Full Day Boat Tour, Blue Lagoon and Šolta with lunch&drinks

The draw here is a full day on the water, with two long swim stops rather than a string of quick photo calls. At the Blue Lagoon, you can swim in clear water among pine-covered shores; later, in Nečujam Bay, you can snorkel above the Kontesa shipwreck.

I like two things in particular: lunch is included, with chicken, fish, or a vegan pasta option, and there is time to enjoy both swimming spots without rushing straight back to the boat. The included mask and snorkel also make it easy to explore the shallow water.

The trade-off is the long boat ride and a fairly simple onboard setup. The boat can move slowly, seating may be on wooden benches, and the Blue Lagoon has sea urchins. Bring care and patience along with your swimsuit.

What to know before you book

• Two swim stops: Plan for about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and 90 minutes at Nečujam Bay.
• Kontesa shipwreck: Nečujam is the place to snorkel over the wreck in a shallow bay.
• Lunch choices: Choose chicken, fish, or a vegan pasta meal, served at the Blue Lagoon.
• Drinks and snorkel gear: Water and soft drinks are included through the day, with wine at lunch. A mask and snorkel are provided, but not fins.
• A large boat group: The maximum is 80 people, though how full the boat feels can vary.
• A full-day outing: The tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts about eight hours, including time spent travelling between stops.

Leaving Split from Stobreč

The boat departs from Stobreč, a settlement about five kilometres east of Split. The tour begins with a short panoramic ride that can give you views back toward Split and a chance to take photos of the city from the water. If you are staying in central Split, remember that the departure point is not in the old town itself. Check your meeting details carefully before setting out.

After the city views, the boat passes the shores of Čiovo peninsula on the way to the Blue Lagoon. This is part of the experience, not dead time: you get a stretch of open-water scenery before the first swim. But the tour is not built around a running commentary. Expect an English-speaking crew, but do not count on a detailed account of every island or shoreline as you pass.

The day starts at 9:00 am and takes about eight hours in all. Travel time is included, and the return ride can feel long, particularly if the boat is moving slowly or you are ready for a shower. Think of this as a day trip with substantial time on the water, not a quick transfer between beaches.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon

The first main stop is the Blue Lagoon, also called Krknjaši Bay. You have about 90 minutes here, enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take a break on board. The water is known for its clear turquoise colour, and the bay’s pine trees and coastal setting give you a scenic place to pause.

This is a swim stop, not a visit to a beach with a full range of facilities. One practical detail matters more than the colour of the water: sea urchins are present. The crew says passengers are told to watch for them, but warnings are easy to miss amid a busy boat and the excitement of getting into the sea. Look carefully before stepping onto rocks or into shallow water. If you own water shoes, they may be useful.

You can use the provided mask and snorkel to look for marine life in the clear water. Fins are not included, so bring your own if you prefer to swim with them. The crew may also have floaties or life jackets available, but availability can vary. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew what equipment is available before leaving the boat.

Lunch is served here. You can choose chicken, fish, or a vegan pasta meal, described as pasta with tomato sauce. The meal is simple rather than a restaurant-style spread, but having food included saves you from planning a separate lunch and lets you spend the stop near the water. Past meals have included bread and sides such as rice salad, though the precise preparation may vary.

The stated inclusions are lunchtime wine and water, plus water and soft drinks throughout the day. Individual accounts of the drink selection have differed, so do not assume beer or other alcoholic drinks are included. Some outings have also offered small snacks, such as biscuits or fruit, but those are not listed as guaranteed inclusions.

Snorkeling at Nečujam Bay

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat crosses toward Šolta and Nečujam Bay. The second swim stop lasts about 90 minutes. The bay has a shallow sandy seabed that can appear turquoise, and the main underwater attraction is the Kontesa, a shipwreck you can snorkel above.

That wreck gives this stop a different character from the Blue Lagoon. Here, you have a specific feature to look for beneath the surface, rather than simply swimming in a scenic bay. The shallow water makes the area appealing for a relaxed snorkel, but visibility and sea conditions can affect what you see on the day.

