Split: All inclusive Brač & Šolta Island Swimming Cruise

Two islands, one calm boat day. This all-inclusive cruise out of Split turns the Adriatic into the main event, with time to swim, snorkel, and relax on the decks of the Boat Polaris. I especially like the way the schedule gives you real water time first on Brač, then a second island stop on Šolta.

What makes it feel like good value is the combo of open bar plus a proper sit-down 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian). You’re not just paying for transportation—you’re paying for a full day of included food, drinks, and sea toys, which is exactly what summer in Croatia should be.

The one thing to think about is the swimming style. You’ll jump in from the boat in open-water conditions, and while calm sea conditions can happen, you should be comfortable with getting in and out from a deck, especially if water depth feels intimidating to you.

Key highlights to plan for

• Brač swim time first: over two hours in a scheduled bay, built around swimming and snorkeling
• Included sea fun: snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys
• Stomorska on Šolta: a laid-back fishing village stop with time to walk or swim near the boat
• Open bar all cruise long: soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee, and hot drinks
• Lunch that’s actually filling: grilled fish/meat/vegetables plus dessert as a real break in the day

Meeting the Boat Polaris in Split: Obala Lazareta 3 by Gat Svetog Nikole

Your day starts at Split city port at Obala Lazareta 3, right in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. There’s no pickup service, so plan on getting yourself there on time and in a calm state of mind. The check-in is straightforward, and once you’re aboard, you’re free to choose where you want to hang out—wide decks, room to move, and space to spread out during the sailing.

Boat Polaris is the working “base” for the day. Guests consistently describe it as clean, not overcrowded, and comfortable for a 7-hour outing—so you’re not spending your whole vacation wedged next to strangers.

Crew energy matters on a day like this, and the vibe here tends to be friendly and organized. It also helps that the tour is hosted in English, which makes it easier to understand what’s happening between stops.

The 9:30 to 4:30 flow: how the day stays relaxed

This cruise runs about 7 hours, leaving Split at 9:30 AM and returning around 4:30 PM. That timing is one of the reasons I think it works: you get a full morning and a good chunk of afternoon, but you’re not stuck in tourist time until evening.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

• Around 10:30 AM, the boat reaches Brač after about a 1-hour cruise.
• The crew anchors in a scheduled bay, then you get more than 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling.
• At 1:00 PM, you depart toward Šolta, and lunch happens while you’re cruising.
• Around 1:45 PM, you arrive at Stomorska on Šolta and get time to explore or swim.
• At 3:30 PM, you leave Šolta and cruise back to Split by roughly 4:30 PM.

That structure avoids the common problem of island tours where most of the day turns into rushing between ports. Instead, the day is built around long, usable blocks of water time and a real lunch break.

Brač first: where the Adriatic swim time really pays off

The best part of many Split boat days is the first time you get into the sea. This one gives you that immediately. After the 1-hour cruise to Brač, the boat anchors in a planned bay and you get over two hours to swim.

This is where the included gear matters most. You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus paddleboards and air water toys for more float-and-play time. I like that the setup makes it easy to choose your effort level: swim casually, snorkel if you want to check out the water up close, or stay on the surface and relax with toys.

One practical detail: you’ll be jumping in from the boat. That’s great for convenience, but it also means you need to be comfortable stepping off and getting back up. If you’re nervous about boat entries, bring calm confidence, go slowly, and keep an eye on how other passengers handle it.

Guests also mention the fun of jumping off higher points on the boat. If you enjoy that kind of “vacation moment,” Brač is your first chance to get it out of your system.

Lunch and open bar on the move: the included meal is a big deal

At 1:00 PM, the boat leaves Brač for Šolta. Lunch is served around the cruise toward the second island, which is a clever way to keep the day flowing. You’re not stuck in a long waiting period on shore before you eat.

The lunch itself is a 3-course meal, built around grilled options:

• fish, or
• meat, or
• a vegetarian alternative

It comes with salad and dessert, so it isn’t just a sandwich-style stop.

The open bar makes the meal feel like a true break. During the cruise you get soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks/coffee. This is one of those “small” benefits that adds up—because when drinks are included, you don’t have to decide whether it’s worth buying one more thing. You just enjoy the day.

I also appreciate the practicality of this setup. Lunch on a moving boat means you can stay on schedule without sprinting through a village for food. And since everyone eats at the same time, the vibe stays easygoing rather than chaotic.

