Split: Blue lagoon & 3island tour with Mediterranean Lunch

If you’re looking to spend a day soaking up Croatia’s most iconic coastline scenes, this Blue Lagoon & 3-Island tour offers a balanced mix of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in some of the most beautiful spots along the Adriatic. Set sail from Split on a well-organized boat trip, and you’ll get to visit Ciovo Island, the Blue Lagoon, and Solta Island, each with its own charm. What makes this tour particularly appealing is its value for money — including a Mediterranean lunch and drinks — and the chance to explore multiple highlights in just one day.

One thing we love about this experience is the friendly crew and well-paced itinerary. It’s clear that the operators aim for a relaxed, enjoyable day without rushing you from place to place. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention issues like delayed lunch and crowded spaces, which might be a consideration for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate experience. Still, if you’re up for a lively day with plenty of swimming and scenic views, this tour is a strong choice, especially for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting to tick off several must-see spots effortlessly.

This tour best suits those who appreciate beautiful scenery, good value, and a social atmosphere. If you’re after a relaxed, fun-packed day with some snorkeling, a tasty meal, and plenty of opportunities to cool off in crystal-clear waters, this is worth considering. Keep in mind, it’s not a guided tour with detailed historical commentary, so if you prefer a more educational experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But for pure fun, sun, and sea, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Visit three spectacular Croatian coastal spots in one day, saving you the hassle of separate bookings.
• Snorkeling gear and waterslide included — perfect for water lovers.
• A Mediterranean-style lunch with drinks adds great value, though reviews suggest some variability in food quality.
• Flexible swimming opportunities at each stop, with enough time to relax or explore.
• Friendly crew and well-organized schedule help ensure a smooth experience.
• Suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 96, creating a lively but manageable atmosphere.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Overall Structure

Your day begins at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 55 in Split, a central and accessible location. The boat departs with a crew that, based on reviews, are generally friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable — “lovely staff members” as one reviewer put it. The group size can be up to 96 travelers, which means it’s lively but not overly crowded, and there’s room for mingling or relaxing quietly.

The entire tour lasts roughly 8 hours, which includes travel time, stops, swimming, lunch, and some free time. The pace is considered just right for most, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery, swim, or snorkel without feeling rushed.

Stop 1: Ciovo Island at Beach Bar Borko

The first stop on this Croatian adventure is Ciovo Island, specifically at the beach bar Borko. The location is just a few steps from the shoreline, making it easy to jump in the water or settle into a sun lounger. Reviewers mention the stunning cove views and how the refreshing drinks are a lovely way to start the day. You’ll usually get around 2 hours here, which feels ample for a quick swim, some photos, or a drink at the bar.

What Travelers Love: The relaxed vibe, the proximity to water, and the chance to soak up the scenery. “Very well planned,” said one reviewer, emphasizing that the timing is just right to enjoy the spot without feeling overbooked.

Possible Drawback: Some reviews note that facilities might not be the most pristine — bathrooms especially can be less than perfect, so bring your own toilet paper if you’re sensitive.

Stop 2: The Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Island

Next up is the famous Blue Lagoon, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s the highlight for many, and for good reason. The lagoon offers amazing views and a chance to cool off in warm, inviting waters. For the more adventurous, there’s a waterslide, which reviewers say adds a fun element, especially for families or younger travelers.

Timing: Expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes here, which allows plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the boat deck. The waters are shallow enough for easy snorkeling, and equipment is provided.

Authentic Insights: Several reviews mention that the waterslide is a fun addition, although one review pointed out that the slide sometimes isn’t inflated properly, which can be disappointing. Still, most found the waterslide a nice touch to break the routine of swimming.

What to Know: The water is so clear you’ll want to have your camera ready. “Views are breathtaking and absolutely amazing,” said a traveler. Just remember to pack sunscreen — the sun shines intensely all day.

Stop 3: Solta Island & Neujam Bay

The final stop takes you to Solta Island, home to Neujam Bay and a shipwreck that offers a unique underwater experience. The shipwreck isn’t a pirate relic but a fascinating feature for snorkelers. Reviewers highlight that they appreciated the serene scenery and the chance to snorkel around the wreck.

