A sunset cruise with a built-in soundtrack. This 2-hour sail on Polaris pairs live music and an open bar with standout views along Marjan Hill, Kaštela bay, and Split’s shoreline as the sky goes gold.

I love that the cruise stays relaxing and not overcrowded, with limited seating that helps the whole vibe feel more comfortable. The other big win is how the music and drinks stay part of the experience, not a side feature, with the band performing right on the open deck and the crew keeping drinks flowing.

One thing to plan for up front: there is no food included on board. If you want snacks, bring your own (some people do) or plan to eat after you dock.

Key Things To Know Before You Buy a Spot on Polaris

• Half-capacity setup keeps the cruise feeling comfortable, not packed shoulder to shoulder.
• Open-deck live music means you can hear the band clearly while you watch the coastline.
• Unlimited drinks include sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks for the full cruise.
• Views hit different from the water, starting at Marjan Hill and ending with Split’s lights at night.
• Plan for cooler wind later in the evening, even if the daytime feels warm.
• Bring a camera because you are sailing for sunset, not just passing by it.

Finding Polaris at Split Port: Riva Promenade Easy Check-In

The cruise meets at Obala Lazareta 3, with the boat docked in the port in front of the Riva promenade, near pier/Gat Svetog Nikole. When you arrive, look for Polaris at the city port area rather than heading toward the busier end of the waterfront.

This part matters more than you think. If you arrive a bit early, you can choose where to sit and time it so you catch the best light as the boat pulls out.

I’d also keep your first priority simple: pick a spot that matches your comfort level. The upper deck is where the music is happening, while the lower deck tends to feel more sheltered if the wind comes up.

The 2-Hour Route That Actually Feels Like More Than a Ticket

This cruise follows a smart loop along the water rather than turning into a quick lap. First, you sail under Marjan Hill, which is one of Split’s most recognizable natural spots and a kind of green backdrop for the city.

From there, you continue toward the bay of Kaštela. You get wide, open views of the mountains around Split, plus glimpses of marinas and other coastal landmarks. There’s also a memorable city moment from the water: you can spot the Hajduk stadium, a big deal for Split’s football fans.

Then the route shifts toward the new part of town. As the sun starts dropping, you’ll see Split’s city beaches along the shoreline, with the light turning the water reflective and the whole coastline looking cinematic.

What makes the itinerary feel worth it is the pacing. You are not racing to a single photo, then done. You get cruising time, then sunset time, then a slower return when Split’s lights begin to glow.

Marjan Hill, Kaštela Bay, and Hajduk from the Water

Sitting on a boat changes how you understand a coastline. From land, Split is all angles, alleys, and viewpoints that compete for your attention. On the Polaris, the city spreads out in front of you, and you can follow the waterline like a map.

Marjan Hill is your early anchor. It frames the early stretch of the cruise and gives you that classic “Split from the sea” feel right away, before the sun has even made things dramatic.

The Kaštela bay stretch adds variety. Mountains around Split make the horizon look deeper, and marinas keep the scene lively without being too busy. Seeing the Hajduk stadium from the water is a nice local touch too, especially if you enjoy places that feel like they belong to real people, not only postcard spots.

If it is cloudy, you still benefit from the plan. Even with softer skies, you’ll get movement, sea air, and live music doing their job.

Sunset Over Split’s Shoreline: Live Music on the Open Deck

The star moment is the sunset, with the boat positioned so you can watch the sun set behind Split and over the surrounding mountains. The crew keeps you comfortable, and the experience stays social, with the band playing while you drift into evening.

Music on the open deck works for two different moods. If you want to sing along and dance a bit, you’ll be right where it happens. If you want to just listen while you watch the sky shift, you can still enjoy it with less crowd energy by moving below deck when needed.

I also like that the band is interactive in practice. Some evenings include song requests, and that can turn a good cruise into a personal memory instead of a generic soundtrack.

As the cruise winds down, you’ll take in Split’s night scene. The return is slow enough that you’re not just staring at the back of another boat, you’re seeing the city light up along the shore.

Drinks Included, and How to Think About the Value

For $81 per person, this cruise is really buying three things at once: time on the water, prime sunset views, and an open bar with live entertainment. On top of that, unlimited drinks are included, which is often where “cheap-ish” cruise fares fall apart, because you end up paying anyway.

The drink list includes sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks, and the crew serves throughout the cruise. In real-world terms, that means you do not have to constantly get up for refills, and you can actually relax into the two hours instead of managing a bar line.

The reviews also highlight that the bar service feels genuinely active, not stingy. That matters, because nothing ruins a sunset like waiting with an empty cup and watching the sky change without you.

One practical caution: since food is not included, you may want to eat beforehand. If you’re going to drink steadily, a snack helps a lot. People often bring small food like chips or burek for this reason.

Comfort and the On-Boat Vibe: Clean, Chill Options, and Good Energy

This experience aims for comfort in a way many big sunset tours do not. The seating is limited, described as half capacity, so you tend to have more breathing room as you move between viewing spots and the bar.

The boat itself is consistently described as very clean, and onboard facilities are also mentioned positively. Clean bathrooms sound like a small thing, but on a 2-hour evening, it changes your comfort level more than you’d expect.

The vibe is social, and it suits multiple types of groups. Couples like it because the setting is romantic and the music adds atmosphere. Younger groups like it because the energy ramps up with sing-alongs. Families can also make it work, especially since the cruise is not physically demanding.

If you run cold easily, you’ll want a plan. Wind gets noticeable on the water in the evening, and some people recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket.

Weather Reality Check: When Sunset Is Cloudy

In the Mediterranean, sunset is often spectacular, but it is not guaranteed. If the sky is overcast, you lose some of the dramatic colors, but you still gain something important: the cruise stays enjoyable because the entertainment and scenery do not depend on perfect skies.

Live music keeps the experience moving even when the horizon looks muted. Plus, you still get those coastal views along Marjan Hill and the shoreline, and you get Split’s lights as the boat returns.

My advice is simple. Bring that light jacket and do not over-plan around one exact visual moment. This is a two-hour evening, and the overall experience holds up.

What’s Not Included: Food, Snacks, and Your After-Cruise Dinner Plan

Here’s the main gap: food is not included. That’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, because the cruise is built around drinks and entertainment. But it does mean you should treat this like a pre-dinner or early-evening activity, not your full meal.

If you want to eat during the cruise, bring your own snacks. Many people do exactly that, pairing it with the free-flowing drinks to make the timing feel right.

Once you dock back in Split, you’ll need to handle dinner plans. The timing works well for heading straight into a meal afterward, when the city is lively and you’re already in that relaxed post-sunset mood.

Price and Value: Is $81 Worth It?

For $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Split, but it can be one of the better deals if you like structured entertainment plus views.

You are getting:

• A 2-hour cruise that includes sightseeing along recognizable coast landmarks
• Live music as part of the onboard experience
• Unlimited drinks (sparkling wine, wine, beer, soft drinks)

If you were to price these separately in Split, the math often tips in favor of the cruise once you factor in that you do not have to pay drink-by-drink and you get the boat setting for sunset.

The main reason some people call it slightly expensive is that it is still a premium experience with drinks rather than a guided tour that includes a full meal or big multi-stop program. But if you want a relaxed evening on the sea, this package format is usually the value sweet spot.

Who Should Book This Polaris Sunset Cruise?

This works best if you want a simple, scenic evening with atmosphere.

Book it if:

• You love sunsets, but you also want music and social energy.
• You like the idea of an open bar where you can focus on the view.
• You want an activity that works for different ages, including kids (0-3 free, ages 4-12 have a discount).

You might think twice if:

• You are hungry and want a meal included on board.
• You prefer quiet sightseeing with minimal interaction and singing.

Overall, the cruise feels like a good fit for couples, friend groups, and mixed-age families who want something easy and good-looking without a lot of logistics.

Should You Book It?

I think you should book the Polaris Sunset Cruise if your ideal evening is waterfront views, live music, and drinks without the hassle. The half-capacity comfort and the fact that the bar service keeps pace make it feel like a complete experience rather than a basic sightseeing ride.

If you’re specifically looking for a food-forward tour, plan to eat before or after, since there’s no meal on board. Also pack for the evening air, and aim to arrive early so you can settle into the deck setup that matches how you want to enjoy the music.

If your schedule allows, this is one of the easiest “high impact for low effort” ways to experience Split after the day crowds start fading.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at Obala Lazareta 3 in Split. The Polaris boat is docked in the city port, in front of the Riva promenade, at pier/Gat Svetog Nikole.

How long is the Sunset Cruise on Polaris?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks are included: sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food is not included, so plan to bring snacks if you want something small during the cruise.

Is there live music on board?

Yes. There is live music during the cruise, performed on the open deck.

Where can I watch the sunset, upper deck or lower deck?

You can sit on the open deck to be close to the band, or go below deck if you want a calmer, more sheltered option when it gets chilly.

Do children get discounts?

Yes. Children aged 0-3 can join for free, and children aged 4-12 are entitled to a 50% discount.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.