Split: Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta with Food and Drinks

Snorkel a wreck, then lunch under pines. This Split day cruise on the Yacht Tamaris mixes one serious snorkeling stop with the famous Blue Lagoon, plus an island village visit on Šolta. I like two things most: the shipwreck snorkeling in Nečujam Bay and the included beach lunch at the Blue Lagoon restaurant.

Your main trade-off is time. The day is packed into 8 hours, and the sunniest spots on the top deck are limited, so you’ll want to arrive early for the best seating.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Yacht Tamaris comfort: 3 decks, air-conditioned salons, Wi-Fi, showers, and toilets on board
• Shipwreck snorkeling in Nečujam Bay: included snorkeling gear and a real underwater stop, not just a swim break
• Šolta’s Maslinica visit: small fisherman village feel with time for Marchi Castle and its park
• Blue Lagoon lunch on the shore: 3 meal choices plus unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade
• Realistic pacing: multiple locations, with the longest, most relaxed chunk saved for the Blue Lagoon

Yacht Tamaris From Split: What the Boat Feels Like

This trip runs from Split’s Riva Promenade area, meeting at stand number 8, a small white stand with a picture of the boat. You’ll board Yacht Tamaris, a 27-meter, multi-deck day cruiser with everything you need for a long sea day: 2 air-conditioned salons, a spacious open deck with a fully equipped bar, and a sundeck.

One nice detail here is the practical onboard setup. You get professional Wi-Fi, showers, and safety deposit boxes for valuables. If you plan to spend real time in the water, rinsing off matters, and this boat is set up for it.

Also, the day feels well managed. Several people highlight how the crew and captain keep things organized and how the boat is clean and comfortable. For you, that translates into less chaos at boarding and smoother transitions between stops.

Nečujam Bay Shipwreck Snorkeling: The Stop Everyone Talks About

Nečujam Bay is your first real water moment. The schedule builds in about an hour there for swimming and snorkeling, and you’re given snorkeling gear for the underwater viewing.

What you’ll be swimming over is a shipwreck area in the bay. This is exactly the kind of stop that makes a boat day feel different from just going to a pretty beach. The underwater life is the main show, and with crystal-clear conditions, it’s easy to understand why this is the standout activity for many.

Two practical notes to keep your expectations realistic:

• The shipwreck experience may not be huge or dramatic if you’re imagining a massive, Hollywood wreck. One traveler described it as a smaller structure underwater, but still interesting enough to justify the stop.
• There can be a bit of a swim involved depending on where you enter from the boat. If you’re not a confident swimmer, that’s worth factoring in early.

Šolta’s Maslinica Visit: Village Time Without the Rush

After Nečujam, you cruise to Šolta and stop in Maslinica, a small fisherman village. You get about an hour to explore, with time for swimming as well.

This part works as a contrast. While the morning is about water and snorkeling, Maslinica is about slow island rhythm. You can step into local life, grab coffee from a nearby café, and wander without feeling like you’re on a tight checklist.

There’s also a cultural option built into the stop: Marchi Castle and its park. Even if you don’t go deep into sightseeing, the setting gives you a break from boat life and a chance to stretch your legs.

The one caution: Maslinica is short. If you’re the type who wants hours and hours in one village, you’ll feel the clock. The upside is that you’re not stuck on an island that only has one viewpoint.

Blue Lagoon: Lunch, Swimming, and That Pine-Tree Shade

The Blue Lagoon is the final major stop, and it’s where the day shifts gears from activity to pure relaxation. You’re scheduled for about 2 hours here, including lunch, wine, swimming, and snorkeling time.

This is the famous turquoise bay on Drvenik Veliki Island. Expect crystal-clear water and a beach-area restaurant where lunch is served right by the shore. What makes it better than a typical “eat fast, back on the bus” meal is that you’re still in swim mode before and after eating.

A detail I really appreciate: there’s mention of shade under a 100-year-old pine tree forest. In warm months, that matters. You’re not just chasing sun; you can actually cool down and reset.

The lunch is part of the experience

Lunch includes 3 choices: fish, chicken, or vegetarian, each served with a side dish and salad. Dessert is included too, with fresh fruit served at the meal. Plus, you get unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade.

One practical timing note from real day behavior: lunch can land a bit later than you expect. Some people reported it around 2:45pm, so if you’re traveling with kids or you get hungry easily, bring a small snack on your own.

Snorkeling here is the payoff

You also get additional snorkeling time at the Blue Lagoon. This is where you’re likely to see the clear-water conditions people dream about. If you want a less “wreck-focused” underwater look and more of a sea-glass kind of swim, this stop delivers.

After lunch, a smart move is to head back to the boat area for swimming in deeper water if the shoreline feels rocky. That’s a common snag at beach café zones, and the boat can be a more comfortable base once you’re done eating.

Food and Drinks Value: Does It Really Add Up for $74?

For $74 per person (with an 8-hour day), you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for a full day that includes:

• Coffee and a croissant on board
• Snorkeling gear
• Lunch with drinks (fish/chicken/vegetarian + salad/side, plus fresh fruit dessert)
• Unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade
• Wi-Fi, plus showers
• Safety deposit boxes

That’s why the value feels strong. If you were to price this kind of day out separately (boat + snorkeling equipment + a beach lunch + drinks), you’d likely get much higher totals, especially in a place like Split where boat days can get pricey.

A few small “watch-outs” keep it honest:

• Extra drinks like beer and cocktails are not included. One person mentioned cocktails around 8€, so if you plan to party, budget for it.
• Some people suggested the bar may be cash-friendly, not card-based. If you want zero friction, carry some euros for extras.

The lunch itself is described as good and satisfying for the price. A couple of people said lunch wasn’t perfect or that fish choices can vary, including one report about bones. That’s the only real weak spot I’d flag: lunch is included, but it’s not Michelin-star food.

Getting Your Spot: Sunbeds, Deck Seating, and Boarding Timing

This trip is smooth, but it does have one predictable human problem: people want sun. The sundeck has a small number of sun loungers (one report put it around 20), and access can be strict. If you care about sunbathing, treat arrival time like part of the plan, not an afterthought.

The boat asks you to arrive 30 minutes before departure so you can board comfortably. And the day runs on time because the port schedule is strict. That means no wandering the promenade at the last minute.

If you want shade, aim to get settled near areas that aren’t exposed all day. Some people noted that many seats are inside, so if you want outdoor lounging, be proactive at the start.

Also, it helps to know how the boat handles boarding flow. One traveler appreciated that staff seated people in a more orderly way, so you’re not stuck fighting for space at the dock. For you, that means less stress and more time to enjoy the morning cruise.

Itinerary Breakdown: How the Day Moves

Here’s how the flow usually feels, and why it works:

• Sightseeing cruise from Split (about 1 hour): you get moving right away and set the holiday mood early
• Nečujam Bay (about 1 hour): water-focused snorkel time over the wreck area
• Cruise toward Šolta (about 45 minutes): time to reset, snack, and check the sea conditions
• Maslinica on Šolta (about 1 hour): village wandering, coffee option, Marchi Castle/park
• Cruise to Blue Lagoon (about 30 minutes): the final approach, usually when the day feels like it’s really starting
• Blue Lagoon (about 2 hours): lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing under pine shade
• Return cruise (about 75 minutes): a wind-down back to Split

This pacing is exactly why the day feels worth it. You get variety: wreck snorkeling, island village atmosphere, then a long enough Blue Lagoon block to actually enjoy it.

Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Might Not Love It)

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A full day on the water without having to plan snorkeling stops yourself
• One clear highlight (shipwreck snorkeling) plus a second highlight (Blue Lagoon swimming and shore lunch)
• Good value with meals, drinks, and snorkeling gear included

It may be less ideal if:

• You want lots of time on land. Maslinica is short.
• You’re extremely sun-focused and hate the idea of limited deck loungers.
• You’re a beginner swimmer who wants very easy, no-effort entry. The shipwreck stop can involve a swim from the boat.

That said, it’s also an easy day for families, since the trip is structured and stops are clearly timed. If you bring a small snack for later hunger, you’ll be set.

Should You Book This Split Blue Lagoon and Shipwreck Day Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re traveling through Split and you want a one-day combo that hits the real reasons people come to the islands: snorkeling in clear water, a shoreline lunch, and an island village stop that doesn’t feel like a chore.

If you’re already thinking about a Blue Lagoon visit anyway, this version adds the shipwreck snorkeling without turning the day into a logistics nightmare. For the price, the included lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear make it feel like a complete package.

Go for it if you can do one simple thing: arrive early to secure your preferred deck spot. That one move changes the whole day.

FAQ

How long is the Split Blue Lagoon, shipwreck, and Šolta cruise?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Split?

You meet at stand number 8 on the Split Riva Promenade, a small white stand with a picture of the boat. It’s next to the sea, in the middle of Riva, across Diocletian’s Palace.

What’s included in lunch at the Blue Lagoon?

Lunch includes 3 choices: fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option. It comes with a side dish and salad, plus a fresh fruit dessert.

Are snorkeling gear and safety items included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the boat also has safety deposit boxes for your valuables.

What drinks are included during the day?

Unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade are included. Extra drinks like beer and cocktails are not included.

What facilities does the Yacht Tamaris have onboard?

The boat has Wi-Fi, showers, toilets, and professional Wi-Fi system access, plus safety deposit boxes.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable clothes, and beachwear.