cruise, lunch and listed drinks, while a sunbed or beer may depend on the package you choose.

The crew is a key part of the day’s comfort. Hosts such as Anja, Nana, Marco, Ivo and Robert have been singled out for being friendly, helpful and clear about what happens at each stop. Their instructions matter on a boat trip with several swim breaks, where you need to know when to return and what to expect next.

Maslinica on Šolta: Choose a village stroll or a beach break

The next stop is Maslinica, a village on Šolta that gives the day a change of pace. Here, you can swim or snorkel again, relax on the beach, have a coffee or ice cream, or take a walk through the village. That choice makes this the most flexible stop on the route.

If you’ve had enough salt water, use the time ashore to stretch your legs and see a little of island life. If you’re happiest by the sea, there is no need to turn a short stop into a sightseeing mission. Find a place to sit, cool off or enjoy a beach break before boarding again.

This isn’t a long island visit built around a guided village tour. The main value is having time to choose your own pace. You can explore a little, or do very little at all. That can suit families and mixed groups especially well, since not everyone needs to spend every stop in the same way.

Keep an eye on the time and follow the crew’s instructions about returning to the boat. With several stops in one outing, the day works best when you enjoy each pause without losing track of the schedule.

Drvenik’s Blue Lagoon: A final swim, with realistic expectations

The cruise finishes at Drvenik, the stop marketed as the Blue Lagoon. You can swim, relax and take in panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Keep watch for dolphins and other marine life while sailing, too, but treat a sighting as a possibility rather than a promise.

The name Blue Lagoon can suggest a very specific shade of water or a secluded natural pool. Conditions and appearances vary, and one person may find the stop less striking than the name implies. I’d approach it as a final chance to enjoy the sea and island scenery, not as a guaranteed postcard moment.

That expectation makes a difference. If you want a day of swimming, views and several different stops, this last pause fits neatly into the itinerary. If the Blue Lagoon itself is the only reason you’re booking, be prepared for a more ordinary swim spot on the day.

The route can also change in bad weather or rough seas. That is a practical safety measure, but it means the order or character of the day may not be fixed. Keep your plans flexible, especially if the cruise is a highlight of a tightly scheduled visit.

What the $65 price includes, and what to check

At $65 per person, the appeal is the combination of transport between several stops, lunch, drinks and water activities. You don’t need to arrange separate boat transport to Nečujam Bay, Maslinica and Drvenik, then find a meal between swims. Having lunch onboard also keeps the outing moving.

The included items are a cruise, a burger and fries, wine, juice and water, snorkeling goggles, a stand-up paddleboard and inflatables. The English-speaking captain and crew are part of the experience, and the stops give you a mix of swimming and time ashore rather than a full day spent only on the boat.

Check the option you select for two possible extras: a sunbed and beer. Neither is included in every option. Also account for the €10 snorkeling-equipment deposit. The supplied details do not state whether the deposit is returned, so ask the crew about the terms when you collect the goggles.

The cruise is well suited to people who want an active but relaxed day without planning each leg themselves. You can swim, eat, walk around Maslinica or simply sit back between stops. The balance also works for families with older children or teenagers, though every person in the group should be comfortable getting on and off a boat and spending time around the water.

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. Pack a sun hat and sunscreen, along with warm clothing for the boat ride. Even under summer sun, a breeze on the water can feel cooler than the shore.

Boarding in Split and preparing for the day

The meeting point is St. Nicholas Pier. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing shirts with the same sign. The cruise returns to the meeting point at the end, which keeps the day straightforward if you’re staying in Split.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat and water shoes. Warm clothing is also recommended. It’s sensible to keep the essentials easy to reach, since the first stop is for swimming and you’ll want to change or dry off between water and village time.

The day is in English, with an English-speaking captain and crew. Their practical explanations help you follow the transitions between stops. Hosts named Anja, Nana, Marco, Ivo and Robert have been praised for being friendly and organized, though the crew can vary from one departure to another.

You can reserve and pay later, which may help if you want to hold a place while keeping plans flexible. The stated cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Weather and sea conditions can still affect the route, so don’t build a tight connection around the exact order of stops.

Is this Split island cruise right for you?

Book this cruise if you want a full sea day that combines several swims, a small island village, lunch and time to relax. At $65, the included meal, drinks and water gear make the price reasonable for an outing that would take effort to organize independently. The friendly, helpful crew is another plus, particularly if you value clear instructions and a smooth-running day.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, want a guaranteed dolphin sighting or expect a long guided visit in Maslinica. And if the Blue Lagoon name is your main draw, keep expectations measured. For a flexible day with swimming, island scenery and a practical lunch already covered, it’s a good fit.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at St. Nicholas Pier in Split and returns to the same meeting point. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts.

What lunch can I choose?

You can choose a beef, tuna or vegetarian burger with french fries. You select your lunch option at the meeting point.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, juice and water are included. Beer is included with some options, so check the details of the option you select.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling goggles are provided, with a €10 deposit required for the equipment. A stand-up paddleboard and inflatables are also included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes.

Can the route change, and what are the cancellation terms?

The route may change because of bad weather or rough seas. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.