Shipwreck snorkeling beats the usual island cruise. This full-day Yacht Tamaris trip mixes shipwreck snorkeling in Nečujam Bay with the classic turquoise stop at Blue Lagoon. I like how the day is built around water time, not just bus-style sightseeing, and how the crew runs it with clear, calm instructions.

What really sells it for me is the value: you get an onboard coffee and croissant, plus a proper beach lunch with drinks and fresh fruit dessert. Still, there’s one catch to plan for, the sunbathing options on top are limited, so if you want prime sun, you’ll need to board early and pick your spot.

Key things I’d plan around

• Shipwreck snorkeling in Nečujam Bay with included gear, plus guidance when you’re in the water
• Maslinica on Šolta for an easygoing fisherman village feel, with Marchi Castle and its park area
• Blue Lagoon beach lunch in a private-feeling seaside restaurant setting, with multiple meal choices
• Onboard comfort on Yacht Tamaris: Wi-Fi, showers, and toilets on a 3-deck, 27-meter yacht
• A day that balances swims and breaks so you are not stuck only in transit

Why this Split day cruise feels more like a floating beach club

This is the kind of boat day that makes Split feel bigger than the old town walls. You start with a smooth cruise out from the Riva, then you spend your day alternating between swims, snorkeling, and real hangout time in bays.

Two things make it work so well. First, the schedule stacks the water experiences, so you are not constantly fighting crowds at viewpoints. Second, the boat is set up for people who actually want to relax: there are sun areas, shaded spots, and practical rinse-down facilities after swimming.

The vibe is laid back, not frantic. You get a livelier day than a slow ferry, but it still feels organized enough that you don’t waste time wondering what happens next.

Meeting on Split Riva Promenade: arrive early and aim for deck shade

Your meetup is on Split Riva Promenade at stand number 8, a small white stand with a picture of the boat. It sits by the sea, roughly in the middle of the promenade, across from Diocletian’s Palace and near bars like Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

Arrive about 30 minutes before departure. That matters because boarding moves in an organized way, and early arrivals tend to land better seats. One smart tip if you care about sun, the top deck has limited seating, so you’ll want to get there before it fills up.

Also note the practical rule: the boat leaves strictly on time because of the port schedule. If you show up late, you will miss the departure.

Nečujam Bay shipwreck swim: what to expect and how to enjoy it

Nečujam Bay is where the day turns from pretty to memorable. You stop to swim and snorkel for about an hour, and the snorkeling focuses on a shipwreck area.

Here’s how to set expectations. The shipwreck experience is genuinely a highlight, but it’s also not a giant Hollywood ruin. It’s still worth it because the snorkeling is done in a clear, controlled way, and you are there at the time you can actually see underwater life.

The boat provides snorkeling gear. You’ll likely get clear instructions before you go in, and you can take your time setting up. If you are not a strong swimmer, do not pretend you are. Watch where others enter, hold your pace, and take the water as it comes.

A small but important time tip: the shipwreck swim is physically demanding for some people, so balance it with easy swimming after you return. If you want photos, bring a camera that works in and near water, and take a few shots before you feel tired.

Šolta and Maslinica: why this small village stop matters

After Nečujam, you cruise onward toward Šolta and stop in Maslinica for about an hour. This part of the day is less about water sports and more about resetting.

Maslinica feels like a working fisherman village. You get a chance to wander at a calm pace, grab a coffee in a local café, and take in the slower rhythm that you don’t usually find on a rushed day trip.

There’s also Marchi Castle to consider. The info you get on site points you toward the castle area and its park, which is a nice change of pace after you’ve been snorkeling.

In just one hour, don’t expect a full sightseeing marathon. Treat it like a short, high-impact break. If you do well here, you’ll feel better later at Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Drvenik Veliki: lunch on the shore plus real swimming time

Blue Lagoon is the final stop, and it’s built for both food and water. You get about two hours total here, including lunch and time to swim and snorkel.

The lunch is served in a private restaurant on the beach. You have three meal options, fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and the plate includes a side dish and salad. After the meal, you get fresh fruit dessert.

Then you get free time. Some people spread it out across swimming and relaxing. Others focus on snorkeling and walk the shoreline a bit before sun fades. One of my favorite ways to use this stop is simple: after lunch, head back to the boat area to swim from deeper water, where footing is often easier than rocky edges near some beach cafés.

A practical timing note. Lunch can land on the later side of the day. If you get hungry quickly, bring a small snack for yourself. It’s not because the day is poorly planned, it’s because you’re on island time and the best swim moments are strung together.

Also, the Blue Lagoon time can feel like it goes fast. If you want a longer beach bubble, you might wish you had more than two hours. But it’s still a strong payoff because the water quality is the point, not a souvenir stop.

Yacht Tamaris on a 3-deck, 27-meter boat: comfort that helps you focus

The boat, Yacht Tamaris, is a 27-meter day cruiser with 3 decks. There are two air-conditioned salons, an open deck with a fully equipped bar, and a sundeck.

