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

Split’s best escape from the city is a day spent in the water. This three-stop cruise takes you from the port to Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica on Šolta, with time to swim, snorkel, eat, and wander.

I like the generous time at each stop and the fact that water, juice, wine with lunch, coffee, a doughnut, fruit, and lunch are included. Hosts such as Nana, Marco, Sandra, and Ivana are frequently praised for keeping the mood friendly and the schedule clear. The main drawback is comfort: busy summer departures can mean hard, limited seating, and the boat ride can feel cold or windy even on a sunny day.

What makes this Split cruise worth considering

• Three very different stops: Swim at Čiovo, relax in the Blue Lagoon, then walk through Maslinica on Šolta.
• Lunch without extra planning: Choose beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger, served with fries and wine.
• Water equipment included with a deposit: Use snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards for a €10 deposit.
• A friendly crew-led day: Nana, Marco, Sandra, and Ivana are among the hosts praised for clear instructions and warm service.
• A true full-day outing: The 510-minute schedule gives you about eight and a half hours on the Adriatic.
• Good value at $62: For a full cruise with food, drinks, and three stops, the price is strong, though it is not a quiet private boat trip.

A full day on the Adriatic for $62

At $62 per person, this cruise sits in the useful middle ground between a simple ferry ride and a more expensive private charter. You are paying for a full day on the water, three stops, lunch, drinks, and the convenience of having the route organized for you.

The value improves if you plan to swim. You do not need to arrange separate boat transport, rent a paddleboard elsewhere, or buy lunch at one of the stops. Water and juice are available throughout the trip, and wine is served with lunch. Coffee and a doughnut start the morning, while seasonal fruit appears on the return ride.

This is not a luxury yacht experience. The boat can be busy, benches may feel hard and small, and on some departures people end up sitting on the floor. Arrive early if you want the best chance of choosing a comfortable place. The experience is more about the sea, swimming, music, and easy logistics than polished onboard comfort.

Meeting at Split Port before 9:00

The meeting point is St. Nicholas Pier at Obala Lazareta 1, in Split Port. Standard departure is at 9:00 a.m., with check-in at 8:30. In April and October, departure is listed as 9:30 a.m., with check-in at 9:00.

Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts. You need your voucher, either printed or on your phone, at check-in. If you book hotel pickup, the shuttle is available from the city center, Bačvice, Riva, and Marjan areas for an additional charge. Pickup leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the cruise, so enter your accommodation address when booking.

Do not cut it close. Late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for a refund. The port is easy enough to find, but arriving 30 minutes early also gives you time to locate the boat, use the restroom, and settle in before departure.

The first hour at sea and the Čiovo stop

The cruise begins with about an hour of sightseeing from Split. This opening stretch lets you settle into the boat and watch the city recede while the crew serves light refreshments.

Your first main stop is Čiovo, where you have about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or time near a beach bar. This is often the most active stop of the day. Bring water shoes if you have them, since rocky shorelines are common around Adriatic swimming spots.

Some departures include the chance to see a shipwreck from the water at this first area. Snorkeling goggles are available with a €10 deposit, and several people especially enjoy using them to look below the surface. Conditions and the exact route can change, though, so do not book this cruise solely for the wreck.

The boat also carries inflatables and stand-up paddleboards. These are useful if you want to float rather than swim continuously, but there are only a few boards. During busy summer trips, you may need to wait your turn.

The Blue Lagoon near Drvenik

After another short cruise, the boat reaches Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You get about 100 minutes here, making it the longest stop on the schedule.

This is the place for clear water, floating, and a relaxed swim. The bright sea color is the main attraction, but the area can become crowded, particularly in the middle of summer. If you prefer quiet coves, temper your expectations. You are visiting one of the Adriatic’s most popular day-trip areas, not a private beach.

Lunch is served during this part of the day. You choose at the meeting point between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, all with French fries. Wine is included with lunch, while water and juice continue to be available.

The food is practical rather than restaurant quality. Many people find the portion filling, and the tuna and vegetarian options have received particularly positive comments. A few diners have found the burger and fries lukewarm or plain, with little in the way of salad or toppings. If you care greatly about lunch, choose the option that best suits you and view the meal as fuel for the rest of the afternoon.

One small timing point matters. The crew may ask you to wait before swimming while lunch is being served, and food service can take a while when the boat is full. If you are eager to get into the water, this pause may feel longer than expected.

Maslinica on Šolta, the day’s most characterful stop

The final destination is Maslinica, a small seaside village on Šolta. You have about 90 minutes to walk, take photos, sit by the water, or swim one last time.

Maslinica gives the day a change of pace. Čiovo and the Blue Lagoon are mainly about being in the sea. Here, you can explore a marina, see traditional stone houses, browse small handmade jewelry shops, or stop for a coffee. The village is compact, so you can enjoy it without needing a detailed plan.

