A day at sea in Croatia, with stops that actually deliver. This Blue Lagoon-focused boat trip is built around Yacht Tamaris comfort, easy snorkeling, and a proper Mediterranean lunch in the best swimming water. What I love most is the combo of Blue Lagoon swimming time plus included wine and food, and the fact the boat is set up for real lounging with showers and modern restrooms. One consideration: the free time at each stop is timed, so if you want a slow, soak-all-afternoon vibe, you’ll be sharing the schedule.

You’ll start with coffee and a croissant, then hop across three different settings: Čiovo’s Borkko Beach Bar, the turquoise clarity of Drvenik Veliki’s Blue Lagoon, and Šolta’s laid-back fisherman village of Maslinica. The day feels well run, with clear guidance, smooth pacing, and a crew that keeps things moving without turning it into a rush. Still, expect extra costs if you want beer, cocktails, or soda, since that onboard bar isn’t part of the included package.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Blue Lagoon swim time plus snorkeling gear and vests, with drinks included while you relax
• Three-deck yacht comfort: sun area, open deck bar, and air-conditioned salons
• Included lunch setup in the Blue Lagoon: grilled fish, chicken, and vegan option, with gluten-free available
• Clean facilities that matter: toilets, showers, and a swimming platform for rinsing off
• Real island variety: Borkko on Čiovo, Maslinica on Šolta, and the open-water feel of Drvenik Veliki

Yacht Tamaris Comfort: what makes this Split boat day feel easy

This isn’t one of those cramped, beat-up speedboats. Yacht Tamaris runs as a 27-meter day cruiser with three decks, including two air-conditioned salons if you want to cool off, and open areas where you can watch the coastline slide by. There are also showers and toilets on board, plus a spacious swimming platform that makes getting in and out much less annoying.

I like that the boat setup supports the whole day, not just the photo moment. You’ve got places to sit, places to lie in the sun, and enough room to move around without feeling stuck to one person all day.

Wi‑Fi is included, which is surprisingly helpful if you’re trying to manage photos, maps, or a message backlog before dinner. It also gives you an easy way to check local transit or restaurant ideas once you’re back in Split.

Price and value: why $76 can actually feel fair

At around $76 per person for an 8-hour outing, the value comes from what you get without chasing add-ons. You start with breakfast (coffee and croissant), then get lunch in the Blue Lagoon, plus fresh fruit dessert. On top of that, there’s unlimited local wine with the lunch and afterwards, along with water and lemonade.

Where the math improves is the timing and flow. You’re not paying for a separate private transfer to islands, and you’re not stuck arranging your own snorkeling gear and lunch stop. For a day built around swimming, food, and island-hopping, this price sits in the “good deal” territory.

The one place to stay realistic: extra drinks cost more. The bar can sell beer, cocktails, and soft drinks, and you’ll want cash on hand.

Finding Max Nautica and getting on board on time

Your meeting point is stand number 8 on the Split Riva Promenade. It’s a small white stand with a picture of the boat, positioned by the sea, in the middle of Riva across from Diocletian’s Palace and near bars like Bobis, Romana, Biberon, and St Riva.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. That buffer matters because the boat needs to depart strictly on time due to the port schedule, and you’ll want enough time to get settled, find a good spot, and handle any deposit for snorkeling gear.

If you get there late, you might lose the best seating options. In practice, early arrival is one of the easiest ways to improve your day without spending extra.

Departure bonus: coffee and croissant before the views

The day starts with a simple but genuinely nice touch: coffee and a croissant served as you cruise. It’s the kind of thing that makes the first hour feel like part of the experience, not just waiting to leave.

As the boat moves along the south side of Čiovo Island, you’re already seeing the coastline from the water, which is usually the best angle in this area. Even if the weather is warm, this early window gives you a calm start before the swimming and lunch portion ramps up.

Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo: swimming, snorkeling, and a relaxed shoreline

Borkko is the first true break from cruising. This stop is built for easy enjoyment: you’ll have time to swim, use the provided snorkeling gear, and hang out at/around the Borkko beach bar on Čiovo Island.

I like this stop because it sets the tone. It’s not the main highlight, but it’s where you can get comfortable with the water, adjust your swim plan, and take your time before you reach the Blue Lagoon.

Snorkeling here gives you a chance to test your gear and timing. Grab the snorkeling gear and the swim vests, then decide whether you want a quick look below the surface or a longer swim session.

Practical tip: bring sturdy footwear if your feet aren’t happy on rocky entries. Some beaches in this region have uneven rocks and it’s easy to feel it after a few short steps.

Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veliki: lunch, turquoise water, and the best part of the day

If you come for one thing, make it the Blue Lagoon. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, and the structure of the day reflects that: snorkeling, drinks, and a traditional lunch are all timed around this stop.

While you’re there, you’ll get Mediterranean lunch served right in the heart of the bay. The included menu includes grilled fish and chicken, plus a vegan option. There’s also a gluten-free option available, so you’re not stuck hoping the kitchen can accommodate you.

After lunch, you get time to explore the Blue Lagoon area and swim again. This is the part I’d protect in your own day plan: put your towel in a spot early, hydrate, then plan one snorkeling try and one longer swim session. The included drinks help you slow down without feeling like you’re waiting for a bar menu.

One more thoughtful detail: the crew supplies snorkeling gear and swim vests. You don’t have to arrive with anything extra besides the basics like sunscreen and a towel.

