Full Day Boat Tour, Blue Lagoon and Šolta with lunch&drinks

What makes this tour interesting is the way it mixes easy cruising views with two proper water stops that actually give you time to swim and snorkel. You start in Stobreč (just outside Split), then head toward the Blue Lagoon and onward to Šolta island, so the day feels like more than one repeat swim spot.

I love that lunch is included with wine, water, and soft drinks, so you do not have to hunt for food after getting sun and sea in your system. I also like the practical setup: mask and snorkel are included, and the boat has both shaded and sunny areas. One consideration is that you are swimming in real bays, not staged beaches, so you should plan for slippery entry points and, in Blue Lagoon, sea urchins are part of the scene.

Key things to know before you go

• Two snorkel stops with about 90 minutes in Blue Lagoon and 1.5 hours at Nečujam
• Lunch and drinks included, with lunchtime wine plus water and soft drinks all day
• Snorkel gear included, but fins are not
• Expect urchins in Blue Lagoon, so step carefully and consider protective water shoes
• A low-key pace with slower boat movement and simple, meal-focused stops
• Smaller-feeling groups (max 80 travelers) and a mix of shaded and sun deck space

Why this boat route feels like a real day at sea

This is the kind of Split boat tour that works because it is built for the water, not just the ride. You get a full morning and afternoon on the move, with two stops where your time in the water is the point. That matters in Croatia, where the coastline is stunning, but the best memories usually come from being in the sea.

You also get a mix of environments. One stop is about the famous Blue Lagoon clarity and the other is about Nečujam’s shallow bay, plus the shipwreck snorkeling option tied to the Kontesa name. If you like sun, salty air, and snorkeling that does not require a long trek, this route hits the sweet spot.

The timing is straightforward too. The tour runs about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, and travel time is included in that total. That makes it easier to plan the rest of your day back in Split.

Stobreč start: the quick Split panorama moment

You begin in Stobreč, a settlement about 5 km east of Split. Right away, you get a short chance to look back toward Split and grab some photos of the panorama. The tour description keeps this as a brief scenic add-on, roughly 10 minutes.

Why I like this approach is simple. It gives you context fast. You see the city from the water, then you switch gears into islands and bays. It is also a good moment to get oriented for the rest of the day.

One practical note: this first part is not a long sightseeing block. If you want a deep dive into Split’s history or architecture, you will need a separate shore visit. Here, the focus stays on the sea.

Čiovo peninsula views on the way to Blue Lagoon

Once you leave Split’s orbit, the ride becomes the “in-between” scenery. You travel past the Čiovo peninsula while heading toward the Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay area. That stretch is mostly about changing coastlines and open water, with your attention shifting from city views to island shapes.

This travel time also matters because it sets expectations. Some days feel calmer on the water than others, and reviewers have noted that the boat can feel slow between stops. If your main goal is rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint, this might not match your style. If your goal is a relaxed swim day, the slow boat pace can actually help.

Also, because you are heading to bays rather than beaches, you will often be stepping into the water from a platform. That makes the “in-between” time part of the routine, and it is good to be mentally ready for that.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: crystal water, snorkeling, and urchins

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and it earns the attention. This is a spot where you can lie back, enjoy the feeling of clean sea air and pine-scented surroundings, and still have the option to snorkel in water that looks almost unreal.

You typically get about 90 minutes here. That is enough time to:

• swim at least once at a comfortable pace
• snorkel and then come back to shoreless lounging
• cool off again if the sun is strong

What you should really know is the sea floor. Blue Lagoon is famous for clear visibility, which is great for snorkeling, but it also means you can see where you are stepping and where you are not. One of the most repeated practical cautions is sea urchins. The company’s stance is that they warn passengers to watch out, but the takeaway for you is still the same: step carefully.

My practical advice is to treat this as a “watch your feet” stop:

• Enter slowly and avoid rushing the first step
• If you have water shoes, they can be a big help for this type of seabed
• When you snorkel, try not to touch the bottom unless you are sure what is there

Lunch happens during this Blue Lagoon block, which is another reason this stop works. You are already settled into the day’s rhythm, then you eat without losing a separate trip later.

Lunch at Blue Lagoon: simple, included, and tied to the swim schedule

Lunch is included with choices: chicken, fish, or a vegan option (described as pasta with milanese sauce). Reviews also describe it as fairly basic boat food, with items like bread and then chicken or fish paired with simple sides such as rice salad or pasta with tomato sauce.

Is it fancy? Not really. But it is good value because it is included and timed so you can eat without a long break. You also get lunchtime wine and water, plus soft drinks and water all day. That combination is huge for a full-day outing because you avoid the constant nickel-and-diming that happens on some boat trips.

Nečujam Bay on Šolta: sandy shallows and snorkeling near the Kontesa shipwreck

After Blue Lagoon, you head toward Šolta island and arrive at Nečujam Bay. This is the second major water stop, with about 1.5 hours on site. Blue Lagoon has the wow factor, but Nečujam has a different kind of appeal: a shallow sandy seabed with a turquoise look that changes with the light.

