That first jump into clear water is the whole point. This full-day boat trip from Podstrana and Jesenice mixes small-island cruising with swim stops, then adds Sutivan on Brač plus shipwreck snorkeling around Kontesa. I also like how the day runs smoothly, with a roomy boat and food that actually feels like a meal, not just snacks.

One thing to plan for: swim stops are at anchor. You’ll jump from the boat and climb back using the ladders, so it helps if you’re comfortable in open water and handling a few steps in saltwater.

Key things to know before you go

• Roomy boat feel: Reviews consistently note plenty of space and no overcrowding.
• Proper swim setup: Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are provided for your anchorage stops.
• Sutivan time on Brač: You get free time to wander this charming village.
• Shipwreck Kontesa snorkeling: You’ll anchor nearby for swimming and snorkeling.
• Meal choices that match appetites: Fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, plus salad and bread on board.
• BBQ lunch in the middle: A fresh BBQ happens while you swim off the boat in a hidden bay.

From Podstrana to Brač and Šolta: what this trip really is

This is a full-day Adriatic boat day built for people who want swimming, good food, and a simple plan. You start out of Podstrana or Krilo Jesenice, head toward the island world of Brač and Šolta, and spend the day with several anchor stops where you hop in from the boat.

The best part is the mix of activities without feeling rushed. You’re not just sitting on a deck for eight hours. You get time to explore Sutivan on Brač, and you also get the kind of sea access that’s hard to replicate on land.

At $71 per person, the value is mostly in how much you get for a single day: boat time, multiple swim chances, snorkeling gear, lunch with drink service, and a few extra treats on board. If you’re trying to hit Brač and Šolta without complicated transfers, this is the low-effort route.

Getting on the boat: pick-up times that matter

Timing is the first thing you should get right. There are set morning pick-ups depending on where you’ll start:

• Krilo Jesenice pick-up: 08:30 AM
• Podstrana Sv. Martin pick-up: 09:00 AM
• From Le Meridien Lav marina, there’s a 09:15 AM sailing option that runs twice a week, if available

When booking, you must choose the proper time slot. If you’re staying at Le Meridien Lav, you can use public transport and get off at the 5th bus station toward Omiš, or use the free parking at Sveti Martin. For Krilo Jesenice, there’s also free parking.

This kind of day works best when you arrive early and relaxed. Boats leave on schedule, and the swim stops later on will make you want to be fully ready.

Welcome treats and what’s included on board

The vibe is friendly and straightforward. You’ll get a welcome schnapps, a chocolate donut, and juice while you sail. It’s a small touch, but it helps the trip feel like a true onboard experience instead of a basic transfer.

Included in your ticket:

• Boat trip
• Lunch (with drink service during lunch)
• Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls
• Fuel surcharge and insurance
• Wi-fi

Also, remember that snacks and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, so if you want something extra beyond lunch service, you can top up.

The Sutivan break on Brač: time to actually wander

After the morning sailing, you’ll head to Sutivan on the island of Brač for your own time. This is your chance to get off the boat, reset, and walk around a real village instead of just moving from one anchorage to the next.

You’ll explore at your leisure, so plan a little flexibility. Bring sunscreen, because island sun can get intense even when you think you’re in the shade between stops. If you like simple, pretty waterfront strolls and low-key browsing, this is the part you’ll probably enjoy most beyond the sea time.

In the reviews, Sutivan comes up again and again as a highlight, especially for how naturally the day flows into a swimming intermission. It feels like a balanced itinerary, not an all-or-nothing beach day.

Hidden bays on Brač: swimming while the BBQ happens

The trip really earns its keep during the swim and lunch rhythm. You’ll depart for a hidden bay on Brač, and there you’ll swim off the boat while the chef prepares a fresh BBQ lunch.

This is a key detail: while you’re in the water, your food is being cooked onboard. So you’re not waiting around too long, and when you return, lunch feels ready instead of delayed.

You’ll access the sea using the ladders along the side of the ship, and the anchorage setup means you’re not stepping onto a dock. You jump in, swim around, then climb back via ladders. That’s fine for confident swimmers, and it’s one reason this trip is not listed as suitable for non-swimmers.

If you’re someone who likes structure but also wants freedom, this is a good rhythm. You get a clear plan, plus enough time in the water to relax and play.

Lunch on board: fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus drinks

Lunch is served onboard during the sailing phase toward Šolta and later the shipwreck stop. You’ll have a choice of:

• Mackerel fish
• Chicken
• Vegetarian burger

Each option comes with salad and bread. During lunch, you’ll also have unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice.

That “unlimited” part is a real value boost, especially on a full-day outing where people often spend more on drinks than expected. It also keeps lunch from feeling like a token meal. You can eat, sip, and then go back to enjoying the sea.

One more small point: the tour notes say alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which you should take as a rule about what you bring. Since red wine is served during lunch, the intended setup is clearly controlled onboard service.

Shipwreck Kontesa: snorkeling without the hassle

This is the stop that turns the day from pretty into memorable: you anchor near the shipwreck Kontesa for swimming and snorkeling.

You’ll jump in with the provided snorkels and floaties, plus there are water polo balls if you want a playful break. The trip is built for this exact moment, so don’t expect the captain to race you past it. The whole day is paced so you can actually enjoy the underwater look.

One practical thing to keep in mind: shipwreck snorkeling is still water snorkeling. It’s not a glass-bottom fantasy with perfect conditions. Bring reasonable expectations, and focus on your comfort and safety in open water.

If you’re a non-swimmer, this trip is not right for you. The swim stops are at anchor, and getting back involves ladders and teamwork, not a gentle dock entry.

Return journey and the last touch: watermelon

As you head back to the pick-up locations, you’ll get a cold watermelon treat on the return journey. It’s simple, but it’s a nice end to a day that’s likely involved sun, salt, and a lot of swimming.

You’ll also spend the return sailing time in a relaxed mode, rather than feeling like the tour ends the minute you get in the boat. Wi-fi is included, so if you need to send messages, the option is there.

What the reviews praise most (and how that helps you)

The loudest positives are consistent, and they matter because they tell you what to expect in the real world.

1) Food quality that matches a full-day plan

Freshly grilled meals come up often, especially the fish. If you’ve done boat trips where lunch is dry or minimal, this won’t feel like that. A proper BBQ plus a full lunch means you can treat the day like an outing, not a snack stop.

2) The boat feels comfortable and not packed

People repeatedly call out space and not being overcrowded. That matters because on Croatian island boat days, crowded decks can make everything feel stressful. Here, the vibe stays easy, which makes the swim stops feel more fun instead of like a scramble.

3) Friendly, attentive crew

The staff gets praised for helpfulness and comfort, especially when conditions get a bit bumpy. That’s not something you can control, but having a team that explains things clearly and stays reassuring makes a difference.

4) Swim time that feels generous

You don’t just touch the water and go. The day has a mix of locations and enough time at each stop to enjoy swimming.

5) Family-friendly energy

One review notes a child calling it the best day of the week, which lines up with the “provided gear plus multiple swim chances” setup. Just remember the safety requirement around jumping from the boat and ladders.

Seasickness, swimmer comfort, and who this trip is for

This trip is not positioned for everyone. It is marked as not suitable for:

• Wheelchair users
• Non-swimmers
• People prone to seasickness

So I’d treat this as a “warm water plus open water comfort” tour. If you get queasy on boats, you should think hard before booking, because the itinerary includes multiple sea stops at anchor.

If you’re comfortable swimming in open water and you don’t mind climbing back aboard using ladders, this could be one of the most satisfying ways to experience the islands around Brač and Šolta in a single day.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work well because there are floaties and fun gear, and the pacing includes breaks with Sutivan time. Still, the swim stop rules are real. A child still needs to follow the ladder routine.

What to bring so the day feels easy

The packing list is short and practical:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

This is exactly what you’ll use repeatedly. You’ll swim more than once, and you’ll likely spend time on deck between stops. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially with boat sun.

Also, wear swim shoes if you like grip, though the tour data only asks for the basics. Just be aware that you’re stepping and climbing in and around saltwater.

Logistics that can trip you up (avoid these)

A couple details are worth double-checking before you go.

First, swim stops are done from an anchorage. You have to jump into the sea and climb back via ladders. If you’re hesitant around open water, plan to sit out rather than forcing it.

Second, you need to pick the correct time slot when booking. Your day depends on which pick-up you choose, and the morning timing is tight.

Third, bring your lunch preference by email after booking. Fish, chicken, or vegetarian should be sent so they can order in time. If you forget, it may be harder to guarantee your choice.

Should you book this Podstrana to Brač and Šolta boat trip?

Book it if you want a full-day islands experience that mixes Sutivan time, multiple swim stops, and snorkeling near the shipwreck Kontesa without getting stuck in logistics.

Skip it if you:

• are a non-swimmer
• get seasick easily
• need wheelchair accessibility

If you fit the target group, it’s a strong value because the ticket includes the boat, snorkeling gear, lunch with drink service, and real time on both the islands and the water. This is the kind of trip where one perfect swim stop can carry the whole day, and the itinerary gives you more than one chance to find that moment.

FAQ

What time are the pick-ups from Krilo Jesenice and Podstrana?

Pick-up is at 08:30 AM in Krilo Jesenice and 09:00 AM in Podstrana Sv. Martin.

Is there a pick-up option from Le Meridien Lav marina?

Yes. From Le Meridien Lav marina, there is a 09:15 AM sailing option, and it runs twice a week. You should check availability for that departure.

What is included in the tour price?

The included items are the boat trip, lunch, snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls, fuel surcharge, insurance, and Wi-fi.

What does lunch include, and can I choose my meal?

Lunch is served onboard and you can choose your preference when booking: mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger. Lunch also includes salad and bread, and during lunch you get unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice.

Are snorkels and floaties provided?

Yes. Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are provided for the swimming and snorkeling stops.

Where do you swim, and do you enter from the boat?

Swim stops are at anchor. You jump from the boat into the sea and climb back using the ladders.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users.

What should I bring to the trip?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen.

Is there alcohol on board?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, but red wine is served during lunch with unlimited service. Other alcoholic drinks can be purchased.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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