Split: Blue Lagoon and Šolta Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The clearest water and best swimming come at the Blue Lagoon, where you can choose between snorkeling, a jump from the boat, or a quiet hour under the sun. I especially like the long stops and the fact that lunch, wine, water, and ice tea are included. You get a proper day on the sea rather than a quick photo stop.

I also like the Kontesa shipwreck near Šolta, an easy snorkeling target with plenty of fish and clear water. The main catch is the travel time: getting to the swimming spots can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, so part of your seven-hour day is spent on the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Two generous swim stops: Expect roughly an hour to 1.5 hours at each main location, depending on the weather and timing.
• The Kontesa wreck: Snorkel around the remains in Nečujam Bay, with masks and snorkels supplied.
• Lunch at sea: Meat, fish, and vegetarian choices have been offered, with wine at lunch and unlimited water and ice tea.
• Two departure points: Join in Split or Stobreč. From Stobreč, you get coastal views toward Split before the boat reaches the harbor.
• Family-run service: The English-speaking crew keeps an eye on the group, explains the stops, and has adjusted plans when wind made conditions unsafe.
• Good value at $61: The price covers the boat, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear, but not fins or hotel transfers.

A full day between Split, the Blue Lagoon, and Šolta

This is a swimming day first and a sightseeing cruise second. You board in Split or Stobreč, settle into the boat, and then spend most of the day moving between open water, the Blue Lagoon, and Nečujam Bay on Šolta.

The route can change slightly with weather and sea conditions. The usual plan takes you to the Blue Lagoon, followed by lunch and the Kontesa shipwreck, then back toward Split. Some departures may reverse the order, so treat the sequence as flexible rather than fixed.

From Stobreč, the opening cruise is part of the fun. The boat follows the coast toward Split, giving you broad views of the city and shoreline from the water. If you board in Split, your ride begins after a short stop to collect the rest of the group.

The boat trip itself takes time. Several accounts put the ride to the first swimming point at about 1.5 to 2 hours. That is useful to know before booking. You are not signing up for a short transfer with a little swim attached. You are spending a full day on a family-run boat, with the sea crossing making up a large part of the experience.

The Blue Lagoon stop is made for swimming

The Blue Lagoon is the visual star of the trip. The water is bright, clear, and shallow enough in places for relaxed swimming, though the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or children under four.

You normally get around an hour to 1.5 hours here. That gives you enough time to swim, look for fish with a mask, sit on an inflatable, or stay on deck with a book. The crew has provided floating donuts on some trips, and jumping from the side or upper deck has also been allowed when conditions are suitable.

I like this kind of stop because you are not hurried through it. A quick ten-minute photo break would not justify a boat trip from Split. Here, you have time to get in the water more than once, dry off, and get back in when the sun feels hot.

The setting is popular, so do not expect an empty patch of sea. Other boats use the Blue Lagoon too, especially in good weather. That does not take away the color of the water, but it does mean the stop feels social rather than remote.

You can stay dry if swimming is not your main interest. The upper deck is the place for sun and views, while the lower shaded deck gives you a break from the heat. This matters in July and August, when the Croatian sun can feel strong even with a breeze. Bring sunscreen and apply it early. One person had a mild day, failed to notice the sun, and regretted it later.

Snorkeling around the Kontesa shipwreck

The second main stop is in Nečujam Bay on Šolta, where the remains of the Kontesa shipwreck sit in clear water. This is not a full wreck-exploration expedition. You snorkel around the visible remains from the surface, using the supplied mask and snorkel.

The water clarity is the main attraction. You can look down into the bay, watch fish, and inspect the wreck without needing specialist equipment. The stop commonly lasts about an hour to 1.5 hours, giving you time to swim beyond the wreck if you wish.

The included gear is a real saving. You receive a mask and snorkel, but fins are not included, so bring your own if you use them regularly. The quality of the masks seems to vary. Many people find the equipment useful, but one person had trouble with a mask that did not seal well. If you own a comfortable snorkel set, packing it is sensible.

The information at the wreck is fairly light. You may hear where the ship is and when to return, but do not expect a detailed talk about the vessel, its sinking, or Šolta’s maritime past. If learning the story behind the wreck matters to you, this stop is more about the water and the view than interpretation.

You should also follow the crew’s instructions about where to swim and when to return to the boat. Wind can change the plan. The crew has altered routes when conditions became rough, which is the right call on a sea trip, even if it means missing one planned location.

Lunch, wine, and drinks included in the fare

Lunch is served on board, usually after one of the swimming stops. The food has been described as tasty, plentiful, and home-style rather than restaurant cuisine. Meat, fish, and vegetarian choices have been available, and a vegetarian or vegan group was accommodated with a pasta dish.

The meal is a strong part of the $61 value. You are not paying for a bare boat transfer and then buying every drink separately. Wine is included with lunch, while water and ice tea are available throughout the day. Snacks and fruit, including watermelon, have also been served on some departures.

The food will not be the reason to book this trip, but it makes the long day easier. You can eat without carrying a full picnic, and the steady supply of cold soft drinks is useful after swimming in the sun.

Vegetarian food may be simple. Tomato pasta has been served, so if you want something more varied, ask about the available choices when the operator contacts you. The crew has requested food preferences before departure on some trips, which is worth taking advantage of.

There is also a practical point about seating. The upper deck can become crowded, and some seating may be exposed to direct sun. If you want shade or a particular spot, board promptly rather than assuming every seat will be equally comfortable.

What the boat day feels like

The boat provides both open and shaded areas, plus toilets. You can spend the ride chatting, watching the coast, eating snacks, or simply letting the gentle movement of the sea slow you down.

The boat has been described as comfortable and not overly packed on some departures, but seating comfort is not uniform. The upper seating could be improved, and anyone boarding late may find themselves in a less desirable corner. This is not a luxury yacht experience. It is a practical day boat built around swimming stops and shared facilities.

The crew is one of the more reliable parts of the experience. They speak English, explain what is happening, check that people are comfortable, and point out when it is time to return to the boat. A family business can also mean a warmer tone than a large, highly scripted cruise.

That personal approach has helped when plans went wrong. One person missed the original trip and was moved to the following day. Another departure changed its route because of wind, with the crew asking the group about the next step. Weather still controls the sea, but clear communication makes a change much easier to accept.

The return cruise is a pleasant final stretch, especially with the sun behind you. After several hours in the water, you may feel sleepy from the boat’s gentle rocking. That is normal, but it is another reason to drink water and use sunscreen even when the breeze makes the temperature feel mild.

Is the $61 price good value?

At $61 per person, I consider this good value if you want a complete day on the water. The price includes the boat ride, lunch, lunchtime wine, unlimited water and ice tea, and a mask and snorkel. You would pay extra for several of those items on a basic boat transfer.

The value is strongest for people who plan to swim. You get roughly two long water stops, not just a coastal cruise with one quick dip. The included equipment also means you can pack lightly.

The value is weaker if you dislike long boat rides or do not plan to enter the water. The trip takes seven hours, and a large part of that is spent cruising to and from the islands. The boat itself is the transport and the main resting place, not merely a way to reach a short activity.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Split or Stobreč yourself, and you must bring a passport or ID card. Fins are also not provided. The tour accepts free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans depend on the weather.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this for confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and friends who want an easy day away from Split’s streets. It works especially well if you like a mix of swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and casual food rather than a tightly packed sightseeing program.

It is also a good match for mixed groups. Swimmers can spend the stop in the water, while non-swimmers can use the shaded deck or sunbathe. Still, the operator lists the tour as unsuitable for non-swimmers, so do not treat the dry deck as a substitute for water confidence.

Children under four cannot join. Older children who are comfortable around open water may enjoy the boat, the masks, and the chance to jump in, but parents should consider the long cruise time and heat.

I would hesitate if you need detailed history, premium seating, or a quiet, uncrowded bay. The Kontesa wreck receives limited explanation, the Blue Lagoon is shared with other boats, and the ride can feel slow. You also need to accept that wind may change the route.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring your passport or ID card, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the boat ride. Pack your own fins if you prefer them, and consider bringing a personal mask if you are particular about fit.

Board early if you want a better choice of seating. Bring a little patience for the long crossings, and use the shaded deck when the sun becomes too strong. The included drinks reduce what you need to carry, but a waterproof bag is still sensible for phones and small valuables.

Ask about food preferences before departure if you need a vegetarian or vegan meal. Lunch choices have included meat, fish, and pasta, but the exact menu can vary.

Finally, keep your schedule flexible. The tour lasts seven hours, but sea conditions can affect the route or timing. A crew that skips a stop because of strong wind is protecting your day, not failing to deliver it.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Šolta tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced swimming day with two attractive water stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks already covered. The Blue Lagoon delivers the bright water and easy swimming, while the Kontesa wreck gives the day a second focus.

Skip it if you want a fast trip, a quiet beach, or a detailed history lesson. The boat ride is long, the popular stops can be busy, and seating may be basic. For a full day at sea from Split or Stobreč, though, the combination of swimming time, friendly service, food, and included drinks makes this a sensible choice at $61.

FAQ

How long does the Split and Šolta boat tour last?

The tour lasts seven hours. Check the available dates for the exact starting time.

Where can I join the boat tour?

You can board in Split or Stobreč. If you start in Stobreč, the boat cruises toward Split and offers coastal views before making a short boarding stop in the city.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned stops are the Blue Lagoon and Nečujam Bay on Šolta, where you can snorkel near the Kontesa shipwreck.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with wine served at lunchtime.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water and ice tea are included. Other drinks may be available to buy, but they are not part of the stated inclusions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A mask and snorkel are provided. 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 activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or children under four years old.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer. Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed.