Podstrana: Full-Day Boat Trip to Brač and Shipwreck Kontesa

Clear water, good food, and a relaxed pace make this a strong day at sea. From Podstrana or Jesenice, you sail toward Brač and Šolta, with time in the pretty village of Sutivan, a fresh BBQ lunch, and two chances to swim. I especially like the spacious boat and the friendly crew, since both help keep the day comfortable rather than cramped.

The other big plus is the value. For $71 per person, you get the boat ride, lunch, fuel, insurance, Wi-Fi, snorkels, floaties, and drinks with the meal. The main catch is that swimming stops require you to jump from the boat and climb back up a ladder, so this is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or anyone who struggles with seasickness.

What makes this boat trip worth considering

• Sutivan gives the day a proper island stop: You get free time to walk around Brač rather than spending the whole day on the water.
• The lunch is cooked on board: Choose mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, served with salad and bread.
• Two swimming settings add variety: One stop is in a quiet Brač bay, and another is beside the shipwreck Kontesa near Šolta.
• The boat has room to spread out: Several people praised the space and lack of crowding.
• Small extras are thoughtfully handled: A welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, juice, watermelon, snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are included.
• The timing is useful for Podstrana visitors: Pick-up is at 8:30 a.m. in Krilo Jesenice or 9:00 a.m. at Podstrana Sveti Martin.

A full day between two Dalmatian islands

This is not a short sightseeing cruise with a quick photo stop. Plan on a full day, from the morning departure until you return to your original meeting point. That longer format gives the crew time to combine a village visit, lunch, two swim stops, and a leisurely ride through the coastal waters.

The route begins from either Krilo Jesenice or Podstrana Sveti Martin. If you are staying at Le Meridien Lav, the practical choices are public transport, five bus stops toward Omiš, or free parking in Sveti Martin. Free parking is also available in Krilo Jesenice. From the Le Meridien Lav marina, departures run twice a week when available, with a 9:15 a.m. sailing time.

Pay close attention to the departure option you select. The pick-up times are not interchangeable, and the meeting point can vary according to your booking choice. The boat is reported to run on time, which matters when a full-day outing has several planned stops.

The early part of the ride includes a welcome schnapps, a chocolate donut, and juice. The schnapps is a pleasant Croatian touch, while the donut and juice give you something small before lunch. Snacks beyond these items are not included, so you may want to eat breakfast before boarding.

Sutivan, a gentle first stop on Brač

Sutivan is the cultural pause in an otherwise water-focused day. You are given time to explore on your own, which suits people who prefer wandering at their own pace instead of following a guide through every lane.

The village is described as charming and beautiful, and the free time lets you choose your own level of activity. You can simply stroll, look at the stone buildings, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, or walk farther west. One particularly nice possibility is finding local olive oil for sale at a family home, an experience that feels more personal than shopping in a standard souvenir store.

Still, keep your expectations in check. Sutivan is a compact stop, not an all-day island tour. You will not see every part of Brač, and the purpose here is to get a pleasant taste of the village before returning to the boat.

I like this arrangement because it breaks up the day. A boat trip made up only of swimming can start to feel repetitive, especially for families. Sutivan gives you solid ground, a little local character, and a chance to stretch your legs.

The first swim stop and onboard BBQ

After Sutivan, the boat heads to a quiet bay on Brač. The boat anchors, and you can swim directly from the side. Ladders provide access back to the boat, but you should be comfortable entering open water without a beach or dock beneath your feet.

The water is described as crystal clear, making this a good place to use the supplied snorkels. You can also take a floatie or water polo ball into the water. There are even a couple of larger inflatable loungers, according to the available trip details, so you can choose between active swimming and simply floating.

While you swim, the chef prepares lunch on board. That timing is one of the better features of the trip. You are not sitting in a restaurant waiting for food, and you are not being rushed through a meal before the next scheduled stop.

Lunch includes your choice of:

• Mackerel fish
• Chicken
• Vegetarian burger
• Salad and bread

You need to send your lunch choice after booking so the crew can order enough food. This is a small task, but do not forget it. The meal is served on board during the sailing toward Šolta, with unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice available during lunch.

The fresh grilled fish receives especially strong praise, while the chicken and vegetarian option make the meal workable for different tastes. I would view this as a generous picnic-style BBQ, not a restaurant meal. The appeal is the combination of hot food, sea air, and no need to leave the boat.

Alcoholic drinks outside the lunch service are not included and snacks are available for purchase. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed to be brought aboard. If you plan to drink wine, remember that open water, sun, and boat movement can affect you more quickly than expected.

Shipwreck Kontesa and the second swim

The second water stop is near shipwreck Kontesa off the island of Šolta. This gives the day a different focus from the Brač bay. Instead of swimming only for the pleasure of the water, you have a particular point of interest to look toward while snorkeling.

The boat anchors near the wreck, and you again enter the sea from the boat. Snorkels and floaties are provided, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. The available information does not promise a guided wreck tour or underwater commentary, so think of Kontesa as a scenic snorkeling stop rather than a technical shipwreck excursion.

This distinction matters. If you want a serious wreck-diving experience, this trip is not designed for that. If you want to swim in clear water beside a wreck and enjoy a memorable setting without specialist equipment, it fits much better.

The ladder is the key practical detail. You must jump into the water and climb back aboard, sometimes more than once during the day. Anyone with limited mobility, poor swimming ability, or a strong fear of open water should choose a different outing.

Why the boat and crew affect the experience

A boat day succeeds or fails on comfort. The most consistent praise here goes to the spacious layout, friendly staff, and good timing. People found room for everyone without feeling overcrowded, and the crew was described as attentive and helpful.

That space matters during a full day. You can sit in one place while sailing, move around when you want a better view, and find a comfortable position between swimming stops. A crowded boat can turn even beautiful water into a tiring experience. This one appears to keep the atmosphere more relaxed.

The crew also seems to pay attention when conditions become less comfortable. When the swell picked up, staff offered help and reassurance to people who felt unwell. That does not remove the possibility of seasickness, but it is a useful sign for anyone who is mildly concerned about motion on the water.

The trip is conducted in English. Explanations are described as clear, and the captain and crew are presented as approachable. Do not expect a heavily narrated historical cruise. The emphasis is on a pleasant day out, practical help, food, and time in the water.

How the $71 price works out

At $71 per person, this is good value if you use the full package. You are paying for a full-day boat outing rather than a short transfer, and the price includes several items that can add up elsewhere: lunch, fuel surcharge, insurance, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, floaties, and drinks during lunch.

The BBQ is an important part of the calculation. A grilled main dish with salad and bread, along with unlimited water, orange juice, and red wine at mealtime, means you are not paying separately for a restaurant lunch on an island. The welcome drink, donut, juice, and watermelon also reduce the need to carry much food.

The value is strongest for families and couples who want a complete day with little planning. You do not need to arrange island transport, find a lunch spot, or bring water gear. The price is less attractive if you do not swim, avoid boat meals, or prefer spending most of your day walking around villages.

The boat is also described as a good choice for small children, though the water-entry setup requires close attention. A nine-year-old reportedly called it the best day of the week, and families with older children and young adults also found the mix of Sutivan and swimming worked well.

What to bring and what to expect onboard

Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen during the day, since you will be exposed to sun while sitting on deck and swimming.

Bring only what you need. A small day bag is easier to manage than bulky luggage, especially when moving between seats and the ladder. Your own snorkel mask is optional because equipment is supplied, but the included gear is useful if you do not want to pack extra beach equipment.

You should also prepare mentally for the boat-entry method. At the swim stops, there is no gentle walk into shallow water. You jump from the boat, swim around, and climb back using the ladders. This is fun for confident swimmers and a real barrier for everyone else.

The full day can suit children, but it is not automatically easy for every family. Small children should be watched closely around the deck, ladders, and water. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, consider bringing whatever remedy you normally use, while remembering that the trip is officially not suitable for people with serious seasickness problems.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social, easygoing day that combines sightseeing and swimming. It works especially well for:

• Families with children who can swim
• Couples looking for a relaxed day on the water
• Visitors staying around Podstrana or Jesenice
• People who want an island village without planning their own ferry route
• Anyone who likes fresh grilled food and casual boat time
• Confident swimmers who enjoy snorkeling from a boat

It is a weaker fit if you want a detailed history tour, a quiet private charter, or a proper scuba experience. It also does not suit wheelchair users or non-swimmers because of the ladders and open-water entries.

The atmosphere sounds friendly rather than formal. The crew chats with people and seems interested in making the group comfortable. That can be a plus if you enjoy meeting others, but it may not be ideal if you want complete privacy.

Practical booking advice for Podstrana

Choose the correct time slot when booking. The standard pick-ups are 8:30 a.m. at Krilo Jesenice and 9:00 a.m. at Podstrana Sveti Martin. If you are using the Le Meridien Lav marina, check for the twice-weekly 9:15 a.m. departure before making plans around it.

Send your choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian burger after booking. This helps the crew prepare the meal and avoids confusion once you are on the boat.

The booking can be canceled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available. That gives you some flexibility if your Dalmatian schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Brač and Kontesa trip?

Book it if you want strong value, friendly service, open-water swimming, and a real full-day outing without arranging every detail yourself. The spacious boat, fresh lunch, Sutivan stop, and clear water make this more than a basic transfer.

Think twice if you dislike boats, cannot climb ladders, or prefer shallow beach swimming. For confident swimmers and families seeking a relaxed mix of village time and sea time, this is one of the more appealing ways to spend a day from Podstrana. The 4.7 rating from 66 ratings fits the experience described: simple, well organized, generous with food, and especially enjoyable when the water is calm.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The listed pick-up points are Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 a.m. and Podstrana Sveti Martin at 9:00 a.m. A departure from the Le Meridien Lav marina is available twice a week when scheduled, at 9:15 a.m.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes a choice of mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, along with salad and bread. You should email your meal preference after booking.

Are drinks included?

Water, orange juice, and unlimited red wine are included during lunch. A welcome schnapps and juice are also provided earlier in the trip. Other alcoholic drinks and snacks are not included, though snacks are available for purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are included. The boat stops for swimming in a Brač bay and near shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You need to be comfortable swimming from the anchored boat and climbing back aboard using ladders. The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. You may also want breakfast before departure because the included food before lunch is limited to a chocolate donut, juice, and a welcome schnapps.