Spotlight on: Blue Lagoon, Dalmatia
If you’re visiting the central part of Dalmatia – in and around its main city of Split – you may have come across the possibility of visiting somewhere called the Blue Lagoon. While this sounds rather spectacular, it’s not the only Blue Lagoon in the world – you may have heard (or visited) that amazing geothermal spa that’s located just outside Reykjavik in Iceland. (I have and that place is magical! But I digress…) Let me first tell you that the Blue Lagoon in Croatia is nothing like the Icelandic version and secondly, it still is magical in a slightly different way! Here’s a guide to why you should visit the Blue Lagoon and what you can see and enjoy when doing so.
About The Blue Lagoon and its features
Croatia’s Blue Lagoon is located just off the tiny island of Drvenik Veli, a sister island to Drvenik Mali. (Veli and mali meaning big and small!) The lagoon is located in Krknjasi Bay on the eastern side of the island. It is referred to as the Blue Lagoon because of its stunningly clear blue and turquoise waters atop a sandy seabed and next to a white pebble beach.
The sea area here is remarkably still and shallow – helping to produce this gorgeous blue effect – protected as it is by two further islets, Krknjas Veli and Krknjas Mali. (There goes those veli and mali names again. Now you know what they mean!)
This whole experience is one of paradise, with some even calling it akin to the Caribbean. Whilst I have no personal experience, let’s just stick to admiring this slice of heaven in the Mediterranean, shall we?!
This is certainly one of these places where words can’t fully do it justice, and photos can only go so far. Why not experience it for yourself when you next visit this part of Croatia?
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Getting to the Blue Lagoon & Visiting
By excursion
In almost all cases, it would be easiest to join an organised tour if wanting to visit the Blue Lagoon. Tours from local towns and cities exist, such as from Split and Trogir. These tours generally include visiting the Blue Lagoon as just part of the day – often, you will also get to visit other small islands in the region, or historic gems such as Trogir. In all cases, you will have at least an hour or two to enjoy in the Blue Lagoon itself for swimming and snorkelling. (Snorkelling equipment is normally always provided by the excursion company.)
Take a look at some of the options for tours from Split…
…and some of the excursion options from Trogir:
Local Trogir agency Bura Line also offers a 10-hour tour from Split that includes stops in Trogir, the island of Ciovo and the island of Solta as well as the Blue Lagoon.
By ferry
You can otherwise opt to take a public ferry from Trogir to Drvenik Veli. Jadrolinija operates this route, sailing three times a day, year-round. (The boat in fact then also sails on to Drvenik Mali.) Should you utilise this boat, it would give you a full day on the island as the latest return boat departs 7 and a half hours after you’re first dropped off. (Do check timetables carefully so you’re not stranded by missing the return boat!)
The boat docks at Drvenik Veliki, the main settlement on Drvenik Veli. This is around a 45-minute walk away from the Blue Lagoon bay.
Should you wish for more time on the island and to enjoy the Blue Lagoon, there is a small handful of accommodation in Drvenik Veliki. You can search and book using the map below:
Opening Hours and Price
Well, seeing as it’s a natural bay in the sea, it’s open all the time! But you are of course restricted to the hours that you can reach the area by boat.
As for the price – the lagoon itself is free, but you are again dependent on the cost of the excursion or ferry!
When is Best to Go to the Blue Lagoon
As you can perhaps imagine, the Blue Lagoon can be a popular place to visit – sometimes too popular. Obviously summer is the best time to come here to get the full effect of sunshine and warm Adriatic waters, but you’ll be joined by a good number of other day trippers.
Consider visiting outside of the peak summer period – let’s say early June or mid to late September – when you’ll still be able to enjoy swimming here but alongside fewer visitors.
What to See and Do
Relax! Enjoy the gorgeous blue waters and the tranquil surroundings of where you are. If you visiting from somewhere as bustling as Split, it will be quite a contrast.
If you have access to snorkelling equipment, absolutely give it a go. You’ll be able to view the marine life in the calm waters, and snorkelling itself is such a calming activity.
More info
Unfortunately, Drvenik Veli appears not oto have a tourist board website, so online information is somewhat limited. There’s a small slice of info on the Visit Trogir website.
