From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Beautiful water, easy island hopping, and one long day. This nine-hour cruise links Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Šolta island without making you arrange separate boats or meals. I like the generous drink service and the friendly, helpful crew, while the chance to swim near the sunken Kontessa gives the day a bit of adventure. The main drawback is that timing, food, equipment, and even the advertised water slide may not always match the plan.

I also like the early view of Čiovo’s south shore, especially the old Gospe od Prizidinice church. Trogir gets only one hour, so you can see its highlights but not really settle into the town. The boat’s random seating can be awkward for couples or families, and you may need to swim from the boat to reach some attractions.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: You get a historic town, a swimming area, and a quieter bay near a shipwreck in one day.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Morning coffee and a croissant come first, followed by a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch, though food quality can vary.
• Drinks are available throughout the cruise: Water, wine, and homemade iced tea are included, with fresh fruit served on the return.
• Trogir is a quick visit: The scheduled stop lasts one hour, enough for a brisk walk but short for a full exploration.
• Snorkeling equipment requires a €10 deposit: Supplies are offered, but there may not be complete equipment for everyone.
• The meeting point is easy to miss: Look for the Bura Travel flag at Gat sv. Nikole, berth 6A or 6B in Split.

The day begins beside Split’s harbor

This cruise gives you a full day on the water for $91 per person. That price includes breakfast, lunch, water, wine, homemade iced tea, fruit, WiFi, snorkeling equipment use, and the onboard water slide when operating. For a full-day outing, it is a fair package, but the value depends on how closely the actual service follows the advertised plan.

You board in Split between 9:00 and 9:15 at Gat sv. Nikole, berth 6A or 6B. Look for the Bura Travel flag. There is also an earlier boarding option in Slatine, at about 8:00 to 8:30, with a return there around 7:00 in the evening.

The seating order is random. That detail matters more than it might sound. If you are traveling with a group, you may need to swap places after boarding so everyone can sit together. I would arrive early, keep your expectations flexible, and avoid treating the seating arrangement as part of the booking.

The operator lists English as the tour language and provides an English-speaking host or greeter. The experience provider is identified as Dubrovnik Local Guide, while the Split departure point uses the Bura Travel flag, so check the name on your booking and the flag at the dock before you board.

A gentle cruise past Čiovo and Gospe od Prizidinice

The first stretch takes you along the south side of Čiovo. This is a pleasant way to begin because you see more than open water and engine wake. The route passes the Gospe od Prizidinice church, described as one of the oldest churches on the island.

You will not be stopping there, so think of it as a passing view rather than a visit. Still, it gives the morning a sense of place and reminds you that Dalmatia is dotted with small religious buildings and coastal settlements, not just famous beaches.

Breakfast is served during this part of the cruise. The planned offering is coffee or tea with a croissant. One important caution: the croissant may be the whole breakfast, and service of coffee or tea has not always been dependable. If you need a substantial morning meal, eat before boarding or bring something small with you.

The boat then continues toward Trogir, with arrival scheduled for about 11:00. The journey gives you time to settle in, take photos, and enjoy the views without rushing from one activity to the next.

One hour in UNESCO-listed Trogir

Trogir is the cultural heart of the day. Its compact old town sits on a small island and is known for medieval streets, stone buildings, churches, and defensive walls. You get one hour here, from 11:00 to 12:00.

That is enough time for a focused walk. I would head toward Kamerlengo Tower or St. Lawrence Cathedral, depending on whether you prefer fortifications or architecture. You can also look for the Three of Love and the Kairos relief, two small details that reward a little attention away from the main route.

The short stop is both useful and frustrating. You get a taste of Trogir without having to give up the swimming portions of the trip, but one hour leaves little room for museum visits, a relaxed coffee, or a careful walk through every lane.

If Trogir is your main reason for coming to Dalmatia, this is not enough time. If you want a quick introduction before returning to the coast, it works well. Use your hour carefully, and do not spend the first fifteen minutes wandering without a plan.

The boat departs at noon for the Blue Lagoon. Lunch is served during the 45-minute journey, which saves time and keeps the day moving.

Lunch on the way to the Blue Lagoon

The included lunch is one of the main reasons the $91 price can make sense. You can choose from fish, meat, or vegetarian food, followed by fruit later in the day. The planned choices offer more flexibility than a single fixed meal.

Food quality appears uneven. Fish risotto has been particularly well received, while other meals have been described as basic, including pasta rather than a more substantial fish or meat dish. I would treat lunch as practical boat food, not as a special Dalmatian meal.

Drinks are a stronger part of the package. Water, wine, and homemade iced tea are included during the day, and the supply is generally plentiful. Additional drinks and food offered onboard cost extra, so ask what is included before ordering anything beyond the set service.

The crew is often praised for being polite, friendly, and ready to help. That matters on a long boat day, especially when the schedule changes or passengers need help with equipment and seating. Service can soften some of the rough edges in a package that does not always run precisely.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop, scheduled from about 1:00 to 3:00. The name sounds grander than the setting may feel. This is a popular sea area rather than a private lagoon, and the boat may anchor some distance from the most appealing swimming spots.

You can swim, sunbathe, and use snorkeling equipment during the two-hour stop. The boat also advertises an onboard water slide. That feature may not operate on every departure, and an inflatable setup may be used instead. If the slide is a major reason for booking, consider it a bonus rather than a guarantee.

The swimming time is generous by day-cruise standards. You do not have to choose between a quick dip and a few minutes on deck. Two hours lets you swim, dry off, take photos, and enjoy the boat without feeling that the captain is calling you back immediately.

