Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Island Cruise with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Split cruise is the variety. In one day, you get open-water views, three island stops, several chances to swim, a meal onboard, and a final drink at a beach bar on Čiovo. The Blue Lagoon is the visual star, but the trip works because no two stops feel quite the same.

I like the easy all-in format and the friendly crew, with guides and bar staff such as Bepo, Mario, and Ivana earning repeated praise for keeping the day moving. You also get breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, sunbeds, WiFi, and unlimited water, lemonade, and wine for $81.

The main consideration is group size. This is a popular boat outing, not a quiet private charter, and the longer sailing periods at the beginning and end may feel slow if you want constant activity. Also, the advertised Nečujam shipwreck stop may have changed, so check the current plan before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Three different water stops: Swim near Šolta, spend the longest break at the Blue Lagoon, then finish at Čiovo’s Borko beach bar.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Start with donuts, then choose a beef burger, tuna steak burger, or vegetarian burger with fries.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Water, lemonade, and wine are available without an extra charge, while other drinks may cost more.
• A recent route change matters: The Nečujam shipwreck has reportedly been removed from the route, with another attractive swimming area used instead.
• Expect a social boat day: The vessel is comfortable and spacious, but it can carry a large group.
• Bring practical swim gear: You will want swimwear, sun protection, and a reusable cup if you prefer to avoid disposable plastic.

A full day on the water from Split

You meet the crew at stand 11 on the Riva promenade, formally called Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda. The location is central, but give yourself time to find the correct stand. One passenger described confusing stands with berths and arriving in a last-minute rush, even after leaving plenty of time.

Once aboard, the boat gives you a mix of seating and open-air space. The schedule includes roughly eight hours in total, with about four hours spent sailing between stops. That sounds like a lot, but the moving time gives you wide views of the Dalmatian coast and a chance to settle into the music, drinks, and sun.

I would not choose this trip if you want a fast transfer from one beach to another. I would choose it if you like the idea of making the boat itself part of the day. The crew keeps the schedule organized, and the longer stretches are useful for lunch service, conversation, and a break from the water.

The atmosphere is social rather than formal. Music plays onboard, the bar stays active, and the mix of people can include solo passengers, couples, families, and large groups. A family group ranging from a two-year-old to someone nearly 70 found the day manageable, though the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Breakfast donuts and a welcome drink

The day starts with breakfast donuts and a welcome drink. This is a small touch, but it matters because the first swim stop comes after the initial cruise from Split. You do not need to wait until lunch before having something to eat.

The breakfast is sweet and simple, not a full meal. Treat it as a light start rather than something substantial. If you need a large breakfast before an active day, eat beforehand.

The drink setup is one of the stronger parts of the price. Water, lemonade, and wine are included, so you can stay hydrated without watching every small purchase. The lemonade has been described as more like lemon squash than fresh juice, and the wine is casual rather than something for a serious tasting.

Wine can make the boat atmosphere livelier as the day goes on. It is available as part of the package, but younger families may prefer to keep an eye on how much is being poured around them. The crew manages the service, and the overall mood remains friendly, yet this is worth knowing if you want a quiet family excursion.

Šolta: a first swim with a route caveat

The first island stop is Šolta, with about 75 minutes for breakfast, swimming, and snorkeling. The island gives you an early chance to get into the water before the longer Blue Lagoon stop.

The Nečujam shipwreck is presented as a central feature of this part of the route. Swimming around an abandoned vessel surrounded by fish would be a memorable start, especially for anyone who likes unusual snorkeling locations.

But you should not assume the wreck is guaranteed. A recent trip reported that the shipwreck had been removed and that the boat stopped at another attractive place instead. This is an important difference between the advertised highlight and the current experience. If seeing the wreck is your main reason for booking, ask Pleter Travel about the live route before paying.

Even without the wreck, Šolta works well as a first water stop. The time is long enough for a proper swim, though some passengers would prefer the first stop to last longer. Snorkeling equipment is available, but a deposit is required. The supplied gear may be basic, with one description comparing it to swimming goggles with a nose cover rather than a full snorkel setup.

Bring your own mask if underwater viewing is a major priority. If you mainly want to look around in clear water and spot some fish, the included equipment should still be useful.

The Blue Lagoon is the day’s visual highlight

After another sailing period, the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Island. You get about two hours here, the longest single stop of the day. That extra time makes sense because the lagoon is where most people want to swim, float, take photographs, and enjoy the bright water.

The color is the main attraction: clear, turquoise water with plenty of open space for a jump from the boat. You can swim and snorkel directly from the vessel, rather than spending the whole stop walking along a crowded beach.

This is also the best place to pace yourself. You do not need to rush into the water the moment the boat arrives. Use the first few minutes to find a comfortable spot, check the conditions, and decide whether you want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the view.

The water may be less inviting outside the high summer season. An October passenger found the sea too cool for a confident jump, even though the lagoon still looked beautiful. If you visit in spring or autumn, pack a towel and an extra layer for the boat ride back.

Lunch onboard: simple, filling, and better than expected

Lunch is served during the Blue Lagoon portion of the day. You choose from three options:

• 100 percent beef burger with fries
• Tuna steak burger with fries
• Vegetarian burger with fries

The tuna burger receives the strongest praise and is the option I would consider first. Several people singled it out as the best choice, while the beef burger also received positive comments. The vegetarian burger is useful for meat-free diners, though it may not suit every taste.

