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

The best part of this eight-and-a-half-hour Adriatic boat day is the variety. You get open-water views, two swimming stops, a quiet island village, lunch on board, and time to stretch your legs in Maslinica. It is an easy way to see more of the coast without arranging ferries or several separate excursions.

I like the large, comfortable boat and the clear value of lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, and unlimited local white wine after lunch. I also like the generous stop lengths: 90 minutes at Borkko Beach, two hours at the Blue Lagoon, and 75 minutes in Maslinica.

The main thing to consider is seating. Outdoor sunbeds and open-air places can go quickly, and your assigned seat may remain yours all day. Arrive early if sunshine and fresh air matter to you, and be aware that smoking near some indoor seating has bothered people.

Key points to know before booking

• Three-level boat: You can choose among covered lower seating, mixed indoor and outdoor areas, and a top sun deck with lounge chairs, but arrive early for the best choices.
• Two long swimming stops: Borkko Beach and the Blue Lagoon provide plenty of time for a swim, with snorkeling equipment included.
• Maslinica adds island life: The 75-minute stop lets you walk through a small Dalmatian fishing village, get coffee, or swim.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: Fish, meat, and vegetarian meals are available, with water and unlimited white wine served as specified during the tour.
• Shipwreck plans can change: Some departures have included a shipwreck swim, while the operator has changed that stop to Borkko Beach at times, especially later in the season.
• Good family value: The boat has space to move around, clean toilets, safety boxes, and a format that works for couples, families, and solo visitors.

Leaving Split for a full day on the Adriatic

The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. from Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, close to Split’s waterfront. You return to the same meeting point at the end of the day, which makes this simple to fit around a stay in the old town or a cruise schedule.

Once on board, you receive a welcome drink and live commentary about the islands. The route gives you views toward Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo, so the boat ride itself becomes part of the outing rather than just transportation between stops.

The boat, called Tamaris in several descriptions, is one of the strongest features. It has three levels: a fully covered lower deck, a middle level with both indoor and outdoor seating, and an upper sun deck with lounge chairs. The size gives you room to walk about, find shade, and move away from the water when the sun becomes too strong.

That comfort comes with a tradeoff. A boat carrying up to 154 people is not an intimate sailing trip. If you want a quiet, small-group outing with everyone close to the guide, choose a smaller boat instead. If you prefer stable cruising, toilets, seating choices, and more room than a compact speedboat, the large vessel makes sense.

Borkko Beach on Čiovo, 90 minutes to swim

The first listed stop is Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island. The boat pauses for about an hour and a half, giving you time to swim and use the snorkeling equipment near the beach. You can also sit at the beach bar or use the sunbeds free of charge.

This stop works well as a relaxed start. You are not asked to rush straight into a packed schedule, and the beach setting gives non-swimmers something to do. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sit in the shade or at the bar area and watch the water.

The water may feel cool outside the warmest summer period. That matters because this stop is primarily about swimming, not sightseeing. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a light layer for the boat ride afterward.

There is some uncertainty around the shipwreck. Certain departures have offered a swim to a wreck, and some people have found that a memorable part of the day. The operator has also explained that the wreck was removed in late September and that Borkko Beach became the replacement, particularly for cooler October conditions. If seeing a wreck is important to you, ask about the current route before booking rather than treating it as guaranteed.

Snorkeling is included in the tour description, but one account notes a €10 cash deposit for equipment. That conflicts with the simple wording of free equipment, so take a little cash or confirm the deposit at check-in. Also keep expectations sensible: the swimming areas are praised for clear water, but they are not described as major snorkeling sites. You may see small fish, yet the underwater scenery may be modest.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay, two hours in clear water

The Blue Lagoon stop is the centerpiece. The boat stays for around two hours in Krknjaši Bay, where you eat lunch and have time to swim from the vessel. You can jump from the main deck, sit on the sundeck, or take the included mask and snorkel into the water.

The setting is the reason to come. The water is clear, the bay is open and scenic, and the views across the surrounding islands are excellent. It is a good place to split your time: swim first, eat when lunch is served, then return to the water or relax above deck.

Lunch is prepared on board, according to the main tour details. You choose fish, meat, or vegetarian food when checking in. Specific meals described during the day include grilled fish or mackerel, chicken, bread, and cabbage salad. Some people found the food surprisingly good, while others considered it basic. That is the fair expectation: this is practical boat lunch, not a restaurant meal.

The drink arrangement is useful. Water is included, and unlimited white wine is served from lunch until the end of the tour. Non-drinkers and families can choose water or lemonade where available. Extra cocktails and beer may be available for purchase, but they are not part of the included price.

Timing at this stop can feel shorter than the printed two hours. Docking, meal service, and the instruction to return to the boat before departure reduce the time you spend actually swimming. You still have a substantial stop, but do not assume every minute will be free in the water.

The boat may anchor rather than place you directly beside a sandy beach. That means you should keep valuables in a safe place on board while swimming. Safety boxes have been available on the boat, which is a thoughtful touch for phones and wallets.

Maslinica on Šolta, 75 minutes of village time

Maslinica gives the day a welcome change of pace. This small fishing hamlet on Šolta has stone buildings, a waterfront, and a slower rhythm than Split. After two water stops, you can walk, order coffee, take a short swim, or sit by the shore.

Seventy-five minutes is enough for a quick look and a drink, but not a full island visit. You will want to keep an eye on the departure time, especially if you stop for food or walk away from the waterfront. Some people feel the visit is rushed once docking and boarding time are counted.

Still, Maslinica is valuable because it keeps the tour from becoming an all-day swim stop. You get a glimpse of ordinary island life, a few lanes to explore, and a chance to dry off before the ride back. As the boat leaves Šolta, the crew serves chilled watermelon, a simple but welcome snack after time in the sun.

Food, wine, and the onboard setup

The included food is a major reason the $78.60 price can work well. A ferry ticket may get you to an island, but it will not normally cover a full day of boat access, two swimming stops, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. You also avoid the need to find a restaurant during a busy summer day.

Still, price and quality are different questions. Portions and presentation appear to be straightforward, and the meal can include bread, salad, and a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food. Some people praised the grilled fish and salad, while others wanted a better lunch or expected it to be served at a beach bar.

The boat itself has clean toilets and enough room to walk around. Breakfast or morning snacks and coffee have also been provided on some departures, though the core details emphasize the welcome drink, lunch, drinks, and watermelon. Music plays on board, adding a social holiday mood rather than a quiet cruising atmosphere.

This is a good setup for people who enjoy meeting others. Solo visitors can chat with fellow passengers, and families have room to spread out. If you dislike loud music, large groups, or limited control over your seat, the atmosphere may feel less relaxing.

Seating, shade, smoking, and the early-arrival rule

Seating is the practical issue most likely to affect your day. Outdoor sunbeds and the open-air seats near the bar are popular, and they can be taken before departure. Some people have arrived 30 minutes early and still ended up indoors.

The safest advice is to arrive well before the 9:30 a.m. departure. An hour early gives you a better chance of choosing a sunbed or an outdoor seat. Once places are assigned, switching may not be allowed, so do not assume you can move upstairs later.

The lower cabin offers shelter from sun and wind, but the windows may not open. Smoking near certain outdoor areas and beside the front cabin has caused discomfort for some people. If you are sensitive to smoke, ask staff about seating before you settle in, and try to choose a location away from the smoking area.

Pack sunscreen and reapply it often. The top deck can feel wonderfully open, but several hours on bright water can catch you off guard. A hat, swimsuit, towel, dry clothes, and a small waterproof pouch are sensible additions.

Who will get the most from this boat day

I would choose this tour if you want a well-organized island sampler rather than an independent island-hopping day. You see water, a beach, and a village in one trip, with food and drinks handled for you.

It suits families because the boat is spacious, the route is easy to follow, and swimming is optional at every stop. It can also work well for a parent traveling with children or older relatives who would find a small speedboat cramped.

Solo visitors can enjoy the social atmosphere, and the stable boat may feel more comfortable than a fast open vessel. Couples who want private, peaceful time should know that this is a shared group outing with music and up to 154 people.

I would not pick it mainly for snorkeling. The water is attractive, and you may see fish, but the supplied details do not support expecting a major underwater site. I would also avoid it if your main goal is a long, quiet beach day with a guaranteed sunbed.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The tour lasts about eight hours and 30 minutes, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and returning to the Split meeting point. Bad weather can cause a different date or a full refund, and the operator requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation is possible if that number is not met.

One departure was canceled the evening before because the minimum number was not reached. The operator offered a replacement or full refund. That is reasonable protection, but the late timing can leave you with few alternatives during a short visit, so keep a backup plan if this boat day is central to your holiday.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted under the stated policy.

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

Book it if you want strong value, a large stable boat, several island views, two swimming stops, and lunch without having to plan each detail yourself. The crew, including Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra on one well-regarded departure, has been praised for being friendly and helpful, and the overall rating of 4.7 from 2,504 ratings supports the tour’s broad appeal.

Arrive early, ask about your seat, carry sunscreen and a little cash for the possible snorkeling deposit, and confirm whether the shipwreck is part of your date. With those expectations, the tour offers a full and enjoyable day on the Adriatic for the price.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

What time does the tour depart?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

What food choices are available?

You can choose a fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch preference at check-in. Meals described include grilled fish or mackerel, chicken, bread, and salad.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink is included. Water is included, and local white wine is unlimited from lunch until the end of the tour. Lemonade may also be available.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour details. One departure required a €10 cash deposit, so confirm the current arrangement at check-in.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather prevents the tour from operating, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A different date, experience, or full refund may also be offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.