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

REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON & SOLTA ISLAND CRUISES

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

3.8 · 11 reviews 9 hours From $91 Operated by Dubrovnik Local Guide · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Blue Lagoon day, tight schedule, real payoff. You get two strong water moments, Blue Lagoon swimming time with snorkeling and a waterslide, plus a focused hour in Trogir, Croatia’s UNESCO-protected old town. The tradeoff is that this is a “see a lot” day, so if your goal is a slow, perfect, photo-ready pace, you may find the timings a bit fluid with the captain’s choices and weather.

What I like most is how the day is stitched together: coffee and croissants during the morning sail, then a lunch service on the move with multiple meal options, and drinks included the whole time. You also get a second swim plan at Šolta, moored near the sunken ship Kontessa, where snorkel time adds a real wow factor.

One consideration: snorkeling gear needs a 10 EUR safety deposit, and the day is not built for everyone to have the same level of gear comfort or expectations on timing, meals, and the shipwreck experience.

Key highlights at a glance

From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks - Key highlights at a glance

  • Blue Lagoon time (2 hours) for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, plus onboard slide use
  • UNESCO Trogir (1 hour), a quick but meaningful walk to Kamerlengo Tower and St. Lovre Cathedral
  • Čiovo views from the water on the approach to Trogir, including Gospe od Prizdinice
  • Šolta Nečujam and Kontessa where you snorkel around the shipwreck area
  • Lunch and all-day drinks (water, wine, homemade iced tea) with additional fruit later in the day

Other swim-stop cruises we have been out on

Entering The Cruise: Split or Slatine, and How the Day Actually Flows

From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks - Entering The Cruise: Split or Slatine, and How the Day Actually Flows
This is a classic Dalmatian “islands and swim stops” cruise, sized as a full day without feeling like an all-day slog. You’ll start either from Slatine or from Split, depending on the departure you choose, and you’ll be back in Split in the late afternoon.

From Slatine, boarding runs 08:00 to 08:30, with sailing toward the morning highlight points. From Split, boarding runs 09:00 to 09:15, which keeps the day a little more relaxed in the morning. Either way, you’re working toward three anchors: Trogir for culture, Blue Lagoon for water time, and Šolta for snorkeling.

The vibe onboard is efficient. Seating order is random, so don’t plan your day assuming you’ll sit with the people you came with. If you care about being near the front or having easy access to the open deck, show up early and you’ll thank yourself later.

Meeting Point Details: Where to Go and What to Watch For

From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks - Meeting Point Details: Where to Go and What to Watch For
Your meeting point is Gat sv. Nikole, berth 6A or 6B. Look for the Bura Travel flag when you arrive, then follow staff directions to the right section of the dock.

If you’re starting from Split, this matters because you’re getting on a boat that moves on a set timetable. Even small delays can tighten the schedule later, especially because Trogir is only given a one-hour sightseeing window.

One more practical note: the itinerary can vary due to the captain’s decisions or weather. So the best mindset is flexible. You’re booking a boat day on the Adriatic, not a museum tour with walls and clocks that never change.

Morning Sail to Trogir: Čiovo Coast Views and Breakfast on the Water

From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks - Morning Sail to Trogir: Čiovo Coast Views and Breakfast on the Water
Before you reach Trogir, you cruise past the south side of Island Čiovo. Along this route, you’ll get views of Gospe od Prizdinice, described as one of the oldest churches on Čiovo. Even if you only glance for a few seconds from the deck, it’s a nice context-builder: you’re not just driving between stops, you’re traveling along a real island coastline.

On the way to Trogir, you’re served coffee or tea along with croissants. The goal here is simple: get people fed before the first walk. In practice, though, treat this breakfast as lightweight. If you need a true caffeine-and-breakfast routine, arrive ready with your own expectations about what “included breakfast” means on a boat.

You also get the first real time buffer of the day here. The cruise segment runs roughly from late morning through early midday, and that helps you settle in before Trogir becomes your priority.

Trogir’s UNESCO Hour: Make This Walk Count

From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks - Trogir’s UNESCO Hour: Make This Walk Count
Trogir arrives at 11:00, and you stay until 12:00. That’s one hour, and it’s tight, but it’s also the right amount of time to see the major landmarks without turning the day into a long walking circuit.

