Planning a day out on the water in Dalmatia? This 8-hour cruise from Split offers a solid mix of swimming, sightseeing, and good food, all wrapped into one experience. We’ve looked into it, and what stands out is how well it balances fun, scenic beauty, and value — especially for around $100.
Two things we genuinely like are the crystal-clear waters at the Blue Lagoon, great for swimming and photos, and the delicious Mediterranean-style lunch that’s included. It’s a nice touch that the crew keeps drinks flowing freely, and the waterslide adds a splash of excitement.
On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the schedule can be a bit packed, with quick stops and a longer day in the sun. If you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced day, this might feel a little rushed at times.
It was very nice, really good music, good lunch, a lot of free time, the swimming in blue lagoon was a dream come true, I 100% recommend!
Very fun, they took good care of us and staff were friendly
The tour was brilliant. The guides were comedic and friendly, helpful at every turn. Went with friends from university and will definitely be back with others very soon!
This tour suits travelers who want a lively, picturesque day on the water, especially those eager to combine swimming, scenic spots, and a tasty meal in one straightforward outing. Families, friends, or even solo travelers looking to meet others will find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Convenient full-day tour with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and tasty food included.
- Great value for money at around $100, considering the stops, activities, and lunch.
- Stunning spots like Blue Lagoon offer excellent chances for photos and water fun.
- Fun waterslide and shipwreck snorkeling add a playful element for all ages.
- Friendly, helpful guides make the experience more enjoyable and easy to navigate.
- Some waits in lines during busy times, especially for lunch, could be a minor drawback.
What We Love About This Tour
This cruise ticks a lot of boxes for people wanting a balanced day of exploration and relaxation. The highlight, without question, is the Blue Lagoon — its clear, turquoise waters are incredibly inviting and great for a cool swim after a few hours on the boat.
Many reviews mention how beautiful this spot is, with comments like, “Blue Lagoon was beautiful, plenty of time to swim, and the slide was fun.”
Another aspect we appreciate is the mediterranean lunch. It’s not just a quick snack — you’re treated to grilled fish, vegetables, or meat, all prepared in traditional Dalmatian style. Several reviews note that the food is “amazing” and “delicious,” making the day feel more complete. Plus, with unlimited juice and water, you won’t go thirsty, which is a real plus in the warm Croatian sun.
I went with my two boys (5 and 12) and they both loved it. Crew was great, very comunicative and open. Teased the younger one which was appreciated by both of them. Great slide and nice locations to see and swim at. Lunch was perfectly fine for this type of trip. Clean toilets, which was important for the kids. All in all great time for a family and kids.
Amazing experience! The crew was fantastic, and it was worth every penny! Just two minor suggestions: improving the lunch menu and providing some descriptions of the sightseeing during the cruise. Overall, a must-do in Split!
In total that was amazing. The food and snorkeling with the shipwreck
The crew’s friendliness and helpfulness also stand out. Multiple reviews mention how communicative and engaging guides made the day smoother, especially when family members or kids are involved. The addition of a waterslide and the shipwreck snorkeling spots lends a playful, adventurous vibe that keeps the energy high.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split
A Quick Look at the Itinerary
The tour kicks off at the Riva promenade in Split, where you’ll hop onto a comfortable, somewhat military-looking vessel — don’t worry, it’s clean and well-maintained. The first part is a 75-minute scenic cruise that gets you to your first stop, the beach bar Borko on Iovo Island. Here, you can relax by the shore, sip drinks, and take in the stunning cove views.
Next, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour stop at Iovo for lunch and free time. The food is regional, grilled on-site, and the setting is idyllic — just a few steps from the beach. Many travelers report that the lunch quality is quite good for a tour like this, and it offers a nice break from the boat’s busy schedule.
Afterward, you’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, near Drvenik Island, for a 1.5-hour stay. This is the star of the trip — great for swimming, snorkeling, and even viewing marine life. The waterslide here adds a touch of fun, especially for younger travelers or those young at heart.
The best boat experience – delicious food, excellent music and wine. The hosts let our friend Sandra create an amazing vibe by being the boat’s private DJ! Highly recommended on behalf of all 10 people in our group.
Very nice and relaxed crew. We had fun, there was a party on board, atmosphere was amazing, all in all an unforgettable experience. We can recommend!!!
The tour is great and the stops are ideal for bathing. The fish was really good. I would like to thank Iaco, who helped me find my cell phone, which I dropped in the water 😅😅. He was very patient and managed to find it. I would like to thank him very much, and I would also like to praise the entire boat team. I highly recommend it!
Finally, the last stops include Olta, where you can snap photos, relax, and enjoy some more swimming before the cruise wraps up. The entire day is approximately 8 hours, with a total of about 3 hours of cruising and 5 hours on land or at stops.
The Experience of the Places
Blue Lagoon is the absolute highlight, known for its crystal-clear waters and lively underwater scene. Many reviews mention how breathtaking it is, and how much fun it is to snorkel around the shipwreck. It’s a popular photo spot, and the waterslide makes it even more appealing for families or groups looking for some fun.
Iovo Island is the perfect place to unwind with its calm beaches and relaxed vibe. The restaurant here offers a genuine Mediterranean feast — grilled fish, vegetables, and meat in Dalmatian style. It’s a welcome break, and many reviewers say the food “exceeded expectations,” especially in a tour setting.
Olta offers a more peaceful, serene environment. It’s a good spot for photos, some light sightseeing, or a quiet swim. The reviews highlight that it’s a “beautiful” and “relaxing” part of the trip, ideal for winding down after the more active stops.
Overall very good! Nice arrangement, trip was well worth the price, blue lagoon was beautiful, plenty of time to swim and the slide was fun. The downside was the long wait to get on the boat and the long wait in the queue for lunch, wish the wait was shorter in the heat.
It was a nice day. The food was amazing. Music was playing in the boat and the experience was nice. The stuff was really friendly
Disadvantages – long onboarding, not attractive wreck Advantages – good lunch, great fish, nice staff, wonderful Blue Lagoon, great slide. There are three stops – lunch & beach/bar, Blue Lagoon slide, wreck. Enjoy snorkeling at Blue Lagoon! I liked the trip – this was great day! I recommend 🙂
The Good, the Fun, and the Small Drawbacks
The waterslide at Blue Lagoon is a crowd favorite, according to many travelers. It’s a quick, fun splash that adds a bit of adrenaline to the day. The snorkeling around the shipwreck is also praised for its aquatic life — you’ll likely see fish and marine creatures, which adds an extra layer of interest.
The guides are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Several reviews point out how their helpfulness made the day more enjoyable, especially when dealing with children or large groups.
But it’s not all perfect. A few reviews mention long waits at lunch or in the queues to board the boat, especially during peak season. The schedule is pretty tight, and sometimes the stops are quick, which might feel rushed if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, drinks like wine or alcohol are not included, and extra purchases are on you if you want to indulge.
More Great Tours NearbyOverall Value and Who It’s Best For
At around $100 per person, this tour offers a lot — scenic spots, water fun, a hearty meal, and friendly guides. For those wanting a well-rounded day that combines sightseeing, swimming, and good food without breaking the bank, it’s a compelling choice.
The slide was great, but the time spent in the shipwreck was a bit short. However, the water was a bit cold in the afternoon, and it was difficult to stay underwater for a long time. Overall, it was a beautiful experience, and it was comfortable to sunbathe at the stern 😌
We had a great day swimming in three different locations including the blue lagoon. The staff on the boat were very nice and friendly. Lunch was amazing, we had grilled fish and veggies. The whole experience was worth the money.
the boat was spacious,we had a table seat,plenty of shade. toilets super clean – we loved the staff,really friendly and looked out for everyoneespecially during swimming. the island stop was gorgeous,freah fish,potatoes and cabbage,lots of drinks, inckuding wine. we enjoyed the inflatable slide frm the top of the boat this was a highlight of the trip. also music on board was A* really enjoyed the tunes . a great day ! very relaxing
It’s especially suitable for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere. The inclusion of key attractions like Blue Lagoon and shipwreck snorkeling, plus the fun waterslide, makes it appealing to a wide range of ages.
If you’re after a more relaxed, unhurried experience, or prefer more time at each stop, you might find this schedule a bit brisk. But for most, the mix of beautiful scenery, tasty food, and fun activities makes it worth considering.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children loved the waterslide and swimming spots. The boat has family-friendly features, and the stops are relaxing and safe for kids.
What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, snacks, and beachwear. The boat provides unlimited juice and water, but having your own snacks can be a good idea.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, alcohol is not included. You can purchase drinks on board if you wish, but the tour mainly offers unlimited juice and water.
What’s the pace of the tour?
It’s a full-day experience with several quick stops, so be prepared for a busy schedule. Some travelers mention waiting in lines, especially for lunch.
How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 1 hour at Olta, 1.5 hours at Blue Lagoon, and 2 hours at Iovo for lunch and swimming.
Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, it’s a well-maintained ex-military vessel with shade and sundeck positions. The crew is friendly and attentive.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility should your plans shift unexpectedly.
Split: Blue Lagoon,3 Islands, Big Slide, Mediterranean lunch
"It was very nice, really good music, good lunch, a lot of free time, the swimming in blue lagoon was a dream come true, I 100% recommend!"
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and tasty way to spend a day near Split, this tour offers a lot for the price. You’ll get to see iconic spots like the Blue Lagoon, enjoy a regional feast, and have fun with waterslides and snorkeling. It’s a great pick for adventurous travelers who want a good mix of activities without fuss.
While it’s not the most relaxed experience, the positive reviews about friendly staff, stunning views, and good value make it a worthwhile option. Perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers ready for a memorable day on the water.
Whether you’re seeking Instagram-worthy photos, fun in the sun, or just a way to explore Dalmatia’s beautiful islands, this cruise could be just what you need.
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