Split: All inclusive Brač & Šolta Island Swimming Cruise

The best part of this cruise is simple: you get a full day on the Adriatic without having to plan ferries, restaurants, swim spots, or drinks. Boat Polaris carries you from Split to a quiet Brač bay, then on to Šolta, with a three-course lunch and open bar included.

I especially like the generous two-hour swim stop and the roomy boat, which gives you space to sit, move around, or find a sunny deck. The crew also provides paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floats, and other water toys, so you do not need to rent equipment separately. The main consideration is that this is a swimming-first outing. The water is calm but deep where you jump from the boat, and the stop in Stomorska is pleasant rather than packed with major sights.

• Two islands in one day: Visit Brač and Šolta without arranging separate ferry connections.
• A long first swim stop: Spend more than two hours in clear Adriatic water near Brač.
• Lunch with choices: Pick grilled fish, meat, or vegetables, followed by salad and dessert.
• Drinks included: Soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee, and other hot drinks are available during the cruise.
• Useful water equipment: Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, floats, and inflatable toys are provided.
• A comfortable boat day: Boat Polaris offers ample seating, open decks, and a calm schedule rather than a hurried island dash.

A Seven-Hour Island Day From Split

This cruise is built for people who want the Adriatic to do most of the work. You meet the boat at Obala Lazareta 3, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole at Split city port, then leave at about 9:30 in the morning.

You start with a one-hour cruise toward Brač. A croissant and welcome refreshments help ease you into the day, and the view quickly shifts from Split’s waterfront to open sea. You can choose a place on the spacious decks and settle in for the ride.

The schedule is easy to follow: swim near Brač, eat lunch while cruising toward Šolta, spend time in Stomorska, then return to Split. You arrive around 4:30 p.m., leaving the evening free for dinner in the city.

That timing matters. Seven hours is long enough to make the boat feel like a real day out, but short enough to fit into a typical Split stay. You do not lose an entire day to transfers, and you are not racing from one brief photo stop to the next.

Why the Brač Stop Works So Well

After roughly an hour at sea, the captain anchors in a scheduled bay near Brač. The main event here is the water, not a guided walk or a list of monuments.

You get more than two hours for swimming and snorkeling. The Adriatic is known for its clarity, and the water at this stop is described as turquoise and clear. You can swim from the boat, use a paddleboard, float on an inflatable, or simply sit on deck and watch the scenery.

The boat’s upper deck is also useful for confident swimmers who enjoy jumping into the sea. Several people especially liked the chance to jump from the boat, but this is worth treating seriously: you are entering reasonably deep water, not stepping into a shallow beach area.

Snorkeling equipment is included, though the experience is best understood as casual water play rather than a formal snorkeling excursion. Bring your mask if you prefer a particular fit, but the supplied equipment gives you a way to look below the surface without arranging a separate rental.

The long stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Many island boat trips give you just enough time to get wet before moving on. Here, you can swim, dry off, swim again, and still have time to relax.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask yourself if you will be comfortable entering the sea from the boat. One past passenger found the trip less suitable for people who do not want to swim from a vessel. You might still enjoy the decks and views, but swimming is central to the day.

Lunch Served While Šolta Comes Into View

At about 1 p.m., the boat leaves Brač and heads toward Šolta. Lunch is served during the cruise, making good use of the travel time instead of taking away from your island stop.

You choose grilled fish, meat, or vegetables. The meal also includes salad and dessert, making it a proper three-course lunch rather than a snack between swims. The food is served at tables, and the boat’s dining setup gives the meal a more relaxed feel than eating from a paper box on a crowded excursion boat.

The menu choice makes this trip practical for mixed groups. One person can choose fish while another selects meat or vegetables. The information provided does not list specific dishes each day, so do not book this expecting a fixed menu or a particular local recipe.

Drinks are part of the package throughout the cruise. You can have soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee, and hot drinks. This is a real value at $121 per person, especially for a full day on the water. A similar boat trip with lunch and repeated drink purchases can add up quickly.

The open bar also helps you pack lightly. You do not need to carry a full day’s supply of drinks, though you should still bring water for personal use if you prefer it, along with sunscreen and a hat.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. Their service seems to be one of the reasons the day feels easy. That matters on a boat trip, where small things such as clearing lunch, helping with equipment, or keeping drinks available can shape the whole experience.

Stomorska, Šolta’s Small Port Stop

The boat reaches Stomorska at about 1:45 p.m. This is a small fishing village with a picturesque harbor, and the boat docks close to the village and a nearby beach.

You get free time here until about 3:30 p.m. You can walk around the port, have a coffee, or swim from the beach near the boat. The stop gives the day a change of pace after the longer open-water session at Brač.

Stomorska is appealing because it feels modest and easy to explore. You are not facing a large town with a long list of museums and attractions. Instead, you get a short look at a small island port, then time to sit by the water before the return cruise.

That simplicity can also be a drawback. The village has few shops, and the beach is small. If you want a major sightseeing stop with several restaurants, historic buildings, or extensive shopping, Šolta may feel too quiet.

