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

Three islands, one boat, zero stress.

This full-day catamaran cruise from Split to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands is built around exactly what you want on the Dalmatian coast: swim breaks in clear bays, a real visit to Hvar’s historic lanes, and a fun deck atmosphere by the time you head back. The value is strong because you get unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee, plus lunch and snacks. The only real tradeoff is that the vibe shifts into party mode later in the day, so it is not a quiet, strictly sightseeing-style tour.

I like how the day is paced, not rushed. You get time to hang out on the boat, cool off in the sea multiple times, and then wander Hvar with just enough guidance to get your bearings. If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead, because you will hit some swells on open water.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Three swim stops across different islands and bays, not just one quick dip
• Unlimited drinks all day (alcohol starts after the first swim stop)
• A guided introduction to Hvar town, then about an hour of free time to roam
• Snorkel-friendly extras like foam noodles and masks, plus bathrooms onboard
• A deck party on the return with music, dancing, and games
• Limited-size feel with a maximum of 76 travelers on board

Entering The Catamaran Day: What This Trip Feels Like

If your plan in Split is to trade land time for water time, this tour is simple. You meet in the harbor area at Obala Lazareta 1, then step on board the Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5. You start at 8:30 am, which means you are out on the Adriatic before the day gets too hot and crowded.

What you will notice fast is that the tour is designed for comfort and energy, not lectures. There is a guided component in Hvar, but most of the day lets you float, swim, and explore at your own pace. It is also set up for social travel, with a group size that feels big enough to meet people, but not so huge that you lose your day.

Price and what you get: how the value really adds up

At $119.72 per person for roughly 10 hours, the big question is what is included. Here, you are not paying separately for food and drinks on a boat day, which can quietly blow budgets elsewhere.

You get lunch and snack food during the day, plus coffee and an open bar. Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop, so the morning still feels like a steady start before the party kicks in. Add in three separate swim opportunities and the time in Hvar, and the price starts to look more like an all-in day out than a standard sightseeing transfer.

Morning logistics in Split: the part that matters

This is a dock meeting day, so timing and the right line are everything. You will meet directly in front of the Summer Blues, dock 4 or 5, and it is worth arriving a little early so you do not feel rushed. The good news is that it is near public transportation, so you can pair it with easy city travel.

Dress like you expect a full day outdoors. Bring sunscreen, because you spend a lot of time outside between swimming and lounging. Also consider motion sickness if you are prone to it. One guest even flagged that it is not always smooth sailing and that swells can add up, and the crew says they keep motion sickness pills on board if you need them.

Stop 1, Brač Island: the first swim break and your morning reset

Your first major moment is the cruise toward Brač, with a swim stop in a bay near the island. This is where the day shifts from city life to sea life. You get about an hour here, and it is the kind of hour where you can either go all-in on swimming or just float and watch the horizon.

One practical note: alcohol is not served until after this first swim stop. So if you like to pace your day, this timing helps. If you do want to have a drink, you will still have time after, but you are not starting the trip in a buzz before you even get in the water.

Bring swim gear if you have it, but if you do not, you should still be set. The boat provides snorkeling masks and foam noodles, so you can do light snorkeling without extra packing.

Hvar Town time: a guided intro that still leaves you room to wander

When the boat reaches Hvar, you do not just get dropped off. You get a professional guide who introduces the main sights in town, which is especially helpful if you want to understand what you are looking at instead of walking past everything wondering what it means.

After the guided sightseeing, you have about an hour of free time. That is enough to roam the lanes, grab coffee near the promenade, and do a little souvenir shopping if you want. It is also a good window for photos, because you are not trying to multitask between swimming and city streets.

A good way to use that hour is to pick one small goal. Maybe you want to find the best viewpoint you can within walking distance, or maybe you just want to slow-walk and people-watch. The tour gives you the starter knowledge, but it does not control your entire time in Hvar.

Pakleni Islands swim stop: where the day turns into pure water time

After returning on board near the riva, the cruise continues toward the Pakleni Islands. This is another swim stop in a hidden bay, with about an hour here. This is typically the part of the day that feels most like a getaway, because the islands and coves naturally reduce the sense of city noise.

On this stop, you also get more of the food and bar flow. The experience includes a chicken salad serving and continued access to the open bar, so you can eat, drink, and reset your energy before the boat heads on.

If you love swimming, do not just do one pass. Take a moment after you get in the water, then try again when your body is warm and relaxed. Clear Adriatic water makes snorkeling and floating extra fun, especially when you are not rushing.

