Split: Blue Lagoon, Borkko Beach & Šolta with Food & Drinks

The turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon is the star here, but this is more than a quick photo stop. You get a full day on the Adriatic, with beach time at Borkko, lunch on the boat, a swim in clear water, and a walk through the fishing village of Maslinica.

I like the excellent value and the practical comfort of Yacht Tamaris. A coffee and croissant start the morning, lunch and drinks are included, and the boat has clean toilets, showers, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned salons. The main drawback is that the best upper-deck sunbeds go early, and the Blue Lagoon stop may feel short if swimming is your top priority.

Key points to know

• Three very different stops: Swim at Borkko Beach, enjoy the Blue Lagoon, then walk around Maslinica on Šolta.
• A proper day cruiser: Tamaris has three decks, two air-conditioned salons, a bar, sundeck, swimming platform, four toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi.
• Food is part of the price: Coffee and croissants, Mediterranean lunch, local wine, water, lemonade, and fresh watermelon are included.
• Lunch offers choice: Pick grilled fish, chicken, or a vegan meal, with gluten-free food available.
• Bring €10 cash: This is a refundable safety deposit for snorkeling equipment.
• Arrive early: Boarding is at stand 8 on Split Riva, and the boat leaves strictly on time.

Why this Split boat trip works so well

At $76 per person, this is priced like a standard island cruise, but it includes far more than the boat ride. You receive breakfast, lunch, drinks, fruit, snorkeling equipment, and access to a large, modern vessel for eight hours.

I especially like that the day is not built around one long stop. You get three different coastal experiences. Borkko Beach is for a first swim and a relaxed drink. The Blue Lagoon gives you the clearest water and the main meal. Maslinica adds a little village life, with time for a walk, coffee, or another swim.

The rhythm is easy to understand. You cruise, stop, swim or explore, then cruise again. The crew gives clear departure instructions over the microphone, which matters when a boat has a fixed port schedule. You do not need to keep checking the clock every five minutes, but you do need to return when told.

This is not a tiny sailboat or a bare-bones speedboat. Tamaris is a 27-meter motor yacht with room to move between three decks. You can sit in an air-conditioned salon, find shade outside, stretch out on the sundeck, or use the rear swimming platform when the boat anchors.

Finding Tamaris on Split Riva

The meeting point is stand number 8 on the Riva promenade, beside the sea and across from Diocletian’s Palace. Look for the small white stand with a picture of the boat. It is near Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. This is not a suggestion to ignore. The boat must leave on schedule because of the port timetable and the full island route. Heavy traffic can make Split’s center slow, so give yourself extra time.

Once aboard, the crew helps organize seating and explains the day. Some departures use assigned seating, which is useful for families and groups. It also means you may not be able to claim every favorite chair for the entire day. If you want a top-deck sunbed, arrive early and board promptly.

The staff speaks English. Names heard during the season include captain Josip, hostess Valentina, Sandra, Stella, and crew members Dado, Thomas, Ivana, and Marin. Crew assignments can change, but the operation is clearly built around frequent announcements, friendly service, and keeping the schedule moving.

Coffee, croissants, and the ride toward Čiovo

The morning begins with coffee and a croissant as Tamaris cruises along the south side of Čiovo Island. It is a simple breakfast, not a full meal, so you may want to eat something before boarding if you wake up hungry.

This first cruise is part of the experience. From the boat, you get open views of the Dalmatian coast and the islands scattered beyond Split. The boat has two air-conditioned salons if the sun is already strong, while the open decks give you better views and fresh air.

The cruise to Borkko takes about an hour. Use this time to settle in, meet the crew, and decide where you want to spend the rest of the day. Tamaris has a bar onboard, but extra drinks are not included. Beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola cost extra, and cash is the safest option for purchases at the bar.

Borkko Beach: an easy first swim

Borkko Beach on Čiovo is the first stop, with about an hour for swimming, coffee, snorkeling, or relaxing at the beach bar. This is a gentle way to begin the day because you are not thrown straight into the longest swim stop.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim from the beach or take snorkeling equipment from the boat. Swim vests are also available, which is reassuring if you are not a strong swimmer or simply prefer extra support in open water.

The snorkeling is pleasant, but keep your expectations sensible. The clear sea makes it fun to look below the surface, yet this is not presented as a major marine-life expedition. The attraction is the combination of a swim, a beach setting, and a relaxed bar stop.

The beach itself can be rocky, and sea urchins are present in some areas. Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals for entering the sea. A towel, sunscreen, hat, and swimwear are essential. If you forget a towel, you will have limited ways to dry off during the rest of the day.

The Blue Lagoon, the day’s main event

After Borkko, Tamaris cruises toward the Blue Lagoon. This is the section most people anticipate, and it earns the attention. The water is remarkably clear, with pale turquoise shallows that make swimming and photographs especially rewarding.

The boat anchors in the lagoon for about two hours. That time includes lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck. The crew serves a traditional Mediterranean meal, usually with a choice of grilled fish, chicken, or a vegan option. Gluten-free food is available, but mention your needs when booking or at the start of the trip.

The grilled fish is the best fit for the setting. Depending on the day, you might receive fish such as sea bass or sardines, with sides and bread. The food is generally considered tasty, though portions of breakfast and lunch can feel modest if you have a large appetite. Extra servings may be available, but it is wise to bring a small snack if you know you will want more food.

Local wine is included with lunch and afterward. Water and lemonade are available throughout the trip. This is a real saving compared with buying every drink on a full-day boat excursion. Fresh watermelon arrives later as dessert, usually during the return cruise, and makes a welcome finish after swimming in the sun.

