Three Island Cruise Tour Featuring the Blue Lagoon and Solta

Three islands in one half-smooth, half-windy boat day. This cruise mixes Drvenik coves and a Blue Lagoon swim with a real break on Solta. If you want water views without a car plan, this route does the heavy lifting.

I love how the day stays simple and personal thanks to a small group feel and a skipper who can keep things moving. I also like the built-in snorkeling time, with snorkeling equipment provided so you can focus on the sea instead of gear shopping.

One drawback to plan around is food: lunch and drinks are not included, so you’ll want a simple budget for meals at the stops.

Key takeaways before you go

• Two proper snorkeling windows at Vela Rina and Krknjaši, not just a quick dip
• Lighthouse views at Čelica on Drvenik Mali, with a short stop that works for photos
• Solta village time at Maslinica for coffee, a walk, and lunch on your own tab
• A small-group feel on the water, which matters when waves pick up
• Bring comfort for wind on a boat, since the coast can feel colder out at sea

From Split to open water: why this feels like a getaway

Starting from Split at 9:00am, you trade city time for a sea day that follows the coast in a logical loop. The tour runs about 8 hours, and you come back to the starting meeting point, which keeps the logistics clean. If you are traveling with kids, a single day out on the boat can be easier than juggling multiple transport legs.

What makes this itinerary work well is the mix of “look” and “do.” You get scenic stops along Drvenik, plus real swim and snorkel sessions. Then the day breaks up with Maslinica on Solta, so you are not stuck in one long stretch of water.

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. In practice, that tends to make it easier for families to manage pace and for the skipper to adjust based on your comfort level.

Čelica lighthouse on Drvenik Mali, plus Kljuda islet: the short photo stop that pays off

The first stop is Drvenik Mali, with about 30 minutes total on the island. You visit the lighthouse Čelica and then the small islet Kljuda. This is not a long hike, so even if you are traveling with children or plan to snorkel later, you can still do it without feeling rushed.

I like this stop because it gives you instant visual reward. Lighthouse spots on small islands tend to frame the sea and show off the rugged coastline in a way you just do not get from the shore. Even if you only have time for a couple of photos, the timing is right before the day gets more swim-focused.

A practical consideration: the boat day can bring wind, and island walking can feel cooler than you expect once you are out in open air. Casual clothes are fine, but I’d also keep sunglasses on hand for brightness.

Vela Rina bay snorkel time: clear water, fish-spotting, and gear covered

Next comes the most “active” block on Drvenik Mali, with about 1 hour 30 minutes at Vela Rina bay. The plan is to swim and snorkel in the clear water, using the provided snorkeling equipment. This is where your day turns from sightseeing into a real experience on the water.

For most first-time snorkelers, this is a great length of time. You usually need a few minutes to get comfortable with buoyancy and breathing, then another chunk to actually enjoy the view. With 90 minutes, you can do a slow start, build confidence, and still have time to go again if you want.

If you are bringing kids, aim for a calm start. Let them practice in the shallower edge, then move outward if they feel good. The bay setting is designed for swimming, so you are not stuck doing this in deep open water.

One more note: you have snorkeling gear provided, but it is smart to still bring your own small necessities. Sunscreen matters here, and a towel is a must so you can dry off without scrambling. The tour also recommends a hat and sunglasses, which helps once you surface and need to protect your eyes.

Hidden coves around the Drvenik islands: why 30 minutes feels both short and perfect

The third stop is another quick one, around 30 minutes, focusing on hidden coves around the Drvenik islands. The point here is variety. Instead of one big beach scene, you get small, tucked-in shoreline views that change with every angle from the water.

This stop is a good “reset” between snorkeling sessions. It is long enough for a look around and a few scenic photos, but not so long that you end up waiting while everyone gets cold or restless. For families, that balance is gold.

Keep in mind that coves can also mean changing conditions. Wind can make it feel chilly on deck even if the water looks tempting. Comfortable shoes are still useful because you may step on uneven surfaces near shore points.

Maslinica on Solta: the fishermen village break for coffee and lunch

After Drvenik, the tour shifts to Maslinica on the island of Solta. You have about 2 hours here, and the plan includes coffee, walking around, and time to have lunch. Lunch is not included in the price, but this is one of those stops where you can actually recharge on land.

I like Maslinica for being less staged than typical beach snack stops. A fishermen village setting often means calmer streets, practical charm, and an easy place to sit for a drink without feeling like you are rushing. You get a chance to step away from saltwater and reset your eyes after looking at horizon and sea for hours.

If you have kids, this land time helps with the mental break. Plan to walk slowly, find shade, and let them wander a bit rather than trying to cover every corner. Even a short stroll can make the rest of the boat portion feel less long.

Since you will be eating on your own, decide what kind of lunch you want before you land. If your group prefers simple meals, aim for the easiest option near where you stop. If you want something specific, this is still only 2 hours, so quick decisions beat indecision.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay: the main swim, plus how to enjoy the beach bar area

The final stop is the Blue Lagoon, specifically Krknjaši Bay, with about 2 hours for swimming and snorkelling. This is the star of the day, and for good reason. The water here is famous for a reason, because the color is the first thing you notice before you even get in.

This is also your second snorkeling window, which is great if you want a do-over. The first snorkel stop builds confidence, and the second lets you slow down and focus on what you see. If you only snorkel once usually, you might find you actually want the second session once you settle into it.

The itinerary also notes that there is a beach bar nearby where you might grab a cocktail, but drinks are not included. That said, this is a sensible place to take a break after being in the water. A cold drink, a snack, and a place to sit can turn tired legs into happy legs again.

From the way this tour is run, I’d also consider timing your swimsuit routine. If you jump in the moment you arrive, you might miss out on settling your group first. If you wait too long, you can run short on time. Aim to get in during the earlier part of the window, then finish with lounging.

What the price buys you, and what it does not

The price is listed at $841.07 per person, and the tour typically runs about 8 hours. That number looks high compared to some group boat trips, but this one is positioned as a private tour/activity, with a driver/guide and taxes included. In other words, you are paying for a dedicated boat day rather than squeezing into a packed schedule.

Here is what you do get, based on the provided details:

• Driver/guide service
• Snorkeling equipment
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Here is what you should budget for:

• Lunch
• Drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

For value, I think the snorkeling equipment and two swim stops help justify the cost. When gear is provided, it removes a hidden expense and saves time. Also, having two snorkeling sessions lets you enjoy the day even if one spot feels calm for you and the other feels more active.

Is it worth it? If you want a single-day itinerary that combines lighthouse views, village time, and major water time, it often feels like better value than piecing it together with separate tickets and transport. If you mainly want a simple beach day, you might find cheaper options that are less structured.

Boat comfort, guide care, and the small details that matter

This kind of coast cruise lives or dies on the skipper’s ability to keep the day smooth. The provided reviews highlight that guides can be very attentive to comfort, safety, and pacing. People describe being offered water on board, and some mention cold water and juice available during the trip.

I also saw mentions of extra touches that can genuinely change how a sea day feels, like jackets being available if wind makes it cold on the way back, and small snacks in the morning. Those details cost nothing compared to the payoff, especially for kids who get cold faster.

You may also run into the reality of snorkel readiness. One account noted that goggles were offered, but there was an issue with mouthpieces. That is a reminder to check your fit right away, and if anything feels off, tell the guide quickly rather than waiting.

If you want to maximize your enjoyment, come with a plan for what you want to do at each stop. Decide ahead of time if your group will snorkel at both places, or if you want one snorkel spot plus more beach time at the lagoon. A small group and private feel makes it easier to match the day to your pace.

What to pack for a Blue Lagoon day with kids

The tour is casual and works for people with moderate physical fitness. Minimum age is 5 years. That means you can take younger kids if they can handle a boat day and basic walking near shore, but do not plan on a long, rugged trek.

Bring what the tour lists, because it is geared to sea comfort:

• Swim suit, towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Comfortable clothing and shoes

For practical sea-safety, I’d treat sunscreen as the non-negotiable item. Two snorkel stops mean more sun exposure than a typical beach outing, and water reflection makes it sneak up on you. Also, keep shoes handy since island surfaces can be uneven.

If you get cold easily, pack a light layer. Even if it is warm on shore, wind on the water can change your body temperature fast, and some skippers may have jackets available, but you should not rely on it.

Who this tour suits best, and who should pick something else

This cruise is a strong match for families, especially if your kids are curious about swimming and want a day that feels like an adventure. Two snorkel sessions give active kids something to do, and the Solta break gives everyone a chance to sit and reset.

It is also a good fit if you love water views and want to see Drvenik from the sea. The mix of lighthouse time, coves, and the Blue Lagoon means you are not repeating the same scene all day.

If you are someone who hates water time or gets seasick easily, you should think carefully. The itinerary is water heavy, and it includes multiple boat segments. The tour duration is long enough that you will need a solid stomach for motion.

Finally, if you want a super flexible itinerary that you can customize every hour, this is still a scheduled loop with specific stop times. The private feel can help with pacing, but the route itself stays focused on those five stops.

Should you book the Three Island Cruise with Blue Lagoon and Solta?

Book it if your dream day looks like this: boat views from start to finish, a couple of real snorkeling opportunities, and a Solta village stop where you can actually recharge on land. For families, the time structure is friendly, and the included snorkeling gear removes friction.

Skip it or compare if you only care about one swim location, because you may find the cost hard to justify for a single highlight. Also, if you dislike planning around sun and water, you may prefer a more land-based half-day.

If you do book, my practical advice is simple. Bring your snorkel comfort basics, plan for paying for lunch and drinks, and decide early whether your group will snorkel both times. That way, the day stays fun instead of rushed, and you get the full value of the Blue Lagoon plus Solta combo.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 9:00am and runs for about 8 hours. It ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there is time at Maslinica on Solta to have lunch.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment. You will also have time to swim and snorkel at Vela Rina bay and at Blue Lagoon, Krknjaši Bay.

Do I need hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour private or group-based?

It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a swim suit, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, your camera, comfortable clothing, and comfortable shoes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.