REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON & SOLTA ISLAND CRUISES

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch

4.0 · 114 reviews 10 hours (approx.) From $78 Operated by Bura Line · Bookable on Viator
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This day trip strings together three very different stops, all by boat. I like that it packs UNESCO Trogir, a signature Blue Lagoon swim, and a slower island pause in Maslinica into one schedule.

What I also like is the practical “be ready to get in the water” feel, thanks to snorkeling equipment and a included lunch that covers fish, meat, or vegetarian.

The main thing to consider is that boat days can get crowded and warm, and you may spend a lot of the day navigating between stops instead of floating the whole time.

Key things to know before you go

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Key things to know before you go

  • UNESCO time at Trogir, then straight into swim mode with a clear break between history and water.
  • Krknjasi Bay style snorkeling with provided gear, but you should still bring your own goggles if you can.
  • Maslinica on Šolta is a short, chilled village stop for coffee, photos, and a breather.
  • Lunch is included, but quality can swing depending on the day and how the boats run.
  • Plan for heat and crowding, especially on busy days when seating gets tight and onboard space is limited.

Other swim-stop cruises we have been out on

Price and Logistics: What $78.10 Buys You

At about $78.10 per person, this tour is priced like a value-oriented boat day. You are paying for a bundle: port pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and soda/pop, all wrapped into one timed route.

If you are trying to hit Trogir plus a “wow” sea stop without booking multiple separate tours, that bundling is the whole point.

The flip side: with a set route and shared boats, you give up some control. Expect changes in boat flow during the day, and expect that the exact feel can vary depending on weather, docking, and how the operator groups passengers.

Meeting at Obala Lazareta and the 9:30 Start

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Meeting at Obala Lazareta and the 9:30 Start
You meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. The start time is 9:30 am, and the tour returns to the same meeting point at the end.

This is close to public transportation, which is helpful if you are staying outside the center or want an easy Plan B for getting to the dock.

One smart move: arrive early enough to settle in before you find your group. When boats run on a tight schedule, the first minutes matter, especially if you need to get your swimsuit sorted and your towel stowed away.

The Boat Ride Reality: Comfort, Crowd Levels, and Shade

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - The Boat Ride Reality: Comfort, Crowd Levels, and Shade
This is a multi-stop boat excursion with a maximum of 100 travelers, and that capacity matters for how it feels. Multiple comments point to tight seating, limited walking space, and heat onboard when the boat does not have ideal airflow.

Some boats also run without air conditioning, so if you are sensitive to heat, you will want a hat and sun protection that can handle a sweaty day.

Also plan for a day where the crew manages the timing while conditions change. In some situations, you might switch between boats during the day, or transfers might take longer than the ideal version of the schedule. That is not just inconvenience, it affects where you sit and how quickly you get to the next swim.

What I’d do if this is your first Croatia boat day: bring a small day bag with water, a phone pouch, and a change of dry clothes in a sealed bag. You will be happier when the day runs long or you get splashed on the move between boats.

Trogir UNESCO: A One-Hour Hit of Old Town Charm

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Trogir UNESCO: A One-Hour Hit of Old Town Charm
The first stop is Trogir, the UNESCO-protected old town. You get about one hour, and that sounds short until you realize it is the perfect length for a guided “see the important bits, then enjoy at your pace” visit.

In that hour, you can do a focused loop: streets first, viewpoints second, photos throughout. Trogir rewards slow walking, but it also works even when time is tight.

If you want to see more, this is where you come back later on your own. The tour gives you the headline version, and then you can expand once you know your bearings.

A practical note for the old-town vibe: cover up if you plan to enter religious interiors. Even if the tour does not emphasize it, you will feel the benefit of having a light layer ready.

Blue Lagoon at Krknjasi Bay: Clear Water and Mixed Snorkel Expectations

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Blue Lagoon at Krknjasi Bay: Clear Water and Mixed Snorkel Expectations
This is the big swim block, around 2 hours 30 minutes at the water stop area (described as Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay). You get snorkeling gear, and you also get enough time to do more than one go at it.

The water is described as crystal clear, and that is the main payoff. You will see fish if you snorkel at the right moment and keep your mask steady.

Here is the expectation-setting part. The Blue Lagoon is popular, so it can feel like a scene, not a private beach. Some swimmers find it more like a lively swim zone than a deep-water reef adventure, and there are boats around.

So think of it as a visual and fun water stop first, snorkeling success second.

What to bring makes a real difference:

  • If you have your own goggles, use them. Provided snorkeling gear can be inconsistent on busy days, and personal fit helps.
  • Bring a towel and a second dry shirt. The boat day rhythm means you will dry off between swims and transfers.
  • Wear sun protection you trust. There can be long stretches with limited shade while boats are underway or you’re waiting.

Also, plan your timing. Snorkeling is easy to overdo when the water looks amazing. You have limited daylight on a boat schedule, so mix in a swim break and a slow drift rather than treating it like a workout.

