Split: Cruise on Columbo’s Pirate Ship “Santa Maria”

A ride on Columbo’s pirate ship, Santa Maria, is a cheeky fun way to see Split from the water. You get that salt-in-the-air feeling fast, and the views keep changing as the coastline slips behind you.

I really like two things about this cruise: the onboard drinks and the fact that you still get a proper swim break, not just a pass-by. The one drawback to plan around is the ladder back onto the ship can feel awkward when you are climbing in from the water.

Quick Highlights You Can Feel Immediately

• Pirate-ship Santa Maria vibes that make Split look like a movie set from the sea
• Drinks included (water, juice, and red or white wine) while you sail and relax
• Photo-friendly coastline views, including Marjan Hill as you head out and back
• Swim and snorkel stops near Split’s beaches, including Kašuni and Bačvice
• Snorkeling equipment provided, so you can actually join in without extra planning

Setting Off From Split’s Waterfront (and Why That Matters)

This is a simple, good-value kind of tour. You meet next to the ship, show your ticket, then step aboard Santa Maria and get settled before departure. With only about 1.5 hours total, the timing is built for people who want sea views without committing to a full day.

Once you’re underway, the vibe shifts from city mode to coast mode. Split is right there, but you’re seeing it from the Adriatic side, where the buildings, coves, and beaches look taller, wider, and more dramatic. If you like quick travel wins, this is the type of cruise that gives you a lot of scenery per hour.

One practical note: starting times can change, and you’ll be contacted if they do. So if you have dinner reservations, keep your plans flexible.

Sailing With Marjan Hill and Coastline Views Behind You

On this cruise, you don’t just sail in a straight line looking at the same thing. You pass key viewpoints that make Split feel like a place with multiple faces. As you head out, you’ll see Marjan Hill, which sits above the city and gives you a different angle on Split’s layout.

As the coastline comes into view, you also get the chance to frame photos with beaches and harbor edges in the background. People often underestimate how much a boat changes your perspective. From deck level, the coast curves, the water turns glossy, and Split looks instantly more connected to the sea.

The cruise also calls out specific spots along the way, like Kašuni Beach and Bačvice Beach. Even if you are not swimming at every stop, it helps to know the names because it makes your time feel more grounded. You can look, point, and say, that’s where we’ll likely swim.

Drinks on the Santa Maria: Included, Simple, and Actually Nice

Here’s where the value shows. Drinks are included right on board: water, juice, and red or white wine. That means you can spend the cruise doing the relaxing part, not hunting down a bar or paying extra for every round.

The service is part of the experience rhythm. You can get a drink as you head out, then settle into the slow-motion feeling of being on a boat with the coastline moving past you. It’s the kind of onboard comfort that makes a short cruise feel longer and more enjoyable.

If you drink wine, you’ll appreciate that the options include both red and white. If you don’t, water and juice are there too, so you still get a built-in break without committing to alcohol.

Also, the captain’s attitude matters. The cruise has a relaxed feel, including the fact that the captain does not seem to mind small personal extras like bringing along items such as strawberry, and they also offer a variety of drinks. That laid-back approach helps the whole thing feel less stiff and more like a fun outing.

The Swim and Snorkel Stops Near Kašuni and Bačvice Beaches

The best part of the cruise is the water time. You’ll stop near beaches around Split to swim and snorkel in the clear Adriatic. Specific areas named for the trip include Kašuni and Bačvice, so you can expect the stops to align with those coastal spots.

Your swim window isn’t endless, and that’s not a flaw. For a 1.5-hour tour, it’s more of a focused break than an all-day beach session. In practice, it means you should treat this as a chance to cool off, see underwater life, and get your photos, then get back to sailing.

The snorkeling is the kind where you can go in, look around, and come up without needing advanced skills. Even if you only snorkel for a short time, you’ll still get that wow factor of being able to look down and notice what’s living under the surface.

There is one real consideration: the ladder back onto the ship can be hard to climb. So if you’re not comfortable with ladders or you expect it to be difficult, plan to take it slow and steady when you return to deck. This is one of the few downsides that shows up clearly, and it’s worth taking seriously.

What the Snorkeling Gear Adds (and How to Use It Comfortably)

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a big deal for avoiding last-minute shopping or guessing whether gear quality will be good. On a short cruise, it also saves time, so you can go from stop to water faster.

