From Split: Blue Lagoon & Underwater Museum (Lunch & drinks)

Blue water, statues, and a boat lunch in one day. This tour from Split Riva strings together three of the area’s best water moments, plus time at Croatia’s only underwater museum in Uvala Jelinak. You get multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear, and long stretches to relax on the water and on the beach.

I especially like that you can enjoy the day without specialized skills. The snorkeling is shallow, around 4 to 5 meters below the surface, and the snorkeling gear is included. I also like the comfort side of it, with fresh lunch onboard and drinks (including domestic red and white wine during lunch) so you are not spending your day hunting for food.

One thing to consider: this is not a great match if you are prone to seasickness. If the idea of being on open water sounds rough for you, you will likely enjoy the experience less.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Shallow snorkeling, no experience needed around 4 to 5 m deep, with gear included.
• Lunch and drinks onboard, including unlimited lemon juice and water all day, plus wine during lunch.
• Blue Lagoon time with free time to swim and snorkel in turquoise water.
• Croatia’s only underwater museum at Uvala Jelinak, with life-size sculptures and more.
• Beach resort access where sunbeds and umbrellas are free, with a calmer, quieter bay setting.
• DJ music on the return for an upbeat finish to a long day on the water.

From Split Riva to Fumija Bay: the smooth start

The day begins right on Split’s Riva. You meet at the middle of the promenade, at Mletački mul on Google Maps, which makes it easy to orient yourself before boarding.

Once you leave, there is an initial cruising stretch (about an hour) that gives you time to settle in, find shade, and get your bearings. This matters because the rest of the day moves quickly between swim time and free time. If you show up ready with your swim stuff, you waste less time during the transitions.

Fumija Bay swim and lunch on board

Your first big water stop is Fumija Bay, a quieter cove surrounded by nature. You get time to swim, sunbathe, or just float and watch the coastline.

Then comes the onboard meal setup. During the lunch stretch (about an hour), the crew serves a freshly prepared lunch while you are still in “vacation mode.” Drinks are included too: unlimited lemon juice and water across the day, plus domestic red and white wine during lunch. If you are the kind of person who likes a real meal that does not feel like a snack, this is one of the reasons the day has a solid value feel.

What you will appreciate here is timing. Lunch happens before you head to the most famous snorkeling spot, so you avoid that common issue of arriving at the Blue Lagoon hungry and tired. Also, having life jackets available helps you feel more confident when you settle into snorkeling later.

Blue Lagoon snorkeling near Split, shallow and beginner-friendly

After the earlier cruise segments, you reach the Blue Lagoon for a focused swim and snorkel window (about 70 minutes). This is the stop most people plan the day around, and for good reason. The water is strikingly clear and the snorkeling experience is straightforward.

Key practical point: you do not need diving experience. When you snorkel just below the surface, around 4 to 5 meters deep, you can see an underwater world with snorkeling gear only. Your fins are not included, but snorkeling equipment is. If you want faster movement, fins can be rented.

You also get a sun deck and free time to choose your pace. Want to just swim and relax? Do that. Want to snorkel and look longer? That works too. The crew’s rhythm typically makes it easy to do both, swim first, snorkel after, rather than feeling rushed.

One more thing I like: this tour’s structure spreads water time across multiple stops instead of cramming everything into one location. Even if you prefer resting on the boat at some point, you are not losing the day.

Uvala Jelinak and the underwater museum experience

Next is Uvala Jelinak, near Trogir, where you visit the underwater museum and then have time to enjoy the beach resort area. The museum visit includes free time in the bay setting (about 2 hours total for this stop).

What makes this part special is the setup. After you step off the boat, you get access to a whole resort-style area with sunbeds and umbrellas, plus a beach bar. The description you should keep in mind: this bay is calmer and quieter than the earlier beach stop, with fewer nearby houses and less noise. That matters because the museum can take your attention, but you still want places to lie down, rinse off, and reset.

Now for the underwater art itself. Snorkel just a few meters down, and you encounter over 50 life-size sculptures. The scale is part of the impact, including an 8-meter statue and even a sunken airplane. The best part for first-timers is that you can experience it through snorkeling. The water depth and gear setup are made for non-divers.

No, it is not like museum walking on land. You are watching through water at close range, which makes it more like floating through a surreal outdoor installation. If you enjoy marine life and odd, human-made shapes mixed with sea life, you will probably get extra satisfaction here.

Onboard vibe: relaxed crew, lunch that actually hits, and DJ music

The tone onboard is one of the most consistently praised parts of the day. The crew tends to be friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere stays relaxed rather than overly formal. That helps when you are spending hours between swim stops.

On the food side, lunch is a highlight. People consistently say it is well done and that it feels like a proper meal. That lines up with the structure of the day: you are out for a long stretch, so a real lunch is not a small detail, it is the difference between a fun day and a tiring one.

Then, on the return toward Split, the boat adds energy with DJ music on board. If you like a bit of music while you relax and watch the coast, this turns the last portion into a smoother landing. It is also a good time to reapply sunscreen, dry off, and enjoy the views without planning your next step.

Price and value: what $70 includes (and what you still need)

At $70 per person for a full-day experience, the value is mostly in what is included. You are paying for transport by boat, multiple stops, and a package style day that covers the “expensive bits” that add up when you plan separately.

Here is the practical value breakdown based on what the day provides:

• Entrance to the underwater museum and access to the whole resort area in Uvala Jelinak, including sunbeds and umbrellas.
• Lunch onboard plus wine during lunch.
• Unlimited lemon juice and water during the whole day.
• Snorkeling gear included, with a 10 EUR refundable deposit required.
• Life jackets provided for safety support.
• Beach bar access at the resort.

What is not included is also useful to know. Snacks are not included, and strong beverages are not included. Soda or pop and ice cream are not included either. That means if you are the type who wants extra snacks between swims, you might plan for it ahead of time.

Also, fins are available for rent, but not included. If you think you will want them to make snorkeling easier, plan to rent on-site. The tour includes gear other than fins.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This trip is a strong fit if you want a mixed day: swim time, snorkeling time, and a surprisingly creative sightseeing stop underwater. You do not need prior snorkeling experience, and the tour is set up so beginners can feel comfortable thanks to shallow water and the included life jackets and gear.

It is also ideal if you like structured free time. You get real chunks of time at each stop rather than quick photo breaks. And you get two different “beach vibes,” one at Fumija Bay where you can relax near the shoreline, and one at the resort setting by the underwater museum where the beach feels quieter.

Who should skip it:

• If you are prone to seasickness, this is not listed as suitable. The tour is long and includes cruising segments, so motion sensitivity matters.
• If you are not comfortable in water at all, snorkeling gear will not save the day. You can still relax on the boat and beach, but the main content of the tour is marine-focused.

Practical tips to enjoy every stop

Pack like you are doing three water days in one: because you kind of are.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

If you want the best underwater viewing, keep your camera ready so you can capture sculptures and sea life, but do not count on getting everything. Underwater photos can be hit or miss depending on light and how still you float.

Also, plan your timing. The tour lasts about 510 minutes, so you will spend a lot of the day in sun and on moving water. Apply sunscreen before you go, then touch up when you are back onboard after longer swims.

One more small note: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Wine is provided during lunch, but do not expect to bring your own drinks.

Should you book this Split boat tour?

If you want one day that covers Blue Lagoon snorkeling plus a genuinely unusual sightseeing stop at Croatia’s only underwater museum, this tour is an easy yes. The value is strong because lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the museum resort access are bundled into the price, and the day is paced with multiple water breaks so you do not feel squeezed.

Book it if:

• You can handle being on the water for several hours
• You want shallow snorkeling without training
• You like the mix of relaxation and active time
• You appreciate having lunch and drinks handled for you

Skip it if:

• Seasickness is a regular problem for you
• You are looking for a strictly land-based sightseeing day

If that describes you well, this is a fun, straightforward way to experience more than just Split’s shore line, with clear water, sculptures below, and a relaxed boat day that keeps moving at a human pace.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Split?

You meet at the middle of Riva (promenade), at Mletački mul. You can find the exact spot by searching Mletački mul on Google Maps.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 510 minutes.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $70 per person.

What are the main stops during the day?

The tour includes time in Fumija Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and a visit to Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum in Uvala Jelinak (near Trogir).

Is diving experience required?

No diving experience is needed. Snorkeling is done in shallow water.

How deep is the water for snorkeling?

You will snorkel just a few meters below the surface, around 4 to 5 meters deep.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, but there is a 10 EUR refundable deposit. Fins are not included, but they are available for rent.

What meals and drinks are included?

A freshly prepared lunch is served onboard, and domestic red and white wine is included during lunch. Lemon juice and water are unlimited during the whole day.

Is there sunbed and umbrella access?

Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas are included at the resort area, and beach bar access is included as well.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.