What I like about this setup is how it reduces friction during a swim day. When you’re done in the water, you can rinse off thanks to showers. There are also 4 toilets, which sounds basic until you’re on a full-day outing and everyone wants to use them.

There’s Wi-Fi too, plus safety deposit boxes for valuables on board. For most people, the Wi-Fi and charging access are less about posting constantly and more about staying calm, mapping your next move, and taking a minute to cool down.

Crew-wise, the best part is how professional they are. They run the day with clear instruction, warm energy, and an eye for keeping things moving at the right pace. You also get snack-and-drink moments like coffee and croissant while cruising, which makes the start feel complete instead of rushed.

Food, drinks, and what you actually get for $74

At around $74 per person, the value is in the inclusions. You get:

• Coffee and croissant onboard at the start
• Snorkeling gear
• Lunch with drinks at the Blue Lagoon restaurant (fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus sides and salad)
• Fresh fruit dessert
• Unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade
• Wi-Fi, showers, safety deposit boxes

That matters because a lot of island boat tours charge you extra for food and drinks, then offer only small snack portions. Here, lunch is a real meal, and you’re not left scrambling for water when the sun hits.

One more budgeting tip: extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are not included. If you want cocktails, expect to pay onboard. In general, this is a decent trade, because you still get unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade included.

If you’re picky about lunch fish or texture, keep an open mind. Most people call the food tasty and well done for the price, but a few reports mention the fish having bones or lunch feeling simple. If you know you are picky, choose the chicken or vegetarian option and you should be happier.

The realistic “gotchas” to plan for

No tour is perfect, and this one has a few things worth thinking about before you book.

Sunbeds on the top deck are limited. Many seats are inside for shade and comfort, so if you want full sun, arrive early and claim a spot. If you miss the top deck rush, you’ll still have a good seat, just more shade.

Lunchtime timing can feel late. With Blue Lagoon as the final stop, lunch may land around mid-to-late afternoon. If you travel with kids or you know you need steady food, plan a small snack strategy.

The shipwreck is what it is. The snorkeling is excellent, but one reality check is that the wreck itself can be smaller than what people picture when they hear shipwreck.

Extra drinks add up. Unlimited local wine and non-alcohol options are included, but beer and cocktails are extra. If you love cocktails, set a small budget.

Who should book this Split cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you want:

• A full-day boat outing without driving yourself
• Snorkeling time, especially around a shipwreck
• A real lunch included at the final beach stop
• Comfort features like Wi-Fi, showers, and enough toilets to keep the day smooth

It may not be ideal if:

• You need constant walking and lots of land sightseeing, since the focus is water
• You strongly need a long Blue Lagoon stay beyond about two hours
• You are extremely sensitive about lunch timing or food preferences
• You hate crowds, since it’s set up for a larger group capacity

Solo travelers often do well here because the crew runs things clearly and you naturally mix with people between swim breaks and lunch.

Practical packing list and day timing that makes the day easier

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• Beachwear
• Camera

The simple reason packing helps is that you’re moving through water and sun in a tight loop: swim, rinse, relax, repeat. If you show up without sunscreen or a towel, you’ll spend the day improvising instead of enjoying it.

Also, think about your power and comfort. If you plan to use your phone for photos, charge it before you arrive. Wi-Fi is available, but your battery will be the real limit out on the water.

And one more helpful habit: keep an easy-going pace. The best days on this kind of cruise are the ones where you don’t try to win every swim minute. You’ll get your share, and you’ll enjoy the slower parts more.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon, shipwreck, and Šolta day cruise?

Book it if you want one strong day that mixes snorkeling, village wandering, and a beach lunch without budgeting headaches. The included meals and drinks, the comfortable boat setup, and the way the crew keeps the day flowing are the big reasons it earns its high marks.

Consider a different option if you want a longer Blue Lagoon beach hang, or if you hate the idea of a day mostly based on water stops. Also, if you are extremely picky about fish meals, choose chicken or vegetarian at lunch.

If you like water time and practical value, this is a very solid pick from Split.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Split?

The meeting point is stand number 8 on Split Riva Promenade, a small white stand with a picture of the boat, located next to the sea.

What does the tour include for snorkeling?

The tour includes snorkeling gear and you snorkel during the stop at Nečujam Bay.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?

Yes. Lunch is included at the Blue Lagoon restaurant and you can choose among fish, chicken, or vegetarian, with side dish and salad. There is also fresh fruit dessert.

Are drinks included?

Local wine, water, and lemonade are included unlimited. Beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are not included.

What stops are included during the day?

You visit Nečujam Bay for swimming and snorkeling, Maslinica on the island of Šolta for sightseeing and swimming, and the Blue Lagoon for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.

What onboard amenities does Yacht Tamaris have?

Yacht Tamaris has Wi-Fi, showers, toilets, safety deposit boxes, and it has 3 decks including air-conditioned salons.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear.