Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split

The best island day starts with a fast boat. From Split, this small-group trip links Brac, Hvar, and Solta in about nine hours, mixing an energetic RIB ride with quiet coves, old streets, local food, and time in the water. I especially like the maximum group of 11, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus, and the homemade seafood lunch with organic wine at a secluded bay. The main thing to consider is the price, $203.82 per person, plus the fact that speedboat travel can feel bouncy and weather can cancel the day.

The schedule gives you a lot: Brac’s northern shore, historic Stari Grad on Hvar, a fisherman’s-bay lunch, and a quiet snorkeling stop around Solta. I also like that the crew can shape the day around swimming and paddleboarding rather than marching you through crowded ports. Still, this is not the tour for you if you want long, unhurried sightseeing on one island.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands in one day: Brac, Hvar, and Solta each bring a different flavor, from coastal scenery to old stone streets to water sports.
• Small boat, lively ride: The boat carries no more than 11 people, with fast travel between stops and high, cushioned seats.
• Local lunch included: Expect fresh grilled fish, local ingredients, wine, and other food choices at a private bay setting.
• Stari Grad adds culture: You get time to walk around one of Hvar’s oldest towns and see its old spa house.
• Water time is a major part of the day: Swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding are built into the route.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your Split plans.

Why this Split boat trip feels different

Many island excursions from Split focus on moving large numbers of people from one famous stop to another. This one takes a smaller, more personal approach. The boat holds up to 11 participants, although some departures may have fewer people, and that makes a real difference when you stop at a small bay or need help getting in and out of the water.

I like the balance between action and quiet time. You get the thrill of a quick ride across the Adriatic, then settle into a secluded place for lunch or a swim. The day is not only about ticking off three island names. It is also about finding less crowded corners and letting the coast provide the entertainment.

The crew is a big part of the experience. Guides and skippers named in the feedback include Kristian, Kiki, Duje, and Slaven. Their roles appear to vary by departure, but the pattern is clear: you can expect an informal crew that helps with the stops, keeps the mood light, and pays attention to individual needs.

Music is also part of the atmosphere. Several guests praised the playlists during the ride, so do not expect a silent sightseeing cruise. This is a fun, social outing, with music, spray, conversation, and the occasional burst of speed.

Meeting the boat at Matejuška

The tour begins at Trumbićeva obala 1 in Split, near the Matejuška port area, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting point is described as easy to find, and the experience ends back there after roughly eight to nine hours.

Arrive ready for a full day outside. The boat’s speed can make the air feel cool even under a strong sun, which creates an easy trap for sunburn. I would apply sunscreen before boarding, bring more for later, and use a hat or other sun protection when possible.

The vessel is described as a fast RIB-style boat with twin engines. That is why the route can fit three islands into one day. It also means you should think about comfort honestly. High seats and hydraulic cushioning help, but the ride may still feel lively, especially if the sea is choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, this is worth considering before you commit.

The reward is time. A slower boat would spend more of the day simply getting from one island to the next. Here, the quick ride leaves room for a historic town, a proper meal, and several water stops.

Brac’s northern shore and the pleasure of getting moving

The first island stop is Brac, with time spent discovering its northern side. The information provided does not promise a specific town, monument, or beach here, so you should think of this part as a scenic introduction rather than a formal guided sightseeing visit.

That is not a bad thing. Brac’s coastline gives you an early look at the pale stone, clear water, and open Adriatic views that make island hopping from Split so appealing. The boat itself is part of the attraction, and the first crossing helps you settle into the rhythm of the day.

The limitation is that the schedule cannot offer a deep visit to Brac. You will not have hours to explore inland villages or spend a long afternoon on one beach. Instead, the island works as one piece of a broader coastal sampler.

I find that approach useful if this is your first visit to the Split area and you want a broad sense of the islands. If you already know Brac well and want a serious look at the island, choose a slower, dedicated Brac excursion instead.

Stari Grad: a welcome break from the water

The Hvar stop brings you to Stari Grad, where you can walk through the old town and explore its old spa house. This is an important change of pace. After the noise and speed of the boat, a stroll through old stone lanes gives the day some cultural shape.

Stari Grad is a better fit for this kind of trip than a rushed attempt to cover every corner of Hvar. You get a taste of the town without pretending that one short visit can explain the whole island. The stop offers history and atmosphere, but the provided schedule does not specify how much free time you receive or exactly how long the walking portion lasts.

Keep your expectations practical. This is not a full Hvar sightseeing tour, and it does not take you to Hvar Town. The destination here is Stari Grad, a quieter and more manageable place for a short visit.

I like that the itinerary includes this stop at all. A day made only of beaches can blur together, while even a brief walk through Stari Grad helps you see how the islands are lived in, not just photographed.

Lunch at a fisherman’s bay

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider the price. The meal is served at a fisherman’s bay and is prepared with local ingredients, including fresh grilled fish. The food and wine are part of the tour rather than an extra restaurant bill, which makes the day easier to budget.

The setting sounds deliberately low-key. Instead of stopping at a large waterfront restaurant packed with day trippers, you eat in a more private setting. The meal may be prepared by the owner, and details described for the food include grilled bass, risotto, and wine. Seafood is the natural choice here, but other options are available if fish is not for you.

The organic wine adds to the local feel. One useful detail: if you enjoy it, additional wine may be available to purchase, though the supplied information does not give a price or confirm how much can be taken away.

I would not book this tour expecting a polished fine-dining service. The appeal is freshness, place, and a meal connected to the coast. You are paying for the boat, crew, island access, and water activities as well as lunch, so the value makes more sense when you treat the whole day as a package.

Solta and the day’s best water time

The final island stop is Solta, where the focus shifts fully to swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The boat heads to a secluded spot, described as a secret snorkeling location, and this is likely the part many people remember most.

The water activities are flexible rather than formal lessons. You can swim, use a paddleboard, or snorkel, depending on what appeals to you and what conditions allow. The boat may also visit a sunken ship that can be explored by snorkelers, adding a more unusual feature to the afternoon.

There is another colorful possibility here: a boat-based mojito service near the wreck. The mojitos cost extra, with a price of 50 kuna mentioned in the supplied details. That is not included in the tour price, so carry a payment method if this sounds appealing, though the current currency and payment arrangements are not specified.

I like the way Solta closes the day. You have already had scenery and culture, so the last stop lets you slow down and enjoy the water. The drawback is simple: the snorkeling depends on the sea, weather, and your comfort in open water. Do not assume the visibility or conditions will be perfect every time.

The speedboat ride: thrilling, comfortable, and not for everyone

The boat ride receives unusually strong praise, and I can understand why. Twin engines make the crossings fast, while high seats and hydraulic cushioning provide more support than a basic open boat. The combination gives the trip an almost amusement-park quality, especially when the music is playing and the boat is moving quickly over calm water.

At the same time, speed is not the same as comfort for everyone. The boat can bounce, and the wind can be strong. You may enjoy the ride more if you sit where the crew recommends and keep your belongings secure. The tour data does not state whether dry bags are supplied, so bring a protective bag for phones, cameras, and other items.

This is also a social experience. With 11 or fewer people, you have a good chance to talk with the group, and solo visitors may find it easy to meet people during lunch and swimming stops. The mood is casual and upbeat, not formal or quiet.

What $203.82 buys you

At $203.82 per person, this is one of the pricier ways to see the islands in a day. The value comes from the small boat, limited group size, speed, included meal, organic wine, and access to quieter swimming locations.

A cheaper large-boat trip may cover some of the same waters, but it may not give you the same flexibility at small coves. You are also paying for a full nine-hour outing rather than a short harbor cruise. The included lunch can help offset the cost, especially when it includes fresh fish and wine rather than a basic packed meal.

I would compare the price with your priorities. If you want the lowest-cost way to reach one famous beach, this is too much. If you want three islands, a lively private-feeling boat, lunch, and several chances to get in the water, the price is easier to justify.

The tour is commonly booked well ahead, around 52 days in advance on average. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during the busiest part of the season, especially if you need a particular date.

Who should choose this outing

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want to see several islands without arranging ferries and meals yourself
• Prefer a small group to a large excursion boat
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fast boat rides
• Like informal guides, music, and a social atmosphere
• Care more about quiet coves and local food than a long museum visit
• Are comfortable spending most of a day outdoors

I would think twice if you need a very smooth ride, want extensive time in Stari Grad, or dislike group activities. The age range is 10 to 60, and most people can participate, but the speedboat and water activities still require a reasonable level of comfort outdoors.

The day also depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may cancel and offer a different date or a full refund. That is sensible for a fast open boat, but it can disrupt a tightly planned holiday. I would schedule this early enough in your Split stay to leave room for a weather change.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

Should you book Brac, Hvar, and Solta?

I would book this tour if you want a lively, water-focused day that still includes a genuine old town and a memorable meal. Its best features are the small group, quick boat, secluded stops, fresh grilled fish, and relaxed crew. Those details give the trip more character than a basic island transfer.

I would skip it if you are looking for a quiet ferry ride, a deep cultural tour, or the cheapest island option. For the right person, though, this is a strong use of one day in Split: three islands, a historic Hvar town, local food, and a thrilling ride without the feel of a crowded excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Trumbićeva obala 1, 21000 Split, Croatia, in the Matejuška port area.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The day lasts approximately eight to nine hours, with the itinerary describing it as a nine-hour experience.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Brac, Hvar, and Solta.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of 11 travelers, although the advertised tour description also describes it as capped at 12 participants. The practical limit provided in the additional information is 11 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The experience includes a homemade meal with local ingredients, fresh grilled fish, and organic wine. Other food options are available if you do not want seafood.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.