There are practical limits. The snorkeling equipment may not be complete or sufficient for everyone at once, and a €10 safety deposit is required to use it. You may also need to swim from the boat to reach the attractions, so this stop is better suited to confident swimmers.

The Blue Lagoon is the most praised part of the outing, and it is easy to understand why. The water, open views, and long swim break provide the simple pleasure most people want from a Croatian boat trip. Just keep your expectations realistic: you are sharing a popular stop, not visiting an untouched cove.

Šolta’s Nečujam Bay and the Kontessa wreck

The final stop is Nečujam Bay on Šolta island. The boat moors near the sunken ship Kontessa, giving you another chance to snorkel and explore around a wreck for about one hour, from 4:00 to 5:00.

This stop sounds more dramatic than it is. The wreck can be interesting to inspect from the water, but it may disappoint if you imagine a large, clearly preserved shipwreck site. The boat’s position also matters. You may be close enough to see it while snorkeling, yet still far from other points of interest.

Nečujam is a good contrast to the Blue Lagoon. After a busy swimming area, the bay offers a quieter setting and a different kind of water activity. If you enjoy looking beneath the surface and do not need a polished attraction, the Kontessa stop adds variety.

The snorkeling conditions are not guaranteed to suit everyone. Equipment limitations remain, and you must be comfortable getting into the water from the boat. The excursion is not suitable for every level of mobility or swimming ability because the boat may stop away from the attractions.

A small extra at this stage is licorice tasting. It is an unusual touch and gives the stop a local-food angle, although it will not turn the wreck into a major attraction.

Fresh fruit and the ride back to Split

The return journey begins around 5:15, with arrival in Split scheduled for 6:30. Fresh fruit is served onboard, with watermelon noted as a generous and refreshing afternoon snack. After a day in the sun, this simple service can be more welcome than another heavy meal.

The full schedule aims to return to Split at 6:30 and Slatine at 7:00. Do not make a tight evening reservation immediately afterward. The captain may change the route or timing because of weather and sea conditions, and one departure finished about an hour earlier than planned.

The schedule can also vary between stops. Some passengers may find that the boat spends more or less time at particular places than advertised. That flexibility is normal for a sea excursion, but it means you should book this as a relaxed day rather than a precisely timed transport service.

Music, drinks, open water, and a long ride back give the afternoon a social feel. If you want a quiet cruise with no shared entertainment, this may feel lively. If you like boat trips with a friendly atmosphere, the return can be one of the easier parts of the day.

Who will get the best value from $91

I see the strongest value here for someone who wants variety. You get a short cultural stop in Trogir, two opportunities to swim, meals, drinks, and a full day on the Adriatic. Arranging all of that independently would take more planning, even if a cheaper boat trip might cover much of the same route.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want Trogir. The one-hour visit is too brief for a serious town tour. It is also less attractive if your priority is a polished meal, reliable snorkeling gear, or a guaranteed waterslide.

Families may like the swimming time and the possibility of inflatables or a slide, but adults should confirm that the activity suits the children’s swimming ability. Couples should prepare for random seating, and anyone with limited mobility should note that the boat can stop away from attractions and require swimming.

This trip also suits first-time visitors to Split who want to sample several coastal highlights in one day. It is not the best choice for slow sightseeing. The itinerary keeps moving, and each stop gives you a taste rather than a full visit.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. The swimming stops are a large part of the day.
• Eat something before boarding if a croissant does not count as breakfast for you.
• Arrive early at berth 6A or 6B and look for the Bura Travel flag.
• Keep €10 ready for the snorkeling equipment deposit.
• Bring a small amount of patience for seating changes and schedule adjustments.
• If you want to sit with friends or family, expect to negotiate after boarding.
• Do not rely on the water slide being available on your departure.
• Leave room in your evening schedule because return times can change.
• If Trogir matters most, plan your one-hour walk before you arrive.
• Ask about any extra food or drinks before accepting them, since those are not included.

Should you book this island cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, social day that combines Trogir, swimming, Šolta, food, and drinks for one price. The friendly crew, reliable drink service, attractive coastal views, and strong Blue Lagoon stop give the trip real appeal.

Skip it if you need exact timing, a substantial breakfast, restaurant-quality food, complete snorkeling gear, or a carefully planned cultural tour. You can find similar island cruises, and a cheaper option may offer much of the same basic route.

My call: this is a good-value boat day with uneven details. Go for the water, scenery, and variety. Treat the meal, shipwreck, and waterslide as secondary extras, and you are more likely to enjoy what the trip does well.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from in Split?

It departs from Gat sv. Nikole, berth 6A or 6B. Look for the Bura Travel flag.

What time does boarding begin in Split?

Boarding in Split is scheduled between 9:00 and 9:15.

Can I board the cruise in Slatine?

Yes. Boarding in Slatine is scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30, with return there planned for about 7:00 in the evening.

How long does the cruise last?

The planned duration is nine hours. The schedule aims to return to Split at 6:30 and Slatine at 7:00, but the captain may change the timing because of weather or sea conditions.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes coffee or tea and a croissant. Lunch includes a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian food, and fruit is served later in the day.

Which drinks are included?

Water, wine, and homemade iced tea are included during the day. Additional food and drinks offered onboard are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is offered, but you must pay a €10 safety deposit. Equipment may not be complete or available for everyone at the same time.

Is the water slide included?

Use of the water slide is included when it is available. Conditions and equipment can vary, and an inflatable setup may be used instead.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.