Exploring Croatia’s Water Wonders: The Private Underwater Museum & Blue Lagoon Tour from Split

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines underwater surprises with stunning island scenery, this private tour from Split might catch your eye. It promises a blend of snorkeling, cultural intrigue with Croatia’s only underwater museum, and relaxing stops at some iconic spots like the Blue Lagoon and nearby islands.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the exclusive visit to the underwater museum, which boasts over 50 life-sized statues submerged in clear waters—something truly unique in Croatia. Second, the tour’s luxury speedboat with WiFi, a shower, and a toilet means you’re not just ticking boxes but traveling comfortably.

On the flip side, considering the price—around $1,880 for up to 12 people—it’s a splurge, especially since food isn’t included. However, for groups who want a private, tailored experience with drinks, snorkeling gear, and admission all covered, this could be justified. A good fit for those wanting a more luxurious, flexible day out rather than a crowded group tour.

If you’re after a personalized, scenic day with underwater art, a splash of Croatian culture, and island hopping, this tour hits many of the right notes. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate comfort, customization, and a bit of underwater art history.

Key Points

Exclusive Visit: Croatia’s only underwater museum with impressive life-sized sculptures.
Luxury Transport: Well-equipped, private speedboats with WiFi, shower, and toilet for comfort.
All-Inclusive: Snorkeling gear, admission fees, towels, and drinks are included; food is not.
Flexible Itinerary: The last stop can be Trogir or another island based on your preferences.
Ideal Group Size: Up to 12 people for a private, personalized experience.
Seasonal Tips: Pack swimwear and a hat; bring a light jacket if needed due to possible late-day rides.

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Setting the Scene: What to Expect on This Tour

Starting from Split, you’ll meet right in front of the boats, not at an office, so keep an eye out for the license numbers—1469ST (purple/bronze) or 1616ST (green/blue). From there, the journey begins with a cruise on a high-end speedboat, designed to make the day both comfortable and enjoyable.

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The Blue Lagoon

Your first stop is usually the famed Blue Lagoon, near the island of Drvenik. This spot is legendary for its turquoise waters and sandy seabed—perfect for swimming and relaxing. You’ll love the way the boat’s onboard amenities make it easy to kick back, enjoy a drink, and take in the scenery.

Underwater Museum Exploration

After some time at the lagoon, the boat heads to Jelinak Bay, where the underwater museum awaits. Here, you’ll have a couple of hours to snorkel among 52 larger-than-life statues, including the Stations of the Cross, a Jesus statue, and a sunken fighter plane. The clarity of the water really makes the sculptures pop, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly experience.

This part of the trip is particularly appealing if you’re into art, history, or just love the idea of swimming around in an outdoor gallery. The fact that the entrance fee to the museum is included, along with snorkeling gear and a pass, means you’re set up for a fun, hassle-free adventure.

Island Hopping and Final Stop

The last part of the day is flexible—either a visit to Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming streets and history, or another nearby island like Olta or Iovo, depending on your preferences. This tailors the experience to what you want, making it feel more personal than a standard tour.

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The Return

After a full day of swimming, exploring, and relaxing, the boat heads back to Split. The company emphasizes the comfort of their vessel, so expect a smooth ride, some music via Bluetooth, and plenty of bottled water and drinks on board.

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The Practicalities and What You Need to Know

Duration & Group Size: The tour lasts a full day, and with a maximum of 12 people, it feels intimate without sacrificing fun. The private aspect lets you tweak the itinerary slightly, which many reviews appreciated.

Cost & Value: At around $1,880 for up to 12, this breaks down to roughly $157 per person if everyone shows up as a full group. Considering the inclusion of drinks, snorkeling gear, museum entry, and the luxury boat, it’s quite a comprehensive package. For travelers craving exclusivity and comfort, it’s a fair deal.

What’s Included: Everything from the boat, fuel, skipper, and docking fees to snorkeling gear, towels, museum entrance, and drinks. This means you won’t have to worry about extra costs and can focus on enjoying the day.

What’s Not Included: Food isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t part of the package, but the meeting point is conveniently right next to the Ambasador hotel in Split.

Weather & Season: Summer is ideal for this trip, with warm water for swimming and bright skies. Packing swimwear, beachwear, and a hat is advisable; a light jacket might be wise for the return trip if it’s late in the day, especially for comfort.

Health & Safety: They provide safety equipment, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, remember to take your medication early. The boat’s size and speed mean a bumpy ride isn’t likely, but it’s worth considering if you’re sensitive.

The Experience Through the Lens of Reviews

Travelers describe the boat as “luxurious” and “well-equipped,” noting the leather seating and Bluetooth stereo as nice touches. One reviewer mentioned, “The boat had everything you could need, and the crew was friendly and helpful,” which underlines the focus on comfort and service.

The underwater museum itself gets rave reviews—images of the statues underwater evoke a sense of wonder. Many say it’s “such a cool, unique thing to see,” and appreciate that the admission fee is free, noting it feels like great value.

Snorkeling gear included in the package means you won’t have to rent anything separately, which is a relief. The ability to swim and sunbathe on a sunbed adds to the relaxing vibe. One review even highlighted the “excellent wine selection and delicious tapas” on other similar tours, but keep in mind, food isn’t included here, so bring your own if you’re hungry after a day in the water.

The Bottom Line: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a private, tailored day out—perfect for small groups, couples, or friends who want something more customized. If you’re into art, underwater exploration, or just want a day of comfort combined with island hopping, this trip ticks a lot of boxes.

The price might seem high, but when you factor in the inclusions—luxury boat, drinks, snorkeling gear, museum admission—it’s a good value for those who want hassle-free fun. It’s ideal for those looking to avoid crowded tours and prefer a more exclusive feel.

However, if you’re more budget-conscious, or if food is a priority for you, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind that this tour relies on good weather, so flexible plans are advisable during shoulder seasons.

In essence, this tour appeals to those seeking comfort, flexibility, and a touch of underwater art adventure. It’s a well-rounded experience for anyone wanting to enjoy Croatia’s scenic waters with a splash of culture in a private, comfortable setting.

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From Split: Private Underwater Museum & Blue Lagoon Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available? No, the tour begins at the designated meeting point next to the Ambasador hotel in Split, so plan to meet there.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, beachwear, and a hat; bringing a light jacket for the ride back can be helpful, especially in the evening.

Can I customize the itinerary? As a private tour, it’s flexible—you can discuss preferences with the skipper, like whether to visit Trogir or another island for the last stop.

Are drinks included? Yes, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are provided on the boat.

Is snorkeling gear provided? Absolutely. Snorkeling gear and passes for the museum are included in the price.

How long is the tour? It’s a full-day experience, so plan on roughly a whole day from departure to return.

What about food? Food is not included, so bring snacks or have a meal beforehand.

Is the tour family-friendly? It’s suitable for anyone comfortable on boats and in the water, but check with the provider if traveling with children.

What happens in case of bad weather? It’s wise to be flexible, as the trip depends on favorable weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This private tour from Split offers a compelling mix of underwater art, island beauty, and comfort. If you’re craving a customized, relaxing day on the water with a touch of Croatia’s underwater charm, it’s definitely worth considering.