A party-leaning boat day in the Adriatic. I love the open-bar setup (unlimited beer, wine, soda, water) and the way this trip gives you real time to swim and actually explore Hvar. One thing to weigh: it’s longer than it looks on paper, with plenty of boat time and a more lively, DJ-style vibe toward the end.

I also like that it’s built like a smooth day plan, not a constant sightseeing checklist: cruise, swim, short guide intro, then freedom. With hosts like Mia and Manuela showing up in the day-to-day experience, you can expect friendly, upbeat energy—just pack for salt water and sun.

Key Points Before You Go

• Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water, plus coffee) with alcohol starting after the first swim stop
• Three swim stops plus a bonus swim on the way back, across Brac, Pakleni Islands, and Solta
• A guided Hvar intro followed by about an hour of free time to wander at your own pace
• Smaller feel than the biggest boats, with a max of 76 people and many days running around the 45–50 range
• On-deck music and games on the return to Split, with dancing for a big chunk of the ride

A Party Boat Day With Real Swim Breaks From Split

This is the kind of Croatia day trip that balances two moods. First it’s all about slowing down on a catamaran—sea views, sun, and swimming stops in clean, calm bays. Then it turns into a real social scene on deck with music, a little dancing, and the feeling you’re leaving Split, not just touring it.

You’ll sail out from Split early (8:30am), cruise along the coast, then hit the highlights without turning the day into a commute. The big value is that you’re paying for the full package: transport by sea, lunch, and unlimited drinks.

The only caution I’d give is not about the quality—it’s about fit. If you hate swells, long days, or late-day party energy, you’ll want to plan your expectations (and pack for motion and sun).

Meeting Summer Blues: Dock 4 or 5 and an 8:30 Start

You’ll meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split, in front of the catamaran named Summer Blues, at dock 4 or 5. The details matter here: the harbor has multiple boat companies tied up nearby, and you need to get into the correct line.

The trip starts at 8:30am and runs about 10 hours total (including the return cruise). Since alcohol is tied to the schedule (it starts after the first swim stop), the early timing also shapes the vibe—breakfast comes first, drinks come later.

One practical note: the tour uses a mobile ticket, and the ride typically runs as a day cruise for up to 76 people. That’s large enough to meet new folks but small enough to avoid that “you’re one of 300” feeling on some bigger catamarans.

Cruise Time to Brac: Your First Look at the Adriatic

The day begins with a relaxed cruise toward Brac. Your first stop is near Brač Island, in a bay suited for swimming, where you get about an hour in the water.

What makes this first swim break important is momentum. You’re still fresh from the morning, and the trip’s whole tone clicks into place fast: you get sun, clear water, and time to settle into the day without rushing off the boat every five minutes.

If you want to swim right away, treat the first stop like your “jump in and breathe” moment. Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable in the water—snorkel gear if you have it, but the operator provides gear like snorkel masks and floating support (more on that later).

Brac Swim Stop Reality Check: Motion, Sun, and Water Time

A bunch of the day is spent on the water, and the Adriatic isn’t always smooth. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead—one helpful tip is bringing motion sickness pills. Also, the crew keeps meds on board just in case, so it’s okay to ask if you feel off.

Sun protection matters more than people expect on boats. Even when you feel cool from sea breezes, you can still get sunburned. I strongly recommend sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting salt-sticky.

Lastly, the swim stops are short enough that you’ll probably want to do more than one thing per stop. Most people split it into swimming, floating, and a quick reset on deck. That’s the pattern this cruise is built around.

Hvar Town: Guided Intro, Then Real Wandering Time

Hvar is the main land stop, and it’s handled with the right mix of structure and freedom. When you land, you get a professional guided tour that covers the most important attractions in the historic town. It’s not a long lecture—it’s enough to help you get your bearings fast.

After the guided portion, you get about an hour of free time to explore. That’s the window for coffee on the promenade, roaming streets at your own pace, and picking up small souvenirs without feeling like you’re in a schedule race.

This balance is the value. You don’t just “arrive and hope,” but you also aren’t stuck following someone for the entire time in town. You can choose your own rhythm: wander first, grab coffee, then circle back for photos and any last-minute shopping.

Pakleni Islands Swim Stop: Hidden Bays and Open-Bar Energy

After Hvar, you head back on board and continue toward the Pakleni Islands. The cruise makes a second swim stop in a sheltered bay for swimming, with about an hour here.

This is where the day starts feeling like a mini island-hopping adventure. Pakleni is known for those picturesque coves that look like they were designed for floating and photo breaks. You’ll get time to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery without needing to coordinate anything on land.

Food and drinks are part of this leg too. You’ll have lunch-style fare on the day (including chicken salad and snacks), and the open bar keeps the mood up. The crew also turns the day into a fun social atmosphere, not a silent sit-and-stare cruise.

Solta Island on the Way Back: Fruit, Cakes, and a Deck Party Ending

On the return toward Split, you stop again for swimming—this time on Šolta Island. It’s another about-an-hour break, followed by food that includes fresh fruit and homemade cakes.

This stop matters because it acts like a “second wind.” You’re not just going home—you’re still in the Adriatic for one more swim, and then the energy builds into the final stretch back to Split.

The last portion of the day includes a party on deck with music and dancing. Expect games, hype, and a playlist that ramps up as the cruise continues. It’s the kind of ending that turns a great day into a memorable one, especially if you like a lively atmosphere.

Food and Drinks: What You Really Get and When

This is a big reason the cruise is popular. The day includes lunch and snacks, and you get unlimited drinks: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, plus coffee.

There’s also a clear timing rhythm:

• Breakfast includes pastries and coffee early in the morning.
• Lunch comes after the Hvar stop.
• Later you’ll get fruit and homemade cakes after the afternoon swim stop(s).
• The bar opens for alcoholic drinks after the first swim stop (some days it feels like it starts around late morning, depending on timing).

One small detail to know: the chicken salad is a lighter lunch option, not a heavy meal. Some people expect mayo-style chicken salad and are surprised by a lighter salad-with-chicken setup, but it still works well for a warm day at sea.

If you’re vegetarian, you can request a vegetarian option at booking. I’d do it early so your meal matches the day plan.

Gear on Board: Noodles, Masks, and Bathroom Access

You don’t need to bring much to enjoy the water, because the cruise provides helpful extras. Many people love the floating support—foam or pool noodles—and snorkel masks are available for those who want to look around under the surface.

There are also bathrooms on board, which sounds basic until you’re on a long boat day and realize how much it matters for comfort. You’ll be happier in Hvar town knowing you can handle a bathroom break without hunting around.

I’d still bring your own essentials for comfort: sunscreen, a small towel or dry shirt if you like, and a bag you can keep semi-dry. Boat life is fun, but it’s still salt air and splash.

The Crew and the Vibe: Friendly, Hype, and Safe-Feeling

One of the strongest parts of this cruise is the human factor. Hosts and crew members keep the day organized and upbeat, and they manage the energy so it stays fun rather than chaotic.

Mia and Manuela are names that come up often in the day-to-day experience, and they represent the style you can expect: friendly, active, and good at keeping people informed. You’ll also feel looked after in practical ways—things like where to go, when to board, and safety reminders around swimming.

By the end of the day, the atmosphere becomes more party-forward. That doesn’t mean it’s a disaster for everyone—it just means the cruise is designed for an energetic ending. If you want a quiet, sit-on-deck-and-read day the whole time, this might test your patience by hour nine.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a great match if you want:

• Swim stops in multiple bays
• A full day with food and unlimited drinks
• A guided taste of Hvar, then freedom to roam
• A return to Split that feels like a celebration, not a sleepy fade-out

It’s also a good pick if you like meeting people. The catamaran size keeps it social, and the deck party encourages conversation the same way a beach bar does.

If you’re traveling with young kids, you can still find this workable because it’s recommended for children above age two. Just keep expectations realistic: the late-day vibe can lean more party than playground.

If you’re sensitive to motion or you really dislike boats in swell conditions, you can still do it—but plan for it. Motion sickness pills, a clear schedule in your head, and solid sunscreen all help.

Is It Worth $119.72? Value From Drinks, Lunch, and Stops

At $119.72 per person for an approximately 10-hour day cruise, you’re not just paying for transport. You’re paying for the full combo: sea time to multiple islands, lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks for most of the day.

Think of it like this: Hvar alone has costs (food, drinks, transport, time). This cruise bundles Hvar with multiple swimming bays and keeps your day covered with meals and open bar included. That’s where the value comes from.

You also get the kind of convenience you can’t easily replicate on your own without coordination. You’re taken to several swim-ready locations and a guided Hvar intro is included, which saves you from stitching together a half-day here and an afternoon there.

Should You Book the Summer Blues Catamaran to Hvar & Pakleni?

Yes—if you want a fun, sun-and-water day with a real Hvar stop and a deck-party ending, this is one of the better ways to spend a day from Split. The mix of swimming breaks, included lunch, and unlimited drinks makes it feel like you’re buying peace of mind as much as scenery.

I’d skip it (or think twice) if you strongly prefer quiet sightseeing, hate the idea of swells, or don’t want party energy building later. This cruise is built for a good time, not a hushed museum tour.

If you book, pack smart: sunscreen, water shoes, and consider motion sickness pills. Then show up ready to swim, wander Hvar, and dance on the way back. That’s the whole point.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 8:30am and runs for about 10 hours (approx.), ending back at the meeting point in Split.

Where do I meet the catamaran Summer Blues?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, directly in front of the catamaran Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5. Join the correct queue since other companies board nearby.

What islands and stops are included?

You’ll stop at Brac Island (swim), Hvar (guided sightseeing plus free time), the Pakleni Islands (swim), and Solta Island (swim on the way back). There is also a return cruise back to Split.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are provided?

Lunch is included. Drinks are unlimited and include beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are served after the first swim stop.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the operator at booking.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 76 travelers. Also, daily tours do not allow groups with more than 10 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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