All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise

The best part of this seven-hour island cruise is the generous time in the water. At Brač, the boat anchors in a quiet bay, and you can swim, snorkel, use a paddle board, float on water toys, or simply sit in the sun and shade. It feels more like a relaxed day at sea than a rushed sightseeing run.

I like two things right away: lunch and drinks are included, and the boat has enough room to spread out. You also get a useful mix of activities, from jumping off the boat to walking around Stomorska on Šolta. The main consideration is simple: this is built around swimming, not a long island tour. If you want several historic towns and lots of guided sightseeing, this will feel light.

At a glance

• A quiet Brač bay: Spend about two hours swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing from the boat.
• Lunch on the way to Šolta: Choose a meat, fish, or vegetarian menu, with beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea available.
• A small port on Šolta: Explore Stomorska, walk by the harbor, or reach a beach about 100 meters from the boat.
• Comfortable boat setup: Polaris has air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, shaded seating, and an open upper deck.
• Family-friendly water time: Snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, floating toys, and other gear are included.
• A calm social mood: The operator clearly positions this as a daytime swimming cruise, not a party boat.

Why this cruise works so well from Split

Split gives you many ways to reach the Adriatic, but plenty of boat trips turn into long days of loading, unloading, and standing around. This one keeps the plan tidy: leave at 9:30 a.m., spend the morning at Brač, stop in Stomorska after lunch, and return to Split at about 4:30 p.m.

That timing is one of the strongest reasons to book. You get a proper day on the water without giving up your entire evening. If you are staying in Split for a few days, this fits neatly beside a walking day in Diocletian’s Palace or a dinner in town.

The cruise also avoids the pressure of a formal excursion. You are not being marched from one sight to another. At Brač, the point is to choose your own pace. Swim for an hour, paddle around, borrow a floating mat, or stay on deck with a drink. The crew handles the boat, food, and equipment while you enjoy the sea.

The group can reach a maximum of 68 people. That is not a private boat, but the boat’s size and seating help keep the experience from feeling cramped. Several descriptions of the boat point to plenty of room, clean facilities, and both sunny and shaded areas.

Meeting Polaris at Split port

The meeting point is at Obala Lazareta in Split city port, usually at dock number 7. Check-in opens 30 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive with time to spare rather than rushing down the waterfront at 9:29.

The boat is called Polaris. You will return to the same meeting point at the end of the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the port.

The port is near public transportation. Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. I would also add water shoes if you plan to walk along the rocky shore near Stomorska. One description specifically points out that the beach area can be rocky, and sturdy footwear makes that small stop more comfortable.

Once aboard, you can settle into the seating areas before departure. The boat has air conditioning, a restroom, Wi-Fi, and room to sit in either shade or sun. Coffee and tea are available, and the morning service includes a croissant and coffee, which gives you something small before the swimming stop.

Brač at 10:30: two hours built around the sea

At about 10:30, Polaris reaches Brač and anchors in a secluded bay. The exact bay can vary, but the plan is to find clear water away from the main port crowds.

This is the heart of the trip. You can enter the water by ladder or jump from the boat, then use the included snorkeling equipment and paddle boards. Floating mats and other inflatable water toys add a playful touch, especially for children and anyone who wants to lounge on the water rather than swim continuously.

The water time is long enough to feel unhurried. You have roughly two hours, though the exact swimming period can vary with conditions. That matters because a quick 30-minute stop is rarely enough to dry off, try the equipment, and relax. Here, you can do all three.

The bay is also a good place for people who do not want to get wet. Sit under shade, read, watch swimmers from the deck, or enjoy the view of the island from the boat. The setup suits mixed groups, since the keen swimmer and the person who prefers a chair can enjoy the same stop.

Families should find this part especially useful. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the range of floats and boards gives them more to do than simply swim. At the same time, the operator makes clear that this is not a drinking party. Alcohol service can stop if anyone drinks excessively or behaves badly, which helps protect the relaxed mood.

The main limitation is that you do not go ashore at Brač during this stop. You see the island from the bay and enjoy the water, but this is not a village or cultural visit. If your idea of Brač is walking through a town, visiting a church, or seeing a famous beach on land, choose a different excursion.

Lunch at sea, with three menu choices

After leaving Brač at about 1 p.m., the boat heads toward Šolta while lunch is served. Eating aboard saves time and keeps the day flowing. You do not have to search for a restaurant, wait for a table, or pay extra for a meal in a waterfront village.

The choice is usually meat, fish, or vegetarian. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should request the appropriate meal when booking. The food has drawn particularly strong praise, including the grilled chicken and tuna option. The meal is described as simple rather than fancy, but that is a fair match for a swimming day.

The open bar includes beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, iced water, coffee, and tea. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included, though they can be purchased. The sensible approach is to treat the drinks as a pleasant addition to lunch, not the purpose of the cruise.

I like the practical value here. At $133.08 per person, you are paying for a full seven-hour outing, boat transport to two islands, breakfast service, lunch, drinks, water equipment, and onboard facilities. A cheaper bare-bones boat ride may look attractive at first, but once you add food, equipment hire, and drinks, the gap can shrink.

