REVIEW · SPLIT
Split: Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta with Food and Drinks
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Max Nautica · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A day on the water outside Split can feel like a playlist of highlights. This cruise threads shipwreck snorkeling in Nečujam Bay, a relaxed village stop in Maslinica (Šolta), and then a proper beach-time finish at the Blue Lagoon with lunch waiting for you. You also get real “onboard comfort” perks, like Wi‑Fi, showers, and a boat that feels built for a full day, not a quick hop.
What I like most is how the day is structured. You start with a snack and cruise into the snorkel zone, then you’re not wasting hours figuring out food or planning transportation. The lunch stop at the beach restaurant makes the Blue Lagoon feel more like time with benefits than just another photo stop. The main thing to watch is the sun game: most seats are inside, and top-deck spots are limited, so if you want sun, you’ll need to arrive ready.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Put on Your Radar
- Why This 8-Hour Split Cruise Works So Well
- Meeting at Split Riva Promenade and Securing Your Spot
- Yacht Tamaris Comfort: Showers, Wi‑Fi, and Real Facilities
- Nečujam Bay Shipwreck Snorkeling: What to Expect Underwater
- Šolta’s Maslinica: Fisherman Village Calm + Marchi Castle Park
- Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki: Lunch, Shade, and Two Ways to Swim
- Food and Drinks: Three Lunch Choices Plus Unlimited Local Drinks
- Snorkeling Gear, Deposits, and the Cash Habit
- Boat-Day Timing: Why You Feel Like You Get a Full Day
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)
- Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the cruise?
- Where do I meet for the tour in Split?
- What stops are included in the itinerary?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- What is included with lunch and drinks?
- Are there extra drinks available for purchase?
- Do they provide coffee and breakfast?
- Are there showers and Wi‑Fi on the boat?
- What should I bring for the day?
- When should I arrive before departure?
Key Things I’d Put on Your Radar

- Nečujam shipwreck snorkeling with provided gear and clear crew instructions before you head in
- Maslinica on Šolta for an easygoing village walk plus Marchi Castle park time
- Blue Lagoon beach lunch in a private-style restaurant setting, with included dessert
- Yacht Tamaris comfort: multiple decks, Wi‑Fi, toilets, showers, and space to move around
- Value that’s mostly covered: light breakfast, drinks, snorkeling gear, lunch, and fresh fruit dessert
Why This 8-Hour Split Cruise Works So Well

This isn’t the kind of tour where you’re constantly rushing between far-flung places. It’s built like a calm loop: cruise, snorkel, scenic transit, village time, then a final “stay awhile” beach stop. From Split, that rhythm matters because you’re spending the day on the water instead of burning time on multiple transfers.
The itinerary also makes sense for people who want variety without the hassle. You get underwater time at the shipwreck, land time in a small fishing village, and then classic postcard sea time at the Blue Lagoon. And because the boat is a proper 27-meter day cruiser with modern facilities, you can cool off and reset between swims.
At $74 per person for an 8-hour day (with food and drinks largely handled), this is best viewed as a convenience-and-experience package. You’re paying for the boat ride, the planned stops, and the included meal setup—not just for transportation.
You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Split
Meeting at Split Riva Promenade and Securing Your Spot

You’ll meet at stand number 8 on the Split Riva Promenade. It’s a small white stand with a picture of the boat, near the water and roughly in the middle of Riva, across from Diocletian’s Palace and bars like Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva. The end point returns you to the same place, so you’re not solving a new puzzle at the finish.
Here’s the practical move: arrive 30 minutes early. Not “maybe early.” Early early. The cruise day runs on a tight port schedule, and the boat must depart on time. Also, one of the biggest comfort factors is seating: you’ll get the seats you start with, so showing up early is how you improve your odds of being in the better locations.
If you’re chasing sun, plan for this reality: the top deck has limited sun loungers (one account puts it around 20) and access can be strict. Go early, get positioned, and then stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about swim time.
Yacht Tamaris Comfort: Showers, Wi‑Fi, and Real Facilities

Yacht Tamaris is a 27-meter day cruiser with three decks. That matters because you can change your vibe during the day:
- Two air-conditioned salons for when the sun gets serious
- A spacious open deck with a fully equipped bar
- A sundeck for sunbathing when weather and timing align
The facilities are a big deal on an all-day water trip. The boat has 4 toilets and showers, so you’re not stuck rinsing off in a messy, awkward way after swimming. There’s also Wi‑Fi, which sounds small until you realize it helps you stay sane—message home, check maps, or plan dinner for later.
One more comfort detail: because the boat is designed for day cruising (and not cramped sightseeing), you’re less likely to feel trapped in one spot. It’s still a group day, but it feels more like you have options.
Nečujam Bay Shipwreck Snorkeling: What to Expect Underwater

The first real action is at Nečujam Bay. You’ll snorkel over a shipwreck in clear water, and the tour includes snorkeling gear. Before you go in, the crew gives instructions, and that helps a lot—shipwreck snorkeling is one of those activities where you do better when you understand what you’re looking for and where not to swim.
What you should keep in mind: snorkel routes and visibility can vary, and the wreck area can take a bit to spot. One practical tip that came up is to ask for the exact location if you aren’t seeing it quickly from the water. If you’re a cautious swimmer, you might want to take it slow and follow the crew’s guidance rather than trying to find everything on your own.
Also, don’t underestimate the “being in the water” part. Some people will be totally fine after a short swim. Others will want to be selective about how far they go. If you’re strong in the water, you’ll likely have a great time exploring the underwater life around the wreck.
Šolta’s Maslinica: Fisherman Village Calm + Marchi Castle Park

After Nečujam, the cruise heads to Maslinica on the island of Šolta. This is your palate cleanser after snorkeling: small streets, a village feel, and an easy walk without the pressure to keep moving.
You get about one hour here. That’s enough time to soak in the atmosphere, grab a drink, and take a stroll. The tour highlights Marchi Castle and its park, which is a nice option if you want a scenic break that isn’t just another beach.
If you like villages that don’t feel like theme parks, Maslinica is the right kind of stop. It’s the contrast to the more famous water stops. And it’s also helpful because it gives you a chance to cool down on land before you head back out again.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split
Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki: Lunch, Shade, and Two Ways to Swim

The last stop is the Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki, and it’s built for people who want to actually hang out. You’ll arrive to a turquoise bay with crystal-clear water, and you’ll have time to snorkel and swim right around the bay area.
The timeline gives you a solid block—about two hours—and the tour includes lunch at a private beach restaurant. One of the best parts here is how the meal is timed. You’re not eating in a rush and you’re not forced to carry food all over the place. You sit down, eat, and then return to the water whenever you’re ready.
Shade is part of the experience too. There’s mention of relaxing under a 100-year-old pine tree forest, which is a rare detail and a big comfort factor. If you’re sun-sensitive, that kind of shade makes the stop feel easier.
After lunch, there’s a smart tip worth following: if the bay floor around the beach is rocky underfoot, you’ll usually enjoy your swim more if you get back on the boat and swim off the deck in deeper water. It’s not complicated. It’s just a better-feeling entry after you’ve had your meal.
Food and Drinks: Three Lunch Choices Plus Unlimited Local Drinks

This is where the value becomes very real. The cruise includes:
- Coffee and croissant served while cruising out
- Lunch at the Blue Lagoon restaurant with three choices: fish, chicken, or vegetarian
- Side dish and salad with the main meal
- Fresh fruit dessert
- Unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade
Extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola cost extra. So you’re basically covered for the day’s main beverages unless you go off-script and start ordering everything individually.
How’s the food, realistically? Most accounts describe it as tasty and satisfying for a day trip. Fish lunch gets a lot of love, and chicken tends to work well too. Still, not every meal hits the same for everyone—one person reported issues with fish bones, and another said lunch wasn’t the best part. That’s not unusual on a mass lunch setup, but it’s the type of detail you’ll appreciate knowing upfront.
If you want to be safest: eat lunch when it’s served, enjoy what you can, and don’t expect a fine-dining menu. This is practical beach-food done well for the format—and the included drinks make it feel like more than a snack stop.
Snorkeling Gear, Deposits, and the Cash Habit

You’ll receive snorkeling gear as part of the package. One practical point that came up is that gear may require a €10 deposit, and you might need to settle that on the spot.
Also, plan for the boat side of spending. One tip that’s worth taking seriously: the boat may not accept card for purchases, so bring cash if you plan to buy extra drinks at the bar. You won’t need cash to enjoy the included lunch and drinks, but you might if you want beer or cocktails.
Finally, pack for the water day basics so you aren’t scrambling. Bring:
- sun hat
- towel
- sunscreen
- comfortable clothes and beachwear
- camera
Boat-Day Timing: Why You Feel Like You Get a Full Day

There’s a reason this feels like a true day out. The trip includes:
- a cruise segment early (time to settle in)
- about one hour at Nečujam for swimming/snorkeling
- a later cruise segment to Maslinica
- about one hour in Maslinica for sightseeing and swimming
- cruising again toward the Blue Lagoon
- roughly two hours at the Blue Lagoon for lunch, snorkeling, and beach time
- the final cruise back to Split
That structure helps because it balances active time with downtime. You snorkel, you reset. You walk, you swim. Then you do the longer beach stretch at the end.
A small timing heads-up from real-life experience: lunch can land later in the afternoon on some departures. If you’re traveling with kids, or if you’re someone who gets hungry fast, bring a small snack just in case (even though the included breakfast helps). It’s a comfort move, not a must.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)
This trip is ideal if you want a “sea day” with minimal planning:
- people who like snorkeling and want a shipwreck experience without booking it separately
- couples and solo travelers who want an easy group day with included meals and drinks
- anyone who wants a taste of both islands and open water scenery in one shot
It’s also a strong choice if you value onboard comfort. Showers, toilets, Wi‑Fi, and multiple decks mean you can handle the day without feeling stuck.
Who might hesitate? If you want maximum deck sun time, you’ll need to manage expectations. Seats are limited on the top deck, and many people will end up inside for part of the day. If you’re especially sensitive to fish-bone issues, you might also want to be mindful about the fish lunch option and choose chicken or vegetarian.
Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta Cruise?
I’d book this if you want an all-in-one Split day that mixes real snorkeling with a proper meal and a final beach stop. For the money, the biggest win is that the day’s core costs are handled: lunch, drinks (local wine/water/lemonade), snorkeling gear, and a fresh fruit dessert.
It’s also a good bet for people who dislike planning. You show up at the meeting point, the crew runs the timeline, and you get a boat that’s comfortable enough to make the travel time feel like part of the experience.
Skip it or shop around if your top priority is guaranteed sun coverage the entire day, or if your snorkeling strength is limited and you’re worried about finding the shipwreck spot quickly. For many people, the crew guidance and the included gear fix those concerns fast.
Bottom line: this is a practical, good-value day cruise that makes the famous water area feel reachable without stress.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts about 8 hours.
Where do I meet for the tour in Split?
You meet at stand number 8 on the Split Riva Promenade, a small white stand with a picture of the boat, near the water across from Diocletian’s Palace.
What stops are included in the itinerary?
You’ll visit Nečujam Bay for swimming and snorkeling, then Maslinica on Šolta, and finally the Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included.
What is included with lunch and drinks?
Lunch at the Blue Lagoon restaurant includes drinks, with three meal choices (fish, chicken, or vegetarian), plus side dish, salad, and fresh fruit dessert. Unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade are also included.
Are there extra drinks available for purchase?
Yes. Extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are not included.
Do they provide coffee and breakfast?
Yes. Coffee and a croissant are provided while you’re cruising.
Are there showers and Wi‑Fi on the boat?
Yes. The boat has Wi‑Fi and showers, and there are toilets on board.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring a sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear.
When should I arrive before departure?
Arrive about 30 minutes early so you can board comfortably, since the boat must depart on time due to the port schedule.





