The lagoon is also the best place to use the snorkeling equipment. You pay a €10 safety deposit for the gear, returned after use. The equipment is described as clean and in good condition, and swim vests are included as another practical touch.

The main limitation is time. Two hours sounds generous until lunch, swimming, changing, and taking photographs all compete for it. If your priority is spending half a day in one bay, this itinerary may feel too busy. If you prefer seeing several places in one day, the timing works well.

Maslinica on Šolta: a slower final stop

The final island stop is Maslinica on Šolta, a small fishing village with a calmer feel than the swimming sites. You have about an hour and a half here, enough time to walk, take photographs, swim, or sit in a local café.

Marchi Castle and its park are the main sights. The castle adds a little architectural interest to what is otherwise a pleasant harbor village. You will not need a formal guided walk to enjoy Maslinica. The point is to slow down, wander, and see a more ordinary island setting after the organized beach stops.

You can also swim from the beach or relax at Punta beach bar. If the heat has worn you down, a coffee in the village may be more appealing than another swim. Maslinica is a useful contrast to the Blue Lagoon because it gives the day a human scale. You are not only looking at sea from a boat, you are also stepping ashore in a working island community.

Do not expect a large town packed with sights. Maslinica is small, and the stop is about atmosphere, a short walk, and an easy break. That is exactly why it works late in the day.

The ride home and the little comforts

The return cruise to Split takes about 75 minutes. Fresh chilled watermelon is served onboard, and the changing light over the surrounding islands gives you a final chance for photographs.

Tamaris makes the return ride more comfortable than many basic excursion boats. You have four toilets, indoor air-conditioning, showers, safety deposit boxes for valuables, and a spacious swimming platform. The rear showers are handy for rinsing away salt before sitting inside.

Wi-Fi is available, though the main reason to value it is practical rather than exciting. You can stay in touch, check transport details, or upload a few photographs without depending entirely on mobile coverage.

Music plays during the day, but this is not designed as a loud party cruise. The tone is relaxed, social, and lightly festive. You can enjoy a drink and music without the whole trip turning into a nightclub at sea.

Food, drinks, and what you actually get

The included food is a major part of the value. You receive:

• Coffee and a croissant in the morning
• Mediterranean lunch at the Blue Lagoon
• Grilled fish, chicken, or vegan meal options
• A gluten-free option
• Unlimited local wine with lunch and after lunch
• Water and lemonade
• Fresh watermelon for dessert

The meal is served efficiently, so it does not swallow the whole Blue Lagoon stop. Fish is the strongest choice if you want a meal that feels connected to the coast. The vegan option makes the tour easier for mixed groups, though the exact contents of the plate can vary.

Extra drinks are not included. Beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are available for purchase, with reported prices of about €5 for beer, €4 for Coke, and €8 for cocktails. Bring cash because the onboard bar is cash-only according to the practical information supplied for the cruise.

You can also bring your own snacks. That is useful if you have dietary needs, children with specific preferences, or simply want a little food between stops.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants a full island day without planning ferries, restaurants, beach stops, and return connections separately. You get a clear route, an English-speaking crew, meals, drinks, and enough free time to swim and explore.

It suits families particularly well because of the air-conditioned cabins, clean toilets, showers, assigned seating on some departures, and swim vests. One family with a baby found the indoor section useful as a quiet place between stops. Still, you should be comfortable with a full day at sea and the movement of a large motor yacht.

Solo visitors can also manage well. The crew can help you find a practical seat, and the mixed seating and shared stops make it easy to be around other people without joining a formal group activity.

The tour is less suited to you if you want a quiet private boat, a long snorkeling session, or a serious cultural tour of Šolta. You will be sharing the boat, following a set timetable, and visiting popular swimming areas. The shipwreck stop is no longer part of the route because it is considered too dangerous, so do not book expecting that sight.

Practical packing advice

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, camera, comfortable clothes, and swimwear. Add water shoes because rocky beaches and sea urchins can make barefoot entry unpleasant.

Keep €10 in cash for the snorkeling deposit. Bring more cash if you want beer, cocktails, or soft drinks from the bar. A small snack is sensible if you need more than a croissant and a standard lunch portion.

Arrive 30 minutes early at stand 8 on the Riva. Do not plan to arrive at the last minute. The port timetable is strict, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact departure schedule can vary.

Should you book the Tamaris island cruise?

Book it if you want strong value for a full day on the water. The price covers transport, three island stops, breakfast, lunch, wine, soft drinks, fruit, snorkeling equipment, and a comfortable modern boat. The crew and the clean facilities are among the strongest reasons to choose it over a bare-bones excursion.

Think twice if you want long, unstructured time at the Blue Lagoon. Two hours passes quickly once lunch is included. For most people, though, the mix is the appeal: Borkko for a first swim, the Blue Lagoon for clear water and lunch, and Maslinica for a village walk.

For a first trip from Split, this is a practical way to see more of the Dalmatian coast in one day. Arrive early, claim your preferred deck space, bring water shoes and cash, and you should get a relaxed island day without many surprise expenses.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

It departs from stand number 8 on Split Riva Promenade. The stand is beside the sea, across from Diocletian’s Palace and near Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The boat must leave strictly on time because of the port schedule and the planned route.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive coffee and a croissant, a Mediterranean lunch, fresh watermelon, water, lemonade, and unlimited local wine with lunch and afterward. Lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, or a vegan option, with gluten-free food available.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment and swim vests are available, but a €10 safety deposit is required for the snorkeling gear. The deposit is returned after you give the equipment back.

Are extra drinks included?

No. Beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola cost extra. The onboard bar accepts cash, so bring euros if you want additional drinks.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.