Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split

A secluded bay, fish sizzling on an outdoor grill, and a fast ride across the Adriatic: this trip is less about ticking off island sights and more about enjoying the water between them. You’ll visit Brac, Hvar, and Solta, with a stop in Stari Grad and time for swimming and snorkeling.

I like two things in particular: the small-group format, with a maximum listed as 11 people, and a lunch that centers on freshly grilled fish and local ingredients rather than a quick stop in a crowded port. The reported captains include Kiki, Duje, Slaven, and Kristian, though your crew may differ.

The trade-off is a lot of speedboat time in one day, and the pace and water activities suit some people better than others. The ride can be bouncy, the tour depends on good weather, and the stated age range is 10 to 60.

At a glance

• Three islands in one day: Visit Brac, Hvar, and Solta from Split, with swimming and snorkeling time along the way.
• Stari Grad on Hvar: Walk around the old town and see the Old Spa House before lunch.
• A locally prepared meal: Expect fresh grilled fish and local ingredients, with organic wine included.
• A small boat, not a ferry: The group is capped at 11 according to the practical details, though the tour description also refers to a limit of 12.
• Water time on Solta: The stop includes swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding at a secluded spot.
• Plan for a full day: The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and lasts about eight to nine hours, weather permitting.

A speedboat day, not an island-hopping ferry route

The boat is a key part of the experience. This is a fast RIB-style vessel with twin engines, built to cover distance quickly and reach coves that larger boats may not use. The seats are described as high and cushioned, with hydraulic suspension, but expect an energetic ride rather than a quiet cruise.

That speed lets the crew link three islands in one day without spending the entire outing in transit. It also makes the journey part of the entertainment: music plays on board, the water rushes past, and the coast changes as you move from one stop to the next. If you prefer slow sailing, this may not be your boat. If you like the thrill of a quick ride and want more than one island, it makes sense.

The group size matters, too. With no more than 11 participants in the practical details, you’re not being herded off a large excursion boat with dozens of people. A small group can make swimming and boarding easier, and the day tends to feel more social. The flip side is that you’ll spend the day close to the same handful of people, so the group dynamic can shape the mood.

Brac starts the island route

The tour leaves from Split’s waterfront at Matejuška, with the meeting point at Trumbićeva obala 1. The day begins at 9:30 a.m., then heads toward the northern side of Brac. The route introduces you to the islands from the water first, with a fast crossing and coastal views rather than a long visit to a major town.

The itinerary gives limited detail about the Brac stop, so think of it as one part of the day’s island route, not a promise of a lengthy shore excursion. The main emphasis is on the coast and water. If your priority is visiting a particular Brac village or landmark, check the exact plan with the operator before booking.

For many people, this is a useful way to get a taste of the islands without arranging several ferry trips and meals on your own. You trade the freedom to linger for the ease of having boat transport and stops organized together.

Stari Grad gives Hvar a human scale

On Hvar, the tour visits Stari Grad, an old town with a more measured pace than a day built around beaches alone. You’ll have time to walk around and see the Old Spa House, then continue to the lunch stop. The visit is not described as a long guided tour, so arrive ready to explore on foot at a relaxed, independent pace.

Stari Grad is a good counterweight to the boat ride. It gives you a brief look at island life on land, rather than making the day a sequence of swimming stops. Still, this is a short visit within a packed route. If you want a deep look at Hvar’s history or a full afternoon in town, plan a separate visit.

The itinerary does not specify how long you’ll have in Stari Grad. That matters if you’re hoping to browse shops, visit several sights, or settle into a café. Treat this as an introduction, not an extended town stay.

Lunch is a major part of the day

The meal is served in a fisherman’s bay and centers on local ingredients and fresh grilled fish. The description also includes organic wine. Some outings have included fish grilled outdoors at a private home, along with dishes such as risotto. One account notes that other food options were available for people who did not want seafood, but you should confirm dietary needs before booking rather than assume a particular alternative.

