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

The best part of this full-day cruise is the variety: you get three distinct Adriatic stops, not just a quick swim and a hurried photo stop. From Split, you’ll cruise past Brač, Čiovo, and Šolta, swim from the boat or shore, and spend time in the small harbor village of Maslinica.

I like the spacious three-level boat, the included lunch, and the relaxed pace at each stop. The crew is often praised for being friendly and helpful, and details such as clean toilets, safety boxes, morning coffee, and watermelon on the return ride add real comfort. The main catch is seating: arrive early if you want a sunbed or an open-air spot, since assigned places may not be changeable.

Key points to know before booking

• Three stops in one day: Swim at Borkko Beach, spend time at the Blue Lagoon, and explore Maslinica on Šolta.
• Lunch is included: Choose fish, meat, or a vegetarian meal at check-in, with water and white wine included.
• A large, comfortable boat: Tamaris has covered seating, open-air areas, and a top sun deck with loungers.
• Arrive early for the best seats: The popular top-deck and outside spots can be taken before departure.
• Snorkeling is included, but expectations matter: You can use the equipment, though the underwater sights may be modest.
• Good value for a full day: At $78.60, you get about eight and a half hours on the water, food, drinks, and island time.

A full Adriatic day from Split

This tour leaves from Max Nautica at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda at 9:30 a.m. The location is near public transportation and easy to reach from central Split, though you should give yourself extra time to find the boat and settle in.

The boat carries up to 154 people, so this is not a quiet private sailing trip. It is a social day on a sizable vessel, with families, couples, solo visitors, and groups sharing the ride. If you enjoy meeting people and want a broad view of the coast without arranging several separate trips, that size can work in your favor.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get wide views across the Adriatic, with the islands of Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo appearing along the route. The crew provides live commentary in English, and the mood is generally casual, with music, drinks, and time to move around the boat.

A light morning snack and coffee have been provided on some departures, although the core inclusions are lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Once the boat leaves Split, you can settle into the day rather than worry about ferry schedules, restaurant reservations, or extra transport.

Pick your place on Tamaris before departure

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It has three levels: a covered lower area, a middle level with both indoor and outdoor seating, and a top deck with sun loungers. The size gives you room to walk around, and several people have appreciated the clean toilets and the safety boxes for phones and wallets.

The top deck is the prize for sun lovers. It gives you the best open views, but those loungers can go quickly. Arriving early is the clearest practical tip for this tour. Some departures assign seating, and changing places later may not be allowed.

If you arrive late, you may be placed indoors or in a less desirable area. That is not a minor detail on an eight-hour boat day. A lower cabin can feel enclosed, and one part of the boat has been described as close to a smoking area. If fresh air and sunshine are important to you, make an early arrival a priority.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. The top deck has little protection from the sun, and the bright reflection off the water makes it easy to underestimate the heat. A hat, swimsuit, towel, and a light cover-up are sensible additions.

Borkko Beach on Čiovo: an easy first swim

The first stop is Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island, where you have about one and a half hours for swimming and snorkeling. You can enter the water from the beach, relax on the shore, or use the free sunbeds near the Borkko beach bar.

This is a useful opening stop because it lets you ease into the day. You are not pushed straight into a long swim from the boat. Families can stay near the beach, confident swimmers can spend more time in the water, and anyone who would rather dry off can sit in the bar area or on a sunbed.

The water may feel cool outside the height of summer. That is especially worth noting for October departures. The beach gives you a practical alternative to swimming, so this stop can still work if you prefer to take it easy.

Older descriptions of this tour referred to a shipwreck stop. The operator has explained that the wreck was removed in late September and that the route changed to Borkko Beach, particularly for cooler autumn days. Do not book this current experience expecting a guaranteed shipwreck visit.

Snorkeling gear is listed as included, but some departures have required a cash deposit. Bring a little cash or ask about the arrangement at check-in. The equipment lets you look around below the surface, but this is not a specialist snorkeling expedition. You may see small fish, yet several people found the underwater scenery limited.

The Blue Lagoon: lunch, swimming, and white wine

The Blue Lagoon, also called Krknjasi Bay, is the centerpiece of the cruise. The boat stays for about two hours, giving you time to eat, swim, and enjoy the setting without immediately packing up again.

Lunch includes a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian food, with your preference given at check-in. The meal has been described as simple but satisfying, and experiences can vary by departure. A typical plate includes the main dish, bread, and salad. Do not expect a long restaurant meal with several courses, but you should have enough food for an active afternoon.

The exact serving arrangement has varied. Lunch is served during the Blue Lagoon stop, sometimes associated with the boat and sometimes with the nearby food service area. The key point is that you do not need to arrange a separate meal at this stop.

White wine is available from lunch until the end of the tour. Water and other nonalcoholic choices are also available, so you are not forced to drink wine. If you choose wine, pace yourself carefully. A day in strong sun, combined with alcohol and swimming, calls for regular water and shade.

The Blue Lagoon is best understood as a scenic swimming stop rather than a place for a long beach visit. You can jump from the main deck, swim around the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, or relax on the sundeck. The water is clear and shallow in parts, and the color is the reason this stop attracts so many boat tours.

One practical issue is your belongings. If you swim away from the boat, leave your valuables in one of the onboard safety boxes rather than carrying them into the water. The boat’s space and lockers make that easier than on a small open speedboat, but you should still keep your essentials limited.

Maslinica on Šolta: the quietest hour of the day

Maslinica gives the tour a welcome change of pace. Instead of another swim, you get about one hour and fifteen minutes in a small Dalmatian fishing village on the island of Šolta.

You can walk along the harbor, look at the local architecture, stop for coffee, or sit near the beach. This is not a major sightseeing destination with a packed list of monuments. Its value is the slower rhythm: boats in the harbor, low-key streets, and a chance to experience a small island settlement between swims.

The time is enough for a coffee and a short walk, but not enough for a long island exploration. Remember that docking and return boarding take part of the scheduled hour. Plan to be back at the boat early, since departure waits are not guaranteed.

Maslinica is also a good break for anyone who has had enough sun. You can find shade, stretch your legs, and enjoy a drink rather than spending the entire day in swimwear. On the return journey, the crew serves chilled watermelon, a simple but welcome snack after the heat.

Food and drinks: useful inclusions, modest expectations

At $78.60 per person, the included food and drinks make a meaningful difference. A separate island cruise, lunch, wine, snorkeling rental, and beach access could add up quickly, especially for a family.

Still, keep your expectations grounded. Lunch is not a gourmet meal. The fish may be served whole, the salad is simple, and portions and preparation can vary. Some people have found the food excellent for a boat trip, while others considered it basic. I would treat it as practical fuel rather than a reason to book the tour by itself.

The included wine is a nice touch, especially during the Blue Lagoon stop. Extra cocktails and beer may be available for purchase, but you should not count on the included package covering every drink. Bring a payment method for extras and any small purchases in Maslinica.

The morning coffee and afternoon watermelon have also helped make the long day feel more cared for. These are small details, but they matter when you are spending most of the day on a boat.

What the day feels like in practice

This is a relaxed but busy day, not a private escape. You will spend a fair amount of time underway, and the boat can feel full at popular times. The reward is a comfortable platform with toilets, multiple seating levels, and enough room to move around.

The atmosphere tends to be friendly and social. The crew has been praised for being warm, attentive, and willing to help. English commentary is provided, and the tour is designed so that most people can participate.

Timing can shift with weather, docking, and late departures. A bad-weather reschedule has shortened time at the stops on some occasions. If your schedule is very tight, leave room around the tour rather than booking an important evening event immediately after the expected 6 p.m. return.

The trip ends back at the Split meeting point. You can then continue into the old town and visit Diocletian’s Palace, making this a convenient way to pair a sea day with Split’s major cultural sight. The palace visit is not part of the organized boat tour, so allow your own time if you want to explore it afterward.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a one-day overview of the islands from Split without paying for a private boat. It works well for families, mixed-age groups, couples, and solo visitors who like a friendly group setting.

It is also a good match if you want choices. Swim when you feel like it, sit on a sunbed, walk around Maslinica, or stay on deck with a drink. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, since Borkko Beach and the village stop offer alternatives.

You may want a different tour if you expect a small boat, guaranteed premium seating, serious snorkeling, or long stretches of quiet. The boat is large, the best outdoor seats are limited, and the underwater life may not justify choosing this tour for snorkeling alone.

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

Book it if you value variety, included food and drinks, and a full day on a comfortable boat. The price is fair for the amount included, especially when you consider the three stops, lunch, wine, snorkeling equipment, and return transport by sea.

Arrive early, choose your seat carefully, bring sunscreen and a towel, and do not expect the old shipwreck stop to be part of the current route. With those expectations in place, this is a strong choice for seeing several Adriatic highlights from Split in one day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split, Croatia.

What time does the tour depart?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour finish?

It ends back at the Split meeting point.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water is included, and local white wine is available from lunch until the end of the tour. Additional drinks may be available for purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although some departures have required a cash deposit. Ask about the deposit at check-in.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 154 people.

Can I choose where I sit on the boat?

You should arrive early if you want a top-deck sunbed or an outdoor seat. Seating may be assigned, and changing places may not be allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.