Split: Blue Lagoon,3 Islands, Big Slide, Mediterranean lunch

If you’re considering a day on the water in Croatia, this 8-hour island-hopping cruise from Split promises a lively, scenic, and delicious experience. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, reviews and details paint a clear picture of what you can expect—think turquoise waters, friendly crew, and a taste of authentic Dalmatian cuisine.

What we love most about this trip are the stunning Blue Lagoon, the relaxed island stops including Solta, Drvenik, and Ciovo, and the fun added touches like a waterslide and a traditional yet hearty lunch. One point to consider is that this tour depends on good weather—bad weather means the trip could get canceled or rescheduled. This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural flavor—perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone eager to see Croatia from a different angle.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery with crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands.
• Authentic Mediterranean lunch featuring grilled fish, vegetables, or meat.
• Family-friendly activities like a waterslide and snorkeling.
• Experienced guides who enhance the trip with helpful and humorous commentary.
• Good value for money at $70, considering all inclusions and experiences.
• Weather-dependent: the tour requires good weather for the best experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Well-Rounded Itinerary with Highlights

This cruise is designed as a full-day adventure, starting from the Riva promenade in Split. You’ll board a comfortable vessel, originally military in design but now tailored for leisure. The journey covers several key stops, each offering something unique—be it scenery, activities, or food.

Starting Point and First Stop: Iovo Island’s Beach Bar Borko

You’ll begin your trip at the promenade, where the crew from St Damian Boat Tours will greet you. The boat itself is described as comfortable and well-equipped, with shade and sundeck spots to relax while sailing. Our reviews mention the crew, especially guides like Iaco, who go above and beyond—such as helping find lost phones or creating a friendly, lively atmosphere.

The first stop is Iovo Island’s Beach Bar Borko. Here, you can kick back on a scenic beach while sipping on refreshing drinks. The reviews tell us that this spot offers “a perfect setting for lunch after a refreshing swim”—and the food here is in true Dalmatian style, with grilled fish, vegetables, or meat, all cooked fresh.

Guests have described the lunch as “perfectly fine for this type of trip,” emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the food. Plus, the toilets are noted as being clean, which is a small but appreciated detail when traveling with kids.

Blue Lagoon: The Showstopper

Next, you’ll sail to the world-famous Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Island. This is where the scenery really hits home. The crystal-clear waters are often described as unforgettable, with a vibrant turquoise hue that’s perfect for swimming and photo ops.

The Blue Lagoon is also home to some aquatic fun, thanks to the waterslide—a favorite among reviewers. One comment highlights the waterslide as “an amazing touch” and a great way to add a splash of excitement to the day. Expect to spend plenty of time swimming, snapping photos, or just relaxing on the boat while soaking in the views.

Snorkeling and Shipwreck Exploration

For those interested in marine life, snorkeling is included. The reviews mention snorkeling around the shipwreck—“surrounded by aquatic life”—which can be a highlight for adventurous travelers. Seeing the wreck and the colorful fish around it adds an element of underwater exploration that many find memorable.

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The Final Stop: Olta and Maslinica Town

Your last destination is the tranquil island of Olta, home to the charming Maslinica Town. This stop offers a chance to enjoy a quiet, scenic environment, perfect for relaxing after the busy morning. It’s a calm, picturesque spot to soak in the local atmosphere and perhaps take a few more photos before heading back to Split.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour is priced at $70 per person, which offers good value given the variety of activities and food included. Key inclusions are:

• Snorkeling gear and waterslide for fun and exploration
• Unlimited juice and water onboard
• A generous Mediterranean lunch with grilled options
• Free photos to remember the day
• The hydraulic jump ramp and shaded deck spots

Not included are extra meals, alcoholic beverages, and hotel transfers—so plan accordingly if you want a full experience. The tour does not allow for alcohol consumption onboard unless you bring your own, and it’s also weather-dependent, with cancellations or rescheduling possible if conditions aren’t favorable.

The Dubrovnik of the Experience: Authenticity and Atmosphere

From the crew’s warm friendliness—reviewers mention staff like Iaco and Rosario as being helpful and approachable—to the lively atmosphere with music (including a guest DJ in one review), this tour fosters a fun, relaxed vibe. The boat’s size and group capacity seem well-suited for a social environment, with many reviews describing the guides as helpful, humorous, and attentive.

The onboard experience is enhanced by shade and sunbathing spots, allowing everyone to find comfort while enjoying the ride. The longer waits for lunch and boarding are minor inconveniences mentioned, especially in hotter weather, but they’re outweighed by the overall enjoyable experience.

Suitable for Families and Groups

One reviewer shared that traveling with children aged 5 and 12 was successful because of the crew’s friendliness and the well-chosen stops. Kids enjoyed the waterslide and snorkeling, while adults appreciated the scenic beauty and the food.

Food and Drinks: Simple, Tasty, and Authentic

The lunch at Restaurant Borko is a highlight, with grilled fish being a top choice, complemented by vegetables or meat. Reviewers mention that the food is well-prepared and satisfying, with some noting the wine options (white wine in particular) as being a bit basic, but overall decent. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you might want to bring your own or look forward to enjoying the included drinks.

Analyzing the Value and Experience

At $70, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The combination of scenic stops, activities like snorkeling and the waterslide, and a hearty Mediterranean lunch makes it a worthwhile day trip. The positive reviews emphasize the friendly guides, beautiful spots, and well-organized schedule, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

It’s worth noting that the experience is weather-sensitive, so checking the forecast and being flexible with rescheduling is advised. The tour’s small group size and the option to reserve and pay later add to its appeal, providing some flexibility for travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those wanting a scenic day on the water without the hassle of planning individual stops. Families with kids will appreciate the kid-friendly features like the waterslide and clean facilities. Couples or friends looking for a lively, social day will enjoy the friendly guides and music atmosphere.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the authentic Dalmatian lunch, while adventure seekers will appreciate the snorkeling and shipwreck exploration. It’s also a great value, especially for travelers eager to see the Croatian coast with minimal fuss.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention children enjoyed the waterslide, snorkeling, and the calm, family-friendly stops.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, sunscreen, snacks, and beachwear are recommended to stay comfortable during the day.

Does the tour include alcohol?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included. You can bring your own if desired, but most beverages on board are non-alcoholic, including unlimited juice and water.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 8 hours, from morning to late afternoon, including travel time between stops.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Mediterranean-style lunch with grilled fish, vegetables, or meat is part of the package.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews describe the vessel as comfortable, with shaded and sunbathing areas, plus fun features like a waterslide and a hydraulic jump ramp.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, reservations are flexible with a pay later option, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Word

This Split island-hopping cruise offers a well-rounded taste of Dalmatian coast life, combining scenic beauty, fun activities, and hearty local food. It’s a straightforward way to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful spots with an experienced crew, all at a reasonable price.

Perfect for families, groups, or solo travelers wanting a lively, relaxed day on the water, this tour stands out as a reliable and enjoyable choice. Just remember, good weather enhances the experience—so check the forecast and prepare for a day full of sunshine, swimming, and smiling faces.

If you’re looking for a balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic flavor, this cruise is likely to tick all your boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here: