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

The best thing about this 10-hour catamaran cruise from Split is its mix of sea time and sightseeing. You get three swim stops around Brač, the Pakleni Islands, and Šolta, plus about two hours in Hvar, so the day is not just a ferry ride with a quick photo stop. By the return trip, the calm boat day turns into a lively music party.

I like the clear structure: three chances to swim in the Adriatic, with noodles and snorkeling masks available, and a useful visit to Hvar rather than a rushed hour ashore. I also like that lunch, coffee, pastries, fruit, cakes, and unlimited drinks are included. The main drawback is the length. Ten hours is a lot of time on a boat, and the three swimming stops may feel similar if you prefer more time in towns.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swim stops: Stop near Brač, at the Pakleni Islands, and around Šolta, with masks and foam noodles available.
• Two hours in Hvar: A guide introduces the old town before you get about an hour to explore independently.
• Food throughout the day: Expect a morning pastry and coffee, chicken salad for lunch, then fruit and homemade cakes or muffins later.
• Open bar after the first swim: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included, with alcohol served only after the first swim stop.
• Party on the way home: Music, dancing, games, and a sunset return give the final part a much more social feel.
• Moderate-size catamaran: The boat carries up to 76 people, although the actual number can vary by departure.

A full Adriatic day from Split

This is a boat day first and a sightseeing trip second. You leave Split at 8:30 a.m., spend much of the morning and afternoon on the water, visit Hvar, and return to the same harbor around sunset after roughly 10 hours.

That format works well if you want to see several parts of the Dalmatian coast without arranging ferries, taxis, beach transfers, and meals yourself. The route gives you views from the water, three places to swim, and enough time in Hvar to get a feel for the town.

It is not the best choice if you want a serious historical tour of Hvar or a quiet sailing experience. The commentary is limited outside Hvar, and the music becomes a major part of the return ride. Think of it as a social island cruise with sightseeing built in.

The boat is the Summer Blues catamaran. Meet it directly at dock 4 or 5 at Obala Lazareta 1, in Split’s harbor. Pay attention to the boat name and the queue, since several companies board near one another.

Brač begins the swimming day

The first stop is a bay near Brač, reached after a relaxed cruise from Split. You get about an hour to swim and sit in the clear water, with views of the surrounding islands from the boat.

This is a good opening stop because it breaks up the morning ride before Hvar. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, since you will not want to waste the short stop looking for somewhere to change. A towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also useful, especially because there is a fair amount of open-air boat time.

The morning begins with coffee and a pastry. This is a simple touch, but it matters on an early start. The bar does not serve alcoholic drinks until after this first swim stop, so the opening hours feel more like a breakfast cruise than a party boat.

The sea can be choppy. One useful caution is to bring motion sickness medicine if you are prone to it. Crew members reportedly keep motion sickness pills on board, but carrying your own is still the safer plan, and you can ask the crew if you need help.

Hvar gives the day its cultural pause

After the first swim, the catamaran continues to Hvar. The town portion lasts about two hours, including a guided introduction to the main sights and free time to explore on your own.

The guided walk helps you get your bearings quickly. You can see the central attractions, hear basic context about the old town, and then use your independent hour for a coffee along the promenade, a look through the streets, or souvenir shopping.

The guide is an important part of this section. Manuela and Mia have both been singled out for making the day friendly and easy to follow, while other guides, including hosts such as Manuela and Mia, have helped keep the group informed without turning the entire cruise into a lecture. Guide assignments can vary, so you should not assume a particular person will lead your departure.

Two hours is enough for an introduction, not a full exploration of Hvar. If you want to visit more sights, climb to higher viewpoints, linger over lunch, or spend a relaxed afternoon in town, this stop will feel short. Still, it gives you a useful first look at Hvar and may help you decide to return for a longer stay.

Lunch follows the Hvar stop. The advertised chicken salad is a light salad with pieces of chicken on top, not a heavy mayonnaise-based chicken salad. That distinction matters if you are expecting a substantial meal. Cakes and fruit are served later, and a vegetarian option is available if requested at booking.

The Pakleni Islands bring the prettiest water

Back on the boat, the cruise heads toward the Pakleni Islands for a second swim stop, usually in a quieter bay. This is one of the most appealing parts of the route because the setting feels more secluded than a city waterfront, and you can spend time in the water without giving up the view from the catamaran.

The boat provides snorkeling masks and foam noodles, according to the available trip details. That makes the stop easier for you if you do not want to pack your own equipment, although you should still bring a towel and sun protection.

This is also when the open bar becomes part of the day. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included without a separate charge. The bar is a real value if you plan to have several drinks, but unlimited alcohol can also change the mood of the boat. The atmosphere becomes more social as the day goes on, so do not book this expecting a silent retreat.

Lunch is served around this portion of the trip or after the Hvar visit, depending on the day’s timing. The food is practical rather than elaborate: chicken salad, followed by fruit and cakes or muffins later. It is enough to keep the day moving, but I would not choose this cruise mainly for its cuisine.

Šolta closes the swimming portion

The route includes a third swim stop around Šolta as the catamaran begins its return to Split. You get about another hour in the water, with fresh fruit and homemade cakes served on board.

