Sun, swims, and islands in one boat day.

This Blue Lagoon and Šolta cruise is a classic Adriatic mix: open-water swimming, a proper village stop, and onboard time built around food, drinks, and the kind of sea views that make Split feel far away. You start with a welcome drink, get lunch on board, then spend the day hopping between Čiovo, Šolta, and the famous Blue Lagoon area.

I especially love the included lunch with unlimited white wine during the Blue Lagoon stop. I also like that snorkel equipment is included, so you can grab it and head straight into the water without guessing what costs extra. You will get a lot of boat time too, so go in with the mindset of a relaxed day, not a tightly packed excursion.

A possible drawback: the most comfortable spots on the boat, especially the open-air sun deck, can go quickly, and some swimming areas are more about a refreshing dip than big snorkeling reveals. If you want a quiet, uncrowded experience, you may find a larger group day less your style.

Key Things That Make This Day Cruise Worth It

• Lunch and wine are built in: Mediterranean lunch plus unlimited white wine during the Blue Lagoon anchoring time.
• Snorkel gear comes with the tour: You can swim and snorkel without lining up for rentals.
• You get two different water moments: A swim off Borkko Beach on Čiovo, then the Blue Lagoon area for more deck jumping and sea time.
• Maslinica gives you real Dalmatian texture: A short village stop with architecture, coffee options, and a beach break on Šolta.
• A big-boat setup with multiple levels: Plenty of room to move around, plus sun loungers for the early birds.
• Crew energy matters on a long day: Many guests focus on friendly, helpful service and a smooth, organized flow.

Getting Out of Split: The Max Nautica Morning Rhythm

Your day starts at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda in Split, with a 9:30 am departure. Plan to arrive early so you can settle in before the crowd presses forward. On a boat day like this, your comfort at the start sets the tone for everything that follows.

Before you even reach the fun parts, you’ll get a welcome drink and live commentary about the islands you’re sailing past. That running narrative helps you connect what you’re seeing with where it is, especially if you’re visiting Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo for the first time.

Most of the day runs at a steady pace, about 8.5 hours total. That timing is long enough to feel like a vacation day, not just a quick island hop.

Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo: Swim Time Without the Pressure

The first stop is Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo, with about 1 hour 30 minutes to swim and snorkel from the water off the beach. This is one of the smartest parts of the tour if you want to get in the sea early without complicated logistics. You can also relax on free sunbeds right there, while the beach bar stays available if you want an extra drink.

One detail worth knowing: this itinerary can shift depending on conditions at sea. There’s been at least one change connected to a shipwreck site being handled by authorities, and the tour response has been to pivot people to Borkko Beach so you still get a comfortable swimming window even if underwater plans change.

If you’re traveling outside midsummer, you may also want to mentally prepare for cooler water. A few guests noted chilly conditions, and that makes the “warm up on the deck” strategy more important. Bring swim layers or be ready for quick, happy jumps rather than long floating marathons.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: Lunch, Unlimited Wine, and Deck Jumping

Next comes the headline stop, the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area, with about 2 hours on the water. This is where the day shifts from island views to full-on water time. You can jump in from the main deck or enjoy the sundeck, with drinks flowing as the day warms up.

This stop is also where the included value really shows. You’re served a traditional Mediterranean lunch onboard, and it comes with unlimited white wine from lunch until the end of the tour window. If you’re tempted to buy lunch separately on a day trip, this is the part that changes the math. Even if you’re not a big wine person, having lunch covered is still a big win.

Snorkeling gear is included here, and you can use it right away. That said, set your expectations as “fun underwater peek,” not “guaranteed museum-grade fish viewing.” Some people report limited snorkeling visibility, so treat snorkeling as a bonus to swimming rather than the sole reason to book.

Also, the timing can feel sensitive if docking takes a little extra time. A few guests found they had less than the full stop feeling because you need to be back on schedule for departure. You’ll be happiest if you plan a quick routine, get in water early, then come back for lunch before you start guessing how much time remains.

Maslinica on Šolta: A Tiny Dalmatian Break From the Water

After the Blue Lagoon, you head to Maslinica on Šolta for about 1 hour 15 minutes. This is a classic Dalmatian fishing hamlet, and the point here is less about big attractions and more about atmosphere. You get time to wander around the village architecture, pick up a fresh coffee, and enjoy a beach moment if you want it.

This stop is short by design, so use it efficiently. I like treating Maslinica like a “walk, view, coffee, swim if you can” stop. You don’t need to race to see everything. You just want to feel the island pace before you get pulled back onto the boat.

On the way back toward Split, the crew serves fresh chilled watermelon. That’s a small moment, but it’s exactly the kind of practical snack that makes a long day feel smoother at the end.

Boat Comfort and Sun Deck Strategy: How to Get the Best Seats

This tour runs on a larger boat style with multiple levels, so you’re not trapped in one zone all day. Many guests praise the layout as spacious enough to move around, with clean facilities and an easy ride. That matters because a long trip where you feel crowded can turn “relaxing” into “stuck.”

One practical strategy: arrive early to claim the best sun deck position. People who got on first often describe getting lounge chairs up top, and those spots can be the difference between a comfortable day and a day of constantly negotiating where to sit.

Also, keep an eye on where you’re positioned relative to smoking areas. Some guests reported cabin and seating issues due to smoke smell, especially when they ended up inside on less desirable seats. You can’t always control seating, but you can increase your odds by arriving early, choosing open-air options when available, and staying flexible.

