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

A big-water break from Split. This cruise gives you easy island time plus lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear without the usual extra charges, and the boat trip alone feels like a vacation. The main catch is simple: the top deck is first-come, and snorkeling can be better for swimming than for spotting lots of fish.

You’ll start with a welcome drink and commentary as you head out past the islands, then settle into the rhythm of the day. Expect big Adriatic views, real time in the water, and a laid-back schedule that lets you choose between relaxing or jumping in. One more thing to know, the shipwreck stop has not always been on the plan, so your experience may focus more on beaches like Borkko than on wreck snorkels.

Key Things That Make This Cruise Worth Your Time

• Blue Lagoon time (2 hours) with the chance to jump from the boat and use included snorkeling gear
• Onboard lunch plus unlimited white wine after lunch until the end of the tour
• Borkko beach bar stop on Čiovo with about 1.5 hours to swim and snorkel off the beach
• Šolta village break in Maslinica for coffee, a walk, and beach downtime
• A comfortable, multi-level boat with room to move, clean toilets, and sun decks for people who arrive early

Your Sea Day Starts in Split, Then Opens Up

This tour runs from Split at 9:30 am and gets you out on the water at a pace that feels like a day off, not a checklist. The meeting point is Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda. You’ll get confirmation at booking, and you board with a mobile ticket.

Once you’re underway, the trip becomes about views and options. You get a welcome drink right away, then the guide shares live commentary as you travel along the coast and across the islands you can see from the boat. Even if you do nothing but sit, you still benefit. The Adriatic islands create a constant backdrop, and you get those classic Croatia angles from the water that are hard to recreate from shore.

Stop 1: Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo for Swimming and Easy Sun Time

Your first big break is at Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island. You’ll have about 1.5 hours, which is a sweet length of time for people who want water time without feeling rushed.

Here’s how to use this stop well:

• Go for a swim early if the water feels chilly to you. It often does, even when the sun is strong.
• Use the beach area as your base. Sunbeds are free, so you’re not stuck paying for shade just to recover from the boat ride.
• If you snorkel, do it with realistic expectations. Some stops are better for floating and swimming than for seeing wildlife.

One important note: the tour’s messaging sometimes includes a shipwreck snorkel idea. But schedules have changed when a wreck was removed, and this sailing route has leaned toward Borkko as the reliable relaxation-and-water option. In other words, this stop is built for a good time even if the underwater highlight changes.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay, Lunch With Unlimited White Wine

Next comes the headliner: Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay. You get around 2 hours there, and it’s structured for maximum water time.

Lunch and drinks happen during this segment, and this is where the value gets obvious. You’re served a traditional Mediterranean lunch onboard, and you’ll have unlimited white wine with the meal. After lunch, the wine continues until the end of the tour. That’s not a small detail. It turns the day from a “buy your way through” day into an actually set, predictable experience.

Also, snorkeling gear is included here. You can explore underwater life, and you can also simply enjoy the water the easy way:

• Jump from the boat’s deck if you want to rinse off the travel day fast.
• Hang out on the sundeck if you prefer warm-up time over gear time.
• If you’re not confident in the water, the calm, sheltered feel of a lagoon stop is typically easier than open-sea swims.

A balanced reality check from experience and feedback: some snorkel spots are better for swimming than for big underwater sightings. If your goal is heavy marine-life watching, you might not feel totally satisfied. But if your goal is clean water, an attractive swim setting, and a relaxed day with gear in your hand, this stop usually lands well.

Stop 3: Maslinica on Šolta for Coffee, Walking, and Beach Downtime

After the lagoon, the tour slows down in the best way. You reach Maslinica on the island of Šolta, with about 1 hour 15 minutes to enjoy the village.

Maslinica is the classic Dalmatian fishing-hamlet style: small streets, simple architecture, and a vibe that feels like locals actually use the place. You’ll get time to:

• Walk around and enjoy the village character
• Grab a freshly brewed coffee
• Chill near the beach and cool down after swimming

If you like photos, this is the moment for them. It’s also a nice reset if the water time has made you hungry and sleepy at the same time.

As the boat departs Maslinica toward Split, the crew serves fresh chilled watermelon. It’s a small touch, but it fits the day perfectly. You’ll probably want it, because you’ve earned that late-afternoon feeling already.

The Boat Itself: Space, Sun Decks, and a Crew That Sets the Tone

This isn’t a tiny excursion boat. It’s a larger sailing day, and the operator can take up to 154 travelers. That matters because it affects your comfort and your options onboard.

From what you can expect in practice:

• The boat has multiple levels, including a sun deck with lounge chairs.
• Seating and sunbed access can be a race. People who arrive early tend to secure better spots, including the ones on top.
• The ride is generally smooth enough that you can walk around and reposition without turning the day into a stomach test.

The crew is a major part of why the trip works. Multiple people highlight friendliness, help with logistics, and a welcoming tone from boarding to finish. Onboard conveniences also matter. Some feedback praises clean toilets and the presence of storage or safety boxes for items while swimming, which is exactly the kind of detail that saves you stress when you actually want to enjoy the water.

