Blue Lagoon & Three Islands Boat Tour from Split with Lunch

Exploring the Blue Lagoon & Three Islands Boat Tour from Split: An Honest Look

If you’re heading to Croatia and craving a taste of the Dalmatian coast’s crystal-clear waters, this Blue Lagoon & Three Islands Boat Tour from Split offers an engaging full-day escape. It’s run by a seasoned local agency with over 10 years of experience, promising both reliability and insider knowledge. For around $100, you’ll get a well-paced itinerary packed with sightseeing, swimming, and a delicious lunch—all in a single day.

What I appreciate most about this tour is how it balances exploration and relaxation. The chance to stroll through the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir with its narrow alleys and historic stone buildings is a real highlight, especially if you love seeing authentic Croatian architecture. Plus, the time spent at the Blue Lagoon, with its water slide and snorkeling gear, offers genuine fun for travelers of all ages. The inclusion of lunch and drinks—including wine and homemade iced tea—adds a touch of comfort that many similar tours overlook.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency of this type of trip. Since it’s an outdoor adventure on the water, poor weather can alter the itinerary or reduce the enjoyment of swimming and water activities. Also, the seating order being randomly assigned might mean you won’t always be seated with friends or family, which could affect your experience if you’re hoping for a more social vibe.

This tour delivers solid value—a full day of diverse experiences, from cultural sights to seaside fun—making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Croatia’s coast without spending too much time or money. Keep in mind, it’s a long day, so it’s best suited for active travelers ready for a bit of adventure on the water.

Key Points & Takeaways

• Authentic Croatia experiences: Walk through Trogir’s historic streets and enjoy UNESCO-protected architecture.
• All-inclusive drinks and lunch: Includes water, wine, iced tea, and a tasty meal, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
• Flexible itinerary: The captain can adjust stops or timing based on weather or safety considerations.
• Fun activities at Blue Lagoon: Snorkeling gear, water slide, and swimming make this a lively and enjoyable stop.
• Unique shipwreck exploration: Visit the bay at Neujam on Island Solta to see the sunken Kontessa shipwreck.
• Comfort and convenience: WiFi onboard and a reliable operator with over a decade of experience.

Starting the Day: How It All Begins

The adventure kicks off in the early morning, either from Slatine at 08:30 or from Split at 09:15. The choice of meeting point means you can select what’s most convenient—whether you’re staying near Split or closer to the quieter Slatine. The boat is easy to spot at the pier, with staff ready at the Bura Line desk to assist. Expect to be onboard within 10-15 minutes of the scheduled departure, so arriving a little early is wise.

The cruise departs with a smooth sail along the south side of Island Ciovo, offering travelers fantastic views and a chance to settle into the day. During this voyage, you’ll be treated to coffee, tea, and croissants—small touches that make a morning at sea feel cozy rather than rushed.

Trogir: A UNESCO Jewel

The first major stop is Trogir, arriving around 11:00. You’ll have about an hour to explore Croatia’s tiny, UNESCO-protected city, which is packed with narrow, cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings, and lively squares. Walking up to Kamerlengo Tower or visiting St. Lovre Cathedral offers insight into Croatia’s medieval heritage, while local cafes serve as perfect spots to soak in the atmosphere.

One traveler mentioned how the guided sightseeing was limited but still satisfying, noting, “We loved wandering through the alleys and seeing the old town’s charm.” Keep in mind that this stop is more about walking and soaking up the ambiance than extensive touring, so wear comfortable shoes.

The Blue Lagoon: Water Fun and Relaxation

Departing Trogir, the boat heads towards the Blue Lagoon, with a journey time of about 45 minutes. Here, the real fun begins. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and a water slide onboard, making it ideal for families and adventure seekers alike. The lagoon’s turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just floating lazily.

The included lunch is served en route—choices include fish, meat, or vegetarian options, with fruit for a light snack later. This is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you stay energized for the water activities. Guests rave about the quality of the food, describing it as fresh and well-prepared.

You’ll also have about two hours here, which feels just right for cooling off, taking photos, and enjoying the water. The water at Blue Lagoon is remarkably inviting, though you should be aware that the water’s clarity and quality can sometimes vary slightly, as in any natural setting.

Exploring Island Solta: Shipwreck and Local Flavors

After the Lagoon, the boat makes its way to Island Solta, with a stop at bay Neujam. Here, you can explore the shipwreck of Kontessa, an exciting highlight for those interested in maritime history or just curious about the underwater scenery. The bay’s calm waters make snorkeling around the wreck accessible even for beginners.

On the way back, the tour offers liquorice tasting—a sweet Croatian treat—and a chance to relax before the final leg. The return journey is roughly an hour and a half, giving ample time to enjoy fresh fruit and reflect on the day.

Practical Details: What to Expect and Tips

The tour is about 10 hours long, concluding around 18:30 in Split and 19:00 in Slatine. The duration is substantial but balanced with plenty of stops, making it suitable for travelers who are comfortable with a full day on the water.

The seating is assigned randomly, so don’t expect to choose your spot. However, this can encourage mingling with other travelers, which many enjoy. The WiFi onboard is a nice perk, helping you share your photos or check messages during downtime.

Cost-wise, $100 per person covers most essentials—lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, water slide, and the boat ride. It’s a good value considering the variety of experiences packed into one day, although extra drinks or snacks are available for purchase. Also, make sure to bring a safety deposit of 10 EUR if you plan to use snorkeling equipment, as that’s required.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day trip is perfect for active travelers who want to cover multiple highlights without the hassle of planning individual transports. It caters well to families, couples, and solo explorers looking for a mix of sightseeing, water fun, and local flavor. If you’re into historic towns and seaside adventures, this tour hits those marks.

But be prepared for a long day—if you prefer relaxed mornings or are easily fatigued, consider whether you’re up for a full schedule. Also, if weather conditions turn poor, the itinerary might shift—so flexibility is key.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In my opinion, this tour offers great value for its price. You get a taste of Croatia’s most scenic spots—Trogir’s medieval charm, the Blue Lagoon’s inviting waters, and the underwater intrigue of Solta’s shipwreck—all in one day. The inclusion of meals, drinks, and activities like snorkeling and sliding makes it feel like a well-rounded package.

It’s best for travelers who don’t want to spend hours figuring out transportation or logistics and prefer an organized, lively experience. If you’re someone who loves discovering coastal towns and enjoying water-based activities, this trip will likely satisfy.

On the flip side, if your idea of a great day involves more relaxed pacing or exclusive access, this might feel a bit busy. But for many, it strikes a satisfying balance between adventure and relaxation, with enough authenticity to make your Croatian coast experience memorable.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast (coffee and croissant), a three-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian), drinks (water, wine, iced tea), snorkeling gear, water slide, and WiFi onboard.

Where do I meet the boat?
You’ll gather 10-15 minutes earlier at the pier on Ulica sv. Nikole. Look for the Bura Line desk—staff will show you the boat.

What are the start times?
Boarding begins at Slatine around 08:30, or from Split at 09:15. Check availability for specific starting times on your booking date.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, ending around 18:30 in Split or 19:00 in Slatine.

Is the seating assigned?
Yes, the seating order is random, which can be a fun way to meet new people, though it means you don’t choose where to sit.

Can I bring extra food or drinks?
Extra drinks and food are available for purchase onboard, but the included drinks are water, wine, and iced tea.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary might be altered by the captain for safety reasons. Weather can affect swimming and water activities.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, but you’ll need to pay a 10 EUR safety deposit if you plan to use it.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s great for active travelers, families, and couples who enjoy sightseeing, swimming, and a lively boat atmosphere.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning.

In essence, this boat tour from Split delivers a full day of vibrant Croatian coast experiences, blending cultural sights with seaside fun. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a well-organized, value-packed adventure that captures the essence of Dalmatia.