This cruise turns a normal Split morning into saltwater fun fast. You get unlimited open bar and snorkeling gear on a classic wooden sailing ship, plus three serious swim stops in Dalmatia. The main thing to know is the Blue Lagoon may not look quite as neon-blue in every light or wind, even when the water is still crystal clear.

I especially like how the day stays simple: breakfast gets you going, lunch is served onboard, and the crew keeps the schedule moving without feeling rushed. One consideration, though, is that deck seating is limited, so if you want a top-deck spot with the best breeze, you will have to claim it early.

Key Highlights You Will Feel Immediately

• Breakfast on board with coffee and croissants, plus apple and orange juice to start the day right
• Unlimited drinks all day with red and white wine, water, and apple and orange juice
• Three swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with gear provided and floating mattresses on hand
• Maslinica on Šolta for a relaxed village break, plus time to walk and swim
• Blue Lagoon time that is long enough to actually settle in, not just jump in and out
• Comfort extras like modern restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and an onboard lunch with local ingredients

Getting Onboard in Split at Obala Lazareta (and Not Missing Junior)

Your day starts at Obala Lazareta, with the staff waiting by the large white boat named Jaffa. They meet you at 08:40 AM, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can get to the correct boat without stress.

When you arrive, look for crew in white polo shirts with the word Junior printed front and back. Then they will guide you to the boat Junior, which may be about 50 meters away from the meeting point. Also, they keep a tight eye on timing because the operator cannot wait after 9:00 AM due to other boats on the schedule.

This matters because the tour is a full 9 hours, and the first part moves quickly. If you want a smooth start, show up early, claim your spot on the deck, and treat check-in like the warm-up before your swim day.

Breakfast, Drinks, and a 1903 Wooden Sailing Ship Atmosphere

The onboard vibe is half holiday, half practical comfort. Breakfast is served with hot coffee, croissants, and apple and orange juice, so you do not need to hunt for a cafe before you head out.

Then the day shifts into easy mode: the boat runs an unlimited open bar throughout the cruise. You can choose from red wine, white wine, water, and apple and orange juice. This is one of the most valuable parts of the experience because it means you can pace yourself. You can sip wine while cruising between stops, grab water when you are out in the sun, and still feel like you are on vacation rather than managing your budget every hour.

The ship itself is a wooden sailing boat built in 1903, which gives it a classic, sturdy feel. You also get modern restrooms onboard and free Wi-Fi, so you are not stuck with the usual compromise of long boat days.

One small detail that affects comfort: deckchairs are limited, and some areas are shaded. If you want maximum sun and a view, be ready to choose your seat early. A lot of the day is outdoors, so bring your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Maslinica on Šolta: The Best “Break From Swimming” Stop

The cruise includes a stop at Maslinica on the island of Šolta. You get about 1 hour here, and the time is structured for variety: lunch, a walk, and swimming and snorkeling.

Maslinica is the kind of fishing village break that keeps the day from becoming only water time. You can stretch your legs, take a quick look around, and then get back in the water with renewed energy. The onboard plan also works well because lunch is built into the stop, so you are not juggling a restaurant search.

This is also a good stop if you are snorkeling-curious. The water around these coves is typically clear, and the provided gear helps you spend less time figuring things out. You can keep it simple, float and watch the sea life, or snorkel more actively if you are comfortable.

A practical note: because this stop includes both land time and water time, pack your towel early in the day. Once you are soaking saltwater, you will appreciate having it ready without searching for it.

Blue Lagoon and St. Fumija Bay: Why This Swim Time Matters

The Blue Lagoon is the headline, but what makes it work on this cruise is the timing. You get about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon area, with swimming and snorkeling.

That time is the difference between a fun photo moment and an actual swim session. You can get in, float on a calm minute, snorkel when you feel settled, and still have time to warm up and dry off before moving on.

Just keep expectations realistic. The water can look slightly different depending on wind, cloud cover, and how the light hits the surface. Even when the shade is not exactly the brightest postcard blue, you will still get clear water, good visibility, and a memorable swim.

Also, you have more than one way to enjoy the stop. Snorkeling gear is provided, and there are floating mattresses so you can relax without needing to be a strong swimmer. If you want the best view angles, head up top when you can. The upper deck tends to feel more open, while lower areas can be shadier and cooler with sea breeze.

Sveta Fumija: Clear Water, Simple Fun, and Another Full Hour

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the route brings you to Sveta Fumija. You spend about 1 hour here, and again it is geared for water time: swimming and snorkeling.

This second swim stop is what I like about the cruise design. Instead of one long stop and two short ones, you get two meaningful water moments plus the Maslinica village break. Sveta Fumija gives you a fresh angle on the Adriatic, and it is a great chance to compare how the light and seabed look at different spots.

If you are someone who loves repetitive, easy days like this, you will probably feel like you are getting your money’s worth. One hour is enough to actually enjoy the water, not just test it for 30 seconds. And because you get gear provided, you can focus on comfort and enjoyment instead of logistics.

Lunch on Board: Local Ingredients, Real Portions, and No Waiting Around

Lunch is served onboard during the Maslinica stop, and it is built around simple menu choices. You can expect options like tuna steak, chicken, or a vegetarian dish, with a side dish and fresh fruit to finish.

