Podstrana: Full-Day Boat Trip to Brač and Shipwreck Kontesa

The best part of this trip is its mix of Sutivan village time and open-water swimming. You get a real island stop, then a relaxed afternoon at sea with a fresh BBQ, snorkels, floaties, and a view of the shipwreck Kontesa. I like the spacious boat and the generous meal, and I also like that the day feels unhurried rather than crammed with quick photo stops.

The main thing to consider is water access. At the swimming stops, you jump from the boat and climb back up ladders, so this is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or anyone who dislikes boat movement. Seasickness can also be an issue on a full day at sea.

Key points to know before booking

• Sutivan gives you time on land: Explore this attractive Brač town at your own pace before returning to the boat.
• The BBQ is included: Choose mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, with salad, bread, water, orange juice, and red wine during lunch.
• Swimming happens from the boat: Ladders provide access back aboard, but you must be comfortable jumping into open water.
• Kontesa adds a clear goal to the afternoon: Anchor near the shipwreck off Šolta for snorkeling and swimming.
• The boat has room to spread out: The trip is designed for a full day without the cramped feel common on some island excursions.
• Timing matters: Pick-up is at 8:30 AM in Krilo Jesenice or 9:00 AM at Podstrana Sveti Martin, with a possible 9:15 AM departure from Le Méridien Lav marina twice a week.

A full day between Brač and Šolta

At $71 per person, this is priced as a full-day outing rather than a short transfer with a swim stop attached. You get the boat ride, fuel surcharge, insurance, Wi-Fi, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and floaties in the basic price. That makes the cost reasonable if you plan to spend a day on the water anyway.

You should think of this as a social boat trip, not a private sailing charter. The boat has been praised for having plenty of room and avoiding an overcrowded feel, but the exact number of people can vary by departure. You’ll share the day with other passengers, eat lunch aboard, and use common swimming equipment.

The schedule begins in the morning from either Krilo Jesenice or Podstrana Sveti Martin. If you are staying at Le Méridien Lav, you can use local public transport toward Omiš, with five bus stops noted from the hotel area, or use free parking in Sveti Martin. Free parking is also available in Krilo Jesenice.

Pick the correct time when you book. The regular options are 8:30 AM from Krilo Jesenice and 9:00 AM from Podstrana Sveti Martin. A departure from the Le Méridien Lav marina is available twice weekly when scheduled, usually at 9:15 AM. These are early starts, but you need the full day to fit in the village stop, lunch, two swimming areas, and the return sail.

The morning sail to Sutivan

The first part of the trip is a pleasant introduction to the boat and the crew. You receive a welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, and juice while sailing toward Brač. That small breakfast touch is useful because you are leaving early and lunch is still several hours away.

Sutivan is the main land stop. Here, you leave the boat and explore on your own rather than following a tightly managed walking tour. That gives you the freedom to stroll through the town, sit for a drink if you wish, or simply enjoy the waterfront before heading back.

I like this stop because it breaks up the day. A boat trip made up only of open water and swimming can start to feel repetitive, especially for families. Sutivan gives you solid ground, a chance to stretch your legs, and a look at a Brač settlement rather than only its coastline.

Your time is independent, so you should keep an eye on the return instructions and meeting point. No guided sightseeing details are provided, which is good if you prefer to wander but less useful if you want a formal history lesson. The focus here is atmosphere and free time, not a detailed cultural tour.

One particularly appealing idea is to walk west from the center. You might find small local businesses and homes selling island products, including olive oil. That kind of unplanned discovery can be more rewarding than a fixed list of sights, though you should not wander so far that you risk missing the boat.

Swimming in a Brač bay while lunch is prepared

After Sutivan, the boat heads to a quieter bay around Brač. The boat anchors, and you can enter the sea using the ladders on the side. This is the first major swimming break, and it gives the chef time to prepare lunch on board.

The water is described as clear, and the provided snorkels let you look below the surface without bringing your own kit. Floaties and water polo balls are also available, which gives children and casual swimmers something to do while stronger swimmers move farther from the boat.

This setup is relaxing, but it has a firm limit: you cannot simply walk into shallow water from a beach. You jump from the boat and climb back up the ladders. If you are nervous in open water, ask yourself whether you would be comfortable doing that several times before booking.

Parents should consider the same point for children. One family reported that a 9-year-old loved the trip, and another family with older daughters found the pace easy to enjoy. Still, the tour is officially not suitable for non-swimmers, so children must be confident in the sea and able to follow instructions around the boat.

The water stop also depends on sea conditions. One passenger noted that the crew was comforting and helpful when the swells became uncomfortable. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the possibility of motion sickness. If you are prone to it, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a seat with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon.

A fresh BBQ lunch served on board

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to compare this trip favorably with cheaper boat rides. The meal is prepared fresh on board and served after the first swimming stop. You choose from mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, with salad and bread.

During lunch, red wine, water, and orange juice are served without an extra charge. The included red wine is worth noting because the general conditions say alcoholic drinks are not included, but lunch specifically includes unlimited red wine. Other snacks and alcoholic drinks are not part of the package and may be available to buy.

You must email your lunch choice after booking so the crew can order the food. Do not leave this until the last moment. If you are vegetarian or have a strong preference, sending the choice promptly helps avoid confusion on the day.

The meal is not restaurant dining, and you should not book expecting an elaborate menu. Its value comes from eating a hot, freshly prepared dish while anchored off an island, with the sea around you and no need to find a restaurant during the busiest part of the day.

