All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise

The Adriatic is best enjoyed from the water. This 7-hour cruise from Split combines a quiet swimming bay off Brač with a gentle walk through Stomorska on Šolta, so you get both sea time and a taste of island life. I like the generous swimming stop and the fact that lunch, drinks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear are included. I also like the calm, tidy boat and friendly crew.

The main consideration is that this is a swimming cruise first and a sightseeing cruise second. You will see the islands from the sea, but you will not spend hours touring their inland villages or major sights. The stop in Stomorska is pleasant but short, and the boat can carry up to 68 people, even though the setup is often described as spacious and uncrowded.

Why this Split boat trip is worth your time

• Two very different island stops: Swim from the boat in a quiet Brač bay, then walk around the small fishing port of Stomorska on Šolta.
• A real lunch at sea: Choose a meat, fish, or vegetarian menu, with breakfast, coffee, wine, beer, and soft drinks included.
• Plenty of water equipment: Paddle boards, floating toys, inflatables, and snorkeling equipment are available during the swimming stop.
• Comfort beyond the basics: Polaris has air conditioning, restrooms, Wi-Fi, shaded seating, and an open upper deck.
• A sensible 7-hour schedule: You return to Split around 4:30 pm, leaving part of the evening free.
• A relaxed mood: This is specifically not a party boat. Alcohol is served, but excessive drinking or bad behavior can end service.

Boarding Polaris at Split Port

Your day begins at 9:30 am at Obala Lazareta in Split city port. The usual position is dock number 7, and the gate opens for check-in 30 minutes before departure. Give yourself enough time to find the right dock, since the port can feel confusing when several boats are preparing to leave.

The boat is called Polaris. It has a downstairs seating area, an upper sun deck, shaded places, air conditioning, and a restroom. That mix matters on a full day in the sun. You can sit outside for the views, move into shade when the heat builds, or use the indoor area if the sea breeze turns cool.

The boat is limited to a maximum of 68 people. That is not a tiny private charter, so do not expect a silent sailboat with only a handful of passengers. Still, the layout gives you room to spread out, and the atmosphere is designed for conversation and relaxation rather than loud partying.

The cruise begins with a small morning breakfast of croissants and coffee. Tea is available too. It is a simple touch, but a useful one when you have left your hotel without a full meal.

Brač brings the best swimming of the day

Around 10:30 am, the boat anchors in a secluded bay off Brač. The exact bay can vary, but the idea is consistent: you spend about two hours in clear water, away from the main rush of Split’s waterfront.

This is the heart of the trip. You can swim from the boat, use the ladder, or jump from the side if that sounds like fun. Paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, floating mats, and other water toys are available. You can spend the whole stop in the sea, or stay aboard and enjoy the sun and scenery.

I like that the stop is long enough to feel unhurried. Some boat trips offer a quick swim and then hurry away just as you get comfortable. Here, you have time to try the paddle board, float around, snorkel, or simply sit on deck with a drink.

The snorkeling should be viewed as a pleasant extra, not a guided underwater tour. No instruction or specialist marine commentary is listed. Bring your own expectations down to the right level, and you can enjoy looking into the clear shallows without expecting a major reef experience.

A small beach may be within swimming distance, depending on the anchorage. If you want to reach shore, ask the crew about conditions before setting off. The boat stop itself is the main event, and the rocky shoreline means water shoes are a smart addition if you plan to walk into the sea or visit a beach.

For families, this stop has real appeal. Children can use the inflatables and paddle boards, while adults can choose between swimming and shaded seating. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should be comfortable around open water.

Lunch is served while you cruise toward Šolta

At about 1 pm, Polaris leaves Brač and heads toward Šolta. Lunch is served during the cruise, which saves you from spending part of your limited island time in a restaurant.

The meal includes three menu choices: meat, fish, or vegetarian. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should state your needs when booking. The fish option has received particular praise, while the grilled chicken has also been described as succulent. The important point is that this is more than a packet lunch. Food is prepared and served aboard, with the crew continuing to tidy and manage the boat while you eat.

Drinks are part of the price. The open bar includes beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and water. Strong alcoholic drinks cost extra. This arrangement works well for a daytime cruise because you can stay hydrated without constantly opening your wallet.

The alcohol policy is worth taking seriously. The operator clearly presents this as a relaxed island day, not a booze cruise. If someone drinks too much or behaves badly, the crew can stop serving alcohol. That is good news if you want a pleasant atmosphere, especially when children and mixed-age groups are aboard.

Stomorska offers a short taste of Šolta

Polaris reaches Stomorska on Šolta at about 1:30 pm. This is a small fishing village with a picturesque port, and the boat docks rather than anchoring offshore. You have roughly two hours here.

Stomorska is a good counterpoint to the Brač stop. Brač gives you open water and physical activity. Šolta gives you a chance to walk, look at the harbor, and slow down on land. A beach is said to be about 100 meters from the boat, so you can choose another swim or remain near the port.

Do not expect a full island tour. You are not being driven into Šolta’s interior, and there is no long guided visit to monuments or villages. This is a relaxed port stop, suited to a stroll, a swim, and a look at daily life along the waterfront.

The village can be very quiet outside the main season or on a Sunday, when some places may be closed. That is not a problem if you want peace and a walk by the water. It may disappoint you if you are hoping for lots of shopping, nightlife, or a packed choice of cafés.

I would use this stop flexibly. Walk around the harbor first, then check the beach, or do the reverse if the heat is strong. Bring water shoes because the shoreline can be rocky. The port is small enough that you can get your bearings quickly without needing a formal guide.

The return cruise keeps the day manageable

Around 3:30 pm, the boat begins the relaxed cruise back to Split. Arrival is scheduled for about 4:30 pm. That timing is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a longer island excursion.

You get a full half-day on the water, yet you still have the evening for dinner in Split, a walk along the Riva, or another activity. The return ride also gives you a final chance to sit on the upper deck, watch the islands recede, and enjoy the open bar without rushing to catch a ferry.

Dolphin sightings have occurred on the return journey, but they are a lucky possibility, not part of the guaranteed program. Keep your eyes open, but do not book the cruise solely for wildlife.

The timing can be adjusted if weather changes. That flexibility is useful in the Adriatic, where a little rain or wind can affect the day. The operator may alter the plan for safety and comfort, rather than forcing the published schedule.

Food, drinks, and equipment add real value

At $133.08 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach an island. But the price includes much more than transport.

You receive breakfast, lunch, open drinks, coffee, tea, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restroom, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and water toys. You also avoid paying for a separate island lunch, which can make a noticeable difference in a popular Croatian port.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the equipment and enjoy the swimming. If you only want a boat ride with island views and do not care about getting in the water, a simple ferry will cost less and give you more independent time ashore.

The included meal also makes the schedule easier. You do not need to search for a restaurant in Stomorska, wait for a table, or cut your walk short to eat. Instead, you eat while moving between islands and use the port stop for exploring.

The boat’s facilities are another quiet benefit. Clean, well-maintained surroundings, seating in sun and shade, and an onboard toilet matter more after several hours at sea than they do during the first ten minutes of a tour.

The crew sets the tone

The crew is repeatedly praised for being friendly, helpful, and efficient. They serve meals, manage the bar, organize water equipment, keep the boat tidy, and handle changes without making the day feel rigid.

That behind-the-scenes work shapes the experience. You can eat lunch without seeing a scramble around the dining area, and you can get help with the paddle boards or snorkeling equipment without feeling abandoned.

The boat appears to be operated by a family team, which gives the day a personal feel. A few details suggest careful attention to guests, including contacting people in advance about food allergies and making special effort to sort out weather-related booking problems.

No individual guide names are provided, so this is not a personality-led sightseeing tour. You are buying a well-run day on the water, not a long series of historical talks. The crew’s role is practical and welcoming rather than academic.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. You should also pack water shoes, especially if you want to use the rocky beach areas around Brač or Stomorska.

A light cover-up can be useful after swimming, and a dry bag may help protect your phone near the water. The tour provides drinks and Wi-Fi, but the supplied information does not promise secure storage for valuables, so avoid bringing anything you do not need.

If you have food allergies, vegetarian requirements, or vegan needs, mention them while booking. The available menus include meat, fish, and vegetarian choices, with vegan food available when requested in advance.

This is a good outing for couples, solo visitors, families, and mixed-age groups. Ages from children to older adults have enjoyed the range of activities, but you should be confident boarding a boat and moving around near open water. The day is active if you want it to be, yet you can spend the swimming stop seated in shade.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would choose it if you want swimming time without giving up lunch and island scenery. The schedule gives you two distinct stops, and neither is so short that you feel pushed back aboard immediately.

It is also a strong fit for families. The water toys, paddle boards, food, restroom, and shade remove several common headaches from a day at sea. Adults can relax while children have something to do beyond sitting on a boat.

Solo visitors can also fit in easily. The cruise offers a social setting without requiring you to join a loud party. It is simple to meet people over lunch or during the swimming stop, then enjoy your own quiet corner when you want it.

I would look elsewhere if you want extensive sightseeing, a private boat, or a late-night party. You will not tour all of Brač and Šolta, and the port visit is brief. The cruise is about sea, swimming, food, and a little village time.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 190 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it. Those figures do not remove the need to check the weather or consider your own interests, but they match the strongest practical features: a clean boat, kind crew, good food, lots of swimming time, and a sensible schedule.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The cruise runs in English and is normally booked around 11 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible during the busy summer period. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at Obala Lazareta and return to the same meeting point.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 am start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

If you are arriving in Split by cruise ship, take the timing warning seriously. A missed departure because of a late arrival or failure to reach the boat on time is not eligible for a refund.

Should you book the Brač and Šolta cruise?

Book this trip if you want a comfortable, all-inclusive day on the Adriatic rather than a serious sightseeing tour. The long Brač swim, well-equipped boat, onboard lunch, included drinks, and relaxed Stomorska stop make the $133.08 price reasonable for a full 7-hour outing.

Skip it if you prefer to explore islands independently or want a small private charter. For everyone else, especially families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who values a calm boat over a party atmosphere, this is one of the more complete ways to spend a day from Split.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta in Split, Croatia. Polaris usually waits at dock number 7 in the city port.

What time does the cruise leave Split?

Departure is scheduled for 9:30 am. The check-in gate opens 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about 7 hours. It normally returns to Split at approximately 4:30 pm.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Brač and Šolta. The Brač stop is in a swimming bay, while the Šolta stop is in the port village of Stomorska.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast includes a croissant and coffee, and lunch offers meat, fish, or vegetarian menus. Vegan options are available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, water, coffee, and tea are included. Strong alcoholic drinks are available to buy separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle boards, floating toys, and other water equipment are available during the swimming stop.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise depends on favorable weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.