Still, price-sensitive visitors should be clear about what they are buying. You are paying for comfort and convenience, not a small private sailboat or a guided island history tour. The value is strongest if you plan to swim, eat aboard, and use the included equipment.

Stomorska on Šolta: a small port with breathing room

Polaris reaches Stomorska at about 1:30 p.m. This is a small fishing village on Šolta, and the two-hour stop gives you a change of pace after the active Brač morning.

You can walk around the harbor, look at the boats, or head to the beach about 100 meters from the boat. You can also swim again if the water is calling. The village is described as picturesque and quiet, not as a major sightseeing center, so keep your expectations in the right place.

This stop works because it is modest. You are not being asked to cover an entire island in two hours. Instead, you get enough time to stretch your legs, take a short walk, and see a less hectic side of the Dalmatian coast.

On a Sunday, some places in the village may be closed. That is worth remembering if you are hoping for a full afternoon of shopping or a long café stop. The harbor walk and beach remain the main attractions, and the stop is better suited to a relaxed wander than a packed sightseeing list.

I would bring water shoes here. The beach is close, but the shore can be rocky. A towel, sunscreen, and hat are also essential because the afternoon sun can be strong, even when the breeze makes the boat feel cool.

The ride back to Split

At about 3:30 p.m., the boat begins the return cruise. This is your chance to dry off, settle into a shaded seat, or spend time on the upper deck. The boat has music, but the atmosphere is intended to remain easygoing rather than loud or rowdy.

The return takes about an hour, with arrival in Split scheduled for 4:30 p.m. On clear days, the ride gives you more views of the Adriatic islands. Dolphins have occasionally been spotted from the boat, but that is a lucky possibility, not something you should expect.

The schedule can adjust for weather. A little rain does not necessarily ruin the day, since the crew may change the timing or plan without making the experience feel disorganized. Poor weather can lead to cancellation, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

What the boat and crew add to the day

A swimming cruise succeeds or fails on the boat itself. Polaris is described as clean, modern, well maintained, and spacious, with a lower deck offering armchair-style seating and an upper area for sun. The air conditioning is useful when you want a break from the heat, while the shaded deck matters for children, older adults, and anyone who burns easily.

The restroom onboard is another small but important advantage. Once you leave Split, there is no easy way to find a public facility until Stomorska. Wi-Fi is included too, though the real reason to book this trip is to spend less time on your phone.

The crew’s role is mostly practical, and that is exactly what you want. They serve food, keep drinks moving, manage the equipment, tidy the boat, and help people get into the water. The service has been described as warm and attentive, including careful handling of food allergies and vegetarian meals.

The age range can work well for a mixed family group. Children, adults, and older relatives can all take part at their own level. You may swim, paddle, sunbathe, or explore the port. The boat is not designed only for young people, though anyone with limited mobility should ask the operator directly about boarding and movement around the boat, since detailed accessibility information is not provided.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this outing if you want a low-stress day on the water with food and equipment already arranged. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and groups with mixed interests.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want plenty of swimming time rather than a short photo stop.
• You like the idea of jumping from a boat or using a paddle board.
• You want lunch and drinks included in the price.
• You prefer a quiet port visit to a major tourist attraction.
• You have only one free day and do not want a 10-hour excursion.
• You want a daytime social setting without a party-boat atmosphere.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, do not want to swim, or expect detailed commentary about Croatian history and island culture. The cruise gives you a taste of Brač and Šolta, but the sea is the main event.

The tour is also weather-dependent. If you are visiting Split for only one day, be cautious about scheduling it too close to a flight or cruise departure. Missed tours caused by late arrival at the meeting point or failure to reach the boat on time are not refundable.

Booking value and cancellation details

The cost is $133.08 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see the islands, but it is a fair package if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and a comfortable boat.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The operator can also cancel if there are not enough bookings or if the weather is poor, with a different date or a full refund offered.

The cruise is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. The maximum group size is 68 people, so it is worth arriving early enough to check in calmly and choose the kind of seating you prefer.

Should you book the Brač and Šolta cruise?

Book it if your ideal Croatian day means clear water, a long swim, a plate of lunch, a glass of wine, and a small harbor walk without a packed schedule. The included gear and drinks make the price easier to justify, while the seven-hour length leaves you an evening in Split.

Skip it if you want a private boat, extensive island sightseeing, or a party. For most people seeking a comfortable and well-organized swimming day, Polaris offers a balanced plan: active when you want it, restful when you need it, and practical from start to finish.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta in Split city port, usually at dock number 7. Check-in opens 30 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. It leaves Split at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to return at about 4:30 p.m.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a morning croissant and coffee, lunch with meat, fish, or vegetarian choices, an open bar with beer, wine and soft drinks, coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a restroom, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddle boards.

How much swimming time is included?

The Brač stop lasts about two hours. You can swim, snorkel, use paddle boards and floating water toys, sunbathe, or jump from the boat. Swimming is also possible near Stomorska on Šolta.

Is this a party boat?

No. The operator describes it as a relaxed daytime cruise, not a booze cruise. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included, and alcohol service can stop if someone drinks excessively or behaves badly.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires favorable weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before departure.