Podstrana and Jesenice, Boat trip to Brač and Šolta with lunch

Brač and Šolta, served with lunch on a boat. This 8 to 9 hour day trip turns the stretch of Dalmatia around Split into a simple, low-effort island day, with BBQ lunch and multiple chances to swim. You start with an organized pickup from Podstrana and Jesenice, then cruise to Sutivan on Brač, and finish back in the same area.

I especially like two parts: the BBQ lunch with real choices (mackerel, boneless chicken, or vegetarian burger) plus unlimited red wine during lunch, and the laid-back swim stops where the crew sets anchor and you use the provided snorkels and floaties. You also get built-in snacks and drinks during the day, including a welcome shooter for adults and watermelon later in the afternoon.

One thing to consider is that swimming is done from anchored stops, so access is ladder or jumping in. If you prefer steady beach access all day, this setup may feel a bit less convenient.

Key highlights you will notice right away

• Sutivan town time with maps, plus room to walk at your own pace in a place tied to a Roman settlement
• Two island swim stops with ladders, snorkels, and floaties ready on board
• Lunch plus red wine included during the meal, not just a token bite
• Onboard Wi-Fi included, handy for sending photos while you are waiting for the next stop
• A family-friendly pace in a small group (maximum 45 people), with staff that keeps things moving
• Extra touches like coffee or tea with a welcome treat, chocolate donuts, and watermelon in the afternoon

Getting to the boat in Podstrana and Jesenice

This trip runs on a pickup-and-return schedule, so it feels easier than trying to piece together island transport yourself. You get picked up starting early, around 08:25 at hotel Krilo, and the day’s sailing starts after they move through the Podstrana area to pick up everyone.

Your first pickup sequence includes stops around Sv. Martin Podstrana and the Le Meridien Lav marina, with a planned arrival around 08:55 at Sv. Martin beach and final pickup around 09:00. The idea is that you arrive early, get organized, and then you are off toward Brač soon after.

I like this style of logistics because it reduces decision fatigue. You just show up, get your mobile ticket checked, and settle in while the crew handles the rest. If you tend to run late, treat the first meeting time as firm. Missing a pickup can break the schedule for you, because the boat is already moving on a set itinerary.

Why Brač and Šolta feel like a best-of day

The whole structure makes sense if you want variety without stress. You get one proper town stop on Brač (Sutivan), then open-water time with swimming and snorkeling at anchor. After that, Šolta brings the lunch moment and another bay swim stop, followed by the return sailing.

That mix is why this trip works for a lot of people. Some day tours are either mostly sightseeing or mostly boating. Here, you get a little of both: walk time for Sutivan and then the fun part, water time, with gear provided.

It also helps that the crew keeps the pace gentle. The trip is long enough to feel like a real day out, but it is broken into clear segments so you are not stuck in one place too long.

Morning sailing: Podstrana to Sutivan with easy time on land

By 09:30 you depart toward Brač, with a short briefing once everyone is on board. During the sailing, you get a welcome routine that sets the tone, coffee and donuts plus a welcome drink for adults. It is a small detail, but it helps you start the day feeling taken care of rather than rushed.

Around 10:30, you arrive in Sutivan. The crew gives out maps, and you get free time to explore the town, including the area connected to a Roman settlement. In practice, that means you can do a slow wander, pop into a spot for a drink or snack if you want, and then return before the boat leaves.

The departure from Sutivan is 11:45, and you need to come back a bit early. Plan on being ready at least a few minutes before, because the boat does not wait for late arrivals. That is one of those rules that sounds strict until you see how the rest of the day stays smooth because they run on time.

Swim stop at Brac: anchored ladders, snorkels, and real water time

After Sutivan, the schedule turns straight to water. At about 12:10, the captain drops the anchor for the first swim and snorkeling stop near Brač. You get about 25 minutes here, which is short, but it is enough for a first swim and a couple of passes around the area.

This is not a “park at a beach and walk around” moment. Access is from the ship, using the ladders on both sides. In other words, you are stepping into open water from the boat, or you can jump in if you are comfortable doing that.

I love stops like this when the goal is simple: cool off, see the surface life, and reset your head. The crew also has snorkels and floaties on board, and the ship includes items like water polo balls for play if you want it. If you are the type who just wants quiet snorkeling, you can do that too, because the time box keeps it manageable.

Tip: If you are prone to getting cold, this can still feel brisk once you are in, so having the right swimwear matters. Also bring sun protection, because between swimming and sailing you will get strong light.

Šolta lunch with a view: BBQ, red wine, and the best part of the schedule

Around 13:10 you head to Šolta, and this is where the day really peaks for many people. While you swim earlier, the chef prepares the BBQ, and then you eat as the scenery opens up.

Lunch is served as you look out on islands in the area, including Brač, Hvar, Mrduja, and Šolta on the starboard side. That matters more than it sounds, because you are not eating lunch in a rush or inside a noisy room. You are eating with sea air and constant movement outside the windows.

The meal choices are clear and genuinely different, not just a single default plate. You can choose mackerel fish, boneless chicken, or a vegetarian burger, and it comes with salad and bread. During lunch, you also get unlimited red wine, plus water and orange juice.

