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

This tour is interesting because it gives you two postcard-perfect water moments in one long day, Blue Lagoon and the Kontesa shipwreck near Šolta. You get a full boat outing, including time to swim, snorkel gear on board, and a proper sit-down lunch with drinks. The big trade-off to plan for is that you are on a boat most of the day, so if you want nonstop time in the water, you may feel the travel time between stops.

Two things I especially like: the water time is built in (not just a quick dip), and the tour includes the essentials you would otherwise pay for, like masks and snorkels, lunch, and unlimited soft drinks. The one drawback to watch for is simple, it is not suitable for non-swimmers, and some seating on the boat can be tight on hot days.

The vibe is family-run and relaxed. You can sit in the sun up top, or cool off in shaded areas below, and the crew keeps things moving so you spend your time where it counts, in that clear water.

Key things I think you will care about

• Two swim stops, including time for snorkeling around the Kontesa wreck
• Blue Lagoon color that looks unreal once you are floating right above it
• Lunch plus wine and unlimited soft drinks, not just snacks
• Shade options on the boat, so heat does not control your day
• Bring an ID, because you do need it to board

Why Blue Lagoon and the Kontesa Wreck Feel Like a Full Day Trip Upgrade

For around $61, this is one of those Croatia day tours that feels like good value because it bundles the parts that usually add up fast. You pay for the boat, the meal, drinks, and the snorkeling gear, then you get two specific water experiences that look great on photos because they are great in real life too.

The first payoff is Blue Lagoon itself. You are not just looking at it from the shore. You are swimming in it, and that changes everything. The water color is the headline, but the second best part is how easy it is to enjoy, even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler. You can float, swim, or just hang out and watch fish.

The second payoff is the Kontesa shipwreck near Šolta’s Nečujam Bay. Wreck snorkeling is popular because it is more interesting than open-water swimming, you get structure to look at and a reason to keep your head underwater. If you like seeing something specific instead of only water and sky, this stop is a big deal.

The main consideration is time balance. You are doing boat cruising between locations, and that can feel long if you are the type who wants constant swimming. If you know that going in, it is a smoother day.

Stobreč or Split Start: The Cruise Views Matter More Than You Think

This tour can start in Stobreč or Split. Either way, the day begins at the dock and quickly turns into a cruise along the coast. If you board in Stobreč, you get panoramic views of Split as you head toward the harbor. It is a nice warm-up because it sets the mood: you are not jumping straight into water, you are getting the sea-and-cities feeling first.

If you start in Split, there is a short boarding stop for additional people, then the boat heads straight for the Blue Lagoon. That pacing is good because it reduces the chance you lose the day to waiting.

One thing I would plan for is that you should expect a ride of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the first swim stop. It is not a short hop, so treat the boat time as part of the experience, not an interruption. Sit upstairs if you want sun, or move downstairs if you want shade.

Also, the boat can be fairly calm, but you still might feel the gentle rocking on the way back. Bring a mindset that a 7-hour day at sea is slow travel, not a sprint.

Blue Lagoon Swim Time: When Snorkeling Gear Is Included, It Changes Your Day

Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, you get a real block of time to use the water. Plan on about an hour and a half of swimming time, give or take with the day’s schedule. That length matters. It lets you do a full swim, then snorkel, then return for a second round if you want to.

You will have the basics included, mask and snorkel. In practice, snorkeling gear quality can vary from one mask to the next, so if you are picky about fit, consider bringing your own mask next time you travel. If you are flexible, the provided gear is enough to enjoy the experience.

You can also adjust your comfort based on how you feel. Want sun? Stay on the top deck. Want to cool off? There is a shaded lower deck. One of the smartest choices is to use shade between swims so you arrive at the wreck stop with energy.

If you like jumping in from the boat, this is the kind of tour where that is possible, and it is common to see people do it. The crew sets a friendly tone, and you are encouraged to actually use the time.

What to watch for: on some days, the water can be crowded, because Blue Lagoon draws visitors. Your advantage on this tour is that you are in it, not just waiting your turn at a shoreline photo spot.

Lunch, Wine, and Unlimited Soft Drinks on Board

Lunch is one of the reasons this tour feels like more than a basic water excursion. You get lunch on the boat, plus lunchtime wine and unlimited soft drinks, including water and ice tea.

The food is not trying to be gourmet, but it is genuinely enjoyable for what you are doing. Based on what people experience, the menu can include meat and fish options, and there are vegetarian choices too. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is worth communicating your needs, because the tour does seem set up to handle preferences.

This is also one of those small wins that makes the whole day easier: you do not need to leave the water for lunch planning. You eat, you rehydrate, and then you go right back to the next stop.

One practical tip: since you are out in the sun, sunscreen matters more than you think. People sometimes skip it because there is a breeze, and then they pay for it later. Shade is available, but it is still smart to protect yourself before the boat ride heats you up.

Nečujam Bay and the Kontesa Shipwreck: Why This Stop Is Worth the Cruise

After lunch, you head to Nečujam Bay on Šolta Island, where the Kontesa shipwreck is located. This is the second water highlight, and it has a different feel than the Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon is open-water beauty. The wreck stop is about exploring something real underwater.

You snorkel around the shipwreck after lunch. When visibility is good, it is the kind of underwater scene that makes you stay longer than you planned. People enjoy it because it is structured, you have a target, and it feels like you are discovering, even if you are not an expert.

Time-wise, plan on another substantial stretch at the water. A common pattern is about an hour and a half at each main swim location, though the exact timing can shift a bit based on conditions.

What I like about having lunch before the wreck is that it keeps you from feeling rushed. Your body also has time to reset. You snack, you drink something cold, then you focus on snorkeling again.

One consideration is that this part is very dependent on the day’s weather and sea conditions. If the water is rough, you might feel the movement on the boat, and it can make snorkeling less comfortable. Still, the crew keeps the day organized, and the stop itself is what you came for.

Boat Comfort, Safety, and Snorkeling Reality Checks

This is not a tour for everyone, and the limits are clear. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it is not suitable for children under 4. So if you are bringing kids, or if water comfort is not your thing yet, you may want a different type of boat day.

On the comfort side, the boat setup is practical. There are sun areas on top and shade below. Seating may not be perfect for everyone, especially if you end up seated in direct sun for long stretches. If you are sensitive to heat, get upstairs when you can, but switch to shade when the sun intensity climbs.

Safety is taken seriously in the sense that the boat and activity are designed around guests being able to swim and snorkel. You will also have gear provided for snorkeling, and there are items like floating aids reported by guests, which can make the water time feel easier.

For snorkeling, remember that the included mask and snorkel are the same category of gear as what most people use on vacation. That means you might occasionally run into fit issues. If you know your equipment preferences, bring your own mask next time. Otherwise, use the provided gear first, then decide if you want better fit equipment for future trips.

Finally, the day is long at sea. If you get seasick, think about your coping strategies before you go, because the trip includes cruising time both directions.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon and Šolta Boat Tour?

You should book if you want a day that mixes scenic cruising with real water time and two distinct swimming experiences, Blue Lagoon plus a snorkel stop at the Kontesa wreck. It also makes sense if you like the idea of not managing lunch and drinks yourself, because this tour includes lunch, wine, and unlimited soft drinks along with mask and snorkel gear.

I would skip it if you cannot swim, if you are traveling with very young kids under 4, or if you hate boats and long travel time between stops. Also, if you are extremely sensitive to heat and want perfect seating, you may want a different option or plan to rotate shade and sun during the day.

If you are a confident swimmer who wants a value-packed coastal day, this is a strong choice for Split and Stobreč.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the schedule offered on your dates.

Where does the tour start?

You can start from Stobreč or Split. The itinerary mentions taking in Split views if you begin in Stobreč, and a short boarding stop if you begin in Split.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the boat tour, lunch, lunchtime wine, unlimited water and ice tea, and mask and snorkel.

Is lunch and alcohol included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with lunchtime wine. Unlimited water and ice tea are also included.

Is snorkel gear included?

Yes. The tour includes a mask and snorkel. Fins are not included.

Is this tour good for children?

It is not suitable for children under 4 years old. If your child is older than 4, it may still depend on comfort in the water.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

You should bring a passport or ID card.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring aboard?

Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed.

What if I need to change plans?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is also an option to reserve now and pay later to keep flexibility.