A private boat day here turns Croatia’s coast into something you actually control. You get a full 8-hour outing built around swimming in clear water, plus island stops that feel calm instead of rushed. The Blue Lagoon at Krknjasi Bay is the headliner, and the rest of the route (Čiovo, Šolta’s Maslinica, and Drvenik) keeps it interesting.

What I love most is the mix of time in the water and time on land. You also get snorkeling gear, towels, bottled water, and beer as part of the group price, so the day stays easy to budget. The one real consideration is that the tour needs good weather, and bad sea conditions can change plans.

Key things that make this tour worth it

• Private RIB boat for up to 8: your group sets the pace, not a crowded schedule.
• Blue Lagoon focus: a full 2 hours at Krknjasi Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
• Real island time: Maslinica on Šolta gets 1 hour 30 minutes to wander.
• Snorkeling support included: equipment and safety gear are provided.
• Drinks on board and at Borkko: beer is included, plus time for cocktails and beach-bar stops.
• Skipper flexibility: the skipper (Ivan is repeatedly mentioned) can adjust where you spend longer based on what you like.

Why the Blue Lagoon day feels different when it’s truly private

Croatia has plenty of boat trips that promise the Blue Lagoon. This one feels different because it’s built for small groups and a calmer rhythm. A private setup matters when you care about time in the water, not just checking a location off a list.

You start at 9:00 am and the whole day is planned for about 8 hours total, including pickup and drop-off from either Trogir or Split. That matters if you’re trying to avoid the stress of transfers on a vacation day—especially if you’re staying in one city and want island time without extra logistics.

The other big difference is how the day can flex around conditions and your preferences. In particular, guests have highlighted the skipper’s professionalism and his habit of choosing spots that can help reduce crowding. That doesn’t mean you’ll always dodge every boat, but it does change the vibe.

For me, the best value here isn’t only the scenic stops. It’s the way the itinerary gives you real “water time” at the start and again later, instead of treating snorkeling as a quick photo break.

Getting to the water: pickup, timing, and how the day is paced

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group is on the boat. The maximum is up to 8 people, which is a sweet spot: big enough that you’re not stuck waiting on each other, but small enough that the skipper can steer the day without turning it into a production.

Expect pickup and drop-off from Trogir or Split, and a mobile ticket for the experience. The day runs from 9:00 am, and the time on the water is structured into clear blocks:

• Stop 1: 2 hours (Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay)
• Stop 2: 1 hour 30 minutes (Maslinica on Šolta)
• Stop 3: 2 hours (Borkko beach bar area for swimming/snorkeling and time to eat/drink)

That structure is helpful. You’ll know when you can plan for a swim, when you’ll be on your feet, and when you’ll have downtime. If you’re the kind of person who gets restless sitting on a boat for too long, this pacing helps—most of the long blocks are anchored around activities.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon at Krknjasi Bay for swimming and snorkeling

This is the main event. You get about 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area, with swimming, snorkeling, and cocktails/drinks happening during that window. You’re not rushing in, grabbing a mask, and leaving. Instead, you get enough time to do a proper first swim, get comfortable with the gear, then decide if you want a second round.

What makes this stop especially good is the combination of:

• clear water for snorkeling
• and a relaxed beach-by-anchorage experience where you can just float, swim, and take breaks

You also get snorkeling equipment included, plus safety equipment. That’s not just comfort—it’s peace of mind. If you’ve never snorkeled in open water before, the gear and safety setup help you feel more confident.

A practical note: the Blue Lagoon is popular. Even on a private tour, the water gets visited. The good news is that a skilled skipper can help with timing and spot choices. Reviews specifically mention the skipper aiming for quieter conditions and minimizing traffic when possible, and that’s exactly what you want for a more laid-back swim.

If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels—strong swimmers and non-swimmers—the setup still works well. You can spend time just floating and enjoying the water color, while the snorkeling folks get their gear time.

Stop 2: Maslinica on Šolta for a calm island town pause

After the water-focused first stop, you switch gears to land with Maslinica on the island of Šolta. You get 1 hour 30 minutes here, and since the itinerary notes the admission ticket is free, you can treat it like a straightforward town visit without extra entry costs.

Maslinica is a great contrast to the Blue Lagoon. It’s less about swim gear and more about slowing down—walking, looking, and taking in what a small Adriatic town feels like outside the busiest tourist magnets.

This stop is also a smart break in the day. Two hours of swimming can be a lot. The Maslinica block gives you a chance to stretch, cool down, and regroup before the final beach-bar stretch.

If you enjoy scenic strolling and small-town atmosphere, you’ll likely appreciate this more than another stop that’s all about hopping back on the boat immediately. And because it’s a private tour, you’re not stuck with a long group queue or a strict pace that ignores what your feet need.

Stop 3: Borkko beach bar time for drinks, snorkeling, and swimming

The final planned activities center on the beach bar Borkko area, where you get about 2 hours. This stop is structured for swimming and snorkeling, plus drinks, with time to eat as well.

One detail to watch: the tour overview mentions lunch time, but the overall included list says lunch is not included. So treat this as a “you can grab food there” stop, not a meal you can assume is paid for. If you’re planning around allergies, preferences, or a budget, it’s worth deciding ahead of time whether you’ll buy lunch on-site.

This is also the part of the day where beach-bar breaks feel most natural. You’ve already done the heavy water time once, so the Borkko stop becomes a more relaxed second chance: another swim, another look at the water, and a slow moment with a cocktail or beer.

In practice, this is where the day often shifts from activity mode into vacation mode. You stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about shade, drinks, and whether you’ll swim again before returning to the boat.

The 3-island route: Čiovo and Drvenik without extra hassle

The tour’s concept is a 3-island day: Čiovo, Šolta, and Drvenik. Even though the itinerary highlights specific timed stops (Krknjasi Bay, Maslinica, and Borkko), the value of the route is that you experience multiple coastlines in one day without needing to rent anything or manage transfers.

This matters because island-hopping in Croatia can eat time if you do it on your own. With a private boat, you get that “different places, one day” feeling but with less effort. You’re just showing up, getting on board, and going.

If you’re the type who likes seeing more than one type of coastline—open water coves one minute, then a town pause the next—this structure fits. You also get a sense of how the islands sit along the Adriatic, which helps your whole trip make more sense, even if you’re only here briefly.

Boat comfort, skipper quality, and why it changes the whole day

A private day can still feel chaotic if the boat is cramped or the skipper runs the day like a factory line. Here, the tone in the feedback is very different.

Guests have repeatedly praised:

• clear communication from start to finish
• a skipper who is friendly and professional
• confidence and safety during the tour
• a boat described as comfortable and very suitable for a small group

One skipper name shows up often: Ivan. People specifically note his professionalism and willingness to be accommodating, including letting the group decide to spend longer at a spot if they’re enjoying it. That’s rare. It turns the tour from a fixed checklist into something closer to a day with a local on the water.

There’s also mention of the boat being a new RIB-type setup and feeling fast and easy to handle. That usually means you spend less time stuck in rough transit and more time at the locations you came for.

What’s included in this $695.38 per-group price (and what isn’t)

The price is $695.38 per group, up to 8 people. If you fill the boat, the math works out to roughly $87 per person. Even if you don’t fill all 8 seats, the private part still matters: you’re buying flexibility, a dedicated skipper, and access to water time that public tours often pack tighter.

Here’s what’s included:

• private guided tour (professional English-speaking skipper)
• bottled water
• beer and other alcoholic beverages
• towels
• snorkeling equipment
• safety equipment

And a few itinerary notes:

• Stop 1 has admission ticket included
• Stop 2 (Maslinica) notes admission ticket free
• Stop 3 has admission ticket included

What’s not included:

• Lunch

So your “real” day budget is basically the base price plus whatever you choose to buy for lunch at Borkko (and any personal spending like snacks, extra drinks beyond what’s included, or souvenirs).

Value: when private beats public for Croatia water days

This is one of those Croatia choices where “private” isn’t just a luxury word. It’s a practical upgrade if your priorities are:

• longer swim time
• fewer crowds around you
• better control of where you spend time
• less waiting and fewer group rules

With only your group on board, the skipper can manage flow for your comfort. That matters a lot at the Blue Lagoon, where the biggest limiter is usually other boats and timing. If you’ve ever been on a crowded day, you know the feeling: you spend energy navigating around people, then scramble for your turn in the water.

On this tour, the intent is different. The day is structured around two major water blocks (Krknjasi Bay and Borkko), and the rest of the time is used for island context and town wandering. You aren’t just traveling from point to point.

For groups of friends, couples, or a family with kids who can handle a boat day, the private setup often feels like a better match to how you actually want to spend the day—slow enough for fun, structured enough to feel efficient.

Practical tips so you get the most from your 8 hours

Here are the small decisions that make the day feel smooth:

• Bring a swim mindset early. You start with the Blue Lagoon stop, so plan to be ready right away. If you wait until you’re tired to snorkel, you’ll miss the best chance to enjoy it calmly.
• Use the snorkeling time intentionally. Don’t try to do everything in one pass. Do one relaxed swim, then decide if you want a second session.
• Plan for lunch at Borkko. Lunch is not included overall. If you want a specific meal style, check options when you arrive and don’t assume it’s covered.
• Use shade and water breaks. You’ll be out for hours. Towels are included, but you still want sunscreen, and you’ll likely want to rotate between sun and shade.
• Ask the skipper about timing. Since Ivan is described as professional and flexible, it’s fair to ask where conditions look best and whether you can adjust time at a spot if the group is enjoying it.
• If you’re booking as a group, fill the seats. The value gets much better when you’re closer to the full group size of 8.

Should you book this private Blue Lagoon and 3-islands tour?

I’d book it if your trip includes Trogir or Split and you want a classic Adriatic water day with the comfort of a private boat. It’s especially attractive if snorkeling matters to you, because the tour includes the gear, gives you substantial time in the water, and follows it with an island town stop plus beach-bar downtime.

I’d think twice if you’re only interested in a quick look from the boat. This day is built for swimming time and for a real rhythm, not a fast sightseeing sprint. Also, keep in mind the day depends on good weather, so build in a backup option in your schedule if you can.

If you want a day that feels like your own small cruise—Blue Lagoon water first, then Maslinica, then Borkko—this one is a strong fit.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private boat?

The tour is private and supports up to 8 people in your group.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the tour pick up and drop off?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Trogir or Split, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What do I do during the Blue Lagoon stop?

You have about 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, with drinks and cocktails mentioned for that stop.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with towels and safety equipment.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, even though you’ll have time at the Borkko beach bar area.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Beer and alcoholic beverages are included.

Do I need good weather for this tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Is this tour fully private for my group?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. Service animals are allowed.