Split: Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach & Šolta with Food & Drinks

Three island stops, one smooth day.

This Split cruise uses the motor yacht Tamaris for swimming breaks, a standout Blue Lagoon swim, and a calm island village look at Maslinica.

I really like two things here: the included Mediterranean lunch with grilled fish or chicken plus a vegan option (and gluten-free available), and the onboard comfort that makes salt-water swims pleasant, with modern toilets, showers, and safety deposit boxes for your phone and wallet.

One thing to plan around: the extra drinks are not included, and the bar runs as a cash-only setup, plus snorkeling has a 10€ deposit.

Key highlights you should care about

• Blue Lagoon time built for swimming, with snorkeling gear available right when you arrive
• Mediterranean lunch that fits more diets, including vegan and gluten-free options
• Yacht Tamaris comfort, 3 decks, Wi-Fi, multiple toilets, and showers to rinse off
• Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo, a relaxed stop to swim and snorkel without a rushed vibe
• Maslinica on Šolta gives you a real fishing-village feel, with time for a local coffee and castle views

How this Split cruise actually plays out (8 hours, 3 islands)

This is a classic “sea day” format, but with enough structure that you are not standing around wondering what to do next. You leave Split on a 27-meter motor yacht and spend most of the day moving between the best swim spots and two quieter, more local island moments.

The pacing is simple. Start with a short sightseeing cruise to set you up for the day. Then you get your first swim stop at Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island. The big payoff arrives after that, when you reach the Blue Lagoon for lunch and longer free time in the water. The final island stop is Maslinica on Šolta, where you trade snorkeling for an easy village stroll, coffee, and a beach bar option before cruising back.

Why that matters for you: a lot of Split boat tours do “quick stops” that feel like checklists. Here, the time in the water is the point, and the schedule is built around that.

Meeting Max Nautica and the Stand 8 trick on Riva Promenade

The meeting point is on Split Riva Promenade, at a small white stand labeled with a picture of the boat. You are looking for stand number 8, right by the sea in the middle of the promenade, near Diocletian Palace and bars such as Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

Practical tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early. Departures are strict because the port schedule is tight, and boarding is easiest before the last-minute rush.

Also, if you want the best spots on board, this is one of those tours where early arrival helps. There are different seating areas across the decks, and the “top deck” views are popular.

Yacht Tamaris comfort: Wi-Fi, showers, and space that feels grown-up

On the water, comfort is not a luxury. It is what keeps the day relaxing when you are hot, sandy, and ready to rinse.

Yacht Tamaris is laid out for that: 3 decks, including two air-conditioned salons, a spacious open main deck with a bar, and a sundeck where you can spread out. Reviews repeatedly call out the boat as clean and modern, and I like that because it shows up in the practical stuff you will use all day: showers after swimming, and toilets that are not an afterthought.

You also get Wi-Fi on board, which can be handy if you want to share photos right away or keep navigation apps working while you are moving between islands. There are also safety deposit boxes on board, which is a big deal for beach days when you do not want to leave your valuables out.

Čiovo Island at Borkko Beach Bar: swim first, lounge after

Your first stop is Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island. This is your warm-up swim: you arrive, you hop in, you use the included snorkeling gear if you want, and you spend about an hour alternating between beach time and water time.

What makes Borkko a good early stop is that it is not just about swimming. You also get a beach-bar vibe, so if you want to relax with a drink and a view, you can do that without forcing yourself into a full-on itinerary-tour mindset.

Snorkeling practicalities: the gear is included, and swim vests are provided. If you are a confident swimmer, you may not use the vest, but it is nice to have as an option.

Also, beaches in this area can be rocky. If you have sensitive feet, consider bringing water shoes. Some visitors specifically recommend scuba shoes because it helps when you are stepping down into the water and walking along pebbly areas.

The Blue Lagoon stop: lunch, wine, and the best swimming time

The Blue Lagoon is the reason most people book this tour. The bay is famous for its bright water and clear visibility, and the day is structured so you get to actually enjoy it, not just pass by it.

You get a longer stop here, and the experience is built around a simple loop:

1) Swim and snorkel with the included gear

2) Eat a proper Mediterranean lunch

3) Stay for more water time and just soak up the views

The included lunch is the value anchor

This is not a sad snack-lunch. Lunch includes grilled fish and chicken, plus a vegan option. A gluten-free option is also available if you need it.

You also get unlimited local wine with lunch, plus water and lemonade. After lunch, wine remains available. That is part of why the price can work out well versus other tours where you pay extra for food and drinks.

Dessert is fresh fruit, and on the cruise back you may also be served chilled watermelon by the crew, which is a nice way to end the day.

Drinks: included basics, then a cash bar

Included means you are covered for water and lemonade all day, and wine is included with lunch and after. What is not included is extra stuff like beer, cocktails, and soda.

If you want to upgrade your drink, plan for the fact that the bar is a cash-only setup. One review lists extra drink pricing such as beer around 5€, coke around 4€, and cocktails around 8€. Bring cash if you want extras, because you do not want to lose time at the bar.

Šolta Island and Maslinica: village time, castle views, and a calm beach option

After the Blue Lagoon, the tour slows down in a good way at Maslinica on Šolta. This is a small fisherman village, and you get about 1.5 hours for sightseeing and swimming.

