A swim day, not a city tour. I love how this is built around Blue Lagoon time for snorkeling and swimming, plus the included waterslide for pure fun. The big catch: the day can feel crowded, and the vibe ranges from chill to party, depending on the group.

You start in Split on a comfortable boat with shaded spots and sun decks, and you’re taken between three coastal worlds close to each other. For value, the included lunch on Čiovo is a real meal, not a sad snack. Just be ready for a long, hot day where boat seating and onboard facilities can vary.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice

• Blue Lagoon (Krknjaši) snorkeling + shallow turquoise swimming
• Čiovo stop at Borko with a proper grilled Dalmatian lunch
• Onboard waterslide time at the Blue Lagoon
• Snorkeling gear included so you can get in the water without extra hassle
• A free day on Šolta where you can walk a little, swim, and reset
• Crew service tends to be friendly, with some departures singled out for great hospitality (like Ivan)

Price and What You’re Really Buying in This 8-Hour Boat Day

This tour costs $78.44 per person for about 8 hours. That’s not cheap in the way a bus ticket is cheap. You’re paying for three things: the boat ride out of Split, the time on water (including snorkeling gear), and a lunch stop on an island.

If your plan in Split is mostly “I want sun + swimming,” this price starts to make sense. You’re not paying separately for boat transport, snorkel rentals, and a sit-down meal. If you’re more into guided history walks or countryside views, it may feel overpriced—this is built for water time.

Also, know this is a larger group tour (up to 96 people). Larger boats can bring a fun energy, but they also mean you’ll share space, and you may notice limited seating.

Getting From Split to Island Swim Time (Meeting Point to Board)

You meet at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 55 in Split, with a start time of 10:00 am. The schedule is designed to move you out fast enough that you actually get swimming time, not just cruising time.

Once onboard, the boat setup matters. You get shaded areas, sun decks, and seating plus onboard facilities. In practice, a day like this is won or lost on comfort. Some people report enough room to settle in. Others mention the boat feeling full, with not enough comfortable seating for everyone.

Two small tips based on common issues on boats like this:

• Bring a towel so you’re not stuck trying to dry off with nothing usable.
• Pack sunscreen even if you think you’ll stay in the shade—coverage and sun angles can be sneaky once you’re on deck.

Čiovo Island at Borko: Lunch by the Shore, Then Back to Swimming Mode

Your first stop is Čiovo Island, specifically the beach bar Borko. This is where you’ll get a true Mediterranean-style meal after your first swim and time in the cove.

What makes this stop work for most people is location. You’re close to the water, so the lunch doesn’t feel like a detour. The menu options are grilled fish, grilled vegetables, or grilled meat—Dalmatian style—so you aren’t stuck with one choice that doesn’t match your appetite.

The drawback is that lunch quality can be inconsistent day to day. Some people call it delicious or very good. Others mention food that was overcooked or not well seasoned, and at least one complaint about lunch timing being delayed. That doesn’t mean your lunch will be bad, but it does mean you should keep your expectations realistic: it’s a group-lunch on an island, not a top restaurant experience.

If you want the best lunch odds, go in hungry and keep your expectations flexible. It’s still one of the better parts of the day because it’s paired with a waterfront setting.

Blue Lagoon (Krknjaši) and the Waterslide: The Main Event

The Blue Lagoon stop (Krknjaši) is the reason many people book this tour. You’re going for shallow turquoise water and a white, sandy seabed—great conditions for swimming and snorkeling. This is the “stand on the shore and watch people float around taking photos” kind of place.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Snorkeling equipment is available, and you can use it at your own pace.
• You get time to swim, snorkel, and relax.
• The waterslide is a big included attraction and a favorite for groups and families.

This stop is also when the day’s heat hits hardest. You’ll want to plan for sun exposure. Bring water, and assume you’ll burn quicker than you think—even if it looks like clouds might be around.

One practical caution: several people mention the waterslide sometimes wasn’t working as expected, or wasn’t available on their departure. So I treat it like a bonus. If it’s running, great. If it’s not, your snorkeling and swimming still should deliver the main value.

Šolta Island Free Time: Island Life Near Split Without the Hustle

After Blue Lagoon, you head to Šolta Island. The tone changes here. Instead of a “swim and slide” focus, you get about an hour of freedom to wander small village areas, relax by the sea, grab a coffee, or swim again.

