Blue Lagoon & Islands Day Cruise from Split with Lunch

Three island stops, one easy sea day. This cruise gives you a pleasant way to leave Split behind and enjoy Dalmatia from the water, with swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and time in Maslinica. I especially like the three-part route and the friendly crew, with hosts such as Anja, Nana, Ivo, Marco, and Robert earning repeated praise. I also like that lunch, drinks, goggles, paddleboards, and inflatables are included in the $65 price.

The main consideration is that this is a social boat outing, not a quiet private sailing trip. The Blue Lagoon stop may feel less spectacular than its name suggests, dolphins are never guaranteed, and the route can change in rough weather. Still, if you want a relaxed day at sea without arranging island transport yourself, this is a strong-value choice.

Key points to know before you book

• Three different stops: Swim in Nečujam Bay, visit Maslinica on Šolta, then finish around Drvenik and the Blue Lagoon.
• Lunch is included: Choose a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger at the meeting point, with fries, wine, juice, and water.
• Good crew service: Anja, Nana, Ivo, Marco, and Robert are singled out for their warmth, clear instructions, and helpful attitude.
• Water activities are simple and casual: You get goggles, inflatables, and a stand-up paddleboard, with a €10 equipment deposit.
• The $65 price covers a lot: Cruise, food, drinks, crew, and basic water equipment are included, though sunbeds and beer depend on the option selected.
• Bring proper swim gear: A towel, sunscreen, water shoes, warm clothing, and a sun hat will make the day easier.

Leaving Split for a day on the Dalmatian sea

You meet the boat at St. Nicholas Pier in Split. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing shirts with the same logo. That simple identification detail matters at a busy waterfront, especially if several boats are loading at once.

Once aboard, the day becomes pleasantly straightforward. You cruise away from Split, sit in the sun or shade, and let the crew handle the route. The appeal is not a packed sightseeing schedule. It is the chance to spend a full day moving between clear swimming spots and small island places without worrying about ferries, taxis, or restaurant reservations.

You should expect an English-speaking captain and crew. Several crew members receive praise for being upbeat and clear, especially Anja, Nana, Ivo, Marco, and Robert. Anja is noted for explaining each stop and checking that people were doing fine, while Nana and Ivo are described as funny and friendly. That kind of attention can make a big difference on a boat day, where safety instructions and meeting times need to be easy to understand.

This is best approached as a shared outing with a relaxed, social mood. If you want complete control over your schedule, a private boat would suit you better. If you like meeting people and having the main details organized for you, the format works well.

Nečujam Bay: your first chance to swim and snorkel

The first stop is Nečujam Bay on Šolta. Here you can get into the clear water, swim around the boat, and use the provided goggles to look below the surface. The underwater interest centers on a shipwreck near the island, giving the stop more character than a simple swim in open water.

You should bring water shoes if you have them. They are listed as recommended equipment and are useful around rocky or uneven entry points. A towel is also essential, since the schedule moves on after the swim and you will not want to remain wet for the rest of the day.

The snorkeling equipment is basic rather than highly specialized. Goggles are provided, and there is a €10 deposit for the equipment. Ask the crew how the deposit is handled when you collect the gear, and keep the process in mind if you prefer to bring your own mask.

The shipwreck gives you something to look for, but do not expect a full guided snorkeling expedition. The main pleasure here is the combination of cool water, open views, and a little underwater exploration. If you are a strong snorkeler, you may want to bring your own equipment for a more comfortable fit. If you are a casual swimmer, the supplied goggles should cover the basics.

Lunch onboard, with a choice that suits most diets

After the first water stop, lunch is served onboard. You choose between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger at the meeting point, and each comes with french fries. Wine, juice, and water are included.

That meal arrangement is practical. You do not lose time looking for food onshore, and you can eat while the boat continues between stops. The menu is casual and familiar, which suits a day built around swimming rather than formal dining.

The food earns strong praise, with several people describing lunch as good or very good. One useful point is to make your menu choice before departure, since the selection is made at the meeting point. If you have a specific preference, decide before boarding rather than waiting until the meal is being served.

Beer is included only with certain booking options, and a sunbed is also dependent on the option selected. Check the exact package you choose instead of assuming those extras are part of the basic $65 fare. Wine, juice, and water are included as standard, which keeps the main cost fairly clear.

For the price, the meal adds real value. Buying lunch and drinks separately at island prices could quickly make a boat trip feel expensive. Here, you can eat, swim, and continue sightseeing without carrying much cash or planning another stop.

Maslinica on Šolta: a useful change of pace

The cruise then reaches Maslinica, a picturesque village on Šolta, sometimes called the Green Island. This is the most flexible stop of the day. You can swim again, snorkel, relax on the beach, have a coffee or ice cream, or stroll through the village.

I like this part of the route because it gives you a break from the boat. A full day spent only on deck and in the water can become repetitive, especially for families or anyone who wants a little time on solid ground. Maslinica gives you a chance to stretch your legs and choose your own pace.

You do not need to treat the village as a major sightseeing destination. Its value is its atmosphere and variety. You can keep things simple with a short walk, sit by the water, or stop for a cold drink. If you prefer swimming to exploring, the beach gives you that option too.

The amount of time at each stop is described as well judged, but the exact schedule is not provided. Listen carefully to the crew’s instructions and return to the meeting point on time. An organized boat cannot wait for a late coffee stop.

Maslinica also helps make this more than a basic swimming excursion. You get a glimpse of island life rather than seeing Šolta only from offshore. The visit is still brief, so do not expect a long independent tour of the island. Think of it as a pleasant village pause within a sea day.

Drvenik and the Blue Lagoon finale

The final stop is around Drvenik, commonly promoted as the Blue Lagoon. This is another chance to relax, swim, and enjoy wide views of the surrounding islands. The supplied inflatables and stand-up paddleboard give you a few ways to stay active without needing advanced skills.

The setting is the natural highlight: open water, island views, and a warm sea breeze. You can choose between joining the water activities and simply sitting back with a drink. The day does not require you to be an enthusiastic swimmer, although you will get the most from it if you enjoy being around the water.

Keep expectations sensible about the name. One person felt the last stop did not quite deserve the Blue Lagoon label, even though it was still fun and restful. That is a fair warning. The stop can be enjoyable without matching the most dramatic images used in advertisements.

The same applies to dolphin watching. You are encouraged to keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life during the cruise, but no sighting is guaranteed. Treat dolphins as a lucky extra, not a promised part of the schedule. The island views and time on the water are the dependable rewards.

What the $65 price really includes

At $65 per person, this cruise offers good value for a full day of organized island time. The fare includes the boat trip, lunch, wine, juice, water, an English-speaking captain and crew, goggles, inflatables, and a stand-up paddleboard.

The price is especially useful if you want to combine several small costs into one booking. You do not need to arrange transport to Nečujam, Maslinica, or Drvenik, and you do not need to find a restaurant during the day. Lunch and drinks remove much of the usual uncertainty from a boat excursion.

There are a few limits. The €10 snorkeling equipment deposit is extra, and beer depends on the option selected. A sunbed may also depend on the option you book. These are minor points, but they are worth checking before payment so the final package matches what you want.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and groups of friends who want a mixture of swimming and sightseeing. It is less compelling if you only want to reach the Blue Lagoon quickly, since the route includes several stops and a village visit. It is also not designed for wheelchair users.

Crew service makes the difference

A boat trip can be pleasant in good weather, but the crew often decides whether it feels smooth or chaotic. Here, the human side receives unusually strong praise. Anja is described as joyful, kind, and attentive, with clear explanations at every stop. Nana, Ivo, Marco, and Robert are also praised for being friendly and helpful.

You should expect instructions about where to swim, when to return, and how each stop works. That structure lets you relax rather than constantly wonder what happens next. It is particularly helpful for families with teenagers, who may want to swim while adults prefer a drink or village walk.

The crew’s good organization also supports the value of the trip. Included activities only matter if you know how and when to use them. Clear guidance about goggles, paddleboards, inflatables, lunch, and departure times keeps the day moving.

The tradeoff is that you are following a shared schedule. You cannot linger in Maslinica because you found a café you like, and you cannot extend a swim if sea conditions require a route change. The crew has to balance many people’s needs, so flexibility is limited.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack light, but do not forget the basics. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Water shoes
• Warm clothing for the ride back
• Any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer
• A small bag that can handle splashes

Warm clothing deserves special attention. The Dalmatian sun may feel strong during the afternoon, but wind on the return cruise can make you cold, especially after swimming. A light jacket or sweatshirt is a sensible addition.

Pets are not allowed, and the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. The route can change because of bad weather or rough seas, so keep some flexibility in your plans. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple way to see several Dalmatian coastal spots in one day. It suits people who enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, island views, and a little village time without needing a tightly planned independent itinerary.

Families can find a good balance here. One family described the mix of stops, food, crew, and water time as working well for parents and a teenage son. The onboard meal also means you do not have to negotiate lunch while trying to keep everyone together.

It is a good fit for first-time visitors to Split who want one easy day beyond the city. You get a taste of Šolta and Drvenik, plus the pleasure of being on the sea, without committing to a longer island stay.

You may want another option if you dislike group excursions, need a fully accessible boat, want a quiet sailing experience, or expect a dramatic, guaranteed Blue Lagoon scene. You should also choose another plan if dolphin sightings are your main goal. The crew will look, but nature sets the schedule.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want value, variety, and a friendly crew. For $65, you receive transport by boat, lunch, drinks, several swimming opportunities, a village stop, and basic water equipment. The route gives you enough variety to keep a sea day from feeling one-note.

Go in with realistic expectations. The Blue Lagoon name may sound grander than the final stop feels, dolphins may not appear, and bad weather can alter the route. Even so, the combination of Nečujam’s shipwreck area, Maslinica’s village break, and Drvenik’s open-water setting makes this a well-rounded choice from Split.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise 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 choices are available?

You can choose a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. French fries are served with the meal.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, juice, and water are included. Beer is included only with certain booking options.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Goggles are provided, along with inflatables and a stand-up paddleboard. A €10 deposit is required for snorkeling equipment.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Nečujam Bay, Maslinica on Šolta, and Drvenik, known as the Blue Lagoon area.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. You can swim and snorkel at Nečujam Bay, and you can also swim or snorkel during the Maslinica stop.

What should I bring?

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

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change because of bad weather or rough sea conditions.