Split: All inclusive Brač & Šolta Island Swimming Cruise

A split day cruise like this is interesting because it turns the Adriatic into the main event. You sail out of Split, anchor for long swims, and visit two islands without packing and unpacking all day. The best part is the time on the water, not just the time near it.

I also like the simple value here. You get an open bar during the cruise plus a 3-course lunch that actually fills you up, with grilled options (fish, meat, or vegetarian) and a dessert. Finally, I like that the boat gives you options, from snorkeling gear to paddleboards and floating toys.

One consideration: the swimming is a big part of the experience. If you are not confident about getting in and out of the sea from the boat, you may find the day less fun than you hoped.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Long anchoring time for swimming in clear water, not just a quick splash
• Brač and Šolta stops, including Stomorska on Solta
• Open bar all day (soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee, plus hot drinks)
• 3-course lunch served as fish, meat, or vegetarian, with dessert
• On-board water toys and gear, including snorkeling equipment and paddleboards

A proper summer day from Split, built around swimming

This is the kind of boat day that makes Split feel less like a checkout line for famous sights and more like a real Adriatic holiday. You leave the city port in the morning, cruise between islands, and then spend your free time where most people come to Croatia in the first place: the sea.

The vibe is relaxed. You pick your spot on the decks, enjoy the ride, and let the crew keep things moving. The best moments usually happen during the anchoring time, when the boat is still and the water turns glassy, clear, and irresistible.

If you want an easy day that feels like you are doing something special without planning every detail yourself, this hits the mark.

How the route plays out, from 9:30 AM to around 4:30 PM

You start at Split city port, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole, with the meeting area tied to Obala Lazareta 3. Check in early enough to find your boat and settle in, because departure is scheduled for 9:30 AM.

The day runs like this:

• 9:30 AM: Cruise out of Split toward Brač
• About 10:30 AM: Arrive at the first swimming bay on Brač, then anchor for over two hours of free time
• 1:00 PM: Head to Solta while lunch is handled during the cruise
• 1:45 PM: Arrive at Stomorska on Solta, with time to swim again or explore
• 3:30 PM: Sail back toward Split
• Around 4:30 PM: Return to Split city port

There is also a later traditional village stop with drinks included, which breaks up the return cruise so you do not feel like you are just sitting on the boat the whole way back.

Brač Island’s swimming window: where the day really clicks

The first island stop is built for water time. After about an hour on the water from Split, the captain anchors at a scheduled bay on Brač, and you get more than two hours to swim.

This is the moment where the cruise earns its keep. The Adriatic here is often described as turquoise and crystal clear, and the long swim window means you can do what you actually want to do. You can float, snorkel, paddle, or simply sit near the edge and watch the water.

What helps is that the boat carries swim gear and fun add-ons. You can use snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys. Several guests also liked the option to jump in from the boat, including higher points on the deck, as long as you are comfortable with that kind of entry.

A practical tip: pack with entry in mind. If you have sensitive feet, you may want sea shoes, especially if the entry area is not sandy.

Solta Island and Stomorska: time to swim and a small village walk

After lunch at sea, you arrive on Šolta, docking in Stomorska. This is a smaller fishing-village setting, the kind of place where the harbor and a short waterfront stroll matter more than shopping.

You get a solid chunk of time here, from about 1:45 PM until 3:30 PM. That means you can split your time between:

• swimming close to the boat
• walking the port area
• taking in the slower pace of island life for a few hours

Solta tends to feel more about atmosphere than big-ticket attractions. Some people love that. If you want a nonstop beach scene with lots of amenities, you might find the village scale a little plain. On the other hand, if you like quiet harbors and short walks with sea views, Stomorska is an easy win.

Lunch on the cruise: grilled comfort with an actual dessert

Lunch is handled between the island legs, so you do not lose prime water time waiting around on land. You will eat a 3-course meal with grilled options, including fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus salad and a dessert.

The key detail is that this is not just a snack. Guests repeatedly point out that the lunch is generous and satisfying, especially after you have been in the sun and swimming off the boat.

You also get an included drinks setup. The open bar covers soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks, with coffee included. It is one of those small details that makes the day feel smoother, because you are not juggling purchases during the best parts of the trip.