This is the part of the day that helps you feel like you visited more than one postcard. It’s not a guided tour with a lot of historical stops. Think of it as breathing space between water sessions.

Because your time is limited, keep your goals simple:

• Walk a short loop if you want photos.
• Sit somewhere with a drink and watch the water.
• If you want a second swim, use the time smartly.

If you’re the kind of traveler who needs a lot of guided explanation or multiple “must-see” sights, you might find the Šolta stop light. But if you just want variety and a calmer pace, it fits.

Snorkeling Gear, On-Boat Fun, and the Reality of a Packed Day

Snorkeling gear is included, which is a big deal. It saves time and reduces friction when you’re on a tight schedule. The water itself is the star, especially at the Blue Lagoon, where shallow visibility makes it easier to enjoy the underwater look even if you’re not a confident snorkeler.

What else can shape your experience is the onboard atmosphere. Some departures feel like a fun party on the water. Loud music is a recurring theme in feedback. Other people say you can find calmer spots away from the loudest speakers, like toward the back or top decks.

This is why you should match the tour to your personality:

• If you love upbeat music, groups, and a slightly rowdy boat vibe, you’ll probably enjoy it.
• If you want quiet conversation and a family-calm feel, you should know music volume and overall energy can be a factor.

Facilities are also part of the comfort equation. Some people reported issues like missing toilet paper or bathroom cleanliness problems, and at least one report of clogged toilets. Boats operate in heat and crowds, so small facility problems can happen. If you’re sensitive to that, come prepared with basic bathroom habits (and, honestly, a backup tissue in your day bag).

Drinks, Lunch, and the Alcohol Question (Plan for Non-Alcoholic First)

The tour includes lunch and included drinks, and snorkeling equipment plus waterslide use. Alcohol is listed as not included, though some feedback says free white wine is available on board.

Here’s the practical way to handle this: assume included drinks mean water and non-alcohol options. If wine shows up, treat it as a bonus, not a guaranteed part of your plan.

In the real world, drink selection can also be limited. A few people mention only a small set of options (like water, juice/lemon drinks, and sometimes wine). If you care about specific beverage brands or prefer cocktails, you’ll want to plan to buy what you want instead of expecting a full bar.

What I’d Pack for a Boat Day Like This (So You Can Enjoy It)

This is a hot-water tour. You’ll be on deck, and you’ll be in the sun.

I’d pack:

• Sunscreen (seriously—short-sleeve protection is not enough)
• A hat and sunglasses
• Towel
• Swimwear plus something for after (a dry layer helps)
• Phone with a waterproof pouch or dry bag
• Snorkel-friendly footwear if you like walking in rocky spots
• Basic tissue/wipes, just in case onboard restrooms run short

Bring a camera too. The Blue Lagoon water is photo-worthy, and you’ll want pictures when everyone’s floating in the shallow turquoise.

Who This Boat Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A swim-focused day near Split
• Snorkeling with included gear
• One solid island lunch
• Fun water activities like the waterslide (when it’s running)

It’s not ideal if you want:

• A quiet, curated, fully guided experience
• Lots of time on land for sightseeing
• Guaranteed top-tier food at every meal moment
• Maximum comfort on a large boat with lots of people

The mixed feedback about seating and onboard crowding is important. If you’re traveling with kids, you can still have a great day—some families love the slide and the water breaks—but you should be ready for a loud environment at times.

Final Verdict: Should You Book This Split Boat Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a full day of water with snorkeling and a fun island routine, and you’re okay with a group vibe. For value, it’s strongest when you take lunch as part of the experience and when you prioritize the Blue Lagoon swimming.

I’d skip or compare if you’re picky about lunch quality consistency, you strongly dislike loud music, or you need lots of comfortable seating. In that case, the same budget might be better spent on a smaller boat with fewer people and a quieter atmosphere.

If you’re on the fence, my best advice is simple: decide what you’re chasing—Blue Lagoon water time or a calm, guided, sit-back-and-relax day. This tour delivers on the water. It delivers less predictably on comfort and lunch details.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Split?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.), starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 55, 21000 Split, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included, along with included drinks, use of snorkeling equipment, and use of the waterslide in the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment use is included.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. Use of the waterslide at the Blue Lagoon is included.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available—tell the operator when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

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