Split: Blue Lagoon 3 Islands All-Inclusive Cruise with Lunch

The best thing about this full-day boat trip is its easy rhythm: cruise, swim, eat, stroll, and repeat. You leave Split at 9:00 am and spend nearly nine hours moving between three very different Adriatic stops, without having to plan ferries, pack a lunch, or bargain with beach bars.

I like the generous time in the water and the cheerful crew, especially hosts such as Nana, Marco, Sandra, and Lana, who keep the day moving. I also like the honest all-inclusive setup: doughnuts and coffee in the morning, lunch with wine, water and juice throughout, and fruit on the way home. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded in high summer, with limited seating and only a few paddleboards.

Key points at a glance

• Three stops with three different moods: swim near Čiovo, relax at the Blue Lagoon, then explore Maslinica on Šolta.
• Lunch is included onboard: choose beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger, served with French fries and wine.
• Water gear is available: use snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards with a €10 deposit.
• The crew sets a friendly tone: Nana, Marco, Sandra, Lana, and other hosts are regularly praised for clear instructions and warm service.
• The day is long but well paced: expect about 510 minutes, with roughly 90 minutes at Čiovo, 100 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, and 90 minutes at Maslinica.
• Come prepared for wind: bring a light jumper or jacket, even on a sunny day, because the open-water rides can feel cool.

A relaxed way to see three Adriatic stops

This cruise is designed for people who want a full day at sea without having to assemble the pieces themselves. You meet at St. Nicholas Pier, at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split Port, then settle in for a day of swimming, island scenery, food, and music.

The route covers Čiovo, the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica on Šolta. They are not interchangeable stops. Čiovo is the active opening, the Blue Lagoon is the main swimming break and lunch setting, while Maslinica gives you a chance to walk around a small seaside village.

The pace works well because you are not asked to spend the whole day sitting on the boat. The longest open-water ride comes near the end, at about 80 minutes, so that return journey is a good time to dry off, eat fruit, listen to music, and watch the coast pass.

The boat trip is social rather than quiet. Music plays during much of the day, and the crew gives regular updates about the next stop. If you want a private, silent sailing experience, this is not the right choice. If you like a friendly group atmosphere and want plenty of time in the sea, it makes much more sense.

Starting early at Split Port

Regular departure is at 9:00 am, with check-in at 8:30 am. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before sailing, since the staff needs to check vouchers and organize boarding. In April and October, departure shifts to 9:30 am, with check-in at 9:00 am.

Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing matching shirts. The meeting point is at St. Nicholas Pier, address Obala Lazareta 1. A digital or printed voucher is accepted.

You can also arrange hotel pickup for an extra charge if you are staying in Split city center, Bačvice, Riva, or the Marjan area. The shuttle leaves 30 to 45 minutes before the cruise, and you provide your accommodation address during booking. This is useful if you have an early start and do not want to find the port in the morning.

One practical point: arrive early if you care about getting a preferred seat. Some departures have enough seating for everyone, but reports also describe hard, small benches and people sitting on the floor once the boat fills. The boat is most likely to feel busy during the main summer season.

Čiovo, the first swim and possible shipwreck sighting

After about an hour of cruising from Split, the boat reaches a peaceful bay on Čiovo. You get around 90 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, taking photos, or relaxing near the beach bar.

This first stop often provides the most active water session of the day. Some departures include a close look at a shipwreck, and snorkeling goggles let you see fish and underwater details. The wreck is a memorable feature when sea and weather conditions allow it, but it should not be treated as guaranteed. Wind has caused route changes, and a shipwreck sighting has been missed on some days.

The crew provides goggles, floats, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards. You pay a €10 deposit for the water equipment, so bring the correct amount or be ready to arrange it with the staff. There are only a few paddleboards, so you may need to share rather than expect unlimited access.

Čiovo is a good place to get comfortable with the boat and the water. If you are traveling with children, the mix of floats and shallow swimming opportunities can make this less demanding than a nonstop open-sea swim. You should still bring water shoes, since rocky shorelines and sea floors are common around these stops.

The Blue Lagoon, turquoise water and onboard lunch

The second cruise lasts about 30 minutes and brings you to Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. You have about 100 minutes here, making it the longest scheduled stop.

The appeal is simple: clear, bright water and time to swim without rushing back aboard after a quick photo. You can snorkel, use an inflatable, try a paddleboard, or stay dry and enjoy the view. The stop is made for slowing down, though it can become busy in the high season.

Lunch is served onboard during this part of the day. You choose at the meeting point between a beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger, all served with French fries. Wine comes with the meal, while water and juice remain available throughout the cruise.

Food quality appears to be fairly good for a boat excursion, but do not expect a restaurant meal. Some people found the burger and fries tasty and filling, while another found the meal lukewarm and too plain, with no lettuce, tomato, or salad. The tuna option has received particular praise, and the vegetarian burger gives non-meat eaters a clear choice.

The timing around lunch may matter to you. On at least one departure, the crew asked everyone to wait before swimming, then lunch took longer than expected to arrive. If you are eager to get into the water, this could feel frustrating. The sensible approach is to treat lunch as part of the stop rather than assume you will swim first.

Maslinica on Šolta, the day’s most charming change of pace

After about 25 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Maslinica on Šolta. You get around 90 minutes here, enough for a swim, a walk, photographs, or coffee beside the water.

Maslinica changes the mood. The earlier stops focus on open water and swimming, while this one lets you step into a small seaside village with traditional stone houses and a picturesque marina. You can wander, browse handmade jewelry, sit by the sea, or take one final swim.

