Split: All inclusive Brač & Šolta Island Swimming Cruise

Two islands, one chill boat day. I love the easy all-inclusive setup: you get meals, drinks, and the gear so the day stays simple. I also love the big swimming windows at both stops, with plenty of float options and time to just hang on a boat deck.

One thing to consider is the vibe: this is built around water time and short village wandering, not a full-on sightseeing marathon. If you mainly want major historic sights on land, you may find the stops feel pleasantly quiet instead.

Key highlights to look for on this cruise

• Open bar all cruise long with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks
• Two real swimming breaks, including a long first anchoring on Brac
• Onboard water toys and gear, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys
• A proper 3-course lunch, grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus dessert
• Comfortable deck time, with enough room that the boat does not feel packed
• Short traditional village moment, with beer, coffee, and wine before the return

Where the day starts in Split: Obala Lazareta 3 and Gat Svetog Nikole

This tour runs straight out of Split, so you get a clean break from the city fast. The boat docks at Split city port, specifically at Obala Lazareta 3, right in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. If you show up a little early, you can get sorted without rushing, find where to leave bags, and claim a deck spot before departure.

The day starts with a morning snack, including a croissant, plus welcome refreshments. Then you get a 1-hour cruise to Brac. That first stretch matters more than it sounds. It’s not just travel time, it’s your glide into island mode, where you can settle into the rhythm of deck lounging, sea views, and easy drinks.

The value of a $121, 7-hour all-inclusive boat day

At $121 per person for 7 hours, you are not paying just for transport. You are paying for a full package that usually costs more when you piece it together: boat time, two island stops, a 3-course lunch, and an open bar.

What makes it good value is the match between inclusions and what you actually want on a summer cruise:

• You spend hours in the water, so having snorkeling gear and paddleboards included is a big deal.
• You do not have to hunt for lunch, because you get a full meal with multiple options (fish, meat, or vegetarian).
• You do not have to manage cash or drinks, because the bar is already part of the plan.

It also helps that the boat is described as not overcrowded, with enough seating and room to move around. That kind of comfort changes the whole experience, especially on hot days when shade and personal space start to matter.

The morning cruise to Brac: choose your deck spot and settle in

After departure around 9:30 AM, you cruise for about an hour toward Brac. The tour is built around giving you choices right away. You can sit, stretch out, or walk around the boat deck, then settle into a comfortable spot that works for you.

This is when the schedule feels generous. You’re not immediately hustled into a swim. Instead, you get a little “day-off” feeling first, with welcome drinks and that initial snack. If you’re the type who enjoys watching the coastline change, this is also a nice window to do it without feeling like you are behind schedule.

Practical tip: bring sunglasses and a sun hat early. The morning sun on open water can be stronger than you expect, even if the air feels pleasant.

Brac Island anchoring: the best swimming window on the trip

Brac is where the cruise earns its “swimming cruise” title. After arriving, the captain anchors in a scheduled bay, and you get more than 2 hours free time for swimming in the clear Adriatic.

This is the part most people get excited about, and with good reason. You have snorkeling equipment available, plus paddleboards and a range of air water toys. That means you can go “serious swimmer,” “snorkel for a while,” or “float and relax,” depending on your mood.

You also get real freedom with how you enter the water. Some people love the novelty of jumping from the boat, and having flotation toys available makes it easier to relax if you’re not trying to swim every second. One practical note from the overall experience: this is not marketed for people who only want shoreline swimming. The fun comes from getting off the boat and enjoying calm water from the waterline up.

If you want the clearest, calmest swim time, aim to be ready early in the window. Once everyone disperses, it can be harder to regroup and find the exact spot that feels most comfortable.

Snorkeling and sea toys: how to use the included gear well

The gear list is a big part of why this cruise feels effortless. You’re not paying separately for equipment or renting anything on your own.

Here’s how you can get more out of it:

• Snorkeling equipment: if you’ve never snorkeled in open water before, start with a slow pace. Keep an eye on how your breathing feels and only go as far as you feel comfortable.
• Paddleboards: great for a relaxed glide and for keeping yourself oriented. They’re also a nice choice if you want to move without exerting too much effort.
• Air water toys: these help if you just want to float while still enjoying the water. Use them early so you’re not worrying about comfort mid-session.

Also, remember the tour is built for water time, so you’ll want your basics ready: swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. If you’re the kind of person who forgets one thing and then suffers all day, set up your swim kit before you ever leave Split.

Lunch on the move to Solta: grilled options, dessert, and open bar

At 1:00 PM, the cruise departs Brac for Solta, and that’s when lunch is handled. You eat on the way, which keeps the day from turning into “sit around hungry” downtime. Lunch is a 3-course meal with grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian, along with salad and dessert.

This matters more than it sounds. On many boat trips, lunch is light or snack-sized. Here, the lunch is positioned as a full meal, and that makes the second swim stop more enjoyable because you’re not running on caffeine and snacks.

Then there’s the open bar, which runs during the cruise with soft drinks, beer, wine, and hot drinks. That’s a real quality-of-life inclusion. You can drink something cold during sun time, then switch to coffee or something warm if you feel like it later.

If you want to make the meal work for you, pace your food. Eat, relax, then hydrate before your Solta swimming window. It’s an easy way to avoid that classic heat-and-sun crash.

