Split Blue Lagoon & Šolta: Day Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Swim in crystal waters taste grilled lunch relax on Šolta island

You’ll cruise from Split to swim at Borkko Beach and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon’s clear water before sharing grilled lunch and unlimited drinks onboard. Wander through Šolta’s peaceful Maslinica village with time for coffee or ice cream before heading back across calm seas — perfect if you want real moments instead of rushing around.

What’s the experience like?

“This is where locals come when they want to forget about the city,” our captain, Marko, said as we left Split behind. The sea was that weirdly calm shade of blue that makes you squint. We’d barely finished our croissants and coffee before someone pointed out dolphins — or maybe it was just wishful thinking, but everyone leaned over the rail anyway. Borkko beach came up fast. I’m not usually one for early swims, but something about the salty air and the way the sun hit Čiovo Island made it feel right. Sand stuck to my feet and the bar played old Croatian pop songs — nobody seemed in a hurry.

The boat ride to the Blue Lagoon was louder — laughter, clinking glasses, sunscreen smells. Lunch was grilled fish (you could pick chicken or veggies too), salad with this sharp dressing I still think about, and white wine that tasted better than it should have at sea. Our guide Ana handed me a snorkel mask and said “just go for it.” So I did — water colder than expected, little silver fish darting everywhere. Some people jumped off the deck; others just lay back on sunbeds with another glass of wine. There was no pressure to do anything fancy.

Šolta’s Maslinica village felt like a postcard but quieter — stone houses, old men drinking coffee outside tiny bars, kids chasing each other barefoot. We wandered up past Marchi Castle (Ana told us a story about pirates here but I only caught half of it). It smelled like pine needles and espresso. I bought an ice cream from a woman who smiled without saying much; she had that slow island patience I wish I could borrow sometimes.

On the way back to Split they passed around slices of cold watermelon. Someone played guitar quietly up on deck — not well, honestly, but nobody minded. The sun started dipping behind the islands and there was this hush for a minute where nobody talked at all. That stuck with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Island cruise with swimming and lunch

• Enjoy croissant and coffee onboard
• Cruise to Borkko beach
• Swim and snorkel at Borkko beach
• Relax at beach bar and sunbeds
• Cruise to Blue Lagoon
• Have Mediterranean lunch with unlimited wine
• Swim, snorkel, or relax on sundeck
• Cruise to Maslinica on Šolta island
• Explore village and relax on beach
• Enjoy fresh watermelon onboard
• Return cruise to Split

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Split to Blue Lagoon & Šolta?

The tour lasts a full day, starting in the morning from Split and returning by late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this Blue Lagoon cruise?

Yes, lunch is included—grilled fish, chicken or vegetarian options plus salad—and unlimited white wine during and after lunch.

Do you stop for swimming at Borkko Beach?

Yes, there’s about 1.5 hours at Borkko Beach on Čiovo Island for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing at the beach bar.

Are drinks included on board?

Coffee and croissants are served in the morning; unlimited water and lemonade all day; unlimited local white wine with lunch onward.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for use at both Borkko Beach and the Blue Lagoon.

What can you do in Maslinica village on Šolta?

You have time to explore Maslinica’s architecture, enjoy coffee or ice cream by the harbor, see Marchi Castle or just relax by the sea.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet directly at Split port for boarding.

Are bathrooms available on board?

The boat has four bathrooms plus showers available for guests throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes morning croissant and coffee as you set sail from Split toward Borkko Beach where you can swim or relax before cruising to Croatia’s Blue Lagoon for snorkeling with provided gear. Lunch is freshly grilled onboard—fish, chicken or vegetarian—served with unlimited white wine from midday until return. Watermelon is offered as you head back after exploring Maslinica village on Šolta Island. All taxes and fees are covered; there’s WiFi onboard plus air-conditioned salons if you need a break from sunbathing on deck.