Maslinica on Šolta: Small Village, Street Art, and a Reset

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Maslinica on Šolta: Small Village, Street Art, and a Reset
After the water stop, you go to Maslinica, on the island of Šolta. The tour gives about one hour, which is enough for a relaxed village pause.

Maslinica is described as a small place with street art and scenic views, plus an easy excuse to sit down for coffee or an ice cream.

This is the stop that feels least like a checklist and most like a reset. You are not hunting big sights for an hour, you are soaking up the mood, walking the waterfront edges, and getting a breather after the busier sea time.

One consideration: since the time is short, you want to keep your wandering efficient. If you stop for food, pick something quick and sit where you can still enjoy the views.

Lunch on a Boat Day: Included, But Quality Can Vary

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Lunch on a Boat Day: Included, But Quality Can Vary
Lunch is included, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options. You also get soda/pop with the meal.

The best version of the lunch is described as filling and enjoyable, and some people even call it a highlight of the day.

The less perfect version is still “included,” but not always satisfying. There are also reports of long waits for meals and meals that did not match expectations, especially for certain dietary preferences. So if you have strong food preferences, treat lunch as part of the tour plan, not the main event.

My practical advice: bring a snack you like, even if lunch is included. Think simple, no-odor items like a protein bar, nuts, or crackers. It saves you when the line is long or when the lunch does not taste how you hoped.

And since this is Croatia in summer conditions, make sure you drink water and pace your eating. The boat day can be hot, and lunch timing can be later than you think once transfers run behind.

Staff and Guidance: When the Team Makes the Day

Blue Lagoon/Trogir/Šolta Boat Excursion with Lunch - Staff and Guidance: When the Team Makes the Day
Crew quality comes up a lot, and it matters. The day runs on teamwork: moving people safely between boats, keeping the group on a schedule, and making sure everyone knows where to go next.

Some feedback specifically mentions helpful, attentive staff, and even named crew members like Ante and Jure.

You will feel this in small moments: the way instructions are repeated, how smoothly boarding happens, and whether the crew keeps things clear during boat changes. If the day gets chaotic, a strong team makes the difference between stress and just an annoying delay.

So if you want a smoother experience, look for the crew, follow their directions early, and don’t assume you can figure out transfers without checking in.

Time on Water vs Time Sailing: The Schedule Tradeoff

This tour is about 10 hours total, and a boat day always includes navigation time. Several comments point out that you can spend a lot of time traveling between stops, which means less time at each place than you might imagine from just reading the stop list.

The upshot: if you are visiting Split for a short trip and want variety in one day, this is an efficient trade.

If you want a calmer, slower day where you barely move, this might feel like too much back-and-forth. The experience is designed to check multiple boxes, not to feel like one long uninterrupted beach hang.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong fit if you are:

  • A first-time visitor to Split who wants Trogir plus a famous swim area in one day
  • Short on time and happy to follow a set plan
  • Traveling with family and want something that is not a party-boat vibe

It might not be your best match if you:

  • Get uncomfortable in heat or tight seating
  • Need onboard space to relax for long stretches
  • Expect snorkeling to be a deep reef experience rather than a fun swim in clear water
  • Have strict expectations about lunch quality timing

If you are traveling with small kids, this can still work, but focus on shade, water, and keeping schedules simple. The tour is described as suitable for most travelers, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Pack So You Enjoy the Day

Bring what makes a boat swim day easier. You already know the basics, but boat excursions punish the things you forget.

  • Swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes sealed in a bag
  • Sun cream and a hat
  • Water and simple snacks (even with lunch included)
  • Goggles if you have them, plus a mask that fits your face well
  • A light layer for walking in old town areas if you get chilly near the water

Also consider that some parts of the day may involve waiting or moving between boats. If you can tolerate direct sun well, you will have a better time. If not, prioritize shade gear and water.

So Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a one-day, high-value sampler: Trogir’s UNESCO old town, a famous clear-water swim, and a short taste of island village life in Maslinica. For many people, the combination is exactly what they want when they only have a few days in the Split area.

I would hesitate if you are very sensitive to crowding and heat, or if your priority is top-tier snorkeling above all else. This is a shared-group boat day with potential for boat changes and variable onboard comfort, and that can turn a dream swim into a patience test.

If you decide to go, go in with the right mindset: enjoy the water time, keep snacks on hand, and trust the crew to get you to the next stop safely. Do that, and you can end the day with exactly what you came for, a memorable mix of Adriatic scenery and classic towns.

FAQ

How long is the excursion?

It runs about 10 hours, approximately.

Where does the tour start and what time?

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia, and the start time is 9:30 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included?

You visit Trogir, the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, and Maslinica on Šolta.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What does lunch include?

Lunch is included, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian.

Are drinks included?

Soda/pop is included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Do you need good weather for the tour?

Yes. The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation cutoff for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.