Split: 3 Island & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Blue water, wine, and swims, all in one day. This Split to Blue Lagoon day trip is built around a classic wooden sailing ship and gives you a smooth start with breakfast coffee and juice before you even hit the first scenic stretch.

I also love the simple, no-stress formula: unlimited open bar and a proper on-board lunch while the crew keeps the pace moving between swim stops. One small drawback to plan for, though, is that deckchairs are limited, so if you want the best spots you will likely need to board early, because the lower deck can feel shaded and a bit cool.

Key Things to Know

• 1903 wooden sailing ship: a real old-school feel on the Adriatic, with modern restrooms on board
• Open bar all day: unlimited wine plus water and juices, paired with a steady flow of food
• Three swim and snorkeling stops: Maslinica, Blue Lagoon area, and Sveta Fumija on a tight schedule
• Jumping is part of the fun: you can get in from the boat at multiple levels, with snorkeling gear provided
• Not a lot of sun chairs: you may need to claim seating early, especially if weather cools things down

A 1903 Wooden Ship Makes the Day Feel Like a Real Escape

This is not one of those “sit on a bus-like boat” day trips. You’re on a wooden sailing ship built in 1903, and that changes the vibe fast. There’s room to move around, you can settle into the motion without fighting for elbow space, and the whole day feels more like a slow, scenic float than a checklist tour.

The big win is that the schedule is packed, but it never feels rushed in a stressful way. You get a proper breakfast before heading out, you cruise between stops with enough time to enjoy the sea views, and then you drop in for swimming and snorkeling when the location is right. Even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler, the included gear and the chance to jump in make it feel like you are participating, not just watching.

The crew also leans practical. You get safety equipment and snorkeling support, and you are not left guessing what’s going on next. A lot of passengers loved how attentive the crew was, with drinks and food appearing as the day rolled along.

This ship setup also matters for comfort. The lower deck can be shaded, while the upper areas tend to be where you want to be if the sun is out. If you are the kind of person who likes sun and photos, plan to find your spot early.

Morning in Split: Breakfast, Meeting Point, and Getting on the Water Early

Your day starts at Obala Lazareta near the large white boat called Jaffa. The staff meet you at 8:40 AM, and they are wearing white polos with the word Junior on the front and back. The boat you’ll use, called Junior, might be moored about 50 meters away, so it helps to walk the pier and find the team instead of waiting by one exact spot.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The operator schedules tight connections with other boats, so if you show up late, there is a hard stop after 9:00 AM for departure.

Once you are aboard, breakfast is not a token cookie moment. You get a selection of croissants with hot coffee, plus apple and orange juice. Some folks noted a larger chocolate croissant, so even if you are not a breakfast person, you should still take advantage of this. It means you can swim before you are hungry, and Croatia does that well, simple and direct.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and sunglasses even in cooler months. The sun can still hit hard on deck, and you’ll be in and out of water all morning.

Maslinica on Šolta: Lunch, a Walk, and Your First Real Swim Stop

The first major land-and-water break is Maslinica on the island of Šolta. This stop is timed so you get a mix, not just one activity. You get time to walk around, swim, and snorkel with the gear the cruise provides.

Maslinica itself is a fishing-village style stop. That matters because after hours of open sea, you get a change of scenery. You can stretch your legs, browse small shops (if they are open during your season and timing), and then head back to the boat when you’re ready for water time.

For many people, this first swim stop sets the tone for the whole day. The water is clear enough that snorkeling feels worth it, and the boat setup makes it easy to jump in. Reviews mention jumping from higher levels, and there are also floating mattresses available, which is great if you want to relax instead of staying in snorkel mode.

One downside to keep in mind is that Maslinica is not a “big attraction” in the way a famous city is. It is a pause to reset, then back to water time. If you are expecting a long village exploration, adjust your expectations. Think quick and pleasant, not a full cultural visit.

Blue Lagoon and St. Fumija Bay: Why This Part Is the Main Event

This is the reason most people book. The cruise brings you to the Blue Lagoon area with swimming and snorkeling time. Then you also get another coastal water stop at Sveta Fumija.

What makes this segment special is the way the day is structured around actual water access. You are not hiking to viewpoints and then hoping you find a beach. You are set up on a boat, and you can get in from the deck. That means less time transferring, more time in the water.

In practice, you should know two things:

1) Clear water and good snorkeling conditions depend on the day and conditions.

2) People often expect the Blue Lagoon to look exactly like photos. In reality, the color can vary. Some passengers said it was not as intense as they expected, though they still loved the swimming.

Either way, St. Fumija Bay is often described as gorgeous, and the snorkeling opportunities at multiple stops help smooth out any disappointment. If Blue Lagoon looks slightly different than you imagined, you can still end the day feeling like you got your money’s worth in water time.

If you want the best photos, aim for when the boat pulls into position, then do your first jump quickly. The light changes fast, and once everyone settles, it’s harder to get clean shots without people in the frame.

On-Board Lunch and the Open Bar: Where Value Really Shows

Let’s talk about the part you feel in your bones when you’re on a 9-hour boat day: food and drinks.

Breakfast is coffee, croissants, and juice. Lunch is served on board with local ingredients and typically includes choices like tuna steak, chicken, or a vegetarian dish, plus a side dish. Many people reported a generous portion and noted sides like coleslaw, plus bread on the table. If you like simple meals that are filling, this works.