You can still swim at Maslinica, but do not feel obliged to spend every minute in the water. This is the best stop for a gentle walk and a look at island life. If you want a long village visit, the 90 minutes may feel brief. If you mainly want a taste of Šolta between swims, it is enough.

What the onboard food and drinks really include

The word all-inclusive can mean many things, so here it is fairly specific. You receive:

• Coffee and a doughnut in the morning
• Lunch with a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger
• French fries with lunch
• Wine with lunch
• Water and juice throughout the cruise
• Seasonal fruit on the return journey

The doughnut is a simple but welcome breakfast, especially since the boat leaves in the morning. The fruit is a light finish after a long day of swimming and sun.

Do not expect a full bar menu. Some soft drinks beyond water and juice are not included. If you need a particular drink, pack it or check the onboard arrangements before departure. You should also bring sunscreen and a hat. The open deck offers little escape from strong midday sun.

Music, hosts, and the feel of the boat

The crew helps shape this experience. Nana is repeatedly singled out for her friendly, attentive style, while Marco is praised for clear instructions, good energy, and keeping the day moving. Sandra and Ivana are also noted for explaining the schedule and checking that people are looked after.

Music plays a real part in the atmosphere. This is not a silent sightseeing boat. You may hear upbeat music during the ride, and the crew uses humor to keep the long day light. One rainy departure even turned the weather into a singalong moment.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like a social boat trip. If you want quiet reading time or a private conversation, the music and shared setting may be less appealing. The mood is relaxed, but it is still a group excursion with a fixed timetable.

Comfort, swimming gear, and what to pack

The boat has seating, but it is not designed as a plush lounge. Benches can be hard and small, and popular summer departures may fill quickly. Arrive at the checkpoint on time, and board promptly if having a seat matters to you.

The boat provides snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards for a €10 deposit. Return the equipment as instructed to receive the deposit back. The limited number of paddleboards means you should not assume you will have one for the entire stop.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Water shoes
• A light jumper or jacket
• Your digital or printed voucher

The extra layer is easy to overlook. Wind on the longer stretches can feel surprisingly cool, even when Split is hot. A waterproof phone pouch may also be useful, though it is not listed as a required item.

Pets are not allowed, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. The route can change, and the provider may alter the boat or cancel for safety if the sea is rough or the weather turns bad.

How the timing works

The full schedule lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. In broad terms, you have:

• One hour cruising from Split
• About 90 minutes at Čiovo
• Thirty minutes cruising
• About 100 minutes at the Blue Lagoon
• Twenty-five minutes cruising
• About 90 minutes at Maslinica
• Eighty minutes cruising back to Split

This rhythm works well because you are rarely stuck in one place all day. Each cruise section gives you time to dry off, eat, take photos, or simply sit back. The final 80-minute ride back is the longest stretch, so keep a warm layer handy.

The route is not a guided history tour. The crew gives practical information about the day and the stops, but the main focus is recreation. Choose this cruise for swimming and scenery rather than detailed lectures about Dalmatian history.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and friends who want an easy island day without arranging several separate bookings. Children can enjoy the inflatables, paddleboards, and swimming, while adults can alternate between the water, a drink, and a village walk.

It is also a good fit if you have only a few days in Split and want to see more of the coast. You get a taste of Čiovo, Drvenik, and Šolta in one outing, rather than spending a full day on just one island.

You may want another type of excursion if you dislike group activities, need a quiet boat, want a luxurious lunch, or have limited mobility. The schedule is fixed, and the most popular spots can feel busy.

The free cancellation policy gives you flexibility if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help while you finalize your Split plans. It does not protect you from a late arrival on the day, so plan your morning carefully.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced day on the water with three swimming areas, a village stop, lunch, and the basics included. At $62, the package offers strong value, especially for families and anyone who would otherwise pay separately for boat transport, meals, drinks, and water equipment.

Go in expecting a lively shared boat, not a private sailing trip. Arrive early, bring a light layer, choose your lunch in advance, and treat the Blue Lagoon as a popular attraction rather than a secluded cove. With those expectations, this is one of the easier ways to turn a day in Split into a proper Adriatic outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from St. Nicholas Pier at Split Port, Obala Lazareta 1. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts.

What time should I arrive?

Standard check-in is at 8:30 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure. In April and October, check-in is at 9:00 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The scheduled stops are Čiovo, Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica village on the island of Šolta.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. French fries and wine are included with lunch.

Are drinks included?

Water and juice are available throughout the cruise. Coffee and a doughnut are served in the morning, wine comes with lunch, and seasonal fruit is served on the return journey.

Can I use snorkeling gear and paddleboards?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available with a €10 deposit.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The provider may change the route or boat, or cancel the activity, if weather or sea conditions are unsafe. Late arrivals and no-shows for the booked day are not eligible for a refund.