Split: Blue Lagoon&Šolta boat tour with Food&Drinks (2026)

The best part of this eight-hour Adriatic cruise is its easy pace. You get two proper swimming stops, not a frantic tour of six ports, with time to snorkel, float, jump from the boat, or simply sit under the canopy. The classic wooden vessel feels more personal than the large party boats crowding the Split waterfront.

I like the friendly family-run service and the useful inclusions: masks and snorkels, lunch, wine, fruit, water, and iced tea. I also like that the boat has sunny and shaded areas, a toilet, and enough room to avoid feeling packed in. The main drawback is the long time spent on the water between stops. If you want constant sightseeing or a fast boat, this is not your best match.

Key points

• Two long swim stops: Spend about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and another 90 minutes in Nečujam Bay.
• Snorkel the Kontesa wreck: The shallow shipwreck area offers a fun look at fish and underwater life.
• Lunch is included: Choose grilled chicken, grilled fish, or pasta with Milanese sauce for a vegan meal.
• A gentler boat experience: The wooden boat has shaded seating, open decks, a toilet, and even a spot for jumping into the sea.
• Good value at $88: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and an eight-hour cruise are part of the price.
• Plan for a long day: The journey to the islands and back takes several hours, so bring sun protection and a light layer.

What this Split boat tour is really like

This is a full day on the Adriatic, not a quick transfer dressed up as a cruise. You leave from Split or nearby Stobreč, pass the city shoreline, and head toward the islands of Čiovo and Šolta.

The boat carries around 30 people, based on the trip details and seating reports, but the layout does not feel like a tightly packed ferry. You have an upper deck for sun, covered areas for shade, tables and chairs, storage for your things, and a toilet. Seating quality can vary, especially if you board late, so arrive in good time if you want a choice of where to sit.

The mood is relaxed rather than loud or club-like. The crew serves welcome wafers and a small shot of cherry brandy, then keeps water and iced tea available during the day. Lunch comes with wine, and fruit is served on the return journey.

The crew speaks English and handles the day in a warm, informal way. Do not expect a long running commentary about every island or wreck. The focus is swimming, food, scenery, and a comfortable day at sea.

Leaving Stobreč or Split for the open Adriatic

The exact meeting point depends on the option you choose. Stobreč is the first departure point, followed by a short stop at Split to collect more people. If you board in Stobreč, you get a pleasant start along the coast before the main crossing begins.

From the water, you can see Split’s old town skyline with the mountains behind it. The shore gives way to open sea as the boat passes toward Čiovo. This scenic section takes about 105 minutes, so it is worth treating the journey as part of the experience rather than dead time.

You can sit upstairs for the breeze and wide views, or move below when the sun becomes too strong. On a hot summer day, the shade is not a minor comfort. Several people found the sun surprisingly intense, even when a breeze made the air feel mild.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. A light windproof layer is also sensible because the boat ride can feel cool after you have been swimming, even in warm weather. Water shoes are not listed as included, so pack them if you like extra protection on rocky sea bottoms.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and plenty of time to swim

The first main stop is the Blue Lagoon near Split. The boat stays for about 90 minutes, giving you enough time to swim without having to rush straight back aboard.

The water is clear, shallow in places, and usually filled with small fish. You can use the provided mask and snorkel, float with one of the available inflatables, or simply jump in and cool off. A diving board or jump-off point on the boat adds a playful touch, though you should follow the crew’s instructions before entering the water.

This is the tour’s most immediately scenic stop. The color of the sea changes with the light, and the surrounding islands give you a classic Dalmatian setting. The catch is that the Blue Lagoon is popular. You will share the water with other boats, particularly in the busiest summer weeks.

Still, the long stop helps. You are not limited to a ten-minute photo break. Strong swimmers can explore farther, while less confident swimmers can use a float. The official conditions say the trip is not suitable for non-swimmers, so you should be comfortable entering open sea before booking.

Lunch on board, with simple choices that work

After swimming, lunch is served on the boat. You choose from grilled chicken, grilled fish, or pasta with Milanese sauce, which is the vegan option listed for the tour.

The food is straightforward rather than restaurant-style, but that suits the setting. A hot meal after swimming is filling, and the grilled fish and chicken are especially useful choices if you want something more substantial than a sandwich. The pasta is practical for vegan visitors, though it is basic tomato-style fare rather than a creative plant-based menu.

Wine is included with lunch. Water and iced tea are available throughout the day, and extra drinks and ice cream may be available to buy on board. The tour also provides welcome snacks at the start and fruit on the way back.

If you have a specific dietary need beyond the listed options, check before you book. The available choices are clear, but the information does not promise a wide range of substitutions.

Nečujam Bay and the Kontesa shipwreck

After lunch, the boat continues to Šolta and Nečujam Bay. The crossing takes about an hour, with views of the island and open water along the way.

Nečujam is quieter than the Blue Lagoon and is the more interesting stop for snorkeling. The main attraction is the Kontesa shipwreck, which rests in the bay and has become a home for marine life. With the mask and snorkel provided, you can look around the wreck and the nearby seabed.