Solta in Stomorska: fishing village charm plus swimming close to the boat

Around 1:45 PM, you arrive in Stomorska on Solta, and the boat docks in a small fishing village. This stop has a different feel than Brac. It’s not just about swimming. You also get time to wander the port area and soak up the island vibe.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, and the flexibility is the point:

• If you want water again, you can swim close to the boat.
• If you want a walk, you can explore the little village port area at your own pace.

Some people love pairing the two. They swim first while the light is strong, then return to the village for a short stroll. If you’re going to walk, pack comfortable sandals or water-friendly shoes, because beach access can be uneven. A couple of visitors specifically recommend sea shoes for the Solta beach area.

The Solta stop is also a nice change of pace from the open-water feeling. You get a bit of land time without it turning into a long transfer day.

The short traditional village stop: a quick taste, not a full detour

The itinerary includes a 1-hour traditional village moment. During that time, you’ll have beer, coffee, and wine, and you’ll be back on the boat to keep the flow of the day.

Because the tour is structured around water and islands, this stop is best treated like a bonus, not the main event. Think of it as a brief break for a drink and a reset, where you get a taste of local atmosphere without losing too much time.

If you like quick cultural moments, it will feel satisfying. If you prefer staying on the boat or prioritizing swim time, you can still enjoy it as a relaxed pause, then return to the deck.

Getting the most from the 7 hours: pacing, comfort, and photos

This cruise is long enough to feel like a real day out, but short enough that it doesn’t drain you. You’re typically back in Split around 4:30 PM, which is handy if you want dinner plans in town afterward.

To maximize your comfort:

• Bring a sun hat and sunscreen. Deck time plus swimming makes sun protection essential.
• Bring a towel because you’ll want something dry after the water.
• Wear sun-ready clothes you do not mind getting wet.
• Keep your phone and camera protected while you’re moving around the boat.

Photo-wise, this trip gives you water-level views of the coastline and islands. It’s a simple way to get variety without packing a day of walking.

One more practical detail: the tour does not allow speakers, and it is also not a party-focused experience. That tends to keep the vibe calmer, and it makes it easier to enjoy the sounds of water, wind, and people relaxing.

Who this cruise is perfect for, and who should think twice

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a low-effort day that includes food, drinks, and swimming gear
• Like being on the water without spending time planning
• Enjoy the idea of two island settings, Brac’s anchor swim time and Solta’s village stop

You might want to think twice if:

• You mainly want big museums or dense city sightseeing on land
• You do not feel comfortable with a boat-based swim experience (it involves jumping or entering from the vessel, with water depth that can be more than a typical beach edge)

One review-style caution that you should take seriously: if you’re not confident swimming off a boat in reasonably deep water, don’t force it. The cruise provides floating options, but the overall activity still expects you to engage with the water rather than only wade.

Boat Polaris experience notes: smooth sailing, friendly crew, and real space

The experience quality tends to come down to two things: how the crew runs the day and whether the boat feels comfortable.

The crew is repeatedly described as super friendly and attentive, and that shows up in simple ways: drinks kept available, help with the flow of the day, and a relaxed energy. The boat itself is praised for being spotless and for having comfortable seating and enough room that it does not feel overcrowded.

There’s also mention of music being part of the vibe (kept tasteful). Since the tour bans outside speakers, the atmosphere stays consistent across groups.

As for sailing conditions, smooth travel is part of the appeal. That said, the sea can change. One itinerary variation noted wind affecting the exact route and stop choice. So if you’re trying to do this trip for a very specific bay photo, understand that the captain may adjust based on conditions.

What to bring, what not to do, and how to get through the day easily

You already have a lot handled, so pack smart rather than heavy.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A camera you can keep safe while moving around

Not allowed:

• Smoking indoors
• Speakers
• Party groups
• Alcohol and drugs (meaning you should not bring outside items)

If you want a smoother day, plan your clothing around changing from sun deck to swim and back. The whole schedule is built for moving between water and lounging.

Should you book this Split to Brac and Solta swimming cruise?

Book it if you want a summer day that feels organized, includes real food and drinks, and gives you time to swim without extra planning. The combination of Brac’s longer swimming window, Solta’s village break, and included snorkeling and water toys makes it a strong pick for couples, solo travelers, and groups who want a fun day out that is not complicated.

Skip it or reconsider if your idea of an ideal trip is mostly land-based sightseeing, or if you are not comfortable with the boat-based swim style. In that case, you might prefer a different kind of tour with more beach-first time.

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: if you’ll use the water gear and you’re happy with a calm, sea-first day, this is the kind of tour that delivers value fast, because so much of what you’d otherwise pay for is already included.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart Split?

The cruise departs from Split city port at 9:30 AM and you typically return to Split around 4:30 PM.

Where exactly do I meet the boat in Split?

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

Is lunch included, and what kind is it?

Yes. Lunch is included and is a 3-course meal with grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian, along with salad and dessert.

What drinks are included during the cruise?

An open bar is included during the cruise, with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks.

Does this trip include snorkeling and water activities?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included, along with air water toys available during the swim stops.

Is pick-up service included?

No. Pick-up service is not included.

Is it wheelchair accessible, and are there discounts for children?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible. Children aged 0-3 years can join for free, and children aged 3-12 years receive a 50% discount.