Split: Hvar, Pakleni, Brač & Šolta All-inclusive Tour

This Split catamaran tour is interesting because it stacks island time in one day: guided Hvar old town plus multiple swim stops off Brač and the Pakleni Islands. I love that you get structured sightseeing and then breathing room to wander. One consideration, you are not doing a slow beach day, you are doing a well-paced day at sea.

I also really liked the energy on board, with host Mia keeping things fun and moving, and the music going from relaxed cruising to a proper dance mood on the return. The vibe feels social without turning into chaos all day.

Finally, this is a water-focused route, with stops that include swimming and a Šolta snorkeling window, so plan for saltwater, sun, and time in the Adriatic. If you need wheelchair access, this one is not suitable.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Hvar with a real guide, then free time, so you get context and still choose your own streets
• Pakleni Islands swim stop in secluded-feeling bays that people remember
• Multiple Adriatic dips off Brač plus another swim moment on the way back
• Unlimited drinks and included meals, which is the real cost saver here
• Crew-hosted atmosphere led by Mia, with music and a dance option on the return
• Limited group size for a party cruise, max 78 travelers, which helps the boat feel roomy

Why This Split-to-Hvar Catamaran Route Feels Like More Than a Typical Boat Day

Most boat tours in this part of Croatia either focus on “showing you sights” or on “getting you to the party.” This one tries to balance both, and that balance is what makes it work.

You start in Split, you spend time on Hvar with a guide, then you spend the rest of the day doing what the Adriatic does best, water time. The itinerary is built around short transfers and a sequence of bays that let you cool off again and again. That means you are not stuck boiling on deck with nothing to look forward to.

If you like your day trips with structure but not stiffness, you will probably appreciate how the pacing is set. If you want all-day lounging on one beach, you might find the repeated stops a bit “stop and go.”

The Boat Setup and the Included Drinks That Change the Math

This excursion runs on a mega catamaran, which matters more than it sounds. Catamarans tend to feel stable and comfortable at sea, and a bigger platform usually gives you more places to sit, lie down, and move around without constantly bumping into people.

What really drives the value is the all-inclusive package. You get unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, and beer, and you also get coffee. The alcohol is not always available instantly either, it begins after the first swim stop, so the earlier part stays a little more sane.

I also appreciated the way the crew seems to manage the atmosphere. One of the recurring themes is that the ship never feels overwhelmingly crowded, even when the group is around the high end of the allowed size. There is space to chill if you want it, and if you want to join the party, the return cruise can turn into a dance moment.

A small practical heads up: one person mentioned they did not notice a shower on board. If clean-up right before the return is a must for you, you may want to plan to rinse off as best you can at your stops rather than expecting a full shower setup.

Where You Meet in Split, and How to Start the Day Without Stress

Your meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. You should show up 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Getting there early is not about being strict, it helps you locate the right spot and get on board smoothly, especially if you need time to put on sunscreen, grab your towel, and sort out swimwear.

Pack for the reality of a water day. You will want sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The sun can be intense around midday, and once you start bouncing between decks and bays, you will be glad you are not scrambling halfway through.

Brač Island First Swim: The Best Kind of Fast Reset

The tour kicks off with Brač Island right away, followed by a swimming stop for about an hour. This is a smart start for two reasons.

First, you get into the day’s main activity before you spend much time in towns or on walks. Second, a morning dip helps you feel more comfortable for the rest of the route. If you are the kind of person who gets restless on long commutes, this first swim window gives you a quick win early.

This stop is about you going in the water. You are not here to “tour” Brač from land for long. You go in, you swim, and you enjoy the coastline and Adriatic color from the boat.

Hvar Old Town: Guided Walk With Enough Time to Wander

Next comes Hvar Island with a short guided tour of the old town, followed by about one to two hours of free time. This is the part that turns the day from “just another cruise” into something with place-based detail.

A guide will show you the key attractions of the old town. In the reviews, the Hvar guiding experience gets a lot of praise, including mentions of Manuela as a standout guide. You also get enough time after the walking to step away from the group and explore at your own speed, grab a coffee, or just soak up the streets and views.

