Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Tour with Lunch & Hidden Bay

Turquoise water, island stops, and a late lunch. This full-day boat trip from Split gives you three chances to swim, beginning at the Blue Lagoon and continuing to Borko Beach on Ciovo Island before the final stop at Hidden Bay. I like the all-day format with lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear included, and I also like the chance to sail on a traditional-style vessel rather than simply taking a fast transfer boat.

The main caution is that the experience may not match every promise. Some departures have used a regular motorboat instead of a vintage wooden ship, and the much-advertised Hidden Bay has not always been clearly identifiable. The tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5, which fits the picture: beautiful water and a cheerful crew on some days, but uneven service and crowded stops on others.

Key points at a glance

• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: Clear water makes it the best place for a swim, but expect plenty of boats around you.
• Borko Beach includes lunch: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, though lunch may not be served until around 4:00 PM.
• Hidden Bay is not guaranteed to feel exclusive: The stop is part of the plan, but some passengers have not found a clearly marked or especially secluded bay.
• The boat description needs caution: The tour is advertised around a vintage wooden ship, yet some departures have used a standard motorboat.
• Snorkeling gear is basic: Masks may be available, but snorkels have not always been provided, and equipment may be handed out only at the Blue Lagoon.
• The price covers a full day: At $76 per person, lunch, water, soft drinks, wine, and boat transport give the tour fair value if the schedule runs well.

A full day from Split, from 10:00 to 18:00

The tour begins at Stand number 2, with arrival requested at least 15 minutes before the 10:00 departure. That early arrival matters. One delayed family has previously held up departure by about 30 minutes, which shortens an already carefully timed day.

You return to the same meeting point around 18:00. That makes this a simple choice if you are staying in Split and want to be back for the evening. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the departure stand on your own.

The schedule is built around long pauses for swimming rather than guided sightseeing on land. You will see the coastline and islands from the water, but this is not an island history tour. There is little formal commentary, and the captain may only announce arrival times and basic instructions. If you want stories about Dalmatia, local architecture, or island life, this outing may feel quiet.

That quiet can be pleasant. You get more time to sit, swim, take photographs, and watch the coast pass by. But if you expect an active guide explaining every bay and island, keep expectations modest.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy anchorage

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, a well-known swimming area near Trogir and Ciovo. The appeal is easy to understand: clear turquoise water, open views, and a chance to cool off soon after leaving Split.

You can swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment here. The water is the star, not an extensive underwater site. One account described the area as crowded with boats and yachts, so do not picture a private cove. You may be swimming in the middle of a busy anchorage, especially during the strongest summer months.

That does not make the stop worthless. The Blue Lagoon is still a good place for a first swim because it offers bright water and a wide view. It also breaks up the boat ride early in the day. Bring a secure phone case or camera if you want photographs, but keep an eye on your belongings while you are in the water.

The snorkeling arrangement deserves special attention. Equipment is listed as included, but the practical experience can be limited. Masks have been supplied without snorkels on at least one departure, and gear may be available only at the Blue Lagoon rather than throughout the day. If snorkeling is central to your plans, ask about the equipment when you book and consider bringing your own mask and snorkel if you have room.

Borko Beach on Ciovo: the lunch stop

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Borko Beach on Ciovo Island. This stop is meant to combine food and free time. You can eat, sunbathe, swim, or simply sit by the water before the final part of the trip.

The lunch choices are practical rather than elaborate: fresh fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate prepared with local ingredients. Food quality has received mixed reactions. Some passengers found the meal good and perfectly acceptable, while others called it ordinary. I would treat lunch as a useful included meal, not as a restaurant highlight.

Timing is the bigger issue. Lunch may not be served until around 4:00 PM, which is late for many people, especially after a morning swim and a long ride. The free croissant offered at breakfast may help, but one person described it as an industrial packaged-style croissant rather than a fresh bakery item.

My advice is simple: eat something before boarding, even if you plan to enjoy the included food. A small breakfast in Split will make the late lunch much easier. If you have dietary needs, state them when booking. Fish, chicken, and vegetarian options are listed, but special requests need advance notice.

Borko Beach sounds like a calm pause, though the experience can vary with boat capacity and the number of people sharing the shore. You should bring your own towel, hat, sunscreen, and beachwear. Comfortable non-slip footwear is also useful because boat decks and rocky island edges can be awkward in bare feet.

Hidden Bay: the most uncertain part of the day

The final scheduled stop is Hidden Bay on Ciovo, promoted as an exclusive place known only to this tour. In theory, this is the part that separates the trip from a standard Blue Lagoon outing. After a busy first stop and a late lunch, a quieter swim would be a welcome change.

In practice, this promise needs a careful reading. Some passengers have not seen a clearly recognizable Hidden Bay, while others felt the final setting was peaceful and worthwhile. The name may refer to a less formal anchorage rather than a marked attraction with a sign and a private beach.

That distinction matters. You should book this tour for a day of swimming and coastal scenery, not solely for access to a secret location. If the bay is calm and uncrowded, it may be the best pause of the afternoon. If several boats are nearby or the stop is brief, it may feel like an ordinary swimming break with a grand name.

The stop is still useful in the schedule. It gives you one more chance to get into the water before returning to Split, and the later timing can produce softer light for photographs. Some departures have also served watermelon on the return trip, a small but welcome refreshment after a long day in the sun.

