Split: All inclusive Brač & Šolta Island Swimming Cruise

There is something calming about a full day on open water. This all-inclusive Brač and Šolta swimming cruise turns Split’s busy summer energy into a long, laid-back boat day, with two island stops, plenty of time in the Adriatic Sea, and meals taken care of. I like the “choose-your-spot” style on the decks, and I especially like that the day includes more than just sailing, you get real swim time plus snorkeling and water toys. One thing to consider is that this is very sea-focused, so it is not the best fit if you want constant on-land sightseeing.

If you do best with a clear plan but some freedom, you are going to like this format. You start in Split in the morning, then spend the middle of the day jumping in and relaxing off the boat, with lunch and drinks built in. The main drawback is that the day is paced around water activities, so if you prefer quiet beaches from shore instead of swimming off a boat, you may wish you picked a different kind of island trip.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Two island stops in one day, Brač first for long swim time and Šolta next for both village browsing and more sea time
• Open bar all cruise, with soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee, plus a morning croissant included
• Swimming and water play are the point, with snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys on board
• Lunch is part of the value, a 3-course meal (fish, meat, or vegetarian), served in a proper, sit-down way
• Easy meeting point in Split, docked at the city port in front of Gat Svetog Nikole
• Deck space to spread out, plus a day that usually avoids the “everyone is packed shoulder to shoulder” vibe

Why This Brač and Šolta Swimming Day Feels Like a Real Getaway

This is a classic “away-from-it-all” day, but with actual structure. You are not just getting transported from one island to another. You are spending time on the water, anchoring in swim-ready spots, and then returning to a boat that has drinks, shade choices, and gear ready to use.

What makes it work so well is the balance. You get enough time on Brač for swimming and snorkeling, then you move to Šolta for a second island experience without rushing. The crew keeps things moving, but the schedule still leaves room for you to do your own version of the day, from lounging on the upper deck to spending longer in the water.

For value, the big win is that the essentials are already included. At $121 per person, you are paying for a full boat day, two island visits, an open bar, a 3-course lunch, and a menu of water activities. If you have ever tried to build a similar day on your own in Split, you quickly realize how quickly costs stack up once you factor in boat time, food, and rentals.

Split Departure at Obala Lazareta 3, What to Expect in the Morning

You meet at Obala Lazareta 3 at Split’s city port, just in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. Plan to arrive a little early so you can find the dock easily and get settled before departure. The cruise leaves at 9:30 AM, and the first part of the day is intentionally low-key.

There is coffee and welcome refreshments early on, and you get a morning croissant included. This matters more than it sounds. On a summer day, you want something in your stomach before you start bouncing between shade, sunscreen, and salt water.

Practical tip for your morning: wear what you can swim in. You will likely change into swim gear more than once, and the day runs long, about 7 hours total. Bring your towel and sun hat, and keep sunscreen handy, because you will be outdoors for most of the day.

The 1-Hour Boat Cruise to Brač, Then a Proper Swim Stop

The first leg is about one hour cruising to Brac. During this time, you are doing the scenic thing from the water, watching the coastline slide by while the morning energy settles into vacation mode.

When you reach the scheduled bay, the captain anchors so everyone can get into the swim rhythm. You get more than 2 hours of free time at this stop, which is the part many day trips get wrong. Two hours off a boat is enough time to actually enjoy the water instead of doing the quick in-and-out routine.

Here is what you should look forward to at this Brač stop:

• Swimming in clear Adriatic water from the boat
• Snorkeling equipment available on board
• Standup paddleboards and other water toys ready to use
• The simple pleasure of choosing your moment, whether you want to float, snorkel, or just cool off

From the reviews, one theme keeps showing up: the water time feels generous, and the setup makes it easy to jump in without hassle. People also highlight that the boat supports the whole “hang out on deck, then head for the sea” style, rather than forcing everyone into one tight activity at once.

One consideration: this cruise is built around swimming from the boat, not a shoreline beach day. If you do not feel confident getting into the water from the dock steps or the boat structure, you might want to rethink your plans. The water is calm in the scheduled bay, but it is still a boat-based swim experience.

Lunch on the Water to Solta, and Why It’s a Big Part of the Value

At 1:00 PM, the boat departs for Šolta, and lunch starts working its way into your day. By 1:45 PM, you arrive near Stomorska on Solta, but lunch is structured to keep you from losing momentum.

The cruise includes an open bar during the day, so you are not stuck waiting until you are hungry to get a drink. You can grab soft drinks, beer, local wine, and coffee while you relax. This is one of the underrated benefits of an all-inclusive water day. You do not need to budget every stop or hunt for a café when you are already on vacation.

Lunch is a real sit-down meal, not a snack box. It is 3-course, and you can choose fish, meat, or vegetarian. The lineup includes grilled options with salad, plus dessert. A few reviews call out how generous the food portions feel, and that the meal is not just “good enough,” it is actually enjoyable.

If you like your day to feel effortless, this is where you feel it. Sailing days are easy to mess up when you are hungry, or when you run out of drink options halfway through. Here, lunch and drinks are timed to keep you in the comfort zone.

Stomorska on Šolta: Fishing Village Charm and Your Second Swim Chance

At 1:45 PM, you dock in Stomorska, a small fishing village on Šolta. This part gives you a break from boat life without turning the day into a bus tour.

