A slow boat day beats a busy shore day. This all-inclusive Split to Brač & Šolta swimming cruise is built for lounging on deck, then cooling off in crystal-clear water. You get real time on the sea, plus two islands to break up the day.

My favorite part is the way the schedule gives you space—a long anchoring swim off Brač, then another generous break at Šolta. The other big win is value: lunch and an open bar are included, so you’re not hunting for meals or drinks between swims. One possible drawback: the best moments are water-based, so if you don’t want to swim off a boat, this may feel less satisfying.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Long swimming time off Brač, with a scheduled bay stop and plenty of deck lounging
• Stomorska on Šolta gives you both shore time and an easy beach-style swim option near the boat
• All-inclusive lunch + open bar keeps the day simple and good-value
• Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and floating water toys are on hand for active swimmers
• Polaris boat comfort plus an organized crew makes the whole day feel easy

Why This Brač & Šolta Boat Day Works So Well From Split

Split is great, but after a few days you start craving less walking and more sea air. This cruise is basically the antidote: you leave town, spend hours on the water, and come back before evening plans get complicated.

The itinerary makes sense because it balances two different moods. First, you get classic Adriatic swimming time off Brač. Then you shift to Šolta for a small fishing-village feel at Stomorska, plus a lunch break that keeps you from spending half the day figuring out food.

Also, the boat layout matters. You can pick your spot on the spacious decks and settle in. That sounds small, but on hot days it’s everything.

Getting to Obala Lazareta and Finding Boat Polaris

You’ll meet at Obala Lazareta 3 at the Split city port, right in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. Easy note for your brain: if you’re already in the center, you’re not doing a long transfer before you even start enjoying the day.

There’s no pickup service included, so plan to get yourself to the port on your own. If you’re traveling with carry-on bags or beach stuff, aim to keep things light. You’ll want both swimwear and towel ready, and you don’t want to scramble once you’re docked.

The crew runs things in English. And the boat is wheelchair accessible, which is rare for some sea days in this area—good to know if that matters for you.

The 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM Stretch: Off to Brač by Boat

Departure is at 9:30 AM from Split. Then it’s about a 1-hour cruise to the Brač area. This morning segment is one of those “you won’t notice the time” stretches. The boat ride sets the pace: coffee or morning croissant, then you settle in and start watching the coastline slide by from the water.

When you reach the Brač stop, the captain anchors in a scheduled bay. That matters because it turns travel time into chill time. You’re not rushed along from one stop to the next with constant docking and boarding.

After anchoring, you get more than 2 hours of free time. This is when the day becomes about swimming at your own speed. You can stay pool-float relaxed, paddle around, or gear up for a quick snorkel session.

Brač Swim Time: How to Make the Most of the Crystal Water

This is the part most people remember. You’re in the Adriatic, and the water is described as crystal clear, the kind where you can see what’s around you as you float and bob.

On board, you’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus paddleboards and air water toys. That gives you options depending on how confident you feel in open-water swimming and how active you want to be. Some swimmers like a slow paddle. Others jump right in and explore.

A practical tip: if you plan to snorkel, give yourself a minute to get comfortable in the water first. Sun can hit fast off the deck, and cool water helps, but it still takes a breath to find your rhythm. And if you’re more cautious, floaty options are there so you can still enjoy the moment without forcing it.

Also, from what you’ll experience on a boat like Polaris, you may be able to jump from the top deck. That’s fun for people who want it, but you should only do it if you’re comfortable with the drop and the water depth where you’ll be landing.

Lunch and the Slide Into Solta: 1:00 PM to Stomorska at 1:45 PM

At 1:00 PM, you head toward Šolta. Lunch is served on the way, which is a smart move. You don’t waste precious shore time queuing for food.

You’ll be looking at a 3-course lunch: grilled fish, meat, or a vegetarian option, plus salad and dessert. That’s the kind of meal structure that keeps everyone fed without turning lunch into a long break from the fun.

Then at about 1:45 PM, you arrive in Stomorska on the Šolta island. The boat docks in a small, charming fishing village. You’re not stuck in a tourist bubble. It feels like a working harbor area where locals live their day.

From the dock, you get free time to do your thing:

• explore the port area at an easy pace
• or go for a beach-style swim close to where the boat is

Stomorska is a great stop if you like the idea of a walk that doesn’t drain your energy. It’s short enough to fit back into the flow of a sea-day.

The Traditional Village Stop: A Short Taste, Not a Full Detour

Some cruises like this add one quick culture beat so you’re not only swimming all day. Here, there’s time around a traditional village stop with beer, coffee, and wine included.

It’s not a museum-hour kind of stop. Think of it as a gentle rhythm break. You get something local to drink, you can stretch your legs, and then you’re back on the water mindset.

The value is mostly psychological: it keeps the day from turning into one long swim-and-eat loop. Even if you mostly watch and snack, it adds variety and gives the trip a sense of place.

Open Bar and Food: The All-Inclusive Part You’ll Actually Appreciate

The best all-inclusive days are the ones where you don’t have to “manage” anything. This one helps you out by including an open bar on the cruise.

That open bar includes soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks (plus coffee). For a day in the sun, that’s a big deal. You’ll be less focused on where to buy drinks and more focused on where you want to sit—under shade, near the water toys, or somewhere in-between.

