All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise

The best part of this Split boat trip is simple: you get a long swim in clear Adriatic water without giving up a proper lunch, shade, a restroom, or a comfortable place to sit. The Polaris leaves Split at 9:30 a.m., visits a quiet bay on Brac, then calls at the small port of Stomorska on Solta before returning around 4:30 p.m.

I like the generous swimming time and the fact that paddleboards, floating toys, and snorkeling equipment are included. I also like the calm, family-friendly mood. This is not designed as a party boat, and the crew may stop serving alcohol if drinking becomes a problem. The main consideration is that the sightseeing is light: much of the day is spent on or in the water, not touring inland villages or major historic sights.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different island stops: Swim from the boat in a quiet Brac bay, then walk around Stomorska on Solta.
• A proper all-inclusive setup: Morning croissant and coffee, a choice of lunch, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are covered.
• Good equipment for water time: Paddleboards, snorkel gear, inflatables, and other water toys are available at no extra charge.
• Comfortable boat facilities: The Polaris has shaded and sunny seating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a restroom.
• A sensible seven-hour length: You get a full sea day without committing to a 10-hour excursion.
• Best for swimmers and relaxed families: The strongest part of the day is the water, not detailed island sightseeing.

Why this cruise works so well from Split

Split is surrounded by excellent day-trip choices, but many boat excursions demand a full day and a lot of travel time. This one keeps the schedule to about seven hours. That leaves you enough evening for dinner in Split, yet gives you the feeling of a real island outing.

The price is $133.08 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach the islands, but it covers much more than transport. You receive a morning snack, lunch, an open bar with beer and wine, soft drinks, equipment for swimming, and use of the boat’s facilities. Once you add the cost of a meal, drinks, and water equipment on your own, the fare becomes easier to justify.

The boat holds a maximum of 68 people. That is not a tiny private charter, but the Polaris is described as spacious, clean, and not overfilled. You can choose between sunny areas and shade, including comfortable indoor seating. This matters on a warm Croatian day, when a few hours without shelter can turn a pleasant trip into hard work.

The operator is clear about the mood: this is not a booze cruise. You can have beer or wine with lunch and during the day, but excessive drinking or rude behavior is not accepted. That makes the cruise a better fit for families, couples, solo visitors, and mixed-age groups who want music and conversation without a floating nightclub.

Meeting the Polaris at Split port

The usual meeting point is Dock 7 at the Split city port, at Obala Lazareta. Check-in begins 30 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. departure, so I would arrive early rather than rush through the busy waterfront.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the port, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The port is near public transportation, but the key practical detail is the dock number. Split’s waterfront can be busy, so allow time to find the right boarding area.

The morning begins with a croissant and coffee. It is not a full breakfast, but it takes the edge off before the first swim. Coffee and tea are also available during the day, along with water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

The boat, seating, and onboard comfort

The Polaris is central to the experience. A boat can make or break an island cruise, especially when you spend several hours aboard. Here, you have a mix of shaded seating, open sun decks, armchairs, and indoor areas with air conditioning.

I would claim a shaded spot early if you burn easily, then move around as the day changes. The top deck is useful for views and sunshine, while the lower seating areas offer relief when the sun gets strong. Wi-Fi and a restroom are available, which is a real advantage over smaller boats with limited facilities.

The boat is presented as clean and well maintained, and the crew handles sailing, food service, and tidying throughout the day. That kind of quiet organization matters. You do not want to spend a day at sea wondering where to find water, how lunch will work, or when you can use the facilities.

Music adds some atmosphere, but the mood remains relaxed. The boat is social without being built around drinking games or loud entertainment. Solo visitors can mingle, while families have room to settle in without the day feeling too formal.

Brac at 10:30, a quiet bay made for swimming

After about an hour at sea, the Polaris anchors in a secluded bay on Brac. The exact bay can vary, but the plan is consistent: you spend about two hours swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and using the water equipment.

This is the strongest part of the cruise if you enjoy being in the sea. You can enter by ladder or jump from the boat, then use a paddleboard, snorkel equipment, floating mats, and other inflatables. The water is described as clear, and you might swim toward a small beach depending on the anchorage.

You should bring water shoes if you plan to reach the beach. The shoreline can be rocky, and the shoes make getting in and out more comfortable. A towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat are also specifically worth packing.

Two hours gives you time to try several activities without feeling hurried. You can swim, take a turn on a paddleboard, snorkel for a while, then retreat to the deck. If you prefer not to get wet, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view from the shade.

There is one trade-off: this is a water stop rather than a Brac sightseeing visit. You will not be touring a town or visiting a famous inland attraction. If your priority is architecture, museums, or a guided look at island life, this will feel limited. If your priority is clear water and a relaxed swim, the long stop is exactly what you want.

Lunch underway between Brac and Solta

At about 1 p.m., the boat leaves Brac and heads toward Solta. Lunch is served on the way, which makes good use of the sailing time. You choose from three menu types: meat, fish, or vegetarian. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should note dietary needs when booking.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. Specific dishes mentioned include tuna steak and grilled chicken, with the chicken described as succulent. The meal is prepared aboard, and the crew also takes care with food allergies. If you have an allergy, state it in advance rather than waiting until lunchtime.

