Split: Cruise on Columbo’s Pirate Ship “Santa Maria”

The best part of this Split cruise is the change of viewpoint: the city slips behind you, and its beaches and Marjan Hill come into view from the Adriatic. On the Santa Maria, a pirate-style ship, the short trip feels more like a seaside outing than a standard ride across the water.

I like two things in particular: drinks are included, so you can settle in with water, juice, or wine, and the cruise makes time for a swim and snorkel stop. One consideration: getting back aboard by ladder may be awkward, especially if you find climbing difficult.

Key points to know before you sail

• Split looks different from the water: You’ll see Marjan Hill above the city and pass views of Kašuni and Bačvice beaches.
• The trip lasts 1.5 hours: It’s a compact way to get out on the Adriatic without giving up half a day.
• A swim stop is part of the outing: Bring swimwear if you want to get in. Snorkeling equipment is included.
• Drinks come with the cruise: Choose from water, juice, red wine, or white wine.
• The captain can make the trip feel personal: The captain has been praised for attentive service and good conversation, and once stopped the boat after dolphins appeared.
• The ladder deserves a thought: Getting into and out of the sea can take some effort, so consider your comfort with climbing before booking.

Setting sail on the Santa Maria

You meet beside the ship, show your ticket, and board the Santa Maria. Once you’re settled, the boat heads out from Split toward the Adriatic. The meeting point is also where the trip ends, so there’s no separate return location to arrange.

The pirate-ship look gives the outing a playful frame, though the main attraction is the coast itself. Find a place to sit, take in the breeze, and watch Split recede. If you’re after a quick break from city streets and sightseeing on foot, even this short stretch offshore changes the pace.

There’s no need to treat the boat as a formal sightseeing vessel. The point is to enjoy the ride, take photos, and spend a little time on the water. I’d arrive ready to relax rather than expecting a detailed history talk: the information provided describes an English-speaking host, but doesn’t promise a narrated tour or name a guide.

The shoreline from Marjan Hill to the beaches

As the boat moves away from the city, look back toward Split and up to Marjan Hill, which overlooks the city. From the sea, the hill gives you a useful sense of how the city meets the coast, while the shoreline opens into a succession of beaches and Adriatic views.

Kašuni Beach and Bačvice Beach are among the sights you may see from the boat. The views make this a pleasant option if you want to appreciate Split’s waterfront without setting out for a long coastal walk. Bring a camera if you like taking pictures: you can frame the ship with the city behind you, or turn outward for open-water shots.

The cruise offers a view, not a beach visit at each named spot. The boat stops near one beach for swimming and snorkeling, but the information doesn’t specify which beach or promise a stop at both Kašuni and Bačvice. Treat those names as part of the coastal scenery, not as separate shore excursions.

Drinks, photos, and a relaxed ride

Water, juice, and red and white wine are included. That is a modest but useful perk on a short cruise: you can enjoy a drink without needing to plan a separate refreshment stop. A glass of white wine fits the leisurely mood, while water or juice makes sense if you plan to swim.

The onboard bar is available during the ride, and drinks are served on the way out and back. One outing also allowed passengers to bring their own strawberry drinks, but don’t assume that outside drinks are always permitted. If bringing something matters to you, check with the provider before boarding.

Photos are part of the appeal. The Santa Maria itself makes a distinctive subject, and the Split skyline and Marjan Hill give you a strong backdrop. Take a few pictures before the swim stop, when you’re dry and have your hands free. Afterward, you may prefer to settle back in and enjoy the ride rather than fuss with your phone.

The swim stop: a short splash, not a beach day

The cruise pauses near a beach so you can swim or snorkel in the clear water. Snorkeling equipment is included, which means you don’t need to bring your own mask and snorkel to take part. If you’d rather stay aboard, that’s fine too: the stop is also a chance to relax on the ship and enjoy the warmth.

Plan for a brief swim rather than a long stretch ashore. One sailing included about 20 minutes in a bay, but the exact stop and timing may vary. There is no indication that passengers go onto the beach, so think of this as a swim from the boat, not a visit to the sand or pebbles.