Food is included too: you get the morning croissant, plus the full lunch. The lunch menu gives you options—fish, meat, or vegetarian—so it’s easier to match preferences without extra cost.

Practical advice: pace your drinks with water. It’s easy to drink wine and forget hydration when the day feels breezy and the boat keeps moving. If you’re prone to sun or heat fatigue, treat shade like a real activity, not an optional one.

Swimming Gear and Water Toys: More Than Just a Dip

What makes this kind of cruise worth it is the “on-demand” recreation. Here, you’re not just thrown overboard with a towel and your courage. You have gear ready, including paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and air water toys.

So if you’re traveling with mixed swimming skills, the cruise still works. One person can snorkel. Another can paddle. Someone else can just float and enjoy the view while staying comfortable.

If you like active days, this is a sweet setup. You can do short bursts—jump in, paddle, snorkel, climb back on—then repeat without standing in line or paying extra.

One small gear note: consider sea shoes if you have them. The landing areas and shallow sections can be uneven, and a shoe makes it easier to move around near the water.

Polaris on the Water: Comfort, Space, and the Pace of the Day

This experience is organized around long time blocks rather than constant hustle. You depart at 9:30 AM, you get a long Brač stop, you lunch on the way, then you enjoy Solta, and you’re back in Split around 4:30 PM.

That pace matters because it keeps you from feeling exhausted. After you swim for a while, it’s nice to know you don’t have another marathon stretch right away. You can always find a comfortable spot on the deck, eat lunch when it’s served, and reset.

Also, the Polaris boat setup is designed so the day doesn’t feel cramped. You’ll have room to move around, and seating during lunch is part of the plan. That combination—deck space plus structured meals—helps this feel like a proper day trip, not a rushed boat taxi.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This trip is ideal for you if your definition of a good day is:

• swimming in clear water
• enjoying an easy lunch
• not paying for every drink separately
• seeing two islands without taking buses or doing timed ferry juggling

It also works well for groups and different ages, since the day has both active and relaxed options. If you’re traveling with people who prefer lounging over hiking, you’ll all get what you want.

Now the honest fit issues. This is a swimming-focused cruise. If you don’t want to swim off a boat or you’d rather do land sightseeing all day, the water time could dominate. And if you’re the type who needs lots of shops or big town energy, Stomorska is more small and local than a shopping spree.

Price and Value: Is $121 a Good Deal?

At $121 per person for 7 hours, the price works best when you total what’s included and compare it to what you’d normally pay doing it on your own.

Here’s what you get for that cost:

• boat cruise with both Brač and Šolta
• croissant in the morning
• open bar (soft drinks, beer, local wine, hot drinks/coffee)
• 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian)
• snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys
• free time to swim and explore

If you were piecing this together, you’d likely pay separately for transport, lunch, and boat access. Add in the water gear and the fact that you’re not arranging your own anchoring swim time, and the value becomes clearer.

This is the kind of day you buy when you want fewer logistics and more payoff per hour.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and How Flexible to Be

The Adriatic can change fast. Wind and sea conditions can affect where the captain anchors or which nearby spots are used. The good news: your day is still structured around swimming and island time, so even if the exact stop shifts a bit, the main idea holds.

If you’re someone who gets motion sick, consider taking it easy on the open deck right when you start out. Also, plan on sunglasses and sunscreen. Boat days can feel like a breeze until you realize you’ve been in the sun for hours.

Timing Check: What the Full Day Feels Like

Here’s the shape of the day in real-world terms:

• Morning: departure from Split, croissant and coffee vibe, then the cruise to Brač
• Midday: long anchoring swim off Brač
• Early afternoon: cruise toward Šolta, lunch served on the water
• Afternoon: dock at Stomorska, swim or wander, then settle in for the return
• Late afternoon: back to Split around 4:30 PM, ready for dinner

You’ll feel like you actually had a vacation day, not just a half-day excursion.

Should You Book This Split All-Inclusive Brač & Šolta Swimming Cruise?

Book it if you want a sea-day that’s low-stress and high-fun. The combination of long swim time, included gear, and a proper meal with an open bar is the sweet spot. It’s also a great choice for people who are short on time but still want real island scenery without ferry planning.

Skip it if your priority is land touring and you’d rather do guided walking, big historic sights, or a long stay in one village. This cruise is built around water time, and everything else supports that.

If you do book, come prepared to be outside. Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And if you have sea shoes, pack them.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

It runs for 7 hours total.

Where do I meet the boat in Split?

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 3, at Split city port just in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

Does this tour include pick-up service?

No. Pick-up service is not included.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

It departs from Split at 9:30 AM and returns around 4:30 PM.

Which islands are visited?

The cruise visits Brač and Šolta (Solta) islands, with time in Stomorska on Šolta.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch is a 3-course meal with grilled fish, meat, or a vegetarian option, plus salad and dessert.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes. The open bar includes soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks/coffee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What water activities and gear are available?

You’ll have access to paddleboards, air water toys, and other swimming support from the cruise.

Are there discounts for children?

Children 0–3 years can join for free. Children 3–12 years get a 50% discount.

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