A day on the water is the easiest kind of vacation. This all-inclusive swimming cruise takes you out of Split for island time on the Adriatic, with Brač and Šolta as the two big draws. You get a real meal, an open bar, and gear for getting in the water.

I especially like how the schedule gives you both sailing views and actual time to swim, plus the deck setup makes it easy to find your spot and stay comfortable. One thing to consider: Solta is mostly about the fishing-village feel and beach-adjacent time, so if you’re craving nonstop sights and shopping, you may find it a bit quieter than you expect.

Key highlights at a glance

• Brač swim stop with long free time off the boat, plus snorkeling support and floating gear
• Solta, docked at Stomorska, with a charming little port right by the water
• Open bar all day on the cruise, including soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks
• 3-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian), served in a proper sit-down style
• Water toys included like paddleboards and air water toys for an active day without planning

Entering Boat Polaris: Finding the right rhythm in Split

Starting in Split is simple. The boat is docked at Split city port at Obala Lazareta 3, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole, so you can get there, check in, and settle without a complicated pickup. The day runs for about 7 hours, with departure at 9:30 AM and return around 4:30 PM.

On board, you are free to choose where you want to hang out. I like that it is not a forced, step-on-step-off experience. You can stay on the spacious decks for the sea views, or move inside when you want a break from sun and salt air.

Also, the vibe is very practical. There is an English host or greeter, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible, which helps if you need a smoother boarding day. Just note the boat has rules, like no indoor smoking and no speakers, so plan on a quieter, calmer day than some party cruises.

The timing that makes this cruise feel like a real beach day

The itinerary is built around the right big moments, not just transportation.

First, you cruise for about 1 hour toward Brač, then the captain anchors in a scheduled bay. You get over 2 hours of free time there for swimming and snorkeling options. That long stop is the heart of the experience, because the Adriatic conditions can be stunning when the boat is sitting still.

Lunch lands at sea. At 1:00 PM, the boat departs for Šolta, and you eat during the travel. Then at 1:45 PM you arrive at Stomorska on Solta, where you can either wander the small harbor area or go straight into the water close to the boat.

From 3:30 PM you head back toward Split, and you are back around 4:30 PM. There is also time built in for a traditional village break with drinks, which adds a little cultural flavor without turning the day into a tour marathon.

Brac: the swim stop that sets your expectations

If your main goal is swimming, Brac is where this cruise pays off. After a one-hour sail from Split, the captain anchors in a planned bay, which means you are not fighting for time between stops. You get a couple of hours that are mostly yours: swim, snorkel, float, jump from the boat, or just float and watch the coastline.

What I like here is the practical setup. Snorkeling equipment is included, plus paddleboards and air water toys are on board. That matters because you are not stuck with one option. If you want to float, you can. If you want movement, you can. If you want a calmer swim, you can stay shallow and take your time.

Water clarity is a big part of the attraction, and the itinerary is timed to get you into those open-water conditions while the boat is anchored. When the sea is calm, you get that glassy feeling that makes the whole day feel effortless.

One caution: boat jumps are part of the fun on some days, and the water can vary by spot. If you are not comfortable entering water from a boat, focus on the areas where you can swim in a controlled way and use the included floats for extra ease.

Solta and Stomorska: fishing-village time with beach access

Solta is the second chapter, and it plays a different role than Brac. You arrive at Stomorska at 1:45 PM and the boat docks in a small fishing village area, close enough that you can choose what kind of time you want: a walk around the port area, or swimming near the boat.

This stop is ideal if you like a slower pace. Stomorska feels local, with a small harbor and a straightforward seaside layout. You do not need to plan an excursion, because the village is right there, and the water is easy to reach.

The potential drawback is also pretty clear: Solta is not a full-day city visit. If your dream day is nonstop sightseeing, this part of the schedule may feel like more of a reset and swim-and-stroll session. On the other hand, that is exactly why many people love it. It helps the day stay relaxed instead of turning into a checklist.

Tip: wear something you can rinse off easily. A towel and a quick-change kit make Stomorska much more comfortable, especially if you want to do both a swim and a little walking.

The food and open bar: where “all-inclusive” actually matters

This is one of the best parts of the cruise because it takes the mental load off you. You are not searching for lunch after a swim. You are not paying for drinks as you go. The day includes a morning croissant, plus coffee and welcome refreshments, and then a full meal later.

Lunch is 3-course and flexible: fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus salad and dessert. The key detail is that it is not just a snack. It is a proper sit-down meal, which makes a huge difference on a sea day when you burn energy and you start craving real food.

Then there is the open bar during the cruise, with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks. This is the kind of included perk that feels valuable because it supports the whole rhythm of the day. You can keep it casual, or you can sip a beer and feel like you are on vacation. Either way, you are not breaking your own budget mid-trip.

