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

Three Adriatic stops, one long day on the water. This Split boat tour works well if you want swimming, island scenery, lunch, and a little village time without arranging several separate trips. I especially like the large, clean boat with three levels and the friendly crew, plus the fact that lunch and drinks are included rather than added one by one at sea.

The main trade-off is the size of the group, with up to 154 people, and seating can matter a lot. Arrive early if you want a sunbed or open-air seat. If you board late, you may spend much of the cruise in the lower cabin, which some passengers have found smoky and less pleasant.

Quick takeaways from the day

• Arrive early for the best seat: Sunbeds and open-air places can fill before departure, and assigned seating may not be changed later.
• Swim at Borkko Beach: The Čiovo stop gives you about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on a free sunbed.
• Eat beside the Blue Lagoon: Lunch includes fish, meat, or vegetarian food, with white wine served without a set limit after lunch.
• Maslinica adds village time: Šolta’s small harbor settlement is the calmest stop, with time for coffee, a beach break, and a walk.
• Snorkeling is a bonus, not the main event: Equipment is included, but the underwater scenery may be modest and a deposit may be requested.
• Expect a full day: The tour runs about 8 hours and 30 minutes, from a 9:30 a.m. departure in central Split.

A big boat with a relaxed holiday mood

The boat leaves from Max Nautica at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, along Split’s waterfront. That makes the meeting point fairly easy to reach if you are staying near the old town, though you should not cut it close. The boat departs at 9:30 a.m., and arriving early is one of the best practical tips for this trip.

This is not a small, quiet sailing excursion. It is a broad sightseeing boat with several decks, indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, a bar area, and a sun deck with loungers. One level is fully covered, another mixes indoor and outdoor space, and the top deck is open to the sun.

I like this setup for families and groups who want room to move around. The larger hull also tends to feel steadier than a small speedboat, which matters if you are unsure about a long day at sea. You can walk around, take in views of Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo, or find shade when the sun becomes too strong.

The catch is that the open-air spots are limited. Some departures assign seating when you board, and you may not be able to switch later. If a day on the water means lying in the sun for you, arrive well before departure and choose carefully.

The staff are a strong part of the day. The crew members named in one especially warm account included Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra, and the repeated praise for the crew’s good humor, helpfulness, and organization is easy to understand. The atmosphere leans social, with music on board and a mix of couples, families, solo passengers, and friends.

Leaving Split behind on the Adriatic

Once the boat pulls away, the city quickly becomes a backdrop. The first stretch is about the pleasure of being on the water: open views, island profiles, and a chance to settle into the rhythm of the cruise.

A welcome drink is served, and the guide provides live commentary about the islands and coast. The commentary is in English, so you get some context rather than simply being carried from one swimming place to the next.

Some departures also include light breakfast items and coffee early in the day. Coffee was singled out as a pleasant surprise, and the boat’s own food service is part of what makes this a better value than a bare-bones island transfer.

Still, remember that the main appeal is the full day outdoors, not a guided cultural tour. The commentary adds interest, but the stops are designed around swimming, views, food, and free time.

Borkko Beach on Čiovo: a useful first swim

The first scheduled stop is Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island, where the boat pauses for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can swim from the shore, snorkel in the water, or stay dry at Borkko beach bar.

Free sunbeds are available in front of the bar, which gives this stop an advantage over a swim stop where everyone must remain on the boat. You can take a break in the shade, order something extra if you wish, or simply sit by the beach while others get in the water.

The change to Borkko is worth knowing about. A shipwreck that was once part of the route was removed from the sea in late September by the authorities, and the operator substituted Borkko Beach. The route can therefore vary by season or conditions, and you should not assume that a shipwreck visit is guaranteed.

That change may disappoint anyone who booked mainly for wreck snorkeling, but Borkko makes sense during cooler weather. You can still swim if you want, while anyone who finds the October water too chilly can use the free loungers and beach bar.

The snorkeling itself needs realistic expectations. Gear is included, but one departure required a €10 cash deposit before equipment could be borrowed. Bring a little cash in case that condition applies on your day, and ask at check-in so you are not caught without it.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay: the centerpiece

The Blue Lagoon is the scenic heart of the outing. The water is clear, shallow in places, and inviting for a long swim. You can jump from the main deck, use the snorkel equipment, or relax on the sundeck while the boat remains in the bay.

Lunch is served during the Blue Lagoon portion. The choices are fish, meat, or vegetarian, and you provide your preference at check-in. The meal is described as traditional Mediterranean food, usually with bread and salad. Depending on the departure, fish may be served whole, so that is worth considering if you prefer an easy fillet.

The quality of the meal appears to vary by expectation. Some people found the grilled fish and salad tasty and better than expected. Others felt the portions were plain, with bread, cabbage salad, and a choice of grilled mackerel, chicken, or vegetarian food. I would call it practical boat-trip food rather than a special restaurant meal.

The drink arrangement adds real value. White wine is served with lunch and remains available without a set limit until the end of the tour. Water and lemonade are also available, while extra cocktails and beer cost more. A welcome drink comes earlier, so do not expect the wine service to begin immediately after boarding.

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about two hours, but the full time in the water depends on docking, lunch service, and instructions about when to return. In practice, your personal swimming time may be less than the full advertised stop. One useful tip is to keep your swim things accessible, since the boat may be moving between lunch, swimming, and departure preparations.

Snorkeling here can be enjoyable, especially if you like seeing small fish and exploring around the boat. But do not book this solely for underwater sights. The water is the star, while the marine life may consist of only a few fish in some areas. Several people had a much better day when they treated snorkeling as an optional extra rather than the central purpose.

Maslinica on Šolta: the day’s calmest stop

Maslinica offers a change of pace after the swimming stops. This small Dalmatian fishing hamlet has stone buildings, a compact waterfront, and a slower feel than Split.

You get about 1 hour and 15 minutes here. That is enough to walk around, have a freshly brewed coffee, browse the harbor, or take another quick swim. It is not enough for a long island exploration, so use the time with a simple plan.

I would make Maslinica your walking and coffee stop. The village is small enough to enjoy without chasing sights, and its value comes from giving you a glimpse of everyday island life between the more packaged beach stops.

Some people found the time slightly short, especially if they wanted both an ice cream and a swim. Also allow for the fact that the usable time may shrink when the boat docks or when you need to return before departure. Keep an eye on the meeting instructions instead of wandering too far from the waterfront.

As the boat heads back toward Split, the crew serves chilled watermelon. It is a simple touch, but a welcome one after a day of sun, salt water, and lunch.

Food, drinks, music, and the boat itself

The food is included, which helps make the $78.60 price easier to judge. A day with transport, island stops, lunch, snorkeling gear, a welcome drink, and unlimited white wine after lunch can cost more if you pay for each part separately.

The meal is not luxurious. If you want a polished dining experience, this is not the right reason to book. If you want a filling Mediterranean-style lunch without searching for a restaurant during a busy beach stop, it does the job.

The boat’s cleanliness earns frequent praise, especially the toilets. That matters on an 8-hour-30-minute outing. A few accounts also noted safety boxes where you can leave a wallet or phone while swimming, though you should still carry only what you need.

Music gives the trip a holiday feel. That can be fun for friends, families, and solo passengers who want an easygoing social day. It may be less appealing if you want silence, a small group, or a private guide focused on history.

Extra drinks such as cocktails and beer are not included. The included white wine, water, and lemonade cover the basics, but budget for purchases if you want something else.

What the $78.60 price really buys

At $78.60 per person, this is a mid-priced group boat day, not the cheapest way to reach the islands and not a private cruise. The strongest value comes from the number of elements packed into the fare:

• Boat transport from Split and return
• Three island and bay stops
• Lunch with a fish, meat, or vegetarian choice
• White wine after lunch
• Water and other included drink options
• Snorkeling equipment
• Beach sunbeds at Borkko Beach
• Live English commentary

The large boat is also part of the value. A smaller excursion may feel more personal, but it can offer less seating, fewer facilities, and a bumpier ride. Here you get space, toilets, indoor shelter, and several ways to spend the day.

The price is less attractive if you want long stretches of quiet swimming, a small group, or a high-end meal. It also loses some appeal if you arrive late and end up inside for most of the cruise. Your seat can shape your perception of the entire day, so early arrival is not a minor detail.

The tour has a maximum of 154 people. That is a substantial group, but the three-level layout helps prevent the boat from feeling completely cramped. You should still expect a shared excursion with set departure times and busy boarding rather than a personal charter.

Who should book this Split boat tour?

I would choose this trip for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a simple island day with plenty of structure. It is especially useful if you have only a few days in Split and want to see the coast without planning ferries, restaurants, beach stops, and equipment rentals yourself.

It also suits people who prefer a stable, spacious boat to a tiny speedboat. Parents may appreciate the indoor seating and the ability to move between decks. A first-time boat passenger can enjoy the social mood without needing sailing experience.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, cigarette smoke, loud music, or assigned seating. Check your expectations if snorkeling is your top priority, since the underwater life can be limited and the shipwreck may not be part of the route.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of people, so a low-season departure can be canceled, sometimes with short notice. The stated cancellation rule allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.

My practical plan for a better day

Arrive early, ideally well before the 9:30 a.m. start. This gives you a better chance at a top-deck sunbed or an open-air seat and avoids beginning the day in a rush.

Tell the crew your lunch preference at check-in. If you want to borrow snorkeling gear, ask about the deposit before boarding and bring cash just in case.

Pack swimwear, a hat, strong sunscreen, and a small dry bag or pouch for essentials. Keep sunscreen and water where you can reach them, since the sun deck offers little relief once the day gets bright.

Use Borkko for a proper swim and Borkko Beach for a rest. Save your village wandering for Maslinica, where the charm is in the harbor, stone buildings, coffee, and an unhurried hour.

Do not plan a tight appointment immediately after the scheduled return. The tour is planned to end back at the Max Nautica meeting point, but sea conditions and docking can affect timing.

FAQ

Where does the Blue Lagoon boat tour start and end?

The tour starts and finishes at Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split. Departure is at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

What food choices are available for lunch?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. A welcome drink is included, and white wine is available without a set limit from lunch until the end of the tour. Water and lemonade are also available. Extra cocktails and beer cost more.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. A deposit may be requested, and one departure required a €10 cash deposit.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a comfortable, organized island day at a reasonable all-in price. The crew, boat, swimming stops, included lunch, and white wine are its best features. You get a lot for $78.60, especially compared with arranging several separate activities from Split.

Skip it if your ideal Adriatic outing means a small boat, quiet coves, gourmet food, or guaranteed wreck snorkeling. For everyone else, arrive early, choose your seat wisely, pack for a full day in the sun, and treat the snorkeling as a pleasant extra. The result should be a sociable and scenic day that mixes swimming, island views, and a taste of Šolta without much planning on your part.