I like when snorkeling gear is included because it keeps the experience flexible. You can decide on the spot. If you feel like getting in, you can grab the equipment and try it right away. If the water is too cold for your taste, you can still enjoy the swim without snorkeling.

Since the tour is focused on a quick swim and look-around approach, keep your expectations in that lane. You’re not signing up for a training course. You’re signing up for clear water, a quick underwater peek, and then back to the deck with the coastline in view.

The Captain, the On-Board Mood, and Possible Dolphin Magic

A big part of why people enjoy this kind of cruise is the human rhythm. The captain handles the trip with care and keeps the mood relaxed. You can tell this is the type of ride where conversation can happen naturally, not forced.

One highlight worth knowing is that dolphins may appear. When they do, the captain may adjust plans to let everyone enjoy the moment. That kind of small flexibility is exactly what makes a short excursion feel special, because you get more than just scenery. You get a live event on top of the tour.

Even if you do not see dolphins, the relaxed on-board feeling still lands. You’ve got wind in your hair, a moving view of Split, drinks in hand, and that pirate-ship atmosphere that makes the whole thing feel lighter than a standard boat ride.

Duration and Timing: 1.5 Hours Is Just Right

This cruise is about 1.5 hours, with starting times that depend on availability. That matters because it lets you fit it into almost any day in Split. You are not committing to a long transport schedule, and you still get the sea perspective plus a swim break.

The main scheduling trick is to think of it as a pairing with a beach or photo block rather than an all-in-one replacement. This is not a full beach day. It’s a short sail with a water break, and that’s the sweet spot.

If you are the type who wants a morning view or an afternoon reset, you’ll likely find a departure time that fits. Just remember: starting times can shift, and you’ll be notified if that happens.

What You Should Bring (and How to Prep in One Minute)

The only item specifically called out for bringing is swimwear. That’s refreshingly straightforward. Since the cruise includes swim and snorkeling, wear something that lets you get in quickly when you reach the stop.

If you plan to use the snorkeling gear, consider how you’ll feel adjusting gear while seated or standing on a moving ship. Keep it simple, do it calmly, and don’t rush the first attempt in the water.

Also, come with the expectation that you’ll be climbing in and out using the ship ladder. If you want to reduce friction, take your time with it. That one point can make the difference between a fun swim and an exhausting one.

Is This Good Value at About $32 Per Person?

At around $32 per person for a 1.5-hour cruise, this is good value because you’re not paying for just the ride. You also get drinks and snorkeling equipment included, and you spend part of the time in the water near Split’s beaches.

Boat tours can get expensive fast once you add extras like drinks and gear. Here, the cruise bundle already covers those parts. Even if you only drink water or juice, you still get value from having everything included for the swim portion.

The “value math” is strongest for people who want sea views and water time in one package. If your main goal is sunbathing for hours, you may find the swim stop too short. If your goal is views plus a quick dip, it’s a solid deal.

Who This Santa Maria Cruise Fits Best

This tour is ideal for you if you want:

• a sea-view outing from Split without a full-day commitment
• a swim stop near the city’s beaches, with snorkeling gear provided
• a relaxed, fun atmosphere on a pirate-themed ship

It’s also a good match for couples, friends, and anyone who likes photos from the water. The climb back on the ship ladder is the one caution for people with limited mobility or anyone who hates ladder steps.

If you are traveling with kids, it can work well because the experience is short and the pirate-ship theme helps keep energy up. Just keep an eye on water safety and ladder movement, since climbing is the part that may require extra caution.

Final Call: Should You Book This Pirate Ship Cruise?

I’d book it if you want Split from the water, plus drinks and an actual swim break, all in about 90 minutes. Santa Maria is a fun setting, and the included drinks and snorkeling gear make it feel more complete than a basic sightseeing cruise.

Skip it or think twice if ladder climbing from the water worries you, or if you need a long beach stretch rather than a short swim window. In that case, you may be happier with a beach-focused day.

If you’re aiming for a quick, memorable Adriatic moment, this is one of the easiest “yes” decisions in Split.

FAQ

How long is the Cruise on Columbo’s Pirate Ship Santa Maria?

The duration is 1.5 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

How much does it cost?

The price is $32 per person.

What drinks are included on board?

Drinks included are water, juice, red wine, and white wine.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet next to the ship.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is there a cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The option to reserve now & pay later is available.