Šolta’s Maslinica: fisherman village pacing and Marchi Castle views

After the Blue Lagoon, the day shifts into a calmer rhythm at Maslinica on Šolta. This is a small fisherman village where you can walk around at an easy pace, soak up local life, and enjoy downtime between swim moments.

You’ll have time to explore the town, and there’s also a chance to see Marchi Castle and its park. Even if you don’t go inside anywhere, the area gives you a classic coastal-village feel and a break from the big-bay swimming focus.

If you want an alternative to walking, there’s also a beach bar option mentioned at Punta. This is the kind of stop that works well if you want shade, a casual drink, and a slower pace before your cruise back to Split.

The on-board “extras” you’ll actually use: Wi‑Fi, showers, and storage

This boat day is surprisingly practical once you’re on board.

You’ll have:

• Showers to rinse off after swimming
• Toilets that are described as clean and modern
• Safety deposit boxes for valuables
• Wi‑Fi on board

The showers matter more than you’d think. Salt water and sunscreen can make you miserable by late afternoon, and having a way to rinse without leaving the boat changes how good the day feels at the end.

Storage is also helpful. If you plan to bring your phone for photos at the swim spots, a secure place for your wallet and valuables reduces stress.

Food and drinks: included Mediterranean meal, plus what costs extra

Here’s what’s clearly included:

• Coffee and croissant at departure
• Traditional Mediterranean lunch in the Blue Lagoon (fish, chicken, vegan; gluten-free available)
• Fresh fruit dessert
• Unlimited local wine with lunch and after lunch
• Water and lemonade throughout the day

What’s not included: additional drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola. Reviews also suggest a cash-only system on board, so don’t assume you can tap a card.

If you plan to buy extras, it helps to know typical prices shared: beer around €5, coke around €4, and cocktails around €8. The included wine and lemonade take a lot of pressure off, but if you’re planning beer or mixed drinks, add it to your budget.

Snorkeling gear, the €10 deposit, and how to prep your feet

Snorkeling is part of the plan, but there’s a specific detail you need to remember. You’ll use the provided snorkeling gear and swim vests, but there’s a 10€ deposit for snorkeling equipment that’s returned after use.

Bring swimwear you’ll feel comfortable wearing for a full morning and afternoon. Then add essentials: sun hat, towel, sunscreen, camera, and comfortable clothes that work for both walking in Maslinica and moving around the boat.

If you’re worried about comfort on rocky entries, consider wearing water shoes or similar footwear. Some swimmers note that the beaches can be rocky and sea urchins are a real thing here, so protecting your feet can prevent a miserable first swim.

Crew vibe and entertainment: the human part of the day

The crew experience is a major reason people rate this trip so highly. You’ll get an English-speaking crew and clear guidance, with announcements over the microphone that help you stay on schedule.

I also like that the atmosphere is friendly without becoming a party boat. Music is played during the cruise, and the day feels more like a laid-back island outing than a loud group event.

Names that show up in the staff descriptions include people like Josip (captain), Stella, Sandra, and crew members such as Dado Thomas, Ivana, Marin, and Valentina/Valenti. If you connect with the crew, they can often point out where to sit, when to swim, and how to time your viewing stops.

Timing reality: how to use your 8 hours well

This kind of day tour works best when you plan around the “anchor moments” rather than chasing every minute.

You’ll get:

• A cruise portion at the start
• Borkko for swimming/snorkeling and beach bar downtime
• Blue Lagoon as the biggest block for lunch + swim time
• Maslinica for town walking and castle park sightseeing
• A cruise back to Split with a final food touch: chilled watermelon served by the crew

My advice: treat Blue Lagoon as your main swim and snorkeling focus. Use Borkko as a warm-up and scouting trip. Then use Maslinica for photos, a gentle walk, and a cooldown after the midday water.

Also, if you’re picky about seating, try to get settled early. There’s a lot of space across decks, but the best sun spots go fast.

Should you book this Split day cruise? Here’s who it fits

Book it if you want a structured 8-hour island day that still feels relaxed: swimming at Borkko, the Blue Lagoon as the centerpiece, and Maslinica for a calmer village stop. The included lunch, fruit dessert, and unlimited local wine make it easier to enjoy the day without constant spending.

Skip it (or consider alternatives) if you’re chasing an uncrowded, slow-paced day with tons of wandering time. This trip is set up for multiple stops, so you won’t get hours and hours in a single place.

It’s also a strong pick for families and for solo travelers who want a comfortable base and clear guidance. The boat setup with air-conditioned rooms, showers, and safety storage helps everyone stay comfortable as the day goes on.

FAQ

How long is the Yacht Tamaris tour from Split?

The experience lasts 8 hours total.

Where do I meet the tour in Split?

Meet at stand number 8 on the Split Riva Promenade, a small white stand with a picture of the boat, next to the sea across from Diocletian’s Palace.

What food and drinks are included?

You get coffee and a croissant at departure, a Mediterranean lunch in the Blue Lagoon (fish, chicken, and vegan option; gluten-free option available), fresh fruit dessert, unlimited local wine with and after lunch, plus water and lemonade.

Do you include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swim vests are included, with a 10€ safety deposit for the snorkeling equipment that’s returned after use.

Are extra drinks included too?

No. Extra drinks like beer, cocktails, and Coca-Cola are not included.

Is Wi‑Fi available on board?

Yes, Wi‑Fi is provided on the boat.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear. Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can board comfortably.