Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands with Food and free Drinks

A full day on the water beats city time. This Split catamaran cruise delivers unlimited drinks and real swimming stops around Hvar, Brač, Pakleni, and Šolta. I also love that the day feels half relaxation, half fun, with a dance-party style return to Split. One thing to consider: it’s a lot of time afloat, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it.

You start early from Obala Lazareta (dock 4 or 5), cruise to your first swim near Brač, then land in Hvar for a guided introduction and a short free explore. Alcohol starts after the first swim stop, and the onboard food keeps coming with breakfast pastry, lunch, and late-afternoon fruit and cakes.

Key things to know before you go

• Three swim breaks in clear coves, plus snorkeling extras like masks and foam noodles
• Food included: breakfast pastry, lunch (including chicken salad), and sweet snacks later
• Open bar timing matters: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee start after the first swim stop
• Hvar gets a smart intro: guided tour first, then about an hour for your own pace
• Hosts shape the vibe: Mia and Manuela have been singled out for keeping energy high without making it feel chaotic
• Size stays manageable: maximum 76 travelers, and no daily tours with groups over 10 people

Split to the Adriatic: why this catamaran day works

This is the kind of trip that makes Split feel like your starting point, not your whole destination. You spend the day moving along the Dalmatian islands, not just sitting in one port. The big win is how the schedule balances “do stuff” with “do nothing” time.

The boat itself matters here. It’s a catamaran setup with enough room for people to spread out, and that’s key on an all-day outing. Once you’re on board, you’re not stuck doing long bus transfers or constantly changing plans. You cruise, swim, eat, and—when it’s time—switch into a more party-minded mood toward the end.

If you want the calmest version of Hvar, keep expectations realistic. The late-day energy leans social, with music and dancing back toward Split. That’s why I think this works best when you’re open to a group atmosphere.

Finding Summer Blues at Obala Lazareta (and not losing time)

Meeting point is specific: Obala Lazareta 1 in Split, at dock 4 or 5. You’ll meet directly in front of the catamaran named Summer Blues. Other boat companies board nearby, so take a minute to get into the right queue before boarding.

You depart at 8:30 am and you’re back at the meeting point at the end of the day. That early start sounds demanding, but it’s usually what lets you enjoy the water and still have a full Hvar visit before the day slips away.

Practical note: this is a mobile-ticket tour, and confirmation comes after booking. If you like to travel light, you can—this day is mostly about swim stops and short walks.

Brač Island swim stop: the reset button on the Adriatic

Your first island phase is all about water time. After you cruise from Split toward Brač, you make a stop in a bay near the island, with time for swimming and beach-style relaxing. This is also when the day starts feeling real, since you get that first view of the coast from the sea before you even land anywhere.

Timing is built in: expect about an hour for this swim stop. It’s enough time to get in the water, rinse off (as best as possible onboard), and still come back for the next section of the day without feeling rushed.

A small but helpful detail: the experience is designed so you can just enjoy the water. Several people mention snorkeling and swimming extras like masks and foam noodles, which makes it easier to play around even if you’re not bringing your own gear.

Hvar old town: guided orientation plus real free time

Hvar is the part most people come for—and this itinerary treats it wisely. You don’t get a long, exhausting lecture. You get a guided introduction to the main sights, then you have about one hour of free time to roam.

That mix is ideal if you’re the kind of person who wants context but still wants to wander. The guided segment helps you recognize what you’re looking at, then the free hour lets you do things at your pace: take a coffee along the promenade, walk the old-town streets, and pick up small souvenirs if you feel like it.

Two things to keep in mind:

1) It’s not a full-day on land. You’ll leave wanting more, which is exactly what you want if Hvar is on your list for a return trip.

2) You’ll spend plenty of time back on the boat later, so wear comfortable shoes. Hvar walking is short, but it’s still walking.

Pakleni Islands hidden bays: another swim, but with bigger payoff

After you’re back onboard, you head toward the Pakleni Islands, where you get a second swim stop in a hidden bay style setting. This is one of the highlights people consistently mention: the water quality and the cove-feel. It’s that “I can see why people talk about this place” moment.

You also get more food here—plus the open bar is already in motion by this stage of the day. The day uses the swim stops as anchors: swim, snack, drinks, then back on the boat. That rhythm prevents the tour from feeling like one long queue.

If you like taking your time in the water, this is where it tends to happen. Bring your swim vibe: towel, sunscreen, and something to protect your face from that Hvar sun.

Šolta island and the late-day deck party to Split

On the way back, there’s a third swim break, this time around Šolta Island. Then the food shifts toward sweet snacks like fruit and homemade cakes served onboard. This is also when the vibe turns more social.

