Two islands in one smooth boat day. You get open-bar ease and real swimming time without planning a thing. The main trade-off is simple: you spend most of the day on the water, so if you want lots of town exploring, this isn’t the best match.

I like the way the crew runs the day like a practiced summer routine. You choose your spot on the spacious decks, cruise out of Split, then cool off in the Adriatic with gear already on board. Still, the swim is off the boat and in open water, so you’ll want to be comfortable jumping in and swimming in calm but proper sea conditions.

You’re also not just doing one island. You split your time between Brač and Šolta (Stomorska), with a lunch that comes right in the flow of the cruise. It’s a relaxed way to see Croatia from the water, and it works especially well for first-time visitors who don’t want to gamble on independent boat logistics.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Brač swimming stop with lounge-to-water convenience, plus snorkeling gear on board
• Šolta time in Stomorska, a small fishing-village feel right by the dock
• 3-course lunch included, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian
• Open bar during the cruise, including beer, local wine, coffee, and soft drinks
• Water toys plus paddleboards, so you can keep it fun without renting gear
• Crew-led comfort and pacing, aimed at a calm, no-stress day

Why this Split cruise feels like the easy button

Split is busy. Port days can get hectic fast. This cruise is built for the opposite mood: you show up, step on, and the day runs. The boat leaves Split around 9:30 AM, then you’re out on the water quickly, where you can finally breathe.

I also like the “all-inclusive” logic here. You’re not paying separately for lunch, drinks, or the water activities. The price you see upfront covers the essentials that usually pile up on island day trips—food, drinks, and fun in the sea—so you can spend your brain power on what matters: sunscreen, your towel, and which side deck you’re claiming for the sun.

The biggest consideration is also straightforward. Most of your time is spent swimming and cruising. The islands are there, but they’re not the main event in the same way they are on walking tours or longer on-land trips. If your ideal day is mostly beaches and strolling, this is still great. If your ideal day is museums, markets, and long guided land walks, you may feel a little rushed.

Getting on board in Split: what to plan for

You’ll meet at Obala Lazareta 3, right by the Split city port, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole. That location matters because it keeps the whole morning simple. Instead of a long transfer, you’re already at the water.

When you step onto the boat (Polaris is the vessel name), you’ll be able to move around and pick where you want to sit. Many people like that it doesn’t feel like a crowded cattle-car setup. There’s enough room on the decks that you can spread out, grab shade when the sun gets serious, then move back into the light when you want.

Bring the basics and you’ll be glad you did:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunglasses and a sun hat
• sunscreen

If you plan to do more than just jump in once, sea shoes can be smart for the Solta swim areas near the village (some people mention them as helpful).

The Brac chapter: cruise out, then a proper swimming break

After departure around 9:30 AM, the cruise to Brač takes about one hour. This is one of the nice parts of the timing: you’re not waiting forever to get to the good water.

When you reach the Brac area, the captain anchors in a scheduled bay. You then get more than two hours of free time, which is the real secret sauce. Two-plus hours is enough to do the whole routine—swim, float, rinse off if you want, snack, relax, and not feel like you’re clock-watching every five minutes.

This is where the included gear pays off. You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus paddleboards and air water toys. People love the jump-off style of swimming here—gear makes it easy to vary the activity level, too. If you want calm flotation, you can do that. If you want a paddleboard session, it’s ready to go.

A quick reality check for the sea-time

Not everyone is equally comfortable with boat-to-water swimming. Some people point out that this trip is best if you’re confident entering the sea from the boat in water that’s not shallow. You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer, but you do need comfort with the setup.

Lunch that doesn’t interrupt the day

At 1:00 PM, you head toward Šolta, and lunch happens during the cruise. This matters more than it sounds. Instead of wasting time on a long land break or dealing with a separate restaurant plan, you stay in the rhythm of the day.

Lunch is included as a 3-course meal with options:

• fish
• meat
• vegetarian

It’s described as grilled-style food served with salad and a dessert. And yes, the servings are part of why the day gets such strong feedback—people consistently note that there’s plenty of food, not just a token plate.

You’ll also have an open bar during the cruise. Included choices are soft drinks, beer, local wine, and coffee, along with hot drinks. The practical value here is that you don’t have to carry anything extra or hunt for drinks. You can keep your bag on the deck and stay focused on relaxing.

Solta (Stomorska): a small fishing village with swim-and-walk time

You arrive at 1:45 PM in Stomorska on Šolta. The boat docks right in a charming little fishing-village area. This stop is a nice contrast to the Brac swim focus: the village gives you a chance to stretch your legs and take in a slower shoreline feel.

You’ll have about two hours there. That time usually works like this:

• a swim close to the boat
• a short walk around the port area
• a chance to browse a bit if shops are open
• back on board before departure

Some people really love this stop because it’s simple and relaxed—less about big-ticket sightseeing, more about a lived-in coastal mood. Others admit the second stop isn’t as exciting if you want lots of stores or a busy beach scene. Still, for most people, it hits the right note after the first big swim time.

