Split: Hvar, Pakleni, Brač & Šolta All-inclusive Tour

This is a full day at sea with a useful change of pace: you get a guided look at Hvar town, then time to wander on your own, plus swimming stops around Brač, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta. I like that the day combines sightseeing and open-water breaks rather than making you choose between them. I also like that meals and unlimited drinks are part of the $116 price, so you do not have to keep reaching for your wallet on board.

The main trade-off is time. This is a 10-hour group outing, and Hvar gets about two hours for the guided walk and independent exploring combined. The swim stops are a major part of the day, but their length can vary, and the boat’s music and party mood on the way back will suit some people more than others.

At a glance

• Three island swimming stops: Swim near Brač, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta, with a planned snorkeling stop at Šolta.
• A guided hour in Hvar town: See key sights with an English-speaking guide, then explore on your own.
• Food and drinks included: Coffee, a cheese pastry, chicken salad lunch, fruit, cake, water, soft drinks, wine and beer are included.
• A social boat atmosphere: Hosts such as Mia and Manuela help keep the day lively, with music on the return to Split.
• A sizeable group, but a roomy boat: The catamaran takes up to 78 people, and has seating, room to relax and onboard toilets.
• Plan for a long day in the sun: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

A full day, not a quick island hop

The Summer Blues mega catamaran trip leaves from Obala Lazareta 1 in Split and lasts around 10 hours. It is built for variety: some sightseeing, a lot of time on the water, several swims, meals and drinks, and a social atmosphere that may grow livelier as the day goes on.

That mix makes the tour a good fit if you want to see several places without organizing ferries, meals and transfers yourself. The boat carries up to 78 people, but the catamaran is described as spacious, with room to sit, relax or move around. If having a table or shade matters to you, arrive early at the meeting point, 30 minutes before departure, and board promptly.

This is not a quiet private charter. You share the boat with a group, and music is part of the experience. The crew can adjust the mood, beginning more quietly and building toward a more party-like return. You can join in or simply sit back and watch the coast pass.

Brač sets the tone with a swim

The first listed stop is Brač, with about an hour set aside for swimming. The goal here is not a town visit or a formal tour. It is a chance to get into the Adriatic early, cool off and begin the day at an unhurried pace.

After the stop, the boat continues toward Hvar. The transfer is listed as about an hour, giving you time to dry off, enjoy a drink and take in the views from the catamaran. The crew serves alcoholic drinks only after the first swim stop, so expect water and soft drinks to be the options before then.

Bring your own towel and swimwear, and pack sun protection where you can reach it. You will spend much of the day outdoors, and the pleasure of an open-deck boat comes with direct sun. The boat’s size and slower pace are part of its relaxed character, but they also mean this is a day cruise rather than a fast taxi between islands.

Hvar combines a guided walk with free time

Hvar is the main land-based stop. A local guide leads a short tour of the old town and points out its important sights, followed by free time. The whole visit is listed at around two hours, including both parts, so it gives you a useful introduction without turning the outing into a long walking tour.

I like this arrangement for a first visit. A guide helps you get oriented and notice details you might otherwise pass, while the independent hour lets you set your own pace. You can use that time for a stroll, a break or a closer look at a place that caught your eye during the walk.

Keep expectations sensible: this is a brief introduction, not an in-depth historical tour. The guide’s explanations may be harder to hear in a group, especially if the town is busy, so stay close if you want to catch the details. The short format is still valuable because it gives Hvar a real place in the day, rather than treating it as a view from the boat.

The balance here is a matter of taste. If Hvar is your priority, two hours may feel short. If you are mainly booking for swimming and time at sea, the guided walk is a pleasant change of scene rather than the centerpiece.

Pakleni Islands bring another swim stop

From Hvar, the catamaran heads to the Pakleni Islands for a swim in a secluded bay. This is one of the day’s most appealing contrasts: after the walk and streets of Hvar, you are back in the water, with an island setting around you and time to cool off.

The stop is listed at about an hour, though the actual time in the water can be shorter. The schedule can vary, and some departures may divide the available swimming time differently across the day. Treat the posted itinerary as a guide to the day’s shape, not a promise that every swim will last exactly the same amount of time.