What surprised a lot of passengers is how the day stays fueled. You are not just getting lunch and then waiting. People mentioned fruit, and some also noted extra treats like ice cream on the return. Even without going overboard in expectations, the cruise clearly aims to keep energy levels up so you can keep swimming.

Then there’s the open bar. The cruise description emphasizes an unlimited bar with white and red wine, plus water and apple and orange juice. Some reviews also mention beer options being available. Either way, the big point is you do not have to pay per drink, and you do not have to keep leaving the boat to find a bar. That alone turns the day from a “planned activity” into a true full-day outing.

One practical heads-up: a few passengers felt that drinks were poured a bit heavily toward the end. That is not a dealbreaker, but if you are sensitive to pacing, consider slowing down the last hour. Drink water too, especially if you’re in the sun.

Timing and Itinerary Flow: What a 9-Hour Day Feels Like

The day is built around cruising time and water time, in that order.

• First, you get a 2-hour sightseeing cruise after departure. This is where you settle in, take in the coast, and start spotting the scenery without having to squeeze in activities.
• Then Maslinica gets about an hour for lunch, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling.
• After that, you have short cruising stretches, giving you breaks between the swim stops.
• You get about 1.5 hours for Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling.
• Next, you have another water stop at Sveta Fumija for about an hour, again with swimming and snorkeling.
• Then it’s about 100 minutes cruising back to Split, where fruit and rest help you finish strong.

Here’s the real benefit of this structure: you are never sitting bored for hours after your swim. Even when you are cruising, you are on the water with views, and the boat itself keeps you busy. You can move between decks, snack between swims, and adjust your pace depending on the weather.

If you are the kind of person who likes to plan every minute, this may feel too relaxed. If you just want a well-paced day without decision fatigue, it hits the sweet spot.

Comfort, What to Pack, and How to Choose Your Spot on Deck

A cruise day can feel either amazing or annoying based on one thing: where you sit. This ship has modern restrooms and decent onboard space, but deck seating is not infinite. Reviews repeatedly mention that getting deckchairs early is smart, because they can get taken quickly.

Also note:

• Lower deck can be shaded, and some people said it felt cooler with sea breeze.
• Upper deck is where you go for sun and photos, but it also gets wind exposure.
• If weather is breezy, bringing a light layer helps, even in warmer months.

What to bring is straightforward:

• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Breathable clothing
• Sunglasses

Because you will be wet at least a few times, pack like you are going to the beach plus a quick swim. Water shoes are not mentioned in the provided details, so I would stick to just towel and clothing unless you already know your preference.

One more comfort detail that matters for many people: Wi-Fi is included. It is not the headline feature, but it’s handy if you want to map your next stop in Split, check messages, or upload photos after the swim.

Who This Cruise Is Perfect For, and Who Should Think Twice

This trip is best for you if you want:

• A full day on the water without renting a car or planning logistics
• Guaranteed swimming time and snorkeling gear included
• A solid mix of cruise views plus three different swim stops
• Food and drinks handled for you, so you can focus on relaxing

It’s also a strong match for couples and families because the experience is straightforward, the crew runs the flow, and you can choose how active you want to be. Many passengers highlighted how fun it was to jump off the boat, then float with mattresses or snorkel when they felt like it.

Think twice if you:

• Want a long, deep dive into towns and history. This is more water time than land time.
• Are very picky about how Blue Lagoon colors look in photos. The water can be clear and still not match expectations perfectly.
• Hate wind or cold breezes. The lower deck can be shaded and cooler, so you’ll need to plan your deck spot.

Should You Book This Cruise from Split?

My take: book it if you want a reliable, swim-focused day with value that’s hard to beat. For $106 per person, you are getting a full 9-hour outing with breakfast, lunch, unlimited wine and juices (plus water), snorkeling gear, modern restrooms, and multiple swim stops. That combination is exactly why so many people recommend it as a best day in Split style activity.

I would only hesitate if your top priority is a big sightseeing day on land. This tour is built for the sea: clear water, snorkeling, and jumping off the boat. If that sounds like your kind of perfect day, you are likely to feel happy you booked.

FAQ

How long is the Split 3 Islands and Blue Lagoon cruise?

The cruise lasts 9 hours.

What time does the tour meet at the starting location?

The staff meet you at 08:40 AM at the Obala Lazareta meeting point, next to the large white boat named Jaffa.

What is included in the price?

It includes the cruise, breakfast, lunch prepared on board with fresh local ingredients, seasonal fruit, an unlimited open bar throughout the trip, snorkeling equipment, floating mattresses, modern restrooms, limited deckchairs, an English-speaking crew, and free Wi-Fi.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on the cruise.

What drinks are included on the open bar?

The open bar includes unlimited white wine, red wine, water, and apple and orange juice.

What food is included, and are there options for lunch?

Breakfast includes croissants, hot coffee, and apple and orange juice. Lunch is served on board and includes options such as tuna steak, chicken, or a vegetarian dish, plus a side dish and fresh seasonal fruit.

What happens if weather is bad?

If conditions are unsafe due to strong winds, large waves, storms, or similar problems, the operator may cancel the tour and you will receive a full refund.