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

A day on the Adriatic beats another day in port. This Blue Lagoon and Šolta boat trip is built around real swimming time, island stops that feel slower than Split, and an easy schedule that still gives you choices. You sail from Split with a live guide-style commentary, get a proper lunch on board, and finish with time to enjoy Split again.

What I like most is the combo of included lunch + included snorkel equipment. I also like the boat itself: it’s described as large and comfortable, with multiple levels so you can find shade, grab sunbeds, or just move around when you want a break from the water.

The main thing to think about is crowding and comfort: if you don’t get there early, the best spots on deck can be taken, and you may end up closer to less-comfortable areas. Plan for that, especially if you want a sunbed up top for the full day.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Long water time at multiple swim stops so the day doesn’t turn into mostly “riding from place to place”
• Lunch served during the Blue Lagoon stop with unlimited white wine from lunch until the end
• Borkko Beach on Čiovo gives you a straightforward swim/snorkel plan right off the beach bar area
• Maslinica on Šolta delivers a quieter Dalmatian village break for photos, coffee, and a relaxed stroll
• Roomy, clean boat setup with space to walk around and toilet facilities people actually mention as clean
• Bonus watermelon served while returning toward Split

Split to the Islands: Why the Boat Day Works

This trip starts in Split at Max Nautica (Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda). The departure time is 9:30am, and you’re back at the same meeting point at the end. The total day runs about 8 hours 30 minutes, which is long enough to feel like an escape, but not so long that you lose your evening.

I like that the plan is built for sea time. You aren’t just cruising past the islands for photos—you’re meant to hop into the water and use the time at each anchor point. The boat ride also matters. On a day like this, the Adriatic views are part of the experience: you’ll see Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo from the water as you move between stops.

One detail that helps: the group size is capped at 154 travelers. That’s not a tiny boat, but it’s also not a cattle-car situation. It still feels like you’re sharing the day, just with enough room to breathe.

The Included Meal-and-Drink Setup (and how it changes your day)

Here’s the big value piece: you get lunch included and snorkel gear included. That matters in Croatia boat tours because you can easily end up paying extra for the things you actually want—food, drinks, and basic swim gear.

At the Blue Lagoon stop, lunch is served on board, and the drinks are part of the deal: unlimited local white wine from lunch until the end of the tour. You also get a welcome drink when you board. The tone is casual: you’re not stuck waiting for dinner plans, and you’re not hunting for a café once you’re already out at sea.

A few reviews also mention a small breakfast and coffee earlier in the day. The exact menu details can vary by departure, but the pattern is consistent: you’re not going to be arriving to lunch starving and exhausted.

Diet options are covered too. You can choose lunch preferences during check-in for fish, meat, or vegetarian. That’s a practical win if you’re traveling with picky eaters or anyone who doesn’t eat seafood.

Stop 1 at Beach Bar Borkko (Čiovo): Swim first, relax second

Your first stop is Beach Bar Borkko, on the Čiovo side of the route. You get 1 hour 30 minutes, and the plan is simple: swim and snorkel off the beach area in front of the beach bar, then hang out on free sunbeds while you soak up sun.

This is where I think the tour feels most comfortable for mixed groups. Some people want to swim hard. Others want to float and watch the water. Borkko supports both without demanding a lot of “adventure logistics.”

A word on water temperature: October can be cool, and at least one review called the water chilly. So bring swimwear that you’re okay staying in for a bit, and don’t treat this like Caribbean warm water season.

Also, if you like the idea of snorkeling, remember that it’s often more about location and conditions than having a perfect underwater movie. If you’re hoping for a rich reef scene every minute, you might find the experience more “pleasant swimming + occasional fish” than a guaranteed highlight. That said, the convenience here is real—you’re not crossing the island or dragging gear around.

Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay: Two hours, lunch onboard, and the sun deck payoff

The second stop is Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay for 2 hours. This is the centerpiece for most people, mainly because this is where the tour aligns three things at once: swimming time, lunch, and drinks.

Lunch is served during the Blue Lagoon stay—described as traditional Mediterranean—and it comes with unlimited white wine starting with lunch and running until the tour ends. After lunch, you have the option to jump from the main deck or relax on the sundeck. That “main deck to water” option is huge because it lowers friction. You don’t need to plan a walk, wait for a tender, or figure out where to get back on after a swim.

Snorkeling gear is included, and you’re expected to use it during the stop. One thing to watch: the snorkeling quality can depend heavily on where you’re anchored and how clear the water is that day. A couple reviews were disappointed with snorkeling visibility, describing limited fish or not much to see. So I’d treat snorkeling as a bonus activity here, not a guarantee.

One more reality check: earlier itineraries in this area have referenced a shipwreck snorkeling idea, but the current flow described for this experience puts more focus on Borkko Beach and Blue Lagoon water time. Bottom line—if you’re booking specifically because you read about shipwreck snorkeling, confirm what’s planned for your exact departure date.

Stop 3 Maslinica on Šolta: A Dalmatian fishing hamlet break

After Blue Lagoon, the tour heads to Maslinica on Šolta. You get 1 hour 15 minutes, which is just enough time to do a quick reset: walk the village streets, take a few photos of the architecture, and then decide if you want another swim.

Maslinica is described as a classic Dalmatian fishing hamlet, which usually means small-scale sights rather than big-ticket monuments. If you’re the type who likes wandering when the day is hot, this stop is for you.

You’ll also be able to grab a fresh brewed coffee, and there’s time to unwind by the beach. It’s not a “rush through a checklist” stop. It’s more like: arrive, breathe, choose your pace, and then let the boat carry you onward.

As you depart toward Split, the crew serves fresh chilled watermelon. That’s a small detail, but it’s a very Croatia kind of touch—cold fruit that actually feels refreshing after sun and saltwater.

The Ride Back to Split: Panoramas plus a culture option

Between stops, the day gives you long views from the water—partly because the route is built around the islands, and partly because the guide provides information along the way. This helps even if you’re not the type to memorize history facts. It just makes the sailing feel intentional.

When you return to Split, you have some time to explore Diocletian’s Palace. You won’t get a full guided museum visit in the way a walking tour does, but the payoff is that you can tack this on while you’re still in “vacation mode” and not scrambling later.

If you’re tired, you can also treat this as a wander-and-snack moment. The practical move is to choose one section you want to see, then don’t over-plan.

Getting the best spots on a multi-level boat

This is where you can make or break your comfort level.

The boat is described as having three levels: a lower fully covered area, a middle area both inside and outside, and a top sundeck with lounge chairs. That matters because you’ll be out in sun a lot, and you’ll want shade at some point. It also means you can shift locations without feeling trapped.

Here’s the practical advice: arrive early if you want a sunbed. Multiple reviews say the best deck chairs are taken quickly, and once allocated, it may not be easy to swap. One person even suggested getting there far before departure to secure the best spots.

Also watch for smoking-area proximity if you’re sensitive to smells. A critical review described a cabin area smelling like cigarette smoke because it was near smoking space. That’s not a guarantee for every departure, but it’s a real caution if you’re prone to headaches or you hate smoke.

Good news: the same reviews that mention sunbed crowding also describe clean toilets and a well-run vibe. Several comments praise friendly crew members from the moment they board until the end of the day.

If you want to keep your valuables safe while swimming, look for the safety boxes mentioned in reviews (people used them to lock phones and wallets).

Food quality and lunch logistics: what you’ll likely experience

Lunch is one of the biggest reasons people rate this tour so highly. The most common praise is that the food is good for a boat day, and the wine inclusion makes it feel like a full-service outing rather than a “snacks and vibes” trip.

At the same time, not every lunch experience matches every expectation. One reviewer described lunch as decent but noticed drawbacks like limited shade at the serving area and feeling stuck with assigned seating on the boat. Another review said lunch came later than expected.

So here’s how I’d plan your mindset:

• Treat lunch as a hearty, included meal, not a high-end restaurant service.
• Expect the setup to be practical. Boats do what they can.
• If you’re heat-sensitive, consider moving strategically between deck levels rather than assuming you’ll always sit in the same spot.

Also note: one reviewer said a “beach bar” vibe wasn’t what they expected at lunch time—more like a simple food setup near a nice beach bar. If you’re imagining a full cocktail-and-alfresco-lunch scene, set expectations more toward boat food + island views.

Price and value: why $78.60 can be a smart buy

At $78.60 per person, the value here comes from stacking inclusions that usually cost extra on island-hopping days.

You’re getting:

• Lunch included
• Unlimited white wine included from lunch until the end
• Snorkel equipment included
• Multiple swim opportunities across Čiovo and the Blue Lagoon
• A real island break at Maslinica on Šolta
• Drinks like a welcome drink, plus the watermelon snack

If you were doing this on your own—boat, lunch, drinks, and snorkel rental—you’d spend money quickly on each separate piece. Even if you don’t drink much wine, the inclusion still reduces decisions and stress. You’re on a fixed schedule, and the “pay later” surprises are reduced.

Also, the cap of 154 travelers helps keep the day from feeling totally chaotic, even during prime swim stops.

Who should book this (and who should think twice)

This is a great pick if you want:

• A relaxing day on the water with real swim breaks
• An easy way to see Blue Lagoon + Šolta without arranging multiple transfers
• A tour that works for families and mixed ages (multiple reviews mention traveling with kids and extended family)

It’s also a good budget-friendly option compared to smaller private boats, since you’re still getting a spacious multi-level vessel and included basics.

Think twice or at least set expectations if:

• You’re expecting top-tier snorkeling every single minute. Some people found snorkeling limited in visibility.
• You’re very focused on a shipwreck experience. Current stop logic centers on Borkko/Blue Lagoon time, and shipwreck access has changed across seasons.
• You’re the type who needs a guaranteed sunbed or zero smoke exposure. Getting there early helps a lot, but not every seat is identical.

Should you book: my straight answer

If your dream day is swimming, sun deck time, included lunch, and a simple island itinerary, I’d book this. The best version of the day is when you show up early, secure a good spot on deck, and treat snorkeling as a nice add-on rather than the whole mission.

If you care about snorkeling quality above all else, I’d verify what’s actually planned for your specific date and anchor area. Otherwise, this is one of those Split outings where the value is obvious: you’re paying for a full day with the important parts handled.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour from Split?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes, starting at 9:30am.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Max Nautica in Split (Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch and drinks are included, and snorkeling equipment is included. White wine is unlimited from lunch until the end of the tour.

Is there a choice for lunch if I’m not eating fish?

Yes. You can choose between fish, meat, and vegetarian options at check-in.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 154 travelers.

Do I need good weather for this tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any extra snacks during the day?

One stop includes fresh chilled watermelon served as you depart Maslinica toward Split.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear and sunscreen, since you’ll spend time swimming and sunbathing. Also bring essentials for being out on the water for the full day.