This is not a fine-dining cruise, and it should not be judged by that standard. The value comes from having a hot, filling meal included while you are out on the water. You avoid losing swimming time searching for a restaurant, and everyone can eat in roughly the same part of the day.

An extra lunch is not included, so the stated meal covers one serving per person. Coffee and other onboard purchases may also cost extra. If you have a large appetite, breakfast before meeting the boat is sensible.

Čiovo and Borko beach bar

The final stop is on Čiovo, with around 75 minutes of free time, swimming, and snorkeling. This stop changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of remaining beside the boat in open water, you get a chance to spend time at a beach cove and visit Borko beach bar.

The bar is a major reason this stop works. You can swim, sit near the shore, or order a drink while looking across the cove. The setting is relaxed, and hammock nets near the water have added a playful touch to the stop.

Bar purchases are not clearly part of the unlimited onboard drinks, so plan to pay separately if you want something beyond the included selection. One passenger confirmed that the bar accepts credit cards, but I would still bring a backup payment method.

Some people prefer the Blue Lagoon because it feels more striking. Others find Čiovo more enjoyable because it combines swimming, a proper shore stop, and a drink in a beach setting. The third stop may feel short for anyone who wants a long beach afternoon, but it gives the day a pleasant finish before the return cruise.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $81

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the surrounding islands. You are paying for a full-day boat experience rather than a simple ferry ride. The fare includes breakfast donuts, lunch, unlimited water, lemonade, and wine, snorkeling equipment, sunbeds, WiFi, and an English-speaking crew.

That package makes the cost easier to justify. If you bought transport, lunch, drinks, and separate access to several swim locations, the total could rise quickly. You also avoid planning island connections and working out where to swim on your own.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors to Split who want one organized day outside the city. It is also useful for solo passengers, since the shared boat creates an easy social setting without requiring you to arrange a private group.

The value is weaker if you already have a rental boat, prefer small groups, or want to spend most of the day on one quiet beach. You are also paying for time at sea, so someone who dislikes boat travel may feel that part of the price is wasted.

The crew makes a large boat feel manageable

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of this outing. Names that come up include Bepo, Mario, Ivana, and Bapo, with staff described as friendly, attentive, and helpful. Mario is especially associated with the bar service, while Ivana has been noted for explaining the day clearly.

That matters on a large boat. A big group can feel impersonal if no one explains where to go, when to eat, or how long each stop lasts. Here, the crew keeps the schedule moving and helps passengers find their way.

One person who felt seasick early in the trip was given medication and checked on by the staff. That does not guarantee that the boat will suit every stomach, but it shows the level of attention available when someone feels unwell.

The sailing itself is often calm, yet conditions can change. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in a stable part of the boat, eat lightly before departure, and tell the crew early if you feel uncomfortable. The trip includes long periods underway, so this is not a minor detail.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it for:

• First-time visitors who want to see several swimming areas in one day
• Couples and friends who enjoy music, drinks, and a social boat atmosphere
• Solo passengers who want an easy group activity
• Families with children and older relatives who can manage boat boarding and swimming stops
• People who value included food and drinks more than a small-group setting

I would think twice if you:

• Need a wheelchair-accessible activity
• Want a private or quiet boat
• Dislike several hours of sailing
• Expect a guaranteed swim around the Nečujam shipwreck
• Want a serious snorkeling trip with specialist equipment
• Prefer a long, unhurried stay at one beach

The boat can suit a broad age range, but the swimming stops are central to the experience. You should be comfortable getting in and out of the water, even though you can also remain onboard and enjoy the scenery.

What to bring for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light layer for the return ride. A waterproof phone pouch is useful if you want photographs from the water, though it is not listed as part of the equipment.

A reusable cup is a thoughtful addition. Drinks are served throughout the day, and using your own cup cuts down on disposable plastic. Bring a small amount of money or a card for extra drinks, coffee, or purchases at Borko beach bar.

If the shipwreck is important to you, confirm the current stop before departure. The route may use another attractive swimming spot if the wreck is no longer available.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized day that combines three stops, swimming, food, drinks, and friendly service without planning the details yourself. The Blue Lagoon and the Čiovo beach-bar stop are the strongest reasons to go, and the tuna burger is the lunch pick I would make.

Skip it if your ideal day means a small boat, a quiet cove, or a guaranteed shipwreck visit. For most people seeking a lively full-day outing from Split, $81 is fair value, provided you are happy sharing the boat and spending part of the day sailing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

Meet the guide in front of stand 11 on the Riva promenade, at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda in Split.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours. The listed schedule includes sailing between stops, swimming time, breakfast, lunch, and the return to Split.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Šolta, Drvenik Island for the Blue Lagoon, and Čiovo for the final beach-bar stop.

Is the Nečujam shipwreck guaranteed?

No. The published experience describes the shipwreck near Šolta, but a recent trip reported that the wreck had been removed and replaced with another attractive swimming location. Confirm the current route before booking if this is important to you.

What food is included?

Breakfast donuts and one lunch are included. Lunch choices are a beef burger, tuna steak burger, or vegetarian burger, all served with French fries.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, lemonade, and wine are included. Other drinks, including some coffee and bar purchases, may cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, though a deposit is required. The equipment may be basic, so you can bring your own mask if you want a more specialized setup.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.