For some people, this is a perfect final pause before the music starts. For others, it may feel repetitive. The three swimming locations are beautiful, but the basic activity is similar each time: get off the boat, swim, float, and return. If you prefer variety, the long time at sea and repeated swim format are the main points to consider.

I would bring something dry and warm for the ride home, even in good weather. Once the sun drops, sitting on a moving boat can feel cooler than expected. The cruise returns to Split around sunset, giving you a scenic end to the route.

The quiet cruise turns into a deck party

The final ride is where the character of this experience changes. Music gets louder, the crew leads games and dancing, and the return trip can feel like a small floating party rather than a sightseeing transfer.

That shift is a big reason this cruise appeals to groups of friends and solo visitors who want to meet people. Several people on board may be in the mood to chat, dance, and enjoy the open bar. The crew, including hosts such as Mia and Manuela, takes an active role in keeping the energy up.

The party is not limited to a young crowd. Families and mixed-age groups can join, and the boat has enough room for people who want to sit back. Still, the atmosphere becomes more adult and energetic during the final hours, especially once drinks and music take over. I would be cautious about choosing it for very young children, even though the tour is recommended for children older than two.

If you prefer to read, nap, or enjoy a quiet sunset, you can likely find a less active spot on the boat. But you should expect the party to be part of the product, not an accidental extra.

What the $119.72 price really covers

At $119.72 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the inclusions. You are paying for about 10 hours on the catamaran, the Hvar guide, three swim stops, lunch, morning coffee and pastry, later snacks, and an open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee.

The value is strongest for a full day of organized island time. Booking separate transport to Hvar, arranging swim access, buying meals, and paying for several drinks could add up quickly. You also avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple boats and transfers from Split.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike long boat rides, or mainly want to explore Hvar. In that case, a simpler ferry trip might give you more town time and less structure. You are also paying for the atmosphere, crew involvement, and equipment such as the snorkeling masks and noodles, not only for transportation.

The boat can hold up to 76 people. Actual departures may feel less crowded, with one reported group closer to 45 or 50, but capacity can vary. The maximum matters if you are comparing this with a small private charter. This is a shared cruise, not an intimate sailing trip.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this tour if you want one easy day that combines swimming, Hvar, drinks, food, and music. It suits couples, friend groups, solo adults, and mixed-age groups who like an informal setting and do not mind meeting other people.

It is especially useful during a short stay in Split. You can see Hvar and several coastal spots without giving up a separate hotel night or spending time working out ferry schedules.

You may want another option if:

• You want several hours to explore Hvar independently.
• You dislike motion on open water.
• You want a small, quiet boat with detailed guiding throughout the day.
• You do not enjoy loud music or dancing.
• You expect a large, filling lunch rather than a light salad and snacks.
• You are traveling with small children who need a calmer schedule.

The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate. It is near public transportation, and the mobile ticket makes the arrival process straightforward, but you still need to find the correct Summer Blues queue at the harbor.

Practical advice for making the day easier

Arrive early enough to locate dock 4 or 5 without rushing. Look for the Summer Blues catamaran and confirm you are in the right line before boarding.

Pack sunscreen and reapply it often. The boat ride between stops gives you plenty of sun exposure, and one hour in the water can easily turn into a longer period sitting outside afterward.

Bring motion sickness tablets if you need them. The Adriatic can have noticeable swells, particularly during the longer rides between islands. The crew can provide pills on board, but it is best not to wait until you already feel sick.

Wear footwear that is easy to remove for swimming. Pack a dry layer for the evening, a towel, sunglasses, and a small bag that can stay secure on the boat. You will also want some cash or a card for anything you buy during free time in Hvar, since personal purchases are not part of the tour.

Tell the operator about a vegetarian meal when you book. Alcohol is served only after the first swim stop, so plan on coffee and a pastry during the early part of the morning.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Last-minute cancellations or changes are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings, a cancellation by the operator may lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Summer Blues catamaran?

Book it if you want a social, all-day Adriatic outing with real swimming time and a short but worthwhile introduction to Hvar. The combination of three stops, included food and drinks, friendly crew, and a lively return ride gives you a lot for one day.

Skip it if your main goal is quiet sailing or a long cultural visit in Hvar. The boat travel takes up much of the day, the swim stops follow a similar pattern, and the final hours can be loud.

For the right kind of day, this is a strong Split choice. You get clear blue water, island views, a taste of Hvar, and a built-in party without having to organize the pieces yourself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The tour starts at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. Meet directly in front of the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5 in the harbor.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m. The activity lasts approximately 10 hours and ends back at the meeting point in Split.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes a swim stop near Brač, a visit to Hvar, a swim stop at the Pakleni Islands, and another swim stop around Šolta.

How much free time do I get in Hvar?

The Hvar visit lasts about two hours. It includes a guided sightseeing walk, followed by approximately one hour of free time to explore independently.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Included drinks are beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Food includes a morning pastry, lunch with chicken salad, and later fruit, cakes, or muffins.

Is alcohol available for the entire cruise?

No. Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop. Coffee, water, and nonalcoholic drinks are available as part of the included service.

Can children join the tour?

The tour is recommended for children older than two years. Keep in mind that the final part of the day has a stronger party atmosphere with music, dancing, and games.