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

This is a full day of island scenery and swimming, with Hvar supplying the sightseeing and Brač, Pakleni and Šolta supplying the sea time. The smooth-running Summer Blues catamaran gives you room to sit, sunbathe or join the music on the return trip.

I like the generous food and drink plan, especially the fresh fruit, cake, coffee, pastry and chicken salad lunch. I also like the crew-led atmosphere. Hosts such as Mia and Manuela are praised for keeping the day lively without forcing everyone into party mode. The main consideration is time: Hvar gets about two hours, while each swim stop may be closer to 30 to 40 minutes depending on the day.

Key points at a glance

• Three swim stops: Cool off near Brač, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta, with one stop also suitable for snorkeling.
• Hvar with structure and freedom: A short guided walk introduces the old town, followed by about an hour to explore on your own.
• A real all-inclusive setup: Water, soft drinks, coffee, beer and wine are included, with alcohol served after the first swim stop.
• Comfortable group size: The catamaran carries up to 78 people, but the boat has been described as spacious rather than cramped.
• Food throughout the day: Expect a welcome pastry, chicken salad lunch, fruit and cake, with a vegetarian cheese option available by pre-order.
• Music changes with the mood: The trip begins quietly enough for sightseeing and swimming, then can turn into a small dance party on the way back.

The basic shape of the day from Split

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split 30 minutes before departure. The day lasts about 10 hours, usually running from the morning into the early evening, with the exact starting time depending on availability.

The plan mixes long stretches on the water with short bursts of sightseeing and swimming. That balance matters. You are not spending the entire day rushing from port to port, but you are also not committing to a single island and missing the wider Dalmatian coast.

The boat carries a maximum of 78 people. That is not an intimate sailing trip, but the catamaran has enough room for sitting, stretching out and walking around. Several people specifically appreciated the clean toilets and the fact that the crew cleaned the deck after swimming and food service.

You should arrive early if shade or a table matters to you. The boat has places to sit and sunbathe, but the most desirable spots go first.

Brač begins the swimming schedule

The first major stop is near Brač, with about an hour set aside for swimming. This is a smart way to begin the day. You have spent the first part of the morning getting out from Split, and the first swim gives you a chance to cool down before the island sightseeing starts.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, since the day moves quickly once you board. You should also pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. Pool noodles and goggles may be available, though one person found that there were not enough noodles for everyone, so do not rely on having one.

Brač is used here as a sea stop rather than a town visit. That means you will not get a full introduction to the island itself. The reward is simple: time in clear Adriatic water, a chance to float, and an easy start to a long day in the sun.

Alcohol is not served during this first swimming period. Beer and wine become available after the first swim stop, along with unlimited water, soft drinks and coffee.

Hvar gives the day its cultural center

After roughly an hour of sailing, you reach Hvar Island and continue to the town of Hvar. This is the most structured part of the outing.

A live English-speaking guide leads a short tour through the old town and points out the main sights. The walk is brief rather than exhaustive, but that is useful on a boat day. You get enough context to understand the town, then about an hour of free time to wander on your own.

I like this format better than simply being dropped at the harbor with no help. A short introduction gives you your bearings quickly, while the free time lets you choose your pace. You might look around the old streets, find a café or simply enjoy the waterfront before returning to the boat.

The walking portion can be harder to hear in a large group, especially without a microphone. Stay close to the guide if you want the explanations. The quality of the walk also depends partly on the guide assigned that day. Manuela and several other hosts receive warm praise for being friendly and helpful, while one person felt their walking tour was the least useful part of the schedule.

The two hours in Hvar are enough for an overview, not enough for a deep visit. If Hvar is your main reason for coming to Croatia, stay on the island for several days instead. If you want a taste of the town added to a day of swimming, this arrangement works well.

Pakleni supplies the secluded bay

The next stop is one of the Pakleni Islands, where the catamaran anchors in a secluded bay for swimming. This is often the most scenic kind of stop on the route, since the point is to enjoy the water and surrounding islands rather than visit a town.

You will have about an hour in the area, although the exact swimming time can change. Some departures have provided three stops of around 30 to 40 minutes rather than three full 40-minute sessions. That is worth knowing if you want long, unhurried swims.

The crew serves a light lunch around this part of the day. The standard meal includes a chicken salad and sandwich, with a pastry containing cheese and a vegetarian cheese meal available if you pre-order it. Fresh fruit and cake are also served later.

The food is generous enough for a day on the water, though it is not a restaurant lunch. If you need a large meal or prefer plenty of choice, set your expectations accordingly. A few people wanted more meat or more lunch options, while others found the quality and quantity very good for the price.

Šolta is the final chance to get wet

Šolta is the last listed stop, with around 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. By this stage, you have had the guided town visit, lunch and a couple of sea stops, so the final swim works as a relaxed finish before the return crossing.

The three swim locations can feel similar if you are not especially interested in swimming. You are visiting beautiful bays, but you are not touring three different towns or taking part in a separate activity at each stop. I would book this trip for the water first, with Hvar as the cultural extra.

For swimmers, the repeated stops are the main appeal. You can get back into the sea several times instead of spending a whole day sitting on a boat. For non-swimmers, the catamaran ride and island views may still be pleasant, but the itinerary offers less variety once the Hvar walk is finished.