Lunch is served around this part of the trip. The included meal is a chicken salad, with a cheese option available if you pre-order a vegetarian meal. There is also a cheese pastry, plus fruit and cake on board. The food is a practical part of the value, though it is a light meal rather than a full restaurant lunch. If you have a large appetite, consider eating a good breakfast before departure.

Šolta adds a final chance to get in the water

The itinerary includes a 45-minute stop near Šolta for swimming and snorkeling. By this point, you have already had time in the water at Brač and the Pakleni Islands, so this stop gives you one last chance to swim before the return leg.

The three swim locations are the main reason to book this trip if you love time in the sea. The settings are described as scenic bays, but the stops are primarily for swimming, not extended visits ashore. If you would rather spend the day touring towns, this may feel like too much of the same activity. If you are happiest with a towel, a swim and a view, it is a strong part of the day.

The scheduled transfer back toward Split is around 45 minutes. Fresh fruit and cake are served on board, and music becomes a bigger part of the return. Some people may want to dance; others can settle into a seat and enjoy the sunset and coastline. The boat’s social mood is a bonus, not an obligation.

Food, drinks and the real value of $116

At $116 per person, this is more than a basic boat transfer. The price includes the Hvar walking tour, transport between the stops, food, coffee, unlimited water and soft drinks, and unlimited wine and beer after the first swim stop. Fruit, cake and musical entertainment are included too.

That bundle matters on a 10-hour outing. On a less inclusive cruise, buying lunch and several drinks separately can add up. Here, you can focus on the day without keeping track of each order. The food is described as fresh and generous by some people, while others would prefer a more substantial lunch or more choice. That is a fair expectation to set: the meal is convenient and included, but it is not a multi-course feast.

For vegetarians, the cheese alternative needs to be requested in advance. The stated meal option is cheese instead of chicken, so contact the provider before the trip if you have other dietary needs. Do not assume that every preference can be accommodated.

What the boat atmosphere is really like

The crew is a major part of the experience. Hosts including Mia and Manuela are praised for their energy and helpfulness, and the crew works to keep the day organized and welcoming. The tour also runs on a clear schedule, which matters when several stops and transfers need to fit into a long day.

The atmosphere is flexible, but not silent. Music plays on board, and it can become more upbeat on the way back. People who like a sociable boat day will likely appreciate that. If you want a quiet cruise, bring that expectation down a notch, or choose a trip designed around a smaller, calmer group.

The catamaran has onboard toilets, and the crew works to keep the boat clean. Still, upkeep can vary during a full day with repeated swimming, food and drink service. Do not count on a shower, as one is not specified. The maximum group size is 78, so this is not an intimate sail with just a handful of people, even if the boat’s layout gives you room to spread out.

Practical details before you book

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, 30 minutes before departure. The tour is in English and is recommended for children older than two. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. You may want a light cover-up for time on the boat, but the essentials are the items needed for sun and swimming. Alcohol is served after the first swim stop, so plan accordingly if you prefer to avoid it.

Groups larger than 10 people are not allowed on the daily tours. If you are travelling with a larger party, check the provider’s group rules before booking rather than assuming the group can split up on the day. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which gives you some flexibility if plans change.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this trip if I wanted a full day that mixes Hvar town with plenty of time at sea, and I valued having food and drinks covered in the price. It also works well for solo visitors or couples who enjoy meeting people, and for families whose children are comfortable with a long day on a boat.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, small-group cruise, a long stay in Hvar, a substantial lunch or a detailed historical tour. The same is true if several swim stops sound repetitive rather than relaxing. You are paying for a broad, social island day, not a deep visit to one place.

For most people looking to combine a taste of Hvar with swimming around the islands, the package makes practical sense. The standout value is the combination of transfers, guided time, several swim opportunities and unlimited drinks. Book it if that sounds like your ideal day in Dalmatia, and arrive ready for sun, salt water and a lively ride home.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, beginning and ending at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Brač, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta.

How much time is spent in Hvar?

The Hvar visit is listed at about two hours, including a guided tour and free time to explore.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Coffee, a cheese pastry, chicken salad lunch, fruit, cake, water, soft drinks, wine and beer are included. Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop.

Is there a vegetarian meal?

A vegetarian meal can be pre-ordered, with cheese instead of chicken.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia, 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Is the tour suitable for children and wheelchair users?

The tour is recommended for children older than two, but it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel, and are pets allowed?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Pets are not allowed.