Split’s coastline looks even better from a yacht. This 8-hour cruise mixes three island stops (Čiovo, Šolta, and the Blue Lagoon) with included food, drinks, and snorkeling—so you don’t spend your day guessing what costs extra. I especially like the modern, clean boat layout (easy to move around, proper showers, and Wi‑Fi) and the way the crew keeps things smooth and clear. One thing to plan for: the tour includes a deposit for snorkeling gear, and extra drinks are not included, so you’ll want some cash on hand.

I also like that the day starts with a simple breakfast treat—coffee and a croissant—then builds into a real Mediterranean lunch right where the water is the brightest. You get time to swim in more than one place, plus a relaxed stop in the small fisherman village of Maslinica on Šolta (not just a photo stop). The main drawback is that the snorkeling isn’t a guarantee of a packed underwater show, so if you’re expecting a world-class reef, treat snorkeling here as a bonus to the swimming.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Yacht Tamaris comforts: 27 meters, 3 decks, 4 toilets, showers, and a swimming platform made for easy splashing
• Blue Lagoon lunch in the best spot: Mediterranean lunch with fish, chicken, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Three swim-and-sight stops: Borkko Beach on Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon, then calmer Šolta in Maslinica
• Snorkeling gear included (with a small deposit): plus swim vests if you want extra confidence
• Included drinks without surprises: water, lemonade, and unlimited local wine with lunch and after

First impressions: Yacht Tamaris is built for a long, easy day

This is the kind of Split boat trip that feels less like a rushed tour and more like you’ve got your own floating day plan. Yacht Tamaris runs on a bigger, newer-style setup than many small day boats—two air-conditioned salons for shade, a comfortable open deck, and a sundeck where you can actually stretch out.

You also get practical extras that matter in real life: showers, toilets, a safety deposit box for your phone and wallet, and a professional Wi‑Fi system onboard. When you’re out in salty water all day, having a place to rinse off is not a luxury—it’s the difference between enjoying the day and leaving feeling gross.

Price-wise, about $76 per person lands in the reasonable zone because you’re not just paying for transit. You’re also paying for the included lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and that modern setup, which is where many other day trips start adding up.

Where to meet in Split (and how to avoid the stress)

Meeting point is simple once you know where to look: stand number 8 on Split Riva Promenade. It’s a small white stand with a picture of the boat, right near the water in the middle of Riva—across from Diocletian’s Palace and a cluster of bars (Bobis, Romana, Biberon, St Riva).

Here’s the practical tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early. The boat leaves strictly on time due to the port schedule, so “I’m close” isn’t the same as “I’m there.” If you’re coming from a hotel a few streets back, give yourself buffer time. Split can look walkable on a map and still turn into slow moving at the last minute.

Breakfast starts moving: coffee and croissant on the water

The day kicks off while you’re already cruising—coffee and a croissant served during the morning ride along the south side of Čiovo Island. It’s a small thing, but it sets the tone. You’ll be able to grab it early, then you’re already in motion when you start thinking about sunscreen and where to sit.

You also get an early reality check: you don’t have to decide your day immediately. You can watch the coast slide by, find shade if it’s hot, and settle into the boat’s flow before you reach the first swim stop.

Stop 1: Borkko Beach bar on Čiovo (swim, snorkel, and settle in)

Čiovo Island is close enough to feel like a warm-up, not a slog. At Borkko Beach, the focus is swimming and getting comfortable in the water before the main highlight.

This stop is also where you’ll see what kind of snorkeler you really are. The tour includes snorkeling gear and swim vests, so you’re not stuck renting equipment or paying extra at the last second. When you’re ready, jump in and use the included gear to check out the underwater life near the swim area.

A couple of practical notes from the way the day runs:

• Bring a towel and beachwear so you can dry off quickly after your swim.
• If you use snorkeling equipment, you’ll deal with the €10 safety deposit. It’s returned after use, but you should plan to have euros ready.

If you’re worried about foot comfort, take note: the coast in this region can be rocky. I’d strongly consider water shoes. They make a big difference for comfort on entry and exit, and they help you avoid the sting of sea urchins on rocky spots.

Between stops: the fun travel time on 3 decks

The “in between” cruising time is part of why this day works. Yacht Tamaris has enough space that you can change locations as the light changes—shade in the air-conditioned salon, or sun on the sundeck.

You’ll cruise from Čiovo toward Drvenik Veliki for the Blue Lagoon, with the mid-day travel feeling like a breather instead of dead time. Onboard, you can keep your phone useful too, since Wi‑Fi is included. (Don’t count on it being perfect everywhere at sea, but it’s there—and that alone helps for messages and maps.)

Stop 2: The Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki (the main event)

If you only care about one place, make it this. The Blue Lagoon is the moment you’ll remember after the trip ends—the turquoise water is clear enough to make swimming feel like the water is closer than it is.

Here’s what the schedule is built around:

• Lunch is served in the heart of the Blue Lagoon area.
• Then you get free time to enjoy the water—swimming and snorkeling are both easy to do here.

Lunch in the Blue Lagoon: Mediterranean, with options that actually matter

The Mediterranean lunch is included and designed to cover more than one diet:

• grilled fish
• chicken
• vegan option
• gluten-free option available

It’s paired with unlimited local wine with the lunch and after the lunch, plus water and lemonade throughout the day. Even if you don’t drink wine, the included non-alcohol options keep you from hunting down purchases while you’re floating and hungry.

Dessert is included too—fresh fruit—which is a nice, light finish after time in the sun.

Snorkeling here: good odds, not a fantasy reef

The snorkeling gear is included and tends to be in good condition, and the water visibility can be great. Still, the underwater life you see can vary by day and conditions. Think of snorkeling as a chance to look around underwater while swimming, not as a guarantee of a full show of fish.

Bring your best “settle in” attitude. The water is the star, and you’ll have more fun if you treat snorkeling as time in the clear water rather than a strict checklist.

Stop 3: Maslinica on Šolta (calm village energy, not a rushed city stop)

After the Blue Lagoon, you’ll cruise to Maslinica on the island of Šolta. This stop feels different on purpose: it’s quieter, smaller, and more about island life than scenic photo points.

Maslinica is a small fisherman village, and you’ll get time to explore at an easy pace. It’s the right kind of stop if you want a break from sunbathing but still want sea views.

Two things to look for during this leg:

• Marchi Castle and its park, a chance to walk somewhere a bit more “land” than sea
• the beach bar area at Punta, where you can relax and take a slower rhythm

For many people, this is where the day balances out: you had swimming and lunch at the peak water spot, and now you get a gentle stroll, coffee, and local atmosphere before cruising back.

Onboard vibe: crew energy and how the day stays organized

The crew is one of the biggest reasons this trip earns a high rating. Names that come up include Stella (checking in and helping during the day), Valentina (running the show with friendly humor), and Marin (mixing cocktails when you go that route).

I like that they don’t just throw you overboard and hope for the best. They give clear instructions around departure timing and what to expect at each stop, and they keep the boat running clean and orderly. You’ll notice it most when you’re switching decks after swimming and when you’re trying to find a rinse station quickly.

Also, music is part of the feel here. It’s not a party vibe where you’re trapped at loud volume, but it does add to the “day out on the water” energy.

What it costs (and why it can feel like a good deal)

At $76 per person, you’re paying for a structured day that includes:

• lunch in the Blue Lagoon (multiple menu options)
• water, lemonade, and unlimited local wine
• coffee and croissant at departure
• snorkeling gear and swim vests
• fruit dessert
• Wi‑Fi, showers, and safety deposit boxes

The hidden-cost risk is lower because the big ticket items—food, drinks with lunch, and snorkeling equipment—are already part of the package. Where cost can pop up is with extra drinks beyond the included wine/water/lemonade. Also, remember the €10 deposit for snorkeling gear.

A useful heads-up: extra drinks (like beer, cocktails, and soft drinks) are not included. The onboard bar can be cash-only, so bring euros if you plan to buy anything extra.

Comfort and practical tips that make the day better

A great boat trip is half the scenery and half the small choices you make beforehand. Here’s how you’ll set yourself up:

Bring:

• a sun hat and sunscreen (deck sun is no joke)
• a towel (you’ll want it for the post-swim switch)
• comfortable clothes and beachwear
• a camera (you’ll take photos, trust me)

Think about footwear:

Rocky entries are common here, and sea urchins are a real thing. Water shoes can save your day.

Plan your timing:

Departures are strict. If you’re running late, you’ll be the one who loses the day, not the schedule.

Bring cash:

For the snorkeling deposit and any extra drinks at the bar, euros make life easier.

Is this tour right for you? (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a classic Split day trip that hits multiple island experiences
• swim time as the main activity
• a structured meal plan with real included lunch
• a modern boat setup with toilets, showers, and space to move

It might not be the best fit if you want:

• a heavy guided tour with lots of history stops and museums
• guaranteed snorkeling with lots of underwater life every day
• a trip where you never spend a single extra euro beyond the ticket (extra drinks and cash-based items can happen)

A small note on value: food is generally described as tasty and well handled, but a couple of people felt portions could be bigger. If you’re a big eater, you might still be fine, but don’t treat the day as a buffet feast.

Should you book this Split Blue Lagoon yacht day?

I’d book it if your priority is Blue Lagoon water time plus an included lunch on a boat that feels comfortable and organized. The combination of three swim-and-stroll stops, modern onboard facilities (showers and toilets), and the included drinks makes it one of the easier ways to get a full day on the islands without constantly checking prices.

I’d also book it if you care about comfort: the boat layout gives you shade when you need it, and you can find spots to watch the islands go by instead of sitting shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time.

If your budget is tight and you plan to buy extra cocktails or sodas, factor in cash for the bar. If you’re expecting a guaranteed underwater spectacle, treat snorkeling as a bonus to the scenery.

Overall: this is a smart, practical way to spend your day around Split—especially if you want the famous lagoon water without turning the trip into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?

You get a coffee and croissant at departure, snorkeling gear and swim vests, a traditional Mediterranean lunch in the Blue Lagoon (fish, chicken, vegan, with gluten-free option available), fresh fruit dessert, unlimited local wine with and after lunch, plus water and lemonade. Wi‑Fi, showers, and safety deposit boxes are also included.

How long is the day trip?

The total duration is about 8 hours.

Where exactly do I meet in Split?

Meet at stand number 8 on the Split Riva Promenade. It’s a small white stand with a picture of the boat, near the water in the middle of Riva, across from Diocletian’s Palace.

Do I need a deposit for snorkeling gear?

Yes. There’s a €10 safety deposit for snorkeling equipment. It’s returned to you after the use.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free lunch options?

Yes. The lunch includes a vegan option and a gluten-free option is available.

Are extra drinks included?

Extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are not included. The bar can require cash, so it helps to bring euros.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear.