REVIEW · SPLIT
Split: Blue Lagoon, 3Islands, Boat Trip, Mediterranean lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by St.Damian Boat Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Blue water, shipwreck swims, and lunch on schedule. This is an easy day from Split that mixes Blue Lagoon swimming time with a classic Dalmatian meal, all from a comfortable ex-military boat. I really liked the straightforward rhythm of the day, and I also enjoyed the Mediterranean-style grilled lunch served right by the sea on Čiovo.
Two more reasons this feels fun: you get a waterslide for an instant payoff, and you’ll snorkel around a sunken shipwreck at Šolta’s Nečujam Bay. One consideration: the whole plan runs on weather, so if conditions are rough, the tour can be changed or refunded.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Setting off from Split: the boat setup and what you’ll actually do
- Čiovo and Borko Beach Bar: lunch that’s part of the scenery
- Between stops: why the cruise time is more than downtime
- Blue Lagoon near Drvenik: waterslide fun and that clear-water feeling
- Šolta and Nečujam Bay: shipwreck snorkeling at the end of the day
- Price and value: what $68 really covers
- What’s included on the boat (and what you should pack)
- Who this tour fits best
- Should you book this Blue Lagoon and 3-islands cruise from Split?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where do I meet the boat in Split?
- What does the price include?
- What is not included in the tour price?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Is the tour dependent on weather?
- Is the host or guide English-speaking?
Key things to know before you go

- Blue Lagoon time is built-in, with swimming, snorkeling, and a marine-life viewing stop
- Čiovo lunch happens lakeside-style, with grilled fish, vegetables, or meat near the shore
- Šolta’s Nečujam Bay includes a shipwreck swim, plus snorkeling on a sunken pirate-ship site
- There’s a real waterslide and a hydraulic jump ramp, so expect short bursts of action
- Unlimited juice and water on board means you’re not hunting drinks between swims
Setting off from Split: the boat setup and what you’ll actually do

This tour is all about water time. You meet on the Riva promenade at stand number 7, opposite caffe bar Biberon, and the day starts with a sightseeing cruise—before you even reach the first swim stop. The boat is described as a comfortable ex-military cruise vessel, and you’ll have shade and sundeck space so you can choose your comfort level.
You’ll be moving through four main “modes” during the day: cruise, swim, eat, and then swim again. That’s the value here. Croatia’s islands can feel like a lot of logistics if you do it on your own. With this setup, the boat does the traveling, and you show up for the good parts.
Practical tip: plan to be in swim gear quickly. The day is designed so you’re not waiting around for long stretches before you’re in the water.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Split
Čiovo and Borko Beach Bar: lunch that’s part of the scenery

Your first real island stop is Čiovo, and you’ll start at the Borko beach bar. Think cove views and a beachy break where the schedule lets you actually relax. There’s a two-hour block here that includes lunch, free time, swimming, and snorkeling, plus BBQ and regional food.
What I like about this lunch setup is the simplicity. You’re not driving anywhere or walking far from the water. The restaurant is steps from the shore, so after your swim you can go straight into a proper meal without turning the day into a travel day.
Lunch itself is traditional Dalmatian style, with your choice of grilled fish, grilled vegetables, or grilled meat. It’s the kind of meal that helps reset you for the next swimming session—filling but still in that Mediterranean “eat outside, keep it easy” mood.
One small consideration: with limited time at each stop, you’ll want to eat promptly once lunch is served. If you linger too long with drinks and lounging, you may feel a little rushed before it’s time to board again.
Between stops: why the cruise time is more than downtime

You’ll spend time cruising between islands—about 75 minutes to the Čiovo area, plus shorter sightseeing stretches after lunch, and a longer return cruise at the end. This matters more than it might sound. On a day like this, the boat ride is your moving viewpoint, not just transportation.
Also, you’re not stuck in one spot. The day’s layout helps you cover three islands and two major water areas without having to coordinate ferries, tickets, and timing. If you’ve ever tried to “wing it” around Split’s islands, you’ll appreciate the structure.
What’s included helps make the cruise feel like part of the experience: you’ll have unlimited juice and water on board. That’s an easy win in Croatia, where staying hydrated while bouncing between sun and shade can make a big difference.
Blue Lagoon near Drvenik: waterslide fun and that clear-water feeling

Next up is the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Island. You get about 1.5 hours here with a photo stop and then time to swim and snorkel. The highlight is the water itself: crystal-clear turquoise that you can see through, even when you’re not trying hard to spot fish.
This is also where the tour adds its loudest, happiest moment: a waterslide. When you’re on a boat in the Adriatic, a waterslide is basically instant energy. Even if you’re not the jumping type, watching other people go can make the whole group feel more carefree.
There’s also marine life viewing. Since the tour specifically includes snorkeling at this stop, you can plan to spend your time looking down as much as looking around. It’s one of those water locations where your brain goes quiet because the colors do the talking.
Trade-off to consider: Blue Lagoon time is generous enough for swimming and snorkeling, but it’s not a full afternoon. If your main goal is “hours and hours in one spot,” you may want to complement this tour later with a separate beach day. If your goal is variety—this is the day.
Šolta and Nečujam Bay: shipwreck snorkeling at the end of the day

Your final stop is on Šolta, with time in Nečujam Bay. You’ll have about an hour here, including photo and sightseeing time plus a walk. The real reason people remember this part is the underwater story: you’ll swim and snorkel around a shipwreck, described as a sunken pirate ship experience.
Even if you’re not an expert swimmer, this works because it’s built into a guided day with a boat that brings you to the water’s edge and then lets you go in. You’re not trying to find the wreck site on your own. The tour gives you the setting and the time window, and you focus on the water.
One practical note: because it’s the final island stop, you’ll likely be coming in with a full day’s worth of sun and saltwater. If you bring sunscreen and manage your hydration, you’ll feel better once you’re back on board.
And yes—there’s also the type of staff attitude that makes this part feel lighter. One review mentioned the captain even jumped off with guests. That kind of playful energy can turn a boat day into a memorable one, not just a checklist of swims.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split
Price and value: what $68 really covers

At $68 per person for roughly an 8-hour day (with the tour described as about 9 hours depending on the start time and schedule), you’re paying for three things:
- Transport between islands in one organized block from Split
- Paid stops that include a set lunch experience on Čiovo
- On-board extras like the waterslide and hydraulic jump ramp, plus unlimited juice and water
Here’s the honest way to judge it: if you were to piece together island hopping independently, you’d spend time coordinating transport and likely end up paying similar totals once you add meal costs and boat access. The tour also takes away friction. You’re not planning your day minute by minute; you’re showing up where you’re told and getting structured swimming time at each location.
What’s not included is also clear, so you can budget without surprises: alcoholic beverages are not included, and extra lunch is not included. There’s also no hotel pickup/drop-off—so you’ll plan to get to the Riva meeting point yourself.
If you like a day where you can swim multiple times without thinking about transit, this price can feel like good value.
What’s included on the boat (and what you should pack)

The included items are designed around comfort and water play:
- Waterslide
- Hydraulic ramp for jumping from the boat
- Shade and sundeck positions
- Snorkeling on a sunken pirate ship (on the Šolta/Nečujam Bay stop)
- Unlimited juice and water
- Lunch at the Čiovo restaurant with grilled options (fish, vegetables, or meat) in traditional Dalmatian style
The “you bring it” list is simple, and it matters:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Snacks (smart backup if you get hungry between swims)
- Sunscreen
- Beachwear
My practical advice: pack sunscreen like it’s non-negotiable. On a boat day, sun hits you from above and from reflections off water. Also, bring a towel you’re willing to re-use after a salty swim.
If you want the smoothest day, consider arriving a little early so you can get your bearings fast—stand number 7 on the Riva area can get busy when multiple boats are loading.
Who this tour fits best

This is a good match if you want a relaxed day that still has clear highlights. It works especially well for:
- Friends who want a mix of swimming and laughs (waterslide and jumping ramp)
- Couples who want a structured day without committing to long planning
- Families and groups who prefer a hosted day with lunch included
It’s not ideal if your dream day is quiet, slow, and “one beach for the whole afternoon.” The schedule moves you between stops, so you won’t sink into one place for hours.
Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which is helpful to know in advance. That said, you’ll still want to consider water access and the practicality of getting on and off the boat safely and comfortably.
Should you book this Blue Lagoon and 3-islands cruise from Split?

I’d book it if your priorities are simple and watery: Blue Lagoon swimming, a shipwreck snorkeling moment at Nečujam Bay, and a real Dalmatian-style lunch without extra planning headaches. The day’s format is what you’re paying for—transport, timed swim breaks, and included food and drinks that keep you from turning lunch into a separate mission.
Skip it or think twice if weather worries you or if you prefer long, quiet beach time over island-hopping. Since the experience requires good weather, you’ll need flexibility in your travel plans.
If you want one day that gives you three island flavors and at least two “go in the water now” moments, this is a solid choice.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The duration is listed as 8 hours. Check available start times to match it to your day in Split.
Where do I meet the boat in Split?
You meet at the Riva promenade, boat excursions stand number 7, opposite caffe bar Biberon. The start location is also listed as Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 55.
What does the price include?
It includes snorkeling on a sunken pirate ship, a waterslide, a hydraulic ramp for jumping from the boat, shade and sundeck positions, unlimited juice and water on board, and lunch at the restaurant on Čiovo.
What is not included in the tour price?
Extra lunch is not included, alcoholic beverages are not included, and there is no hotel pickup and drop-off.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, a towel, snacks, sunscreen, and beachwear.
Is the tour dependent on weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is the host or guide English-speaking?
Yes, the host or greeter is listed as English, and the language for the experience is also English.






























