From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Exploring the Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise from Split: An Honest Review

Thinking about taking a boat tour from Split to explore some of Croatia’s most iconic spots? This Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise promises a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, all with lunch and drinks included. Whether you’re into picture-perfect scenery or just want a taste of the local marine vibe, this tour might tick some boxes. We’ve looked at the details, the reviews, and what’s on offer to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

What we love about this experience is how it combines visiting a UNESCO-listed city (Trogir) with some of the most popular spots for swimming and sunbathing, like the Blue Lagoon. Plus, the included lunch and drinks make it a convenient choice for those wanting to keep things simple and avoid extra costs on the day. That said, a possible snag is that some reviews mention the schedule can feel a bit flexible or unpredictable, and not everything might live up to expectations—like the shipwreck or the meal quality.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy boat trips, are looking for a full day of outdoor activity, and value comfort combined with some adventure. It’s not necessarily perfect for those wanting a very structured experience or a deep dive into specific sites, but it’s a solid option for enjoying Croatia’s coastal beauty in a relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable day trip with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water.
• Includes lunch and drinks—a good value for the price of around $92.
• Visits to Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Shipwreck Kontessa offer diverse experiences.
• Reviews highlight beautiful scenery but also mention some discrepancies between expectation and reality.
• Timing can vary depending on weather and captain’s decisions.
• Not a heavily structured tour—some flexibility, which might suit spontaneous types.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

This cruise starts in either Slatine or Split, with early morning departures—about 8:30 from Slatine or 9:15 from Split. Once underway, you’ll enjoy a relaxing voyage along the coast, with coffee and croissants served during the ride. This is a nice touch and sets a casual, friendly tone as you start your day.

First Stop: Trogir

Arriving in Trogir around 11:00, you’ll get about an hour to explore this UNESCO-protected town. It’s renowned for its well-preserved medieval core, charming streets, and historical sites like the Kamerlengo Tower and St. Lawrence Cathedral. During the short stop, you can admire the architecture, take photos, or indulge in some quick sightseeing—though, as some reviews mention, an hour feels quite brief, especially if you want to soak in the atmosphere.

Next: Blue Lagoon

After leaving Trogir, the boat heads to the famous Blue Lagoon. Here, the lunch is served en route, featuring a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian options. Drinks like water, local wine, and homemade iced tea flow freely throughout the day, which is appreciated by many travelers. The two-hour stay at the Blue Lagoon is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling (with provided gear), and even using the onboard water slide—if it’s working, that is.

From reviews, we learn that the lagoon’s beauty is a highlight, but some mention it’s not actually a lagoon in the traditional sense. Still, its clear waters and sandy spots make it a popular swimming destination. You’ll also find snorkeling equipment available, and many guests enjoy floating around while exploring the submerged world.

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Shipwreck Kontessa at Neujam Bay

The final stop is at Neujam Bay on Island Oltá, near a sunken shipwreck called Kontessa. Here, you’re encouraged to explore the wreck, which adds a bit of adventure to the day. Snorkeling around the shipwreck is an optional activity, and some reviews praise this as a fun, unique experience.

However, it’s worth noting that not everyone found the shipwreck as impressive as they hoped. One reviewer pointed out that their expectations were higher, and the wreck turned out to be underwhelming. Also, the timing means you have just about an hour to explore the wreck and relax before heading back.

The Return Journey

On the way back to Split, the crew offers fresh fruit, which is a nice gesture after a day in the sun. The entire day wraps up with the boat arriving around 18:30 back in Split or a bit later in Slatine. The seating is random, so don’t expect to be with the same group all day, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your vibe.

What Travelers Are Saying: Honest Feedback

The reviews paint a picture of a pleasant day out with some caveats. A traveler from GetYourGuide noted, “The places and scenery are very beautiful; the crew is very friendly,” but also mentioned that breakfast was just a croissant, and the schedule was flexible. This suggests a laid-back, informal atmosphere rather than a tight schedule.

Another reviewer loved swimming in the Blue Lagoon but was disappointed with the shipwreck, describing it as underwhelming. They also appreciated the helpfulness of the crew and the delicious fish risotto served during lunch.

Some travelers pointed out that not all advertised features are guaranteed, like the water slide or complete snorkeling gear for everyone. One comment mentioned that the food quality was quite basic, and the schedule sometimes changed at the last minute. Still, others found the scenery and overall experience worth the price, especially if you’re after a day of boat-borne adventure.

The Value of This Tour

At $92 per person, this cruise delivers a full day of activities, including breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and WiFi onboard. For a day at sea with varied stops, that’s a decent deal, especially considering the included local wine and refreshing iced tea.

However, the value depends heavily on your expectations. If you’re looking for a luxurious, meticulously organized trip, this might fall short. On the other hand, if you’re happy with a relaxed, scenic adventure with some snorkeling and quick sightseeing, it can be a good choice. Keep in mind, some reviews suggest that various similar tours offer comparable experiences at a lower price, so it’s worth shopping around.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book in advance if possible, especially during peak season, as spots fill quickly.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to secure a comfortable seat and avoid last-minute rush.
• Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a towel—though some amenities are provided onboard.
• Note the timing — the schedule can shift depending on weather or captain’s decisions, so keep your expectations flexible.
• Prepare for the water activities: snorkeling gear is included but may not be available in full quantity for everyone.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy boat trips and want a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and casual exploration. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed day out without fussing over every detail. If you’re interested in visiting Trogir’s charming streets, soaking up the Blue Lagoon’s waters, and exploring a shipwreck, this tour covers those bases.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a more structured or exclusive experience, or expects everything to match the promotional images and descriptions perfectly, you may want to consider other options. The flexible schedule and mixed reviews suggest this is a more laid-back, informal trip rather than a polished, luxury service.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise offers a solid day of adventure for those who prioritize scenic beauty and relaxed activities over meticulous organization. It’s a good value for the money, especially with the included lunch and drinks, and it provides a chance to see some of Croatia’s most popular coastal spots without the hassle of planning each detail.

If you’re a traveler who’s comfortable with some uncertainty—whether it’s the schedule, the size of the snorkeling gear, or the actual appeal of the shipwreck—this trip can be a memorable addition to your Croatian itinerary. Just go in with flexible expectations, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy the sun, sea, and the views.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour involves swimming and some boat travel, it’s not explicitly advertised as family-friendly. If your kids enjoy boat rides and swimming, they might like it, but always consider their comfort with water activities and the schedule’s flexibility.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers breakfast (coffee and croissant), lunch (with options of fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes), drinks (water, wine, iced tea), snorkeling equipment, WiFi, and a water slide. Additional drinks or food not listed are extra.

How long is each stop?
Trogir has about an hour for sightseeing, the Blue Lagoon is around two hours for swimming and sunbathing, and the shipwreck stop gives about an hour for exploration. The actual times can vary depending on weather and captain’s decisions.

Are the activities suitable for non-swimmers?
Since snorkeling and swimming are part of the experience, non-swimmers should take precautions, and it’s advisable to stay on the boat or in shallow areas if they prefer. Always check with the crew about safety options.

Can I expect a structured schedule?
The itinerary is somewhat flexible, with some reviews noting last-minute adjustments. The tour promises a full day with clear stops, but the timings might shift based on conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and perhaps some cash for optional extras. The tour provides WiFi and some amenities, but it’s good to come prepared for outdoor activity.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic boat trip with a chance to explore Croatia’s coast and islands, this cruise could be worth it. Just keep your expectations realistic, and go with an open mind—you might find it’s a delightful way to spend a day at sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: