Split: Hvar, Pakleni, Brač & Šolta All-inclusive Tour

Hvar, three swim stops, an open drinks service and a sunset sail make this one of the fuller day trips from Split. You get a short guided look at Hvar town, then about an hour to explore it on your own. Back on the boat, the day shifts between quiet sea time and music-led fun.

I especially like the mix of sightseeing and swimming, since you are not stuck on a boat all day or rushed through several towns. The clean, spacious catamaran, friendly hosts such as Mia and Manuela, and steady supply of food and drinks also make the $116 price easier to justify. The main catch is that this is a social group trip, not a peaceful private cruise, and Hvar takes up time that some swimmers would prefer to spend in the water.

Key points

• Three Adriatic swim stops: Stop off Brač, at a Pakleni Islands bay, and near Šolta for swimming and snorkeling.
• A useful first look at Hvar: Take a short guided walk, then get roughly an hour on your own.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect coffee, pastries, chicken salad, sandwiches, fruit, cake, water, soft drinks, wine and beer after the first swim.
• A large but manageable boat: The catamaran carries up to 78 people, with room to sit, sunbathe, walk around and dance.
• The mood builds through the day: The music starts more gently and can turn into a dance session on the return to Split.
• Best for swimmers and social travelers: You should enjoy time at sea, organized group activities and a lively boat atmosphere.

A full day on the Adriatic from Split

This 10-hour excursion packs a great deal into one day: a boat ride, a guided visit to Hvar, three chances to swim, meals, drinks and music. It leaves from Obala Lazareta 1 in Split, where you should meet the guide 30 minutes before departure.

The route is designed for people who want to see several famous Dalmatian places without arranging ferries, taxis and separate boat trips. You will not get a deep visit to every island. Instead, you get one proper town stop in Hvar and several well-timed swims.

That balance is the reason I find the trip appealing. Hvar gives the day some culture and town life, while Brač, Pakleni and Šolta provide the sea time. If you want long walks, quiet coves or a slow meal ashore, this schedule will feel tight. If you want a sunny day with plenty happening, it makes good use of the hours.

Starting with Brač and the first swim

The day begins with a relaxed catamaran ride toward Brač Island. The first stop is for swimming and lasts about an hour, giving you an early chance to get into the Adriatic before the main sightseeing stop.

This first swim matters for another reason: alcoholic drinks are served only after it. Water, soft drinks and coffee are available earlier, along with the morning food service. The timing is sensible, especially in the sun, but do not expect wine or beer the moment you board.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Some information about the trip indicates that goggles and pool noodles may be available, but equipment can vary, so I would not plan on relying on a particular float or snorkel. You can swim and snorkel at the Šolta stop, but the activity is mainly about enjoying the water rather than a guided marine experience.

Hvar town gives the day some substance

After roughly an hour of transfer time, the catamaran reaches Hvar Island. A guide leads you through Hvar town, pointing out its main sights and giving you an orientation to the old town.

The guided portion is brief, but useful. It helps you understand the layout before you head off on your own, and it prevents the Hvar stop from becoming nothing more than a quick photo break. The local guide’s explanations may be harder to hear in a busy street setting, so stay close if you want the most from the walk.

You then have about an hour of free time. That is enough to wander, take photos, browse, or find a drink, but not enough for a leisurely meal and a full town visit. I like this limit because the tour remains a sea day rather than turning into a rushed land excursion. Still, if Hvar is your main reason for visiting Croatia, book a separate day or overnight stay.

The town stop is also the one part of the day where the pace can feel slightly uneven. Several hours are spent moving between islands, while Hvar itself receives around two hours including the guided walk. Swimmers may prefer less time ashore. First-time visitors to Hvar will likely appreciate the break from the boat.

Pakleni Islands and the best kind of boat stop

The route then heads to the Pakleni Islands, where the catamaran stops in a secluded bay for swimming. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing because you get the look of a famous island group without needing to organize a separate water taxi or beach visit.

The exact bay can depend on conditions, but the purpose is clear: get off the boat, cool down and enjoy the clear Adriatic. You can remain on board if you do not want to swim, though the value of this tour is strongest if you are happy spending time in the water.

Lunch is served around this part of the day. The standard meal includes pastry with cheese and a chicken salad or sandwich, with vegetarian cheese available if ordered in advance. Fresh fruit and cake are also served during the day, including on the return sailing.

I would describe the food as practical rather than a destination meal. It is fresh, generous enough for a boat excursion and useful when you are away from shore for most of the day. Some people may want a more substantial lunch or more choice, especially if they do not eat chicken. If that sounds like you, arrange the vegetarian option before departure and bring a small extra snack if needed.

After the first swim stop, the included drinks become a real part of the value. You can have unlimited water, soft drinks, wine and beer, along with coffee. The wine and beer are complimentary boat-trip drinks rather than a wine tasting, but you avoid the rising cost of buying refreshments throughout a long day.

Šolta closes the swimming program

The final water stop is around Šolta and lasts about 45 minutes. It is listed for both swimming and snorkeling, so this is a good point to use your mask and goggles if you brought them.

