This cruise turns Split into an island getaway, fast. You’ll start with a welcome drink, cruise past famous Adriatic islands, and then spend real time in the water at Čiovo and Blue Lagoon, with Šolta’s Maslinica for a calmer change of pace. It’s the kind of day that’s easy to plan for: lunch is built in, and snorkel gear is part of the package.

What I like most is the no-surprises setup. You get traditional Mediterranean lunch onboard at the Blue Lagoon stop, with unlimited white wine that runs from lunch until the end of the tour. I also appreciate that lunch includes choice—fish, meat, and vegetarian options are available if you tell them your preference at check-in.

One thing to think about: this is a popular boat tour, and onboard comfort depends on timing. If you want the best sun-deck lounging and open-air views, show up early—otherwise you can end up stuck with less ideal seating or more “indoor time” than you expected.

Key things to know before you go

• Sun-deck priority: Top deck lounge chairs can go quickly, so early arrival matters.
• Snorkel gear included: You’ll get snorkeling equipment as part of the stops.
• Two swim stops, one village break: Čiovo for easy beach water time, Blue Lagoon for the classic swim-lunch-wine cycle, Šolta for Maslinica.
• Lunch + wine timing: White wine is unlimited from lunch and continues through the tour.
• Dalmatian pace in Maslinica: You get time to wander, grab coffee, and soak in a small fishing hamlet vibe.
• Crew energy: People consistently praise the crew’s friendly help and smooth running of the day.

From Split to island calm: why this Max Nautica day works

If your day in Split is short, this is one of the more efficient ways to get out on the Adriatic without building a DIY route. The meeting point is at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, and you’re back there again after roughly 8 hours 30 minutes. That round-trip rhythm matters because island trips can eat half your day with transfers.

The boat itself is set up for moving around. You’re not trapped in a single row of chairs. From what I’ve seen described by people who’ve been on this sailing, it’s a three-level vessel: a lower deck that’s fully covered, a middle deck that’s partly inside/outside, and a top sun deck with lounge chairs. That layout makes it easier to choose your comfort—shade when you need it, sun when you want it.

You also get guided commentary in English, plus a welcome drink at the start. It’s not a “sit and watch a screen” tour. The crew talks you through what you’re passing—useful if you want to understand the islands you’re seeing rather than just posting photos.

Price and what you actually get for $78.60

At $78.60 per person, the real value isn’t just the boat ride. The package includes the two things that usually cost extra on day trips:

• Lunch (served during the Blue Lagoon stop)
• Snorkel equipment

Then there’s the drinks side. You’ll have a welcome drink at the beginning, and during lunch you get unlimited white wine continuing until the end of the tour. That alone can make a big difference if you’re the type to order a couple of drinks while on the water.

I’d also frame the cost as “premium time in the right places.” Blue Lagoon and the Čiovo/Šolta area are the kind of spots people come to Croatia for. If you’re paying to be on a boat anyway, having lunch and snorkeling handled saves time and stress—and prevents the classic holiday surprise where you realize too late that something isn’t included.

That said, food can’t please everyone the same way. Most people rate the lunch as good, but a minority have described it as basic. Expect it to be filling and practical for a day on the sea, not a Michelin meal.

Boat comfort: sunbeds, shade, and the seat game

On a day like this, comfort isn’t just about the boat. It’s about where you end up once you’re boarded.

The most repeated practical advice is simple: arrive early if you care about sun-deck lounge chairs. There are enough layers of space—inside, outside, top deck—that people who board later can lose the prime spots and end up spending more time indoors or in less ideal areas for sun.

Another point that comes up: some seating arrangements can be “set for you” and not easily swapped. If you’re traveling with older kids, someone who gets seasick, or anyone who really wants open-air time, I’d aim for the best possible spot early so you’re not negotiating all day.

Also plan for sun. This is a Mediterranean sea day, and the deck works like a sun lamp if you’re not protected. Bring sunscreen and reapply. It’s easy to underestimate sun intensity when you’re moving, swimming, and thinking the breeze means you’re safe.

Stop 1: Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo for a first swim

The first landfall is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo Island, with about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is a good warm-up stop. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel right off the beach area, and you can use the sunbeds at the beach bar free of charge.

Why this stop is smart: it’s low-pressure water time early in the day, before you’ve burned your energy. It’s also where many people will decide whether they want to spend the rest of the day in “shore swim mode” or “jump in and explore mode.”

One detail worth knowing: on some dates, expectations around a shipwreck snorkel area can change. In late-season operations, the shipwreck site may be removed by authorities and the crew adjusts the plan. Even if a shipwreck stop isn’t on the day’s route, you still get an enjoyable swim-and-snorkel break at Borkko, with the added comfort of beach-bar downtime.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay—lunch, wine, and real water time

This is the headline stop: Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay with about 2 hours. This is where you’ll anchor in crystal-clear water, do the main swim, and get the included meal.

Lunch here is served onboard with traditional Mediterranean food, and the drinks package is the best part: unlimited white wine starts with lunch and continues until the end of the tour. If you prefer non-alcoholic, you can still ask for alternatives like water—people also report access to options like lemonade.

After lunch, you’ve got a few ways to spend the time:

• Jump from the main deck
• Use snorkeling equipment to look for marine life
• Hang out on the sundeck with drinks and a view

A realistic expectation check: snorkeling quality depends on conditions, and not every spot has the same “look how many fish” experience. Some people have said there wasn’t much to see underwater, while others loved the overall swim. So if your main dream is heavy-duty snorkeling, I’d treat this as a fun add-on to swimming rather than a dedicated scuba-style mission.

Also, if you’re thinking about shipwreck snorkeling specifically, note that the plan can change depending on seasonal conditions. If the shipwreck isn’t available, you’ll still get the Blue Lagoon water time, which is often the real reason people book.

Stop 3: Maslinica on Šolta for the Dalmatian village pause

After swimming and wine, it’s time for a different pace. At Maslinica on Šolta, you’ll get about 1 hour 15 minutes to walk around and enjoy the laid-back feel of a Dalmatian fishing hamlet.

This stop is worth it because it breaks the day into sections: water time, then village time, then back to the boat. Maslinica is the kind of place where you can:

• Wander around the village architecture
• Grab a coffee
• Sit by the beach and let the day slow down

When the boat leaves Maslinica for the ride back toward Split, the crew serves fresh chilled watermelon—a small touch, but it feels perfect for the mid-afternoon heat.

If you’re traveling with kids, this stop also gives them a chance to be on land without the pressure of “we must cover everything.” It’s short, but it’s enough to switch gears.

Drinks and lunch: when included food is more than a perk

Croatia tours can be hit or miss on food, but this one earns points because lunch comes at the right moment in the day. Instead of eating at 11 am on the pier, you’re fueled after your main swim window begins, which makes the whole schedule feel workable.

Lunch includes a choice: fish, meat, or vegetarian. If you care about getting the right meal quickly, do the check-in preference early so your lunch experience isn’t delayed.

The drinks follow a simple pattern:

• Welcome drink when you board
• Unlimited white wine with lunch, continuing until the tour ends

Some people also mention being able to buy extra cocktails or beer, which is useful if you want variety. Either way, the included wine makes the day feel like it has real value rather than “you’ll get a little snack and good luck.”

For dessert, you’ve got the watermelon served after leaving Maslinica. It’s not a restaurant finish, but it’s a great practical payoff.

The return cruise: views plus a cultural add-on at the end

On the way back to Split, you’ll get good sightlines across the surrounding islands—Brač, Šolta, and Čiovo are part of the scenery you’re meant to notice. The cruise time matters here because it turns swimming into a full day instead of a couple of isolated breaks.

There’s also an optional culture window when you reach Split. You’ll have the chance to explore Diocletian’s Palace, which is a nice way to tack on something historical if you want to end the day with a walk and not just saltwater fatigue.

Who should book this boat day, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A full day on the sea from Split without extra planning
• Lunch + snorkeling gear included
• Time at Blue Lagoon plus a village stop in Maslinica
• A bigger boat day with multiple decks so you can choose your vibe

It may not be the best match if:

• You want a quiet, low-crowd experience. This one can run with a large group size (maximum 154), and popular sun areas can fill fast.
• Your priority is serious snorkeling with guaranteed wreck-level underwater sights. The plan can change, and underwater conditions vary.

For families, it often works well because the schedule includes both water play and a short land break. For couples, it’s a straightforward way to hit the classic coastal highlights without rushing.

The bottom line: should you book Blue Lagoon by Max Nautica?

I’d book this if you want a reliable, good-value way to get from Split to the islands with food and snorkeling handled for you. The combination of Blue Lagoon time, included lunch, and unlimited white wine with lunch makes it feel like a complete day, not a “boat ticket with extras.”

If you do book, plan your success:

• Arrive early at Max Nautica to grab the best spots on the sun deck.
• Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel (and anything you need to stay comfortable in cooler water—people have mentioned chilly water at times).
• Treat snorkeling as part of a swim day, not as the sole event.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a practical, enjoyable way to see Croatia’s islands without turning your vacation into logistics.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach & Šolta tour from Split?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour starts at Max Nautica on Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda, 21000 Split, Croatia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served during the Blue Lagoon stop.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get a welcome drink, and there is unlimited white wine served with lunch until the end of the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for the Blue Lagoon stop.

What food options are available for lunch?

Fish, meat, and vegetarian options are available, and you choose your preference at check-in.

What stops are included in the day?

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

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 154 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.