I would treat Stomorska as a pleasant interlude rather than the main reason to book. The first stop supplies the swimming, and Stomorska supplies the port atmosphere. Together they keep the day from becoming either nonstop swimming or nonstop sightseeing.

Pack sea shoes if you plan to use the beach. One passenger found them useful, and they are sensible for rocky or uneven shore access. You will also want your towel ready, since you may return to the boat wet from the second swim.

What the Boat Day Feels Like

Boat Polaris is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious enough that the cruise does not feel overcrowded. That point comes up repeatedly in the practical details: there is ample seating, proper lunch seating, and room to move around.

You can choose your own spot rather than being locked into one seat all day. Sit in the sun when you want the full sea view, then move into shade if the heat becomes tiring. The boat has decks suited to relaxing, eating, and watching the islands pass.

The cruise is not presented as a loud party boat. Speakers and party groups are not allowed, and smoking indoors is prohibited. Background music is part of the atmosphere, but the stated rules point toward a calm, social day rather than a floating nightclub.

That makes it a good choice for couples, families, and mixed-age groups. Children aged 3 to 12 receive a 50 percent discount, while children aged 0 to 3 can join free. Families should still consider the swimming setup, since much of the fun involves open water rather than a shallow pool.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which makes the experience more practical for some visitors. The supplied information does not explain the exact access arrangements for swimming or beach areas, so ask the operator about those details if you need assistance beyond boarding and moving around the boat.

What Is Included for $121

At $121 per person, the price covers much more than a simple transfer between islands. You receive:

• The boat cruise from Split
• Visits to Brač and Šolta
• Free time for swimming and exploring
• A morning croissant
• Open bar with soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee, and hot drinks
• A three-course lunch
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards
• Floats and inflatable water toys

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and drink on board. Lunch alone would not justify the price for everyone, but lunch plus equipment, two islands, a seven-hour cruise, and an open bar makes the package competitive for a full summer day.

It is less valuable if you mainly want historical sightseeing. The schedule gives you no guided tour of Brač or Šolta, and the island time is aimed at swimming, scenery, and a short village visit.

You should also budget for getting to the meeting point yourself. Hotel pickup is not included. The boat is at Split city port, directly in front of Gat Svetog Nikole, so check your route before departure and allow time to find the correct dock.

A Few Practical Tips for the Day

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water without searching for a changing area. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

A dry bag or waterproof pouch would be useful for your phone and small valuables, though it is not listed as a required item. Keep your sunglasses secure on the boat, especially if you plan to jump or use the paddleboards.

The strongest sun exposure comes during the open-water portion, so do not wait until lunch to apply sunscreen. The boat provides shade options in its seating areas, but you should still plan for several hours outside.

Bring comfortable footwear for Stomorska and sea shoes if you like firm protection at the beach. The cruise includes coffee, wine, beer, and soft drinks, but party behavior is not the point. The atmosphere is relaxed, and indoor smoking, drugs, speakers, and organized party groups are not allowed.

The cancellation policy gives you a useful safety net: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are building a Split itinerary around changing weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this trip if you want a low-effort day at sea with plenty of swimming time and food already arranged. It suits couples, families with older children, friends who want a sociable boat day, and anyone who prefers one organized outing over several ferry and restaurant decisions.

It is also a good fit for visitors staying in Split who want to see two nearby islands without spending the night away. The route gives you a look at both Brač and Šolta, but it does not pretend to offer a complete tour of either island.

You may want a different excursion if you are seeking archaeological sites, long village walks, serious snorkeling, or a quiet beach day on land. You should also think twice if you dislike open-water swimming or want a completely private boat.

The near-perfect 4.9 rating from 205 ratings reflects the parts that matter most here: friendly service, plentiful food and drinks, a clean boat, comfortable seating, and time to swim without feeling rushed. The most useful criticism is about the second stop, which some people find too small or quiet. That is a fair trade if you see Stomorska as a short port visit rather than a headline attraction.

Should You Book the Brač and Šolta Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Croatian day includes clear water, a roomy boat, grilled lunch, easy drinks, and enough free time to swim properly. The first Brač stop is the main prize, while Šolta adds a small fishing village and a final chance to step ashore.

At $121, the package makes sense for active swimmers and anyone who values convenience. Skip it if you want a history-focused island tour, a large beach, or a long stay in town. For a relaxed full-day escape from Split, Boat Polaris offers a well-balanced mix of sea time, food, equipment, and simple island scenery.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The boat departs from Split city port at Obala Lazareta 3, directly in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts seven hours. It leaves Split at about 9:30 a.m. and returns around 4:30 p.m.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Brač and Šolta. On Šolta, the boat docks in Stomorska, a small fishing village.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You receive a three-course lunch with grilled fish, meat, or vegetables, plus salad and dessert.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee, and hot drinks during the cruise.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floats, and inflatable water toys are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Sea shoes may be useful for the beach stop in Stomorska.