If the Blue Cave speedboat day sounds too fast, this is the calmer way to spend a day on the Adriatic. The tour linked here lasts about eight and a half hours and sails from Split to the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered turquoise bay among the small islands to the west, with time to swim and snorkel in clear shallow water. The title of the tour also includes an underwater museum stop, and lunch and drinks on board are part of the package, so you do not need to hunt for a restaurant. The boat is a larger, slower vessel than a speedboat, with space to sit in the shade and move around, which suits families and groups who prefer comfort to speed. The trip is very well reviewed, with a rating of 4.7 from well over a thousand reviews, and is one of the most popular day boat trips from Split. It is a warm-season activity, so plan it for summer rather than winter.
The day follows an easy pattern
Board in Split, cruise for the islands, anchor in the Blue Lagoon for swimming, take lunch on board and return in the afternoon. Because the boat is larger than a speedboat, the ride is smoother, which helps if you are prone to seasickness, and there is space for children to move. Lunch and drinks are included in the price shown on the page, though extras and any entrance charges should be checked before you go.
Season matters more than anything. Boat tours of this kind run in the warm months, roughly late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm enough for swimming and the weather is stable. The page is the best place to check which dates are on sale, and in winter you should plan a different kind of day, such as Trogir, Klis or Salona. Wind can change plans at short notice, so choose a day with a flexible schedule and read the cancellation terms.
Pack a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a light layer for the breeze on deck. Bring water shoes if the rocks bother you, and a waterproof case for your phone. If you want a tour with a deeper focus on Hvar and the Blue Cave, choose the speedboat day instead, and if you prefer a shorter outing, look for the half-day versions of the same route. This trip is the easiest way to see the islands with young children or relaxed travellers.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day boat cruise from Split to the Blue Lagoon and nearby islands, with swim stops, an underwater museum stop and lunch and drinks on board.
Best time
Summer and the warm shoulder months, when the sea is warm and the weather settled.
How long
About eight and a half hours, boarding in Split.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a light layer, and check the weather and cancellation terms before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want an easy, relaxed day on the water.
- Families
- Good for children who can swim, with space to move and shade on board.
- Couples
- A sunny day of swimming and lunch on deck, without the speed and bounce of a speedboat.
- Pair with
- A Riva dinner and the old town at night.
- Time needed
- A full day of about eight and a half hours.
Good questions
Is lunch included?+
Yes. The tour title says lunch and drinks are included on board. Check the page for what exactly is covered before you book.
Is this trip seasonal?+
Yes, in practice. Boat trips like this run in the warm months, so plan it for summer or early autumn, not winter.
How is it different from the Blue Cave tour?+
This is a slower, larger boat with a Blue Lagoon swim stop and lunch included. The Blue Cave day is a speedboat run that covers more islands and is more tiring.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, for children who swim, since the boat is stable and there is shade, but it is a long day, so bring snacks and games.
What if the weather is bad?+
Wind and rough seas can change or cancel the route. Read the cancellation terms and keep your plans flexible.
