Split: Blue Lagoon & Šolta Tour with Lunch & Drinks

Blue waters, three stops, one long sea day. This is a well-paced day trip from Split that mixes swimming and snorkelling in Čiovo, the famous Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik, and free time in the Šolta village of Maslinica. I like that the schedule is simple and sea-focused, and that the crew, including host Nana, is part of what keeps the day feeling friendly and organized.

One thing to think about first is crowd comfort. Even with a stated max group size, the boat can feel busy, and the onboard food is not consistently rated across the board, so going in hungry with no backup is a gamble.

Key things to know before you go

• Čiovo beach time at Beach Bar Borkko for an easy first swim and a calm start to the day
• Krknjaši Blue Lagoon time for snorkelling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding (plus buoys)
• Onboard lunch and drinks served during the day, with water and grenadine included and white wine included after lunch
• Maslinica on Šolta for a relaxed stroll by the marina and time to swim in quieter water
• Crew energy matters here, with Nana often singled out for being warm and helpful
• Plan for tight seating if you care a lot about personal space on a big boat

From Split at 9:00, then straight to the water

This tour runs for about 8.5 hours, with check-in at 8:30 AM and a 9:00 AM departure. The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, and the day ends back where it starts, so you are not stuck figuring out transport late.

You will want to show up on time. Port rules can mean the boat leaves promptly, and once you are aboard, the day moves fast toward the first swim stop. Also note it is offered in English, you get a mobile ticket, and pets are not allowed.

If you have mobility needs, this one is not recommended. You are on and off a boat, and that tends to be where day trips get tricky.

Čiovo and Beach Bar Borkko: a calm first swim on a real bay

Your first stop is on the island of Čiovo, at the Beach Bar Borkko area in a bay that is built for hanging out by the sea. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is a perfect “wake up, swim, and reset” window.

What I like about this stop is how low pressure it feels. No race to see anything, just water time. You can swim, snorkel, take photos, and settle in with your own rhythm. If you want the day to feel more like a vacation and less like a sightseeing checklist, this early freedom is your best friend.

Possible drawback: this first stop can feel less “special” than the Blue Lagoon, so if you are coming only for the big water moment, you might wish this had more wow-factor. Still, it helps you get comfortable in the sea conditions before the main stop.

Krknjaši Blue Lagoon near Drvenik: the main event, plus activities and onboard time

The second stop is the one people talk about for a reason. You are headed to the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik, with about 1 hour 40 minutes of water time.

This is your chance to swim in clear turquoise water, snorkel, and also try stand-up paddleboarding if you feel like it. The day is set up for active water breaks, with buoys available and plenty of spots around the boat for jumping in from the deck. The tone here is more “play” than “stroll,” and that is exactly why it works.

A fun detail from people’s experience: you may get a moment to swim around a sunken ship feature in the lagoon area. It can add a unique edge to a stop that is already visually impressive.

What about food and drinks? This is also where lunch happens. You are on the water while you eat, and drinks are handled onboard. Included drinks are water, grenadine, and white wine. Wine is served only after lunch, so if you want a drink earlier, stick to what is included and save the rest for after.

Possible drawback: the Blue Lagoon stop can be busy because it is the highlight everyone shares. If you want slower moments, aim to get in the water earlier in your free time window, not right at the peak.

Maslinica on Šolta: stone houses, marina time, and quieter swimming

The final stop is Maslinica on Šolta, with about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is a big shift from lagoon swimming. Instead of focusing on the water like a playground, you get a more village-style pause.

You can stroll the marina, swim in the calmer nearby waters, and use the free time to wander the traditional stone houses area. Maslinica is a good “balance stop,” meaning your body gets a chance to cool down after a long first half day in the sun.

What I like here is the contrast. If your day trip has only one type of scenery, it starts to feel repetitive. Maslinica gives you a chance to breathe, take photos that do not all look like the same water shot, and end the day on something a bit more human-scale.

Possible drawback: if you are hoping for guided walking tours or deep history, the format is mostly free time. You will get the setting, and then you make the most of it at your own pace.

Food and drinks: what is included, and how to avoid a soggy surprise

Lunch and drinks are part of the day. The key is to manage expectations. The meal is onboard and has been described as simple, with burgers and fries showing up as what some people actually ate.

Some people love the convenience, others find the quality a letdown. I treat this as a “good enough so you do not starve” situation, not a culinary highlight. Bring your own snacks if you have strong preferences or if you get hungry during swim-heavy days. You will feel calmer and more in control once you are on the boat.

For drinks, this tour is clear about what is included. Expect water, grenadine, and white wine as the included options, with white wine served after lunch. Anything else is typically paid.

My practical advice: pack a few snack backups that travel well. Think salty, filling, and not messy. You are going to be in the sun, active in the water, and on a schedule that does not revolve around coffee breaks.

Boat comfort, crowd levels, and how to actually enjoy the day

This is a group day trip on a larger boat. There is a stated max of 125 travelers, and with that many people, you should expect some level of crowding. One review called it packed like sardines, and that kind of experience is exactly what I want you to be ready for.

If you care about space, try to board with a plan. Get inside the vibe early, pick the best spot you can find, and do not assume you will find a perfect seat once everyone piles in.

Also plan for noise. Depending on where you are on the boat, the atmosphere can shift from calmer zones to louder ones. If you are sensitive to engine noise or just want quiet time, position matters.

Mobility note matters here too. This is not the kind of tour I would pick if stairs and movement on a boat are hard for you.

Value check: is $78.19 worth it for your style of travel?

At $78.19 per person, you are paying for a full day of sea time with multiple stops, swimming and snorkelling opportunities, plus lunch and included drinks onboard. If your ideal day involves water, this price can feel reasonable fast because you are not just paying for a transfer. You are paying for time at three sea locations, with activities handled as part of the day.

Where value can shift is food quality and crowd comfort. If you land on a busy departure and you are sensitive to cramped seating, the “cost per comfort” drops. If you arrive prepared with snacks and you know you are here for the water, the value holds up much better.

This is also a good pick if you want to see more than one island setting without having to plan ferry times yourself. The stop combination works: Čiovo for easy sea time, Blue Lagoon for the headline swim, and Maslinica for a village-style finish.

Who this suits best:

• You want swim-first sightseeing, not museum time
• You like day trips where the boat schedule is the plan
• You are okay with a big-group pace
• You want included drinks and a meal, even if it is not fancy

Who might skip:

• You need lots of space or you get stressed in crowded boats
• You expect top-tier onboard food
• You have mobility challenges that make boarding and getting around hard

Should you book the Split: Blue Lagoon & Šolta tour?

I think you should book it if your priority is water time. The mix of Čiovo, the Krknjaši Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica gives you both the dramatic sea moment and a calmer village finish. The included activities like snorkelling and paddle time are also what makes this feel like more than just a ride.

I would not book it if you are very picky about onboard meals or if crowd comfort is a deal breaker. If either of those applies, consider a smaller-group alternative. If you do book anyway, go in smart: arrive early, keep an eye on where you sit, bring snacks, and treat lunch as fuel for the swim, not the main event.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point in Split?

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia.

What time should I check in?

Check-in is at 8:30 AM, with departure at 9:00 AM.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch and drinks are served onboard. Included drinks are water, grenadine, and white wine.

Is white wine included, and when is it served?

Yes, white wine is included, and it is served only after lunch.

What activities are available during the stops?

You can swim and snorkel, and you can also try stand-up paddleboarding. Buoys and time on the water are part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

It is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the amount is not refunded. Poor weather can also trigger rescheduling or a full refund.