All Inclusive Brac and Solta islands swimming cruise

The best part of this cruise is simple: you spend real time in the sea. After leaving Split, the Polaris anchors in a quiet Brac bay where you can swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, stretch out on a floating toy, or jump from the boat. I like that the water stop is not a rushed photo pause, and I like that the crew serves lunch on board rather than sending you to an expensive restaurant.

The other strong point is the easy mix of activity and downtime. You get a proper stop in Stomorska, a small port on Solta, plus a buffet-style lunch with meat, fish, and vegetarian choices. The main thing to consider is that this is a swimming cruise first, not a sightseeing tour. If you want a long visit to several historic towns or a full circuit of both islands, seven hours will feel limited.

Key points to know before booking

• Two different island stops: Swim in a secluded Brac bay, then walk around Stomorska on Solta.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Morning croissant and coffee are followed by a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian lunch, with beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee or tea.
• Good equipment for a sea day: Paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating toys, and a restroom are provided on board.
• A calm boat, not a party boat: Alcohol is available, but excessive drinking is not accepted and service can be stopped.
• Comfort matters here: The Polaris has shaded seating, sunny deck space, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and room for a maximum of 68 people.
• Plan for the basics: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and water shoes for the rocky shore at Stomorska.

A seven-hour island day from Split

This cruise leaves at 9:30 a.m. from Obala Lazareta in Split’s city port and returns at about 4:30 p.m. The usual position is Dock 7, with check-in opening 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because the port can be busy, and you will want time to find the boat without starting the day in a hurry.

At $133.08 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. The value comes from what is bundled into the day: transport by boat, food, an open bar with beer and wine, soft drinks, morning coffee and a croissant, swimming equipment, paddleboards, Wi-Fi, and a restroom. Once you add a boat transfer, lunch, drinks, and equipment rental separately, the price becomes easier to justify.

The boat carries up to 68 people, though the setup is intended to feel spacious rather than packed. You can choose between shaded areas and sunny deck space, which is useful on a long summer outing. Air conditioning gives you a cooler place to sit when the sun becomes too strong.

Brac: two hours built around swimming

The first major stop is Brac, reached at about 10:30 a.m. The Polaris anchors in a quiet bay with clear water, away from the main city streets and larger sightseeing crowds. This is the heart of the trip, so pack your swimsuit where you can reach it quickly.

You can enter the water from the boat ladder or jump from the side. Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, inflatable toys, and floating mats are available for use. If you prefer not to swim far, you can stay close to the boat, float in the bay, or sit on deck and watch the activity.

The stop lasts about two hours, giving you enough time to try more than one thing. You might begin with snorkeling, switch to a paddleboard, and finish by lying in the shade with a cold drink. Families especially benefit from this flexibility because children can use the floating equipment while adults choose a quieter pace.

The shoreline may be reachable by swimming, but this is not a conventional beach stop with a broad sandy shore. You should expect rocky edges and clear Adriatic water rather than soft sand. Water shoes are a smart addition, especially if you plan to swim toward the beach.

This part of the day is less about seeing a list of sights and more about enjoying the setting. You will not get a long guided tour of Brac. Instead, you get time to use the bay as your own temporary swimming area, with the boat acting as your base.

Lunch underway, with useful choices

At about 1 p.m., the boat leaves Brac for Solta, and lunch is served during the trip. That timing works well because you can eat while the boat is moving instead of losing another island hour at a restaurant.

The meal includes three menu choices: meat, fish, or vegetarian. Vegetarian and vegan options are available when requested during booking, so mention your needs in advance. The food is prepared on board, and the grilled chicken and tuna have received particular praise from people who chose those dishes.

A morning croissant and coffee are also included. Drinks include beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, iced water, coffee, and tea. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included, though they can be purchased separately.

The alcohol policy is worth understanding. This is explicitly not a booze cruise. Beer and wine are part of the relaxed daytime service, but the crew can stop serving anyone who drinks excessively or behaves badly. That makes the boat a better fit for families and anyone who wants conversation, swimming, and a peaceful ride rather than loud partying.

Stomorska on Solta: a short port-town pause

The boat reaches Stomorska on Solta at about 1:30 p.m. You have roughly two hours here, enough for a gentle walk around the little fishing port and a swim from the beach about 100 meters from the boat.

Stomorska is the quieter, more local-feeling stop of the day. The port gives you a chance to get off the boat, stretch your legs, take photos, and look around without turning the visit into a major sightseeing program. You can also walk to the nearby beach if you want another swim.

Do not expect a packed schedule of monuments or museums. The appeal is the small harbor, the easy pace, and the contrast with the open-water stop at Brac. On Sundays or outside the busiest part of the season, some places in town may be closed, so keep your expectations focused on a simple walk and a swim rather than shopping or nightlife.

The beach is close, but the shore can be rocky. Bring water shoes if your feet are sensitive, and keep your towel and sunscreen handy. Since you have already spent time in the water at Brac, Stomorska works nicely as a change of pace.