One small caution: if you end up inside where windows can’t be opened, the day can feel less pleasant than it should. If you want fresh air and flexibility, prioritize being one of the earlier arrivals so you can choose the better deck locations.

Food and Drinks: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $78.60 per person for a trip that runs about 8.5 hours. For many Split island tours, the problem is not the scenery. The problem is the extra charges, add-ons, and “surprise” costs once you’re already on the boat.

Here, lunch and snorkel equipment are included, and drinks are built into the experience in a clear way:

• A welcome drink at the start
• Lunch onboard during the Blue Lagoon stop
• Unlimited white wine from lunch until the end of the tour
• Water is included, and some drinks are available beyond the included wine depending on preference

You also get dietary choice for lunch. The tour notes that fish, meat, and vegetarian options are available, and you select your preference during check-in. If you have a specific diet, do the selection carefully. It’s not a last-minute “maybe” situation.

Now for the balanced side: onboard lunches are rarely gourmet cooking shows. Some feedback praises lunch as tasty and satisfying, while other feedback calls it basic. Either way, you’re getting a proper meal plus alcohol, and that combination is what makes the overall value work for a lot of people.

Snorkeling Gear: Included, But Plan Like It Might Be Cash-Helpful

Snorkeling gear is included in the plan. That’s great for packing light, and it means you don’t need to scramble for rentals on the day.

That said, one review notes a cash deposit (they mention €10) may be required for snorkeling equipment. That doesn’t mean it’s always the case, but it does mean you should be ready with some small cash just in case. If you show up with only card payments in a country that still works on cash sometimes, you can end up losing time when you’re ready to swim.

Also keep your expectations practical. Snorkeling here is a bonus to a beach-and-swim day. The best use of your time is to treat the water as the main attraction and the underwater viewing as an extra reward.

Timing, Group Size, and Getting the Best Sun Deck Spot

This kind of cruise is all about timing. Even when the schedule feels generous, the sunbeds and best deck areas get claimed fast.

My practical advice:

• Arrive early at Max Nautica so you can choose where you sit and where you access the decks.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. People mention sunscreen reapplication because sun off the water can hit harder than you expect.
• Pack swimwear you don’t mind getting sandy or wet, plus something quick-drying for after.

If you care about deck comfort, think of it like this: the boat is both transportation and a lounge. The day is long enough that your seat choice matters. Don’t leave it to chance.

What You Can Do in Split at the End

After the island stops, you head back to Split. The overview notes you may have the chance to explore Diocletian’s Palace, which is the historic core of the city.

Your real experience here depends on the exact end timing and what the crew builds into the return. But the fact that you finish back near the center is useful. You’re not stuck finding a late shuttle or planning a second travel step just to get back to your dinner plans.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A full sea day with swimming and scenic boat time
• A predictable value bundle, with lunch plus drinks included
• Island variety without needing to drive or plan transfers
• A comfortable boat with space to move around

It may not be your best choice if:

• Your main goal is detailed snorkeling and big underwater sightings. Some stops are better for enjoying water than for underwater wildlife.
• You hate being inside for long stretches. Arrive early and aim for deck seating.
• You’re easily bothered by smoke exposure. Some feedback mentions smoking areas near certain seating, which can matter if you end up downstairs or near the cabin area.

Is It Good Value at $78.60?

For $78.60, you get a lot of what costs extra on other tours: a long outing, multiple island stops, onboard lunch, and included snorkeling gear. Plus, drinks are structured in a way that actually changes the vibe of the day.

This is value math you can feel:

• If you were to pay for boat transport, a meal, and snorkeling rentals separately in the Split area, the bundle price starts to make sense fast.
• The wine is not just a token. It’s included in a clear time window and continues until the end of the tour.

The only way it feels like poor value is if you show up expecting a shipwreck snorkel highlight or expecting beach seating to be effortless for everyone. It won’t be. If you show up early, set expectations for swimming over underwater biology, and use the stops for what they are, it’s a solid buy.

Should You Book This Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an 8.5-hour island day from Split that mixes Blue Lagoon water time, Šolta village atmosphere, and onboard comfort with included food and drinks. It’s especially good for first-timers who want an easy way to see the islands without building a custom route.

I’d skip it or choose a different format if snorkeling wildlife is your top priority, or if you know you’ll be unhappy if you end up with limited deck access. This tour rewards early arrival, and it’s built for people who are happy to spend a lot of time on the boat.

If your ideal day is sun, swims, simple village walking, and no surprise costs, this is the kind of cruise that usually delivers.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Split?

It starts at 9:30 am from Max Nautica in Split.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included, and can I choose a meal type?

Yes. Lunch is included, and fish, meat, and vegetarian options are available. You select your preference at check-in.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get a welcome drink, and unlimited white wine is included from lunch until the end of the tour. Water is also included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included. One review notes a cash deposit may be requested for snorkeling equipment.

Where do the stops take place?

You stop at Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo, then Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, and finally Maslinica on Šolta. After that, you return to Split.

Who is this tour for, and how big is the group?

Most travelers can participate, service animals are allowed, and the tour has a maximum of 154 travelers.