Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split

If you’re planning a day trip from Split to explore the nearby islands and lagoons, you’ll likely come across this popular cruise. It promises a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxation, with visits to three different islands and a highlight stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. The experience is highly rated — with an overall 4.5-star score from thousands of reviews — and 95% of travelers recommend it. That said, as with any tour, it has its pros and cons, and knowing what you’re signing up for can make your day on the water much more enjoyable.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is how it balances water activities with some downtime and the fact that it offers a decent value for the price. You’ll get a chance to swim in turquoise waters, explore a traditional Dalmatian village, and enjoy a meal and drinks on board. The few downsides? Some reviews mention issues like late departures or overcrowding, so it’s worth considering these before booking. This trip seems best suited for travelers who want a fun, scenic break from city sightseeing with a flexible, relaxed vibe.

Key Points

• Comprehensive island hopping: Visit three different islands in one day for variety.
• Beautiful swimming spots: Blue Lagoon and Necujam offer crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
• Good value: Price includes lunch, drinks, and water activities, making it a practical choice.
• Flexible stops: Time spent at each location is generally adequate, though some reviews note quality varies.
• Guides and service: Guides like Nana are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.
• Weather-dependent: Tours may change or cancel in bad weather, so flexibility is key.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

This tour packs a lot into about eight hours, making it a decent option if you want a full day out on the water without overloading your schedule. It kicks off early from Split, with check-in opening at 8:30 am, so you’ll want to arrive on time to avoid missing the departure at 9 am. The boat is spacious enough for around 130 travelers, so it can get busy, especially in peak season.

Stop 1: Necujam on Solta Island

Your first stop is Necujam, a small, quiet place perfect for a quick dip. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim or snorkel in the calm waters. You might find this a relaxing introduction to the day, although it’s a fairly modest spot compared to the other attractions. As one reviewer pointed out, “Everyone enjoyed, even non-swimmers with noodles and donut-shaped tubes,” which speaks to how accessible the water is for different comfort levels. The shallow bay makes it ideal for those who aren’t confident swimmers or just want to float and soak up the sun.

Stop 2: Maslinica Village

Next, you’ll head to Maslinica, a charming Dalmatian village. This stop lasts about an hour and a half, giving you time for a coffee, a walk, or a quick swim in the clear waters right off the coast. The reviews praise the village’s authenticity and the scenic views, with some mentioning a short hike up to a viewpoint for panoramic vistas. It’s a lovely, laid-back spot to stretch your legs and soak in local atmosphere. Be aware that it’s a small village with limited shops, but enough for a quick exploration.

Stop 3: Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay

The highlight for many is the Blue Lagoon, known for its strikingly clear, turquoise waters. The lagoon offers about an hour to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the underwater scenery. Reviewers mention that the lagoon can get crowded with other boats, but it remains a beautiful spot. The water here is protected enough for safe swimming, and the boat provides inflatables and snorkeling gear for an extra fee of €10 if you want to rent equipment. Expect to see some fish, and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the shipwreck nearby, which is a popular underwater feature.

Lunch is served on the boat around 1 pm — a burger choice (beef, tuna, or vegetarian) with fries, accompanied by unlimited water, soda, and wine starting at the same time. Several reviews praise the meal as decent and plentiful, though vegetarians might find the veggie burger less impressive. The wine is a hit for many, adding a relaxing touch to the afternoon.

Water Activities and Amenities

This cruise is geared towards fun and relaxation, offering a bunch of activities included in the price. You’ll find stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, goggles, and noodles, making it easy to stay active in the water. The water gear is well-received, and many reviews mention how much people enjoyed floating around or snorkeling.

One thing to note, based on some reviews, is that snorkel equipment costs €10 per booking if you want to rent masks or fins — so if you’re serious about underwater exploring, bring some cash or plan to rent. Also, the availability of unlimited drinks (soda, water, wine) is a definite plus, especially on a sunny day, and helps keep everyone refreshed.

The Guide and Crew: How They Make a Difference

Many travelers swear by guides like Nana, describing her as “friendly,” “informative,” and “attentive.” Good guides can really enhance the experience, especially when navigating a busy schedule or crowded spots. One review specifically praised Nana for her hospitality, highlighting how she kept everyone updated and made sure all guests felt comfortable.

However, not all reviews are glowing — some mention issues like late departures or overcrowding, which can impact the overall vibe. It’s important to remember that weather and logistics can sometimes cause delays or route changes. For instance, a few travelers noted that high seas or choppy waters prevented them from visiting certain spots like the shipwreck or the sunken boat, so flexibility is key.

Food and Drink: Is It Worth It?

The included lunch is a straightforward burger with fries, and most reviews find it to be decent, if not gourmet. For many, it’s more than enough after a morning of swimming. The fact that drinks, including wine, are unlimited after 1 pm adds a relaxed, social element to the trip.

If you’re a foodie, you might find the meal simple, but for a cruise of this type, it’s an acceptable offering. Vegetarians should note that the veggie burger isn’t a standout, so packing a snack might be wise if you’re particular.

Timing and Group Size: What Should You Know?

Departing at 9 am, the tour is well-scheduled to maximize your day, but some reviews mention that it can feel crowded, especially during peak season. With a maximum of 130 travelers, it’s a sizable group, but most seem to stay comfortable, thanks to the boat’s spacious design.

Getting to the meeting point on time is important — check-in begins at 8:30 am, and the tour departs promptly. The boat is near public transportation at Obala Lazareta, which makes it accessible for most travelers.

Price and Value

At around $65.94 per person, this tour offers good value, considering the included lunch, drinks, water gear, and the chance to visit multiple islands. Many reviews confirm that the stops and amenities are worth the cost, especially when compared to solo boat rentals or multiple separate excursions.

However, some travelers have expressed frustration about last-minute route changes or overcrowding, which can impact perceived value. Still, the overall consensus is that this cruise provides a fun, scenic, and well-organized way to see the islands without breaking the bank.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise appeals most to travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water with opportunities for swimming and sightseeing. It’s ideal for those who enjoy social atmospheres, as drinks and food are plentiful and often praised. It’s suitable for people who don’t mind being part of a larger group and are flexible about weather conditions or minor schedule changes.

This trip probably isn’t best for travelers seeking an exclusive or ultra-quiet experience, nor for those with specific water sports expectations like advanced snorkeling or scuba diving. The focus is on laid-back fun, beautiful views, and exploring small islands.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, many stops have shallow waters where non-swimmers can float with noodles or don’t have to go in at all. The calm bay at Necujam is particularly good for beginners.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and possibly a towel. If you want to snorkel, consider renting gear or bringing your own if allowed. Some reviews mention a €10 fee for snorkeling equipment rental.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the boat ride, stops at three islands, a lunch (burger with fries), unlimited water, soda, and wine after 1 pm, plus water sports gear like inflatables and paddleboards.

Can I expect to see a shipwreck?
Yes, the shipwreck near Necujam is a popular feature, visible from the surface. Some reviews mention the shipwreck and the Blue Lagoon are highlights of the trip.

Is there any free time at each stop?
Yes, each stop includes about an hour to an hour and a half of free time for swimming, exploring, or relaxing on the beach.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the captain has the authority to change or cancel the route for safety reasons, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

How crowded does it get?
With up to 130 travelers, it can feel busy, especially at popular spots like the Blue Lagoon. However, most reviews say the boat is spacious enough to stay comfortable.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the water-based activities and gentle stops make it manageable for travelers of most ages, particularly those comfortable around water.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours before the departure. Since the tour is popular, planning ahead is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands cruise is a solid choice if you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic day out on the water with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and relax. The included lunch and drinks add to the value, and the guide’s friendliness can make a big difference in your overall experience.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy social atmospheres, flexible schedules, and scenic water views. Keep in mind that weather can influence the route, and crowds can be sizable, but most people find it a worthwhile way to see the Dalmatian islands without much fuss.

If you’re after a straightforward, fun-filled trip with beautiful sights and a chilled vibe, this cruise might just be what you’re looking for. Just come prepared for a lively day on the sea, and you’ll likely leave with some great memories and maybe a few new friends.