Blue Lagoon and Solta Relaxed Boat Tour with Lunch Split

Blue Lagoon, the classic swim stop near Split

The Blue Lagoon is a shallow cove off the island of Drvenik Veli, sheltered by small islets so the water is usually calm. A seabed of pale sand and crushed shells makes the water glow an intense turquoise, and visibility is excellent, which is why it is the best-known swimming spot on any Blue Lagoon tour from Split.

On this relaxed tour you spend about an hour and a half here, far longer than most trips allow. Jump in from the boat, snorkel along the rocky edges with the mask provided, float in the warm water or simply stay on deck in the sun. In July and August the lagoon gets busy around midday, so the generous stop lets you choose your moment for a quieter swim.

Cruising past Čiovo and the Dalmatian coast

From Split the boat heads west along the coast and passes the long island of Čiovo, linked by a bridge to the UNESCO town of Trogir. From the water you see its pine-covered slopes, small coves and seaside villages, with the mountains of the mainland rising behind.

This first leg takes a little under two hours at a relaxed pace, part of the slow philosophy of the day. It is a good time to settle in on the shaded deck, enjoy the welcome wafers and watch the coastline go by. The crew points out the islands and villages, and on calm days the open sea between the islands is a good place to keep an eye out for dolphins.

The island of Šolta

Šolta lies just west of Split, close to the larger island of Brač, yet it remains one of the quietest islands in central Dalmatia. Its interior is covered with olive groves, fields and stone villages, and the island is known for its olive oil and honey. Pine forests run down to a coast full of hidden coves.

The boat follows the northern coast of Šolta for around an hour, passing headlands and inlets that are hard to reach by land. Dolphins are often seen in these waters, swimming alongside the boat, and the crew slows down when they appear. For many guests this scenic stretch, with no crowds and clear water below, is when the stress of everyday life really fades.

Nečujam Bay on Šolta

Nečujam is a deep, sheltered bay on the north side of Šolta, its name often linked to the Croatian for "I cannot hear", a nod to its silence. Clear water, pebble beaches shaded by pines and a small resort with swimming pools and water play facilities make it a favourite with families.

The boat stays here for about an hour and a half. You can swim and snorkel straight from the boat, stretch out on the beach, walk along the shore or let children enjoy the pools and water-play area nearby (facilities on shore may charge a fee). It is the perfect counterpoint to the lagoon: calmer, greener and far less visited, and one of the reasons this tour feels like a true day off.

Lunch on board and the return to Split

Lunch is freshly prepared on board and served at the table on deck: choose grilled chicken, grilled fish or vegan pasta. Water and iced tea are unlimited throughout the day, and fresh fruit is served on the way back.

The return to Split takes about 70 minutes, with the late-afternoon light falling on the islands and the city skyline appearing ahead. With the Stobreč option the boat starts and ends at the seaside village just east of Split, which is convenient if you are staying there. The whole day lasts about eight hours, and the best time for this trip is June to September, when the sea is warmest.