Blue Lagoon & Islands Day Cruise from Split with Lunch

The best part of this cruise is the mix of three very different stops: a swim near a shipwreck, free time in the pretty village of Maslinica, and a final stop at Drvenik’s Blue Lagoon. You get sea views all day without having to plan island ferries or find lunch on your own.

I like the friendly crew, with Anja, Nana, Ivo, Marco, and Robert singled out for clear instructions and good humor. I also like the price: at $65, lunch, drinks, snorkeling goggles, paddleboard use, and inflatables are included. The main consideration is that the Blue Lagoon stop may feel more like a pleasant beach and swimming break than a dramatic natural lagoon.

Key points at a glance

• Three stops with three different moods: Swim at Nečujam, stroll Maslinica, then relax at Drvenik.
• A shipwreck adds interest: Nečujam offers clear water and a chance to look below the surface near the wreck.
• Lunch is simple and filling: Choose a beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with french fries.
• A sociable boat day: The crew keeps the trip organized, friendly, and easy to follow.
• Good value at $65: Drinks, goggles, paddleboard use, and inflatables are part of the package.
• Pack for changing conditions: Bring warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and water shoes.

Setting Out From Split’s St. Nicholas Pier

You meet the boat at St. Nicholas Pier in Split. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts. That detail matters in a busy port, where several boats and day trips may be preparing to leave at the same time.

The cruise is conducted in English, and the crew gives instructions throughout the day. Names can vary by departure, but Anja, Nana, Ivo, Marco, and Robert have all been praised for being friendly, upbeat, and clear. That is useful on a swimming trip, since you need to know when to return to the boat and where to find the equipment.

This is a social excursion rather than a private sailing trip. You will share the boat with other people, which can be a plus if you like a lively day at sea. Families, couples, and solo visitors can all fit into the rhythm of the trip, and one family specifically found the mix of swimming, island time, and lunch worked well for adults and a teenager.

The route can change if the weather turns bad or the sea gets rough. That is normal for a boat trip in Dalmatia, but it is worth keeping in mind if you have your heart set on one exact stop.

Nečujam Bay and the Shipwreck Swim

The first stop is Nečujam Bay on Šolta. Here, the emphasis is on the water. You can swim, use the snorkeling goggles, and look toward the shipwreck near the boat.

This is not a guided archaeological visit, and you should not expect a formal underwater tour. The appeal is simpler: clear water, a bit of underwater exploration, and the chance to see something more interesting than an empty stretch of sea. If you enjoy casual snorkeling, this stop gives the day a focus beyond sunbathing.

You can also use the stand-up paddleboard and inflatables, depending on availability and the flow of the group. Water shoes are a smart addition because they make getting in and out of the sea more comfortable around rocky or uneven edges.

The time here is designed for enjoying the water, not for an ambitious snorkeling expedition. Bring realistic expectations. Visibility and sea conditions can change, and the main pleasure is having a refreshing swim in a scenic bay with the boat as your base.

After the swim, lunch is served onboard. You choose your meal at the meeting point, not once you are already at sea. The choices are a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, all with french fries. This is straightforward boat-trip food, but it is practical. You do not lose island time searching for a restaurant, and you get a proper meal after swimming.

Drinks include wine, juice, and water. Beer is included only with certain booking options, so check the option you select rather than assuming it comes with every ticket.

Maslinica on Šolta: A Village Stop With Choice

The next stop is Maslinica, a village on the island of Šolta. This is the most flexible part of the day. You can stroll through the village, sit down for coffee or ice cream, swim again, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy a slower hour away from the boat.

That choice is one of the strongest features of the itinerary. Some people want another swim after lunch, while others would rather walk on land and look around. Maslinica gives both groups something to do without forcing everyone into the same activity.

The stop is also a useful break from the sun. A full day on the water can feel longer than expected, especially when the boat is moving and the glare is strong. A short walk, a drink, or time in the shade can reset your energy before the final part of the cruise.

Do not expect a major sightseeing program here. Maslinica is included as a relaxed island village stop, not as a full cultural tour. Its value comes from the contrast: after swimming at Nečujam, you get a chance to step ashore and set your own pace.

If you want to swim from the beach, pack water shoes and keep your towel handy. If you prefer to explore, wear something easy to walk in and bring a little spending money for a coffee or ice cream, since those purchases are not included.

Drvenik and the Blue Lagoon Finish

The final stop is Drvenik, described as the Blue Lagoon. The water and island views make this a natural place to finish a boat day. You can swim, relax, use the inflatables, and take in the wide views as the boat sits among the Dalmatian islands.

You may also keep watch for dolphins during the cruise. They are not guaranteed, and the crew cannot control where marine life appears, but the open-water journey gives you a chance to look for them. Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not let dolphin spotting become the measure of the day.

The Blue Lagoon name can create high expectations. One useful point to remember is that this final stop may not look like a perfectly enclosed, postcard-style lagoon. It is best understood as a scenic swimming and relaxation stop, with the sea, islands, and boat setting doing most of the work.

That does not make it a poor finish. After the earlier swim and island visit, a quieter stop can be exactly what you want. If you prefer constant sightseeing, you might find the final break a little slow. If you want time to float, sunbathe, and enjoy the views, it rounds out the day well.

What Lunch and Drinks Are Really Worth

At $65 per person, the meal and drinks make a real difference to the value. A burger with fries is not a fine-dining experience, but it is a sensible lunch for a day involving swimming and sun. You also avoid paying for a separate meal during the island stop.

The food has been a strong part of the experience for several people, and the beef, tuna, and vegetarian choices cover the main preferences listed for the tour. Choose carefully at the start, since that is when you select your lunch.

Wine, juice, and water are included. Water is especially useful in the Dalmatian sun, where you can become dehydrated without noticing it. Bring your own refillable bottle if you like having water close at hand, but do not rely on the included drinks as a reason to skip sun protection.

The snorkeling equipment requires a €10 deposit. The goggles are included for use, but the deposit is separate, so carry the right amount or be prepared to arrange it at the meeting point.

A sunbed is included only with certain options, and beer also depends on the option selected. Check the exact package before booking if those details matter to you.

Crew Style and the Feel of the Day

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of this experience. Anja is described as joyful, kind, and involved, with clear explanations at each stop. Nana and Ivo are noted for their humor and friendliness, while Marco and Robert also receive strong praise for helping make the day run smoothly.

That gives you a good sense of the atmosphere. This is not a silent sightseeing cruise with a distant captain. The crew talks you through the stops, explains what to do, and keeps the schedule moving.

Clear instructions matter here. Swimming from a boat is enjoyable, but only if you know where to return, how long you have, and how the equipment works. The crew’s active approach helps make the day feel organized rather than loose or confusing.

At the same time, the experience depends partly on the people aboard that day. A lively group can make the boat feel social and fun. A quieter group may make it feel more peaceful. Either way, you should expect a shared excursion rather than personal attention from a private guide.

Who Will Get the Most From This Cruise

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple, all-in-one day at sea from Split. It works particularly well if you want several swim opportunities, a village visit, lunch, and drinks without arranging each piece separately.

Families with older children and teenagers are a good match. The water activities give younger passengers something active to do, while Maslinica provides a change of pace for anyone who does not want to spend every minute swimming.

It also suits couples and friends who want scenery without a demanding schedule. You can be active with snorkeling and paddleboarding, or spend much of the day sitting in the sun and watching the islands pass.

You may want a different experience if you need wheelchair access, since the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also disappoint you if you want a private boat, a long historical tour, or guaranteed dolphin sightings.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, warm clothing, and water shoes. Warm clothing is worth bringing even on a hot day because the sea breeze can feel cool once the boat gets underway.

Pets are not allowed.

Is $65 Good Value?

For $65, the package covers a lot: the cruise, lunch, wine, juice, water, English-speaking crew, snorkeling goggles, stand-up paddleboard use, and inflatables. That is strong value if you plan to swim and eat onboard rather than pay for separate activities and food.

The value is less obvious if you mainly want to visit Maslinica. In that case, much of the price goes toward the boat ride and water activities you may not use. The trip is best judged as a full sea day, not as transport to one island village.

The €10 equipment deposit and the option-based extras are the main costs to check before you pay. Beer and a sunbed may not be included in every package, so read the chosen option carefully.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Split plans are still shifting. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should You Book the Blue Lagoon Cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value day combining swimming, casual snorkeling, island time, and lunch. The crew’s friendly style is a major advantage, and the three-stop plan gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Go in knowing what this is not. It is not a private sailing trip, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The Blue Lagoon stop may feel like a pleasant swimming break rather than a once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder.

For most visitors with one free day in Split, the balance is attractive. You get clear water, a shipwreck to look toward, a village to explore, and a meal without much planning. Pack for sun and sea, check the booking option for beer and a sunbed, and you should find the $65 fare well spent.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at St. Nicholas Pier in Split. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing shirts with the same sign.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Split.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Nečujam Bay, Maslinica on Šolta, and Drvenik, known as the Blue Lagoon.

What lunch choices are available?

You choose a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. French fries are included with the meal.

Are drinks included?

Wine, juice, and water are included. Beer is included only with certain booking options.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling goggles are available, but you must provide a €10 deposit for the equipment.

What should I bring?

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

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change because of bad weather or rough sea conditions.