The traditional village stop: a short break with included sips

On the way back, the schedule includes a traditional village stop. It is not framed as a long cultural tour. Instead, it is more like a relaxed pause where you can stretch, take photos, and enjoy a drink.

What is included: beer, coffee, and wine during that stop. The rest is time on the water back to Split, so you end the day without the stress of planning another activity.

This stop is helpful if you want variety in the day. It gives you a quick change of scenery and keeps the return from feeling monotonous.

The Boat Polaris setup: where you will spend your time

This cruise runs on Boat Polaris, and the day is designed around the boat feeling like a comfortable base. You can choose your own ideal spot on the decks, which matters on busy summer days. When seating and space are comfortable, you spend more time enjoying the view instead of looking for shade and balance.

The boat also includes the gear that makes the swimming stop feel like a mini water playground: snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and inflatable toys. In plain terms, it means you can do more than one type of water time without bringing anything except the basics.

A few small behavior rules keep it pleasant for everyone. Smoking is not allowed indoors, party groups are not allowed, and speakers are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed, which helps keep the vibe calm and family-friendly.

Price and value: what $121 gets you in real terms

At $121 per person for a 7-hour cruise, the price is easier to judge when you total what is included. This is not a bare-bones sightseeing ride.

You get:

• boat time all day
• visits to Brač and Šolta
• free time for swimming and exploring
• croissant in the morning
• open bar (soft drinks, beer, local wine, hot drinks, coffee)
• 3-course lunch with dessert
• snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys

When you compare that to a typical day where you would pay for a boat ticket plus food and drinks plus any rentals, it starts looking like good value. And because the cruise includes the swim gear, you do not need to search for rentals once you are in town.

One more value point: this kind of day is often less tiring than building your own island plan. You do not have to coordinate ferries, worry about timing, or hunt for a place to eat while the sea calls your name.

Who this cruise suits best, and who should consider alternatives

This trip is a strong match if you want a relaxing day on the water with real swim time and included food and drinks. It also works well for mixed groups, because the day offers options. You can swim hard, snorkel, paddleboard, or just sit back with coffee and watch the islands slide by.

It is also a smart pick if you are not trying to pack in museums. The goal here is to slow down and enjoy summer.

The main group that might hesitate is anyone who does not want to swim or is not comfortable with getting into the sea from the boat. The experience includes jumping and sea entry from the vessel, and while gear is available, the water time is still central.

Also consider the Solta stop: it is a port and village feel, not a full-day sightseeing circuit. If you need big attractions at every stop, this may feel too simple.

Small practical tips that make the day go smoother

Packing matters because the day is sun, salt, and movement.

• Bring sunglasses and a sun hat
• Pack swimwear and a towel
• Don’t forget sunscreen and a camera
• If you like extra comfort, consider sea shoes for easier entry

From the rules side, keep it respectful. No speakers, no party energy, and no smoking indoors. It keeps the mood pleasant and lets you enjoy the sound of the sea instead of someone’s playlist.

And one scheduling tip: on days like this, you will want to be ready early. Since departure is 9:30 AM, arriving with time to settle means less stress and more relaxing.

Should you book this Brač and Šolta cruise from Split?

Book it if you want a day that feels like a summer gift: two islands, long swimming time, open bar comfort, and a real lunch. It is a good value when you factor in all the included extras, especially the drinks and the water toys.

Think twice if your ideal Croatia day is mostly on land, or if you are uncomfortable with swimming from a boat. Also, if Solta village atmosphere is not your style, plan for a simpler island walk rather than a big destination day.

If you want a straightforward way to get out of Split and enjoy the Adriatic without juggling plans, this cruise is a very solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from in Split?

The boat docks at Split city port, just in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. The meeting area is associated with Obala Lazareta 3.

Is there pickup service included?

No. Pick-up service is not included.

What is included with the ticket?

The package includes the boat cruise, visits to Brač and Šolta, free time for swimming and exploring, a morning croissant, an open bar (soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks), and a 3-course lunch with dessert. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys are also included.

What is the duration of the tour?

The experience runs for 7 hours.

What should I bring for the day on the water?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. You should also plan for sun protection and time in the sea.

Are kids allowed, and do they pay?

Yes. Children aged 0 to 3 join for free, and children aged 3 to 12 get a 50% discount.