Timing: You get about an hour here, which is enough to swim around, explore, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Authentic Feedback: Some mention that the shipwreck isn’t very large, but it makes for a fun and somewhat unusual snorkeling scene. The crystal-clear waters make it easy to see the wreck and enjoy underwater life.

Practical Tips: Bring your own snorkel gear if you’re particular — although equipment is usually supplied. The reviews indicate that the water quality and visibility are excellent at this stop.

The Lunch Experience

A key part of this tour’s appeal is the Mediterranean lunch included in the ticket price. Reviews describe the food as “great” or “fine,” with a variety of options such as fish, chicken, or vegetarian pasta. One reviewer noted that the lunch was overcooked and lacked seasoning, so expectations might vary.

The drinks included are water, juice, and sometimes wine, with many appreciating the free-flowing drinks which help beat the heat. However, some mention that the wine isn’t particularly tasty, so if you’re a wine connoisseur, you might prefer to buy your own.

Overall value: The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment, combined with the scenic stops, makes the tour feel like a good value for the price of around $72 per person.

Additional Considerations Based on Reviews

• Crowds and Space: Some reviews note that the boat can get crowded, especially when it’s nearing capacity, which might mean limited space on deck or in the waterslide area.
• Timing and Delays: Occasional delays, especially around lunch service or if the anchor gets stuck, can cut into snorkel time. One reviewer mentioned a significant delay with the lunch, which impacted the overall experience.
• Facilities: Bathrooms on the boat might not always be in the best shape, so bring your own tissues or sanitizer if you’re particular.
• Atmosphere: The lively, music-filled atmosphere is perfect for those wanting a fun, party-like vibe. However, travelers seeking a tranquil, quiet cruise may find the loud music and party atmosphere a bit much.
• Family-Friendly: The inclusion of a waterslide and the opportunity for swimming make it suitable for families, although the noise level and crowd size might be a consideration.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Around 8 hours, including transport, swimming, lunch, and free time.
• Price: About $72, which includes snorkeling gear, drinks, and lunch — good value considering the multiple stops.
• Group Size: Up to 96 travelers, creating a lively but manageable environment.
• What to Bring: Towel, hat, sunscreen, underwater camera, and extra snacks if you’re particular about food.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, but children must be accompanied by adults. Service animals are allowed.
• Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This adventure suits water lovers and sun seekers who want a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring without the hassle of organizing multiple trips. It’s great for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a social, lively atmosphere with plenty of scenic photo opportunities. If you enjoy music, lively crowds, and a fun vibe, you’ll probably love the energetic mood onboard.

However, if you prefer a quiet, laid-back experience, or are highly particular about food and facilities, this might not be your ideal choice. Also, those with limited mobility might find some aspects challenging, especially if they want to explore the shipwreck or participate in water activities.

Final Thoughts

This Split island-hopping tour offers a dynamic and scenic day along Croatia’s famed coastline, packed with swimming, snorkeling, and scenic stops. The inclusive Mediterranean lunch and drinks add excellent value, especially for those wanting a hassle-free day of seaside fun. While it’s not a silent retreat or a history-focused tour, it’s perfect for anyone keen to enjoy Croatia’s natural beauty with a lively, social atmosphere.

The mix of stunning scenery, friendly crew, and a good balance of activities makes this a worthwhile option, especially for first-time visitors or families looking for a memorable day at sea. Just keep in mind the reviews about possible delays, crowded spaces, and variable food quality — being prepared can help you maximize your enjoyment.

In short, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and social boat trip with plenty of swimming opportunities, this tour hits a lot of the right notes, offering a memorable slice of Croatia’s coastal magic.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate, especially since there’s a waterslide and plenty of swimming. However, children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks (water, juice, and sometimes wine). The waterslide is also available for use.

How long are the stops?
Each stop varies: Ciovo Island (~2 hours), Blue Lagoon (~1.5 hours), Solta Island (~1 hour). This allows ample time for swimming, photos, and relaxing.

Can I buy alcohol on the trip?
Alcoholic drinks are not included but are available to purchase. The free drinks are water and juice, with optional wine.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, your camera, and possibly snacks if you prefer specific foods. Prepare for the sun and saltwater.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In essence, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and fun-packed day for those eager to enjoy Croatia’s coastline in a social setting, with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and picturesque views to take home.