From Trogir: Blue Lagoon & Šolta Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The Blue Lagoon stop gives this day its easygoing rhythm: you have 3.5 hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and sit down for lunch beneath 100-year-old pine trees. Then the boat carries you to Maslinica, a small stone village on Šolta, where you can wander narrow lanes or take a dip with Marchi Castle in view.

I like two things in particular: the mix of unhurried water time and village time, and the practical inclusions, from snorkeling gear to lunch and drinks. The crew serves a welcome drink at the start, and fresh watermelon comes out on the ride back.

One consideration: the Blue Lagoon stop is long, and much of it is open time rather than guided activity. That suits you if you want a relaxed beach day, but less so if you prefer a tightly scheduled tour with constant commentary.

Key things to know before you go

• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts 3.5 hours: There is room for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a beach-bar break, but you set your own pace.
• Lunch is served beneath 100-year-old pines: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian dish, with sides, salad, and unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade.
• Maslinica gets 1.5 hours: Explore its narrow lanes and small stone houses, stop at a café, or relax on the beach.
• The boat is the 20-meter wooden Solo: It has a sundeck, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a sound system.
• Arrive early if you care about your seat: One useful tip is to get there 30 to 40 minutes before departure for a better chance of choosing a comfortable spot.
• The return ride includes fresh watermelon: A simple, welcome snack after a day in the sun.

A relaxed boat day, not a packed sightseeing schedule

This eight-hour outing from Trogir is built around three things: time on the water, a proper break at the Blue Lagoon, and a short visit to Maslinica. The schedule includes scenic boat rides between stops, but it is the long first stop that defines the day. You are not being hustled from one viewpoint to another.

The cruise is run by Max Nautica, with an English-speaking crew. You meet at the white wooden motorboat Solo, identifiable by its brown details and red sun roof. The meeting point is across from Vila Sikaa Hotel, beside Čiovo Bridge, and the boat returns there at the end.

After boarding, you get a welcome drink and views of the small islands along the way. The outward cruise takes about 50 minutes. That gives you time to settle in, find a seat, and enjoy the coast before the main swimming stop.

The experience has a relaxed, social feel rather than the formality of a guided historical tour. The crew handles the boat, food, and drinks, while you decide how to spend your free time. If you enjoy having the day organized without being led through every minute, that balance is a real plus.

Three and a half hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon stop is the heart of the trip. You get about 3.5 hours there, with swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and lunch all folded into one visit. That is generous time for a boat excursion, especially if you want a slow swim rather than a quick photo stop.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. The water is clear enough to make looking for local marine life part of the fun, though what you see can vary. You can also skip the mask and snorkel, swim, or spend your time on the beach.

The lagoon has more facilities than an isolated cove. There is a beach bar, a restaurant, benches, and toilets, so you can take a break from the sun without heading back to the boat. The bar gives you another option if you want a drink while you sit by the water, though drinks included on the tour are served as part of the trip rather than being a promise of every bar purchase.

That much free time is both a strength and a trade-off. You can settle into the day and take the swim at your own pace, but there is no need to expect a continuous program of guided activities. Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, and plan to manage your own shade and sun exposure.

Lunch beneath the old pine trees

Lunch is served at a restaurant beneath 100-year-old pine trees, a welcome change from sitting in direct sun. You choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian dish. Side dishes and salad come with the meal, along with unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade.

The setting is one of the meal’s best features. Rather than eating on a moving boat or grabbing something on the run, you get a seated meal in a shady spot during the long Blue Lagoon stop. The arrangement also makes the day easier for you: food and basic drinks are part of the outing, so you do not have to plan a separate lunch stop.

Keep expectations sensible about the portion. The meal is described as tasty, but one assessment found it modest in size and simple in presentation. I would treat it as a convenient, pleasant lunch rather than a destination meal. If you usually need a large lunch, consider bringing a small snack, while keeping in mind that fresh fruit is also provided later.

The drinks are a useful part of the package, particularly in the heat. Unlimited water and lemonade make it easier to stay refreshed, while local wine is available for those who want it. You can choose what suits you and still enjoy the shaded setting.

The short crossing to Šolta

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat makes a roughly 30-minute crossing to Šolta. The change of scene is welcome: you leave the beach setting behind and arrive at Maslinica, a fishing village known for small stone houses and narrow lanes.

You have about 1.5 hours here. That is enough time to walk around the village, pause at a local café, or head to the beach. It is not a long island visit, so think of it as a taste of Maslinica rather than a chance to explore Šolta in depth.

The village’s compact streets are well suited to a gentle wander. The old stone buildings give the stop a different character from the Blue Lagoon’s swimming and beach facilities. If you would rather keep your day focused on the sea, you can use the time to relax by the water instead.

Marchi Castle, built in 1603, is a notable landmark visible from the beach. The stop gives you a chance to take in the view and enjoy a quieter stretch of the day before returning to the boat. Bring your towel if you want the option of another swim.

The ride back to Trogir

The final cruise takes about an hour. Fresh watermelon is served on the way back, a small but well-timed treat after hours in the sun and water. The boat returns to the same meeting point in Trogir, keeping the day’s transport simple.

The Solo has a sundeck, toilets, Wi-Fi, and a sound system. Those practical details matter on an eight-hour outing: you have a place to sit in the sun, facilities on board, and a way to stay connected. The boat is described as clean and spacious, with comfortable seats, though where you sit can shape how much sun or shade you get.

If choosing your seat matters to you, arrive 30 to 40 minutes before departure. That is especially useful if you want a particular spot or are traveling as a group and hope to sit together. The tour information does not give a group-size limit, so do not assume the boat will feel private or uncrowded.

What the price includes, and what it does not

There is no price provided here, so I cannot judge the exact cost against other trips. The value is easier to assess by looking at what is bundled: the motorboat cruise, an English-speaking crew, a welcome drink, snorkeling gear, lunch, fresh fruit, Wi-Fi, and unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade.

That makes this a practical choice if you want a full day organized for you. You avoid arranging separate boat transport, equipment, and lunch, and you get two distinct stops in one outing. The long Blue Lagoon break also means you are paying for time to enjoy the place, not just a brief landing.

The included lunch is simple rather than lavish, and the tour gives you free time instead of a packed guided program. If you value a relaxed schedule and included basics, that can add up to good value. If you want a small-group excursion, detailed island history, or a more elaborate meal, you may want to compare other options before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a straightforward summer day on the water, with a proper swim stop and a little time in a village. Families can appreciate the organized transport, food, toilets on board, and flexible activities, though everyone should be prepared for a long day in the sun.

It also suits couples and friends who like to split their time between swimming, a drink by the beach, and a slow walk through a village. You do not need to be a keen snorkeler to enjoy it, since swimming and sunbathing are equally central to the Blue Lagoon stop.

You may want another kind of excursion if you prefer a tightly guided itinerary or want to spend more than 90 minutes in Maslinica. The tour’s strength is its relaxed pace, not depth of sightseeing. Its 4.1 out of 5 rating across 178 ratings suggests a generally positive experience, though not a guarantee that every detail will suit every taste.

Before booking, check the available start time and make sure the eight-hour day fits your plans. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, and arrive early if seat choice is important.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Šolta cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a well-organized day with plenty of time to swim, a shaded lunch, and a short visit to a picturesque island village. Its best features are the generous Blue Lagoon stop, friendly crew, comfortable boat, and useful inclusions. The main trade-offs are a simple lunch and limited time in Maslinica.

For an easygoing day that covers both sea and village without requiring you to arrange the pieces yourself, it is a sensible choice. If your ideal outing is more about guided history or a full day on land, keep looking.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides and stops.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at the motorboat Solo in Trogir, across from Vila Sikaa Hotel and beside Čiovo Bridge.

How can I identify the boat?

The Solo is a 20-meter white wooden boat with brown details and a red sun roof. The crew wears blue T-shirts.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 3.5 hours, with time for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and free time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian dish. Side dishes and salad are included.

Which drinks are included?

The tour includes a welcome drink and unlimited local wine, water, and lemonade.

How long is the stop in Maslinica?

You have about 1.5 hours to explore the village, visit a café, or spend time at the beach.

What facilities are on the boat?

The boat has a sundeck, toilets, a sound system, and Wi-Fi.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.