You get about 90 minutes here too. That gives you time to swim out to the wreck, return to the boat, and relax without turning the stop into a race. The water is clear, and the sheltered bay usually makes for calm swimming conditions, although sea conditions can change.

One useful point: the crew helps explain where to swim and keeps an eye on the activity, but the tour is not built around formal marine biology instruction. If you want detailed information about the ship’s history or a guided underwater tour, you may find the commentary limited.

The bay also works well for people who prefer a quieter swim. You can use a float, stay near the boat, or spend the time on deck. It is the combination of free time and simple facilities that makes this stop work for different ability levels, provided you can swim safely in open water.

The return ride to Split

The journey back to Split takes about 70 minutes, followed by the return to the listed drop-off point. Fruit is served on the way home, and you can use the final stretch to sit under the shade, take in the coast, or share a drink with people from the boat.

After two long swims, the gentle movement of the boat can make you sleepy. That is part of the appeal for some people, but it also explains why the day may feel slow to anyone expecting nonstop activity.

The timing can stretch if the boat has trouble finding a place to dock. Build a little flexibility into your evening plans, especially if you have a restaurant booking or another timed activity after the cruise.

Is $88 a good price?

At $88 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want a full day at sea rather than a bare sightseeing transfer.

The price includes:

• The boat trip from Split or Stobreč
• An English-speaking crew
• Welcome wafers and cherry brandy
• Lunch with chicken, fish, or vegan pasta
• Wine with lunch
• Unlimited water and iced tea
• Fruit on the return trip
• A mask and snorkel

You would pay extra on many boat trips for meals, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Here, those costs are built into the fare, which makes budgeting easier. The boat also provides shade, seating, a toilet, and floats, adding comfort that is not always available on cheaper island excursions.

The value depends on what you want from the day. You are paying for roughly four hours of cruising and three hours of swimming, not for a packed sightseeing schedule. If you want to visit several villages, walk through historic streets, or cover a large stretch of coast, another tour may suit you better.

For a relaxed swimming day with food included, the price is persuasive.

The practical drawbacks to consider

The main weakness is the amount of time spent getting between stops. The boat is not a fast speedboat, and the route to the Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and back to the mainland takes up much of the eight-hour schedule.

One timetable gives about 105 minutes toward Čiovo, 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, an hour around Šolta, 90 minutes at Nečujam Bay, and 70 minutes returning toward Split. That leaves a lot of time to sit on board.

I see that as a fair trade if you enjoy the ride. The views are good, the boat has shade, and the pace encourages you to slow down. If you dislike long crossings, the day could feel unbalanced.

Seating is another small issue. The boat generally has enough room, but the best spots can go early. Arrive on time and claim a shaded place if you burn easily. The upper deck may be less comfortable for a long ride, and a late boarding position could leave you in direct sun.

The food is good, simple boat lunch. Do not book this expecting a gourmet meal. The vegan pasta is useful but limited, and portions may feel modest if you have a large appetite.

Finally, the snorkeling equipment is included, but quality can vary from mask to mask. If you own a comfortable mask, bringing it could improve your day. Fins are not included.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A calm day with two serious swimming stops
• A family-run atmosphere instead of a large party cruise
• Included lunch, drinks, and basic snorkeling gear
• A traditional wooden boat with open and covered seating
• Time to swim, float, snorkel, and relax without rushing
• A reasonable price for a full day on the Adriatic

It is especially suitable for families with older children who can swim, couples wanting a low-key day on the water, and friends who care more about swimming than guided sightseeing.

I would hesitate if you cannot swim, dislike boats, or want a tour packed with historical information. Children under four are not permitted, and the open-water format requires basic swimming confidence.

Booking and packing advice

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Meeting and drop-off locations vary by the option you select, so check the exact departure point before leaving your accommodation.

Pack light, but bring the essentials:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Water shoes, if preferred
• A light jacket or wind layer
• Your own snorkeling mask, if you have one you trust

Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed on board. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own way to the harbor.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Šolta tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, good-value swimming day with food and drinks already covered. The two long water stops are the heart of the experience, and the Kontesa wreck gives the second stop more interest than a simple beach outing.

Skip it if you want speed, extensive island sightseeing, or a strong educational guide. The trip spends many hours cruising, and the lunch and commentary are practical rather than elaborate.

For most people who want to get out of Split, swim in clear Adriatic water, and enjoy a relaxed boat day without paying for every extra, this is a sensible choice at $88.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

You can depart from Stobreč or Split, depending on the option booked. The exact meeting point may vary, so check your selected option before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides, the Blue Lagoon stop, the journey toward Šolta, the Nečujam Bay stop, and the return to the mainland.

What food is included?

Lunch includes a choice of grilled chicken, grilled fish, or pasta with Milanese sauce for a vegan option. Wine is included with lunch, and fruit is served on the way back.

Are drinks included?

Water and iced tea are available without limit. Welcome snacks and cherry brandy are served at the start, and additional drinks or ice cream may be available to purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A mask and snorkel are included. Fins are not included, so bring your own if you want to use them.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or young children?

The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and children under four are not permitted. The main activities involve swimming and snorkeling in open water.