This is the kind of cruise that feels easy, not rushed. You get Brač and Šolta by boat, plus real time for swimming and a BBQ lunch with included red wine. The main trade-off is that the best sea time comes from anchored stops, with entry via ladders (or jumping if you’re comfortable).

What I especially like is how the schedule mixes small-town wandering with generous pauses in the water. You also get practical extras onboard like snorkels and floaties, and the crew keeps things moving without turning the day into a nonstop checklist. The only thing to watch is that you’ll be on the water for most of the day, so if you prefer deep shore-hopping, this one may feel a bit “sea-first.”

Key things to know before you go

• Two islands, one smooth route: Brač (Sutivan) plus Šolta (lunch at the bay area and time near Necujam)
• Anchored swim stops: ladders on both sides, with free snorkel gear and floaties
• Lunch with choice and drinks: BBQ options plus unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice during lunch
• Snacks and drinks rhythm: welcome coffee/tea shooter for adults, chocolate donut, and watermelon later
• Small-group feel: maximum 45 travelers and English is offered
• Onboard Wi-Fi included: for sharing photos without eating into your day

A slow boat day around Brač and Šolta

This trip is built for a classic Adriatic rhythm: morning pickup, one lovely town stop, then long, relaxed stretches of sea time and swimming. If you’re visiting Split and want a break from walking streets, this feels like a straightforward way to taste more islands without the stress of ferries, transfers, or planning.

The route is simple: you sail toward Brač first, enjoy Sutivan for about an hour, then you spend the afternoon around Šolta, including lunch and another bay stop near Necujam. The return is timed for an early evening back around Podstrana and Jesenice.

Pick-up times in Podstrana and Jesenice (how the day starts)

Your morning starts with pickup rather than a simple dock meet-up. The first hotel pickup begins around 08:25 at Hotel Krilo (with sailing toward Sv. Martin Podstrana and the Le Méridien Lav marina shortly after). There’s a second pickup at Sv. Martin beach around 08:55, and then the group gathers for departure.

That means you should plan to be ready earlier than the “tour start” time on many schedules. Once everyone is aboard, you head out toward Brač around 09:30. In practice, this early start helps you reach the islands while the day is still calmer.

The tour also runs in English, which matters if you want explanations during the sailing and at swim/town transitions. And yes, you’ll use a mobile ticket.

Sutivan on Brač: town time with Roman-settlement independence

On Brač, the highlight for land time is Sutivan. You arrive around 10:30 and get roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to explore on your own. The crew hands out maps of the town, which is a nice touch because it turns your free time from wandering randomly into a quick, confident walk.

Sutivan is framed in the itinerary as a place tied to a Roman settlement, so you’ll likely see traces and local references as you go. Since you’re not stuck in a formal tour, you can choose your own pace: find a café, look at the waterfront, or stroll a bit inland to orient yourself.

A small but important practical note: you need to return to the boat at least 3 minutes early. That’s not just a rule. It’s how these trips avoid delays when the group is still gathering. If you’re the type who likes to take one extra photo, set a mental alarm.

Anchored swim stops: ladders, floaties, and easy snorkel gear

If you like water breaks, this is where the cruise shines. After Sutivan, you sail back out around 11:45 and reach the first swimming stop around 12:10. The boat anchors, then the crew puts ladders on both sides, giving you two easy entry options.

You’ll get about 25 minutes for this swim/snorkel window. Later, you get another anchored swim stop near Necujam around 14:10, with about 1 hour 5 minutes to swim and snorkel.

What makes these stops feel good is the included gear and setup:

• Snorkels and floaties are provided
• Water polo balls are also available
• You can use the onboard gear freely during the swim windows

This is a great format if you’re not trying to do a long, guided snorkel session. You get to hop in, explore a bit, then relax out of the sun. It’s also family-friendly in style, with a gentle pace rather than a sprint.

The one consideration is access. Because it’s anchored, you’re entering via ladders and you’ll be close to the boat structure. If you’re not comfortable with that, this is the part of the day to think through before you book.

Lunch on Šolta: BBQ choices and sea-view eating

Lunch happens on Šolta while you’re between swim time and the next bay stop. Around 13:10, after the crew’s meal prep is underway, you eat a freshly prepared BBQ with your view on the water and islands around you.

Your lunch choice is one of these:

• mackerel fish
• boneless chicken
• vegetarian burger with salad and bread

It’s served with unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice during lunch time. For adults, alcoholic drinks beyond lunch aren’t included, and the bar is where you’d pay separately if you want more.

The itinerary also describes how you’ll enjoy the meal with views toward Brač, Hvar, Mrduja, and Solta, with Split on the starboard side. Even if you never studied a map before, the payoff is clear: you’re eating somewhere scenic, not at a rushed restaurant with glass walls and bus schedules.

One more practical detail: when you book, you’re asked to share your meal preference. That matters on a small-to-medium group day because it reduces last-minute confusion and keeps the lunch line moving.