The tour includes guidance around key spots, including a climb to Kamerlengo Tower and visits to St. Lovre Cathedral. It also highlights the Three of Love and the Kairos relief. If you’re wondering what that means on the ground, think of it as a concentrated “old town greatest hits” route: tower views, cathedral exterior and interior focus, plus small-but-famous details that are easy to miss if you wander without a plan.

Because time is limited, you should treat this like a fast guided walk, not a free-roam stroll. If you want more time for cafés or slower photo stops, consider pairing this cruise with an extra day in Trogir on your own.

The upside is that you still leave Trogir with the feeling that you saw the UNESCO core. The main drawback is the clock: if you’re the type who likes to linger in one street and keep drifting, your hour will feel short.

Blue Lagoon: Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Onboard Water Slide

Then comes the reason most people book: Blue Lagoon. You arrive around lunchtime, and lunch is served as you travel from Trogir toward the lagoon.

You get about two hours on location, roughly 13:00 to 15:00, which is enough time to do a first swim, find a comfortable spot to sunbathe, and try snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is offered for use during this stop, and the boat also includes use of a water slide.

Two practical things matter here:

First, treat the water time like a session. Put on swimwear early, then plan your towel and essentials so you are ready when you hit the shore or the swimming area.

Second, the lagoon experience depends on expectations. If you’re coming in wanting quiet, empty, resort-level calm, understand that this is a scheduled cruise stop. You’re still likely to get a great water break, but it will feel like a shared highlight of the day, not a private beach.

The water slide is a fun add-on and helps break up the “sit, swim, repeat” rhythm. You’ll feel it most if you’re traveling with kids or if you’re simply craving something playful between swims.

Lunch and Drinks: Included, but Keep It Real

Lunch is freshly made on the cruise from Trogir to Blue Lagoon, and you can choose between three meal types. Drinks are included for the whole day, listed as water, wine, and homemade iced tea. There’s also a licorice tasting later on, plus fresh fruit served on the return to Split.

Here’s the value angle that matters: you’re not just paying for transport and sightseeing. You’re paying for a full meal plan and a drink plan that covers the day. That can be a big deal if you’re otherwise spending money on boat snacks and refills once you’re out on the water.

Now the reality check. Meals on day cruises often prioritize “fast, filling, consistent for groups.” So if you want a gourmet restaurant lunch, you may be surprised by how simple the food can be. Plan for food that is satisfying, not fancy. The same goes for breakfast: coffee and croissants are included, but if you expect a full breakfast spread, this is not that type of setup.

If you drink wine on boats, keep it moderate. The day includes swimming and snorkel time, so you’ll want energy and balance more than a buzz.

Šolta and Kontessa: Nečujam Bay, Snorkel Time, and a Real Shipwreck

From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks - Šolta and Kontessa: Nečujam Bay, Snorkel Time, and a Real Shipwreck
After Blue Lagoon, you head to Island Šolta, with a stop by Nečujam. You moor close to the sunken ship Kontessa, and there’s time to explore the shipwreck area.

There’s also a licorice tasting during the ride to Šolta, giving the day a bit of local flavor beyond the obvious saltwater fun.

Snorkeling is part of this stop too, with a scheduled window from about 16:00 to 17:00 for snorkeling in the bay around Kontessa. This is where the boat day turns into a specific kind of experience: not just seeing a landmark from a distance, but getting your face in the water near something that is actually there.

One important caution: the tour includes snorkeling equipment use, but there’s a safety deposit of 10 EUR for using the snorkeling gear. Bring cash or be prepared to pay that deposit when you pick up equipment.

Also, the shipwreck experience can be more subtle than people expect. You might see structures and take in the idea of the wreck, but you’re snorkeling in open water conditions, from a mooring, within a set time window. If your goal is an ultra-close, detailed exploration, this cruise may only scratch the surface of what you imagine.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and Why Those Details Matter

Included:

  • Coffee or tea and croissants (morning breakfast on the sail)
  • Lunch with three meal choices
  • Drinks all day: water, wine, homemade iced tea
  • Licorice tasting
  • Snorkeling equipment use (with a deposit required)
  • Water slide use
  • WiFi use

Not included:

  • Additional drinks and food sold onboard
  • 10 EUR safety deposit for snorkeling gear

These lines matter because they control your actual out-of-pocket spending. The cruise is priced around $91 per person, and the included food and drinks can be a major part of why it feels reasonable. But if you plan to buy extra snacks or drinks beyond what’s offered, expect the budget to creep.