By this stage, the pattern of the day is clear: arrive, swim, dry off, eat or drink, then sail onward. The three swimming locations are scenic, but they are all primarily swim stops rather than separate island visits. If you are an avid swimmer, the variety keeps the day moving. If you prefer historic towns and shore walks, you may find the stops less distinct from one another.

The shorter Šolta stop can also feel brief once you allow time to get ready and get back aboard. That is a tradeoff of covering several places in one day. You see more of the Dalmatian coast, but no single bay becomes a long beach afternoon.

What the catamaran is like onboard

The boat is one of the tour’s major strengths. It is a mega catamaran with open areas for sitting, sunbathing and walking around, plus toilets that the crew clean during the day. With a maximum of 78 people, it is not a small-group sailing experience, but the boat has enough space that the group does not have to feel packed.

Arrive early if you want the best chance at a shaded seat or a table. Sunbathing space is useful, but full exposure can become tiring during a 10-hour outing, particularly in the middle of summer. A hat and sunscreen are not optional extras here.

The crew also reset the boat after swimming, food and drinks. That matters more than it may sound. Wet floors, crumbs and crowded serving areas can quickly make a boat trip unpleasant, so regular cleaning helps keep the experience comfortable.

The toilets are functional, but do not expect shower facilities. One person specifically wished for a shower and cleaner restrooms, while other comments praised the crew’s upkeep. I would use the facilities when convenient and avoid expecting the comforts of a hotel or ferry.

Music, hosts and the social side

The hosts are central to the mood. Mia is repeatedly singled out for her energy and ability to keep people involved, while Manuela is praised for being friendly, helpful and professional. The wider crew, including Bepo and Bogdan on some departures, helps with drinks, food, timing and the general flow of the day.

The music changes with the group and the time. It may begin quietly during the morning, then become more party-focused later. On the way back to Split, the crew can clear space for dancing, with a sunset drink and music to finish the day.

This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. You can sit back and watch the islands, but you will also hear a playlist and feel the boat shift into a party mood. Some people enjoy the dance session and want it to last longer. Others would prefer beach-style music instead of louder techno tracks.

That flexibility is useful. You can join in or stay out of the dance area, and there is enough room to do either. The crowd can include families, couples, solo visitors and younger groups, rather than being aimed only at one age range. Children over two are permitted, though parents should consider the long day, sun and music when deciding if it suits their child.

Is the $116 price good value?

At $116 per person, this is not the cheapest island boat trip from Split. The price becomes more reasonable when you count what is covered: transport for the full day, a guide in Hvar, three swim stops, lunch, pastries, fruit, cake, coffee, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks and wine and beer after the first swim.

Buying food and drinks separately on a long day around the islands can add up fast. You also avoid the hassle of comparing ferry times, arranging transfers and finding a separate boat for the coves. For many visitors, the convenience is part of the value.

The tradeoff is that you pay for a planned group experience. You cannot change the route, stay longer in Hvar or choose a quiet private bay at will. A private charter may offer more control, while a cheaper boat may suit you if you care less about included food, drinks and a larger catamaran.

The high rating, 4.8 from 1,426 ratings, fits the strengths of the trip: crew service, organization, boat space, food and a good balance of stops. I would still read the practical details carefully. This is a full 10 hours, and the group can reach 78 people.

Who should book this Split boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you want an easy way to combine Hvar with several swims and do not want to plan the day yourself. It suits couples, solo visitors, friends and families with children older than two who enjoy being on the water.

It is especially good for you if you value included drinks and food, a clean catamaran, friendly hosts and a lively return journey. Solo visitors can usually fit into the social atmosphere without needing to arrange a private group.

I would look elsewhere if you need wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also reconsider if you dislike loud music, large groups, fixed schedules or short shore visits. People hoping to spend most of the day exploring Hvar should book a dedicated Hvar trip instead.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking give you some useful flexibility. Weather can affect a day at sea, so that option is worth having.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran tour if you want a carefully organized day that covers Hvar, Brač, Pakleni and Šolta without constant planning. The strongest reasons are the excellent crew, spacious boat, three swim stops and the fact that drinks, food and entertainment are already included.

Do not book it expecting a quiet sailing lesson or a detailed island tour. You will spend much of the day moving as a group, and the free time in Hvar is limited. For a sunny, sociable day on the Adriatic with enough sightseeing to break up the swimming, though, $116 is a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Meet the guide at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia. You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long does the excursion last?

The tour lasts 10 hours and returns to Obala Lazareta 1 in Split.

Which places does the catamaran visit?

The route includes Brač Island, Hvar Island, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta. Hvar includes a guided town tour and free time, while the other stops are mainly for swimming, with snorkeling listed at Šolta.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes coffee, pastry with cheese, a chicken salad and sandwich lunch, fruit and cake. Water, soft drinks, wine and beer are unlimited, although alcoholic drinks are served after the first swimming stop.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. You can pre-order a vegetarian cheese meal instead of the chicken option.

Is the tour suitable for children and wheelchair users?

The tour is recommended for children older than two. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.