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

If you’re visiting Croatia and want to see a snapshot of Dalmatia’s stunning coastline, this Islands & Blue Lagoon cruise offers a full-day adventure packed with sightseeing, swimming, and local flavors. The tour promises visits to UNESCO-listed Trogir, the famous Blue Lagoon, and an intriguing shipwreck site near Solta, all with meals and drinks included. It’s a popular pick for those who love boat trips, scenic views, and a bit of water-based fun.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the variety of stops—you get a taste of history, nature, and maritime mystery in one trip. Plus, the included lunch and drinks are convenient for travelers wanting to relax without constantly reaching for their wallets. However, the tour isn’t without its quirks—some reviews point out that the schedule can be unpredictable and that certain advertised features may not always match reality. But overall, this tour is well-suited for first-timers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a laid-back day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary offering cultural, natural, and maritime experiences
• All-inclusive meals, drinks, WiFi, and water slide for extra fun
• Flexible schedule with some variations depending on weather and captain’s decisions
• Authentic highlights like Trogir’s UNESCO charm and the shipwreck
• Mixed reviews about the food quality and some overpromised attractions
• Good value for the price if you enjoy boat trips and scenic stops

What to Expect on the Tour

This full-day cruise departs from either Slatine or Split early in the morning, with pick-up times around 08:30 in Slatine and 09:15 in Split. The boat is a comfortable vessel designed for sightseeing and water fun, with WiFi onboard (always a bonus for keeping in touch or sharing your adventure). The itinerary is designed to cover a mix of cultural sites, crystal-clear swimming spots, and maritime exploration.

The Journey Begins: From Split or Slatine

Starting from either embarkation point, you’ll enjoy a scenic sail along the Dalmatian coast. The crew, often friendly and helpful, will serve coffee and croissants—perfect fuel for the day ahead. As you cruise past Island Iovo, keep an eye out for the ancient church of Gospe od Prizdinice, a sight that sets the tone for the blend of history and natural beauty you’ll experience.

Trogir: A UNESCO Treasure

Arriving in Trogir around 11:00, you’ll have an hour to wander through this charming World Heritage Site. The town’s narrow streets, ancient walls, and beautiful architecture make it a favorite for many. You can climb the Kamerlengo Tower for panoramic views or visit the stunning St. Lovre Cathedral. Some reviews mention the short visit feels rushed, especially for such a picturesque town, so plan your exploration accordingly.

Blue Lagoon: Swimming & Relaxation

Next, the boat heads to the Blue Lagoon, a bright, inviting bay famous for its warm, clear water. Here, the tour truly shines. You’ll get about two hours to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. The water slide and inflatables onboard add a playful touch, with many guests noting that the water slide wasn’t exactly as advertised—some found it more like inflatables or a simple water feature. Snorkeling gear is available for those who want to explore beneath the surface, and the water’s calmness makes it suitable for all skill levels.

During the voyage from Trogir to the Lagoon, a freshly prepared lunch is served—choices include fish, meat, and vegetarian options, with a fruit snack to finish. The included drinks—water, wine, and homemade iced tea—are available throughout the day, making it easy to stay refreshed.

Shipwreck at Neujam Bay

After the Lagoon, the ship makes a stop at Neujam Bay on Island Olt, where you can explore the sunken ship Kontessa. Snorkeling here is popular, and reviews suggest it’s a fascinating spot for maritime enthusiasts. However, some travelers mention that the shipwreck isn’t as spectacular as they expected, describing it as “not as good as imagined.” The bay itself offers calm waters perfect for relaxing or casual snorkeling.

Return Trip

As the day winds down, the boat begins the journey back to Split, serving fresh fruit on the way. The return trip typically lasts around 1.5 hours, with an arrival back in Split expected around 6:30 pm. Slatine travelers will arrive closer to 7:00 pm.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What We Loved

The scenery throughout the day is genuinely beautiful, with multiple reviewers highlighting the stunning views of Croatia’s coastline and crystal-clear waters. The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The Blue Lagoon’s inviting waters and the chance to snorkel or just lounge on the boat make it the highlight for most.