The food has earned especially strong praise, with grilled fish singled out as a favorite. The meal also adds a welcome sense of occasion to the trip. After swimming, a generous lunch on deck feels far more satisfying than a packed sandwich eaten between stops.

Sailing toward Šolta and shipwreck Kontesa

After lunch, the boat continues toward Šolta and the shipwreck Kontesa. The wreck gives the afternoon a clear focus, even if your main interest is simply swimming in clear water rather than examining the boat underwater.

The boat anchors near Kontesa for snorkeling and another swim. You can use the provided snorkels and floaties, then climb back aboard when you are ready. This is not a beach visit, so the same ladder and open-water conditions apply.

The shipwreck setting adds variety to the second half of the day. Instead of repeating the first swim stop exactly, you have a different point of interest to look toward while in the water. Visibility and sea conditions will affect how much you can see, so treat the wreck as an added feature rather than a guaranteed underwater tour.

I would bring a waterproof phone case or a proper camera if underwater pictures matter to you. A regular camera is listed among the suggested items, but the boat trip does not promise a dedicated photography service. You will also want sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. The sun can feel strong on the water, even when the breeze makes the air seem cooler.

Why the boat and crew matter

A long day at sea succeeds or fails on comfort. The boat has been described as spacious, with enough room for people to sit without feeling packed together. That matters more than it might sound. You have several hours aboard, including the meal and the return sail, so a little personal space makes the day easier.

The crew and captain provide explanations in English, and the trip has been praised for clear instructions and punctual departures. The crew is also described as friendly and attentive, with a willingness to chat rather than simply move passengers from one stop to the next.

That personal feel can be especially useful when conditions become less comfortable. If the sea gets choppy, crew support and clear directions make a difference. Still, the boat cannot control the weather, so you should accept that the ride may be bumpier on some days.

The trip also suits families better than many fast, tightly packed speedboat outings. The spacious boat, included floaties, water polo balls, and relaxed schedule give children more ways to occupy themselves. The swimming requirements remain important, but families with confident swimmers should find the format manageable.

What to pack for the day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. I would add a dry change of clothes, though it is not specifically listed, because you will be boarding after swimming and spending the rest of the day on the boat.

Wear something comfortable for the walk around Sutivan. You may spend only a portion of the day on land, but sensible footwear will make that stop easier than staying in wet flip-flops.

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear or floaties unless you prefer your own. Equipment is provided, along with water polo balls. Wi-Fi is also included, although the real attraction is getting away from the road and spending time outdoors.

Pets are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Apart from the red wine served with lunch, do not assume that drinks or snacks are included. Bring any required personal medication, especially if you are concerned about seasickness.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several different experiences in one day: a Brač town, a cooked lunch, open-water swimming, snorkeling, and a shipwreck stop. It offers more variety than a simple coastal cruise and less structure than a formal sightseeing tour.

It is also a good match for families with confident swimmers. The 9-year-old who called it the best day of the week gives you a useful clue about the appeal: there is enough action for children, but the pace is not frantic. Older children and adults can make good use of the snorkels, floaties, and swimming areas.

Couples and friends who value food and time in the water should also find the price appealing. The boat is comfortable enough for a full day, and the lunch saves you from paying separately at a restaurant. If you enjoy meeting people and talking with the crew, the friendly onboard atmosphere is another plus.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet private cruise, a beach with an easy walk into the water, or a detailed guided tour of island history. I would also choose another activity if you do not swim, dislike climbing ladders, or often feel ill at sea.

Is the $71 price good value?

For $71, you are paying for a full day rather than a short scenic ride. The price includes the boat, fuel surcharge, insurance, Wi-Fi, lunch, snorkeling gear, floaties, and water during lunch. You also receive the welcome schnapps, donut, and juice, plus the return watermelon.

The strongest value comes from the combination of food and time. A separate boat ride, lunch, and organized visit to Brač could cost more, while this trip handles the transport between stops. The fresh BBQ and included wine make the package feel generous, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch and drinks separately.

The value is lower if you plan to skip swimming or only want to see Sutivan. Much of the day is spent sailing and using the water around the boat, so the price makes the most sense for someone who will take part in those activities.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility while planning, but the practical details still matter: select the right departure point and send your meal choice after booking.

Should you book the Brač and Kontesa boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-priced, full-day island outing with a comfortable boat, a real village stop, fresh grilled food, and plenty of swimming. The combination of Sutivan and Kontesa keeps the day varied, while the spacious boat and friendly crew help make the long hours aboard pleasant.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, prone to seasickness, or uncomfortable jumping into the sea and climbing ladders. For everyone else, especially families and anyone looking for a relaxed day away from the mainland, this is a strong choice at $71.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

You can depart from Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 AM or Podstrana Sveti Martin at 9:00 AM. A 9:15 AM departure from the Le Méridien Lav marina is available twice a week when scheduled.

What islands does the trip visit?

The trip sails to Brač and Šolta. You visit the town of Sutivan on Brač, swim in a Brač bay, and later stop near the shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes your choice of mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, along with salad and bread. Water, orange juice, and unlimited red wine are served during lunch.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are provided. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera.

Can non-swimmers join the trip?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. At the swimming stops, you jump from the boat into the sea and return using ladders.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the boat access and the ladder entry and exit at the swimming stops.