Adriatic water and wine—on one big boat. I love how this trip flips the switch from Split’s mainland energy to slow island time, with live English commentary as you cruise past Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo. I also like that lunch and snorkeling gear are built in, so you can spend your day actually swimming instead of hunting for add-ons.

One thing to watch: this is a larger boat day, so getting the best sun spots means showing up early. If you roll in late, you can end up stuck below—or in the wrong side of the smoking area—depending on how seating shakes out.

Key highlights worth circling

• Included lunch + unlimited white wine with the Blue Lagoon stop
• Snorkeling gear included (and you can plan for a few spot-change realities)
• Borkko Beach Bar swim time on Čiovo with free sunbeds
• Maslinica on Šolta for a relaxed village break and coffee time
• A big-boat layout with space to move, plus a sun deck for tanning

Meeting at Max Nautica: what your 9:30 start really means

Your day begins at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda in Split, with a 9:30 am start. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so it’s a straightforward “go out and come home” plan.

Arrive early. This kind of boat trip sells out because it’s the efficient way to reach the islands from Split without doing DIY ferries and connections. One review even hinted that arriving close to departure can mean worse seating and more crowding for the best deck spots.

You’ll board a sizable boat designed for long hours at sea. Expect multiple levels, with at least one open-air sun deck where lounge chairs matter if you want shade-free tanning.

Čiovo’s Borkko Beach Bar stop: swim, snorkel, and stretch your legs

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, with about 1.5 hours to swim and snorkel off the beach. This is not a “jump out for 10 minutes and back on” moment. It’s long enough to rinse off, reapply sunscreen, and actually settle into water time.

You can relax in the beach bar area and catch sun rays on free sunbeds in front of the bar. That matters because it gives you a calmer alternative if you’re not chasing deep snorkel views every second.

A practical note: if you’re hoping for one specific underwater highlight, don’t assume it’s guaranteed. In late season, a shipwreck snorkeling plan can get swapped around, and routes may change to something like Borkko instead.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: lunch, wine, and the main swimming window

This is the stop that usually drives the decision. At Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, you get about 2 hours there, plus traditional Mediterranean lunch on board. The lunch includes unlimited white wine, and the flow continues beyond lunch through the rest of the tour.

After lunch, this is when you can really make the most of the water. You can jump from the main deck, hang out on the sundeck with drinks, and use your included snorkeling gear to check out marine life.

I like that the plan doesn’t treat snorkeling like a ticket to a lecture. You’re given the gear and time to try it your way, whether that means a careful swim near the surface or just dipping in for cooling down.

Snorkeling expectations: bring the right mindset

Some people love snorkeling here. Others say the snorkeling was not mind-blowing, with limited visibility or few interesting sights. The safe way to plan is: treat snorkeling as a bonus to swimming, not the only purpose of the trip.

Also consider this: even when snorkeling gear is said to be included, a deposit can still pop up depending on how equipment is handled. One passenger reported a €10 deposit tied to snorkeling equipment. If you want zero friction, bring a little cash in case they ask for it.

And if you expected a shipwreck stop, know that it can be season-dependent. One response shared that a shipwreck was removed from the sea in late September, so itineraries were adjusted afterward.

Šolta’s Maslinica village break: coffee, architecture, and a slower pace

On Šolta, the tour stops in Maslinica, a classic Dalmatian fishing village. You get about 1 hour 15 minutes, which is just the right amount of time to walk around, find shade, and still get back to the boat without feeling rushed.

This is the change of rhythm you need after swimming. I like that Maslinica isn’t just a photo stop. You can take in the village’s architecture, grab fresh coffee, and unwind along the beach if you want one last dip before heading back toward Split.

As you depart Maslinica for Split, the crew serves chilled watermelon. It’s a small detail, but it fits the day: salty sea air, sun on skin, then something cool and simple to reset your body.

The boat ride: space, sun deck strategy, and why timing matters

Boat comfort can make or break a day like this. In reviews, the boat is described as clean, spacious, and modern, with toilets that are reportedly very well kept. Many people also noted the boat has three levels, including a top sun deck with lounge chairs and lower decks that may be more covered.