Why this stop is worth it: it is the contrast to the bright-water spectacle. You trade the neon-blue water for easy strolling, casual coffee breaks, and a chance to see how people live around the islands.

What to do in Maslinica with your time

You can:

• Explore the village at an easy pace
• Look for viewpoints around Marchi Castle and its park
• Get a freshly brewed coffee at a local café
• Swim at the beach, or relax at the beach bar Punta if you want to stay in “vacation mode”

If you like quiet travel moments, this is the part that tends to feel the most authentic.

Safety note about optional stops

Some tours around Split mention extra photo stops, like a shipwreck area. In this tour format, safety matters, and there is a note that they do not go to the shipwreck anymore because it is considered too dangerous. So if you are hoping for a shipwreck stop photo, manage expectations.

The crew and vibe: organized, friendly, and not a party-boat mess

A big part of why this tour gets such strong feedback is the crew. I like the way the operation sounds from the inside: clear guidance, a friendly approach, and a schedule that stays on track.

Names you may hear:

• Josip, the captain, who keeps things running smoothly
• Valentina, often mentioned for taking great care of people
• Stella, who checks in regularly, especially helpful for families
• Marin, connected with cocktail service

The vibe is relaxed. It is not described as a party boat where everyone is shouting. Instead, you get music on board, plus a day where the swimming and sights stay in the foreground.

One small detail that matters: boarding and seating feel organized. Some visitors mention that seating is allocated and remains the same throughout the day, which helps the tour feel orderly even when it is busy.

Snorkeling, water shoes, and that 10€ deposit

Snorkeling is included, but there are two practical rules:

• You get snorkeling gear and swim vests included
• You need to plan for a 10€ safety deposit for the snorkeling equipment

The deposit is returned after you use the gear. Still, it is money tied up temporarily, so it is smart to bring cash or be ready with the right payment.

Also, bring a towel and consider water shoes. Rocky entries and sea urchins are a real possibility around rocky stretches, and water shoes reduce the risk of ending your swim day with sore feet.

If you do not snorkel, the day still works. The boat provides time for straight swimming and for simply relaxing on the sundeck between stops.

Food and drink: what is included, what to budget for

Here is the straightforward value picture.

Included:

• Coffee and a croissant at departure
• Traditional Mediterranean lunch in the Blue Lagoon (fish, chicken, vegan option, gluten-free available)
• Unlimited local wine with lunch and after lunch
• Water and lemonade all day
• Fresh fruit dessert
• Wi-Fi, showers, toilets, and safety deposit boxes
• Snorkeling gear and swim vests

Not included:

• Extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola

Value angle: because lunch and at least basic drinks are included, you are not hit with a mid-day cost spike. That makes the tour easier to justify, especially if you are comparing to other boat trips where food is extra and drink packages are pricey.

Who this tour fits best (and who should consider alternatives)

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A one-day island escape from Split
• Clear swim time at Blue Lagoon
• A real lunch experience, not just chips
• Comfortable boat facilities like showers and modern toilets
• A more relaxed atmosphere, with music and fun, but not chaos

It also seems to work for families. One review specifically notes that families with a baby can find a calmer, air-conditioned area, which is the kind of practical comfort that makes day trips less stressful.

Who might not love it:

• If you only want a fully customizable, no-schedule, all-day beach day, the structured stops may feel limiting.
• If cash logistics annoy you, remember the bar and snorkeling deposit use cash handling.

Price and value check for $76 per person

At about $76 per person for an 8-hour day, you are paying for three things:

1) Boat time plus modern facilities (showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, safety boxes)

2) Two island experiences plus a headline swimming stop

3) Food and drinks that are actually substantial

If you price out a lunch, drinks, and boat day separately, the included meal and wine reduce the guesswork. The main “cost shock” to watch for is extras from the bar, since those are not included.

My quick decision guide: should you book this Split Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want a clean, comfortable day on the water with real swimming time, an included lunch with multiple options, and stops that feel both scenic and local.

Skip or compare if you:

• Hate cash-only bar setups
• Want lots of paid upgrades beyond wine and lemonade
• Are chasing a totally off-the-beaten-path itinerary with long hikes or major cultural stops

If your goal is a smooth, well-run boat day in Split with the Blue Lagoon as the centerpiece, this one is a very solid choice. Just show up early, bring a towel and sunscreen, and have a bit of cash ready for the extras and the snorkeling deposit.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What time stops and swim time are included?

You have a sightseeing cruise, then Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo for about 1 hour, the Blue Lagoon for about 2 hours, and Maslinica on Šolta for about 1.5 hours, with cruising time between stops.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get coffee and a croissant at departure. Lunch is included in the Blue Lagoon with grilled fish, chicken, and a vegan option, plus fresh fruit dessert. Wine is included with lunch and after lunch, along with water and lemonade.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swim vests are included. You need to provide a 10€ safety deposit for the snorkeling equipment, which is returned after use.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are not included.

How do I find the meeting point in Split?

Meet at stand number 8 on Split Riva Promenade. It is a small white stand with a picture of the boat, located next to the sea, in the middle of Riva, across from Diocletian Palace near bars such as Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

What should I bring for the day at sea?

Bring a sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.