On a practical note, they ask you for your meal preference when you book. If you care about your choice, get that message in early. The staff is doing a full lunch service onboard, and your preference helps them keep it smooth.

From the experience side, I also like how the crew keeps the flow friendly. One staff member, Adriana, is mentioned as serving the tables, and that kind of hands-on service is often the difference between lunch that feels rushed and lunch that feels like part of the day.

One consideration: alcohol is not an all-day free-for-all. Red wine is included during lunch, and other drinks need to be paid at the bar. Also, the bar access rules are tied to age, so check that if you are traveling with teenagers.

Necujam bay swim: another chance to reset before the return

After lunch, the next anchor moment arrives around 14:10 at Necujam. You get about 1 hour and 5 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. That is longer than the earlier swim stop, so you can slow down, swim at your own rhythm, and spend more time near the surface.

Necujam bay is a solid choice for a swim because the itinerary is built around it as a dedicated break. If you timed it right, you can do a casual snorkel, float with a floatie, and then come up for water and shade as needed.

The ship setup helps too. Shade onboard is available, and the same swimming gear kit used earlier stays available for you. So you can repeat what you liked earlier, or change it up if you feel like it.

If you are traveling with kids, this is also a moment that usually works well, because it is not just “watch from the deck.” Kids can use floaties and the crew keeps the pace under control.

Onboard comfort details that make the day easier

A good boat day is not only about where you go, it is about how easy it feels while you are there. A few things help this one.

First is the Wi-Fi. Unlimited Wi-Fi onboard means you can message home, upload a photo, or handle a quick plan update while you wait for the next swim stop. It also makes it easier if you have family members splitting duties during the day.

Second is the food rhythm. You get a welcome shooter and donuts early, lunch around midday, and then watermelon around 16:30 on the way back. Small, scheduled snacks keep energy up without you needing to buy extra at the bar.

Third is the group size. The cap is 45 travelers, which is a meaningful detail. It usually means fewer bottlenecks at boarding, fewer crowded moments at lunch, and an easier flow when the crew explains timing like when to return to the boat.

Finally, the staff focus shows up in how the day is run. Reviews call out attention to detail, and that lines up with an itinerary that has clear times, clear swim moments, and a calm handoff between sections.

Price and value: how $66.23 adds up for a full day

For $66.23 per person, the big question is what you get for your money. Here, you are not paying just for “transport to an island.” You are paying for a full structured day that includes:

• Lunch with choice of mackerel, chicken, or vegetarian burger
• Unlimited red wine during lunch, plus water and orange juice
• Snorkel gear and floaties, which can otherwise be an extra cost
• Two swim stops with time to actually use the gear
• Coffee/tea and welcome treats, plus chocolate donuts and watermelon
• Unlimited Wi-Fi to stay connected

If you have tried other island day trips around Split, you know how quickly the add-ons pile up. Taxi-like transfers, paying for snorkel rentals, and buying food at each stop can push the cost higher fast. This one bundles the main items into one price and keeps you fed and hydrated through the day.

Also, the itinerary is built around easy movement. You get pickup and drop-off from the area around Podstrana and Jesenice, which saves time and makes the day more comfortable for people who do not want to manage buses and ferries.

When this trip is a smart fit, and when it is not

This cruise is a good match if you want a gentle day cruise feel, with staff-led timing and enough flexibility for your own pace. It also works well if you like swimming but do not need a complicated “expert level” plan. The snorkeling is set up with provided gear and short time boxes that keep it easy.

It is also family-friendly in practice, because the day includes predictable snack moments and swim time that does not require a big hike or long land transfers. The pace is not described as intense, and the schedule has clear resting points like onboard sailing and shade.

You might want to pick a different format if you strongly prefer beach entry, because the swim stops are from the boat using ladders. You should also consider timing. If you hate returning to a meeting point early, the Sutivan window and the requirement to get back a few minutes ahead may feel a bit strict.

Should you book this Brač and Šolta boat trip from Podstrana and Jesenice?

If you are planning a trip around Split and want an island day that feels easy, this is a strong choice. You get real time in Sutivan, plus meaningful water time at Brāč and Šolta, with BBQ lunch that includes red wine during the meal. The ship also supplies snorkeling basics, shade, snacks, and even onboard Wi-Fi.

I would book it if your ideal day looks like this: coffee and donuts early, a relaxed walk in town, then swimming and snorkeling for the fun part, all while someone else runs the schedule. I would think twice if ladder-only access is a dealbreaker or if you need long, beach-style stretches rather than anchored swim stops.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the boat trip?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

Where are the meeting points and where do you end up?

You are picked up around the Podstrana area near Sv. Martin and Le Meridien Lav marina, plus from hotel Krilo. The tour ends back at the meeting point, including a return around 17:45 to Krilo Jesenice.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is included with freshly prepared BBQ choices: mackerel fish, boneless chicken, or a vegetarian burger, with salad and bread. Water and orange juice are included, and unlimited red wine is included during lunch time.

Are snorkels and swimming gear included?

Yes. You get snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls provided for swimming and snorkeling.

Is Wi-Fi included on board?

Yes. Unlimited Wi-Fi is included.

What drinks are included, and what is not?

Unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice are included during lunch. Other drinks are available at the bar, and alcoholic beverages are for travelers ages 18 and above.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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