All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise

The best part of this Brac and Solta cruise is the generous swimming time. Instead of racing from one famous sight to the next, you anchor in a quiet bay near Brac, jump from the boat or use the ladder, then spend time with paddle boards, floating toys, and snorkel gear.

I like the clean, spacious Polaris and the fact that lunch, coffee, breakfast pastries, and drinks are included. I also like the stop in Stomorska, a small fishing village rather than a major tourist center. The main thing to consider is that this is built around swimming, not a full island sightseeing tour, so you will see only a small part of Brac and Solta.

At a glance

• Two proper water stops: Swim from the boat near Brac, then enjoy another chance to swim or visit the shore near Stomorska on Solta.
• Lunch is served onboard: Choose meat, fish, or vegetarian food, with beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, water, coffee, and tea.
• A comfortable maximum of 68 people: The boat has shaded and sunny seating, air conditioning, toilets, and room to spread out.
• Useful equipment is included: Paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, inflatables, and other water toys are available at no extra charge.
• A calm daytime atmosphere: This is not a party boat, and alcohol service can stop if someone drinks too much or behaves badly.
• Seven hours from Split: You leave at 9:30 a.m. and return around 4:30 p.m., making this easier to fit into a short stay.

Why this cruise works so well for a swimming day

From Split, many island trips promise a lot and then leave little time to enjoy the sea. This one gets the balance closer to right. The cruise lasts about seven hours, but the schedule gives you long pauses rather than a string of rushed photo stops.

I especially like the simple rhythm: board in the morning, cruise to Brac, swim and relax, eat lunch while heading toward Solta, visit Stomorska, then sail back to Split. You are not expected to keep moving. If your ideal Croatian day involves sun, clear water, a good meal, and an easy village walk, this plan makes sense.

The boat is the Polaris, and the usual position is dock number 7 in Split city port. The gate opens for check-in 30 minutes before departure. You should arrive with your swimsuit already accessible, since the first major activity is swimming rather than a formal guided walk.

The group can reach a maximum of 68 people. That is not a private boat, but it is a manageable size for a vessel with both indoor and outdoor seating. The exact feel depends on how full the departure is. Some days may feel pleasantly open, while a full sailing will be busier around the equipment and swimming areas.

The 9:30 departure from Split

The cruise begins at Obala Lazareta in Split, close to public transportation and the city port. You return to the same meeting point at the end of the day, and hotel pickup is not included.

I would treat the morning as a relaxed start rather than a rushed one. Coffee and a croissant are provided, which is useful if you have an early hotel breakfast or prefer something light before getting on the water. Coffee and tea are also included during the day.

The outward cruise gives you time to settle into the boat. You can choose between sunny areas and shade, and the boat has air conditioning if the heat becomes too much. There is also Wi-Fi onboard, though I would regard that as a backup convenience, not the reason to book a sea day.

Brac: two hours in a clear-water bay

At about 10:30 a.m., the Polaris anchors in a secluded bay near Brac. The exact bay can vary, but the point is the same: you get a quiet place for swimming rather than a crowded town visit.

This is the heart of the trip. You can swim from the boat, jump from the side, use the ladder, paddle on a stand-up board, or simply stay on deck with a book and a drink. Snorkel equipment and floating toys are included, so you do not need to rent the basics once you arrive.

The water is described as clear, and the setting is suited to a long, unhurried swim. If you have never jumped from a boat, this is a good chance to try it, while the ladder gives you an easier way into the sea. Families can make good use of the inflatables and paddle boards, and adults who prefer a quieter hour can remain in the shade.

I would bring water shoes if you plan to swim to shore. The beaches around these island bays can be rocky, and the supplied equipment is more useful for water activities than for walking over rough ground.

The two-hour stop sounds long because it is long. That matters. You are unlikely to feel that you have just found your rhythm before the crew calls everyone back onboard. Still, if you want to visit Brac’s major sights or explore a town, this is not that kind of stop. You see the island from the water and enjoy one bay.

Lunch underway, with useful choices

Around 1 p.m., the boat leaves Brac and lunch is served on the way to Solta. This is one of the stronger practical features of the price. You do not lose beach time looking for a restaurant, and you avoid paying separately for a meal in a port town.

There are three menu choices: meat, fish, or vegetarian. Vegetarian and vegan food can be requested when booking. It is wise to note any food allergies ahead of time, since the crew has shown care with special food needs.

The food is prepared onboard. The meal has been described as simple but satisfying, with tuna and grilled chicken singled out as good choices. Do not book this expecting a fine-dining experience. Think of it as a fresh, well-timed boat lunch that keeps the day moving.

Drinks are part of the package. You get beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, iced water, coffee, and tea. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included, but can be purchased. The crew is clear that this is a daytime swimming cruise, not a booze cruise. If someone drinks excessively or becomes disruptive, alcohol service can stop.

That rule is worth taking seriously. It helps protect the relaxed mood for families, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a peaceful day at sea. Music is part of the atmosphere, but the emphasis remains on swimming, food, and conversation.

Stomorska on Solta: a small port with breathing room

The boat reaches Stomorska at about 1:30 p.m. and stays until roughly 3:30 p.m. This is a different kind of stop from Brac. Here, you can get off the boat, walk around the little fishing harbor, or swim from a beach about 100 meters away.

Stomorska is a good fit for an easy two-hour pause. You are not trying to cover all of Solta. Instead, you get a taste of a small port, with time to stretch your legs and look around at your own pace.

