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

A boat day from Split is interesting for one main reason, you get Adriatic scenery without doing any driving. On this Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach, and Šolta trip, what I like most is the included lunch paired with unlimited white wine after lunch, plus the fact that snorkeling gear is provided so you can get into the water fast.

You also get real people running the show. I’ve seen crew names like Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra called out for being friendly and helpful, and that matters when you’re on a large boat and trying to find the best spot quickly. The only drawback to plan for is that this is a bigger group day, so sun deck seating can fill up early, and if you board late you may end up spending more time inside.

Key things to know before you go

• Lunch plus unlimited white wine after lunch means you can eat and drink without surprise add-ons
• Snorkeling gear included, but if you care a lot about snorkeling, keep an eye out for any occasional deposit request at the dock
• Three levels on the boat gives you options, covered lower deck, mixed indoor outdoor middle, and an open sun deck
• Stops are built for swimming and time on islands, not nonstop sightseeing
• Weather matters, and rough conditions can lead to schedule or stop changes

From Split’s Max Nautica: show up early, choose your level

This tour starts from Max Nautica in Split, at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, with departure at 9:30 am. If you want the best day, your first job is simple: get there early. This boat can carry a lot of people, with a stated maximum of 154 travelers, so the best viewing and sunning spots are first-come, first-served.

The boat is laid out in a way that makes sense for a day of swimming. You can move between three main zones. The lower deck is fully covered. The middle level has a mix of indoor and outdoor space, so you can cool off if the sun gets too strong. The top level is the real prize, an open sun deck with lounge chairs where the sea views are front and center.

Practical tip: if you’re traveling with kids, it’s easier when you can keep an eye on everyone from a shared spot. If you’re traveling solo, the sun deck is the best place to mingle without feeling trapped at a table.

Onboard food, welcome drinks, and the rhythm of the day

What makes this day trip feel like good value is that it’s not just transport and a couple of quick photo stops. You start with a welcome drink, then you get a proper onboard Mediterranean lunch when you’re in the Blue Lagoon area. Wine is part of the flow. After lunch, local white wine is included and unlimited until the end of the tour.

In real life, that changes the vibe. You’re not constantly hunting down drinks, and you can focus on the big reason you came here, the water and the islands. People also note extra touches like coffee and small snacks during the ride, so the boat day feels more complete than a basic ferry excursion.

Another detail worth knowing is comfort. The boat is described as clean and spacious, with very clean toilets called out more than once. And for swimming time, there are safety boxes to lock up wallets and phones while you’re in the sea. That’s a small thing, but it saves stress when the water is calling and you don’t want to babysit your bag.

Stop 1 at Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo: a relaxed swim break

Your first stop is Borkko beach bar on Čiovo. You get about 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is enough time to do the usual Adriatic routine. Dip your feet in, then decide if you want to swim deeper or just float and cool off.

A smart feature here is that the stop is set up for beach lounging. Sunbathing is possible directly off the beach area, and the sunbeds are free of charge. You’re not expected to treat it like a museum stop. This is your chance to reset before the bigger swim time.

One practical note: some seating areas at the beach bar may not be the free version of “hangout where you want.” If you’re hoping to sit inside the beach bar itself, budget for a drink if needed. But you still have the core value, time in the water and free sunbeds.

If you’re picky about snorkeling spots, temper expectations. A few people felt the snorkeling at one of the swim stops did not deliver the colorful show they hoped for. Still, even when underwater visibility is mixed, the coastal swim and the easy access make this a good first warmup.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: where you go big on swimming and snorkeling

This is the main event: Blue Lagoon, also tied to Krknjasi Bay. The boat stays here for about 2 hours. That’s a solid block of time, and it’s long enough to do more than one water session.

Lunch is part of this stop. While the boat is anchored, you’re served a traditional Mediterranean lunch, and that’s the point when the wine flow kicks in. Because lunch is timed to the Blue Lagoon stay, you’re not stuck eating early and then waiting hours before you can relax. You can eat, grab a drink, and then head back into the water.

After lunch, the water becomes your schedule. You can jump from the main deck or hang around on the sundeck. Snorkeling gear is included, so you can try to spot local marine life without needing to rent equipment on the spot.

Here’s what I’d watch for if you care about snorkeling: in at least one case, people reported being asked for a cash deposit for snorkeling, even though snorkeling is listed as included. I can’t say that happens every time, but it’s worth being ready. Bring a bit of cash if you want the smoothest experience.

Also, water temperature can matter. In October, more than one person noted the sea can be chilly. Croatia’s coastline is gorgeous, but “breezy swim” can turn into “quick in, quick out” if you’re sensitive to cold water. If you want maximum comfort, bring a towel and plan to warm up after each swim session.

Maslinica on Šolta: slow village time and the coffee moment

After the Blue Lagoon, you shift from water mode to island mode with Maslinica on Šolta. This stop is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a classic Dalmatian fishing hamlet, which basically means small streets, simple architecture, and a laid-back pace compared with Split.

What you can do with that time is straightforward:

• walk around the village architecture,
• grab a fresh coffee,
• and enjoy the beach area if you want another swim or just a wipe-off and rest.

This stop is valuable because it gives your brain a break from the open sea. You get a sense of what life looks like away from the cruise-day crowds.

One more nice touch shows up on the return trip. As the boat leaves Maslinica for Split, the crew serves fresh chilled watermelon. It’s a small snack, but it fits the day well, especially if you’ve already been in and out of the water.

The Split bonus: Diocletian’s Palace time (and why it matters)

When you return to Split, there’s a chance to explore Diocletian’s Palace. Even if you only have a slice of time, it helps connect the day’s scenery to the reason people base themselves here in the first place.

This is more than a box-check. After a full day of swimming, a compact culture stop is a good way to land back on shore without turning the evening into another long tour. If you like wandering, Diocletian’s Palace is perfect for that.

Practical tip: if you want to use this bonus time, plan your sunset snack and be ready to move when you dock. Boat days run on their schedule, not yours.

Why this price can be a good deal for a day like this

At $78.60 per person, you’re paying for a full day at sea plus included food and drinks. That matters, because in many island trips from Split, lunch and drinks become the surprise costs. Here, the big items are already built in:

• lunch is included
• unlimited white wine is included after lunch
• and you’re given snorkeling equipment

When you add those together, you’re not just renting time on a boat. You’re buying a controlled day: fewer decisions, fewer add-ons, and more actual water time.

You’re also getting a larger boat experience. Some people like it because it feels more comfortable and spacious. Others prefer smaller boats for less crowding, but if you’re cost-conscious, a larger ship often gives you more value.

The tradeoff is simple: crowd management. The boat can feel social, and the best deck spots are limited. So the price is good if you’re flexible about where you sit. It’s less perfect if you need privacy and quiet.

Is the snorkeling worth it, realistically?

Snorkeling is included, so it’s reasonable to try it. But I’d frame it this way: this trip is mainly about swimming and sea access, with snorkeling as a bonus activity.

Some people felt snorkeling at certain stops wasn’t impressive, with limited visibility or few standout sightings. Others had better luck and described it as fun and active. Water conditions, anchoring point, and how long you spend can all change what you see.

So if snorkeling is your top priority, go into this with a practical mindset. Put on the mask, try for a few minutes, and see what the conditions are like. If you get lucky, great. If not, you still have the big win, the Adriatic swimming itself.

Weather, timing, and the one thing you can’t control

This tour depends on weather. On rough days, operators may adjust the route or reduce time at stops. Even without changes to itinerary, timing can shift due to docking and departure logistics. A few people noted shortened time at an island area, and also that shipwreck plans can change depending on seasonal circumstances.

One example that came up clearly is the shipwreck expectation. At times, people expected a shipwreck snorkeling stop, but there are situations where the wreck was removed by authorities and the plan changes to a beach stop like Borkko instead. That’s the kind of reality check you want to remember: the Adriatic has good days and challenging days, and the sea can force last-minute edits.

Who should book this Blue Lagoon, Borkko, and Šolta day?

This is a strong match if you want:

• a relaxing boat day from Split,
• time to swim at multiple stops,
• and a deal that includes lunch, wine, and snorkeling gear.

It’s also a good family option in general because the day is structured and the boat has plenty of space to move around. If you’re traveling with mixed ages and you want something that doesn’t require advance planning at every stop, this works.

You might want a different option if:

• you’re very sensitive to cold water in shoulder season,
• you want guaranteed top deck seating for the whole day,
• or you’re booking purely for underwater spectacle.

Should you book this tour?

For most people, I’d say yes, especially if you’re aiming for the classic “Split to the islands” day with minimal extra spending. The best part is that the core costs are handled: lunch and drinks are included, snorkeling gear is part of the package, and you get enough time at each stop to actually enjoy water and village life.

Book it if you’re flexible on seating, you’re happy to spend time on the boat with a group, and you want an easy way to see Čiovo, Blue Lagoon, and Šolta in one shot. Skip it or switch to something smaller if you need quiet, or if snorkeling is your single deciding factor and you want a route designed only around underwater viewing.

FAQ

What time does this tour start?

It starts at 9:30 am and returns to the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where is the meeting point in Split?

The meeting point is Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split, Croatia.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it is served during the Blue Lagoon stop.

Are drinks included?

You get a welcome drink, and unlimited white wine is included with lunch and continues until the end of the tour.

How much time do you get in Maslinica (Šolta)?

You get about 1 hour and 15 minutes in Maslinica.

What if the tour has to be canceled due to weather or minimum numbers?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled for weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of travelers, and if that minimum isn’t met, you’ll get an alternative date/experience or a full refund.