What to do if you want more village energy

If Stomorska feels small to you, use the time to do the basics well: sit where you can see the water, take photos from shore, and treat the walk as a reset, not a sightseeing checklist. You’re already doing the best part (the sea time) on this trip.

The calm between islands: bar, music, and deck time

Between the anchored swim stop and the Solta arrival, the day stays easy. You’re on the water, you can move around, and drinks stay available. Some people even mention the background music level as being on-point—lively enough to feel like summer, not so loud that you lose the calm.

This is also where the boat format matters. The cruise is designed for hanging out. You can watch the coastline roll by, float, then dry off without needing to “earn” your rest. If you’ve spent a couple days in old-town crowds in Split, this is the kind of schedule that helps you feel human again.

Also note what’s not part of the vibe. There are rules against party groups and speakers, and smoking is not allowed indoors. That’s good news if you want a more grown-up, chill atmosphere.

Boat comfort and the “space to breathe” factor

One thing that comes up again and again is that the boat doesn’t feel overcrowded. People describe comfortable seating, enough room on deck, and a smooth, pleasant ride. That combination makes a big difference on Adriatic boat days, because waves and crowding can turn a “relaxing cruise” into a survival test.

The Polaris is presented as clean and well kept, and the crew runs things in a friendly, attentive way. You don’t have to ask for water or wonder where to go for lunch. The staff handle the flow from the morning refreshments through the lunch service and the return cruise.

Timing back to Split: a full day without late-night stress

You depart Stomorska at 3:30 PM and cruise back to Split, arriving around 4:30 PM. That timing is ideal if you still want the evening to be yours. You’re not stranded late in the port, and you don’t end up scrambling for dinner.

For most people, this works as a “one-day reset” on a trip that also includes walking days. You get sun and sea, a real lunch, and an easy return to the city before the night gets messy.

Value for money: what you actually get at $121

At $121 per person, the value is about what’s included, not just what’s promised. This isn’t only transport between islands. You’re also getting:

• croissant in the morning
• open bar (soft drinks, beer, local wine, coffee/hot drinks)
• 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian)
• swimming time in two island areas
• snorkeling equipment
• paddleboards and air water toys

On many island days around Split, the base boat ticket is only the start, and then food, drinks, and gear show up as extra costs. Here, the big cost drivers are already rolled in. That makes budgeting easier and removes the temptation to cut corners on the parts that make the day fun.

If you’re the type who would normally buy drinks and rent water toys, the price starts to make a lot more sense. If you don’t care about swimming gear or you barely touch alcohol (even though local wine and beer are included), you might feel like you’re paying more than you personally use. But even then, the included meal is a solid anchor.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a relaxed boat day from Split without planning
• meaningful swimming time in clear Adriatic water
• a lunch that’s more than a snack
• an easy way to visit two islands in one go

It’s also a good match for mixed groups: couples, friends, and people with different comfort levels. The boat layout and available float gear let you choose your pace.

If you’re looking for nonstop land experiences, long guided history walks, or lots of museum time, pick a land-focused tour instead. On this cruise, the sea is the main character.

Small practical tips so your day goes smoothly

A few things make a big difference:

• Bring a towel you can actually dry with, not a thin one.
• Use sunscreen before you get on the water; it’s easy to forget when you’re in shade early.
• If you’re going to snorkel, have your mask accessible and don’t wait until you’re already hungry and tired.
• If you’re unsure about boat-to-water entry, don’t assume you’ll “just do it.” Do it only if you feel comfortable.
• Pack your swimwear for easy changes. There’s time, but you don’t want to be improvising.

And one more real-world note: weather can affect the exact anchoring. There are reports of route adjustments on windier days. If that happens, the goal stays the same—safe cruising and a good swim stop.

Should you book the Split All-Inclusive Brač & Šolta Swimming Cruise?

If your goal is a stress-free day that mixes boating scenery with swimming, good food, and an open bar, I think this is an easy yes. The included lunch, the swim time length, and the ready-to-use water toys are the combo that makes the trip feel worth it.

I’d hesitate only if you strongly prefer land sightseeing over sea time, or if you’re not comfortable entering the water from a boat in open sea conditions. For everyone else, it’s one of the simplest ways to get a real taste of the Adriatic while keeping the schedule friendly and the logistics low.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts about 7 hours.

Where do I meet in Split?

You meet at Obala Lazareta 3, at Split city port, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a 3-course meal with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian.

What drinks are included?

There is an open bar during the cruise, including soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks such as coffee.

Do I get snorkeling equipment and water toys?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with paddleboards and air water toys.

Is pick-up service included?

No pick-up service is included.