Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands with Food and free Drinks

This full-day catamaran cruise from Split to Hvar, plus the nearby Pakleni islands, is a smart way to get far from the city without renting a car or guessing transport. You do a relaxed morning on the water, then swap land time for swim stops in some seriously clear bays, and you end with music on deck.

I like how the day is paced like a playlist, not a rushed checklist. You get onboard food and unlimited drinks, and Hvar includes a real guided introduction, then breathing room to wander on your own. The big consideration is that the energy shifts later in the day, so if you want a quiet, early-to-bed kind of trip, you might find the party vibe a bit much.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• Three-plus swimming moments in different bays, not just one quick dip
• Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee, with alcohol starting after the first swim stop
• Hvar old town with a short guided tour, then about an hour to explore independently
• Pakleni Islands time in natural cove-like bays that feel like a world away
• Deck music and a dance-party return trip, which turns “getting back” into the fun part
• A medium-size catamaran (max 76 travelers) that usually keeps it social but not chaotic

From Split To the Open Sea: Why This Trip Works

This trip is built for people who like the coast but don’t want to spend the day on ferries and transfers. The catamaran ride takes you out into the Adriatic, and the itinerary keeps you moving at a pace that still feels like a vacation.

I also like that it is not only about sightseeing. You are actually given time to swim, snack, and hang out on board. That matters in Croatia, because the best parts of the islands are often the water and the short, relaxed moments.

One more practical thing. The ship is set up for a full day, with bathrooms onboard and enough space to relax. On a 10-hour day, that is not a minor detail.

Price and What You Really Get for It

At $119.72 per person for about 10 hours, you are paying for a package: transportation by catamaran, multiple island stops, lunch and snacks, plus drinks. On a trip like this, that is where the value shows up fast. Buying those things separately would be a bigger headache.

You also pay for convenience. The meeting point is right at the harbor, and the cruise schedule takes care of the travel. You do not need to plan a route between islands, then figure out when to get back to Split.

The drinks are a huge part of the deal. The open bar includes beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Alcohol is served after the first swim stop, so you start the day relaxed and then it ramps up.

Starting Point and Timing: The Day Starts Early

You meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split, directly in front of the catamaran Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5. Since other companies board nearby, I suggest you show up early and make sure you’re in the right queue.

The start time is 8:30 am, and you get back to the meeting point around sunset. That early departure is part of why you avoid feeling like you are just chasing daylight. You get the best part of the day, then you finish as the light softens.

If you hate mornings, plan a calm evening the night before. That early start can feel easier if you are not already tired from late dinner plans in Split.

Brac Island Swim Stop: Your First Taste of the Adriatic

The first major reset happens on Brač island, with a relaxed cruise to a bay near the coast. You get roughly an hour here, and it is built around the simple idea of stop, swim, relax, repeat.

This is usually where the trip sets the tone. The water at these stops is a big deal, and the ship gives you snorkeling gear like masks and foam noodles. That means you can participate even if you are not a hardcore swimmer.

Keep in mind the alcohol rule. Drinks switch on after the first swim stop, so the early part is more about sun, shade, and the water itself. It also helps people pace themselves before lunch.

Hvar Old Town: Guided Orientation Plus Real Free Time

Hvar is the showpiece, and the format is practical. You arrive, then you get a professional guide to walk you through the main sights of the old town.

The time split is smart. You do not get stuck in a long lecture. After the guided section, you have about an hour of free time. That is enough to do something concrete, like grab a coffee by the promenade, wander side streets, or pop into a few shops.

If you get a guide like Manuela, people tend to talk about her as a standout because she explains things in a way that makes the walk feel easy to follow. Even if you do not remember every detail, you’ll understand where to go next.

My advice for that hour: pick one simple goal. Coffee plus a short stroll, or photo stops around the main sights. If you try to do everything, you will feel rushed.

Pakleni Islands: The Hidden-Bay Feel

After Hvar, you return to the catamaran and continue to the Pakleni Islands. This stop is also about swimming, but it has that “small world” feeling you get when the bays feel tucked away.

You get about an hour here. The best use of this time is to swim, then come back on board and hang out while the ship moves between coves. It keeps the rhythm from turning into “always in transit.”

This is also when you eat more onboard food and enjoy the open bar. On many days, the chicken salad is part of the menu at this stage, plus snacks like pastries, fruit, and cakes later in the day.

A heads-up on the food expectations. The chicken salad is not always a mayonnaise-heavy style. If you know exactly what you want, eat it as a casual day-meal, not as a restaurant plate.

Solta Island on the Way Back: Late-Day Swim and Dessert Mode

On the return to Split, you stop again at Šolta island. The cruise is timed so you can cool off again and take advantage of the afternoon light.

You get around an hour here too, and fresh fruit and homemade cakes are served onboard. This is the “snack payoff” part of the day, especially if you worked up an appetite swimming and lounging for hours.

Then the mood shifts. The crew turns up the music and the deck energy rises. People often remember this stretch as the moment where the cruise stops feeling like a tour and starts feeling like a party on the sea.

Food and Drinks: Breakfast Bites, Lunch, and an Open Bar

This day runs on a steady food rhythm. You typically start with breakfast items like pastries and coffee early on board. Then you get lunch after your Hvar stop.

Later, you get more snacks, like cakes, fruit, and muffins in the afternoon. It is not a five-course meal. It is a “keep you fueled all day” approach.

The drink setup is where this tour becomes a bargain for the right traveler. Your open bar includes:

• Beer
• Wine
• Soft drinks and water
• Coffee

And alcohol begins after the first swim stop, so you ease into it instead of starting the day dehydrated and buzzed.

One practical note from onboard reality. The water can mean boat travel is not perfectly smooth. If you are sensitive to motion, consider bringing your own motion sickness pills, even if you can also ask the crew.

The Onboard Vibe: Chill by Day, Party by Sunset

This cruise has two personalities. Early on, it is relaxed, with time to swim and hang out. By late afternoon, it becomes more social, with music, games, and dancing on deck.

I love that this is optional in practice. You can sit in the sun and ignore the party energy, and nobody forces you to join. But if you want quiet, the later-stage DJ vibe is real.

This also explains who it fits best. It is great for adults and groups who want a fun day at sea and like meeting people. It can work for families too, since children are allowed, but the end of the day can feel more grown-up than kid-focused.

If you want the best experience, match your expectations to the timing. Arrive for the swimming and the easy Hvar walking. Stay for the return trip.

Comfort and Practical Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For

Here are the things that make or break a sea day like this.

First, sunscreen. You are out on open water for hours. Even if the day looks “cool,” sun can still hit hard while you are distracted by the views and the next swim.

Second, sea sickness prevention. Some people find the ride has enough swells that they feel it. I recommend bringing motion sickness pills if you’ve dealt with this before. Also, ask the crew if they have anything available for you.

Third, pack for a mix of hot and breezy. You’ll be in swim mode, then sitting on deck while the boat returns. A light layer helps when the wind picks up.

Finally, bring your own water bottle only if you prefer it, but the tour includes water. Focus on swim gear, a towel, and a small day bag.

How the Stops Fit Together So You Don’t Feel Rushed

The itinerary avoids the common mistake of “one hour in each place, zero time to enjoy.” Instead, it gives you enough time to do the real activity at each location.

• Brač gives you the first swim and sets the easy pace.
• Hvar gives you the cultural part, with a short guided orientation.
• Pakleni gives you another strong water break in a different cove feel.
• Šolta gives you the final swim and a sweet ending with snacks and homemade cakes.

Then the return trip is not just transit. The music and dance party turn the final stretch into part of the experience.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is ideal if you want:

• A full day that mixes swimming, island time, and fun onboard
• Unlimited drinks included, especially if you plan to have a couple of beers or glasses during the day
• A guided walk in Hvar that helps you find your way fast, then freedom to wander

It is less ideal if you want:

• A quiet, low-energy trip with lots of structured time on shore
• A heavily guided day with long museum-like commentary
• A strictly family-focused schedule late in the afternoon

If you’re traveling with friends and want the kind of day where you actually remember people you met, this is a good bet.

Should You Book the Summer Blues Split To Hvar Catamaran Day?

I’d book it if you are craving a classic Adriatic “sea day” with real swim time and a fun ending. For the price, the included lunch plus unlimited drinks plus multiple island stops adds up quickly, and the format is built to keep you happy from morning to sunset.

I would hesitate if you are very sensitive to boat motion, because the ride can include swells, or if you want a calm vibe all day long. In that case, you might prefer a quieter island plan.

If you do book, go in expecting a day with sunshine, swimming, and party energy later on. You’ll get a memorable mix of Hvar old town plus the Pakleni and Brač water breaks that make people fall for the Croatian islands.

FAQ

How long is the full-day cruise from Split?

It runs for about 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to the meeting point around sunset.

Where do I meet the tour in Split?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, at the harbor in front of the catamaran Summer Blues, at dock 4 or 5.

What stops are included during the day?

The cruise includes stops for swimming near Brač, time in Hvar, swimming at the Pakleni Islands, and a return swim stop at Šolta.

Is food included, and when do I eat?

Yes. You’ll have pastries and coffee early, lunch after the Hvar stop, and additional fruit and cakes served later in the day.

What drinks are included, and when do alcohol drink service start?

The open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Alcohol is served after the first swim stop.

Do I get guided time in Hvar?

Yes. You get a professional guide for sightseeing in Hvar, then you have about an hour of free time to explore on your own.

Are vegetarian meals available?

A vegetarian option is available. You need to request it at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How does the cancellation refund work?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance, the amount paid is not refunded.