One day. Three bays. Real party energy. This Split to Hvar catamaran adds unlimited drinks to a route that hits classic Adriatic swimming spots and then rolls into a dancey sunset return. It’s built for people who want a full day out on the water without spending the whole time planning.

What I like most is the mix: proper swimming time at several bays, plus time in Hvar that feels structured but not stuffy. The other big win is the onboard vibe—open bar starts later, and the crew turns the return trip into a deck party with music and games.

One drawback to keep in mind: the last stretch can shift into a stronger party mood, and the time on the water includes some rougher swells. If you want a quiet, strictly sightseeing day with minimal music, you might prefer a calmer cruise.

Key things to know before you go

• Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee keep the day easy.
• Three swim stops (Brač, Pakleni Islands, and Šolta) are the real backbone of the schedule.
• Hvar includes a guided intro plus free time so you get context and then wander.
• Snorkel extras show up: masks and foam noodles have been provided on board.
• The onboard atmosphere ramps up with a music-and-dance party on the way back.
• The group stays manageable (max 76) so you’re not stuck in a cattle-car feeling.

A Full Day Off the Split Streets

This is one of those cruises that feels like it belongs on your vacation, not just on a checklist. You start in Split in the morning, spend your day moving between bays and islands, and end back on the dock as the light turns golden. The catamaran format matters: it’s roomy enough to lounge, there’s space to roam between swim and deck time, and you’re not trapped in one view all day.

Two things make it particularly satisfying. First, you’re not just looking at islands—you’re actually getting in the water multiple times. Second, the day has built-in recovery time. You can swim, dry off, eat, and re-charge on deck without having to coordinate anything.

There is a practical side too. The schedule includes open water stretches and a decent amount of cruising time, so pack like you’re on a long day at sea, not a short boat ride. Also, the energy on board is not a whisper-calm kind of day by the end.

Finding Summer Blues and Getting Ready for the Sea Day

You’ll meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split, and you should aim for the correct dock area in the harbor. The key detail: you’re looking for the catamaran Summer Blues, located at dock 4 or 5, and it’s smart to line up at the right queue since other companies board nearby.

Start time is 8:30 am, and the cruise runs about 10 hours. That early start is part of why this works: you’re in the water and on islands before the crowds thicken, and you get a full afternoon of sun and swimming without rushing.

Bring the usual sea-day essentials: sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes if you like better grip on boat steps and rocky edges. A light layer can help too, especially on the return when sea breeze cools things down.

Bràč Island: Your First Swim Stop Sets the Tone

The day kicks off with a relaxed cruise to the Brač island area, where you get your first swim time in a bay near the island. This stop is scheduled at about one hour, which is short enough to keep things lively, but long enough to swim, float, and reset.

If you care about snorkeling, this is a good moment to use the gear. In real-world use, snorkel masks and foam noodles have been provided, so you don’t have to travel with your own setup. Even if you’re not snorkeling, those foam noodles are handy for relaxing without fighting the current.

One thing to watch: sailing can be a bit bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t try to tough it out. Bring your own pills if you use them, and know that the crew has handled motion-sickness help on board as well.

Hvar Town: Guided Highlights, Then Time to Wander

After the first swim, you continue toward Hvar, where the visit is the most “on land” part of the day. You get a professional guided introduction to the historic town and main attractions, then you still have about an hour of free time to do your own thing.

This split is the sweet spot. The guided portion helps you understand what you’re looking at—where to walk, what matters, and what’s worth a quick look—without turning your day into a lecture. Then the free hour lets you slow down and move at your pace.

Hvar’s free time can be simple and satisfying: grab coffee by the promenade, stroll the streets, or pop into souvenir shops. If you want a quick photo loop, this is your window. If you want to sit and people-watch, you can do that too.

Keep expectations realistic on pacing. The cruise day has several moving parts, and Hvar is a taste rather than a full immersion. You’ll probably leave wanting more time there, which is not a bad problem to have.

Pakleni Islands Swim Stop: Hidden Bays and Open Bar Energy

The next big hit is the Pakleni Islands, known for their smaller coves and swim-friendly bays. This stop is another one hour, and it’s when the day starts feeling more like a celebration.

On board, you’ll have food and the open bar during the late part of the day. A key detail: alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop, so you’re not dealing with tipsy decisions on the earliest stretch. Once you’re past that first swim, things open up.

If you want a “swim and chill” vibe, Pakleni is where it clicks. You get time in the water, time on deck, and the sense that you’re out in nature rather than just parked near a harbor. This is also a great stop for anyone who likes to take it easy—no rushing required.

Šolta Island on the Way Back: Dessert, Fruit, and One More Swim

Heading back toward Split, you make one more swim stop on Šolta Island, again around one hour. This is a smart addition because it gives you one last chance to enjoy the water before the long return.

During this late-afternoon stretch, fresh fruit and homemade cakes are served on board. That matters more than you might think. After several hours of sun and swimming, simple snacks help you keep energy up without turning the day into a full meal event.

And yes, this is also when the mood tends to turn more party-forward. The return experience isn’t only about getting home—it’s designed to be fun while you’re traveling. Music ramps up, and many people end up staying in deck-space rather than retreating indoors.

Food on Board: Lunch That Actually Works for a Sea Day

Food is included, and it’s set up for a day when you’ll be sun-exposed and active. You’ll have snack-style pastries and coffee earlier, then lunch after the Hvar stop. Later you get fruit and cakes during the afternoon.

The lunch is described as something like chicken salad, plus cakes and other sweet options. One useful reality check from on-the-water feedback: don’t expect a heavy, gourmet meal. It’s more of a straightforward, light lunch that fits the day—easy to eat without slowing you down.

If you have dietary needs, there’s a vegetarian option available when you book. That’s worth planning ahead for, since you’ll be on a set schedule and you don’t want to miss meals because choices are limited.

Also, there are bathrooms on board, which makes the whole long-day flow feel less stressful. It’s a small comfort, but it changes how you experience the day.

Drinks, Deck Music, and the Party on the Return

This is where the cruise earns its reputation. The included open bar covers beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee, and the vibe is clearly meant to be shared. You’ll often hear that the crew keeps the energy going, and the music-and-dance portion on the way back is a big part of what people remember.

The timing is smart. You’re given enough time to acclimate to the day before alcohol becomes a factor. After that, people tend to relax into the boat life: floating, mingling, and enjoying the play-by-play mood changes.

In practical terms, you should treat this as a social day, not a quiet scenic cruise. If you’re traveling with friends who like music and you don’t mind a louder atmosphere by late afternoon, you’ll probably love it.

If you’re hoping to keep things calm and conversational the whole way, bring realistic expectations. Even when the group is friendly, the entertainment portion ramps up.

How Crowded It Feels (and Why That Matters)

The cruise caps at 76 travelers, and that size typically keeps things from feeling chaotic. It also helps that catamarans give you more room to spread out than a smaller motorboat.

You’ll still feel the normal reality of a popular summer day: you’re sharing space, sharing deck views, and working around swim-stop crowds. But the overall setup is designed so you can find a spot to relax between stops.

Another quiet win is the ship’s overall rhythm. The day isn’t built as nonstop narration. Even with a guided element in Hvar, the cruise keeps the tone light. You spend more time moving through scenery and less time stuck listening for instructions all day.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Skip It

This is a strong match if you want:

• a classic islands-and-swimming day from Split
• enough structure to know where to go in Hvar, without over-scheduling
• included meals and unlimited drinks that make the day feel like a package deal

It’s also a good fit for people who like to be social. The return party, music, and deck games create a shared moment that makes it easier to meet others—especially if you’re traveling with friends or want to loosen up solo.

It might be less ideal if:

• you strongly prefer quiet sightseeing with minimal music
• you’re sensitive to boat motion and don’t want to plan for it
• you’re looking for a long, in-depth Hvar experience (this is more of a highlight visit than a deep stay)

Families do join, but the energy by the end leans toward party mode. If you’re traveling with kids and want a calm day, you might find the late-day vibe a bit more intense than you’d like.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $119.72 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do from Split—but it’s also not priced like a private charter. The value comes from the bundle.

You’re getting:

• multiple island stops and three swimming opportunities
• lunch plus snacks across the day
• unlimited drinks (including beer and wine) for most of the schedule
• a guided intro in Hvar
• a return experience that includes a party atmosphere

If you were to piece this together yourself—boat time, food, drinks, and transport—you’d likely spend more and still lose the convenience factor. The “price” is really buying you a full-day structure where the cost isn’t constantly doubling every time you want something.

Quick Tips for a Smoother Day at Sea

Plan for sun and salt. Even when the schedule includes swim time, you can still get cooked on deck if you’re not covered.

Also plan for motion. If you get sick on boats, bring your own motion sickness meds. The crew has been ready to help in cases like this, but your best insurance is coming prepared.

Finally, pack swim-friendly basics. Sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, and a change of clothes help. If you like snorkeling, check that you’ll use the provided masks.

Should You Book the Summer Blues Hvar & Pakleni Catamaran?

If you want one day in Croatia that feels like an event—swimming, Hvar time, included food, and a lively return—this is an easy yes. The combination of three swim stops, a Hvar guided intro, and the unlimited drinks makes it feel like you’re on vacation, not working around separate bookings.

I’d book it if your ideal day is part relaxation, part fun. I’d think twice if you’re after a quiet, museum-style Hvar visit and you don’t want the deck-party energy by the end.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start from Split?

The tour starts at 8:30 am in Split, at Obala Lazareta 1.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 10 hours.

What’s included in the price besides the boat ride?

The price includes lunch, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee, plus snacks throughout the day.

Are alcoholic drinks served immediately?

Alcoholic beverages are served after the first swim stop.

Is there time to explore Hvar on your own?

Yes. You get a guided tour for Hvar town, then you have about one hour of free time afterward.

Can I choose a vegetarian meal?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, and you should request it when booking.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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