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

Split’s Santa Maria pirate ship gives you a simple pleasure: seeing the city from the water, with the breeze in your face and Marjan Hill rising behind you. The 90-minute cruise passes Kašuni and Bačvice beaches, includes drinks, and makes time for a swim and snorkel stop.

I like the mix of easy sightseeing and water time, especially for a hot afternoon. I also like the price, about $32 per person, which covers the cruise, drinks, and snorkeling gear. The main drawback is that 1.5 hours goes quickly, and the ladder into the water may be awkward for some people.

At a glance

• Pirate ship setting: Sail aboard the Santa Maria rather than a plain harbor boat.
• Split from offshore: See Marjan Hill, Kašuni Beach, Bačvice Beach, and the city receding behind you.
• Drinks included: Water, juice, red wine, and white wine are available on board.
• Swimming stop: Plan on time in a clear Adriatic bay, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Friendly English service: Sunny Split Travel provides an English-speaking host or greeter, while the captain looks after the boat.
• Good short outing: The 90-minute length fits neatly into a morning, afternoon, or evening in Split.

Setting sail beside Split’s old harbor

You meet beside the Santa Maria and show your ticket before boarding. The meeting point is next to the ship, and the cruise returns to that same spot, so you do not need to arrange separate transportation at either end.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. A pirate ship gives the outing a playful look and makes photos more memorable than they would be from a standard motorboat. Find a comfortable place on board before departure, then settle in as Split begins to pull away.

This is not a full-day sailing trip or a serious nautical expedition. It is a short coastal cruise built around views, drinks, and a swim. That distinction matters. You are paying for a relaxed break from city streets, not an in-depth tour of the Dalmatian coast.

As the Santa Maria heads out, turn your attention back toward Split. Marjan Hill overlooks the city and gives the shoreline a strong natural frame. From the water, you get a useful sense of how the city sits between the hills and the Adriatic, a view that is hard to appreciate from the lanes of the old center.

Marjan Hill and the beaches from offshore

The first part of the cruise is best for photographs. Split gradually disappears behind you, while the coast opens up around the boat. You can photograph the Santa Maria itself, pose with Split in the background, or simply watch the pebble beaches and open water slide past.

Kašuni Beach is one of the coastal points you can see from the boat. Its pebble shore and clear water show the sort of swimming coast that makes this side of Croatia so popular. Bačvice Beach also comes into view, giving you a different look at Split’s shore.

Do not expect a narrated sightseeing tour packed with facts. The focus is visual and social. The English-speaking host or greeter helps with the basic experience, while the captain is available during the cruise. One particularly positive detail is the captain’s personal approach. A captain who takes time to talk with people can make a short outing feel more welcoming.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure around the water. The best images may come early, when Split is still clearly behind you, and later when the pirate ship itself provides the subject. You will have only 90 minutes, so taking a few photographs and then putting the camera away is a sensible plan.

Drinks, fresh air, and a relaxed pace

Water, juice, red wine, and white wine are included. A glass of white wine fits the mood especially well as the boat cruises along the coast, though you can choose a nonalcoholic drink if that suits you better.

The drinks are a useful part of the value. At $32, you are not paying only for a boat ride. You also get a beverage and snorkeling equipment, with no separate charge listed for those items. For a short excursion in a popular coastal city, that makes the price reasonable, particularly if you want something light rather than a long organized day out.

The pace is intentionally unhurried. You can sit, look out over the Adriatic, chat with the captain or other people on board, and enjoy the air. This makes the trip a good fit after a morning of walking around Diocletian’s Palace, when you want to see more of Split without adding another demanding activity.

Do keep your expectations in check. The included drinks are part of the casual boat service, not a formal wine tasting. The cruise also does not promise a meal, a sunset departure, or live entertainment. Check the available starting time when you book, since the schedule can change.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

The Santa Maria stops near one of Split’s beaches so you can swim and snorkel. The water is described as clear, and snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and equipment.

This stop changes the feel of the outing. Instead of only looking at the coast, you get a chance to experience the Adriatic from the water. You can check below the surface for marine life, swim near the boat, or stay on board and enjoy the sun. You are not required to enter the water.

One useful detail is the amount of time. A recent outing allowed about 20 minutes for swimming in a pleasant bay. That is enough for a refreshing dip, but not enough for a long snorkel session or a leisurely beach visit. Think of it as a break in the cruise, not the main event.

The ladder deserves attention. Getting into the water may be straightforward, but climbing back onto the boat can be difficult for some people. If you have limited strength, balance, or mobility, consider staying on board or asking the crew for help before entering. The supplied information does not describe an accessible boarding system, so anyone with specific mobility needs should ask Sunny Split Travel before booking.

Wear swimwear, as requested, and consider bringing a towel even though it is not specifically listed among the required items. Since only swimwear is named in the instructions, you should also avoid assuming that other personal items are supplied.

A lucky chance to spot dolphins

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but one outing included dolphins near the boat. The captain stopped so people could watch them after they were spotted, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the moment.

That story says something useful about the experience. The captain appears willing to respond to what is happening around the boat instead of rushing through a fixed route. Still, treat dolphins as a bonus, not a promised feature. The regular plan is coastal scenery, drinks, and a swim stop.

The same flexible attitude can make the cruise feel more personal. A short trip benefits from a captain who pays attention to the people on board, answers questions, and keeps an eye on comfort. You should not book this expecting a private charter, but the captain’s interaction can add warmth to a shared boat ride.

How the 90-minute schedule works

The cruise follows a compact pattern:

• You meet beside the Santa Maria, show your ticket, and board.
• The ship leaves Split and moves along the coast.
• Drinks are available during the outward and return portions of the trip.
• You see Marjan Hill, Kašuni Beach, Bačvice Beach, pebble shores, and the Adriatic.
• The boat stops near a beach for swimming and snorkeling.
• You return to the original meeting point.

Because the route is short, timing matters. A late arrival could mean missing the departure, and the schedule may change if starting times are adjusted. Confirm the current time before setting out.

The short duration is also a strength. You can fit the trip between other plans without giving up half a day. It works well for couples wanting a scenic break, families who need an activity with a clear end time, and solo visitors who want an easy way to get on the water.

For a full beach day, choose something longer. For a quick look at Split from offshore, this schedule is well judged.

What the $32 price really buys

At roughly $32 per person, the Santa Maria cruise sits in the affordable range for a boat-based Split activity. The value comes from combining several small extras: a themed boat, coastal sightseeing, included drinks, a swim stop, and snorkeling equipment.

The cruise is especially good value if you plan to use the water stop. If you remain on board for the whole outing, the price still covers the views and drinks, but part of what you are paying for goes unused. The same is true if you dislike short group cruises and prefer a quiet private boat.

I would compare this trip with your daily plans rather than judging it by duration alone. A 90-minute cruise can be worthwhile on a hot day when you need a rest from walking. It can also fill an awkward gap before dinner or after checking out of accommodation.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure gives you some protection if your schedule changes. You can also reserve the spot and pay later, which helps when you are arranging several activities in Split. Starting times are subject to change, and you should expect to be contacted if that happens.

Who should book the Santa Maria?

I would recommend this cruise if you want:

• A short and scenic introduction to Split’s coastline
• A playful pirate ship for photographs
• A swim and snorkel stop without committing to a full beach day
• Drinks included in the basic price
• An English-language experience with a relaxed atmosphere
• A simple outing that begins and ends in the same place

It suits people who enjoy sitting outdoors, taking photographs, and mixing sightseeing with a little time in the water. It is also a sensible choice for anyone with only a few hours free.

I would think twice if you need a long snorkel session, dislike shared boat outings, or find boat ladders difficult to use. The swimming stop is brief, and the ship may not meet every mobility need. Also, dolphin sightings are possible but not part of the regular promise.

Practical advice before you go

Wear swimwear from the start. The instructions specifically call for it, and changing space may not be described, so arriving ready for the water is easiest.

Check the departure time on the day of the cruise. The stated starting time can change, and the operator will contact you if it does. Arrive at the meeting point beside the ship with your ticket ready.

Keep valuables secure and protect your phone from splashes. Bring any personal towel or sun protection you need, since the provided inclusions are listed as drinks and snorkeling equipment.

If you are unsure about swimming, remember that you can stay on board during the stop. If you do enter the water, be prepared for the ladder when climbing back onto the Santa Maria. Take your time rather than trying to rush up while the boat is moving with the water.

Should you book this Split pirate ship cruise?

Book it if you want an easy 90-minute escape from the city with attractive coastal views, included drinks, and a short chance to swim. The Santa Maria adds character, and the captain’s friendly service can make the trip feel more relaxed than a basic sightseeing boat.

Skip it if you want a long sailing day, extensive snorkeling, or a detailed guided tour. For everyone else, $32 is a fair price for a compact Adriatic outing that combines Split’s shoreline with time on the water. Check the departure time, bring swimwear, and treat dolphins as a lucky extra rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

How long is the Santa Maria cruise?

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $32 per person.

Where does the cruise begin?

You meet next to the Santa Maria ship and show your ticket before boarding.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the original meeting point.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity.

What should I bring?

You should bring swimwear.

What language is used during the activity?

The host or greeter speaks English, and English is the listed activity language.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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