Snorkel off Split’s coast is the highlight. This full-day cruise on Yacht Tamaris strings together Nečujam’s shipwreck, Maslinica on Šolta, and the Blue Lagoon for beachside lunch and swimming in warm, clear water.

I really like that your money goes to the parts you’d otherwise pay extra for: snorkeling gear and a proper Blue Lagoon lunch with wine, water, and lemonade. You also get onboard comfort that makes the day feel easy, not rushed.

One drawback to plan for: the Blue Lagoon time is fixed, so if you’re trying to score the perfect beach hour, show up ready and don’t waste time deciding.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Shipwreck snorkeling in Nečujam Bay: Clear instructions and real underwater life over the wreck area.
• Maslinica on Šolta: A small fisherman village feel plus time to wander and grab coffee.
• Blue Lagoon beach lunch on site: Choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian with side and salad.
• Unlimited local drinks with lunch: Wine, water, and lemonade included; extras cost extra.
• Comfortable 27-meter yacht: Sun deck, air-conditioned lounges, showers, toilets, and Wi-Fi onboard.
• Value that holds up: Food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are part of the ticket price.

From Split’s Riva to the Yacht Tamaris: the day starts smooth

This trip is built for a simple idea: get you out of Split and onto the water without a lot of planning stress. You meet at a stand at Split Riva Promenade—stand number 8—a small white spot with a picture of the boat. It’s right along the waterfront in the middle of Riva, across from Diocletian’s Palace and near bars like Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

You should aim to arrive 30 minutes before departure. The crew needs to leave on time because of port scheduling, and once the boat’s ready, they won’t wait around. If you’re the kind of person who hates standing around wondering where to go, get there early and check in calmly.

Boarding is part of the fun. The 27-meter motor yacht Tamaris runs on multiple decks: two air-conditioned salons (nice if the sun turns intense), an open main deck with bar service, and a sundeck for catching rays. You also get practical stuff that matters on a swim day: showers, toilets, and professional Wi-Fi. There are safety deposit boxes on board too, which is handy if you want to lock up your phone or wallet before you get in the water.

Cruise time: you’ll see the coast without feeling stuck

The itinerary gives you cruising blocks between stops (think roughly an hour at first, then more shorter stretches). This is where you can reset. I like using this time to take photos from the open deck and just watch the coastline slide by without forcing myself into constant activity.

On the boat, the vibe is relaxed. There’s a bar area on board, and you can usually settle into whatever seat works best—indoors if it’s hot, outside if you want sun. One useful reality check: many seats tend to be inside, and the very best sun spots can be limited.

Nečujam Bay shipwreck snorkeling: the main event

Nečujam Bay is where this tour earns its reputation. You get a full stop of about 1 hour to swim and snorkel, and the big draw is snorkeling over a shipwreck area.

What makes this worth your time isn’t just the wreck. It’s the simple thrill of looking down and realizing you’re not just staring at the sea—you’re seeing underwater life in clear conditions. The crew provides snorkeling gear, and they also give instructions so you know what’s happening during the swim window.

A practical consideration: spotting the wreck area can take a little effort once you’re in the water. The swim itself may feel like more than a quick dip for weaker swimmers. If you’re not confident in open water, treat this stop as a mix of swimming and snorkeling rather than a guarantee that you’ll instantly find everything perfectly. Go slow, follow the crew’s guidance, and you’ll probably enjoy it more.

Also, plan to use sunscreen even if you’re wearing a swim shirt. You’ll be exposed during the boat transfer and then again while you’re floating.

Maslinica on Šolta: a slower island break

Next comes Šolta—specifically Maslinica, a small fisherman village. You have about 1 hour here, which is enough time to do the basics without rushing.

This stop feels different from the shipwreck and Blue Lagoon because it’s less about water sports and more about island pace. You can wander the village streets, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and take breaks in small local spots. One of the nicer touches is that you’ll have the chance to grab a freshly brewed coffee from a local cafe.

You can also visit Marchi Castle and its park if you want something a bit more grounded on land. Even if you don’t do every corner, this stop works because it gives your brain a break from the sea-focused rhythm.

The sail to Blue Lagoon: plan your sun strategy

Before the final swim stop, you’ll cruise again (there’s a block of about 30 minutes). This is the moment to make your life easier for later.

Think about two things:

1) Where do you want to be when it’s time to swim and snorkel?

2) If you care about sun access, where will you land on the boat?

A real-life detail that matters: sunbeds on the sundeck can be limited. People have noted that access can be strict and that only a small number of lounge spots are available up top. So if you want a prime sun spot, arrive with that mindset early in the day, not at the last minute.

Blue Lagoon (Drvenik Veliki): lunch on the beach, swimming in turquoise

The Blue Lagoon stop is the final anchor of the day and lasts about 2 hours. This is where the water looks like the color people dream about on postcards—turquoise and bright, with enough clarity to make snorkeling feel fun even for casual swimmers.

The standout perk here is that lunch is not something you eat back on the boat. You get served at a private restaurant on the beach in the Blue Lagoon. Lunch includes:

• A choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Side dish and salad
• Fresh fruit dessert
• Unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade with the meal

That included drinks part is bigger than it sounds. Boats like this can easily become a “surprise spending day” if you have to buy everything. Here, lunch is covered, and the included drinks make the whole stop feel like a proper break instead of a fueling stop between swims.

One of the best ways to enjoy Blue Lagoon is to use the time in layers:

• Eat, then snorkel while the water is calm and you’re still energized.
• After that, switch to swimming at a relaxed pace.
• Find shade under the area’s 100-year-old pine trees if the sun gets too intense.

Here’s a useful tip from real experience: after lunch, it can be nicer to head back to the boat and swim off the back in deeper water instead of dealing with rocky footing around the beach restaurant area. If you’re wearing fins, you’ll likely have an easier time too.

If you want maximum enjoyment, don’t spend the first ten minutes staring at your options. Put on sunscreen, get a towel down (or at least keep it handy), then choose your swim plan early so you’re not wasting your best light.

Price and value: why $74 feels fair for this day

At around $74 per person, this trip is in the range where boat tours can get pricey fast. What makes this one feel like good value is the bundle:

• Coffee and croissant on board (a light breakfast feel)
• Snorkeling gear
• Lunch with drinks at Blue Lagoon
• Fresh fruit dessert
• Wi-Fi, showers, and toilets onboard
• Safety deposit boxes

That combination matters because it replaces multiple separate purchases. If you tried to DIY this—find transport, pay for a boat, buy lunch, and rent snorkeling gear—you’d likely end up spending close to the same amount or more, with extra time spent organizing.

Now, keep expectations realistic. Extra drinks like beer and cocktails are not included. The bar is there, and the cocktails can cost extra (some people have cited about 8€). Also, one note worth taking seriously: when people buy add-ons, cash may be useful because card acceptance wasn’t guaranteed for everyone. Bringing some euros just in case can save a minor hassle.

Comfort and logistics: seats, shade, and keeping the day easy

This is the kind of tour where your comfort depends on timing. People who arrive early tend to get better placement—especially if you care about shade or want to stay out of full sun.

A couple practical points I’d follow:

• If you want sun, plan to get to check-in early to improve your odds.
• If you prefer shade, don’t assume the sundeck will work for you later in the day.
• Keep your day bag simple: towel, sunscreen, a hat, and your phone secure (thanks to the safety deposit boxes).

The boat is described as stable and clean, with working Wi-Fi and charging options (handy if you need to share photos or keep maps handy). The toilets and showers are real comfort features too, not afterthoughts.

And because the schedule has swim stops, bring beachwear and comfortable clothes that you can change into without drama. You’ll also want a sun hat and camera if photography matters to you.

Who should book this cruise, and who might skip it

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A full day on the water without planning connections
• Shipwreck snorkeling plus a beach swim stop
• Included lunch and included drinks (with real options for fish, chicken, or vegetarian)
• Onboard comfort like showers, toilets, and Wi-Fi

It’s also a strong solo option. You’re not stuck just sitting alone in a corner—you’ll be moving between stops with a lively crew and shared swim moments.

If you’re the type who needs lots of uninterrupted beach time, you might feel slightly rushed at Blue Lagoon. The stop is long enough for a swim, lunch, and recovery, but not long enough for a slow, all-day beach day.

And if you’re very sensitive to food quality, the included lunch is described as good but also sometimes “simple.” It’s a solid lunch for a boat day—just don’t expect a fine-dining meal.

Should you book this Split island cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a smart-value day that combines shipwreck snorkeling, a real island village stop at Maslinica, and the Blue Lagoon with an included lunch you don’t have to think about. It’s also a good choice if you appreciate practical boat comfort—showers, toilets, and Wi-Fi—especially on a summer day with swim breaks.

I’d think twice if you’re chasing maximum beach time or you’re picky about lunch timing and menu style. If you want a slower, longer beach session, you may prefer a different plan.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?

Coffee and croissant on board, snorkeling gear, lunch at the Blue Lagoon with drinks (local wine, water, and lemonade), fresh fruit dessert, Wi-Fi, showers, and safety deposit boxes for your valuables.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling gear, and the crew provides instructions for the snorkeling time in Nečujam Bay and at the Blue Lagoon.

Where does the shipwreck snorkeling happen?

It takes place in Nečujam Bay, during the stop where you have time for swimming and snorkeling.

What stops are on the itinerary?

The day includes a sightseeing cruise from Split, Nečujam Bay, cruising to Maslinica on Šolta, then cruising to the Blue Lagoon. You return back to the meeting point at the end.

How long do I spend at each main location?

Nečujam Bay is about 1 hour, Maslinica is about 1 hour, and the Blue Lagoon stop is about 2 hours. There are also cruising segments between stops.

What’s the lunch like at the Blue Lagoon?

Lunch is served at a restaurant on the beach and includes three choices: fish, chicken, or vegetarian. It comes with a side dish and salad, plus fresh fruit dessert.

Are cocktails or beer included?

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

What’s the meeting point in Split?

Meet at stand number 8 on Split Riva Promenade. It’s a small white stand with a picture of the boat, next to the sea in the middle of Riva, across from Diocletian’s Palace near bars Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

Do I need to bring anything?

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

Is the tour in English, and can I cancel?

The crew is English speaking. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can also reserve with pay later.