50 Shades of Blue

REVIEW · CROATIA

50 Shades of Blue

5.0 · 10 reviews From $783 Operated by Tamaris Charter · Bookable on Viator
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Blue water and a private boat fix the day. This day trip pairs Blue Lagoon swimming with island hopping on Šolta, so you get real sea time without the grind. I especially like the slow, chill pacing between stops, plus the fact that you’re in a small private group where the skipper can adjust to your day. One trade-off to plan for: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to budget for your meal when you reach Stomorska.

From the moment you meet at Matejuška in Split, the whole setup feels built for comfort: port pickup/drop-off is part of the deal, and you get snorkeling equipment plus safety gear. In past days, skippers like Toma, Marco, and Blaz have been singled out for being friendly, professional, and respectful with the sea, which matters when you’re out on open water.

It’s also a simple format: about 9 hours total, with a mix of swimming, village exploring, and one standout snorkeling stop over a shipwreck. Just note that kids need an adult, and this is designed for a full day on the water and at stops, not a quick half-day.

Quick hits before you go

50 Shades of Blue - Quick hits before you go

  • Private boat for up to 7 people, so your day feels like yours, not a shuffle through crowds
  • Two big swimming windows, including the Nečujam shipwreck snorkeling stop
  • Snorkeling gear and safety gear included, which saves you time and packing
  • Short historic Trogir coffee and ice cream stop, a nice reset before the boat portion
  • Skippers like Toni’s team (CEO Toni, plus skippers Toma, Marco, Blaz) have a pattern of clear communication and good vibes

Still weighing it up? These Trogir trips also came through our review desk.

50 Shades of Blue: the feel of this day trip

50 Shades of Blue - 50 Shades of Blue: the feel of this day trip
This tour works because it matches what most people actually want on the coast. You start with a quick hit in Trogir, then the boat takes over and you spend the best hours doing water things. There are no late-night plans, no constant moving bags around, and no “just walk past this photo spot” pressure.

What I like most is the balance between sea time and land time. You get a proper chance to swim and snorkel at two different places, then you also get to slow down in Šolta villages. It helps that the stops are spaced out enough that you don’t feel like you’re racing your own day.

If you’re the type who enjoys the look of Dalmatia from the water, this one fits. You’ll be hopping between coves and bays, which is where the colors and calm water scenes really show up.

Getting to the boat: Split or Trogir pickup and the timing

50 Shades of Blue - Getting to the boat: Split or Trogir pickup and the timing
You’ll depart either from Trogir or Split, depending on where you’re starting. The schedule lists:

  • 9:00am departure from Trogir
  • 8:30am departure from Split

And you head back around 17:30 to Split or Trogir.

The meeting point shown is Matejuška, Trumbićeva obala 3, 21000 Split, Croatia, which is the anchor location for the activity. What you should take from that is simple: confirm exactly where you’re being collected, and plan to arrive a bit early so you can get oriented fast.

Pickup is offered from Trogir riviera and Split riviera, and it’s also available from other Central Dalmatian locations on request. In one case described, a pickup at a hotel (Le Meridien) involved an extra fuel charge, which is a good reminder to ask if your exact start point differs from the listed pickup zones.

Trogir for a quick palate reset: coffee and ice cream time

50 Shades of Blue - Trogir for a quick palate reset: coffee and ice cream time
Before the boat really starts doing its job, you get a short stop in the historic city of Trogir. The timing is tight, about 9:00am to 9:30am, and the plan is basically a quick coffee and ice cream break.

That might sound small, but it’s a smart move. It gets you out of “waiting mode” and puts you in a vacation headspace right away. If you like pretty stone lanes and you want a taste of old Trogir without turning your day into a city walking tour, this stop nails the vibe.

Keep expectations realistic here. This isn’t a deep dive into Trogir monuments. It’s more like a friendly appetizer that sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: where the day turns into sea time

50 Shades of Blue - Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: where the day turns into sea time
The first big water stop is Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, running from about 10:00am to 11:45am. This is your main swimming and snorkeling block, plus time to do a small tour around nearby islets.

This is the kind of stop where “just floating” counts as a plan. You’ll get that classic boat-to-water feeling, with a chance to swim when the water is at its most inviting. Since snorkeling gear is included, you can focus on enjoying the water rather than worrying about equipment.

One practical tip: treat this stop like your warm-up session. Swim first, then snorkel. If you go straight to snorkeling, you might feel a bit rushed if you’re still getting used to buoyancy and the water temperature.

Also, based on how the tour has been described, the water spots are generally worth it, and the boat crew typically helps make the timing work so you don’t feel cut short.

Maslinica on Šolta: village time for slow travel

50 Shades of Blue - Maslinica on Šolta: village time for slow travel
Next comes Maslinica from about 12:00pm to 13:00pm. This is the land break in the middle of your sea day, and that’s exactly why it matters.

A village stop like Maslinica gives your body a change of pace. You’re not just repeating the same water routine back-to-back. Instead, you can wander, look around, and take in the way these places live when you’re not in a rush.

With only about an hour, the best approach is simple: pick a direction, walk a bit, and stop when something looks good. If you want photos, look for views down toward the harbor and small side streets that show everyday life.

If you’re traveling with family, this is also a good place to let kids burn off energy without turning the day into an exhausting trek.

Stomorska lunch time: good food, and budget for it

50 Shades of Blue - Stomorska lunch time: good food, and budget for it
Then you head to Stomorska, scheduled around 13:30pm to 15:30pm. This is where lunch happens, at what the tour description calls a perfect family restaurant.

One big thing to understand: lunch isn’t included in the tour price. So yes, you’ll be fed during the day, but you’ll still pay for the meal yourself. That’s not a deal-breaker, because you’re on a boat day and food costs are part of the reality. Just make it a conscious budget item so you don’t get surprised later.

