Split: 3 Island & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Split boat trip is its generous mix of three swim stops and long stretches at sea. You spend about an hour at Maslinica, 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, and another hour at St. Fumija Bay, with a wooden boat, meals, drinks, and snorkeling gear included.

I like the way the day begins with a chocolate croissant, coffee, and juice, and I like the unusually good value of a proper lunch plus an open bar. The boat has modern restrooms, plenty of room to move around, and a second deck for jumping into the sea.

The main thing to consider is the length. Nine hours is a full day, and the open bar centers on wine, water, and juice. Some recent accounts also mention beer, but it is not consistently listed among the included drinks, so beer drinkers should confirm before booking.

Key points at a glance

• A 1903 wooden boat: Junior gives the trip more character than a basic speedboat ride, with room to sit, walk around, and enjoy the crossing.
• Three useful stops: You get time for swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon and St. Fumija, plus a walk and lunch break in Maslinica.
• Food is part of the value: Breakfast, a substantial hot lunch, bread, and seasonal fruit are included in the $106 price.
• Wine is available all day: The listed open bar includes red and white wine, water, apple juice, and orange juice.
• Bring a towel and arrive early: Staff meet you near the large white boat Jaffa at 8:40 AM, and Junior may be moored about 50 meters away.
• Deck chairs are limited: If you want one, board promptly. There is shade, but the lower deck can feel cool in the sea breeze.

Why this cruise works well for a full day from Split

A Split island tour can easily become a costly string of extras. Boat fare, lunch, drinks, equipment, and access to attractive swimming spots often come separately. Here, the $106 price covers the cruise, breakfast, lunch, fruit, an open bar, snorkeling gear, a floating mattress, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment.

That does not make it a luxury yacht trip. It is a social day on a shared boat, with music, swimming, and a steady flow of food and drinks. But the price makes sense if you plan to spend the day on the water anyway. You are paying for nearly nine hours of transport, meals, and stops rather than only a short ride to one beach.

I especially like the balance between moving and stopping. The longest crossing comes first, at about two hours from Split to the first island stop. After that, the schedule gives you enough time to swim, walk, eat, and dry off rather than rushing you back aboard after 20 minutes.

The boat also has practical comforts that matter on a long day. You get modern restrooms, safety equipment, free Wi-Fi, shaded seating, and a limited number of deck chairs. The ship is spacious enough to walk around, though the best sunny seats go quickly.

Boarding Junior at Obala Lazareta

The meeting point is at Obala Lazareta, beside the large white boat called Jaffa. Staff wear white polo shirts marked Junior on the front and back. They gather the group and lead everyone to the boat, which can be moored around 50 meters from the stated meeting spot.

This is simple once you know what to look for, but do not cut it close. Staff are due at 8:40 AM, and the boat leaves at 9:00 AM. The operator cannot hold the departure for late arrivals because other boats share the schedule.

I would arrive at least 15 minutes early, then use the extra time to identify the staff and check where Junior is tied up. One person described the meeting point as slightly confusing, while others found the staff easy to spot. The safest approach is to look for the Jaffa first, then find the white Junior shirts.

Junior was built in 1903, and that older wooden-ship character is a big part of the appeal. You are not simply sitting in a rigid row of seats on a small motorboat. You have several levels, open views, shaded areas, and places to settle in during the crossings.

Breakfast begins the journey

The first meal is modest but welcome: a chocolate croissant, hot coffee, and apple and orange juice. After an early meeting time, that small breakfast takes the edge off before the first long ride.

This is not a buffet with endless choice, so do not expect a full hotel breakfast. Think of it as a useful start to the day while the crew gets everyone comfortable and the boat clears Split.

The crossing is part of the experience, not dead time. You can settle on deck, watch the Dalmatian coast recede, and make use of the open bar once service begins. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with local music and familiar songs reported on board.

Maslinica brings the first island pause

After roughly two hours, Junior reaches Maslinica on the island of Šolta. This is the most town-like stop of the day, giving you a chance to walk around instead of spending every stop in open water.

Maslinica is a small fishing village with a sheltered cove, places to look around, and options for a drink or ice cream. The stop lasts about an hour and includes lunch, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. You will need to choose how to use that time because an hour goes quickly.

If you want photographs and a short walk, start on shore. If swimming is your priority, head toward the water early. Maslinica is also a useful change of pace after the first crossing. The other stops focus more directly on the sea, while this one gives you a little village time.

Lunch is prepared on board with fresh local ingredients, and the main choices are tuna steak, chicken, or a vegetarian dish, served with a side such as coleslaw and bread. Portions are often described as large, with some people finding a serving big enough for two. Seasonal fruit is also included, usually later in the day.

The food is hearty rather than fine dining. Most accounts praise the tuna and chicken, while one person found the meal merely adequate. That is a fair way to frame it: you get a filling, fresh meal that keeps the day moving, but you should not book this as a culinary tour.

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop

After another 45-minute sightseeing cruise, Junior reaches the Blue Lagoon area near Split. You have about 90 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, making this the longest water stop on the schedule.

The water can look remarkably clear and blue, especially in good weather and strong sunlight. It is also the place where you can make the most of the boat itself. The second deck is used for jumping into the sea, and floating mattresses and snorkeling equipment are provided for a slower approach.

You do not have to jump. You can use the steps, float beside the boat, or stay on deck and watch the action. The snorkeling equipment is a useful inclusion because it saves you from packing your own mask and gives you something to do beyond simply swimming.

Keep your expectations realistic about the color. The Blue Lagoon does not look equally bright every day. Strong wind, cloud, water conditions, and the boat’s exact position can affect the view. One account found the later stops more impressive, while many others treated the Blue Lagoon as the day’s highlight.

That variation is normal. The trip offers access to a beautiful stretch of water, not a guarantee of one exact shade of blue. The stop is still valuable because you get plenty of time in the sea and the option to jump from the upper deck.

St. Fumija Bay is a quieter final swim

A further 45-minute cruise brings you to St. Fumija Bay for about an hour of swimming and snorkeling. By this point, you have eaten, spent time in Maslinica, and had the longest swim at the Blue Lagoon.

I see this stop as a good final chance to enjoy the water without the pressure of sightseeing. You can swim, use the float, try the snorkeling gear, or simply sit on deck. The bay is described as clear and calm, and several accounts rate the swimming here very highly.

The stop also gives you a second chance if the Blue Lagoon is crowded or less colorful than expected. The itinerary does not depend on one single photo opportunity. You get three different settings, and each has a slightly different purpose: Maslinica for a village walk, Blue Lagoon for a longer swim and boat jumps, and St. Fumija for another relaxed water stop.

The return crossing is part of the day

The final cruise back to Obala Lazareta takes about 100 minutes. Fresh fruit is served during the return journey, giving you a light snack after the last swim.

This is when the long duration becomes noticeable. Nine hours on a boat can feel wonderfully unhurried, or it can feel like too much if you want a quick excursion. I would choose this trip for a day when you want the boat itself to be the main activity, not simply a way to reach one beach.

The crew keeps drinks available throughout the journey. The listed choices are red wine, white wine, water, apple juice, and orange juice. Some accounts describe beer as available, and one person also mentioned ice cream, but the published drink details do not reliably promise either. If those details matter to you, ask before departure.

The unlimited service is a real part of the value, but use some judgment. One account raised concern about over-serving toward the end of the trip. With three swimming stops and a long return crossing, staying hydrated with water is sensible, especially in the summer sun.

What the crew and facilities add

The English-speaking crew handles the practical work: boarding, meal service, drinks, safety information, and timing for each stop. Several accounts single out the staff as friendly, attentive, and quick to help. Rino is one named guide associated with the boat, though the full crew may vary.

You are not signing up for a lecture-heavy sightseeing cruise. The focus is on service, scenery, swimming, and an easy day at sea. The crew keeps people informed about stop lengths and where swimming is allowed, which helps when the schedule is spread across several locations.

The boat has modern restrooms, an important detail on a nine-hour outing. It also carries all required safety equipment. Wi-Fi is included, although the appeal of the day is clearly the sea views rather than staying connected.

There are shaded areas, but the lower deck can feel cool when the boat is moving. The upper deck is better for sun and views, but it fills quickly. Deck chairs are limited, so board early if one is important to you. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, breathable clothes, and a camera. A light layer is also sensible for the longer crossings.

Who should book this Split boat trip?

I would recommend Junior to you if you want a social, all-day Adriatic outing with the main costs handled in advance. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who wants swimming time without arranging several separate activities.

It is especially good for people who value convenience. You do not need to find lunch in a village, rent snorkeling equipment, or buy drinks at each stop. The crew supplies the basics, and you choose how active or relaxed to be.

Families should note that the schedule is long, but the variety helps. There is food, music, a village visit, swimming, floating equipment, and the option to jump from the second deck. The boat felt safe to the people who described using the upper-deck jump, but you should make your own judgment and follow crew instructions.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared group outings, loud music, or a fixed schedule. You also might prefer a smaller speedboat if your priority is reaching remote coves quickly. Junior is a classic day boat with a comfortable pace, not a private charter.

The trip runs only when conditions allow. Strong winds, large waves, or storms can lead to cancellation with a full refund. That policy matters because the Adriatic can change quickly, and a rough sea would make the long crossings far less pleasant.

Is the $106 price fair?

At $106 per person, the cost is reasonable if you use the inclusions. Breakfast, lunch, fruit, wine and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, a floating mattress, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and nearly nine hours on the water add up quickly when purchased separately.

The value is strongest for you if you plan to swim at all three stops and make use of the meals and drinks. It is weaker if you mainly want sightseeing from the deck and do not care about the water activities.

The food is generous and practical, though not every plate will suit every taste. The beverage offer is also narrower than the phrase open bar might suggest. Think wine and soft drinks first, and confirm beer rather than assuming it is included.

Should you book Junior?

Book this cruise if you want a well-fed, well-organized day on the Adriatic with three attractive stops and enough time to swim. The wooden Junior, friendly crew, included equipment, and strong meal-and-drink package make it one of the better-value full-day options from Split.

Skip it if nine hours on a shared boat sounds tiring, or if you want a quiet private experience with a flexible route. For everyone else, arrive early, claim a good seat, pack a towel and light layer, and treat the Blue Lagoon as one part of a broader day rather than the only reason to go.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at Obala Lazareta, next to the large white boat called Jaffa. Staff wearing white Junior polo shirts guide you to the boat.

What time should I arrive?

Staff are at the meeting point at 8:40 AM. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, since Junior leaves at 9:00 AM and may be moored about 50 meters from the meeting point.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes a chocolate croissant, coffee, and apple and orange juice. Lunch includes a choice of tuna steak, chicken, or a vegetarian dish with a side and bread. Seasonal fruit is also provided.

What drinks are included?

The listed open bar includes red wine, white wine, water, apple juice, and orange juice. Some accounts also mention beer, but beer is not consistently included in the stated drink list, so confirm this if it matters to you.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a floating mattress are included. You can also swim from the boat and jump from the second deck where permitted by the crew.

How long is the cruise?

The full experience lasts about nine hours, from the morning departure at Split to the return at Obala Lazareta.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The operator can cancel in cases of strong winds, large waves, storms, or other unsafe conditions. If the tour is canceled for weather, all passengers receive a full refund.