Two practical notes based on what I learned from people’s feedback:

1) The Hvar walking portion is useful, but it is not a full-day exploration. If you want museum-level time, you will need to build that into another day.

2) Audio can matter. One person suggested adding a microphone for better clarity during the Hvar explanations. If you are sensitive to group-tour sound, position yourself closer to the guide during the walk.

Pakleni Islands: Where the Swim Stop Becomes the Main Event

Then you hit the Pakleni Islands and the tour slows into what most people came for, more swimming in a hidden bay. This is the stop that consistently gets the strongest reaction because it feels private and scenic compared to places where more boats line up.

Even if you are not a “serious swimmer,” this is the point where the day usually clicks. You can float, take a dip, and then watch the islands slide by. The ship’s movement between bays also helps, the views keep changing so it does not feel like you are stuck at one spot.

Timing here is about balance. You get around an hour in this area, which is enough to swim, cool down, and get your photos without dragging on too long.

One small note: some people mentioned items like goggles and pool noodles being available, but not always in unlimited quantities for everyone. If you like to swim with extra float support, bring your own if you have it at home, or at least be ready for the fact that availability may vary.

Šolta Snorkeling and the Quieter Shift in the Route

After Pakleni, the itinerary continues with Šolta and includes swimming and snorkeling for about 45 minutes. This is a nice tonal shift. Hvar and Pakleni can feel more “classic highlights,” while Šolta tends to feel more calm and local.

This is not presented as a long snorkeling training session. It is a chance to get in, snorkel if you want, and see underwater life in a short window before heading back toward Split.

If snorkeling is a priority, this is still only a slice of time. Still, a dedicated snorkeling stop is a lot better than a cruise that only offers swimming.

On-Board Food: Lunch, Snacks, and What Comes With the Drinks

Food is included, and that is a big deal for value. You get coffee plus a morning pastry and then a lunch that includes chicken salad and a sandwich-style meal. You also get fruit and cake during the sailing.

The best way to think about it is this: the meals are filling enough to keep you fueled for multiple swim stops, but it is not a sit-down restaurant lunch with endless options. Some people wanted lunch to be more substantial or more meat-forward, and others were happy with it. Most importantly, you are not hungry and you are not forced to buy food on shore.

Vegetarian planning is possible. You can pre-order a vegetarian meal for cheese instead of chicken. If you have dietary needs, do not assume it is automatic. Pre-ordering is the way to make sure you actually get what you need.

Also, desserts and snacks matter on a day like this. Fresh fruit and home cakes add a local-feeling touch, and they give you something sweet after sun and saltwater.

Crew Energy, Music, and the Dance Party Choice

A lot of people rate this tour based on the people on board, and here that focus makes sense. The crew and host do more than manage logistics. They keep the ship feeling alive.

Mia gets mentioned again and again as an engaging host, and the team’s vibe is described as friendly, fun, and attentive. There are also notes about bathrooms being kept clean, including maintenance after stops. One person specifically highlighted that the crew keeps the boat clean between swimming windows, including the floors.

Music is a big part of the mood. The general pattern seems to be a gradual shift from relaxed to more party-ish on the return. Some people love that and say it turns into a dance setup, with a dance floor that can appear during the sunset portion. Other people would prefer different music, which is fair. Either way, the key is that you can still choose your mood. If you want quiet views, you can find a space away from the music.

Duration, Timing, and How to Judge the Day for Your Priorities

The total time is 10 hours. That includes the travel from Split, the island stops, swimming windows, and the time on Hvar.

On a recent sailing, one person said departure was around 08:30 and the return was around 18:00 to 18:30. Treat that as an example, not a promise, since schedules can shift by season and conditions.

How to judge whether the day fits you:

• If your priorities are swimming, scenic bays, and a lively cruise atmosphere, you will likely feel like this delivers.
• If your priority is long time in one town, you may wish you had planned an overnight or a separate Hvar day with more walking and less boat tempo.

The tour’s structure is designed to keep you moving, which is exactly why it works for people who feel “bored” on slow tours.