Solta Island on the way back: the late-day swim plus sweets

The return cruise still includes one more swim stop, this time on Šolta Island. You get about an hour again, which is plenty time to cool off and squeeze in one more look at the coastline as the light starts to shift.

Late-day food is a big part of why this tour feels complete. Fresh fruit and homemade cakes are served onboard during this final stretch. It is a nice change of pace from only having lunch earlier, and it helps keep you fueled for the energy boost that comes on the way back into Split.

And yes, drinks keep flowing here too, which makes it feel less like commuting and more like ending the day on purpose.

The deck party: music, dancing, and why the return feels like the best part

The return to Split is not dead time. The boat turns the atmosphere up with music and dancing for a good chunk of the trip. Many people love this because you are not stuck sitting through a silent transfer. Instead, it feels like the final chapter of the day.

Expect a party vibe more than a calm cruise, especially toward the end. If you are traveling with kids who need quiet, you can still enjoy the day earlier on, but plan for the music and group energy building later. On the flip side, if you want to meet people and have fun, this is where the social energy clicks.

Food on board: what the day’s meals actually look like

Food here is simple, practical, and designed for a moving boat day. You get local pastries and coffee early, then lunch after the Hvar stop. The lunch menu centers on chicken salad, with cakes and other snacks offered through the day. You also get fruit served with the afternoon snacks.

One helpful detail for decision-making is how the chicken salad tends to be served. Some people describe it as a light salad with chicken rather than something heavy. That lines up with the overall style of the meal setup, which is meant to keep you comfortable while you swim.

Also, if you have dietary needs, there is a vegetarian option. You just need to request it at booking so the crew can plan accordingly.

Crew and host energy: the secret sauce that makes it run smoothly

On a boat day, the crew can make or break your experience. The best sign here is how often the experience is praised for being well organized and friendly, with hosts who keep everyone informed and in the moment.

Names like Mia and Manuela show up in the kind of feedback people share after the trip, which tells me the hosting style matters a lot on this boat. Even without a name, look for clear announcements, steady timing, and crew members who check that you are safe around the swim stops. That is what you want when you are hopping between islands in open water.

Who should book this (and who should pick something quieter)

This cruise is a great match if you want a full day at sea with minimal planning. It is especially good for:

• Couples who want swims plus a real town stop
• Friend groups who like music and a shared vibe
• People who prefer relaxing time over constant guided commentary
• Travelers who like the “all-in” setup of lunch plus free drinks

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a quiet, purely historical tour. The later deck party can change the feel.
• You get motion sick easily and do not plan for it. The boat can be up and down due to swells.
• You dislike repeated swim-stop timing. Some people feel three swim stops can blur together if the bays start to feel similar.

A good strategy is to treat the swim stops as your main attraction, and treat Hvar as the one “sightseeing chapter” of the day.

When the weather is good, this is a standout day

This experience depends on weather. Good weather means you get swimming, lounging, and that postcard feeling. If weather is poor, you should expect an alternate date or a full refund offered, so you will not be stuck holding the bag.

If you are booking in summer, you are also booking with the reality that hot sun and sea wind both matter. Bring sun protection, stay hydrated with the free water and drinks, and pace your swim time so you do not burn out early.

Should you book the Summer Blues catamaran to Hvar and Pakleni?

I think you should book this cruise if you want a high-value, low-stress day that blends sea time, Hvar town time, and a fun return. The inclusion of lunch, unlimited drinks, and multiple swim stops makes it feel like a real day trip plan, not an expensive way to hop from one place to another.

I would skip it if your ideal day is quiet sightseeing all day long, or if you are very sensitive to boat motion and you have no plan for it. For most people, though, this tour hits the sweet spot in Split: you get the coast, you get the islands, and you get back to shore with stories that sound like more than just a schedule.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:30 am, and it runs for about 10 hours total.

Where do I meet the catamaran in Split?

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

What stops are included on the day?

You visit Brač Island, Hvar, and the Pakleni Islands, with additional swimming on Šolta Island on the return.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you also get pastries and other snacks during the day.

Are drinks included, and when does alcohol start?

Yes, free drinks are included, including unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are served after the first swim stop.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider at booking.

Is there guided sightseeing in Hvar?

Yes. There is a professional guide for an introduction to Hvar town, followed by about an hour of free time to explore on your own.

Are there swim extras like masks or noodles?

Yes. Foam noodles and snorkel masks are provided.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 76 travelers.