Split Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch & Paddle

Summary

Swim, eat, and wander islands near Split by boat with lunch

You’ll board a boat in Split for a day trip cruising to Nečujam Bay for swimming and snorkeling, then wander Maslinica village on Šolta Island before paddling or relaxing at Croatia’s famous Blue Lagoon. Lunch is served onboard with wine after 1pm, plus all your gear is included—just bring curiosity and maybe a dry towel.

What’s the experience like?

You step onto the boat at Split’s port just as everyone’s still waking up—some folks clutching coffee, others already slathered in sunscreen. The Adriatic looks impossibly clear this early. We set off right on time (the captain’s strict about that), and I found myself wedged between a Croatian family and two British friends comparing sunburns from yesterday. The first breeze smelled faintly of salt and diesel—oddly comforting. Our guide, Marko, grinned and handed out snorkels while explaining how Nečujam Bay would be our first stop. He said it like “Netch-oo-yam,” which I kept repeating under my breath so I wouldn’t mess it up later.

Nečujam was quiet except for the slap of water against the hull. I jumped in before I could overthink how cold it’d be—turns out, not bad at all once you’re moving. Someone tossed me an inflatable ring (I’m not a strong swimmer), and we floated around spotting tiny fish darting through rocks. Back on board, lunch was simple: burgers (I went for tuna) with fries, plus wine if you wanted it after 1pm. Eating outside with wet hair and salty skin made everything taste better than it probably should have. There was this moment where we all just sat quietly chewing, watching Šolta Island get closer.

Maslinica felt like a postcard but less tidy—stone houses with laundry flapping, old men squinting at us from a café terrace. I tried to order coffee in Croatian; Marko laughed but helped me out (“kava s mlijekom,” if you’re curious). Some people wandered off for ice cream or to dip their toes in again. The air here smelled different—like pine trees and something sweet I couldn’t place.

The last stretch to the Blue Lagoon was louder—music playing softly on deck, people swapping stories about dolphins (we didn’t see any but kept looking). When we finally anchored, the water was so blue it almost looked fake. I borrowed a paddleboard but mostly just lay back staring at clouds drifting over Drvenik island. Leaving was hard—I still think about that light shimmering on the surface as we pulled away toward Split again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Cruise

• Depart from Split
• Swim and snorkel at Nečujam Bay
• Visit Maslinica village on Šolta Island
• Relax, swim, or have coffee in Maslinica
• Enjoy lunch on the boat
• Swim and explore Blue Lagoon
• Watch for dolphins en route
• Return to Split

Top questions

How long does the Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands cruise from Split last?

The tour departs at 9:00 am from Split Port and includes several stops before returning in the afternoon; exact return time may vary based on conditions.

Is lunch included on the Blue Lagoon cruise?

Yes, lunch is served onboard around 1:00 pm with options for beef, tuna or vegetarian burger plus fries.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Unlimited juice and water are available all day; wine is served onboard after 1:00 pm.

Can I bring children or infants on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

What should I bring for swimming or snorkeling?

Snorkeling masks are provided; you may want to bring your own towel and swimwear.

Does the tour include paddleboards or inflatables?

Yes, stand up paddle boards and inflatables are included for use during stops.

Where does the cruise depart from in Split?

The meeting point is Ulica Svetog Nikole, 21000, Split Port; check-in is half an hour before departure.

Is there public transportation near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Split Port.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Split Port with check-in half an hour early; use of inflatables and stand up paddle boards; unlimited juice and water throughout the cruise; snorkeling masks provided; lunch served onboard with choice of beef, tuna or vegetarian burger plus fries at 1:00 pm; wine available after 1:00 pm—all alongside stops at Nečujam Bay, Maslinica village on Šolta Island, and time to swim at Croatia’s Blue Lagoon before heading back to Split.