Necujam and the afternoon reset

After lunch, you roll into another swim and snorkel session. Around 14:10, you arrive at Necujam bay for about 1 hour 5 minutes. This stop has the same anchored swim logic, so you can expect ladder access again and plenty of free time.

By mid-afternoon, this is usually the moment people appreciate the cruise format most. You’ve already had land time, you’ve eaten well, and now you can just float, swim, and cool off. If you’re traveling with kids, this part of the itinerary tends to feel natural because it’s flexible and not a strict sightseeing agenda.

Then around 15:15, you leave Šolta and sail back. You still get a little treat during the return: around 16:30, the crew serves cold watermelon before you start seeing the return shoreline pickups.

Onboard comfort: Wi-Fi, shade, and the snack timeline

A cruise day can feel long if the boat feels hot or chaotic. The small details here help: there’s shade onboard, and the schedule is built around regular breaks.

You’ll also have unlimited Wi-Fi, which is included, so you can upload photos or message home without hunting for a café connection. That can be surprisingly useful when your day is mostly water and you want to keep everyone’s plans synced.

The welcome rhythm is also part of the experience:

• adults get a coffee/tea welcome shooter plus chocolate donut
• kids get juice plus the donut items are mentioned
• the afternoon ends with watermelon

Also note the snack option at the bar. If you want ice cream or chips, those are available for purchase. That’s a helpful safety valve if you tend to snack during long days and want something extra between swim windows.

Price and value: what $66 gets you in real time

At $66.23 per person for roughly 8 to 9 hours, this is one of those prices that only makes sense when you total up what’s included.

You get:

• hotel pickup and return to the Krilo (Jesenice) and Sv. Martin Podstrana area
• a full day at sea around two islands
• BBQ lunch with three meal options
• unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice during lunch
• snorkel and swim extras (snorkels, floaties, water polo balls)
• Wi-Fi onboard
• small food extras (welcome donut, and watermelon later)

If you were doing this independently, you’d pay for transfers, boat time, food, and likely end up piecing together a snorkel kit or boat rental. Here, the value is in the bundled day: your money buys time on the water plus food and gear, not just transportation.

Group size matters too. With a maximum of 45 travelers, it’s large enough to feel social but small enough that your day doesn’t become a chaotic mass event.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This works best for you if:

• you want a gentle cruise with a calm pace
• you like swimming and snorkelling but don’t want complicated logistics
• you want a reliable lunch with choices and included drinks during the meal
• you’re okay with anchored swim stops and ladder access

You might want to consider another option if:

• your top priority is long walking tours or major landmarks
• you strongly dislike ladder entry into the water
• you want more time in each town rather than a balance of sea time and a single town stop

The small-group feel and family-friendly pacing make it a good pick for mixed ages, as long as everyone is comfortable with the sea-entry style.

Quick tips so your day runs smoothly

A few practical moves help:

• Arrive early for pickup and keep an eye on the day’s time jumps between Podstrana and the boat departure
• Bring sunscreen and a light cover for sailing hours (shade is available, but the sun still happens)
• If you plan to snorkel, give yourself a moment to adjust your snorkel fit before the water gets busy
• Bring swimwear that’s easy to rinse afterward, since you’ll be in and out of the water
• If you have a strict food preference, confirm your meal choice at booking

And one small comfort note: the operator for this experience is Marko Rakuljic, and the crew’s role is practical—help with boarding, maps, and the swim-ladder rhythm—so the day stays organized without feeling rigid.

Should you book this Brač and Šolta boat trip?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a low-stress island day with a real meal, included swim gear, and a schedule that doesn’t bully you into nonstop sightseeing. It’s good value for what you get: two islands, anchored swim time, and a lunch that’s more than a boxed sandwich.

I’d think twice only if ladder-entry swimming would bother you, or if you prefer a more land-focused itinerary with longer town stays. For most visitors to the Split area who want sea time that still includes a charming town stop, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

What islands does the boat trip visit?

You’ll sail to Brač (with time in Sutivan) and then to Šolta (including lunch and time at Necujam).

Where do the pickups start?

Pickup starts at Hotel Krilo around 08:25 and also includes Sv. Martin beach in Podstrana and Le Méridien Lav marina for additional passengers. The return ends back at Sv. Martin Podstrana and Krilo Jesenice.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is a freshly prepared BBQ with your choice of mackerel fish, boneless chicken, or vegetarian burger, plus salad and bread. Red wine, water, and orange juice are included during lunch time.

Are drinks included besides lunch?

The itinerary includes drinks during lunch. Drinks from the bar are extra, and alcoholic drinks are for travelers 18+.

Is snorkelling gear provided?

Yes. You get snorkels and floaties, and there are also water polo balls onboard.

How do the swimming stops work?

Swimming stops are done while the ship is anchored. The crew places ladders on both sides of the boat, and you’ll have set time windows to swim and snorkel.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Unlimited Wi-Fi is included onboard.

What happens if weather is bad?

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