This is also where snorkeling gets more interesting. You can snorkel here with the option to explore the area of the shipwreck referenced as Kontesa. That is the kind of detail that turns a normal swim into something you remember later, even if you are not a hardcore diver.

One thing to keep in mind: just like Blue Lagoon, this is not a classic sand beach day. You are using the bay and the boat’s entry setup. So if you like dramatic beach strolling, you might feel slightly boxed in compared to a shore beach day. If you like snorkeling and floating, this works very well.

What to expect in the water

Nečujam’s sand and shallows are often easier to manage than rocky seabeds. You can snorkel with less stress about footing and then return to a relaxed swim pattern. If your main goal is seeing fish and interesting sea life without a ton of hassle, this stop is likely to be a better fit than places with more hazardous footing.

Boat comfort, toilets, and the “small stuff” that matters

The boat has both a shaded lower deck and an upper sundeck. This is one of those details that sounds minor until you are in it for a full day. You get sun options, but you also have a real place to cool down between swims.

Comfort is mixed in reviews. The boat is described as fairly comfortable, and one reviewer noted it is large enough to enjoy the trip. Another mentioned wooden slatted benches and squishy seating if you get on late. So my advice is to plan to be flexible. Bring a small towel or something for sitting comfort, and try to get your preferred spot early.

The good news is that practical basics are well covered:

• Snorkel mask and snorkel are included
• Shaded areas are available
• There are gender-separated toilets onboard

One item that is easy to miss until you’re there: fins are not included. If you own fins, bring them. If you do not, snorkel gear alone can still work, but fins can make a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency.

Drinks, snacks, and what you get for your money

This tour’s value comes down to the full-day package: the cruise, two swim stops, lunch, and non-stop drinks coverage. Your price is listed as $77.24 per person, and the day runs around 8 hours.

That is not cheap, but it compares well to doing the pieces separately:

• boat transportation and crew time across the route
• equipment for snorkeling (mask and snorkel)
• an included meal so you do not waste time finding food between stops
• water and soft drinks all day, plus wine at lunch

Reviews also mention extra touches that go beyond the core included meal, like snacks offered in the morning and watermelon later, plus sometimes a small cherry brandy shot on arrival. Those extras are not guaranteed in the official details, but they do fit the overall pattern: the crew tries to keep the day from feeling like a bare-bones outing.

About drinks beyond the included options: you should assume only the clearly included items are free. In at least one review, extra drinks beyond lunch were described as payable. So if you are a heavy drinker, bring that mindset in advance.

The crew vibe: friendly help, but don’t expect a lecture

The English-speaking crew is part of the package, and many reviews praise staff as friendly and attentive. That matters on boat tours because you are dealing with timing, entry rules, and gear handoffs, all while water and sun distract you.

At the same time, some reviews note that the crew may not provide much narration about what you pass by. So if you want commentary about islands, coastline names, or specific sights, come with questions. You will likely get good help, but do not plan on a long guided storytelling session.

This crew style fits the tour’s overall tone: a relaxing day built around swim time. If you want a calm host who helps you have a good day more than one who turns every minute into a history lesson, you will probably click with it.

Who should book this boat tour from Split

This is a great match for you if:

• you want two snorkel-friendly stops in one full day
• you like a relaxed pace and a straightforward schedule
• you care about included lunch and drinks during a long outing
• you want a boat day without complicated logistics

It may be less ideal if:

• you dislike stepping into the water from platforms instead of sandy shore beaches
• you need lots of on-board explanation and structured sightseeing
• you are very sensitive to discomfort from benches or want lots of personal space

The tour is also described as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. If you are traveling as a family or with a relaxed crowd, the setup tends to work because the focus stays on swimming and simple downtime.

Should you book the Full Day Boat Tour, Blue Lagoon and Šolta?

I think you should book it if your priority is a classic Split-area day on the water with included snorkeling gear, a real lunch break, and two distinct bays to swim in. The price also feels fair for the package: transport plus a full meal plus drinks plus gear across about 8 hours.

Skip or reconsider if you are strongly a “beach only” person, or if you have trouble with footing in clear-water areas. And if you go, respect the seabed. In Blue Lagoon, treat urchins like part of the route, not a surprise.

If you want a relaxed, practical day that is built around swimming and not constant sightseeing, this is the kind of tour that delivers.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (travel time included). The start time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts from Stobreč, about 5 km east of Split.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get a mask and snorkel. Fins are not included.

How much time do you have for swimming or snorkeling?

You stop for about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon and about 1.5 hours at Nečujam Bay.

Is lunch included, and what choices are there?

Yes. Lunch is included at Blue Lagoon and comes with chicken, fish, or a vegan option (pasta with milanese sauce). Wine and water are included at lunchtime, and soft drinks and water are available all day.

Are there toilets on the boat?

Yes. There are gender-separated toilets.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?

The experience is described as suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. The boat also has shaded and sun deck areas.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.