The village can be quiet, especially on a Sunday, when some places may be closed. I see that as part of the appeal, though it means you should not expect a full afternoon of shopping or major attractions. The harbor walk is short, and the beach is close, so you can combine both without worrying about missing the boat.

Pack water shoes here as well. The shoreline can be rocky, and they will make getting in and out of the water more comfortable. If you have already had enough sun, use Stomorska for a shaded stroll before returning to the boat.

This stop also gives the day some variety. Brac is mainly about the sea. Solta adds a small Croatian port and a glimpse of island life. You get more from the cruise by treating Stomorska as a quiet local pause, not as a major sightseeing destination.

The ride back to Split

At around 3:30 p.m., the Polaris begins the return cruise, reaching Split at about 4:30 p.m. The ride back is a chance to dry off, enjoy the remaining drinks, and watch the islands recede.

The timing is useful if you have dinner plans in Split or want to spend the evening inside Diocletian’s Palace. It also avoids the fatigue that can come with a ten-hour boat trip. You still get a full summer day, but not an entire day at sea.

Dolphin sightings have occurred, but they are never promised. Keep your eyes open on the return journey, while remembering that the cruise is valuable even without wildlife.

What the $133.08 price really covers

At $133.08 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. The value comes from what is bundled into the fare. You receive the boat trip, two island stops, a cooked lunch, morning coffee and a croissant, open beer and wine, soft drinks, equipment for swimming, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a restroom onboard.

If you arranged these pieces separately, the costs would add up quickly. You would also spend time finding a boat, renting snorkel gear, choosing a lunch stop, and buying drinks. Here, the day has one clear schedule and one crew responsible for the details.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to use the included features. Swimmers, families, and people who enjoy paddle boards will get more value than someone who wants to sit on a boat without getting wet. If your main goal is visiting famous island towns or seeing as much coastline as possible, a sightseeing ferry or a longer island tour may suit you better.

The high satisfaction rating of 4.9 from 190 ratings and recommendation level of 98 percent suggest very strong overall approval, but I would still match the product to your interests. The price pays for comfort and a well-run swimming day, not for an exhaustive tour of Brac and Solta.

Comfort, crew, and the family feel

The Polaris is described as clean and well maintained, with armchairs and seating on the lower deck, shade, a sunny upper area, air conditioning, and a toilet. These details matter more than they might sound. After an hour in the water, you want somewhere dry and comfortable to sit.

The crew handles sailing, meals, drinks, equipment, and cleaning. That workload is easy to notice on a boat, and the service is built around keeping the schedule running without making the day feel stiff. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with staff helping children and making mixed-age groups feel welcome.

This suits a wide age range. Families have used the swimming toys and paddle boards with children, while older adults can enjoy the shade, lunch, and village walk without taking part in every water activity. One group ranged from age 8 to 74 and found the day workable for everyone.

The cruise is also suitable for solo visitors. You have a natural setting for meeting other people, but you can still choose a quiet seat and keep to yourself. Couples can use the day as a simple break from Split’s busy streets.

The drawbacks to weigh before booking

The biggest limitation is the narrow focus. Brac and Solta are large islands, but you only stop in one bay near Brac and one small port on Solta. You will not tour inland, visit the main sights of Brac, or see much of Solta beyond Stomorska.

The amount of swimming is another consideration. It is a major strength for people who want water time, but less appealing if you dislike swimming or get bored on a boat. One hour or more in the water may feel long if you would rather explore on land.

Weather can change the plan. The cruise requires favorable conditions, and a departure may be canceled if the weather is poor. If the minimum number of passengers is not reached, the operator can also cancel and offer another date, another tour, or a full refund.

The standard cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. Missing the boat because of a late or delayed cruise ship does not qualify for a refund, so do not schedule this as a tight connection on the last morning of a sea voyage.

What to bring for a better day

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Add water shoes if you plan to use the rocky shoreline or walk into the sea.

I would also carry a dry change of clothes. That is not listed as a required item, but it is a sensible choice after swimming before the return to Split. Keep your essentials in a small day bag that is easy to manage onboard.

Tell the operator about vegetarian or vegan needs when booking. The three main menu choices are meat, fish, and vegetarian, and advance notice gives the crew time to prepare properly.

Who should book this cruise?

I would book it if you want an easy, food-inclusive day with long swimming breaks, useful equipment, and a small village stop. It is particularly good for families, couples, solo visitors, and mixed-age groups who want comfort without a party atmosphere.

I would choose something else if your priority is nightlife, a private boat, extensive island sightseeing, or a long guided tour of historic sites. This cruise is about the pleasure of being on the Adriatic, not collecting landmarks.

For the right kind of day, the package is strong: a clean boat, calm service, a proper lunch, open daytime drinks, and enough time to actually enjoy the water. If that sounds like your ideal Split excursion, the Brac and Solta cruise earns its place on your schedule.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Obala Lazareta in Split, Croatia. The usual boat position is dock number 7 in the Split city port.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

Departure is at 9:30 a.m. The cruise returns to Split at approximately 4:30 p.m., for a total duration of about seven hours.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Brac and Solta. On Brac, the boat anchors in a bay for swimming and water activities. On Solta, it stops in the port village of Stomorska.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard while the boat travels from Brac to Solta. You can choose from meat, fish, or vegetarian menus.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, water, coffee, and tea are included. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included but may be available to purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle boards, and water toys are available for use during the swimming stop.

Is this a party boat?

No. The operator describes it as a relaxed daytime cruise, not a booze cruise. Alcohol service can stop if there is excessive drinking or inappropriate alcohol-related behavior.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Water shoes are also useful for the rocky beaches and shore areas.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.