Split: Hvar, Pakleni, Brač & Šolta All-inclusive Tour

Hvar is the star here, but the three swim stops are what turn this into a full day on the Adriatic rather than a quick island visit. You cruise from Split to Brač, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta, with food, drinks and a friendly host team keeping the day moving.

I like the well-balanced mix of sightseeing and swimming, especially the guided walk in Hvar followed by about an hour to explore on your own. I also like the spacious catamaran, clean toilets, fresh fruit and cake, and the easy social mood created by hosts such as Mia and Manuela. The trade-off is simple: this is a large boat, with up to 78 people, and some swim stops may feel short if you want a long, quiet afternoon in the water.

Key points at a glance

• Three Adriatic swim stops: Stop off Brač, at a secluded Pakleni bay, and near Šolta for swimming and snorkeling.
• Hvar with structure and freedom: Take a short guided old-town walk, then use your free time as you wish.
• All-inclusive drinks: Water, soft drinks, coffee, beer and wine are included, with alcohol served after the first swim.
• Food throughout the day: Start with a pastry, then have chicken salad and a sandwich, followed by fruit and cake.
• A social catamaran atmosphere: The boat can shift from relaxed cruising to music and dancing on the return trip.
• Good value at $116: The price covers transport, meals, drinks, guiding and entertainment over roughly 10 hours.

Why this island cruise works so well from Split

Split is a useful base for seeing the central Dalmatian islands, but arranging Brač, Hvar, Pakleni and Šolta on your own would take planning, ferry schedules and a fair amount of waiting around. This boat trip gathers the main pieces into one long day, with the catamaran doing the hard work while you sit back and watch the coast pass.

The appeal is not only the number of places visited. You get different types of island time: a guided town visit in Hvar, a sheltered bay at the Pakleni Islands, open-water swimming near Brač and a final stop around Šolta for swimming and snorkeling.

The boat carries up to 78 people, so do not expect a private sailing trip. Still, the catamaran is described as spacious, with room to sit, stretch out or walk around. The size gives the trip a lively social feel without making it feel like a tightly packed speedboat excursion.

Leaving Split and reaching Brač

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split 30 minutes before departure. The day begins with a relaxed cruise toward Brač, rather than a frantic transfer. Breakfast-style food is served early, with a pastry containing cheese, and coffee is available.

The first Brač stop is mainly about getting into the water. You have roughly an hour scheduled here, although the exact length can shift with weather and the day’s timing. This is a useful first stop because it breaks up the opening cruise and lets you settle into the boat before the busier parts of the day.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The Croatian sun is strong, especially on a boat where reflection from the water adds to the heat. Some departures have offered goggles and pool noodles, but I would not count on flotation gear for every person. Pack your own if you rely on it.

Alcohol is not served before the first swim stop. That is a sensible rule on a long boat day, and it means the early part of the trip stays focused on breakfast, scenery and getting comfortable on board.

Hvar gives the day its cultural stop

After the first swim, the catamaran heads toward Hvar. The transfer takes about an hour, giving you time to dry off, eat and enjoy the views. This is also when the day moves from a beach outing into a proper island visit.

In Hvar town, an English-speaking guide leads a short walk through the old town and points out the main sights. The tour is brief, but it gives you useful bearings and context before you set off alone. The guide’s explanations can be harder to hear when the streets are busy, so stay close if you want the full commentary.

You then have free time, with about an hour to explore independently within the wider Hvar stop. That is enough for a coffee, a wander through the lanes, photographs and a quick look around the waterfront. It is not enough for a long museum visit, a serious shopping session and a climb to every viewpoint, so keep your plans modest.

I like this arrangement better than a nonstop beach itinerary. Hvar town has a distinct character, and the guided introduction helps you see more than just the harbor. At the same time, you are not tied to the guide for the whole visit.

The main compromise is time. Hvar is treated as a compact stop, not a full-day destination. If your priority is exploring the town in depth, stay overnight or take a dedicated Hvar trip instead.

Lunch and the Pakleni Islands

Back on board, lunch includes a chicken salad and sandwich, with a cheese option available if you pre-order a vegetarian meal. Fresh fruit and cake are also served, and the food is spread through the day rather than saved for one heavy sitting.

The meal is practical boat food, not a restaurant lunch. It is generous enough for most people, but some diners may want more choice or a more substantial portion, especially after swimming. If you eat a lot, bring a small backup snack. The included fruit, pastries and cake help, but lunch is still fairly light.

The next major stop is the Pakleni Islands, a group known for small coves and clear water. The boat stops in a sheltered bay, where you can swim away from the town crowds. This is one of the most appealing parts of the trip if you want a classic Adriatic setting: rocky shores, open views and water that invites you in.

The stop is generally scheduled for about an hour, though actual swimming time can vary. Some departures have had closer to 30 or 40 minutes at individual stops. That matters if swimming is your main reason for booking, so treat the published schedule as a guide rather than a guarantee.

After this point, beer and wine are available along with water and soft drinks. The open bar is a real part of the value here. You do not need to keep buying drinks during every leg of the journey, although the included wine and beer are best viewed as casual refreshments rather than a specialist tasting experience.

Šolta is the final water stop

On the way back toward Split, the catamaran stops near Šolta for another 45-minute session of swimming and snorkeling. The stop gives you one last chance to cool off before the return cruise.

The three swimming areas are attractive, but they may not feel radically different from one another. If you are a keen swimmer, that repetition is welcome. If you prefer historic towns, viewpoints or land-based activities, the final two stops can feel similar.

This is why the tour suits people who genuinely like being on the water. You spend a large part of the day cruising, swimming, eating and listening to music. The islands provide the setting, but the experience is not built around long shore excursions.

The crew keeps the boat clean between stops, including the floors after swimming. Toilets are available and generally maintained during the day, though one complaint has been that the facilities could be cleaner and that there is no shower. You can rinse off saltwater in the sea, but do not expect full changing-room facilities.

Food, drinks and the all-inclusive value

At $116 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip from Split. The right question is what you would spend after adding food, drinks and transport to a lower-priced cruise.

Here, the price includes the catamaran ride, a guide in Hvar, breakfast-style pastry and coffee, chicken salad and sandwich lunch, fruit, cake, unlimited water, soft drinks, beer and wine, plus music and hosting. That package removes the small purchases that quickly add up on a hot day.

The food is not the main reason to book, but it is better than simply receiving a basic snack. The chicken salad and sandwich provide a real midday meal, while fruit and cake fill the gaps. Vegetarian food is available if arranged in advance, with cheese replacing chicken.

The drinks are a stronger value point. Water and soft drinks are available throughout, while beer and wine begin after the first swim. If you expect to buy several drinks during a 10-hour outing, the all-inclusive setup can make the higher starting price sensible.

Do not mistake all-inclusive for luxury. This is a practical, social day boat. You are paying for convenience, variety and a full schedule, not gourmet dining or a private crew.

Music, hosts and the mood on board

The crew is a major part of the experience. Hosts including Mia, Manuela, Bepo and Bogdan have been singled out for being friendly, attentive and energetic, though the exact team can vary by departure.

The tone starts fairly gently, with music during the cruise and time to relax. Later, especially on the return to Split, the volume can rise and part of the boat may become a dance floor. This creates a fun ending for people who want it, while quieter areas remain available for anyone who would rather sit and watch the sunset.

Music taste is personal. Some people enjoy the party atmosphere and upbeat playlist. Others may prefer beach music to techno or simply want a quiet ride home. The good news is that you are not forced to dance, but the boat is not the right choice if you want silence all day.

The mix of ages can also vary. Families, couples, solo visitors and younger groups can all fit into the same departure. Children older than two are allowed, but parents should remember that the day is long, sunny and organized around swimming and boat movement.

Timing, comfort and who should book

Plan on about 10 hours from Split and arrive 30 minutes before departure. The schedule includes around one hour at Brač, a transfer to Hvar, roughly two hours for the guided visit and free time, a Pakleni swim, a Šolta swim and the return cruise. Weather, sea conditions and boat operations can alter the exact timing.

Arrive early if you want the best chance of choosing a shaded seat or a table. The boat has room to sit or sunbathe, but preferred spots can go quickly on a full departure.

I would book this for:

• Couples who want Hvar plus swimming without arranging several ferries
• Solo visitors who like a friendly group setting
• Families with children over two who are comfortable with a long boat day
• People who want food and drinks included from the start
• Anyone who enjoys music and a possible dance session on the return trip

I would choose another option if you want a private boat, serious snorkeling, long time in Hvar or a quiet sailing experience. The group can be large, and groups of more than 10 people are not permitted on the daily tour. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Split plans depend on the weather, which matters greatly for a day built around swimming.

Should you book this Split catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day at sea with one worthwhile town visit, three water stops, food, drinks and a social crew. The combination is hard to beat for visitors who have only a few days in Split and want to see more than one island.

Skip it if Hvar is your main goal and you want hours to explore its streets, museums and viewpoints. You should also look elsewhere if a small boat, quiet atmosphere or serious snorkeling matters more than convenience.

For most people, the strongest reason to choose this trip is the balance: Hvar supplies the culture, the swim stops supply the Adriatic fun, and the all-inclusive setup keeps the day simple. At $116, it is a solid value when you plan to use the included meals and drinks.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia, 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the excursion last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours. Check the available departure time when booking.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Brač Island, Hvar town, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta. Brač, Pakleni and Šolta include swimming stops, while Hvar includes a guided town walk and free time.

Is food included?

Yes. The package includes a cheese pastry, coffee, a chicken salad and sandwich lunch, fruit and cake. A vegetarian cheese meal can be pre-ordered instead of chicken.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, soft drinks, coffee, beer and wine are included. Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swimming stop.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is recommended for children older than two years. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. Pets are not allowed on the tour.