The most memorable part for many people is the return atmosphere: music gets louder, games show up, and a party feel builds on the way back. Several notes mention a sunset-style finish with dancing. If you’re the type who loves a fun group energy on vacation, this ending delivers.

If you’re traveling with kids, or you prefer a calmer vibe throughout the whole day, keep an eye on the timing. The later part is where the party atmosphere becomes more noticeable.

Food and the open bar: what’s included, what it tastes like

Here’s the deal: lunch is included, and the open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Coffee is also included. The alcohol portion starts after the first swim stop, so you’re not stepping into party mode immediately.

Food shows up in phases:

• A breakfast pastry with coffee early on
• Snacks around the middle and into lunch (including chicken salad, plus cakes and fruit later)
• Late-day fruit and homemade cakes after the later swim stop

One thing I’d flag for your expectations: the chicken salad is described as a simple salad with chicken on top. It’s not framed as a gourmet plate. It’s practical boat food that keeps you fueled while you’re in and out of the water.

The drinks are the true feature here. On a long day, having unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks changes the feel of the trip. Instead of rationing your mood, you just keep enjoying the day—especially when the deck party starts.

Boat travel time: comfortable, but plan your sunscreen and patience

This tour has plenty of movement time between stops. That’s part of the value: you’re covering multiple islands without organizing separate trips. But it does mean you’ll spend real time onboard during cruising.

That’s why sunscreen is non-negotiable. Even if you think you’re just riding, you’re still exposed to sun on deck. Bring a hat and reapply if you’re out in the open.

Also consider motion sickness. One review specifically warns that the sailing isn’t smooth and you hit swells. The good news: someone says there are motion sickness pills available onboard too, and you can ask the crew. Still, if you know you’re sensitive, bring your own just in case.

Who this cruise suits (and who might want a quieter option)

I’d put this on your list if you want:

• A full day of swimming and island scenery
• A short, guided introduction to Hvar plus time to wander
• Included food and unlimited drinks
• A social atmosphere that turns into music and dancing at the end

I’d be more cautious if:

• You want a mostly quiet, museum-style sightseeing day with lots of time on land
• You dislike party energy building after the open bar kicks in
• You’re extremely motion-sensitive and don’t want any boat time (there are no land-only alternatives in this same format)

Group size stays capped at 76, and the operator notes that daily tours don’t allow groups larger than 10 people. That tends to help with crowding compared with huge party boats.

Price and value from Split: is $119.72 reasonable?

At $119.72 per person (for about 10 hours), you’re paying for three things at once:

1) Boat transport around multiple islands

2) Multiple swim stops

3) Food plus unlimited drinks

For Croatia summer travel, that combo is often the difference between paying for a single destination and getting a whole day experience. The open bar is a major value driver. If you’d otherwise pay for drinks during a boat day, this package tends to make sense fast.

The included lunch and snacks also keep the day from turning into constant spending ashore. Even if you don’t eat every snack, it’s still a relief to know you’re covered during the key blocks of time.

The only “cost” you pay is the less flexible time on land. You’re there for sights, then you’re back to the sea. If you want maximum Hvar time, you may want an additional day trip plan. If you want a balanced island day, the pricing feels aligned with what you get.

Tips to make your day smoother

• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. You’ll be on deck for long stretches.
• Consider motion sickness pills if you’re prone to it. The crew can help, and it’s better to be prepared.
• Pack a small day bag with towel and dry clothes for after swimming.
• If you’re vegetarian, you can request a vegetarian option when booking.
• If you want a calmer vibe, plan to enjoy the earlier parts. The energy ramps up later.

Should you book the Summer Blues Hvar and Pakleni cruise?

If your goal is a classic Adriatic day: swim in multiple coves, see Hvar without overplanning, eat well enough to keep going, and finish with music and dancing, then yes—book it.

I’d particularly recommend it if you’re visiting Split for a short time and want to make the day count without juggling ferries, taxis, or multiple tour tickets. The combination of swim stops, guided time in Hvar, and unlimited drinks makes it feel like more than a standard cruise.

If you hate boat motion or you’re looking for a quiet, strictly sightseeing day, consider a different style of tour. This one has an obvious party pulse by the end.

FAQ

What time does this catamaran cruise start in Split?

It starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the Summer Blues catamaran?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, Split, directly in front of the catamaran Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5.

How long is the full-day tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with additional snacks and a breakfast pastry with coffee early in the day.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available. You need to advise at the time of booking.

When do alcoholic drinks start being served?

Alcoholic beverages are served after the first swim stop.