Split: Blue Lagoon & Šolta Tour with Lunch & Drinks

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon is the star of this day, but the real appeal is the rhythm: swim, dry off, eat lunch, swim again, then stroll through Maslinica. I like the three different coastal stops and the free use of paddleboards, floats, and snorkeling gear. I also like that lunch and drinks are included, so you do not need to organize much once you board.

The tradeoff is comfort. This can be a busy boat excursion, and the meal is basic rather than memorable. If you want a quiet sail or a small-group trip, the advertised capacity of 125 people may feel like too much company.

Key points to know before booking

• Krknjaši Blue Lagoon is the main event: You get about 1 hour and 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and floating in clear water.
• Čiovo includes a beach-bar stop: You have 1 hour and 30 minutes to swim, relax, take photos, or use the nearby bar.
• Maslinica adds a village stop: The final 1 hour and 30 minutes gives you time for the marina, stone houses, and calm water.
• Lunch is simple: Expect burgers and fries, with no dessert. Bring extra snacks if you tend to get hungry.
• The boat has several moods: The front is calmer, the rear is noisier near the engines, and the upper level is more social.
• Nana is a name worth noting: She is specifically praised for being warm, helpful, and attentive.

What this Split boat day is really like

This is a full day on the water, not a guided island tour packed with monuments and local history. You will spend most of your time swimming, snorkeling, sitting in the sun, and moving between coastal stops.

That makes the trip a good fit for you if the sea is the reason you came to Dalmatia. It is less suitable if you want long walks, detailed commentary, or quiet coves with only a handful of people around you.

You check in at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure. Arrive on time. The boat must leave promptly because of port rules, and a late arrival could mean missing the trip.

The tour lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes and returns to the same meeting point. Public transportation is nearby, but the information provided does not specify which local routes are most convenient, so allow extra time if you are crossing Split from another part of town.

Čiovo, 90 minutes of swimming near Beach Bar Borkko

Your first stop is a bay on Čiovo, an island connected to the Trogir area. The plan is relaxed: step off the boat, swim, snorkel, take photos, or sit near Beach Bar Borkko.

I like this opening stop because it gives you time to settle into the day. You are not rushed into a short photo pause. With 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can swim properly, dry off, and get comfortable with the boat’s water equipment.

There is a small wrinkle here. Some descriptions of the day refer to a sunken ship near the first swimming stop, making this part especially appealing to anyone who likes snorkeling around underwater objects. The exact emphasis may vary, so do not book this as a dedicated wreck excursion.

The stop is mainly about the water, not about visiting Čiovo’s towns or learning about the island. If you expect an island walk, you may find this part limited. If you want a first swim without a schedule full of sightseeing, it works well.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof way to carry your phone. The tour gives you time in the water, but it does not list beach equipment such as changing rooms or lockers.

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon, 100 minutes in clear water

The second stop is Krknjaši Bay, better known as the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik. This is the stretch of the day most people are waiting for, and you get around 1 hour and 40 minutes here.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, or float around with equipment supplied by the boat. The setting is made for an easygoing sea day rather than a structured lesson.

A private beach area connected with the company may also be part of the Blue Lagoon stop, with sun loungers available. The exact arrangement can depend on where the boat anchors, so treat the loungers as a useful extra rather than the reason to book.

Lunch is served onboard during this part of the day. The meal has been described as burgers and fries, which tells you what to expect: filling, familiar, and simple. I would not plan this tour around Croatian food. If you have teenagers, a large appetite, or dietary needs, pack additional snacks because there is no dessert listed.

Drinks include water, grenadine, and white wine. Wine is served after lunch, not necessarily from the start of the trip. Other drinks cost extra. This is a practical detail worth knowing, especially if you expect coffee, soft drinks, or a wider bar selection to be covered.

The Blue Lagoon can be beautiful, but it is not a private patch of sea reserved for your boat. Popular water stops attract boat traffic and groups. The clearer your expectations, the more you will enjoy it: come for a shared swim in a pretty bay, not for solitude.

Maslinica, 90 minutes in Šolta’s harbor village

The final stop is Maslinica on Šolta, and this is the part that gives the day some village character. After two swimming stops, you can walk along the marina, look at traditional stone houses, or swim in calmer water.

I like the balance here. You are not confined to the boat for the entire day, and you are not asked to spend hours on a formal walking tour. Maslinica gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a slower coastal setting before the ride back to Split.

The stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, enough for a short walk and a swim. It is not enough for a detailed exploration of the whole island, so keep your plans local. The marina and nearby village are the focus.

Maslinica is also where the tour feels less like a floating beach party and more like a visit to a Dalmatian settlement. Still, swimming remains part of the plan. If you want museums, churches, or a long village walk, this itinerary does not promise them.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the $78.19 price

At $78.19 per person, this tour asks you to compare it with the cost of arranging several boat trips, meals, and drinks separately. The price includes the boat day, three stops, lunch, water, grenadine, and some white wine. That is a fair package if you value convenience and want a whole day at sea without planning each leg yourself.

The value depends heavily on how you feel about group size. A large boat spreads the cost across many people, which helps keep the price moderate. You get a full schedule and several activities, but not the personal attention or quiet setting of a small private charter.

The food is the weak point for some people. Burgers and fries can be perfectly welcome after swimming, but the meal is not a culinary highlight, and there is no dessert. I would bring a few compact snacks and avoid assuming that every drink is included.

This is also a social experience. The upper deck is described as more festive, while the front is calmer and more family-friendly. The rear is close to the engines and can be louder. You can choose the atmosphere that suits you, at least if seating is available.

Boat comfort and the crowd question

The boat is described as comfortable, but comfort is not the same as space. The advertised maximum is 125 people. One account describes a departure with 180 people and not enough seats, along with a shortage of passenger bracelets. That is a serious warning for anyone who dislikes packed excursions.

Because of that, I would ask the operator about the expected capacity before booking, especially in the busiest summer period. The supplied information does not explain why the reported number differed from the stated maximum, so you should not assume every departure will feel the same.

If you board early, you may have a better chance of finding the section you prefer. That is another reason to respect the 8:30 AM check-in time rather than arriving just before the 9:00 AM departure.

The layout gives you choices. Pick the front if you want a quieter ride, the rear if engine noise does not bother you, or the upper level if you want a livelier setting. The crew, including Nana, receives especially warm praise for being helpful and friendly, which matters on a long day when many people need directions, drinks, and equipment.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this boat trip to you if you:

• Want three organized swimming stops without arranging transport yourself
• Enjoy a friendly, social boat atmosphere
• Like alternating between sea time and a short village visit
• Are comfortable with simple lunch food
• Want snorkeling, paddleboards, floats, and included drinks
• Prefer a full day on the water to a museum or city tour

I would think twice if you:

• Need a small group and lots of personal space
• Expect excellent food
• Want a quiet sailing experience
• Have limited mobility
• Dislike getting on and off a boat for swimming
• Want a serious tour of Šolta rather than a short stop in Maslinica

The experience is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Pets are not allowed. Most people can participate, but the day still involves boarding a boat, moving around a busy deck, and accessing the sea for swimming activities.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The tour needs good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so keep that in mind if you are arranging the tour from abroad.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity ends back at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split.

My verdict: book it for sea time, not fine dining

I would book this tour if I wanted an easy, active day centered on swimming in the waters around Split. The route is well paced, with enough time at each stop to do more than take a quick photograph, and Maslinica gives the day a welcome village break.

I would not choose it for a quiet escape or a memorable lunch. The possible crowding is the main concern, while the basic burger-and-fries meal is a smaller one. Ask about the expected passenger count if space matters to you, then bring snacks and arrive early.

For a social day with clear water, three stops, included drinks, and a friendly crew led in part by Nana, the $78.19 price can be worthwhile. Just board with the right idea: this is a busy Croatian boat day with plenty of swimming, not a private cruise.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 8:30 AM, and departure is at 9:00 AM. You should arrive on time because the boat must leave promptly under port regulations.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes and returns to the original meeting point.

Which places does the tour visit?

The stops are Čiovo, Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and Maslinica on the island of Šolta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard. The meal is described as burgers and fries, with no dessert listed.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, grenadine, and white wine. Wine is served after lunch. Other drinks cost extra.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are available at the stops, and the boat also provides paddleboards, floats, and related water equipment.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.