From Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch

Taking a boat trip around Croatia’s Dalmatian coast often tops the list for travelers looking to combine stunning scenery with a relaxing day on the water. This Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise from Split is a popular choice, offering a balanced mix of swimming, exploring small villages, and enjoying local flavors onboard. While it’s hard to go wrong with a day spent on the Adriatic, this tour has enough highlights to make it stand out — especially for those who love diverse scenery and good value.

We’ve gathered insights from numerous reviews, official tour details, and first-hand descriptions to give you a clear picture of what to expect. Here’s what makes this experience a worthwhile addition to your Croatian itinerary — and a few things to consider before booking.

Three things we really like about this tour:

• The variety of destinations, from the Blue Lagoon to quaint island villages, means you get a taste of Croatia’s diverse islands.
• The guides, especially Nana and Marco, are frequently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the day engaging.
• The included lunch and drinks add a lot of value, especially with options like beef, tuna, or vegetarian burgers paired with wine.

One potential drawback:

• The itinerary can feel a bit rushed, especially if you love lingering longer at each stop. Also, bad weather or sea conditions might lead to route changes or cancellations.

This cruise appeals most to travelers seeking a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing on the water without the hassle of organizing transport. It’s perfect for those who want a good balance of adventure and relaxation, and especially for first-timers eager to tick off multiple locations in one go.

Good To Know

• Diverse Destinations: Visit Neujam Bay, Maslinica, and the Blue Lagoon, each offering a different vibe.
• Incredible Guides: Expect friendly, knowledgeable hosts like Nana and Marco who keep the day lively.
• All-Inclusive Value: Lunch, drinks, and water fun gear are included, making for an effortless experience.
• Time Management: The schedule offers enough time for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing, but some may wish for longer stops.
• Comfortable Boat: The vessel is well-equipped with floatation devices, paddleboards, and inflatables.
• Weather Flexibility: Be aware that adverse weather could lead to route changes or cancellations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point & Departure

The tour kicks off from Obala Lazareta 1 at Split Port, with check-in at 8:30 am (or 9:00 am in April & October). The staff, identifiable by the Gray Line sign and staff shirts, ensures a smooth start. The boat departs promptly at 9:00 am, setting the tone for a well-organized day.

First Cruise Segment

The initial cruise lasts about 70 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in, admire the views, and get a sense of the islands ahead. The vessel is spacious enough for comfort, with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Neujam Bay

Your first stop, Neujam Bay, is a highlight for many. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, with the chance to see marine life and explore a shipwreck. Reviewers like Amy from France mention Nana as a friendly host who was attentive and made everyone feel comfortable. You’ll have approximately an hour here, which is enough for a quick dip and some photos, but some guests felt they could have used more time at this beautiful spot.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Second Cruise Segment

Back on the boat, the cruise continues for about an hour, giving you a chance to relax and take in the views en route to Maslinica. The scenery along the way is consistently praised, with reviewers describing the landscape as “amazing” and the boat as “comfortable.”

Maslinica on Solta Island

Arriving at Maslinica, you’re in for a charming, small Dalmatian village with a handful of local shops, cafes, and a lovely beach. You get around 110 minutes here, an ample window for a leisurely walk, enjoying a coffee or ice cream, swimming, or exploring the tiny streets. Many reviewers, like Franceska and Madara, appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to soak up the authentic island vibe. Some mention that the guides are helpful with recommendations, making this stop feel more personal.

Final Cruise & Blue Lagoon

The last cruise segment lasts about 25 minutes before reaching the Blue Lagoon (Drvenik)—a favorite for swimming and snorkeling, with about 1.5 hours to dive into the crystal-clear waters. Reviewers note dolphin sightings are possible, adding a touch of magic. The lagoon’s waters are noted to be stunning, with many guests commenting on the beautiful marine life and vibrant fish visible through goggles.

Return Journey & End

The cruise wraps up with an 80-minute cruise back to Split, giving everyone time to reflect on a day filled with scenic views, swimming, and good company. The vessel arrives back at Obala Lazareta 1 around 6 pm, making for a full, satisfying day.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included

• The scenic cruise covering Neujam Bay, Maslinica, and the Blue Lagoon
• Lunch and drinks: a choice of beef, tuna, or vegetarian burger with French fries, plus wine, juice, and water
• Water fun gear like stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, and goggles, for both kids and adults
• The tour is hosted in English and boasts friendly, professional crew members like Nana and Marco.

Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off — you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point
• A $10 deposit is required for snorkeling masks, which is refunded if masks are returned

Timing & Meeting Point

Departures are at 9:00 am (or 9:30 am in April & October) from Obala Lazareta 1. Check-in begins at 8:30 am, with the crew visible by the Gray Line sign. Make sure to arrive early, especially in peak season when boats fill up quickly.

What to Bring & Considerations

Pack light but thoughtfully: sunscreen, swimwear, towel, sun hat, water shoes, and a light jacket or warm clothing for the cooler boat rides. Since late arrivals aren’t eligible for refunds, plan to arrive well in advance.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed. If you prefer more flexibility or longer stops, this tour might feel a bit hurried, but the trade-off is seeing multiple locations in one day.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many reviewers praise the guides, especially Nana and Marco, for their friendly attitude and helpfulness. Amy from France says Nana was “friendly and attentive,” while Manuel from Germany highlights Lana as a “very friendly” guide. Guests also love the local flavors—the included lunch is generally well-received, with some suggesting that the burger options are hearty but could benefit from more variety or fresher ingredients.

Water-based activities are a big hit, with guests mentioning the paddleboards, goggles, and inflatable floats. The Blue Lagoon consistently receives praise for its stunning beauty, and the chance to spot dolphins adds extra excitement—something many reviewers, including Shakei from the UK, noted as a special moment.

Larger groups and families find the schedule well-paced, with enough time at each stop to swim, relax, and explore, as Franceska from France mentions. However, some guests feel that more time at each location would be ideal, especially for those who love to linger.

This 8.5-hour cruise from Split offers a well-rounded taste of Croatia’s Dalmatian islands, blending natural beauty, authentic village charm, and fun water activities. The value for money is high, especially with the inclusive lunch, drinks, and water gear, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free day on the sea.

The guides’ friendliness and knowledge are often highlighted as a major plus, ensuring guests feel cared for and informed. The stops at the Blue Lagoon and Maslinica provide enough variety to keep everyone engaged, whether you’re after picture-perfect scenery or a relaxed village stroll.

While some might wish for longer at each stop or a more diverse lunch menu, overall, this tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing and leisure. It’s best suited for those who enjoy group tours, swimming, and exploring multiple islands in one day without the stress of planning.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour departs from Split Port at Obala Lazareta 1. You’ll need to organize your own transportation to the meeting point.

What’s the best time to depart?
The standard departure is at 9:00 am, but in April and October, it shifts to 9:30 am. Check your booking details for your specific date.

Can I bring my own snorkeling equipment?
You can, but the tour does provide goggles for free and a $10 deposit is required for masks, which is refundable upon return.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and a sun hat. Pack some warm clothes for the boat rides, especially if you tend to get cold easily.

Is there a maximum group size?
While not specified, reviews suggest it’s a comfortably sized group, not overly crowded, with enough time for everyone to enjoy each stop.

Are there options for vegetarian or specific diets?
Yes, vegetarian burger is available as a lunch choice. Just inform the crew at check-in.

This Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise from Split is a fantastic option for those looking to make the most of a day on the Croatian waters. It offers a good mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and water fun at a price that’s hard to beat. Guided by friendly hosts and packed with inclusions, it provides a hassle-free way to see multiple islands and enjoy the Dalmatian coast’s stunning waters.

It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, groups, families, or anyone wanting a quick yet comprehensive snapshot of Croatia’s island life. While it’s not perfect for those seeking a very leisurely pace or longer stops, most travelers will find it a well-organized, enjoyable, and memorable experience.

Whether you’re after picture-perfect beaches, charming villages, or just a relaxing day on the boat, this tour delivers a whole lot of Croatia in one day — with friendly guides and tasty food to top it off.

You can check if your dates are available here: