REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON & SOLTA ISLAND CRUISES

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour

5.0 · 64 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $868 Operated by sparusboats · Bookable on Viator
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Clear coves, easy pace, and your own boat. This private tour links Trogir’s UNESCO streets with swim time at the Blue Lagoon and a second Solta stop near Necujam Bay, so you can spend more minutes in the water and fewer on the clock. It’s priced per boat and built for a customizable day on the Adriatic.

I like that the basics are handled onboard: alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks, bottled water, towels, fruits, and snorkeling equipment. That matters because it turns the day into a true “show up and enjoy” outing, not a scavenger hunt for gear and refreshments.

One consideration: the sea can get rough, and that return ride may feel intense on smaller boats. If you have back issues, are traveling with kids or older family members, or get motion sick, ask how the skipper plans to handle a windy sea state before you commit.

Key things I’d watch before you book

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Key things I’d watch before you book

  • Private, per-boat pricing for up to 10 passengers, with room on the boat for up to 12
  • Snorkeling gear and towels included, so you can pack lighter
  • Three distinct stops: UNESCO Trogir, Blue Lagoon swim time, and Solta’s Necujam Bay with a shipwreck spot
  • Onboard drinks and snacks included, but lunch isn’t
  • Ride comfort depends on conditions, and communication about risk can vary by day and skipper

Other swim-stop cruises we have been out on

Split private boating: what this day is really like

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Split private boating: what this day is really like
This tour is designed as a half-day power nap for your itinerary. You leave Split and get a tight mix of sightseeing and swimming, with time blocks that feel practical instead of rushed. The goal is simple: you see Trogir’s old-town vibe, you hit the Blue Lagoon for water time, and you finish on Solta near Necujam for another swim or snorkel moment.

Because it’s private, your skipper can adjust the day to your group. That flexibility is a big part of why this kind of outing can feel more satisfying than big shared boat tours. In plain terms, you can spend longer at the stop everyone actually cares about, instead of negotiating your way through the crowd.

Meeting at Trumbićeva obala, and how to avoid first-day stress

The meetup point is Trumbićeva obala 2, Split. The timing is straightforward: arrive about 10 minutes early so your group doesn’t feel rushed while everyone finds the same dock.

Pickup is listed as offered, but real-world experiences can differ. Many groups still meet at the closest port area rather than being collected directly from a hotel lobby. If you’re staying outside the center, or if your group has mobility needs, confirm exactly where you should gather and whether your pickup is truly from your accommodation.

Also note the tour uses a mobile ticket. So make sure your phone battery is charged and the ticket is easy to access when you’re boarding.

Trogir’s UNESCO streets in one hour, plus that bell-tower view

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Trogir’s UNESCO streets in one hour, plus that bell-tower view
Trogir is one of those places where you can feel the centuries even when you’re just walking. This stop gives you about an hour, which is long enough to wander narrow streets and check out the churches and palaces without turning it into a full city day.

A highlight here is the chance to climb the cathedral’s bell tower if you want the higher-level panorama. Even if you skip the climb, Trogir’s old-town layout makes it easy to pick a loop and return to the boat without getting lost.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can trust on uneven stone. You’ll be moving on foot between small lanes and viewpoints, and a boat day always has that “quick sprint back” moment if you’re late.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: swimming, snorkeling, and pacing your crew

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: swimming, snorkeling, and pacing your crew
The Blue Lagoon portion is where most people’s attention goes, and it’s the heart of the day. You’ll take a short ride from the main area to the swim zone, typically in the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area, where the water is known for being clear and inviting.

You get about 1 hour and 30 minutes here, which is enough for a relaxed rhythm:

  • swim first if you want,
  • then snorkel if you feel like it,
  • then hop back on and enjoy the remaining minutes.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. Still, do a quick check once you’re aboard. Fit matters more than brand. If you want to snorkel comfortably for longer stretches, try to get a good seal on the mask early.

One small caution from the experience stories: some snorkel setups may not include extra float aids like noodles. If that’s important for your comfort, ask ahead of time what flotation options are available beyond basic snorkeling masks and snorkels.

Necujam on Solta: beaches, a shipwreck spot, and time for lunch

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Necujam on Solta: beaches, a shipwreck spot, and time for lunch
After Blue Lagoon, you head to Solta for the Necujam stop, about 1 hour on the schedule. This is your second chance for water time, with options that can include exploring beaches near Necujam Bay.

A key detail: there’s a shipwreck you can look for underwater. If you’re snorkeling, it’s one of those add-on thrills that turns a simple swim into a “wait, how cool is that” moment.

Lunch is not included, but you’re given time to eat at local restaurants if you want. Many people treat lunch as part of the Solta break, so plan to bring or budget for food and drinks beyond what’s onboard.

Also, there’s often a public-beach vibe at the end stop, and some days can include a beach bar or food stand close by. That’s not guaranteed the same way every day, but it’s a common pattern, so it’s smart to have a little cash on hand just in case you want a snack or a drink after swimming.

What’s included onboard, and how it changes the value

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - What’s included onboard, and how it changes the value
This tour includes more than just transportation. You’ll have:

  • alcoholic beverages,
  • soft drinks,
  • bottled water,
  • snacks and fruits,
  • towels,
  • and snorkeling equipment.

