Split: Blue Lagoon 3 Islands All-Inclusive Cruise with Lunch

Three islands, three swims, one easy day.

This all-inclusive Split cruise is interesting because you get a full day at sea with built-in breaks for swimming and snorkelling, plus lunch and drinks handled for you. The tone on board tends to stay upbeat, and I’ve seen guides like Nana and Marco called out for making the day feel simple, organized, and genuinely fun.

The two things I like most are the pace and the value. You’re not just racing from one photo stop to another, you’re actually given time to get in the water at Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik, and Maslinica on Šolta. And the included meal is real convenience: you choose between beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with fries, with wine served with lunch, plus coffee and a doughnut early on and seasonal fruit later.

One consideration: the schedule includes windy stretches and you may find seating is tight early. Bring a light layer even on warm days, and plan to arrive on time at check-in so you’re not scrambling for the best spot when the boat fills up.

Key things to know before you go

• Multi-stop swim plan: You’ll have swimming and snorkelling time at Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon (near Drvenik), and Maslinica on Šolta.
• Included food you choose: Lunch comes as a choice of beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with French fries, plus wine with lunch.
• Water time gear is available: Snorkelling goggles are provided, and you can hire SUPs and inflatables with a small 10€ deposit for water activities.
• On-board comfort is practical: Expect a no-stress flow with staff guiding what happens next, and music that keeps the mood relaxed.
• Cold wind can sneak up: Even when the sun is out, you’ll feel the breeze between stops, so pack a backup layer.

A smooth start from Split Port, St. Nicholas Pier

Your day begins in Split at the port, with the meeting point listed as Obala Lazareta 1 by St. Nicholas Pier. Check-in starts at 8:30 am (or 9:00 am in April and October), and the boat departs 9:00 am (or 9:30 am in April and October). The practical trick here is to show up early, because the day runs on time and the boat can fill up.

If you’re staying in central Split, you may be able to add hotel pickup from your accommodation (extra cost per adult). The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the tour start. This is especially handy if you’re traveling with kids, have limited morning energy, or just don’t want to deal with taxis before your coffee.

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is set pretty quickly. There’s an open-sea portion where you can take in views and get lightly fed. Expect light refreshments served on the way out, plus coffee and a doughnut as part of the included setup.

How the “easy day at sea” really works

This cruise is built around multiple anchor points, not a frantic checklist. The day runs long enough to feel like a proper outing, listed at 510 minutes total, which is about a half day plus in-between travel time and time on the water.

The route is structured like this: you cruise out, then stop for swimming and snorkelling at Čiovo, later head to the Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik for a longer swim window and lunch, and finish with Maslinica on Šolta for a charming town break before heading back to Split.

What makes it feel good for real-life travelers is that the “work” is done for you. Staff handle the timing, show you where to go during each stop, and keep the transitions moving. You bring the energy. They handle the logistics.

Čiovo stop: swimming, snorkelling, and quick sightseeing

Your first island-style stop is at Čiovo. You get a mix of photo stop and sightseeing, plus time in the water. The stop is listed as about 1.5 hours, which is enough time to actually do something, not just dip your toes and rush back.

Čiovo is the kind of place where you can make your own mini-mission. If you want to snorkel, you can use the onboard snorkelling goggles (included). If you’re more of a float-and-relax person, you can focus on swimming in clearer water and taking in the coastal views from the boat area.

One small tip: get comfortable with the idea that getting in and out of the water is part of the experience. Bring water shoes if you have them, dry off as you go, and keep your towel ready. With Croatian sea days, small comfort choices make the difference between a pleasant swim and a slightly annoying one.

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik: the main swim and lunch break

This is the big one. The cruise includes a longer break at the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik, with about 100 minutes of free time plus swimming and snorkelling.

This is where the water time becomes the headline. The sea here is the main attraction, with a long window that lets you do things in rounds. Swim first, snorkel next, then float and watch what’s happening. It’s the kind of stop where you’ll want to spend enough time to feel like you’re actually on vacation, not “stopping by.”

Lunch is served during this segment. You’ll choose between beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with French fries, and you get wine with lunch, plus water and juice available throughout the cruise. If you like having an automatic plan for your midday meal, this is a big part of the value. You’re not hunting for lunch in a port town while your swim window disappears.

Food reality check, including the good and the not-so-good

I like that lunch is predictable and included, and I’ve also learned to manage expectations. Some people find the burger basic, like beef patties without much extra salad structure. Others say portions were larger than they expected and that the lunch tasted good.

So, if you’re picky about burger toppings or you expect fries to arrive piping hot, treat it as a cruise lunch, not a gourmet restaurant. The trade is you’re paying for the whole day at sea, not just the meal.

Water activities: masks, SUPs, and inflatables

You’re not limited to swimming only. The experience includes access to stand-up paddleboards and inflatables, plus snorkelling goggles. A 10€ deposit is mentioned for water activities, so have that amount ready.

