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

A day on the Adriatic, minus the mainland stress. This Split boat trip is built around three key chunks of time for swimming, snorkeling, and island wandering on Čiovo and Šolta. I like that the pace stays vacation-friendly, plus the day includes lunch and drinks so you are not doing constant add-on math.

Two things I especially like are the included lunch with unlimited white wine during the Blue Lagoon stop, and the way you get to choose how you spend your water time. One note to keep in mind: if you want the top-deck sunbathing spots, you will need to arrive early, because those places can fill up fast and some seating is assigned for the day.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Max Nautica boat day, not a rushed bus tour: you get multiple swim stops plus real island time.
• Lunch and snorkeling gear are built in: less chance of surprise costs once you board.
• Top-deck comfort is first-come: sun loungers get taken quickly, so plan arrival time.
• Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo is your flexible swim stop: great if the sea feels chilly.
• Blue Lagoon time is the centerpiece: jump off the boat, swim, and use the included gear.
• Maslinica is for slowing down: a laid-back Dalmatian fishing hamlet with coffee and beach breaks.

Entering The Split Harbor Scene at Max Nautica

Your day starts at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda in Split. The start time is 9:30 am, and the trip runs about 8.5 hours total. That timing matters, because the first real “find your place on the boat” moment happens early, before you are out on the water.

The boat experience is part of the appeal here. Reviews consistently mention a spacious boat with clean facilities, and a crew that seems to know how to keep the day moving without feeling frantic. If you are traveling with kids or you just do not want to feel like you are part of a cattle line, this style of large-day-boat tends to work well.

One practical tip: sunscreen and swim gear should be ready to go at boarding. When the first stop hits, you will want to jump in quickly, not spend time fumbling around.

Price and Value: What $78.60 Actually Buys You

At about $78.60 per person, this is not a “budget snack cruise.” It is priced like a full day on the water with extras that matter. The biggest value points are lunch onboard and unlimited white wine tied to the Blue Lagoon meal, plus snorkeling equipment included as part of the experience.

What you should think about, value-wise, is this: most island-day trips from Split without meals become more expensive once you add lunch, drinks, and gear rentals. Here, the essentials are already covered, and you can spend your energy on scenery and swimming instead.

That said, not every stop hits the same way for everyone. Some reviews mention snorkeling visibility can vary at certain swim areas. So treat this as a day built for swimming time and sea views, with snorkeling as a bonus.

The Boat, Sun Deck Strategy, and Why Early Arrival Matters

This tour caps at 154 travelers, which is big enough to feel lively but still manageable. One reason people talk about this boat compared with smaller ones is comfort. Reviews mention a multi-level layout, with a lower covered section, a middle section with both indoor and outdoor space, and a top sun deck with lounge chairs.

Here is the reality you should plan for: if you want the best sunbathing spots, arrive early. Multiple comments point out that getting to the boat ahead of time is the difference between having comfortable outer-deck lounge access and being stuck where airflow and views are less ideal.

Also note the human side of big-boat days. Reviews say that once you get a seat assigned, it may not be easy to switch later. If you are sensitive to smoke, pay attention to where the smoking area is on your assigned section, because one review described cabin odors from nearby smoking.

Stop 1: Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo for Swimming With Free Sunbeds

Your first scheduled island stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the setup is simple and fun: you can swim and snorkel right off the beach in front of the bar, and you can relax on sunbeds that are offered as free.

Why this stop is a smart move: it is a built-in “warm up the day” swim segment that does not require you to rely on perfect snorkel conditions. If the water feels chilly, being able to ease in near shore still makes the stop worthwhile. Reviews also connect this stop with a seasonal change, where a shipwreck snorkel idea was replaced in some periods. In other words, if you’re traveling off-season, Borkko is likely the reliable swimming plan.

What to do with your 90 minutes: swim first, then take a slow break on the beach. If you are the type who hates rushing, this is the stop that tends to feel most like a real break.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay, Lunch and Sundeck Time

The Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay stop is the headline. You get about 2 hours there, and it is the part of the day built for maximum “this is why we came” water time. The boat anchors and you can jump in from the main deck or hang out on the sundeck.

Then comes the onboard meal. Lunch is served with traditional Mediterranean-style food, and this is where drinks matter: unlimited white wine is included with lunch, and the included wine runs until the end of the tour. A welcome drink happens earlier too, so you are not just eating on a dry timeline.

Snorkeling gear is also included here. One important expectation-setting point: snorkeling success depends on conditions. Some reviews say there was not much to see, while others say they had a cool swim experience. So I would treat the included gear as “use it if you can see something,” rather than a guarantee of spectacular underwater sights.

A smart sun strategy for this stop: if you want to lounge on the top deck, go early. During a busy anchoring stop, the best spots are taken quickly, and people who waited often ended up stuck in less pleasant seating.

Stop 3: Maslinica on Šolta for Coffee, Beach Time, and a Real Village Break

After the big water highlight, you shift gears in Maslinica on Šolta. You have about 1 hour 15 minutes. Maslinica is described as a classic Dalmatian fishing hamlet, and the goal here is not shopping or big attractions. It is the slow, local-feeling break.

What you can realistically do in that time: wander around the village architecture, grab a coffee, and if the water is calling, you can swim near the beach. The stop is long enough to feel like you stepped onto an island, but short enough that you still end up with an energetic return to Split.

On the way back toward Split, chilled watermelon is served by the crew. It is a small thing, but that kind of snack is exactly what makes boat days feel like a proper outing rather than just transport.

Views on the Way Back to Split, Plus Time at Diocletian’s Palace

Boat days from Split usually win on scenery, and this one is no exception. You get views along the way that include Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo, depending on where you are positioned on the boat. If you like taking a “slow photo break” every so often, this route gives you plenty of chances.

Back in Split, you have time to explore Diocletian’s Palace on your own. The palace area is one of the best ways to make sure your day does not end feeling like you only did coastline and water.

If you plan to do this, I suggest keeping your phone battery charged. A boat day means lots of time outdoors, and the last thing you want is to lose your maps right when you hit the streets.

Food, Wine, and the Real-World Lunch Reality

The included lunch gets mixed feedback, but the overall story leans positive: many reviews call it good, and some mention the food exceeded expectations. You should expect a straightforward meal rather than a fancy plating session.

The common pattern described is lunch served during the Blue Lagoon stop, plus the included white wine. Some comments mention extra morning snacks and coffee, which fits the idea that the day is designed to keep energy steady from start to finish.

Here is the practical way to handle food expectations: you are paying for a full day at sea with meals and drinks included, so you should not look for fine-dining quality. Instead, focus on the experience of eating while anchored at one of the area’s famous swim spots.

Dietary preferences are supported. You can choose fish, meat, or vegetarian options when you check in.

The Crew and the Vibe: Why People Mention Names

On large boat tours, the crew can make or break your mood. This one gets a lot of praise for friendly, helpful staff and a smooth, organized flow from boarding to last return.

A few review write-ups go the extra mile by naming crew members, including Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra, credited with making the day feel welcoming and special. That kind of consistency matters because it usually means clear guidance when the day shifts between swimming and island stops.

Also worth noting: many comments mention good music onboard and a general upbeat atmosphere. If you like a day that feels like a shared outing, not a silent school field trip, this style tends to deliver.

Weather, Seat Comfort, and Other Things You Can’t Control

Weather plays a real role in Adriatic boat days. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions are unsafe, you should expect changes or a refund path. If you are booking close to a weather window, keep flexibility in your schedule.

Seat comfort is another factor you can control partly. Reviews point out that sunbeds on the top deck and outer areas can be claimed quickly, and some people end up less comfortable if they arrive late. Some also mention that they could not swap seats easily once assigned.

If you are traveling with mobility considerations, the tour notes that most travelers can participate, and it is near public transportation. Still, big boats mean you will be moving around levels and stepping between deck areas.

My advice: pack for movement, not convenience. Shoes you can trust on boat surfaces, plus something quick-drying for after swims.

What to Bring for a Smooth Day on the Water

Based on what is repeatedly reinforced by the experience design, pack like this:

• Swimwear, towel, and quick-dry clothing, because you will likely rinse and repeat.
• Sunscreen and a hat, since the sun deck can mean long direct sun exposure.
• Snorkeling-ready items, since gear is included but you want to be ready to use it fast.
• Water protection for your phone, since you will be changing spots and boarding times can be tight.

One more practical note: one review mentioned a cash deposit connected to snorkeling gear at their time, even though the experience description says snorkeling equipment is included. I would not panic, but bringing a little cash as a backup is a low-effort move.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Might Be Disappointed

This tour is a great fit if you want a classic Split-to-islands boat day: swim stops, lunch onboard, and time on Šolta without needing to rent a car or plan connections.

It is also a strong family option. Reviews include family trips with kids, plus the general vibe that the schedule is not overly complicated.

You might be less happy if you want one thing only. For example, if your main goal is guaranteed world-class snorkeling, you may find results vary by swim spot and conditions. If you care about being on the top deck for the entire day, plan to arrive early and prioritize sun access.

And if you are very particular about seating location or smoke sensitivity, know that big-boat logistics can limit switching.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach & Šolta Trip From Split?

I would book it if you want the best mix of value and a full day at sea. The combination of included lunch, unlimited white wine with lunch, and snorkel equipment makes it feel fair for the price. Add in the multiple swim opportunities, plus the Maslinica break that gives your day a more “real island” feel, and it becomes a solid, well-rounded day trip.

Skip or consider carefully if your priority is a peaceful, uncrowded boat. This is a large-group tour by design. Also, if your definition of success is spectacular snorkeling every time, keep expectations flexible.

If you are choosing between options, I’d lean toward this one when you want an easy, organized day, and you are happy to spend time in the water, on deck, and on an island village walk, then finish back in Split with a chance to visit Diocletian’s Palace.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Split?

You meet at Max Nautica, Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 9:30 am. The duration is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes.

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

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. There is a welcome drink at the start, and lunch at the Blue Lagoon is accompanied by unlimited white wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel equipment is included in the experience. One review also mentioned a possible cash deposit for snorkeling, so it can be wise to bring a little cash as a backup.

What stops are included during the day?

The main stops are Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, and Maslinica on Šolta, followed by return time back in Split.

Is the tour offered in English, and how big is the group?

The tour is offered in English. The maximum group size is 154 travelers.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or low minimum travelers?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers is not met, you are offered an alternative or a full refund.