The Polaris is set up for a long day outside

A boat can make or break this kind of excursion. The Polaris is described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable, with armchair-style seating below, shaded areas, sunny deck space, air conditioning, and a restroom. Those details matter more after several hours in the sun than they do when you first board.

The maximum group size is 68 people. That is not a private charter, but it is also not a giant ferry. The space allows you to move between the dining area, shaded seating, and outdoor decks. If you want a particular type of seat, arriving for check-in when it opens gives you a better chance of choosing your preferred spot.

Wi-Fi is available on board, though the main reason to book is the sea rather than internet access. The crew handles the food service, drinks, equipment, and general tidying during the day. That organized rhythm is helpful because you do not need to keep track of rentals or find lunch between stops.

The atmosphere is intended to be sociable but relaxed. Music may play during the ride, yet the experience is not built around a party crowd. Solo visitors can mingle, while families and mixed-age groups have enough room to find their own pace.

What the day feels like for families and mixed-age groups

This cruise works well for children who can swim or who are comfortable using a boat ladder with adult help. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the floating toys, paddleboards, and snorkel gear add variety beyond simply sitting on deck.

It also suits groups with different energy levels. One person can jump into the water, another can paddle, and someone else can stay in the shade with a book and a drink. The port stop gives non-swimmers a chance to enjoy the day without spending every hour in the water.

The age range that can enjoy this trip is broad, but the sea conditions still matter. The cruise depends on favorable weather, and the operator can change or cancel the outing if conditions are poor. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use, though no specific motion-sickness provision is included in the tour details.

What is included, and what still costs extra

The all-inclusive label covers many practical needs, but not everything. Included are:

• Morning croissant and coffee
• Lunch with meat, fish, or vegetarian choices
• Beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, water, coffee, and tea
• Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and floating water toys
• Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and an onboard restroom
• Taxes, fees, and handling charges

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the port on your own. Strong alcoholic drinks are also not included, although they may be available for purchase.

Bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat. I would add water shoes for the rocky beach and a dry bag or sealed pouch for small valuables. The supplied information does not list lockers, so avoid bringing anything you would worry about leaving unattended while swimming.

How the price compares with the experience

The $133.08 price makes the most sense if you plan to use the inclusions. If you only want a short boat ride and one swim, you may find a cheaper option. If you expect lunch, drinks, equipment, shade, and a full seven hours on the water, this package gives you a clearer total cost.

The two-hour Brac stop is the main value. Many island trips allow only a quick swim before moving on. Here, you have time to swim, use the equipment, rest, and go back into the water without watching the clock every few minutes.

The second value is the onboard meal. You do not need to spend part of your Solta stop searching for a restaurant, and the fish, meat, and vegetarian choices make the meal workable for a mixed group. The cruise also avoids the extra planning involved in arranging transport between Split and two islands.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want a water-focused day with a comfortable boat, included food, and a relaxed schedule. It is a good match for couples, solo visitors, families, and groups with mixed ages.

It also suits anyone who wants to avoid a loud party boat. The crew serves beer and wine, but the stated policy keeps the focus on swimming and enjoying the islands. The calm format is especially useful if you have only one free day in Split and want a broad taste of the Adriatic without committing to a much longer excursion.

I would think twice if your main goal is history, architecture, or extensive island sightseeing. Brac is used for a bay stop rather than a town visit, and Stomorska is a short port walk rather than a full cultural tour. The boat ride itself is scenic, but the schedule is built around swimming and relaxation.

Booking, cancellation, and weather details

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable.

The cruise requires favorable weather and a minimum number of passengers. If weather causes cancellation, or if the minimum is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. If you miss the cruise because you arrive late, no refund is provided, so leave plenty of time to reach Dock 7.

Booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. The activity is offered in English, and most people can participate. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Should you book the Brac and Solta cruise?

Book it if your ideal Croatian day includes clear water, a long swim, a small harbor, lunch on deck, and easy access to drinks and equipment. The schedule gives you enough time to enjoy both water stops without turning the day into a race.

Skip it if you want a detailed island tour, extensive ruins, or a late-night party. For everyone else, the combination of a clean boat, helpful crew, generous swimming time, included lunch, and a manageable seven-hour length makes this a strong use of a day in Split.

FAQ

Where does the Brac and Solta cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Obala Lazareta in Split’s city port. The Polaris usually uses Dock 7, and check-in opens 30 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. departure.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours. It leaves Split at 9:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:30 p.m.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $133.08 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A morning croissant and coffee are included, followed by lunch with a meat, fish, or vegetarian menu. Vegetarian and vegan options can be requested when booking.

What drinks are included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, iced water, coffee, and tea are included. Strong alcoholic drinks are not included but may be available to purchase.

What can I do during the Brac stop?

The boat anchors in a quiet bay on Brac. You can swim, snorkel, use paddleboards and floating toys, jump from the boat, or relax on board.

How much time do I get in Stomorska?

The planned stop in Stomorska on Solta lasts about two hours. You can walk around the port or swim at a beach about 100 meters from the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Water shoes are useful for the rocky shore. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or insufficient bookings may also lead to an alternative date or a full refund. Missing the cruise because of late arrival is not refundable.