WiFi on boats can be spotty, so treat it as a nice bonus rather than something you’ll rely on for work.

Price and Value: Is $91 a Good Deal?

At about $91 per person for a 9-hour day, the value depends on what you would otherwise do on your own. If you’re staying in the Split area and you want:

  • a UNESCO stop in Trogir,
  • two water breaks (Blue Lagoon and Šolta),
  • snorkeling equipment access,
  • plus lunch and drinks,

then the package makes sense. You’re paying for time on a boat, the guided sightseeing portion, and the fact that you’re not responsible for arranging transport between islands and swim stops.

If, however, you’re mainly interested in Trogir or mainly interested in beach time and you already plan to rent a boat or arrange a private driver, then this price may feel less compelling. You might prefer something with a smaller group or longer time at one stop, especially if Trogir and the shipwreck are both “must-sees” for you.

A smart way to decide: pick the stop you care about most. If Blue Lagoon is your top priority, this itinerary hits it directly with a dedicated two-hour block. If Kontessa and snorkeling are your priority, you still get that second swim window, but time is limited, so you should come with realistic expectations about what you can see.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise is best for people who want a full-day overview with built-in comfort. It’s a strong match if you:

  • like boat days and want swimming time without the planning,
  • want a guided UNESCO hit in Trogir without committing to an extra Trogir day,
  • are happy with a schedule that can shift with weather and the captain.

It may not feel ideal if you:

  • need very strict timing and dislike itinerary changes,
  • expect restaurant-quality food at lunch,
  • want a long, unhurried deep exploration of the shipwreck.

It can also be frustrating if you’re very gear-specific about snorkeling. Since snorkeling gear may require a deposit and the experience is time-boxed, go in flexible and ready to make the most of what’s provided.

Getting the Most Out of the Day: My Practical Tips

Here’s how you make the most of this kind of itinerary:

  • Bring reef-safe basics if you use them. The day includes snorkeling and open water time.
  • Wear swimwear under your clothes on boarding day. It saves time at the lagoon.
  • Bring a small day bag for phone, sunscreen, and a dry layer. Boat decks get windy.
  • If you care about being with friends, plan to board early since seating is random.
  • For the Trogir hour, pick your must-sees before you arrive, then follow the group tempo.

And keep your expectations honest: it’s not a private yacht day. It’s a well-structured big highlight day, with plenty of fun built in if you go with the flow.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon Cruise?

I’d book it if your dream Split day includes Blue Lagoon swimming, a quick UNESCO walk in Trogir, and a chance to snorkel near the Kontessa wreck. The included lunch, all-day drinks, waterslide use, and guided stops do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

I’d skip it, or choose another format, if you want long time in one place, gourmet food, or a zero-surprises itinerary. This is a boat trip where the ocean sets some rules.

If you want one practical decision rule: book it when Blue Lagoon is a must and you’re happy trading extra time for variety. That trade is the point of the day, and when you accept it, the day feels like Croatia at its most fun.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start from Split?

Boarding in Split runs from 09:00 to 09:15, and the cruise day follows the full schedule for Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and return.

What time does the cruise start from Slatine?

Boarding in Slatine runs from 08:00 to 08:30, with the itinerary running through Trogir, Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and back to Slatine in the evening.

How long do you spend sightseeing in Trogir?

You arrive in Trogir at 11:00 and stay until 12:00, giving you one hour for sightseeing around the UNESCO-protected old town.

Is snorkeling equipment included, and is there a deposit?

Snorkeling equipment is offered for use during the stops, and there is a safety deposit of 10 EUR for using the snorkeling gear.

Are drinks included during the whole day?

Yes. Drinks are included during the whole day, listed as water, wine, and homemade iced tea, plus a licorice tasting and fresh fruit later.

Is lunch included, and what options are there?

Lunch is included and is freshly made during the cruise to Blue Lagoon. You can choose between 3 types of meal.

Where is the meeting point, and how do I find the right boat?

Meet at Gat sv. Nikole, berth 6A or 6B, and look for the Bura Travel flag. The host or greeter is English-speaking.