The ladder is worth considering. It can be hard to climb back out of the water, so you’ll want to feel comfortable using it before you jump in. If you have any doubt, ask the crew about boarding and the ladder before you swim. You can always stay aboard and still enjoy the views.

Bring swimwear if you want to get into the water. The supplied information doesn’t list towels, so plan accordingly if you’ll want one afterward. It also doesn’t specify water depth, the type of seabed, or how many snorkel stops there will be. The safe expectation is one stop near a beach, with time to swim or snorkel if conditions and timing allow.

Dolphins are a bonus, not the plan

Dolphins appeared during one outing, and the captain stopped so passengers could watch them. That’s a lovely example of how a small boat trip can feel more spontaneous than a fixed sightseeing circuit. But wildlife is never a scheduled feature here, so don’t book expecting to see dolphins.

The captain’s attentiveness is one of the more valuable parts of this experience. The captain has been praised for looking after passengers and making time for conversation. That kind of personal touch can make a short cruise feel warmer and less mechanical, especially if you’re curious about life on the coast.

At the same time, there’s no named captain or guide in the information provided. The host speaks English, which should help with basic communication, but the cruise isn’t described as a guided history lesson. Go for the sea, the views, and the easy onboard atmosphere.

Is $32 a fair price for 1.5 hours?

At $32 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to add a short boat outing to a Split visit. You’re paying for the ride, a stop to swim or snorkel, the use of snorkeling equipment, and drinks. That makes the fare more useful than a simple point-to-point boat transfer, particularly if you take advantage of the included refreshments and get in the water.

The value depends on what you want from your time. If you’re looking for a low-effort coastal break, the mix of views, drinks, and swimming is a good fit. If you want a long day at sea, several island stops, or a detailed account of local history, this 1.5-hour trip is not designed for that.

It can also fit neatly between other plans because it doesn’t take up a full morning or afternoon. Still, starting times can change, and the provider will contact you if yours does. Leave some flexibility in your schedule rather than planning a tight connection immediately afterward.

Who should book this cruise?

I’d consider the Santa Maria for anyone who wants to see Split from offshore and enjoy a brief swim without organizing a private boat. It suits couples, friends, and families who like being on the water, though anyone joining should be comfortable with the possibility of climbing a ladder to return aboard.

It’s especially appealing if you want a relaxed activity rather than a packed excursion. The boat, the coastline, and the swim stop are the main event. The dolphin sighting is an occasional extra, and the captain’s friendly attention can add a human touch, but neither should be treated as guaranteed.

You may want to choose another outing if the ladder would be a problem or if you need a longer, more structured tour. The available information doesn’t provide details about step-free access or assistance getting in and out of the water, so ask Sunny Split Travel before booking if those points matter to you.

Booking details worth checking

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, and you should check availability for departure times. The meeting point is beside the ship, and the cruise returns to that same point. The host or greeter speaks English.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Starting times may change, with notice provided if that happens. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim; water, juice, red and white wine, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Should you book the Santa Maria?

Book this cruise if you want a short, easy outing that combines a pirate-style boat, coastal views, included drinks, and a chance to swim or snorkel. At $32, it offers a pleasant change of pace from exploring Split on foot, with enough time at sea to feel like a break but not enough to take over your day.

Skip it if climbing a boat ladder is a concern, or if you’re seeking a full coastal tour with extensive stops and narration. For everyone else, bring swimwear, keep your schedule flexible, and enjoy the city from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Santa Maria cruise?

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours. Check availability for current starting times.

Where does the cruise start and end?

You meet beside the ship, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What drinks are included?

Water, juice, red wine, and white wine are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Should I bring swimwear?

Yes, bring swimwear if you plan to swim or snorkel during the stop.

What sights can I see from the boat?

You can see Split from the sea, including views of Marjan Hill, Kašuni Beach, and Bačvice Beach.

Can I cancel my booking?

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