From Split: Blue Lagoon & Underwater Museum (Lunch & drinks)

The best part of this full-day boat trip is the unusual final stop: Croatia’s Only Underwater Museum, where you snorkel 4 to 5 meters below the surface among more than 50 life-size sculptures, an 8-meter statue, and a sunken airplane. Before that, you get two good swims, a fresh lunch, and plenty of time on the water.

I like the mix of easy swimming stops and oddball sights. I also like the practical extras: lunch, domestic wine, unlimited lemon juice and water, snorkeling gear, sunbeds, and umbrellas are built into the $70 price. The main drawback is the long 8.5-hour day, and anyone prone to seasickness should think twice before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• The underwater museum is the unusual finale: Snorkel in shallow water among over 50 sculptures, including an 8-meter figure and a sunken airplane.
• Lunch is served on board: Freshly prepared food comes with domestic red and white wine, water, and lemon juice.
• You get three very different water stops: Fumija Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Uvala Jelinak each offer a different setting.
• The $70 price covers more than the boat ride: Resort access, beach bar access, sunbeds, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, and parts of the aqua park are included.
• The meeting point is specific: Meet at Mletački mul, in the middle of Split’s Riva promenade, not simply anywhere along the waterfront.
• The return trip is lively: DJ music plays on the top deck while you sail back toward Split.

Why the underwater museum is worth your time

Many boat trips near Split follow the same basic recipe: turquoise water, a swim, lunch, and a ride home. This one adds a strange and memorable twist at Uvala Jelinak, a quiet bay near Trogir.

Once you enter the sea, the sculptures are only 4 to 5 meters below you. You do not need scuba training or even strong snorkeling skills. The water is shallow, life jackets are available, and snorkeling equipment is provided with a €10 refundable deposit. Fins are not included, but you can rent them if you want extra help moving through the water.

The collection includes more than 50 life-size sculptures. An 8-meter statue gives the site its biggest visual moment, while the sunken airplane adds a touch of surreal fun. This is not a formal museum with galleries, signs, and air conditioning. It is a swim-through outdoor installation, so the experience depends on water clarity, sunlight, and how comfortable you feel looking down into the sea.

I would not book this trip only for marine life. You may see fish around the sculptures, but the main attraction is the combination of art, shallow snorkeling, and the setting. That makes the stop suitable for families and first-time snorkelers, as well as confident swimmers who want something different from another ordinary swim.

The bay also gives you time away from the water. You have access to the wider resort area, including a beach bar, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a quiet beach with no nearby houses or loud neighborhood activity. That matters after several hours at sea. You can dry off, order a drink at the bar, or simply claim a shaded place before getting back in.

Starting at Split’s Riva promenade

The boat leaves from Mletački mul, located in the middle of Split’s Riva promenade. Take the meeting point seriously. The Riva is long, and a general instruction to meet at Split’s waterfront would not be enough. Check Mletački mul on a map before the morning of departure and allow time to find the exact pier.

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise from Split. This is a useful start because you can settle into the boat, find a place on deck, and watch the city recede before the swimming begins.

The tour lasts 510 minutes, or 8.5 hours. That is a full day, not a quick morning outing. The length gives you time for several stops, but you should expect sun, wind, salt water, and a fair amount of sitting or standing on a moving boat. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera. A waterproof phone pouch is a sensible extra, though it is not listed as included.

Fumija Bay, the calm first swim

The first main stop is Fumija Bay, a peaceful cove surrounded by undeveloped nature. You have about an hour here for swimming, sunbathing, and lunch.

Fumija is a good first stop because it eases you into the day. You can swim in clear water without immediately feeling that you need to race from one attraction to the next. If you prefer not to snorkel, this is also a pleasant place to stay on board or sit in the sun.

While you relax, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal is freshly prepared and served on the boat, which is more convenient than sending everyone ashore to search for food. Domestic red and white wine is included with lunch, along with unlimited water and lemon juice throughout the day.

The food has been one of the strongest parts of the outing for me on paper, because it turns the first swim into a proper break rather than a short photo stop. Still, keep your expectations sensible. The information promises a fresh meal, but it does not give a menu, so you should not assume a specific dish or cater for dietary needs that have not been confirmed.

Strong alcoholic drinks, soda, ice cream, and snacks are not included. If you tend to get hungry between meals, bring your own snack. Do not bring alcohol or drugs, which are not allowed.

The Blue Lagoon and its clear water

After Fumija Bay, the boat continues toward the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Veli. The schedule allows about 70 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

This is the most classic stop of the day. The water is known for its turquoise color and clear visibility, making it a good place to use the included mask and snorkel. You can look for small sea life near the rocks and shallows, though the attraction here is mainly the water itself and the chance to swim in a famous Adriatic setting.

The Blue Lagoon can be popular, so do not expect a private cove. The appeal is easy access to clear water, not solitude. I would use this hour for a relaxed swim rather than trying to pack in too much. If you want the best view, spend a few minutes on the sun deck before getting in. From there, you can appreciate the shape of the bay and the color changes in the sea.

This stop is suitable for beginners. You do not need prior snorkeling experience, and life jackets are available. That said, basic comfort in open water still helps. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat and use the safety equipment provided.

Uvala Jelinak and the resort beach

The final stop lasts about two hours, giving you the longest break of the day. Uvala Jelinak is a quiet bay near Trogir, and the resort access included with the tour makes this more than a quick museum visit.

You can use the beach, beach bar, sunbeds, umbrellas, and parts of the aqua park. The beach has no nearby houses or the noise of a built-up neighborhood, which gives this stop a more restful feel. It is the place to slow down after the earlier boat ride and swims.

I like that the resort entry is included rather than treated as a separate add-on. If you have had enough water for one day, you can use the shore facilities instead of forcing yourself to snorkel. If you still have energy, you can swim out to the underwater sculptures with the supplied equipment.

The resort setting also helps people traveling together with different interests. One person can snorkel, another can sit under an umbrella, and someone else can spend time at the beach bar. That flexibility is useful on a long group outing.

What lunch and drinks really add to the price

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for a full-day boat program, not simply a transfer to one swimming spot.

The value improves because several costs are bundled together:

• Freshly prepared lunch on board
• Domestic red and white wine with the meal
• Unlimited lemon juice and water
• Snorkeling equipment, with a refundable €10 deposit
• Entrance to the resort and underwater museum
• Beach bar access
• Sunbeds and umbrellas
• Life jackets
• Parts of the aqua park
• DJ music on the return journey

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, beach facilities, snorkeling gear, and museum entry, the price is reasonable. You also avoid the bother of arranging transport between Split, the Blue Lagoon, and Uvala Jelinak.

The tradeoff is that you are committed to the group schedule. You cannot leave after the Blue Lagoon or decide to spend three hours at Fumija Bay. The tour is good value if you want a planned day with food and facilities included. It is less appealing if you prefer a quiet private boat, a flexible route, or a short outing.

The return ride, views and DJ music

The boat spends about 110 minutes returning to Split after the final stop. That is a long ride, but it can be a pleasant way to finish if you claim a comfortable spot and pace yourself.

DJ music plays on the top deck on the way back. The tone is more social than silent and reflective. Some people will enjoy the music, drinks, and coastal views after a day in the water. If you want peace, move away from the speakers or choose a quieter place on the boat if available.

The return is also when seasickness can catch up with you. You have already spent hours in the sun and may be tired or dehydrated. Drink water, eat lunch, and avoid strong alcohol. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, this is not the right outing for you.

The boat ride itself is part of the experience, but it is also the least active section of the day. Bring a hat, use sunscreen again, and keep a light layer nearby in case the breeze picks up.

Who should book this Split boat tour

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several activities in one day:

• Swimming in clear Adriatic water
• Beginner-friendly snorkeling
• A fresh lunch with drinks
• Beach time with sunbeds and umbrellas
• A distinctive underwater art attraction
• Music and social time on the return

It is especially suitable for mixed groups. Confident swimmers can spend more time in the water, while beginners can use life jackets or stay near shore. People who enjoy taking photos will have plenty of material, from the turquoise Blue Lagoon to the sculptures at Uvala Jelinak.

I would be more cautious if you dislike long boat rides or fixed schedules. The 8.5-hour duration is substantial, and the final return takes nearly two hours. This is also a poor choice for anyone prone to seasickness.

Families should note that no diving experience is needed, but children and less confident swimmers still need normal supervision. The information confirms shallow water and life jackets, but it does not provide age limits, child pricing, or specific accessibility details. Ask the operator if any member of your group needs those details.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your plans around Split are still shifting, but check the available start time before committing to the day.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a busy, well-organized day on the Adriatic with more substance than a single Blue Lagoon swim. The underwater museum gives the route a clear reason to choose it, while the included lunch, drinks, resort access, and beach equipment make the $70 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want a private and quiet boat day, or if you are uncomfortable on open water. For everyone else, the mix is appealing: Fumija Bay for calm, the Blue Lagoon for clear water, and Uvala Jelinak for an unusual snorkel among sculptures before music carries you back to Split.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Mletački mul, in the middle of Split’s Riva promenade. Check this exact location on Google Maps before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 510 minutes, or 8.5 hours, including the boat rides and stops.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared lunch is served on board. Domestic red and white wine is included with lunch, and lemon juice and water are available without limit throughout the day.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with a €10 refundable deposit. Fins are not included, but they are available to rent.

Do I need diving experience for the underwater museum?

No. The sculptures are 4 to 5 meters below the surface, the water is shallow for snorkeling, and the activity is suitable for beginners and experienced swimmers.

What is included at the final resort stop?

Your entrance includes the beach, sunbeds, umbrellas, the Only Underwater Museum, beach bar access, and parts of the aqua park.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. Snacks are not included, so you may also want to bring something to eat between stops.