Blue Lagoon and hidden gems of island Šolta

Solta turns a boat day into a mini island tour. This private trip mixes Blue Lagoon Beach swims with real breaks ashore on Solta, plus another chance to snorkel in a lesser-known spot.

I especially like the simple, well paced flow: you get a morning speedboat ride with island views, then you spend real time in the water, then you come up for coffee and a beachside lunch. One thing to consider is that the day depends on how things run that morning, so the onboard explanations and lunch logistics may feel light or inconsistent.

Key things I’d plan around

• Blue Lagoon Beach time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe without rushing
• Drvenik Island speedboat views early, when the water can look its best
• Maslenica village free time to slow down and grab a coffee
• Stomorska Bay lunch by the sea at a restaurant stop during the trip
• A second snorkeling stop at a hidden spot later in the day for another try
• Private group format with an English-speaking skipper and snorkeling gear included

From Dalmatia at 9:00 AM, with an English-speaking skipper

This is a full day on the water, built for people who want scenery and sea time without organizing anything themselves. You start at 9:00 AM at a prearranged meeting point, and you’re welcomed aboard by your English-speaking skipper.

Because it’s a private group, the day feels more like your schedule than a fixed bus tour. That also means the boat time can be the star, and the shore stops feel like purposeful breaks rather than long transfers.

You’ll be on a boat for much of the day, so you’ll want to dress and pack for sun and spray. Bring the basics the trip asks for, towel, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Drvenik Island to Blue Lagoon Beach, the water-focused start

The trip kicks off with a speedboat ride toward Drvenik Island, and that’s where you get the first taste of the day’s payoff: views of the surrounding islands from the water. Even if you mostly care about snorkeling, this early ride sets the tone, because you’re already seeing the coastline from an angle you don’t get from land.

Then comes the main event, Blue Lagoon Beach. This is where you’ll have time to swim, go snorkeling, or just relax by the shoreline. It’s the kind of stop that works for mixed groups too, because not everyone has to snorkel to enjoy the beach time.

Practical note: snorkeling gear is included, so you should be able to get in and start quickly. The boat also provides safety equipment and wind jackets, which matters if the breeze picks up or you get chilled after being in the water.

Maslenica on Šolta, a real village break for coffee and wandering

After the water time, you head to Maslenica village on the island of Šolta. This is a short ride away from the beach scene, and it gives the day a nice rhythm shift.

You’ll get free time to explore, check out what local life feels like, and grab a coffee. I like this stop because it’s not staged like a market stop. Even on a day trip, it adds texture, like you’ve actually visited a place rather than just anchored and left.

If your group includes non-swimmers, this is the kind of break that keeps everyone happy. The beach tour portion is fun, but the village moment is where you can just walk, watch, and reset.

Stomorska Bay lunch, where the stop matters more than the meal

Next up is Stomorska Bay for lunch. You’ll stop at one of the sea-view restaurants, and you’ll be able to sit down and eat traditional Dalmatian specialties.

This is one of the best parts to plan with your expectations. The lunch is included in the sense that you’ll have a dedicated restaurant stop, but food and drinks are not included in the tour price. So you’ll want to budget for your meal style and drinks separately.

I also think this lunch stop is valuable even when the meal quality varies, because it gives you a longer pause. You’re not just running between photo spots. You’re eating by the water and giving the group time to cool down.

The second snorkeling round at a lesser-known spot

After lunch, the day turns back toward the sea with Hidden spot snorkeling time. This is your second chance to get in the water, which I really like on a day like this.

Why it helps: snorkeling can be hit or miss depending on comfort and conditions. A second stop gives you a better shot at having an enjoyable session, whether you’re trying it for the first time or hoping to see more.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and safety equipment, so you’re not scrambling for gear. And because wind jackets are provided, you’re less likely to feel miserable right after you come back on board.

If you want to maximize your water time, keep an eye on your own energy levels. This part of the day is less about rushing to one perfect moment and more about enjoying the experience long enough to learn your rhythm.

What the private full-day boat trip includes, and how that shapes value

The stated price is $742 per group up to 7, for a 9-hour private boat day. That price can sound steep if you think in per-person terms, but the cost starts to make sense when you consider what’s actually covered.

Included items you can lean on:

• Private full-day boat trip
• Professional English-speaking skipper
• Bottled water on the boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Safety equipment
• Wind jackets
• Fuel

What’s not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks on the islands
• Personal expenses

So the value is strongest if you’re traveling as a group and you want the flexibility of a private charter with gear and skipper included. It’s also a good deal for families or friend groups that would otherwise pay multiple taxi rides, buy snorkeling gear, and still not get the same structured flow of beach plus villages.

One more small factor: you’re not dealing with extra planning for the boat itself. You meet at the assigned point, step aboard, and the day runs on the skipper’s schedule.

Timing and how to set expectations for a 9-hour day

The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with island hopping across the day. That’s enough time to feel like you did a lot, but it’s still a single day, so everything happens at a day-trip pace.

The sequence is clear: speedboat views toward Drvenik, then the beach at Blue Lagoon, village time at Maslenica, lunch at Stomorska Bay, then snorkeling at Hidden spot, and back to the meeting point by 6:00 PM.

What you should expect: the day is water heavy. Even with stops on land, you’re always moving toward the next section of the experience. If you hate boats, sun, or getting wet, this is probably not the right match.

Who should book, and who should skip this sea-and-beach plan

This tour works best for people who want a structured day outdoors and don’t want to piece together logistics. I’d especially like it if your group includes:

• People who want snorkeling with gear included
• Families who need beach time and simpler shore breaks
• Friends who enjoy a mix of sea scenery and short village moments
• Groups that can split the cost across up to seven people

It’s not a fit if any of these apply:

• Wheelchair users (not wheelchair accessible)
• People with serious back problems
• Pregnant women
• Babies under 1 year
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

Also, if you’re sensitive to wind or choppy moments on a small boat, ask yourself if you’re comfortable. Wind jackets are provided, but you’re still on the water.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon and Šolta islands trip?

Book it if your goal is a private boat day with built-in snorkeling stops and a classic Solta rhythm: beach first, village break, sea lunch, then one more swim session. The best value is when you have a group size close to seven, because that’s when the private charter price spreads out.

Think twice if you’re expecting a detailed guided lecture at every stop or if your group needs fully predictable meal arrangements. The tour includes a beachside lunch stop, but food and drinks are on you, and the time balance between water and shore will always stay water-first.

If you’re flexible, bring the requested sun gear, and go in for the water experience, this is the kind of day that can feel like more than a day trip. You’ll leave with beach time memories, plus at least two snorkeling tries without doing any of the organizing.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?

It starts at 9:00 AM and returns to the original starting point at 6:00 PM.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. It’s a prearranged meeting point.

How long is the trip?

The duration is 9 hours.

Is this a private group tour?

Yes. It’s a private group boat trip.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks on the islands are not included.

Is the skipper English-speaking?

Yes. The skipper is listed as English speaking.

What else is included besides the boat?

Bottled water on the boat, safety equipment, wind jackets, and fuel are included.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not recommended for wheelchair users, people with serious back problems, pregnant women, and babies under 1 year.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Children must be accompanied by an adult.