After Šolta, the boat takes roughly 45 minutes to return to Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. Fresh fruit and homemade cake are served on board, and the music usually becomes more energetic as the afternoon ends.

The boat has two personalities

The Summer Blues catamaran shifts tone during the day. Early on, the mood is relaxed, with breakfast items, coffee, scenery and time to settle in. Later, the music rises and the open area can become a dance floor.

That split is one of the tour’s best features. You can join the dancing on the way back, or sit away from it and watch the coast pass. The crew adjusts the music to the group, starting slower and quieter before moving toward more party-oriented selections.

The music is not for everyone. Some people loved the playlist and the dance session, while one person would have preferred beach music to techno. If you want a silent sailing trip, this is not the right choice. If you like the option of music and social energy without a party boat from breakfast onward, the format is more flexible.

The staff receive some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. Mia is repeatedly singled out for her energy and warmth, and Manuela is praised for her helpful, professional manner. Bepo and Bogdan are also named among the crew members who help keep the day running smoothly.

Food and drinks: strong value, with sensible limits

At $116 per person, the price makes the most sense when you use the inclusions. You are paying for a 10-hour catamaran trip, the Hvar guide, three swim stops, food, snacks and unlimited drinks.

The food service includes:

• Coffee and a pastry with cheese
• Chicken salad and sandwich lunch
• A vegetarian cheese alternative by pre-order
• Fresh fruit
• Cake and homemade pastries

Water and soft drinks are available throughout. Beer and wine are included after the first swimming stop. That can add up quickly on a long hot day, especially if you would otherwise buy drinks at each port or bring them aboard separately.

I would not book this as a gourmet food tour. The lunch is light, and some people found it could be more substantial. Still, the combination of fresh food, snacks and an open drink plan makes the cost easier to justify than a basic boat ride where every drink is extra.

One practical point: the timing of lunch may not always feel perfect. On one departure, lunch was served shortly before another swim stop. That is not a serious problem, but you may prefer to swim first and eat afterward.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing if you want to cover several Dalmatian highlights in one day without arranging ferries, meals and separate guides yourself.

It suits:

• Couples looking for a social day on the water
• Solo visitors who want an easy way to meet people
• Families with children older than two
• Swimmers who want several chances to get into the sea
• Visitors staying in Split who want a taste of Hvar
• People who enjoy music but still want quiet time during the day

The age mix can include couples, families and younger groups. It is not presented as an adults-only party cruise, and the boat does not seem designed solely around drinking. Alcohol is included, but the day begins with sightseeing and swimming rather than an immediate bar atmosphere.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Pets are not allowed. Groups of more than 10 people are not permitted on the daily tours, and the operator can refuse boarding without a refund if a group breaks that policy.

How to prepare for ten hours in the sun

Wear swimwear beneath an easy layer and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen. You will want dry clothes for the return to Split, especially if you spend much of the day in the water.

Arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point. This is particularly useful if you want a shaded seat or table. The boat can carry 78 people, and while it has been described as roomy, the best spots are still limited.

If you want the vegetarian meal, arrange it before departure. Do not wait until lunch service. Also keep in mind that alcoholic drinks begin only after the first swim stop.

The trip is weather-sensitive in the ordinary way that all boat trips are. The operator has been willing to help reschedule when a poor forecast affects the sailing, but you should still check the cancellation terms when booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

The value of seeing four islands in one day

The itinerary covers a lot, but it does not pretend to offer a full visit to every island. Brač, Pakleni and Šolta are primarily swim stops. Hvar is the only place where you leave the boat for a guided town visit and independent exploration.

That is exactly why I see this as a sampler day. You get the blue water, the old-town streets, the views from the catamaran and a little onboard entertainment without the work of planning each piece. The compromise is limited time at every stop.

The route also gives you a better sense of Dalmatia’s geography. Instead of seeing Split as an isolated base, you spend the day moving among islands and bays, watching the coast change from the water. At sunset, with a drink and music on the return, the day has a clear ending rather than simply stopping after lunch.

Should you book the Summer Blues catamaran?

Book it if you want a social, all-inclusive day at sea with repeated swimming, a short Hvar tour and a lively return trip. The crew, boat space, schedule and food plan make the $116 fare good value, especially if you would otherwise purchase drinks and lunch separately.

Think twice if you want a quiet private boat, a long independent visit to Hvar, or several different cultural stops. You should also skip it if swimming is not appealing, since much of the day revolves around getting into the water.

For most visitors based in Split, I would put this near the top of the day-trip list. Just arrive early for shade, pre-order the vegetarian meal if needed, pack proper sun protection and treat Hvar as an introduction rather than a full island visit.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long does the excursion last?

The experience lasts 10 hours. Check availability for the departure time on your chosen date.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Brač Island, Hvar Island, the Pakleni Islands and Šolta. Brač, Pakleni and Šolta are used for swimming, while Hvar includes a guided town tour and free time.

Is food included?

Yes. The package includes coffee, a cheese pastry, chicken salad and sandwich lunch, fresh fruit and cake. A vegetarian cheese meal can be pre-ordered.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, soft drinks and coffee are included. Beer and wine are served after the first swim stop.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is recommended for children older than two years.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.