You get free time that can be used two ways:

1. Walk around the port area and browse at an easy pace
2. Head back down to the sea and swim close to the boat

This stop is often described as peaceful, and the setting matters. You are not trying to cram your island visit into a 20-minute photo sprint. You can wander, take in the simple rhythm of a working coastal village, or just return to water time.

In some reviews, people also mention that there is a little beach nearby where you can swim, but you may want sea shoes for comfort if you plan to walk in and out. Not every day trip gives you that option, which is why this stop earns points.

Keep a realistic expectation: Stomorska is not a large shopping district. If your idea of an island stop is lots of restaurants and big streets, you may find the village is more for strolling and relaxing than for a busy day on land. Still, if you want calm, this is exactly the kind of place that delivers.

The Traditional Village Moment, Plus Drinks to End the Day Right

After your Solta time, there is an extra island flavor built into the schedule. The day includes time for a traditional village experience with beer, coffee, and wine, plus additional cruise time.

This portion is not about hard sightseeing. It is about slowing the day down and giving you a taste of local rhythm in a simple, friendly way. Think of it as the “finish strong” segment, when you have already had your swim and lunch and now you are ready for one more relaxed cultural stop.

From the overall feedback pattern, the crew is consistently praised for being attentive and fun. That matters here, because this kind of added stop can feel awkward on some tours. On this one, the tone seems to stay easy and relaxed.

Open Bar, Water Toys, and the Simple Pleasure of Being Looked After

The strongest reason people keep recommending this cruise is the feel-good combo of food, drink, and sea toys.

Included on board:

• Open bar with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks
• Croissant in the morning
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards
• Air water toys for play in the water

You also should expect a boat experience that feels organized rather than chaotic. Reviews mention the boat is comfortable, not overcrowded, and that there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out on decks. People also talk about the boat being clean and the crew running things smoothly.

A small but important detail: there are rules to keep it comfortable for everyone. Smoking indoors is not allowed, and you will not have speakers or party groups. That is not “strict for the sake of it.” It helps keep the vibe calm, which is kind of the whole point of a swimming cruise.

If you like days where you do not have to manage logistics, this is a solid match. You bring your swimwear, towel, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. Then the rest is handled.

Timing and Pacing, From 9:30 AM to About 4:30 PM

The timeline is built for a full day without feeling like a marathon:

• Depart Split at 9:30 AM
• Cruise about 1 hour to Brač
• Around 2-plus hours on Brač for swimming
• Depart Brač and head toward Solta at 1:00 PM
• Arrive Stomorska around 1:45 PM
• Depart Stomorska around 3:30 PM
• Return to Split around 4:30 PM

This pacing helps you get at least two “anchor moments,” meaning two separate times when the day turns into pure water time. Many island days are either too short at each place or too much transport and not enough fun. Here, the sea time is the center of gravity.

One more timing note from a review: on a windy day, the captain may adjust the route and anchoring spot. That is not surprising on the Adriatic. The key for you is to stay flexible and remember the goal is safe, calm anchoring for swimming.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise is best if you want a summer day that is:

• Sea-centric, with swimming as the main activity
• Comfortable and easy, with food and drinks included
• Balanced, with time on two islands rather than just one quick stop
• Social but not chaotic, thanks to limits that avoid a party atmosphere

You will likely love it if you enjoy:

• Snorkeling and floating
• Paddleboarding or playing with water toys
• A chilled day where you choose your own spot on deck
• An easy lunch without booking a restaurant

You might consider another option if:

• You do not want to swim from a boat
• You prefer more time in large towns or busy promenades
• You want a longer on-land hiking style experience

The good news is that even for people who are less interested in active water sports, the format still offers value through the deck time, island stroll options in Stomorska, and the all-inclusive meal and bar.

Practical Checklist: What to Bring for Maximum Comfort

You will want:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

Also, if you are planning to walk near the water on Solta, consider sea shoes based on the general advice you may see people give for small shoreline areas. It can make entry and exit easier.

And remember the “no speakers, no party groups” vibe. Keep music to your own playlist on your phone, or just enjoy the real sound track, wind, water, and conversation.

Should You Book This Split Swimming Cruise?

Yes, if your ideal Croatia day includes long swim time, snorkeling gear ready for you, and an all-inclusive meal with open bar. At $121 per person for a full 7-hour boat day with two islands and a 3-course lunch, this is strong value, especially if you factor in how expensive boat days and food can get when you plan it yourself.

I would book it confidently if you want a low-effort plan that still feels like a real experience. The itinerary gives you two different island moods, Brač for sea time, Šolta for a more relaxed village stop. And the repeated praise for the crew, the generous swim setup, and the comfort level makes it feel like a day trip that actually delivers on its promise.

If you want shore-based sightseeing all day, or you are not comfortable swimming from a boat, you may be happier with a different style of itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the Split: All inclusive Brač & Šolta Island Swimming Cruise?

The cruise lasts 7 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 3, at Split city port just in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

What islands are visited during the trip?

You visit the islands of Brač and Šolta, with a stop in Stomorska on Šolta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a 3-course meal with fish, meat, or vegetarian options, plus salad and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There is an open bar during the cruise with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment or paddleboarding provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included, along with air water toys.

Is pick-up service included?

No, pick-up service is not included.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.