Two islands in one relaxed boat day. I love the built-in swim breaks and the chance to hop between Brac and Solta without planning. You get spacious deck time, anchor stops, and that classic Adriatic color that makes you want to jump in.

Food and drinks are handled properly here, with a morning croissant, coffee and welcome refreshments, then a 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian) plus dessert. An open bar runs during the cruise, so you can focus on the day instead of rationing cash or time.

One heads-up: this trip is very much about swimming off the boat, so if you want a mostly land-based day, you may feel like there is too much water time.

Key things I’d prioritize on this cruise

• Open bar all cruise long so lunch and downtime feel like one continuous hangout
• Swimming and snorkeling gear included, plus paddleboards and air water toys
• Two island stops that balance sea time with a real fishing-village stroll
• Grilled 3-course lunch with dessert, not a sad lunchbox
• Comfortable pacing that fits a full day without feeling rushed

Why this Split boat day is such an easy win

This is the kind of day trip that lets you stop thinking. You meet the boat, get your bearings fast, then the crew does the heavy lifting. The overall rhythm is simple: cruise out, anchor for swim time, eat together, then cruise back.

I like that the day has multiple “modes.” There’s the slow boat part where you can sit and watch the coast from the water. Then there’s the active part, where the Adriatic turns into your playground for jumps, floats, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Finally, there’s the social, sit-down part with lunch and drinks.

You should consider this if your main goal is a carefree summer day. If your idea of a day trip is museums and long guided walks, you might prefer something more land-focused.

Getting there at Obala Lazareta 3, then settling on Boat Polaris

The meeting point is Split’s city port area at Obala Lazareta 3, with the boat docked just in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. Plan to show up a little early so you can grab a spot and get settled before the 9:30 AM departure.

On board, Boat Polaris is designed for hanging out. You can choose where you want to sit on the decks, which matters because everyone has different comfort levels with sun, shade, and sea breeze. The first hour is not wasted time either. You’ll start with coffee and welcome refreshments as the day gets going.

A small detail that makes a difference: the vibe rules are clear. Smoking indoors and party-style behavior are not allowed, and there are no speakers. That keeps the cruise from turning into a loud, chaotic party boat, which is exactly what you want for swimming and relaxing.

The cruise start: the first hour matters more than you think

Even though the real “wow” comes later, the start sets the tone. This is when you get your first coffee, grab a drink from the bar area, and get comfortable moving around the boat. It also helps you manage sun exposure early. If you wait until after lunch to think about sunscreen, you will feel it.

If you like being ready for the first swim stop, this is a good moment to get your swim stuff organized. Keep your towel accessible and make sure your bathing suit is easy to change into once you’re anchored. Trust me, nothing ruins a swim day like digging around for a towel while the crew is ready and the water is calling.

Brac Island: 2+ hours to swim, snorkel, and jump off the boat

The day’s first real island time is on Brac, with a 1-hour cruise after departure. Around the time you arrive, the captain anchors in a scheduled bay, and the goal is straightforward: you get more than 2 hours for swimming in the open Adriatic.

This is the stop that gets people excited, and for good reason. The water here is clear enough that you can feel the difference as soon as you’re in. The boat also makes swimming convenient. Instead of waiting for a shuttle, you’re stepping into the sea right off the deck.

What helps a lot is that you’re not limited to just one swimming style. You can snorkel with the included snorkeling equipment, use the paddleboards, or go full float-mode with the air water toys. Some of the equipment tends to get mentioned by repeat guests because it creates variety. One person wants to snorkel, another wants to drift on a ring or noodle, and you can all keep the same meet-up spot on the boat.

One practical consideration: snorkeling and floating are easiest when you go into the water without rushing. If you’re not a confident swimmer, focus on the shallower-feeling options first and use the float gear. The trip’s design is friendly, but the activity is still about getting in the sea.

Lunch on the move and heading toward Solta

At 1:00 PM, the cruise shifts direction toward Šolta. This is when lunch becomes part of the day rather than a separate event. You’re eating while you cruise, so you stay in that relaxed rhythm.

Lunch is 3-course: grilled fish, grilled meat, or a vegetarian option, plus salad and dessert. On top of that, there’s an open bar running during the cruise, with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks available.

This is one of the best values on the day because it bundles the easiest part of travel. You don’t have to find a restaurant, wait for menus, or worry about the price of drinks once you’re hungry. It also means your energy stays steady. If your lunch is delayed or you have to eat quickly, you feel it later when it’s time to swim again.

Solta and Stomorska: village time plus a beach right near the boat

You arrive around 1:45 PM in Stomorska on Solta, where the boat docks in a small fishing-village port. This stop is perfect if you want both sides of the day: sea time and a bit of land to reset your brain.

You get free time to either explore the port area or swim close to the boat. If you just want more water, you do not have to leave the easiest swim access. If you prefer walking, you’ll get a relaxed stroll vibe instead of a crowded tourist scene.

A useful tip for this stop: pack sea shoes if you tend to dislike rough, slippery, or stony beach entries. Clear water does not always mean perfect walking surface. Sea shoes make it easier to get in and out with less hassle.

Also, bring a camera. The combination of boat reflections, bright water, and the dockside setting is the kind of scenery that looks great from the deck, but even better when you’ve just swum and you’re naturally looking around.

The brief traditional-village moment for drinks and a breather

Later in the afternoon, the itinerary includes a traditional village stop where you can enjoy beer, coffee, and wine for a shorter segment of time. This part is less about ticking off major sights and more about breaking the day into segments and keeping the social tone.

If you want a more active day, this is a chance to slow down for a while without losing momentum. If you want more photos and atmosphere, it can give you something different from the pure swim routine.

Because the trip is structured around timed cruising and docking, you shouldn’t count on this being a full sightseeing tour. Think of it as a relaxed pause that keeps the day feeling varied.

The return to Split: slow cruising and not feeling rushed

At 3:30 PM, you depart from Stomorska. The cruise back is easy, arriving in Split around 4:30 PM. This timing matters, because it gives you a complete day without eating the whole evening. After you get back, you still have enough time to stroll along Split’s waterfront or grab dinner without feeling totally wiped.

On the way back, I recommend staying aware of your towel and sun timing. If you’ve been out in the water and sun, it’s easy to feel fine until you’re suddenly chilled by sea wind on the return trip. A light layer can help if you tend to get cold quickly.

Food, open bar, and what “all-inclusive” really means here

This cruise is one of those rare cases where all-inclusive actually means something. It’s not just “you can buy drinks on board.” It’s that food, drinks, and key sea activities are included.

You get:

• A morning croissant, plus coffee and welcome refreshments
• Open bar during the cruise, including soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks
• 3-course lunch with a dessert
• Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys

The practical value is that you don’t spend your day doing logistics. You can swim first, eat when it’s served, then swim again, all without shifting your budget or timing.

The other practical benefit is group comfort. Having meals handled for everyone keeps the rhythm steady. You also avoid the awkward moment of trying to find the one place with shade, the one menu that works, and the one server who can handle a boat-load of people at once.

Price and value: what $121 buys you besides a boat ride

At $121 per person for a 7-hour cruise, the smart way to think about value is what you’re not paying for elsewhere.

You’re basically paying for:

• A full boat day from Split
• Two island stops
• Lunch with dessert
• Open bar
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards and water toys

If you tried to replicate this independently, you would likely spend money on boat transportation or private transfers, pay for meals, and add on the cost of drinks. On a trip like this, the biggest savings is not just cash. It’s time and stress.

Yes, you could take a ferry or go to the islands on your own for less. But you would likely give up the all-inclusive structure that makes this a “show up and relax” day. This is best viewed as a convenience purchase with real extras attached.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

You should book if:

• Swimming from a boat is your idea of a perfect Adriatic day
• You want Brac and Solta without scheduling ferries and figuring out docks
• You like a social, easy pace with crew help and included gear
• You want lunch and drinks handled for you

You might skip it if:

• You prefer long, on-land sightseeing blocks
• You do not want any involvement with swimming from the deck
• You’re hoping for a museum-style guided tour with detailed land history

If you do like swimming but worry about comfort, go in with the float options. The equipment is part of what makes the experience work for a wider range of confidence levels.

What to bring for the smoothest day

Bring the essentials and you’ll feel prepared from the first anchoring stop to the last hour on the water:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera (seriously)

If you plan to spend time on Solta beaches, sea shoes can be a comfort upgrade.

Should you book this Brac and Solta swimming cruise?

If your goal is a low-effort day from Split with two islands, real swim time, and an actually filling lunch, I think this is an excellent booking. The structure is friendly. The included gear means you can make the day your own without renting equipment or hunting for activities.

Before you book, be honest with yourself about priorities. This is not a quiet, on-shore walking tour. It’s a boat day where the sea is the main event. If that matches how you want to spend your time in Dalmatia, you’ll likely come away thinking it was one of the easiest decisions you made all week.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the cruise start in Split?

The boat docks at Split city port at Obala Lazareta 3, just in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

Departure is at 9:30 AM, and the boat arrives back in Split at around 4:30 PM.

Is pickup included?

No, pick-up service is not included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a morning croissant plus coffee and welcome refreshments. Lunch is a 3-course meal, and the cruise includes an open bar with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What activities are available for swimming?

Swimming is a main part of the day, and you also have paddleboards, plus air water toys on board.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible, and is it in English?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, and the host or greeter is English.

Are there any child discounts?

Children aged 0 to 3 can join for free. Children aged 3 to 12 get a 50% discount.