A full day on the water, with beer on tap. This Split to Hvar catamaran trip balances island time, swimming in secluded bays, and an open bar that ramps up as the day goes on. I especially like that it is structured like a real vacation day, not a nonstop checklist, with lunch plus snacks included—then it ends with music and dancing. The main drawback to plan for is that it can feel more party-leaning toward the end, so it may not match everyone’s idea of a calm family outing.

You start early in Split (8:30am), you get multiple swim chances, and you only do guided time where it helps. In Hvar you get a short orientation, then you’re free to roam at your own pace for about an hour. If you dislike boats or big waves, bring motion-sickness help—there are plenty of swells in the Adriatic, and even the nicest day can wobble a bit.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, plus coffee after the first swim stop
• Three swim stops across Brač, Pakleni Islands, and one more bay on Šolta
• Hvar with a guided intro, then about an hour of free time to wander
• Food included all day: breakfast pastry, lunch after Hvar, plus fruit and homemade cakes later
• Summer Blues crew sets the tone with a late-day music-and-dancing vibe on deck

Inside the Summer Blues vibe on Croatia’s water

This is the kind of day trip that feels built for hanging out. You’re on a catamaran for about 10 hours total, with real stops that break the day into chunks: swim, town, swim, swim, then a sunset-style return to Split. It’s not a strict history tour, and it’s not a quiet meditation cruise either. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle: laid-back on the water, then social and fun as the bar opens.

The boat itself matters here. This is a maximum-size day tour (up to 76 travelers), and you’ll generally find enough space to settle in without feeling like sardines. Bathrooms are available onboard, which sounds basic, but on a long sea day it’s a big quality-of-life upgrade.

And the crew is part of the product. Many of the strongest praises focus on friendly, organized hosting and a “we’ve got your day covered” attitude—especially during the late-day party. Names that come up include hosts like Mia and Manuela, and if you’re lucky enough to have them, it tends to make the experience smoother and more upbeat.

One more practical note: alcohol is not served immediately. The bar opens after the first swim stop, so the morning starts more relaxed, then turns into full party mode later.

The itinerary, in real-life time chunks

This is how the day typically flows, so you can plan your energy (and your sunscreen).

Split (morning start) to Brač Island swim stop

You meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split and look for the catamaran Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5. The start time is 8:30am, and you’ll head out with views of the coastline as your first reset from city life.

Brač Island is your first swim stop (about 1 hour). The idea is simple: get in the water early, then settle back aboard with coffee and snacks before the day gets busier.

What makes this stop work is timing. A morning swim before crowds set in (and before the party energy starts) can feel like you’ve found a private break, even though you’re sharing it with other passengers.

Hvar town with a short guided orientation

Next comes Hvar, with about 2 hours total on the island. You get a professional guide for the main attractions—enough to help you understand what you’re looking at without drowning you in facts. Then you have roughly an hour of free time to do your own thing.

In practical terms, this is where you can:

• get your bearings fast in the Old Town
• walk the promenade for coffee
• browse souvenirs without feeling like you must rush

You also want to remember that Hvar is the emotional highlight for many people—partly because it’s scenic, partly because it feels like a real town, not just a quick stop.

Pakleni Islands for a second swim in hidden bays

After you return onboard, you head toward the Pakleni Islands, where you get another swim break (about 1 hour). This is the “secluded bay” style stop—great for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the Adriatic views.

This is also when the day usually gets more social. Food and the open bar keep the vibe rolling, with an emphasis on local-style lunch items and drinks onboard. The plan includes a chicken salad and access to the open bar here, so you’ll likely feel the atmosphere shift from sightseeing into vacation party mode.

Šolta Island for late-day fruit, cakes, and a final swim

On the return toward Split, there’s one more swim stop on Šolta Island (again about 1 hour). This is your second-to-last chance to cool off in the water.

Onboard, you’ll also see fresh fruit and homemade cakes served during this later stretch. It’s a nice way to end the day before the final leg to Split.

Then comes the payoff: on the way back, the music turns up and the crew runs a dance-party style atmosphere on deck. For many people, this is the part they remember most, especially if you like fun group energy.

Brač Island: the first swim stop does the heavy lifting

Brač is the “wake up your vacation” stop. You head out, get a cruise with sea views, then it’s time to swim in clear water. The stop is about an hour, which is long enough to do the basics well—get in, float, and take a second swim if the water feels great.

You’ll probably appreciate how this stop sets the tone: there’s time to relax before the open bar starts. That matters because some day trips feel like they rush you into drinking to pass the travel time. Here, the day begins with actual swimming and calm.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and a hat. Even if you’re mostly lounging, you’ll still get sun exposure during boat travel and waiting at the water stops.

Hvar town: guided help plus real free time

Hvar is where this day trip feels like more than just floating around. You get that short guided introduction first, which helps you avoid the common problem: walking through a beautiful town with no clue what matters or what’s worth your time.

After the guide, you’re not stuck in a schedule. You get about an hour to roam and choose your own pace. I like this structure because it works whether you’re the kind of person who wants photos and stairs or the kind who prefers a coffee and slow streets.

If you’re trying to maximize your time, think of it like this:

• Use the guided portion to get the big picture and pick landmarks
• Use the free hour to go where your feet want to go

One small reality check: Hvar is a highlight, but the time is still limited. If you’re the type who could easily spend half a day in one café, you might feel a bit rushed. Still, for many first-timers, this is the perfect taste.