That set of inclusions matters because it reduces the “hidden costs” feeling. On a private boat day, small charges add up quickly, so having drinks, snacks, and towels covered keeps the experience more predictable.

One more value lever: private time usually means you are not negotiating the pace. Multiple groups appreciated that their captains let them choose how long to spend at each stop. If your group includes kids or people who want more swimming time and less walking, this style can work well because the skipper can adjust on the fly.

If you plan to bring music, bring a small speaker. Several groups said it was a great way to set the vibe onboard, especially during calmer stretches.

Skippers make or break the day: Roko, Josip, Ante, Mile, Ivan, and more

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Skippers make or break the day: Roko, Josip, Ante, Mile, Ivan, and more
On a private tour, your skipper is your customer service, your safety team, and your local guide all at once. The strongest praise you’ll see around this tour centers on captains who are friendly, attentive, and careful about safety.

Names that show up in real experience notes include:

  • Roko, praised for being accommodating and safety-focused
  • Josip, praised for a smooth, fun day with great swim stops
  • Ante, praised for patience, professionalism, and tuning the pace for families
  • Mile, praised for making the day feel seamless and stress-free
  • Ivan, praised for helping the day work even with challenging weather

The pattern is consistent: when the skipper communicates clearly, shares smart suggestions, and keeps the group comfortable, the day feels like it flows.

Before you set off, ask a few simple questions:

  • What should we do if the sea is rough on the return?
  • Where are the best snorkel spots for beginners versus confident swimmers?
  • Can we spend extra time at the stop that matters most to our group?

Good captains usually welcome those questions, because they help you get the day you want.

Boat comfort: clean and spacious can still vary by day

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Private Boat Tour - Boat comfort: clean and spacious can still vary by day
Many groups said the boat felt comfortable, clean, and well set up for a private experience. That’s a real quality factor because you’re spending meaningful time onboard, not just boarding and stepping off.

That said, comfort is not always the same across boat types. One experience described the boat as far from luxury, so think of this as “private boating with practical comfort,” not a floating spa.

Also, keep expectations realistic for weather. If the day turns windy, you may feel it in the ride. One lower-rated account was blunt about the return being physically rough. That doesn’t mean the tour is unsafe, but it does mean you should take comfort seriously, especially for travelers who are sensitive to motion or have back problems.

Price and value: $868.91 per boat, and how to judge it fairly

The price is listed at $868.91 per group (up to 10 passengers), and it’s per boat. That structure can be great value if you fill the boat with your group, because you’re paying for private time, not per person taxi rides.

Here’s how I’d think about value in your shoes:

  • If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s pricier per person.
  • If you have a small group of friends or a family party that can max out the passenger count, the per-person cost gets much more reasonable.
  • Lunch isn’t included, so plan for that additional spend.

Some real-world payments mentioned in experience notes fall into the mid-hundreds total for 5-hour private boat days when groups are around 8 people. You might not match those exact numbers, but it gives you a sense that the pricing can feel fair when you spread it across the right group size.

Also, this tour is typically booked about 74 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that people plan it early, especially during busier seasons when availability tightens.

Who this tour suits best, and who should reconsider

This is a strong match for:

  • friend groups who want private time and flexible pacing,
  • couples who want to hit the Blue Lagoon without the chaos of big tours,
  • families with kids who can handle a boat ride and enjoy snorkeling.

One experience also mentioned dolphins during the day. You can’t count on sightings, but it’s a nice reminder that wildlife moments happen when you’re out on the water.

Who should think twice:

  • anyone with significant back issues or sensitivity to rough rides,
  • travelers who know they get motion sick,
  • anyone traveling with older family members who might find a choppy return uncomfortable.

If that sounds like you, don’t just hope for calm seas. Ask the skipper how they handle rougher conditions, and consider choosing a day with better weather forecasts.

Should you book Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands private boat tour?

If your top priorities are private pacing, real swim time, and a tight mix of old-town walking plus two water stops, this tour is an easy yes. The included drinks, snacks, fruits, towels, and snorkeling equipment push it toward a “value through convenience” style of experience.

I’d book it when:

  • you can fill most of the boat seats,
  • your group can enjoy the day even if conditions are not perfect,
  • you’re comfortable with the idea that a return ride depends on the sea.

I’d be cautious when:

  • your group includes people who are very sensitive to bumpy water,
  • you need extra snorkeling float support,
  • you’re expecting true luxury on board rather than practical comfort.

FAQ

Is this a private boat tour or shared?

It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group will participate.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Where do we meet, and when should we arrive?

You meet at Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000, Split, Croatia. Arrive about 10 minutes before the start time.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is listed as offered. The meeting-point instructions still say to arrive at Trumbićeva obala 2, so confirm how your pickup connects to that exact meeting plan.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water, fruits, towels, and snorkeling equipment. It also covers all fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you will have time to eat at local restaurants during the Solta stop.

What stops are included?

The tour includes Trogir, the Blue Lagoon/Krknjasi Bay area, and Necujam on Solta, with time for swimming and exploring near Necujam Bay.

Do I need to speak another language besides English?

The tour is offered in English.

Is weather a factor?

Yes. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.