The open bar includes beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, and iced water. Strong spirits are not included, though they may be purchased. The sensible approach is to think of the drinks as a pleasant part of lunch and the cruise, not the purpose of the trip.

Lunch also gives you a chance to sit down properly. Some boat tours hand out a basic snack or leave you to buy food at a crowded port. Here, the meal is part of the day’s structure, and you do not lose island time searching for a restaurant.

Stomorska on Solta, a small port with free time

The Polaris reaches Stomorska on Solta at about 1:30 p.m. You have roughly two hours here, a generous amount for a small fishing village.

Stomorska is best approached as a quiet port walk, not a major sightseeing stop. You can stroll along the waterfront, look at the boats, and explore the village at your own pace. A beach is about 100 meters from the boat, so you can swim again if you prefer the shore to the vessel.

This stop gives the day some variety. Brac is about water and open space, while Stomorska lets you put your shoes back on and get a feel for a smaller island settlement. You are not being pushed through a list of monuments. You simply have time to walk, sit, swim, and look around.

The village may feel very quiet outside the main season or on a Sunday, when some places can be closed. That is not necessarily a flaw, but you should know what you are getting. Stomorska is a sleepy port, not a shopping district or a major cultural center.

If you want a beach visit, pack water shoes and keep an eye on the clock. The tour does not include a guided walk, so the value of this stop comes from having free time rather than from a formal presentation.

The return sail to Split

At 3:30 p.m., the boat begins the return journey. This final hour is a chance to dry off, enjoy the views, and use the remaining drinks service. Some people may want a sunny seat for the ride back, while others will appreciate the air conditioning and shade.

Dolphin sightings have occurred on the return route, but they are an occasional bonus, not something to expect. The same applies to the weather. The crew can adjust the plan when conditions change, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Arrival in Split is scheduled for about 4:30 p.m. The timing is useful if you want to keep your evening open. It also makes this trip easier to fit into a short stay than a longer island cruise.

Is $133.08 good value?

For a basic boat ride, $133.08 is a high price. For a seven-hour package with food, drinks, swimming equipment, and a comfortable vessel, the calculation is better.

You are paying for:

• Transport between Split, Brac, and Solta
• A two-hour swimming stop
• Paddleboards, snorkel equipment, and inflatables
• A cooked lunch with meat, fish, or vegetarian choices
• Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea
• Morning croissant and coffee
• Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a restroom

The strongest value comes if you will actually use the equipment and drinks. Someone who plans to sit quietly and skip lunch will find the price harder to defend. A family that wants a safe, organized day with food already handled may find it more reasonable.

The maximum group size of 68 means this is not a private yacht outing. Still, the vessel’s space and the reports of comfortable seating help soften that concern. If you want a tiny group and a custom route, look elsewhere. If you want an organized day where you do not need to arrange every detail, this package makes sense.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and mixed-age groups who want a low-stress day on the water. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the water toys and paddleboards give active children something to do between swims.

It also works well for people who want a boat outing but do not want to spend 10 hours away from Split. The seven-hour schedule is one of its clearest advantages.

You should think twice if you dislike swimming, have difficulty boarding a boat, or want a history-focused island tour. Most of the day involves sea time, and the two island stops are deliberately easygoing. The tour is also weather dependent, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Book at least a few days ahead if possible. The experience is often reserved about 11 days before departure, and minimum passenger numbers apply. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. If weather prevents departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Missing the boat because a cruise ship arrives late is not covered, so cruise passengers should allow a large time buffer.

Final verdict: a strong choice for a relaxed sea day

I like this cruise because it understands what many people really want from a day around Split: clear water, room to sit, a decent meal, and enough time to enjoy the sea without being hurried from one photo stop to the next.

The Brac swim is the main event. Stomorska adds a pleasant village walk, while the onboard lunch and open bar keep the day simple. The boat is comfortable, the crew is attentive, and the family-friendly rules help protect the relaxed mood.

Book it if you want swimming, food, and easy island time in one package. Skip it if you are seeking major sights, a private boat, or a party atmosphere. For most visitors who want a balanced seven-hour escape from Split, it is a well-organized and useful choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Obala Lazareta in Split, usually at Dock 7 in the city port. Check-in opens 30 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. departure.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours. It departs Split at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to return around 4:30 p.m.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The boat visits Brac and Solta. On Brac, it anchors in a bay for swimming. On Solta, it docks at Stomorska, where you have free time to explore or visit a nearby beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served aboard the boat between Brac and Solta. You can choose from meat, fish, or vegetarian menus. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, iced water, coffee, and tea are included. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included but may be available to purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, floating equipment, and other water toys are available for use during the swimming stop.

Is this a party boat?

No. The experience is intended as a relaxed cruise, not a drinking party. The crew can stop serving alcohol if someone drinks excessively or behaves inappropriately.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or experience, or a full refund.