Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach & Šolta from Split with LUNCH & DRINKS

The best part of this full-day outing is its mix of easy swimming stops and island time. You can stretch out on a large boat, swim in clear Adriatic water, eat lunch, and stroll through a small Dalmatian village without arranging several separate trips.

I like the included lunch and drinks, and I like that the boat has three levels, clean toilets, indoor seating, and a sun deck with loungers. The main catch is seating: popular outdoor spots fill quickly, and your assigned place may be fixed for the day. Arrive early if sunshine and open views matter to you.

Key points to know before you book

• Borkko Beach replaces the shipwreck stop at some times of year: The route can change, especially in cooler or later-season weather.
• Maslinica gives you a real village break: You get about 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk, swim, or have coffee on Šolta.
• Lunch and white wine are included: Fish, meat, and vegetarian meals are available, with water and other drinks also offered.
• The boat is large and comfortable: It has three levels, covered and open seating, sunbeds, clean toilets, and space to move around.
• Arrive early for the upper deck: Some people recommend arriving as much as an hour before departure to secure a better seat.
• Snorkeling is a bonus, not the main event: Equipment is listed as included, but a cash deposit has sometimes been requested.

A full Adriatic day from Split

This is an 8-hour-and-30-minute boat outing from Split, leaving at 9:30 a.m. from Max Nautica at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda. The route takes you past the islands and coast around Split, with views toward Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo.

At $78.60 per person, the price is attractive for a full day on the sea. You are not only paying for the boat ride. The fee also covers lunch, snorkel equipment, a welcome drink, water, and unlimited white wine from lunch until the end of the trip. That makes the outing good value if you want a relaxed island day without paying separately for every meal or activity.

This is a large-boat experience, with capacity for up to 154 people. That matters. You get more space, better stability, and more facilities than on a small speedboat, but you give up some quiet and flexibility. If you picture a private cruise with a handful of passengers, choose something else. If you want a social day with plenty of room to sit, walk, swim, and enjoy the coast, this format works well.

The welcome drink and live commentary help set the scene as the boat leaves Split. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You can watch the islands slide past from the upper deck, sit in a partly open middle level, or stay below in a covered area.

Getting the right seat on the three-level boat

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this trip. It has a covered lower level, a middle area with indoor and outdoor seating, and a top deck with sun loungers. The toilets have been praised for being clean, and safety boxes are available for small valuables while you swim.

There is one important rule to understand: the first people aboard get the best choice of seating. The top deck and open-air seats near the bar can fill before departure. Some passengers have arrived 30 minutes early and still found the prime areas gone. For a good chance at a sunbed or an outside seat, I would arrive well before the 9:30 a.m. start, ideally with enough time to find the meeting point and board without rushing.

Once seats are assigned, moving around may not be allowed. That can be frustrating if you are given an indoor seat and hoped to spend the day outside. The lower cabin also sits near a smoking area, according to some accounts, so passengers who dislike cigarette smoke should try hard to secure an outdoor or upper-level place.

The large boat also creates a steadier ride than many small craft. That is useful if you are unsure about the sea or are traveling with children or an older family member. There is room to move around, and the open deck gives you a chance to enjoy the trip even if you do not spend every stop in the water.

Borkko Beach on Čiovo: an easy first swim

The first listed stop is Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island, where you have about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The boat pauses near the beach bar, giving you time to swim and use the snorkel equipment. You can also relax at the bar or use the free sunbeds.

This stop is a sensible choice for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can get in the water, while anyone who wants a slower morning can stay on shore or sit in the sun. That flexibility is especially useful for families and for anyone who does not want every stop to involve a long swim from the boat.

The route has changed over time. A shipwreck stop was previously part of the experience, but the wreck was removed from the sea in late September, and Borkko Beach became the replacement on some departures. That explains why you may see different descriptions of the first stop. If seeing a shipwreck is your main reason for booking, confirm the current route before departure rather than assuming it is guaranteed.

Snorkeling conditions can also be modest. The water is clear, and you may see small fish, but this is not a dedicated marine-life expedition. Some people have enjoyed the underwater stops, while others found little to see beyond a few fish. Bring your expectations down to a pleasant swim with a chance to look below the surface, not a major wildlife encounter.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay: swimming with lunch and wine

The Blue Lagoon is the visual centerpiece of the day. The boat spends about two hours in the area, giving you time to swim, use the snorkel gear, jump from the main deck, or relax on the sundeck.

The water is clear and inviting, though parts of the lagoon can be shallow. You can choose your own pace here. Get into the water, stay on deck with a drink, or combine a short swim with time in the sun. This freedom is one of the reasons the outing suits couples, families, and solo visitors equally well.

Lunch is served around this stop. The meal includes a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian food, selected at check-in. Fish, chicken, salad, and bread are among the options described, with grilled mackerel appearing on some menus. The exact serving arrangement has varied, with some descriptions placing the meal on the boat and others referring to service near the lagoon. Either way, lunch is part of the stop and does not require a separate restaurant booking.

The meal is practical rather than fancy. Some people have found it surprisingly good, particularly the grilled fish and salad. Others found the portions plain, with bread and cabbage salad alongside the main course. I would see it as a useful included lunch that keeps the day moving, not a reason to book a food-focused tour.

Drinks add real value. Water is included, and white wine is available without an extra charge from lunch until the end of the trip. Lemonade may also be available. A welcome drink and morning refreshments are part of the day, and chilled watermelon is served later as the boat leaves Maslinica.

One small detail needs checking. Snorkel equipment is listed as included, but some passengers have been asked for a €10 cash deposit. The deposit is described as refundable, but you should carry cash so you are not caught without the chance to use the gear.

Maslinica on Šolta: a slower hour in a fishing village

Maslinica is the most cultural stop, though it remains small and easygoing. You get about 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk through the village, look at the Dalmatian architecture, have coffee, swim from the beach, or simply sit near the water.

Do not expect a long guided tour. The value here is having time to wander on your own. Maslinica is a classic fishing hamlet, and its small scale gives the day a pleasant change of pace after the open water. You can get a coffee, have an ice cream, or take a quick swim before returning to the boat.

The time sounds generous, but docking and the return-to-boat requirement reduce it. You need to be back before departure, and the actual free time may feel closer to an hour. If you want coffee and a swim, keep an eye on the clock. If you prefer a slow walk, skip the water here and enjoy the village.

As the boat leaves Šolta, the crew serves chilled watermelon. It is a simple touch, but welcome after time in the sun. The return ride gives you more views across the islands and a final chance to sit on deck with your drink.

Food, drinks, and what you should pack

The included food keeps the day affordable. You do not need to search for lunch on an island, and you avoid the higher prices that can come with buying drinks at beach bars. The menu also allows fish, meat, and vegetarian choices, which helps if your group has different preferences.

Still, pack a few sensible extras:

• Sunscreen and a hat, since the upper deck has long exposure to the sun
• Swimwear and a towel
• A reusable water bottle if you prefer to carry your own drink
• Cash for the possible snorkel deposit
• A light layer for the boat ride back
• A waterproof pouch for small items if you plan to swim

Sunbeds are limited, and the best places can be claimed early. You should also expect music and a social atmosphere rather than silence. That can add fun to the day, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet cruise.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, solo visitors, and groups who want several Adriatic experiences in one day. It is particularly useful if you have limited time in Split and want to see the sea, swim near the islands, and visit Šolta without arranging separate ferries and meals.

The large boat is a good fit for anyone who values stability and facilities. Children can move around more easily than on a cramped small craft, and older family members can stay seated or use the covered areas. The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, with Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra specifically recognized for making the day warm and welcoming.

I would be more cautious if you want a private-feeling cruise, serious snorkeling, or guaranteed beach time. The boat can be busy, the best deck seats go early, and the route may change with season and conditions. The tour also requires good weather and a minimum number of people, so a cancellation is possible if those conditions are not met.

Timing, weather, and practical details

The meeting point is Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, in Split. The activity returns to the same meeting point. Confirmation is provided at booking, the tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat and swimming if you plan to use the water stops.

The schedule is built around a full day at sea, so keep the evening flexible. A late return could matter if you have dinner reservations, a transfer, or a cruise departure. One passenger who had a later departure found the timing worked well, but I would still leave a buffer after the advertised return.

Weather matters more than it does on a city walking tour. Wind or poor sea conditions can force a new date or cancellation. If the operator cancels for weather or because too few people have booked, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, so keep an eye on the forecast and your Split schedule.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon boat day?

Book it if you want good value, included food, several swimming stops, and a spacious boat. The combination is hard to beat at $78.60, especially for a family or group that would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, and drinks.

Arrive early, bring sun protection, carry cash for the possible snorkel deposit, and treat snorkeling as an optional extra rather than the central attraction. If you want a quiet small-boat trip or a guaranteed shipwreck visit, this is not the safest choice.

For a first taste of the islands from Split, I would choose this tour for its easy pace, friendly crew, steady boat, and useful mix of sea time and Maslinica. Just set your expectations correctly: it is a lively full-day boat outing, not a private yacht charter.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split. It returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour leave?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Which stops are included?

The route includes Borkko Beach on Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay, and Maslinica on Šolta. The first stop may change by season, and the shipwreck is not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with fish, meat, and vegetarian options. You provide your preference at check-in.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink, water, and white wine are included. The white wine is available from lunch until the end of the tour. Chilled watermelon is also served on the return from Maslinica.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.