Group Size and the Feel of the Ship

The maximum group size is 78 travelers, which is large by land standards but reasonable for a mega catamaran. The operator also limits daily touring groups, including rules that groups over 10 people are not allowed on daily tours. They can prevent non-compliant groups from boarding without a refund.

In plain terms: this is set up for a broad crowd, not a private family-style outing with special rules. If you are traveling with a group of 11 or more, check how your group size interacts with the daily tour policy before you lock in.

On the good side, many people report that even with a full boat, it does not feel chaotic. The ship layout seems to allow a mix of socializing and space to sit or sunbathe.

Price and Value: Why This One Often Beats Buying Everything A La Carte

At $116 per person, this tour is not the cheapest boat option in Split. But the value comes from what you do not have to pay for during the day.

You are getting:

• guided Hvar old town time
• unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, and beer
• coffee
• lunch plus snacks
• fruit and cake

If you have ever done a “cheap” cruise that charges extra for drinks and food, you know how quickly costs climb. Here, the pricing is basically telling you, this is a full day package. You are paying for convenience and for not managing receipts while you are trying to enjoy sun and sea.

The fact that the transport and organization get strong marks also matters. One review noted that the boat was very clean and toilets were well maintained during the day. That is not flashy, but it does change your comfort level.

Still, you should calibrate expectations about lunch quality. Most say it is good for the price, but some people want it more substantial. This is included, but it is not an unlimited buffet.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Prefer a Different Plan

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want a one-day introduction to Hvar plus surrounding islands
• care about swimming stops more than long shore tours
• like a social boat vibe and music, with an option to chill when you want
• appreciate all-inclusive pricing, especially for drinks

It might not be the best choice if you:

• need wheelchair-friendly access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users
• want long time in Hvar old town, because you will have guided time and free time, not a full-day land stay
• hate any chance of party atmosphere. The return dance mood is real, though you can choose where you sit

It is also recommended for children above two years old, which suggests the day is not only geared toward late-night partying. Still, it is very sun and water focused, so bring the usual kid safety basics.

Practical Tips to Get the Most From Your Swim Stops

A few things I would do if you are aiming for a smooth, low-stress day:

1) Bring the basics seriously. Sunscreen and a sun hat are not optional for a long day on deck.

2) Have your swimwear on sooner than later. The day is designed around water stops, and you will lose time if you have to change repeatedly.

3) Plan for sun timing. Even if you spend time in the shade, you will be exposed during transfers and deck time.

4) If you want more quiet during Hvar or the return, pick where you sit on the boat. Music ramps up later, and having a quieter spot makes it easier to enjoy the scenery.

5) If you want vegetarian food, pre-order the cheese alternative. The tour supports it, but you need to request it ahead of time.

Should You Book This Split All-Inclusive Catamaran?

If you want a practical day trip that mixes Hvar’s charm with Adriatic swimming and a drink-and-food package that makes budgeting easy, I think this is a very solid choice. The guide-led Hvar walk adds substance, and the Pakleni swim stop is the kind of experience that makes the whole day feel “worth it,” not just busy.

Book it if your ideal day includes:

• multiple swim breaks
• included lunch and unlimited drinks
• a crew that keeps the vibe upbeat

Skip it if you need:

• wheelchair accessibility
• a slow, one-beach all-day experience
• a long, unhurried stay in Hvar beyond the guided walk and free time

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour in Split?

You meet your guide at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000, Split, Croatia. Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the excursion?

The duration is 10 hours.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, and beer, plus coffee, pastry, lunch (with chicken salad and a sandwich-style meal), and fruit and cake on the catamaran.

When are alcoholic drinks served?

Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. You can pre-order a vegetarian meal with cheese instead of chicken.

Which islands are included, and where do you swim?

You stop for swimming at Brač (around an hour) and at the Pakleni Islands (around an hour). You also have swimming at Šolta, which includes snorkeling for about 45 minutes.

Is there a snorkeling stop?

Yes, snorkeling is included during the Šolta stop (about 45 minutes).

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 78 travelers. Groups with more than 10 people are not allowed on the daily tours.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible, and what should I bring?

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.