A practical note from how this type of setup usually works, and what people reported: don’t assume you’ll be the first person to get a SUP board. If you really care about trying one, go early during the longer swim stop and ask staff how to sign out the gear for the day.

If you’re bringing kids, inflatables are a great middle ground. Not everyone wants to snorkel, and inflatables let you join the sea fun without needing to be a strong swimmer.

Maslinica on Šolta: seaside village time and one last swim

After the Blue Lagoon swim and lunch, you head to Maslinica on the island of Šolta for about 1.5 hours. This is the shift from water-focused time to island-town time.

Maslinica is small and scenic, with a picturesque marina and traditional stone houses, and you get time for photo stops, visiting, and free time. You can walk around, enjoy coffee by the sea, and relax if you’ve already had enough water action.

You can also swim or snorkel again here, depending on how you feel. This is a good last chance to get the “one more swim” feeling before the boat turns toward Split.

One thing I’d plan for: at the end of a sea day, your priorities change. Midday you chase clear water and photos. Later, you’ll care more about shade, seating, and an easy stroll. Maslinica gives you both: a calm break from the boat and a scenic place to end the day.

Return to Split, plus the small sweet finish

On the way back to Split, you’ll have a longer cruising stretch listed at 80 minutes. During this segment, seasonal fruit is offered, giving you a lighter end to the day compared to another heavy snack.

When you roll back into Split, you’ll likely feel the rhythm of the day in your body. Salt on your skin, sun on your face, and that pleasant tiredness that comes from actually being active for hours. If you’ve been thinking about how to fill a day without planning, this cruise does that job well.

What’s included, what to bring, and what to watch for

Here’s what you should rely on as included:

• Cruise with scheduled stops at Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon (near Drvenik), and Maslinica
• Lunch with your choice: beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger, plus French fries
• Wine with lunch
• Water and juice throughout
• Coffee and a doughnut
• Seasonal fruit
• Snorkelling goggles, plus access to SUPs and inflatables with a 10€ deposit

Bring the basics that make sea days work:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes

Also follow the rules:

• Pets are not allowed.
• Wheelchair access is listed as not suitable, so plan accordingly.

Weather is a real factor on open water. If conditions are rough or the weather turns, the operator may change the route or cancel for safety, including adjusting the boat type. That’s not a surprise, it’s how sea days work.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a great choice if you want a low-stress, all-in-one day in the Dalmatian islands. It fits well for:

• Families who want kid-friendly water time and a predictable schedule
• Couples who want swimming stops plus a pretty seaside village
• Anyone who’s tired of juggling taxis, meal plans, and tour timing
• Travelers who like structure, but still want freedom during the swim windows

It’s less ideal if you have limited mobility needs, since it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users, or if you hate the idea of being on a boat for several hours with windy stretches.

Price and value: why $62 can actually make sense

At about $62 per person, the price works because so much is packed into one ticket. You’re getting a full-day cruise, multiple swim stops, lunch with wine, plus drinks like water and juice. You’re also getting at least some water activity gear without having to rent everything separately.

If you tried to build this day on your own, you’d likely pay for a boat or speed transfer, then spend extra on food and drinks, and you’d still need to figure out where you can swim. Here, the heavy lifting is handled, and you can focus on the part you actually came for: time on the water.

Just remember the one trade-off: the food is functional cruise food. It can be tasty and filling, but it’s not a gourmet lunch plan.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon 3 Islands cruise from Split?

I’d book this cruise if your top priority is an easy day with real swim time at Čiovo, Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica on Šolta. The included meal, the steady flow of drinks, and the built-in schedule make it a strong value for a first-time visit to the Split area.

I’d hesitate only if you’re extremely sensitive to timing, wind, or you need lots of extra comfort on board during the early stretch. If you show up on time, pack a layer for the breeze, and treat lunch as part of the cruise package, this is one of the more sensible ways to enjoy the Adriatic without turning your day into a logistics project.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour meets at Obala Lazareta 1 at Split Port, near St. Nicholas Pier.

What time do I need to arrive and check in?

Check-in is at 8:30 am (or 9:00 am in April and October). Departure is 9:00 am (or 9:30 am in April and October). You should be at the checkpoint 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is listed as 510 minutes.

Is lunch included, and what are the choices?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you choose at the meeting point between beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with French fries.

What drinks are included?

You have water and juice throughout the cruise, plus wine with lunch. Coffee and a doughnut are also included.

Are snorkelling and paddleboards included?

Snorkelling goggles are included. Stand-up paddleboards and inflatables are available for water activities with a 10€ deposit.

What should I bring for the day?

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

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

What happens if the weather is rough?

If weather or sea conditions are unsafe, the provider may change the route or cancel for safety.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.