This meal is more than a practical refuel between stops. A relaxed lunch in a quiet bay is a very different experience from eating in a busy harbor restaurant, and it gives the day a local, personal feel. The setting and food are among the tour’s strongest reasons to choose it over a lower-priced boat trip that focuses only on transport and swimming.

The exact menu can change with the day and what is available. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator in advance. The tour information highlights seafood and wine, not a fixed menu or a guaranteed set of substitutions.

Solta is for swimming, snorkeling, and slowing down

The final island stop is Solta, where the plan is to spend time in a secluded spot. You can swim, snorkel, or try stand-up paddleboarding. The itinerary describes a secret snorkeling location, and some outings have included a sunken ship to see from the water. That wreck is a memorable detail, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed feature on every departure.

There is a simple pleasure to having the gear and time to get into the water without arranging a separate activity. You can swim if you want to keep things easy, or snorkel and paddleboard if you’re keen to be more active. The tour’s value depends in part on conditions: clear water and calm weather help, while rough seas can affect both the ride and the stops.

A few trips have also had a small boat pull alongside to sell mojitos. That is an entertaining extra, not something to count on as part of the package. Bring money if that kind of optional drink sounds appealing, but check prices and payment details with the crew.

What the nine-hour day feels like

The tour runs about eight to nine hours, with one listed duration of nine hours. Starting at 9:30 a.m. puts you on the water for most of the day, though the exact return time can shift with conditions and the pace of the outing. The activity ends back at the Split meeting point.

You’ll move between boat travel, a walk in Stari Grad, lunch, and water stops. That variety keeps the day from feeling like one long ride, but it also means you should not expect to spend hours in any one place. The route is designed to give you a broad sample of the islands, not a slow, thorough visit to each.

The crew is part of the experience. Captains named on past trips include Kiki, Duje, Slaven, and Kristian, and accounts describe a friendly, accommodating style, with music on the boat. The person guiding your day may be different, so take those names as examples rather than a guarantee.

What to bring, and what to consider

The boat’s speed can make the air feel cool even when the sun is strong. That can be deceptive, especially while you’re sitting in the wind for long stretches. Use sun protection and bring whatever you normally need for a full day outside. Swimwear is a practical choice given the planned water stops.

Expect some motion. The cushioned seats may make the ride more comfortable, but this is still a fast boat, not a smooth, slow ferry. If you are sensitive to bouncing or sea conditions, consider whether the ride sounds appealing before booking.

The tour is listed for people aged 10 to 60, and most people can participate. It requires good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are unsafe. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants. If either condition prevents departure, the stated options are another date or a refund.

Is $203.82 good value?

At $203.82 per person, this costs more than a basic boat transfer or a simple island cruise. The value comes from combining transport to three islands, a small group, water activities, a Stari Grad visit, and a seafood lunch with wine. If you would otherwise book separate transport, meals, and activities, the package can make practical sense.

You are also paying for a particular style of day: fast travel, smaller stops, and time away from the busiest ports. That appeal is less important if you mainly want to reach one island and explore at your own pace. In that case, a ferry and a night on the island may offer better value.

The trip is often booked well in advance, around 52 days on average. If your dates are fixed, it is sensible to plan ahead. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations are handled separately, with a different date or full refund offered.

Who should book this boat trip?

I’d choose this if you want an active, social day on the water and care as much about the ride, lunch, and swim stops as you do about sightseeing. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who are comfortable spending a full day with a small group and are happy to move at the tour’s pace.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet boat, a long visit to Hvar, or full control over the day’s schedule. Families should check the stated age range, and anyone concerned about motion or weather should weigh the speedboat format carefully.

Book it for the combination: a fast run from Split, a short walk in Stari Grad, a locally prepared meal, and a chance to swim around Solta. Skip it if you would rather travel slowly and spend your time on just one island.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Trumbićeva obala 1, 21000 Split, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is eight to nine hours. One itinerary description gives a nine-hour duration.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Brac, Hvar, and Solta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a lunch featuring fresh grilled fish and local ingredients, along with organic wine.

What water activities are available?

At the Solta stop, you can swim, snorkel, and use a stand-up paddleboard.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If bad weather or a minimum-participant issue cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.