As at the first stop, expect time in the water rather than a guided land visit. The itinerary does not include a beach stop or an island town visit, so book this trip for swimming and boat scenery, not for exploring Šolta on foot. If you are hoping to see a wider range of the island, you will need a different outing.

What the boat day feels like

The boat has a shaded lower deck and an upper sundeck, giving you a choice between shelter and sun. There are gender-separated toilets on board, a useful comfort for a full day at sea. The boat is large enough to carry up to 80 people, so the atmosphere can change depending on how many places are filled.

Seating deserves a little thought. Some seats are wooden slatted benches, which can feel basic over several hours. Boarding order can also affect where you sit, and there may not be a formal seating plan that keeps every group together. If you are travelling with family or friends and want seats at the same table, arrive in good time and ask the crew about seating when you board.

The general pace is low-key. You will spend much of the day moving between the two bays, then swimming, eating, and resting. The crew has been described as friendly and attentive, and that can make a simple boat trip feel warmer. Still, this is not a high-speed ride or a tour focused on constant entertainment. Bring a book or enjoy the view during the longer stretches.

The tour is offered in English, and the crew handles the practical parts of the day. Do not expect a formal lecture about the islands. If you value a guide who explains local history and geography as you travel, this may feel quiet. If you mainly want a boat, time to swim, and a straightforward lunch, that simplicity is part of the appeal.

Is $77.24 good value?

At the stated price of $77.24 per person, the value rests on what is bundled together: about eight hours on the water, two 90-minute swim stops, lunch, water and soft drinks, lunchtime wine, snorkel equipment, and crew service. Paying separately for a boat outing, lunch, and basic snorkel hire could add up, so this is a practical package if you want a full day at sea without arranging each part yourself.

The value is strongest for you if swimming is the main event. You get time at two different bays, and the Kontesa wreck adds a point of interest to the second stop. The included food and drinks also reduce the amount you need to bring, though you may want extra snacks or a drink of your own if you have specific preferences.

It is less compelling if you want a fast boat, a guided history tour, or a small-group feel. With a possible maximum of 80 people, the boat may be busy, and basic seating is not ideal for everyone. You are paying for a full day and its inclusions, not for luxury or a highly tailored itinerary.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would consider this outing if you want an easy way to spend a day swimming around Split without renting a boat or planning lunch. It suits families and groups who are happy with a relaxed pace, and it can work well for snorkelers who want to visit two bays and see the Kontesa wreck.

It is a weaker fit if you dislike long boat rides, need guaranteed comfortable seating, or want an in-depth guide to the islands. It also may not suit you if your idea of a swim day depends on sandy beaches and easy shore access. The stops are focused on getting into the water from the boat.

Weather matters. The tour requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a cancellation, with a different date or a full refund offered. The trip also requires a minimum number of participants, so it can be cancelled if that number is not met. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations made later are not refundable.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Šolta tour?

Book it if you want a simple, good-value day built around swimming, snorkelling, and time on the water. The two long stops, included lunch, and the wreck at Nečujam make for a satisfying outing without complicated planning.

Skip it if you want a small boat, polished seating, a fast ride, or extensive commentary. If you go, arrive prepared for a full day, watch your footing around sea urchins, and bring fins or water shoes if you use them. The best reason to book is straightforward: two appealing swim stops and a meal are taken care of for you.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

It starts from Stobreč, about five kilometres east of Split. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?

The start time is 9:00 am. The tour lasts about eight hours, including travel time.

How long do you stop at the Blue Lagoon and Nečujam Bay?

The tour allows about 90 minutes at each stop.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose chicken, fish, or a vegan pasta meal. Lunch is served at the Blue Lagoon.

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are included throughout the day, and wine and water are included at lunchtime. Other drinks are not specified as included.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

A mask and snorkel are included. Fins are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 80 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.