If you want to keep things smooth, plan to hydrate alongside drinks. The sun can hit hard even when the sea breeze feels refreshing.

Water toys and snorkeling gear: how to make the most of your swim time

This cruise is made for people who enjoy being in the water, and it is thoughtful about gear. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are paddleboards and air water toys for easy fun.

What that means for you is choice without planning. If you are confident and want to try snorkeling, you can. If you are more into floating and chilling, you can use the floats and spend time at a comfortable pace. If you want something active, paddleboards are there.

The deck setup helps too. You can jump between sun and shade without feeling like you have to pack up and move constantly. I also appreciate the “keep it going” feel, because the crew keeps the day moving while still letting you enjoy long stretches of free time.

One more practical note: bring sea shoes if you have them. They are helpful for beachy entries, and one common tip is that Solta’s water access can be more comfortable with protective footwear.

Traditional village break: a short stop with local drinks

Between the island time, there is also a traditional village break with refreshments, including beer, coffee, and wine. The time is about 1 hour, so think of this as a gentle palate cleanser between sea segments, not a full cultural immersion.

This kind of stop can be underrated. You get a break from being on a boat deck, you see a bit of land life, and you can reset before the final cruise back. It also helps break up the day so it does not feel like only swimming followed by more swimming.

If you prefer movement, you might find a short walk there more satisfying than staying seated. If you prefer comfort, use it for a drink, a coffee break, and time out of the sun.

Price and value: is $121 per person a good deal?

At $121 per person for a 7-hour day, you are paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for the full package: boat day, island stops, lunch, and drinks plus water gear.

Here is what you get that makes the value feel real:

• Boat cruise with multiple stops and anchored swim time
• Brač and Šolta visits, including a docked village on Solta
• Open bar with soft drinks, beer, local wine, and hot drinks
• 3-course lunch with a dessert
• Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and air water toys

For Split, you can spend money quickly once you add lunch plus paid beach rentals plus a couple drinks. This cruise bundles those costs into one price. That is why it feels like a “budget stays sane” option, even though you are spending a full day on the water.

Also, the boat is described as comfortable and not overcrowded. That matters with day cruises. A calm, roomy boat day is not just nicer, it often means better swim time because you feel less rushed.

What to bring, and boat rules that affect your comfort

Keep your prep simple. You will want:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen (highly recommended)
• Camera and a change of clothes if you like

The cruise includes the gear for swimming and snorkeling, but your personal comfort items are on you. Sunscreen and a hat are the big two, because long deck time plus reflected light off water can sneak up fast.

Boat rules are pretty standard but worth noting:

• No indoor smoking
• No speakers
• No party groups
• Outside alcohol and drugs are not allowed

So if you want to enjoy drinks, stick to the included open bar instead of bringing your own.

Who should book this Split to Brac and Solta cruise

This is a great fit if you want a low-effort day with high reward:

• You want swimming first, sightseeing second.
• You like having an included meal and open bar so your day stays simple.
• You want island scenery without needing a car or ferry planning.

It is less ideal if:

• You hate the idea of entering the water from a boat.
• You want a big, packed city-style itinerary with lots of walking and major landmarks.
• You are looking for a loud nightlife atmosphere. The rules keep it calmer.

If you are traveling with friends or family, the structure is friendly because you can each choose how you want to spend the free time, without everyone needing to coordinate every moment.

Should you book this cruise?

I think you should book it if your perfect day in Split sounds like a boat, a long swim, good food, and no mental math. The itinerary is built around the things that make a sea day worth it, two islands, real time in the water, and an all-inclusive setup that keeps you comfortable and fed.

Book this one if you care about value as much as scenery. Paying once for the boat, lunch, drinks, and water gear often beats piecing everything together on your own.

If your focus is mostly on land sightseeing and you would rather skip boat swimming, you may feel this is too swim-forward. But if you can enjoy the sea and you want a relaxed island day, this is one of the smarter ways to spend 7 hours.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start in Split?

The boat is docked at Split city port at Obala Lazareta 3, in front of Gat Svetog Nikole.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

It departs at 9:30 AM and you arrive back at around 4:30 PM.

What islands does the cruise visit?

You visit Brač and Šolta, with a stop in Stomorska on Šolta.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes the boat ride, island visits, free time for swimming and exploring, a croissant in the morning, an open bar (soft drinks, beer, wine, hot drinks), snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, air water toys, and a 3-course lunch.

Is lunch included, and what choices are there?

Yes, lunch is included. It is a 3-course meal with fish, meat, or vegetarian options, plus salad and dessert.

Is pickup included?

No pickup service is included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Sunscreen is also a good idea.

Can children join, and how does pricing work?

Children aged 0 to 3 can join for free, and children aged 3 to 12 receive a 50% discount.