This stop is especially useful if you do not want a day made up only of boat decks and swimming. It gives you a little contact with island life, though the visit remains short. If you prefer slow village exploration, 90 minutes may feel brief. If you mainly want a swim and a quick walk, the timing is generous.

The village also gives you a break from the boat’s benches. That matters because the seating can become uncomfortable after several hours. Bring a towel or light layer for the walk, and remember that swimwear is not ideal for every part of the village stop.

Food and drinks: strong value, modest expectations

At $62 per person, the package offers good value if you plan to use the food, drinks, and water equipment. You are paying for the cruise, three stops, lunch, wine, water, juice, coffee, a doughnut, seasonal fruit, and access to recreational gear. Comparable independent planning would involve arranging transport, food, and separate island connections.

The morning starts with coffee and a doughnut, which is more useful than it sounds. You check in early, then spend an hour at sea before the first swim, so a small breakfast takes the edge off hunger.

Water and juice are available throughout the cruise. Wine is served with lunch. The soft-drink selection is not broad, so if you want a particular soda or another drink, bring it yourself rather than assuming it is included.

The lunch is filling, but simple. The beef, tuna, and vegetarian burgers make the menu practical for a mixed group, and the fries add enough substance for a long afternoon outdoors. Do not book this trip for gourmet food. Book it because lunch is convenient, included, and timed around a beautiful swimming stop.

Seasonal fruit is served during the return trip. It is a welcome light snack after a day in the sun and a sensible finish before reaching Split.

The crew and the feel onboard

The crew has a large effect on this experience. Nana is repeatedly singled out for friendliness, humor, and attentive service. Marco is praised for clear instructions and lively energy, while Sandra, Lana, Anja, and Ivana are also noted for keeping people informed and looked after.

That matters on a long boat day. You need to know when to return from the water, where to collect equipment, when lunch is ready, and how the route may change. The hosts provide regular updates rather than leaving you to guess.

Music adds to the summer mood. It can make the ride fun, especially when weather changes or the boat is full of people in a holiday mood. It can also be less appealing if you hoped for a quiet cruise. The atmosphere is casual, upbeat, and group-oriented.

The captain and deck crew handle the practical side, including the water gear and boarding. The staff may change from one departure to another, but the recurring pattern is a friendly team with clear directions.

What to pack for a day on the open water

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and water shoes. The sun can be strong, and the combination of swimming and sea spray makes proper protection important.

Pack a light jumper, sweatshirt, or jacket too. The boat can feel surprisingly cold while moving, especially on the longer rides. One sunny April departure still felt chilly between stops, and the same can happen in summer when wind picks up.

Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch or another secure place. You will want photos at the Blue Lagoon and Maslinica, but wet hands and boat movement are a poor combination for loose electronics.

If you use the snorkeling goggles, inflatables, or paddleboards, remember the €10 deposit. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Rough seas or poor weather can lead the provider to change the route, cancel for safety, or use a different boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Late arrivals and no-shows do not qualify for a refund, so the early meeting time is not optional.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this for families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a simple day at sea with plenty of swimming. Children as young as seven have enjoyed the combination of boat travel, floats, water, and island time, though every family should judge the long day and open-water setting for itself.

It suits you if you value convenience. You do not need to carry a full picnic, work out island ferry connections, or find a separate snorkeling rental. The crew handles the schedule, meals, and equipment.

It is less suitable if you need quiet, extra comfort, or a highly flexible schedule. The benches are not luxurious, seating can be limited, and each stop follows a fixed timetable. The Blue Lagoon can also feel crowded, particularly in the busiest part of summer.

The 4.4 rating from more than 2,200 bookings reflects a strong overall experience, but the details explain the score better than the number. The scenery, swimming time, crew, and value are the main strengths. Food temperature, limited paddleboards, crowded water, and hard seating are the trade-offs.

Should you book the Split three-island cruise?

Book it if you want to see several Adriatic locations in one day and prefer an organized outing over independent planning. The combination of three swims, Maslinica village, lunch, drinks, and water equipment makes $62 a fair price.

I would book this especially for a first visit to Split, a family day out, or a trip when you want the sea to be the main event. Arrive early for better seating, choose your lunch carefully, bring a warm layer, and keep your expectations focused on a fun boat day rather than luxury cruising.

Skip it if you want a peaceful private sail, refined food, or long hours at one quiet beach. For most people who want easy access to the Dalmatian coast, however, this is a practical and enjoyable way to spend a summer day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat leaves from St. Nicholas Pier in Split Port, at Obala Lazareta 1. Look for the Gray Line sign and staff wearing shirts with the same sign.

What time should I arrive?

For the regular 9:00 am departure, check-in is at 8:30 am, and you should be at the checkpoint 30 minutes before departure. In April and October, departure is at 9:30 am and check-in is at 9:00 am.

What lunch choices are available?

You choose one option at the meeting point: beef burger, tuna burger, or vegetarian burger. Each comes with French fries, and wine is served with lunch.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and juice are available throughout the cruise. Coffee and a doughnut are provided in the morning, wine comes with lunch, and seasonal fruit is served on the return journey.

Can I use snorkeling and paddleboard equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles, inflatables, and stand-up paddleboards are available for water activities. A €10 deposit is required for the equipment.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. Rough sea conditions or bad weather can lead the provider to change the route, cancel the activity for safety, or use a different boat.