The meals are a good inclusion, especially considering the full-day length. The water slide and inflatables are simple, but they add an element of fun, especially for families with kids. The WiFi is a practical bonus, allowing guests to share photos and stay connected.

What Could Be Better

Some reviewers express disappointment with the lunch options, describing the food as basic—”just one croissant” in some cases—and not quite matching expectations after paying a premium price. The water slide was not quite as advertised—some found it to be inflatables or missing altogether.

The shipwreck stop drew mixed reviews; some found it less impressive than anticipated, and snorkeling equipment wasn’t always available for everyone, which could be frustrating for avid snorkelers. The schedule can also shift due to weather or captain’s decision, making the timing somewhat unpredictable—so don’t expect a rigid timetable.

Finally, the short visit to Trogir can leave visitors feeling rushed, especially if you want to truly soak in the town’s charm. If you’re a slow explorer or want more time wandering, this might feel limiting.

Is This Tour Worth It?

In terms of value, the $92 price tag includes meals, drinks, WiFi, and water activities, which adds up compared to booking some of these components separately. However, be prepared for a tour that’s more about the experience than luxury. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to swim and enjoy the water, this cruise delivers.

For travelers who like a social atmosphere, friendly crew, and a mix of cultural and natural sites, it’s a solid choice. If your priority is gourmet food or a more in-depth exploration of each stop, you might want to look elsewhere or plan additional time for Trogir.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a fun-filled day on the water. It’s suitable for those who enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxed sightseeing. Be mindful that the schedule can be flexible and that not everything may match the advertisement—especially the shipwreck site and the water slide. If you’re after a quick, scenic, and social day trip, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.

Those with mobility issues or who prefer more structured tours with longer stops might find the short visits frustrating. Also, if you’re a foodie wanting gourmet meals, the basic options could be disappointing.

FAQs

Is transportation provided to the meeting points?
You need to meet at the designated locations—either Gat sv. Nikole in Split or the berth in Slatine. No transport is included from hotels, so plan accordingly.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers breakfast (coffee and croissant), a three-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian), drinks (water, wine, iced tea), WiFi, snorkeling gear, and access to the water slide. Fresh fruit is served on the return journey.

Can I buy extra drinks or food onboard?
Yes, additional food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price.

How long is the stop at Trogir?
You’ll have about an hour to explore Trogir, which is enough for a quick stroll or visit to key sights like Kamerlengo Tower and St. Lovre Cathedral. If you want to explore more deeply, plan your route efficiently.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change or be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable. The exact schedule can also be adjusted by the captain’s discretion, so flexibility is key.

Is snorkeling suitable for all ages?
Snorkeling equipment is available, but the activity relies on calm waters and swimmer capability. The shipwreck site offers a fun exploration opportunity, but swimmers should be comfortable in the water.

Final Thoughts

This Island & Blue Lagoon cruise from Split offers a decent blend of sightseeing, water fun, and local flavor, all at a reasonable price. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, social day on the waves and are okay with some limitations—like shorter stops and basic meals. The stunning scenery and variety of stops make it a worthwhile choice for first-time visitors eager to tick off Croatia’s highlights in one day.

If you value authentic, laid-back experiences and don’t mind the occasional schedule shuffle, this tour might be just what you need. Just remember that not everything will be perfect—reviews highlight some gaps between expectations and reality, especially regarding food and attractions—but overall, it’s a solid way to enjoy Dalmatia’s coast.

In summary, this tour is a good balance of sightseeing, water activities, and local flavor for those seeking an enjoyable, all-in-one day out. It’s not luxury, but it offers good value and fun moments—especially at the Blue Lagoon and in charming Trogir. Perfect for travelers wanting a casual but memorable Croatian adventure.