There’s another small comfort detail I appreciate in days like this: the boat includes a way to keep valuables secure while you’re swimming. Guests mentioned storage for wallets and phones, which reduces that stressful moment of figuring out what stays with you in the water.

Food, Drinks, and the Real Value of Being Included

At $78.60 per person, this cruise is priced for what you’re actually getting, not just the boat ride. You get lunch included, snorkel equipment included, and unlimited white wine tied to the lunch and Blue Lagoon time. You also get a welcome drink at the start and watermelon later.

Food quality varies by day and by what you choose, but most comments land in the “good, better than expected” category. You can select fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch in advance, which is a real convenience if you’re traveling with mixed diets.

I also like that water and basic drink options are part of the onboard setup, and some guests called out coffee as particularly good. Even if you don’t drink wine, covered lunch reduces the spending pressure that hits island day trips.

One balanced note: not everyone rates lunch as a standout. A few guests felt it was average or not what they hoped, and there were complaints about limited seating shade around lunch. That doesn’t mean the food is bad, it means you should show up ready to eat quickly, then prioritize the sea time.

Snorkeling Expectations: What to Plan For and What to Forget

With snorkel gear included, you won’t spend your morning figuring out rentals. That’s a big deal on a short itinerary. But it helps to go in with the right mindset.

Treat the day’s water highlights as three layers:

1. Swim time off the beach at Borkko on Čiovo
2. Swimming and deck time at Blue Lagoon
3. Optional snorkeling where it makes sense and where conditions allow

Some guests wished snorkeling spots had more to see. That means the most reliable plan is swimming for the experience and using snorkeling when you get a good view.

A cautious tip: a few people reported a cash deposit for snorkeling gear even when snorkeling is advertised as included. I can’t guarantee it happens on your departure, but it costs nothing to bring a small amount of cash so you’re not stuck if they ask for it.

Finally, if underwater plans change due to conditions around any shipwreck area, your tour can adjust. The goal stays the same, give you safe swimming and a good day at sea rather than leaving people disappointed.

Timing, Crowds, and the Weather Factor

This is a large-group style tour with a stated maximum of 154 travelers. That size is not a deal breaker, but it does affect comfort if you’re hoping for quiet or if you’re picky about where you sit.

The best way to beat the crowd issue is to be early. It shows up most around sun deck seating and around boarding. If you miss that first window, you may find yourself in less ideal spots indoors or shaded areas that don’t feel as pleasant.

Weather matters here because the experience requires good conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important for planning your Split schedule, so don’t book this as the only island day if your trip is tight.

Also, plan for wind and sun. Bring sunscreen and reapply. A few guests stressed reapplying often, and it makes sense, you’re on open water with strong Adriatic sun.

Price and Value at $78.60: Why It Often Feels Like a Bargain

This cruise includes several items that can quickly add up if you book them separately:

• Lunch onboard
• Snorkel equipment
• Unlimited white wine during the Blue Lagoon stop
• Sunbeds at the Borkko beach stop
• Watermelon snack later in the day

When you price out a typical day in the islands, boat transport alone can be the expensive part. Then you add lunch, drinks, and gear rentals. The included setup is what helps this tour often feel like “best value” compared to smaller boat options.

That said, don’t book it hoping for a private experience or nonstop snorkeling. If you want long, dedicated snorkeling with high marine life odds, this might feel too “balanced” and not specialized enough. But if you want a fun mix of swimming, views, village time, and covered meals, the value makes sense.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great fit for:

• Families who want a straightforward day that doesn’t require constant planning
• Couples and friends who want sea time and good food without extra costs
• Solo travelers who like meeting people on a boat day, then splitting into small groups at stops
• Anyone who wants the islands from Split without paying for multiple separate tours

It may not be your best choice if:

• You want a super quiet, uncrowded boat ride
• You care mainly about high-end snorkeling and underwater treasures
• You are very sensitive to seating location, shade, or smoke proximity

Should You Book Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach, and Šolta From Split?

I’d book this when you want an easy win: adriatic swimming, Blue Lagoon time, and Maslinica village wandering, all tied together with lunch and snorkel gear included. The unlimited white wine during lunch is a true perk for those who enjoy it, and even if you don’t, covered lunch still makes the day simpler and more affordable.

If you’re deciding between options, pick this one when you like the idea of a bigger boat day with time to relax between stops. If you’re the type who can’t stop thinking about snorkeling results, aim to keep your expectations flexible and treat swimming as the core plan.

In short: for a classic island day that balances sea fun, food value, and a real village break, this itinerary is hard to beat.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am from the meeting point in Split.

How long is the cruise?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What’s included with the tour?

Lunch, drinks, and snorkel equipment are included. A welcome drink is also part of the day, and chilled watermelon is served while traveling back toward Split.

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

Yes, lunch is included. You can choose fish, meat, or vegetarian options by providing your preference at check-in.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkel equipment is included with the tour.

How much time do you spend at each stop?

You have about 1 hour 30 minutes at Beach Bar Borkko, 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon area, and 1 hour 15 minutes in Maslinica.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited white wine is included with lunch during the Blue Lagoon stop, and it continues until the end of the tour.

Is there a limit on how many people go?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 154 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad or the minimum number is not met?

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 a different date or experience or a full refund.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.