Also, this is usually a longer stop compared to the village time earlier, which means you can actually have a real lunch break rather than a quick bite. In past experiences with this company, people have mentioned being seated at a reserved table, which is a nice touch when you’re showing up hungry and ready to relax.

If you’re picky about timing, aim for lunch soon after you arrive at the restaurant area. Boats can get you to places on island time, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you don’t end up waiting at the wrong moment.

Nečujam shipwreck snorkeling: the most memorable water stop

50 Shades of Blue - Nečujam shipwreck snorkeling: the most memorable water stop
The later water highlight is Nečujam, scheduled around 15:45pm to 16:45pm. The plan includes snorkeling, specifically snorkeling over a shipwreck.

This is the stop that turns a nice blue-water day into a story you’ll remember. Shipwreck snorkeling tends to feel different from calm swimming. You get something to look for beyond the shoreline, and it often makes snorkeling more interesting if you’ve done it before and want a new angle.

Keep it simple: snorkel at your comfort level. If you’re new to snorkeling, you can still take a few calm dips and watch from the surface while the crew helps people get positioned. If you’re more confident, you’ll probably like having that goal of finding the wreck underwater.

One more practical note: this late in the day, sun and heat can hit harder. Bring and use sunscreen, and give yourself enough time to catch your breath between the water and any walking around.

Boats, safety, and that skipper factor

50 Shades of Blue - Boats, safety, and that skipper factor
This tour includes a professional skipper, plus safety gear and insurance. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the experience is run as a private tour, limited to your group (up to 7).

In the feedback you’ve been given, the skippers come up again and again for being friendly, respectful of the sea, and good at communicating. Names you’ll see connected with great days include CEO Toni, plus skippers Toma, Marco, and Blaz. That’s not just name-dropping. A calm, competent captain makes a difference for things like boarding smoothly, timing stops, and keeping the ride comfortable.

Also, boats being described as clean and safe matters a lot on a day that has multiple water sessions. The better the boat setup, the less time you spend wrangling towels, gear, and anything you need to keep dry.

What to expect on the water: how to pack for comfort

The tour provides snorkeling gear and safety gear, so you can skip that worry. Still, you’ll enjoy the day more if you bring the basics:

  • sunscreen and a hat (the sun can be strong even when you’re moving slowly by boat)
  • a quick-dry towel or something similar
  • water or a way to stay hydrated on long stops

Because there’s a coffee and ice cream stop plus village time, you might also want some small cash or card for snacks and drinks, since only lunch is called out as not included.

If you’re bringing kids, remember the rule here is straightforward: children must be accompanied by an adult. And because this is out on the water for much of the day, plan for moments when they want to switch between swimming and relaxing.

Price and value: is $783.63 per group fair?

The listed price is $783.63 per group, for up to 7 people.

That pricing structure is what makes this tour feel like good value for the right group. If you fill the boat with a full group, your per-person cost drops a lot. If you’re only two people, the price stays the same, so you’re paying more per head.

Here’s the math to anchor your decision:

  • 7 people: about $112 per person
  • 4 people: about $196 per person
  • 2 people: about $392 per person

Now compare that to what you’re getting. It’s a private boat with fuel, a professional skipper, safety gear, snorkeling gear, and insurance. Then you also get planned stops across Šolta plus Trogir, not just one floating swim session. And the itinerary includes a more interesting snorkeling target than a simple shore swim, the shipwreck stop at Nečujam.

The only clear “extra cost” called out is lunch. Coffee and ice cream are mentioned as part of the Trogir stop, but there’s no specific statement that those items are included, so assume you’ll pay for any personal snacks.

If you have a small group and you want privacy, this can still be worth it. If you’re traveling solo, it may feel expensive compared to shared group boat options, but you’d also be paying for the exact experience you want: small group, flexible skipper, and time at multiple coves.

Who should book this boat day, and who might not

This tour fits best if you want:

  • a chill day on the water
  • snorkeling plus at least one more interesting target like the shipwreck
  • some village time rather than only swimming

It’s also a strong pick for families, since the itinerary includes breaks on land and the schedule is planned so you’re not constantly rushing. In the feedback you were given, people traveled with kids and also with adults in their fifties, and the day worked for a mixed group.

Where it might not fit is if you want a heavy walking tour, museum time, or a full-day city experience. This is a sea day first, and the land stops are short by design.

Also, if you dislike boat rides, this might not be your match. The experience is built around being out on the water most of the morning and again in the afternoon.

Should you book 50 Shades of Blue?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for an authentic Dalmatian sea day: blue water time, proper snorkeling gear, and a small private setup that keeps the day relaxed. The itinerary gives you multiple swim moments and a standout shipwreck snorkeling stop, and the crew focus on safe, friendly handling shows up in how people describe the experience.

I’d think twice if your budget is tight and you’re not sharing the cost with others, because lunch is not included and the per-person price rises for small groups. Also, if you want lots of time walking around Trogir or long stays in villages, adjust your expectations, because these stops are short.

If you’re the type who plans vacations around swimming, views, and simple enjoyment, this one looks like a strong use of your day.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from, Split or Trogir?

It departs from Trogir at 9:00am or from Split at 8:30am. The activity meeting point shown is Matejuška, Trumbićeva obala 3, 21000 Split, Croatia, and the trip ends back at the meeting point area around 17:30.

How long is the 50 Shades of Blue tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a boat ride, a professional skipper, fuel, safety gear, snorkeling gear, and insurance, plus private tour service, port pickup and drop-off, and local taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have a lunch time stop in Stomorska during the day.

Do I need a ticket on my phone?

Yes, you get a mobile ticket.

Can I cancel if plans change?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.