The best part for most people is that it is not a sad onboard meal. You are eating while sailing, so it feels like part of the day, not a break from it. And because it is prepared onboard with fresh local ingredients, it tends to taste better than the typical packaged-feeling lunches you sometimes get on day trips.

There is also a steady flow of refreshments during the day. You will find it easier to stay hydrated and fed than on tours where drinks stop after boarding. Just remember that wine is part of the open bar, so pace yourself if you plan to swim again later. The sea is fun, but it does not mix well with an over-sunny attitude or too much alcohol.

If food quality is a deciding factor for you, this cruise generally performs well. Many people specifically praise the portion size and how filling lunch feels right after your first swims.

Drinks All Day: Unlimited Wine and Soft Drinks, Served the Easy Way

The open bar is a major value driver for this tour. You get unlimited red and white wine, plus water and apple and orange juice across the entire cruise.

That is a clean setup, not a massive cocktail list. If you are hoping for a wide variety of alcoholic drinks, plan around what is actually included: wine and soft drinks. It keeps things simple, and in practice it means you are not stuck waiting for a bartender to take your order. You just pick what you want, when you want it.

One caution: a few people noted that drink service can feel heavier later in the day. If you prefer a calmer pace, drink earlier, keep water in rotation, and do a steady mix rather than going all-in at the end.

Snorkeling Gear and Floating Mattress Tips (so You Get More Fun)

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can bring your own confidence and leave the technical stuff to the crew. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy the water stops, especially because there are floating mattresses onboard.

Here is how you can make the most of it:

• Use the float setup for easy breathing and calm observation before going more active.
• Take a minute to rinse and settle your gear after getting in, so you are not wrestling with it when your time is short.
• Keep sunscreen on even if the day feels breezy. Boat days trick you, because shade and wind reduce the sting while the sun still works.

Also, bring a towel. You are out of the water and back on the boat at multiple stops, so quick drying makes deck time more comfortable. A camera helps because the coves look different from deck level and water level.

Comfort, Seating, and Boat Layout: What to Plan For on a 9-Hour Day

This is a longish day by the sea, so comfort matters. You get a lot of time moving between stops, and you spend that time on the boat.

Key things to know:

• Deckchairs are limited, so early boarding helps.
• Upper deck areas tend to offer more open views and often feel less shaded.
• Lower areas can be cooler with sea breeze, so breathable clothing helps.
• Modern restrooms keep the day from feeling unpleasant.
• Free Wi-Fi is available if you want it, but honestly most people will spend their time in the sea.

You might also see optional floating items mentioned by some passengers, but the core included flotation is the floating mattress. Treat extras as a bonus, not the plan.

Price and Value: Why 106 Per Person Works Here

At $106 per person for a 9-hour cruise, the value comes from stacking inclusions that you would otherwise pay for separately.

You get:

• Breakfast onboard
• Lunch onboard
• Unlimited open bar (wine plus soft drinks)
• Snorkeling equipment and safety gear
• Multiple swim stops, including the Blue Lagoon

A day trip like this can be expensive when you add up boat time, meals, and drinks. Here, the math works because you are not constantly deciding what to buy. You show up, get fed, get hydrated, swim multiple times, and still have a full day of scenery without paying for separate activities at each stop.

The other value factor is pacing. If the stops were short, the price would feel steeper. But the main swim locations get enough time to actually enjoy them, and Maslinica gives you a change of scenery rather than only water.

Who Should Book This Split to Blue Lagoon Cruise

This cruise fits best if you want a low-effort, high-reward sea day.

I think you should book if you:

• Want multiple swim sessions in one day from Split
• Like the idea of unlimited drinks paired with actual food, not just a snack
• Prefer a classic wooden boat experience rather than a crowded fast ferry vibe
• Appreciate an English-speaking crew and a schedule that stays on track

You might choose something else if you:

• Want lots of long land excursions or deep guided cultural time
• Are very sensitive to alcohol being part of the day, since the open bar is a core feature

Families also seem well-served, since there is a mix of cruising, swimming, and resting onboard. Couples usually love it too, because you get romance on the water without having to plan a bunch of separate stops.

Should You Book It?

Yes, I would book this if your priority is a great value day on the Adriatic, with food, drinks, and snorkeling included. The experience is built for people who want to relax on the water and still feel like they got enough time at each highlight.

Just go in with two realistic expectations: the Blue Lagoon can look slightly different depending on conditions, and the deck seating is first-come. If you plan for those, this is a strong pick for your Split days.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at Obala Lazareta, next to the large white boat Jaffa. The staff will guide you to the boat Junior.

What time should I arrive?

The staff are waiting at 08:40 AM, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before to be ready. The provider can’t wait for departure after 9:00 AM.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the cruise, breakfast, lunch prepared on board, seasonal fruit, unlimited open bar, snorkeling equipment, floating mattress, modern restrooms, limited deckchairs, English-speaking crew, free Wi-Fi, and safety equipment.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes red wine, white wine, water, and apple and orange juice throughout the cruise.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for the swim stops.

How long are the main stops?

Maslinica includes about 1 hour with lunch, walk, swimming, and snorkeling. Blue Lagoon is about 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling. Sveta Fumija is about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

Do I need to bring my own towel and sunscreen?

Yes. You should bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses, plus a camera and breathable clothing.

What happens if weather is bad?

If there are strong winds, large waves, storms, or similar conditions, the operator may cancel the tour and you receive a full refund.