Here’s the real strategy for getting the best experience. If you want the open-air sun deck, arrive early and choose your spot when you board. Seat changes can be limited once assigned, so waiting for a better moment can backfire.

If you’re sensitive to smoke smells, take note. Some passengers mentioned the smoking area being near cabin seating, which can mean cigarette odor in enclosed spaces. If that’s a concern for you, prioritize open-air seating outside the cabin when possible.

Crew vibe: the human factor

The crew seems to run a tight ship without killing the fun. People singled out friendly, helpful staff and even named crew members like Tomislav, Josip, and Sandra in one account. That’s a good sign, because on a long day, a calm crew makes waiting in line, finding equipment, and handling small issues feel manageable.

Food and drinks: what’s included, what’s not, and how it’s handled

This is one of the better-value aspects of the tour. Lunch at Blue Lagoon includes meal options: fish, meat, and vegetarian, chosen at check-in. That’s useful because it keeps the group process moving and avoids last-minute scrambling.

Drinks are also part of the appeal. You get unlimited white wine with lunch, and it continues through the tour end. Some passengers also mentioned additional cocktails or beer available for purchase, so if you drink beyond wine, you might still pay extra.

Food quality gets mixed feedback, but most people agree it’s solid for a boat day. A common description is bread, salad, and a main like grilled mackerel, chicken, or vegetarian options.

If you’re picky, I’d adjust expectations. This is not a fine-dining cruise. It’s a practical setup designed for a swimming-focused day.

Views from the water: Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo panoramas

You’re not stuck staring at the inside of the boat all day. The route includes scenic passes by Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo, with opportunities to watch the coastline slide by while you wait for each swim window.

I also like that the day mixes open-water moments with two distinct types of stops: a beach-bar swim on Čiovo and the more iconic water-time in Blue Lagoon. That keeps the day from feeling like one long loop of the same thing.

If the weather is calm, the boat ride itself can be part of the fun. If it’s windy or choppy, you’ll feel it more on the open decks, so bring seasickness meds if you’re prone.

Value check for $78.60: who this trip fits best

At $78.60 per person, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay to get island time from Split. If you tried to DIY, you’d quickly spend money on ferries, separate boat rentals (or taxi boats), plus food on top.

What you’re really buying here is a package that bundles:

• transport by boat from Split
• two main water stops (Borkko and Blue Lagoon)
• lunch with unlimited white wine
• snorkeling gear
• time to walk Maslinica

That combo is why it scores well for people who want a “one ticket, done” day.

Who should book it

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want island swimming with minimal planning
• like the idea of included food and drinks
• enjoy both beach time and a short village stroll
• prefer a larger boat with room to move rather than a cramped small skiff

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a quiet, private, slow day with zero crowds, you might find this boat experience busier than you like. It’s also not optimized for serious underwater explorers if you’re expecting a guaranteed wreck snorkel every time.

When to skip it

Consider skipping if you:

• get motion sick and won’t take precautions
• want a guaranteed “world-class snorkeling only” itinerary
• hate smoke zones inside covered areas and can’t manage open-air seating

Should you book this Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach & Šolta day trip?

If you want a high-value island day that checks the big boxes—swimming, included lunch, snorkeling gear, and a real village break—this is an easy yes. The structure is built for your time: a calm start at Borkko, the main lagoon time at Blue Lagoon with lunch and wine, then Maslinica for land sightseeing before heading back.

Book it if you’re practical and flexible. Show up early for the best sun deck spots, plan for snorkeling to be a bonus (not a guaranteed showstopper), and bring sunscreen like your future self depends on it.

Skip or choose another option if your top priority is guaranteed wreck snorkeling, you’re very smoke-sensitive indoors, or you want a quieter, smaller-group vibe.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Split?

It runs for about 8 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included with the tour price?

The tour includes lunch and snorkeling equipment, plus unlimited white wine with lunch at the Blue Lagoon stop. Vegetarian, meat, and fish lunch options are available.

Where does the tour start in Split?

You meet at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 9:30 am.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll stop at Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, then Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, and then Maslinica on Šolta.

Is there time to walk around Maslinica?

Yes. You get about 1 hour 15 minutes to explore Maslinica, including the chance to have coffee and relax on the beach.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s the cancellation rule if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.