Two islands, and you swim your way through. This cruise is built around anchored swim stops in Adriatic bays and a calm stroll in Stomorska, on the island of Šolta.

I love that the boat includes snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle boards, so you can switch between lounging and activities without paying extra. I also like the included on-board lunch, with menu choices plus an open bar of beer, wine, and soft drinks.

The one drawback to plan for is timing. You get about two hours at each island stop, so it is more for water lovers than for people who want lots of walking or long excursions.

Quick hits before you go

• Split port boarding at Dock 7 on the boat Polaris, with check-in opening 30 minutes early
• Two real swim anchors with snorkeling and water toys included
• SUP and snorkel gear are free, no rental hunt, no extra hassle
• Stomorska on Šolta is short but sweet, a port village walk with beach options nearby
• Included lunch plus beer and wine, and it is explicitly not a booze party
• Small-boat feel with a max of 68 travelers, not a crowded cattle run

Two islands, one calm boat day from Split

This is the kind of Croatia day trip that feels simple on paper, then turns into a great mix once you are out on the water. You start in Split in the morning, spend real time swimming on Brac and Šolta, and finish back in Split without the full-day drag. It is also aimed at people who want a relaxed vibe, not a party boat.

What makes it work is the pacing. You are not racing from stop to stop. Instead, the crew anchors in scenic bays, gives you gear, feeds you on board, and lets the day breathe.

Where you meet the boat, and how boarding works

You meet at Obala Lazareta, 21000 Split, Croatia. The boat typically uses Dock number 7 as the meeting point, and that is where you should go. They open the gate for check-in about 30 minutes before departure, so arrive early enough to get settled without stress.

Departure is at 9:30 am from Split port. The tour uses a mobile ticket and is offered in English, and it is close to public transportation. If you are bringing a group, this is one of those trips where showing up on time really helps because the schedule is tight.

Brac swim stop: anchor time with snorkeling and water toys

Around 10:30 am, you arrive to Brac and anchor in a protected bay. This is your main swim block of the day, with time set aside for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. The boat setup is designed for this, with multiple ways to join in.

You can jump in from the boat, use ladders if you prefer, and make it as active or as chill as you want. The gear lineup includes snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle boards, and floating water toys. There are also floating mats, which sound simple, but they are perfect for the people who want to hang out in the water without hauling themselves around.

Practical note: the water activity is the headline here. If you want time for sightseeing streets, this is not the stop for long wandering. Think swim, snorkel, sun, repeat.

Lunch afloat, then a short hop to Šolta

By about 13:00, you head toward Šolta, with lunch served on the way. Lunch is included and it is not a sad sandwich situation. You get three menu options: meat, fish, or veggie, and drinks are included as well.

The open bar includes beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus coffee and tea. The crew also accommodates vegetarian and vegan options if you note it when booking. One thing I like about this kind of included meal is that it keeps the day moving smoothly, no searching for a restaurant with timed seating.

What you are really buying here is convenience plus time in the water. You spend less time on land logistics, and more time where the trip shines.

Šolta and Stomorska: a laid-back port village break

Around 13:30, you arrive in Stomorska on Šolta. This is a fisherman port town, and your time here is free for exploring and for another chance to swim, with a beach close to the boat.

You get about two hours at this stop. That is enough time to walk the harbor area, wander a bit, and decide if you want to rest on the water again before heading back. Since it is a smaller village, you will feel the contrast with Split right away.

One practical tip to take seriously: pack water shoes if you are planning to step on rocky areas near the beach. Some beaches in this style of port can be uneven underfoot, and comfy footwear saves your day.

Drinks, food, and the Polaris comfort details that matter

This cruise is “all inclusive” in the sense that lunch and standard drinks are included, but it is not built as a rowdy booze cruise. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included, though they are available to purchase. They also state that if there is excessive alcohol consumption or behavior, they stop serving alcohol. Translation: you can expect a more balanced, daytime crowd.

On board, comfort is part of the value. The Polaris is described as clean and well maintained, and it is spacious enough that it does not feel cramped. There is shade as well as sunny deck space, which matters when you are out for hours and you do not want to bake the whole time.

Amenities are also practical: Wi-Fi is included, there is a restroom on board, and the trip includes an air-conditioned vehicle as part of the package. Because this is a port meeting tour, you should still expect to handle your own way to the dock, but it is good to know the day trip includes comfort features beyond just seats.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a balanced day: water time plus a real island village moment. It works well for couples who want a relaxing break without planning, and it also fits families because there is plenty to do on the boat, including toys and paddle boards.

It also fits solo travelers. The boat size maxes out at 68 people, and the day is structured enough that you do not spend it figuring out what to do next.

Who might not love it: if your travel style is long hikes, big sightseeing days, or you want a full day on land, the two-hour island windows may feel short. This is built for swimmers. The island exploring is a bonus, not the main event.

Price and value: what $133 buys you in real time

At $133.08 per person for a roughly 7-hour day, you are paying for several things at once:

• transport by boat between Split, Brac, and Šolta
• included snorkeling and SUP equipment
• a full lunch with menu choices
• drinks included during the meal and on board
• the convenience of not having to plan food stops or rentals

When you add it up, the price makes sense for a day where the boat itself is the activity. If you were doing swimming spots plus boat costs plus equipment rentals plus lunch separately, you would likely spend more and waste time.

The other value piece is the small-boat feel. Reviews consistently point to the boat not being overly crowded, which matters because swim time is only fun if you can actually use the gear without waiting around.

Timing and weather: why you should pack like a swimmer

The schedule runs in a pretty clear rhythm. You depart Split at 9:30 am. You anchor at Brac around 10:30 am. Then you leave Brac around 13:00 for lunch en route, arrive at Stomorska around 13:30, and cruise back toward Split at about 15:30. You return around 16:30.

Weather does matter. The operator notes the tour depends on favorable conditions. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. If conditions are only slightly messy, you might see flexibility in how the day runs, without turning it into a drama.

What to pack is straightforward, and I would follow it closely:

• a bathing suit
• towel
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• hat
• water shoes if you plan to step on rocky areas near beaches

Also, if you are picky about swim comfort, bring something you can wear easily on the boat between water breaks.

Final call: should you book this cruise?

Book it if your ideal Split day includes swimming, snorkeling, and time outdoors on the water, plus a short, easy island walk in Stomorska. I especially think it is worth your money if you want included lunch and drinks without turning the day into a party scene.

Skip it if you want nonstop sightseeing or long shore time. The islands here are timed for water play first, walking second. This cruise rewards people who are happy to spend hours in the sea and then stroll the harbor for a reset.

If you fit that description, this is one of the more practical ways to experience Brac and Šolta in a single morning-based trip.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave Split?

The cruise departs Split at 9:30 am from Split port.

Where do I meet the boat in Split?

You meet at Obala Lazareta, 21000 Split, Croatia. The usual boarding position is Dock number 7.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What is included for swimming and snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards are included, along with other water toys. You can also swim at the anchored bays during free time.

Is lunch included, and what kind of drinks are included?

Yes. Lunch is included with menu choices (meat, fish, or veggie) and drinks are included, including beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Are vegetarian and vegan meals available?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available. You should note your preference while booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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