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

A full day on a large, three-level boat makes this Split excursion a good fit if you want island scenery without paying for a small private charter. You get swimming at Borkko Beach, two hours at the Blue Lagoon, lunch on board, and time in Maslinica on Šolta.

I like the clear value: lunch and drinks are included, and the boat gives you covered seating, open-air areas, and a sun deck. I also like the generous stop lengths, especially the two hours at Krknjasi Bay. The main catch is seating. Sunbeds and the best outside spots go quickly, so arriving early matters.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Adriatic stops: Swim at Borkko Beach, enjoy the Blue Lagoon, and stroll through Maslinica on Šolta.
• Large, comfortable boat: The Tamaris has three levels, clean toilets, covered seating, open-air areas, and a sun deck.
• Lunch with drink choices: Select fish, meat, or vegetarian food at check-in. White wine is unlimited from lunch until the end of the trip.
• Arrive early for the sun: Seats may be assigned for the day, and the top-deck loungers are claimed first.
• Snorkeling is included, with a caveat: Equipment is provided, but some departures have required a refundable cash deposit.
• A full 8.5-hour outing: The 9:30 a.m. start and return to Split make this a substantial day trip, not a quick boat ride.

What you get for $78.60 from Split

At $78.60 per person, this is priced as a shared island cruise rather than a small-group sailing trip. That distinction matters. The boat can carry up to 154 people, so you are joining a sizeable crowd, but the larger vessel gives you more room to move, more shelter from the sun, and better stability than a small speedboat.

Your fare covers the boat ride, English-language live commentary, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and the included drinks described for the trip. Water is available, and white wine is served with lunch and continues through the afternoon. Fresh watermelon is served as the boat heads back toward Split.

Some details are less consistent in practice. A few departures have required a €10 cash deposit for snorkeling equipment, even though the gear is advertised as included. One account also mentions water or lemonade as alternatives to wine. Bring some cash if you want to avoid being caught out, and ask the crew about the current deposit arrangement at check-in.

This is good value for families, couples, and solo visitors who want several Adriatic highlights in one day. A smaller boat may offer more personal attention and easier access to quiet coves, but it will usually cost more. This outing gives you food, swimming, a village visit, and an upper deck for one set price.

Finding Max Nautica at Split harbor

The meeting point is Max Nautica at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda in Split. Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

I would arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes early. The boat is large, and the top deck and open-air seats are popular. Several people have arrived 30 minutes before departure and still found themselves assigned to the lower covered area. If sitting outside is important to you, do not treat the 9:30 start as your arrival time.

Seating can be one of the day’s biggest practical issues. The operator may allocate your place when you board, with no easy seat swapping later. The top deck has sun loungers, while the middle level offers a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The lowest level is fully covered, which is useful in strong sun or poor weather, but less appealing if you want uninterrupted views.

Smoking has also been a concern for some people, particularly around the front open-air area and near the lower cabin. If you are sensitive to smoke, ask where the nonsmoking seating is before settling in.

Borkko Beach on Čiovo: an easy first swim

The first stop is Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island, where you have about an hour and a half. The boat pauses near the beach bar, giving you time to swim and use the included snorkeling equipment.

This stop works well as a gentle start. You can get into the Adriatic, sit on a free sunbed, or relax at the beach bar. If the sea feels too cold, you are not forced into the water. The free sunbeds are a useful touch, especially for anyone who wants a proper break rather than nonstop swimming.

Do not expect a polished resort beach experience. The attraction here is simple: water, sun, and a chance to stretch your legs near shore. The beach bar adds a place to sit, but some food and drink arrangements may be separate from the tour inclusions.

The itinerary has changed over time. The original shipwreck stop was removed in late September according to the operator, with Borkko Beach used instead, particularly during cooler October weather. Other departures have still included a shipwreck swim, so the route may depend on the season and conditions. If the wreck is your main reason for booking, confirm the current plan before you go.

Snorkeling reports are mixed. You may see small fish and underwater details, but the two swimming stops are not known for dense marine life. Think of the equipment as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to choose this cruise.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: the centerpiece of the day

The boat spends about two hours at the Blue Lagoon, also known as Krknjasi Bay. This is the trip’s main swimming stop, with clear water, broad island views, and plenty of time to choose your own pace.

You can jump from the main deck, swim near the boat, sit on the sundeck, or use the snorkeling gear. The water may be shallow in places, which suits less confident swimmers and families, though strong swimmers may find the area less wild than they expected.

Lunch is served during the Blue Lagoon stop. The meal includes a Mediterranean-style plate with a choice of grilled fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, plus bread and salad. You provide your preference at check-in. Fish, meat, and vegetarian options are available, but the meal is not a large restaurant-style spread. If you have a big appetite, the morning snack and later watermelon help, but you should not expect an elaborate buffet.

The quality can depend on your taste. Grilled fish and salad have pleased many people, while others found the meal plain, with bread and cabbage-style salad alongside the main dish. The food is best understood as practical fuel during a long day at sea. Its real value is that you do not need to leave the swimming area or find a restaurant during the stop.

White wine is served with lunch and is unlimited from that point until the end of the tour. Water and other soft drink options are available, while cocktails and beer may cost extra. Pace yourself carefully in the sun, especially if you plan to swim after lunch.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it can feel busy. This is a popular shared excursion, not a private anchorage. The large boat gives you space, but the bay itself may have many boats around it. You will get the best experience by treating the stop as a social swimming break rather than expecting solitude.

Maslinica on Šolta: a slower hour in a fishing village

The final island stop is Maslinica on Šolta, a classic Dalmatian fishing hamlet. You have about an hour and 15 minutes to walk around, get a coffee, swim, or sit by the water.

Maslinica changes the rhythm of the day. After the boat ride and swimming stops, you can explore the village architecture and watch local life at a slower pace. It is not a major sightseeing site with a long checklist. Its appeal is the harbor setting, modest stone buildings, cafés, and relaxed island atmosphere.

The time is enough for a short walk and a drink, but it is not generous if you want to combine coffee, a full meal, swimming, and extensive exploring. Docking and boarding can reduce the usable time, and you may need to return to the boat before the official departure. I would choose one main plan here, such as a village walk followed by coffee, rather than trying to do everything.

A swim is possible from the shore, and the village gives non-swimmers something worthwhile to do. That makes Maslinica a better-balanced stop than a day built entirely around beaches.

As the boat leaves Šolta for Split, the crew serves chilled watermelon. It is a small but welcome afternoon snack, especially after time in the sun.

The boat, crew, and onboard feel

The vessel is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It has three levels: a fully covered lower area, a middle deck with indoor and outdoor seating, and a top sun deck with loungers. The boat has been described as clean, spacious, modern, and smooth in the water, with tidy toilets and safety boxes for valuables.

That layout gives you choices. You can sit under cover, find an outside seat, or claim a sunbed if you arrive early enough. The boat also provides a better option for mixed groups. One person can sunbathe, another can stay shaded, and children can move around more easily than on a cramped small craft.

The crew is repeatedly praised for being friendly, helpful, and upbeat. Names mentioned during the trip include Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra, though the exact crew can vary. English commentary is provided, and the staff explain the stops and help with the daily schedule.

Music contributes to a lively atmosphere. This is not a silent scenic cruise. Expect conversation, background music, and a mix of families, couples, and solo passengers. That can be a plus if you enjoy meeting people, but less so if you want a quiet private day.

One practical detail deserves attention: once your seating place is assigned, you may not be allowed to move. The boat is spacious, but popular outdoor positions are limited. Arriving early is the simplest way to improve your day.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The full activity lasts about eight hours and 30 minutes. Much of that time is spent cruising between islands, so you should enjoy being on the water as much as the stops themselves. The views include Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo, with the Adriatic providing the main scenery throughout the day.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and only the items you need. A waterproof pouch is useful for your phone, though the boat has safety boxes for valuables. Reapply sunscreen often, especially if you claim a top-deck lounger.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The route and stop times can also change with weather, sea conditions, or operational needs. Late departures reduce time ashore, so punctuality at the meeting point matters.

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at booking. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. Lunch preferences are given at check-in, so decide in advance whether you want fish, meat, or vegetarian food.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would recommend it if you want a simple all-day island sampler from Split. It is especially useful if you want to combine swimming, a scenic cruise, lunch, and one village visit without arranging separate ferries or restaurants.

Families may appreciate the stable, roomy boat, free sunbeds, food choices, and shallow water at parts of the Blue Lagoon. Solo visitors can also find it sociable, with plenty of time to chat and move around.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet sailing trip, a small group, or serious snorkeling. Marine life can be limited, the boat may feel crowded, and the seating system rewards early arrival. If you care mainly about the shipwreck, check whether it is part of the current route, since the itinerary has changed.

Should you book Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach, and Šolta?

Book this tour if your priority is value and variety. For $78.60, you receive a full day on a clean, spacious boat, three distinct stops, lunch, wine, snorkeling equipment, and a helpful crew. The Blue Lagoon and Maslinica provide two very different views of the Dalmatian coast, while Borkko Beach gives you a straightforward swimming break.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a large-group boat trip, not an exclusive sailing charter. Arrive early for a better seat, bring cash in case a snorkeling deposit is required, and do not assume the shipwreck will be included. If you can accept those limits, this is one of the more practical ways to sample the islands from Split in a single day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split, Croatia.

What time does the boat leave Split?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

Which stops are included?

The route includes Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island, the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay, and Maslinica on Šolta Island.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

White wine is included and unlimited from lunch until the end of the tour. Water is also included, while some other drinks may cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is included. Some departures have required a €10 cash deposit, so ask the crew about the current arrangement.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is listed as 154 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. A cancellation can also occur if the minimum number of participants is not reached.