Split: Cruise on Columbo’s Pirate Ship “Santa Maria”

If you want the Adriatic Sea view without sitting on land, this Santa Maria cruise is a fun, easy way to get it. I like the wind-in-your-hair ride and the fact you’re out at sea looking back at Split, not just sightseeing from streets. I also like that the onboard bar serves drinks including white wine, so the trip feels like a mini break, not a check-the-box excursion. One thing to consider is that the swim and snorkeling stop is time-limited, and the ladder back onto the boat can be a bit of a workout.

The best part is the mix of scenery and water time. You get to see Marjan Hill from a different angle, plus Kašuni Beach and Bačvice Beach when you’re close to shore. If you’re hoping for a long beach afternoon, this is not that. It’s a short, active cruise built for photos, a swim, and getting back.

Quick hits: what makes this cruise worth your time

• A pirate-ship setting on the Santa Maria makes the whole thing feel like an experience, not transportation
• Drinks included (water, juice, red and white wine) so you can relax right away
• Split views from sea level, including Marjan Hill and beaches like Kašuni and Bačvice
• Snorkeling equipment provided plus clear water for looking down at marine life
• Captain flexibility: if dolphins appear, the pace can slow so you can enjoy it

Boarding the Santa Maria at Split’s meeting point

This cruise keeps things simple. You meet next to the ship, show your ticket, and then find a spot onboard as the boat gets underway. It’s a small, on-water vibe right from the start, with plenty of room to move around for photos.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll head to the bar area for a drink. Drinks included cover water, juice, and red and white wine, so you can choose something light or settle into a slower rhythm. The crew is set up for an English-speaking experience, and the tone feels relaxed rather than formal.

1.5 hours on the water: a smart Split half-visit

The total time is about 1.5 hours, so it fits easily into a day of strolling around Split. You’re not signing up for a full day tour, which is great if your schedule is tight or you’re coming off a long travel day.

The pacing works like this: you sail out, Split starts moving behind you, you get some prime coastal views, then you do a stop near beaches for swimming and snorkeling, and you return back to the starting point. For me, the value is how much sea scenery you can fit into a short window, especially if you want the water perspective without committing to a bigger boat day.

The onboard bar, wine time, and photo-ready moments

One of the easiest ways to enjoy this cruise is to treat the first stretch as your “boat plus views” time. You’re out in the open on the Adriatic, and you can look back at the coastline while you’re still fresh from boarding. A lot of the fun comes from catching Split as it looks different from the water.

The included drinks make the onboard part feel like part of the experience. A glass of white wine in hand while you watch the shore roll by is a solid match for the setting. You don’t have to spend extra money to make the boat ride feel special.

Also, a practical note from real-life cruise behavior: some people bring small snacks or other items onboard, and the captain in one account didn’t mind as long as it stayed within the crew’s comfort level. If you want to do the same, keep it small, don’t block walkways, and follow any crew guidance.

For photos, your best moments come when the boat is close enough to shore for details but far enough for a wide shot. You’ll be able to capture Split behind you, plus the sail-and-sea feeling that you just can’t get from the promenade.

Marjan Hill, Kašuni Beach, and Bačvice from the sea

Seeing Marjan Hill, Kašuni Beach, and Bačvice Beach from the water is a big part of why this cruise works. Up close, you get those classic Adriatic images, with pebble shoreline textures and clear water in between.

Marjan Hill is the kind of landmark you can appreciate fast. From the boat, it looks like a guardrail over the city, and it’s easier to understand how it frames Split than it is from street level. If you like quick orientation, this is a nice visual.

Kašuni Beach and Bačvice Beach show up as you sail and pass near the coastline. These are the kinds of areas that make you stop and look twice, because the waterline and the shore shape make the coast feel real, not just scenic on a map. If you’re a “take one good photo per stop” person, you’ll have enough to do that here without turning your trip into a full-time camera job.

Swim and snorkel stop: make the water break count

This is a cruise where the water time is part of the ticket price value. You stop near beaches of Split, then you can swim and snorkel in clear water. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not hunting for gear when you’re already on vacation.

What to expect in the water:

• You’ll have time to look down at the marine life below the surface.
• The water is clear enough that snorkeling feels worthwhile if you’re even casually curious.
• You can also just enjoy a swim and skip snorkeling if you’re not feeling it.

Bring swimwear, because that’s the one clear “plan ahead” item. Also, think about how you’ll get back onto the boat. One review highlighted that the ladder can be hard to climb, so if you have knee issues, prefer steady footing, or just don’t love ladder steps, be ready for that reality. A tip: wear water-friendly footwear if you have them, and move slowly on the way up. Don’t let the adrenaline rush from jumping in make you careless on the climb back.

Time is the trade-off here. It’s not a long beach hang, so go into the swim stop with a simple goal: quick snorkeling look, a dip, and then enjoy the breeze back onboard. If you want a full beach day, you’d do better pairing this cruise with shore time later.

Captain conversations, possible dolphin sightings, and the cruise vibe

A big part of the charm is the captain-led atmosphere. The cruise doesn’t feel like a strict scripted show. Instead, it’s flexible and human.

If dolphins show up, the captain may stop so you can enjoy their movement. That dolphin moment is exactly the kind of thing that turns a normal boat ride into a story you remember. Even if you’re not counting on it, it’s a reminder that sea trips can surprise you.

There’s also the social side. In one account, the captain took care of people throughout the cruise and chatted during the ride. That matters because a good sea guide makes the onboard time feel comfortable, especially if you’re traveling solo or don’t know anyone on the boat.

One more small detail that adds up: the crew serves drinks on the way out and back, so you’re not stuck waiting for “the bar later” moment. That keeps energy up, especially if the sun is doing its thing.

Price and value: $32 for sea views plus drinks and snorkeling gear

At about $32 per person, the price is competitive for what you actually get. You’re paying for three main things:

1) a boat ride with sea-level views of Split

2) included drinks (water, juice, and both red and white wine)

3) snorkeling equipment and a swim stop near beaches

If you’ve ever paid separately for water access, that math can get messy fast. Here, you’re bundling it. Even though the cruise is only 1.5 hours, it still gives you a meaningful break from walking around and a chance to spend time where Split looks best, from the water.

The other value point is simplicity. The meeting point is right next to the ship, and the experience ends back at the same spot. That’s travel-efficiency you can feel, especially if you’re balancing other plans.

The rating sits at 4.4 out of 5 from 71 reviews, which suggests consistent satisfaction. I take ratings seriously, but I also treat them as a hint. In this case, the included drinks, the water time, and the photo-friendly route are exactly the kind of ingredients that usually lead to steady scores.

Who should book the pirate ship Santa Maria cruise?

Book this if you want a relaxed, good-value way to see Split from the Adriatic. It’s a strong fit for:

• First-time visitors who want quick sea views of Marjan Hill and major beaches
• Couples who want something different than the old town streets
• Groups of friends who like a social vibe onboard with drinks
• Anyone who wants a swim and a look around underwater without extra gear hunting

Consider skipping or adjusting expectations if:

• You want a long beach session. This is a short cruise with a limited water stop.
• You dislike climbing ladders. That ladder back onto the boat is a real consideration.
• You’re traveling with very specific mobility needs, since ladder access is not described as step-free.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the cruise on the Santa Maria pirate ship?

The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

The meeting point is next to the ship.

What drinks are included onboard?

Drinks included are water, juice, and red and white wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear.

Are there English-speaking hosts or greeters?

Yes. The host or greeter speaks English.

What if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Starting times can also change, and you’ll be contacted if that happens.

Should you book this Split pirate ship cruise?

If your goal is a quick, high-reward sea day with included drinks and real water time, I’d book it. The Santa Maria setting adds fun without making things complicated, and the route gives you meaningful views of Split’s coast, including Marjan Hill, Kašuni Beach, and Bačvice.

Just go in with the right mindset. This is not an all-day beach setup, so plan for a short swim and snorkeling window. If you’re okay with that, and you’re fine with getting back onto the boat using the ladder, it’s a very enjoyable way to experience Dalmatia from the Adriatic.