Šolta’s Stomorska: fishing-village time with beach access

At 1:45 PM, you arrive in Stomorska on Šolta, and the boat docks in a small fishing village. This is your second island “use your time” stop, and it’s longer enough to do something real—about two hours—without feeling rushed.

You can spend your time in two main ways:

• Explore the port area on foot (it’s the kind of place where a casual walk is the point).
• Swim near the boat, using the sea access that the crew sets up for this part of the trip.

The sea experience here is a big reason people like the itinerary. Guests describe the water around Šolta as especially nice, and there’s even mention of a small beach close by. One smart tip from those who went: pack sea shoes. That’s often the difference between enjoying the entry versus spending the day watching your footing.

Keep your expectations realistic, though. If you want a busy shopping strip or lots of restaurants to hop between, Stomorska is more low-key. It’s a charming stop, but it’s not built for a full day of browsing and café hopping.

The traditional village stop: a short land break with drinks

Besides the two island stops, there’s also a 1-hour traditional village component with beer, coffee, and wine included. This is the “culture break” in a day that’s otherwise all water and deck time.

I like this kind of add-on because it keeps you from feeling like you only did one thing—swim. Even an hour on land gives you a different pace, and the included drinks make it feel part of the experience rather than a separate extra cost.

There isn’t a named village here, so you should treat this as a short, local-flavored stop rather than expecting a major sight on the same scale as the big Croatian hits. Still, it’s a nice change of tempo.

What’s included (and what to bring) for a no-stress day

This trip is “all inclusive” in the practical sense. You’re covered for the big ticket items that usually add cost on your own.

Included:

• Boat cruise and visits to Brač and Šolta
• Free time for swimming and scenic viewing
• Croissant in the morning
• Open bar during the cruise: soft drinks, beer, wine, and coffee/hot drinks
• 3-course lunch (fish/meat/vegetarian) with dessert
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards
• Air water toys

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera (if you’re the type who likes proof of “this was real” moments)

There are also a couple of behavior rules that help keep the cruise comfortable. Smoking indoors isn’t allowed, and speakers/party groups aren’t permitted. That matters, because it helps explain why many people describe the trip as calm and relaxed rather than rowdy.

Value for $121: why the price makes sense for this kind of day

At $121 per person for about 7 hours, this isn’t a budget “hop on a ferry and hope for the best” outing. But it also isn’t priced like a private yacht either.

Where the value comes from is the bundle:

• You get transportation by boat between two islands.
• You get a full lunch with dessert.
• You get drinks included for the cruise.
• You get sea equipment (snorkel gear, paddleboards, float toys).

If you were doing this on your own, you’d likely pay separately for boat access, food, drinks, and rentals or gear. Here, it’s all tied into one ticket and one day plan, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to enjoy Croatia without turning your vacation into logistics.

Also, the quality signals are strong: this cruise averages 4.9 stars from 205 reviews, and 94% gave a perfect score. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect for every personality, but it does suggest the crew consistently delivers what the itinerary promises.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should double-check)

This is a great choice if you:

• want swimming-focused days with a boat as your base
• like the idea of two islands without planning or changing transportation
• enjoy open-air relaxation and included food/drinks
• want snorkeling and paddleboard time without bringing your own gear

It’s also family-friendly in a practical way. Children 0–3 can join for free, and 3–12 have a 50% discount. (If you’re traveling with kids, it’s one more reason not to overpay for separate activities.)

One consideration: the swimming is from the boat, and the water is described as clear and inviting, but that doesn’t remove the reality that you might be entering conditions with some depth. If you’re not confident swimming off a boat entry, choose the pace carefully and use safety help when needed.

Should you book the All-Inclusive Brač & Šolta Swimming Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re coming to Split and you want a day that feels like summer on purpose: two islands, long swim time, a full included lunch, and drinks that don’t require decision-making. This is the kind of tour that rewards you for arriving ready to relax, not for chasing shore stops.

Skip it (or think twice) if your ideal day is mostly about walking through shops, ticking off big landmark sights, or spending most of the day on land. Stomorska is charming, but the second stop is more about port atmosphere and sea time than about lots of activities.

If you want a straightforward “get out on the water” plan with plenty of included extras, this cruise is a very strong match.

FAQ

How long is the Brač and Šolta swimming cruise?

The total duration is 7 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Split?

The meeting point is Split city port, specifically Obala Lazareta 3, docked in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

Which islands do you visit?

You visit Brač and Šolta.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is a 3-course meal with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus dessert.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes. During the cruise, you get an open bar with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks/coffee.

What swimming or water gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys. You should still bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat.