Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands with Food and free Drinks

The best thing about this 10-hour catamaran day is the mix: three swim stops, a guided visit to Hvar, and a lively party on the ride home. You are not stuck on a bus all day, and you get both sea time and a taste of one of Croatia’s best-known island towns.

I like the generous food and drink plan, especially the breakfast pastry and coffee, chicken salad, fruit, and cakes. I also like the crew’s friendly, social style, with hosts such as Mia and Manuela helping keep the day moving. The main drawback is the length: with about an hour of cruising back to Split and repeated swim stops, this can feel long if you want a fast Hvar visit.

The swimming begins at Brač, then continues near the Pakleni Islands and Šolta. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included, but alcoholic drinks are served only after the first swim stop. Expect a relaxed morning that gradually turns into a dance party by the end.

Key points to know before you book

• Three swim stops: Swim near Brač, the Pakleni Islands, and Šolta, with goggles and foam noodles available.
• About two hours in Hvar: A guide introduces the old town, followed by about an hour to explore on your own.
• Food throughout the day: Expect a morning pastry, coffee, chicken salad after Hvar, then fruit and homemade cakes later.
• Open bar after the first swim: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included.
• A calm-to-party rhythm: The day starts quietly and often ends with music, dancing, and games on deck.
• Maximum 76 people: The catamaran offers more room than some crowded day boats, but it is still a social group outing.

What this Split catamaran day is really about

This is not a fast transport service from Split to Hvar. It is a full day on the water, with Hvar serving as one part of a longer outing. You will spend plenty of time cruising, relaxing, eating, swimming, and listening to music.

That distinction matters. If your only goal is to see Hvar, a direct ferry gives you more time in town and more control over your schedule. If you want a full Adriatic day with swimming, an open bar, and a built-in social atmosphere, this catamaran makes a stronger case.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. at Obala Lazareta in Split. Meet directly in front of the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5. Several boat companies operate nearby, so check the boat name and join the correct queue rather than boarding the first catamaran you see.

The return is scheduled for the same meeting point around sunset. The full outing lasts about 10 hours, though the exact timing can shift with sea conditions and the day’s schedule.

Brač starts the day with a quiet swim

The first stop is a bay near Brač, reached after a relaxed cruise from Split. You get about an hour to swim in clear water and settle into the pace of the day.

This is a smart opening stop. It gives you a chance to get in the water before the bar opens and before the more social part of the day begins. The boat carries foam noodles and masks for swimming, which is useful if you did not bring your own equipment.

Do not expect a beach excursion with a long shore visit here. The point is the bay and the water, not a detailed visit to Brač. You swim, enjoy the view, and return to the catamaran.

The early food service includes a pastry and coffee. Alcoholic drinks are not served until after this first swim stop, so the morning begins in a calmer way. Bring sunscreen and apply it early. Much of the day is spent exposed to the sun, and the open water offers little shade.

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication with you. The sea can be choppy, and the long stretches between stops may feel rough when the catamaran meets larger swells. Pills are also available from the crew, but it is sensible to prepare before departure.

Hvar combines a guided walk with free time

Hvar is the main sightseeing stop. After arriving at the town, a professional guide leads you around the most important sights in the old town. The guided portion gives you a useful orientation without taking over the whole visit.

You then get about an hour of free time. That is enough for a coffee along the promenade, a quick look through the streets, or souvenir shopping. It is not enough for a deep exploration of every part of Hvar, so plan your priorities before you leave the guide.

I like this arrangement because you receive context first, then get room to wander. A fully guided visit can feel rigid, while free time without any orientation can leave you unsure where to go. Here, you get a short introduction and a chance to choose your own pace.

The timing also creates a tradeoff. Hvar is attractive enough to deserve a longer visit, and you may find yourself wishing you could stay. This excursion treats the town as one stop in a broader sea day, not as the main destination.

Guide quality can shape this part of the outing. Mia and Manuela are among the hosts associated with the experience, and both have been singled out for keeping people informed and involved. You cannot assume which guide will be assigned on your date, but the host is an important part of the day’s tone.

Pakleni Islands bring the second swim

After Hvar, the catamaran heads toward the Pakleni Islands for another swim in a quieter bay. This is one of the strongest parts of the schedule because you move from sightseeing back to open water without returning to Split.

The swim stop lasts about an hour. You can use the supplied masks and noodles, float near the boat, or simply stay on deck and enjoy the view. The setting is more about clear water and relaxation than organized activities.

Lunch is served around this point in the day, after the Hvar visit. The advertised chicken salad is a light salad with pieces of chicken on top, not a mayonnaise-based chicken salad. That distinction is worth knowing if you are expecting something more filling or a specific style of dish.

The food is practical for a boat day. It is not a restaurant lunch, but it gives you something easy to eat without interrupting the schedule. Fruit and homemade cakes arrive later, and a vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

The bar is open by this stage, with unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee included in the price. Drinks can add real value to a long day at sea, especially since you are not constantly buying refreshments at each stop. Still, drink responsibly. The combination of sun, movement, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

Šolta provides one more chance to get in the water

The final swim stop takes place near Šolta on the journey back to Split. It lasts about an hour and keeps the trip from becoming one long ride home after Hvar.

Some people will love having a third chance to swim. Others may find that the three swim stops feel too similar, especially after a full day in the sun. This is the clearest consideration when deciding if the tour suits you. The schedule favors relaxation and repetition over variety.

Fresh fruit and homemade cakes are served during this part of the trip. The open bar remains available, and the atmosphere begins to shift from quiet cruising to music and social time.

You do not need to enter the water at every stop. If you have had enough swimming, use the time to dry off, rest, or find a comfortable spot on deck. The catamaran has bathrooms, which is an important practical comfort on a 10-hour outing.

The ride back turns into the main event

The return to Split includes about an hour of cruising, but the final stretch can feel much longer in spirit. Music goes up, the crew starts games and dancing, and the boat takes on a party mood.

This change in tone is central to the experience. The morning is gentle and scenic. Hvar adds a little culture and town time. The afternoon returns to swimming, drinks, and socializing. By the ride home, the catamaran is less a sightseeing boat and more a floating party.

You should choose your seat with that in mind. If you want a quiet ride, settle into a less central area and bring a light cover for the sun. If you want to meet people and join the dancing, stay near the action as the afternoon progresses.

The party is not limited to one age group, but it does become livelier later in the day. Families can join, and children over two are allowed, yet the open bar and music create an adult-leaning mood by the return journey. I would recommend it most strongly to adults, couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social boat setting.

Food, drinks, and what the $119.72 price buys

At $119.72 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the whole package. You are paying for roughly 10 hours on the water, a Hvar guide, three swim stops, meals and snacks, an open bar, and the staff needed to run a large catamaran day.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, drinks, lunch, and a visit to Hvar. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee can make a noticeable difference over a full day.

The food is more functional than fancy. You get a pastry and coffee in the morning, a chicken salad after Hvar, and fruit and cakes later. If you want a large hot lunch, you may find the meal modest. Eat a good breakfast before boarding, especially if you plan to swim and spend the entire day outside.

The vegetarian option must be requested at booking. That is a small but important detail. Do not wait until lunch to mention it.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would book this for you if you want a ready-made day with little planning. The route covers several attractive places, food and drinks are handled for you, and the crew sets the tone from the first swim to the final music.

It is also a good choice if you are traveling alone or want to meet people. The social setup makes conversation easy, and the music and games create a natural way to join in without arranging anything in advance.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming in open water
• Long days outdoors
• A mix of sightseeing and leisure
• Included drinks and simple meals
• Music, dancing, and a friendly group setting
• Seeing Hvar without arranging a separate ferry and tour

I would hesitate if you want several quiet hours in Hvar, dislike boat motion, or prefer a small private outing. The maximum capacity is 76 people, and while the boat may feel less crowded than some larger day boats, this remains a group experience.

The tour also has a strict group rule: groups larger than 10 people are not allowed on the daily tours. If you are organizing a large gathering, check this before booking.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a light layer for the ride home. The sea can feel cooler and windier once the sun drops, even after a warm afternoon.

Keep your phone protected from spray and bring a small bag that can handle water. You will be moving between the catamaran, swim areas, and Hvar, so avoid carrying more than you need.

Arrive with enough time to identify the Summer Blues boat at dock 4 or 5. The meeting point is easy to reach by public transportation, but the harbor has several operators and queues close together.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 8:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book the Summer Blues catamaran?

Book it if you want a full Adriatic day rather than a simple Hvar transfer. The combination of Brač, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and Šolta gives you varied scenery, while the included meals and drinks keep the day simple.

The strongest reasons to go are the friendly crew, beautiful swimming bays, Hvar orientation, and the relaxed-to-party rhythm. The main cautions are the long duration, possible rough water, limited free time in Hvar, and repeated swim stops.

For an active sightseeing plan, choose a faster Hvar-focused trip. For a social day with swimming, food, drinks, and dancing back toward Split, this is a well-priced choice that makes good use of a full day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split, directly in front of the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately 10 hours and returns to the meeting point in Split.

Are drinks included?

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

What food is served?

The day includes a morning pastry and coffee, chicken salad after the Hvar visit, and fresh fruit and homemade cakes later. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

How much free time do I get in Hvar?

The Hvar portion lasts about two hours, including a guided tour of the old town and approximately one hour of free time.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children above two years old are recommended for this experience. The atmosphere becomes more party-focused later in the day.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.