Two islands, crystal water, and a deck you can claim. This 7-hour all-inclusive cruise from Split is built for real downtime: you sail, you swim, you eat well, and you do it without juggling logistics. I like the generous onboard open bar and the long, unhurried swimming time with gear and water toys. One drawback to weigh: the main swimming is off the boat, so if you strongly prefer shore-only beach time, this may feel less your style.

You’ll start in Split at 9:30 AM, cruise to Brač for an anchored swim stop, then head onward to Šolta for lunch and time in the small fishing port of Stomorska. The day also includes a quick “traditional village” break with drinks, then you’re back around 4:30 PM—an easy format if you want maximum sea time with minimal effort. Bring a towel and plan for sun; the schedule is built around daylight.

Key highlights

• Long swim windows with snorkel equipment and floating water toys
• Open bar onboard, including beer, local wine, soft drinks, coffee, and hot drinks
• 3-course lunch served during the cruise (fish, meat, or vegetarian) plus dessert
• Two islands in one day: Brac and Šolta, with time in Stomorska
• Boat-deck freedom: spread out on roomy decks instead of being packed into a tiny bus

Why This Cruise Works for a Split Summer Day

Split is great, but the center can get busy. This cruise is a clean break from that—once the Polaris leaves the port, the rhythm changes to sea air, horizon views, and scheduled swim stops. In other words: it’s not a “rush to see everything” day. It’s a “slow down and enjoy the coast” day.

What you’re really buying here is structure plus comfort. You get the boat, the itinerary, lunch, and drinks handled. You just show up, choose a spot on the deck, and follow the day’s flow.

And the timing is smart. After the morning cruise to Brac, you get more than two hours anchored—enough time to swim, snorkel, paddle, and still feel like the day has room to breathe.

Getting on Board: Split Port, the Polaris, and Easy Start

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 3, at Split city port, right in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. Plan to arrive early enough to get your bearings and be ready when the 9:30 AM departure rolls around.

The boat ride kicks off with a solid start: you’ll have a morning croissant, plus welcome refreshments. An English host or greeter keeps things straightforward, and the overall feel is organized without being stiff.

One practical tip: wear swimwear under your clothes if you know you’ll jump in quickly. The schedule leaves you ready to swim almost immediately at the first stop, and you don’t want to waste that time changing.

Brac Island Swim Stop: Anchored Water and Real Time in the Sea

The cruise to Brač takes about an hour. Then the captain anchors in a scheduled bay, and you get more than two hours free time to relax and swim in the turquoise Adriatic.

This is the heart of the trip. The boat is set up for jumping in and spending time on the water—so even if you don’t want to snorkel, you can still hang out floating, paddle, or just soak up the view. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also have paddleboards and air water toys available.

Here’s the consideration to keep in mind: you’ll be entering the sea from the boat. If you’re not comfortable with that, or you only like gentle shore entries, you may find this style challenging. If you are comfortable with boat-to-water swimming, though, it’s a fantastic way to see the coast without fighting crowds.

Cruising Toward Solta: Lunch on the Way and Drinks That Actually Help

At 1:00 PM, you depart for Šolta and lunch is part of the onboard setup. At 1:45 PM you arrive at Stomorska, but the trip doesn’t leave you waiting hungry.

Lunch is a 3-course meal: grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus salad and dessert. The open bar continues during the cruise, so you’re not stuck buying drinks or rationing them. You’ll have soft drinks, beer, local wine, and coffee/hot drinks.

What this means for your day: you get to keep moving without the usual “find food, find shade, find cash” scramble. It’s built for staying relaxed.

If you’re sensitive to sun, grab shade early. The decks are spacious, and you can usually choose where you sit, but strong midday light is strong in this part of Croatia. A hat and sunscreen are not optional unless you enjoy the look of a lobster.

Stomorska on Šolta: A Charming Fishing Port Break

Stomorska is the stop on Šolta, a small fishing village feel with a port close to where the boat docks. After arriving at 1:45 PM, you’ll have free time to explore the port area or swim right near the boat.

This part of the itinerary gives you a nice balance. The first stop feels like a swim and float day. Stomorska gives you the option to step away from the water for a while—walk the waterfront, browse what’s around the port, and reset.

Swimming here is different from the anchored bay vibe. Instead of feeling like you’re tucked away in open water, you’re closer to the village side of the island rhythm. If you want to alternate easy water time with a short stroll, this stop hits the sweet spot.

Practical note: if you plan on walking, wear comfortable shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting damp. Solta’s waterfront can be uneven, and you’ll want something stable without fuss.

The Traditional Village Stop: Quick Culture, More Drinking Break

Your itinerary also includes a traditional village stop with time and drinks—beer, coffee, and wine—wrapped into a roughly one-hour segment. This is more of a short break than a full sightseeing tour, but it adds flavor to the day so it doesn’t feel purely ocean-focused.

Think of it as a palate cleanser between the second island swim time and the return cruise. You get a small land moment, then you’re back on board to relax for the last stretch.

If you’re hoping for hours of guided walking through a big historic site, adjust expectations. This is a cruise. The main event stays water, food, and islands.

What All-Inclusive Really Includes (And What It Doesn’t)

This tour earns its all-inclusive label because the big costs are covered. You don’t have to plan meals or track down drinks. Included items are clear and useful:

• Boat cruise with visits to Brač and Šolta
• Croissant in the morning
• Open bar during the cruise (soft drinks, beer, local wine, hot drinks)
• 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian) with dessert
• Snorkeling equipment, plus paddleboards and air water toys
• Free time to swim and explore at stops

What’s not included is also important. There’s no pickup service, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point by yourself. Also, there are rules onboard: no smoking indoors, no alcohol/drugs misuse, no party groups, and no speakers. That last one matters if you hate bass-heavy day cruises; this one is more about relaxing.

Boat Polaris Comfort: Space, Shade, and Getting That First Jump In

The Polaris is the star here: the boat is set up so everyone can find their own spot on the spacious decks. People often care about two things on a boat tour—comfort and not feeling packed. The day’s design (deck time plus long swim stops) helps keep the experience feeling open rather than rushed.

How to use the boat wisely:

• Bring sunglasses and a hat, then keep them accessible. You’ll look up a lot.
• Decide early if you’ll swim first or explore first at each stop. Switching plans is possible during free time, but you’ll move faster if you pick your flow.
• If you plan to snorkel, keep the gear organized so you’re not hunting for it when the swim window is rolling.

And when it comes to water time, pace yourself. Even if the sea looks calm, you’re doing jumps and time-on-water. Sun plus saltwater can catch up faster than you expect.

Timing and Flow: A Day Built Around the Best Light

The itinerary is paced to give you the best mix of movement and rest. You leave Split at 9:30 AM, sail to Brac, then settle into the first anchored swim stop. The midday plan is then smooth: lunch happens as you travel toward Šolta, and Stomorska gives you afternoon freedom.

You depart Stomorska at 3:30 PM and return to Split around 4:30 PM. That return time is nice because you’re not stuck getting back at sunset and then spending the evening exhausted. You’ll still have time to wander Split afterward—dinner, a drink, a walk along the waterfront.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This works best if you want:

• A relaxed day away from Split’s busiest streets
• Plenty of time in the sea, including snorkel gear and water toys
• The convenience of lunch and drinks handled
• Two island experiences without a complicated schedule

It’s also a great fit for couples and friends who like shared downtime. Families can do well, too, because the structure is predictable and the boat setup supports different activity levels.

Who might think twice:

• If you don’t like swimming from a boat and you only want shore beaches
• If you expect a deep, long land-based sightseeing program
• If your idea of a day on the water is heavily sound-driven entertainment (speakers are not allowed, and the vibe is more chill)

Value Check: Is $121 Worth It?

At $121 per person for a 7-hour cruise, the value comes from what you don’t have to pay or plan separately. You’re getting:

1) Boat transportation plus navigation between islands

2) Two islands in one day (Brac and Šolta)

3) A real 3-course lunch plus dessert

4) An open bar that covers more than just water

5) Snorkeling equipment and water toys, plus time to use them

If you’ve ever tried to cobble together a similar day yourself—boat rental, fuel, food, drinks, and gear—it gets expensive fast. This option is simpler, and the schedule removes a lot of friction. For many people, that’s the real reason it’s worth it.

Quick Packing List That Actually Matters

Based on what you’ll do during the day, pack like this:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A camera for the deck views and island angles
• Sea shoes if you prefer more secure footing on the water’s edge

Also, keep your day bag light. You’re on a boat with moving decks and water activities, and the easier you make it, the more relaxed you’ll feel.

Should You Book This Split Brac & Solta Swimming Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward summer day: islands, swimming, good food, and drinks without extra planning. The itinerary is built for time on the water, and the all-inclusive package covers the stuff that usually turns a fun plan into a stressful one.

Skip it if you’re mainly chasing shore-based beaches, long museum-style wandering, or a big guided land day. This cruise is about the sea and the island breaks—so align with that, and you’ll have a great time.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Split city port, with the meeting point at Obala Lazareta 3, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 7 hours.

What islands are visited?

You’ll visit Brač and Šolta.

What time does it leave Split, and when do you return?

It departs at 9:30 AM and you return around 4:30 PM.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get a morning croissant, open bar during the cruise (soft drinks, beer, local wine, hot drinks), and a 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian) with dessert.

Do I need to bring swimming gear?

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included, along with air water toys, but you still need your own basics like towel and swim clothes.