Pakleni Islands: the day’s most “how is this real” water

The Pakleni Islands swim stop is built for that postcard feeling. You land in hidden-bay territory and get another hour to swim and relax. This is where the scenery and the water combine into something that feels removed from the city entirely.

It’s also a pivot point for the onboard experience. The open bar is in play, and food stays part of the rhythm. In a lot of day trips, snacks are an afterthought. Here, the flow is more like: swim, eat a bit, drink, then back to the water.

A detail I’d call out for comfort: snorkeling gear is not just a rumor. Snorkel masks and floating noodles (foam noodles) show up as part of the onboard extras, so you don’t have to fully gear up before you arrive.

Šolta on the way back: sweets, fruit, and one last swim

Šolta Island gives you a late-day change of scenery as you head back to Split. It’s another swim stop, so the water part stays consistent through the whole trip—no “pool time then goodbye” vibe.

The food during this stretch leans toward fruit and homemade cakes. That’s a nice break from heavy meals and also a better mood match for the late afternoon than another big lunch plate.

This is also when you can start thinking about the end of the day. By now, people are in vacation mode, and the return includes a music-and-party atmosphere on deck. If you plan to stay for the full vibe, bring your energy. If you prefer calm, you can always retreat to a quieter corner of the boat and still catch the sunset feeling.

Food and open bar: value is the whole point

At $119.72 per person, this only makes sense if you treat it like a bundled deal. Here, that bundle is real:

• lunch is included
• snacks appear during the day
• and drinks are not just a single token drink

You get unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee, with alcohol served after the first swim stop. That timing is smart. It keeps the morning from turning chaotic and gives people time to cool off and settle in first.

One detail worth knowing: the onboard lunch is described as a chicken salad, and it’s not the heavy mayo-style many people imagine. Think more like chicken pieces on a salad-style plate, and it’s served during the day as part of the overall snack-and-meal flow.

If you’re the type who wants to eat well but doesn’t want to manage restaurants, you’ll appreciate that this day doesn’t force decisions.

Also, the boat has bathrooms. That’s not exciting, but it’s essential for a 10-hour day.

Crew and onboard atmosphere: party energy, but with structure

The most praised aspect of this tour is how the crew runs the whole day. People highlight the vibe, the friendliness, and the way hosts keep things moving without turning it into a chaotic circus.

There’s also an “organized fun” feel. Hosts act like the day has a rhythm: clear guidance, fun announcements, and then a late-day ramp-up into dancing and games for the return trip. One common theme is that the atmosphere is lively but not random, and the music is actively managed so it feels like a group party rather than background noise.

That said, let me be blunt about the drawback: the party energy builds. Toward the end, it’s more energetic than a family-focused cruise. If you’re booking with kids who need an early bedtime, or if you want quiet conversation the whole time, you might find the late-day energy not your style.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

This price is easier to justify than it looks, because the big “separate spend” items are rolled into the ticket:

• boat transportation for a full day
• lunch and multiple snack portions
• unlimited drinks for a large chunk of the day

If you’ve ever bought drinks and food during a day trip in a tourist hotspot, you know how fast costs add up. Here, the spending pressure is lower because the ticket covers the essentials, and you can spend your money on one thing you choose freely—like coffee during Hvar free time or souvenirs.

Also, the boat size (up to 76) helps keep it from feeling like a massive cattle-car day, while still giving you the social energy that makes the onboard party fun.

Who should book this catamaran day trip from Split

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• multiple swims, not just one quick dip
• a short Hvar introduction and then time to wander on your own
• included lunch and a real drinks setup
• a fun crew and a lively return to Split

It’s especially good for adults who enjoy meeting people, couples who want a “do something” day without hard planning, and friend groups who like boat parties.

On the other hand, consider a different style of tour if:

• you’re very sensitive to motion and don’t want waves (bring motion-sickness pills; there are also pills onboard as a backup)
• you want a quiet, non-party day
• you prefer longer time in Hvar rather than a short taste

Should you book it?

I’d book it if your goal is a full-day break that mixes swimming, town time, and a fun onboard scene without making you plan meals or drinks. The value is strong because lunch and unlimited drinks are included, and the stop pattern keeps the day from dragging.

I’d skip or rethink it if you’re mainly after a calm cultural outing. This is not a quiet museum day. It’s a sea-day with a late-day party finish, plus a short guide in Hvar to help you make the most of your limited time.

If you match the vibe, this is one of the easiest ways to do Hvar and the surrounding islands from Split in a single shot. Just pack sunscreen, water-friendly sandals, and your best attitude for the dance-party return.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise from Split?

The tour runs about 10 hours (approx.).

Where do I meet the tour in Split?

You meet at Obala Lazareta 1, Split. The instructions say to find the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5, and join the correct queue.

What stops are included during the day?

The tour includes stops for swimming at Brac Island, the Hvar area, the Pakleni Islands, and a swim stop on Šolta Island before returning to Split.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included during the day.

Are drinks included, and when does alcohol start?

Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included, along with coffee. Alcohol is served after the first swim stop.

Do you get any guided time in Hvar?

Yes. There is a professional guided tour of Hvar’s main attractions, followed by about an hour of free time to explore on your own.

Is a vegetarian option available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider at the time of booking.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What’s the group size like?

The tour has a maximum of 76 travelers. Also, groups with more than 10 people are not allowed on the daily tours.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.