The boat: traditional charm or standard motorboat?

The tour is sold around a vintage wooden ship, which creates a certain picture: slower cruising, open-air seating, and the old-fashioned feel of a Dalmatian day on the water. That atmosphere would add real value, especially compared with a crowded speedboat.

But the boat type has not been consistent. At least one departure used a regular motorboat, and the difference was important enough to affect the passenger’s entire impression. If the wooden vessel is a major reason you are booking, confirm the boat arrangement before paying.

Even on the larger boat, comfort may be basic. A fully booked departure has meant cramped seating on hard wooden benches. This is not a luxury yacht cruise. You may spend several hours seated close to other people, so bring a light layer, water, and patience.

The upside is that a larger vessel can feel steadier than a small speedboat. The downside is less personal space and a less intimate ride. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and anyone who regularly feels unwell on boats should think carefully before booking a full eight-hour outing.

Food, drinks, and onboard service

The package includes more than just transport. You receive a croissant in the morning, lunch with three main choices, wine after lunch, and water and soft drinks during the day. Drinks have included water and Fanta, but the selection may be narrower than the phrase all-inclusive suggests.

Do not assume a full bar. Additional drinks and personal expenses are not included, and one departure had only a limited soft drink choice. Bring a little cash or another payment method for anything extra, though the precise onboard options are not specified.

Service has varied. The hostess Josipa received especially warm praise, along with sailor Šima and captain Andrej. Their friendly teamwork created a relaxed atmosphere and helped turn a simple boat ride into a memorable day.

On another departure, service at the food area was slow and it was difficult to ask for more water. The captain also gave very little commentary beyond greetings, arrival information, and farewells. You are likely to get a safe, functional trip, but not necessarily an engaging guided tour.

That difference may depend on the crew and the day’s workload. If you value personal attention, ask questions early and be clear about meal or drink needs before everyone sits down.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a full day if you use the included services. You receive transport from Split, three coastal stops, lunch, wine after lunch, water, soft drinks, and at least some snorkeling equipment. Comparable boat outings can become expensive once you add food and drinks, so the package has practical value.

The value falls if the boat is not wooden, the Hidden Bay stop feels ordinary, or the Blue Lagoon is packed with boats. It also falls if you want substantial island exploration, because most of the day is spent on the boat or at beach stops. You are paying for swimming access and a convenient island-hopping route, not museums, villages, or long walks.

I would call it good value for an easy day on the water, provided you accept the basic seating and flexible service. It is weaker value for anyone choosing it mainly for the historic vessel, private bay, or polished food service.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple, social day away from Split with plenty of swimming time. It suits couples, friends, and families who are happy to trade detailed sightseeing for sun, water, and a fixed itinerary.

It also works well if you want lunch and drinks handled for you. You do not need to plan several island transfers or find a restaurant at each stop. The included meal is especially convenient on a long day, even if you should eat breakfast before departure.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, hard seating, late meals, or uncertain schedules. People who want to explore island towns, learn about local culture, or spend time on a genuinely empty beach should choose a different type of excursion.

The trip is conducted in English. Party groups are not allowed, which should help keep the mood more relaxed than a dedicated drinking cruise. Still, the boat may be fully booked, so do not expect a private charter atmosphere.

Practical advice before you board

Arrive at Stand number 2 at least 15 minutes early, and do not count on the boat waiting for late arrivals. Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and non-slip shoes. A towel is not provided, so pack one.

Bring a camera, but protect it from salt water. A dry bag is useful, though it is not listed as included. If you plan to snorkel seriously, bring your own equipment if possible, since the supplied gear may be limited to masks or may be available only at one stop.

Keep breakfast light but filling. The croissant may be small, and lunch can arrive late. Tell the operator about dietary requirements when booking, and confirm the boat type if the wooden ship is important to you.

Weather can change the plan or cancel the trip. If that happens, the operator says you will be notified and offered alternatives where possible. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, giving you some flexibility when watching the forecast.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands tour?

Book it if your ideal day means three swims, coastal views, included food, and no need to organize the details yourself. The Blue Lagoon is attractive, Borko Beach provides a useful meal stop, and a good crew can make the day warm and enjoyable. Josipa, Šima, and Andrej have shown how much the atmosphere depends on the people onboard.

Book with caution if the vintage wooden ship and exclusive Hidden Bay are the main reasons you are interested. Those features have not been consistent enough to treat them as guarantees. At $76, I see this as a fair, basic boat day with attractive scenery, not a premium sailing experience.

My practical verdict: choose it for the water and convenience, bring your own towel and snorkeling gear if you can, eat breakfast first, and keep your expectations flexible.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Stand number 2 in Split. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled 10:00 departure.

What time does the tour return to Split?

The activity is scheduled to end back at the meeting point around 18:00.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon, Borko Beach on Ciovo Island, and Hidden Bay on Čiovo Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option.

Is breakfast included?

A croissant is listed as a complimentary breakfast item. It may be an industrial-style croissant rather than a fresh bakery pastry.

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are available during the day, and wine is served after lunch. Additional beverages not listed in the inclusions are not covered.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, but the available equipment may be limited. Some departures have provided masks without snorkels, and equipment may be available only at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and beachwear.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Stand number 2.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The schedule may also change or be canceled because of weather conditions.