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

The best part of this day is the chance to see several sides of the Adriatic without arranging separate ferries or beach transfers. You get a large, comfortable boat, three island stops, swimming time, a Croatian lunch, and wide views toward Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo.

I like the easygoing plan and the amount included in the price. Lunch, snorkel equipment, water, and white wine keep extra costs down, while Maslinica gives you a welcome hour on land. The crew, including staff named Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra on some departures, is often warm and helpful.

The main thing to consider is seating. The best sunbeds and open-air places can go early, and assigned seats may not be changed later. If you want the top deck, arrive well before the 9:30 a.m. departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Three distinct stops: Swim at Borkko Beach, enjoy the Blue Lagoon, and explore Maslinica on Šolta.
• A big boat with several levels: You can choose among covered indoor seating, partly open areas, and a sun deck, but prime places are limited.
• Lunch and drinks are built in: Choose fish, meat, or vegetarian food, with water and white wine included.
• Snorkeling is available: Equipment is supplied, although a cash deposit has been requested on some departures.
• The shipwreck may not be part of the route: The operator said it was removed in late September and replaced by Borkko Beach.
• A full day on the water: The tour lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it a major part of your Split itinerary.

A full Adriatic day from Split

This is a practical choice if you want island scenery but do not want to manage ferry schedules, restaurant bookings, and beach transport on your own. You meet at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda in Split for a 9:30 a.m. departure, then spend most of the day moving between the coast and nearby islands.

The boat is designed for a fairly large group, with a maximum of 154 people. That matters. You get more room to walk around than on a small speedboat, along with toilets, covered seating, a bar area, and sunbeds. You also get a more social atmosphere, with families, couples, and solo visitors sharing the boat.

The tradeoff is that this is not a quiet private cruise. If you prefer a small group and a flexible route, a compact boat may suit you better. If you value comfort, stability, and a lower price per person, the larger vessel makes good sense.

The trip runs in English, with live commentary about the islands and coast. You can expect views of Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo as the boat moves between stops. The ride itself is part of the experience, so bring sunscreen and plan to spend plenty of time outside if the weather is good.

Arrive early for the upper deck

The most useful practical tip is simple: arrive early. The top level has lounge chairs, and the open-air seats near the bar are popular. Once the boat fills, you may be assigned to a lower or indoor section for much of the day.

The lower level is covered, which can be useful in strong sun or poor weather. But if you want a clear view while cruising, or you plan to dry off in the sun after swimming, the upper deck is much better.

Some people have found that assigned seating cannot be changed during the trip. That makes your arrival time more important than it might be on a normal ferry. Getting there 30 minutes early may not be enough if the sun deck is your priority. I would aim for at least an hour before departure.

Smoking is another point to consider. Smoking areas have been reported near some lower seating, and smoke can drift toward the cabin. If that would bother you, try to secure an outdoor place or ask staff about the seating arrangement before settling in.

The boat has received strong praise for its clean toilets, open space, smooth ride, and modern feel. It is not luxury yachting, but it can feel more polished than the smaller, tightly packed boats gathered around Split’s harbor.

Borkko Beach on Čiovo: an easy first swim

The first scheduled stop is Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island. You have about one and a half hours here for swimming and snorkeling from the shore. You can also relax at the beach bar and use the sunbeds without an admission charge.

This is a gentle way to start the day. You are not rushed straight into a swim from the boat, and the beach gives you a place to stretch your legs. If the water feels cool, you can stay on land, sit at the bar, or take in the view instead of forcing yourself into the sea.

Do not expect a major resort beach experience. The appeal is the combination of water access, free sunbeds, and a relaxed pause. The stop can be especially useful for families or anyone who prefers a beach entry to jumping from the boat.

The shipwreck requires a note of caution. Older descriptions and some past departures included snorkeling over a wreck, but the operator said the wreck was removed by the government in late September. Borkko Beach became the replacement for the stop, particularly during cooler October weather.

For that reason, do not book this excursion mainly to see a shipwreck. The route and conditions can change, and the current stated plan centers on Borkko Beach. Snorkeling remains available, but the underwater life may be modest. Some swimmers have seen only a few fish rather than a busy reef scene.

Snorkel gear is included in the tour description. On some departures, a €10 cash deposit has been requested before equipment is handed over. Bring a little cash if you want to avoid being caught without it, but confirm the current arrangement at check-in.

The Blue Lagoon: lunch, swimming, and white wine

The Blue Lagoon, also known as Krknjasi Bay, is the centerpiece of the outing. The boat stays for about two hours, giving you time to eat, swim, sit on deck, and use the snorkeling equipment.

Lunch is served during this stop. The available choices are fish, meat, or vegetarian, and you provide your preference at check-in. The meal has included bread and salad, with dishes such as grilled fish or chicken. Some departures have served lunch on the boat, while other accounts describe food being served at a simple restaurant near the lagoon, so the exact setup may vary.

The food is best viewed as straightforward boat-trip fare, not a restaurant meal. Plenty of people find it tasty and satisfying, while others have found the portions or preparation basic. The value comes from having lunch ready while you are out among the islands, not from expecting a gourmet menu.

Water is included, and white wine is served with lunch and continues afterward until the end of the tour. Lemonade has also been available on some departures. Additional cocktails and beer may cost extra, so the included drinks cover the basics but not every bar order.

The lagoon is attractive for swimming, with clear water and a shallow feel in places. You can jump from the main deck, use the sundeck, or swim near the boat. If you want to lie on a beach, that may take some effort depending on where the boat anchors. You might need to swim to shore, and your belongings will usually need to remain on board so they do not get wet.

Snorkeling here is pleasant but should not be oversold. You may see small fish and underwater detail, but this is not a major marine park. The strongest reasons to enjoy the stop are the clear water, warm sun, views, and freedom to choose your own pace.

The two hours sound generous, but docking and meal service can reduce the actual swim time. You may also need to return to the boat before departure. If your priority is nonstop swimming, a dedicated swim cruise may offer more water time.

Maslinica on Šolta: a break on land

Maslinica is a small fishing village on Šolta and gives the day a useful change of rhythm. After time on the boat and in the water, you get about one hour and 15 minutes to walk around, stop for coffee, visit the beach, or simply sit by the harbor.

This is the most local-feeling part of the route. Maslinica is known for its traditional Dalmatian character, waterfront setting, and relaxed pace. You do not need a formal tour here. A short walk through the village, a coffee, and a swim are enough to fill the stop.

The timing requires some planning. You will not have hours to explore the island, and you need to return to the boat before departure. After allowing for getting off and back on, your useful time ashore may feel closer to an hour.

That is still enough for a taste of Šolta. I would use the stop for a simple plan: walk first, then choose between coffee and a swim. If you spend too long deciding where to eat or shop, the visit can feel rushed.

As the boat leaves Maslinica, the crew serves chilled watermelon. It is a small touch, but a welcome one after a warm afternoon and several hours outside.

Food, service, and the feel on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Staff have been described as friendly, attentive, and willing to help with seating, swimming, meals, and equipment. The atmosphere can be lively, with music and conversation, but the spacious layout keeps it from feeling completely cramped.

The boat has several levels:

• A covered lower area for shade and shelter
• A middle level with indoor and outdoor seating
• A top sun deck with lounge chairs

That layout gives you options, but the options are not unlimited. The top deck can fill before departure, and some assigned seats may remain yours for the full day. Arrive early if this matters to you.

Some departures have included coffee and a light morning snack before the main stops. Because these items are not the central part of the published package, treat them as possible extras rather than the reason to book.

Safety boxes have been available on board, which is useful when you want to swim without carrying your phone and wallet. Toilets are also reported to be clean, an important detail on an 8-hour-30-minute outing.

The mood depends partly on the group. You may find a cheerful, social boat with music and easy conversation. If you want silence, privacy, or a private guide, this is not the right format.

Is $78.60 good value?

At $78.60 per person, this is a solid value if you use the included elements. The price covers the boat, commentary in English, several island stops, lunch, water, white wine, and snorkeling equipment. You would pay separately for transport, food, and drinks if you tried to arrange the same day yourself.

The biggest value is convenience. You leave from central Split, visit Čiovo and Šolta, swim at the Blue Lagoon, eat along the way, and return to the same meeting point. You do not need to find a ferry, rent a car, or organize several short transfers.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is quiet swimming or serious snorkeling. A large boat means more people, fixed timing, and less control over where you sit. You are paying for a full shared-day experience, not a private sailing trip.

For families, mixed-age groups, and anyone who wants a simple island day, the balance is good. It is also a useful option if some people in your group want to swim while others prefer shade, drinks, village walks, or sunbeds.

Timing, weather, and cancellations

The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the Split meeting point after roughly eight and a half hours. That makes it a full-day commitment. Do not pair it with an important afternoon booking or a tight transport connection.

The route depends on sea and weather conditions. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of people, so a departure can be canceled if that number is not reached. One late-season cancellation was made the evening before departure, with an alternative or refund offered.

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.

The tour is offered in English, confirmation arrives at booking, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable with a long day involving boat movement, swimming access, and walking around Maslinica.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want a broad taste of the Adriatic in one day. It works well for families, couples, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and groups with different ideas about how to spend a beach day.

You will probably enjoy it most if you:

• Want a large, stable boat instead of a small speedboat
• Like having lunch and drinks included
• Want both swimming and a short village visit
• Prefer a planned day over arranging island transport
• Can arrive early to claim a good seat
• Are happy with a social group setting

I would look elsewhere if you want a private or quiet cruise, a long visit on Šolta, high-end dining, or guaranteed wreck snorkeling. The underwater stops are pleasant, but they are not the main reason to book.

Final verdict: a good-value island day with one important caveat

This is a well-priced way to get out of Split and see the coast from several angles. The boat is spacious, the crew is often excellent, and the combination of Borkko Beach, Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica gives the day enough variety.

My main advice is to set your expectations correctly. Arrive early for the upper deck, bring sunscreen and some cash for the possible snorkel deposit, and do not count on seeing a shipwreck. If you want a social, all-day boat outing with lunch, wine, swimming, and attractive island scenery, I would book it.

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 8 hours and 30 minutes.

What food choices are available?

You can choose a fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch. You provide your preference at check-in.

Are drinks included?

Water is included, and local white wine is served from lunch until the end of the tour. Other drinks, such as cocktails or beer, may cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included in the tour description. A €10 cash deposit has been requested on some departures.

Will the tour visit a shipwreck?

You should not assume so. The operator said the shipwreck was removed in late September and that the route changed to Borkko Beach.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may result in a different date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.