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

The best part of this boat day is the mix: you get a real island town, open-water swimming, and a fresh BBQ without spending the whole day packed into a small speedboat. Sutivan gives you time to walk at your own pace, while the stops near Brač and shipwreck Kontesa on Šolta keep the day focused on the sea. I like the generous food and the friendly crew, and I like that the boat has enough room to move around rather than feeling like a floating sardine tin.

There is one important catch: swim stops are from anchor, so you must jump into the water and climb back up a ladder. Non-swimmers and people prone to seasickness should choose another outing, and anyone who prefers an easy beach entry may find the format demanding.

Key points at a glance

• Sutivan comes early in the day: You get free time in this attractive Brač town before the swimming begins.
• The boat serves a proper lunch: Choose mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger with salad and bread.
• Kontesa is a swimming stop, not a museum visit: You anchor near the shipwreck and see it from the water with the supplied snorkels.
• The boat is made for a long day: Space, floaties, water polo balls, Wi-Fi, and shaded or open areas make the ride easier.
• Drinks are part of lunch: Red wine, water, and orange juice are served without limit during the meal.
• The $71 price covers the main costs: Boat transport, fuel surcharge, insurance, lunch, and equipment are included.

A full day between Brač and Šolta

This is a long, sea-focused outing from the Podstrana area, not a quick sightseeing cruise. You leave in the morning and return to your original meeting point after visiting Sutivan, a quiet bay near Brač, and the waters around shipwreck Kontesa near Šolta.

That pacing matters. You have time to settle into the boat, watch the coast pass, swim without rushing, and eat on board. The tradeoff is that a full day on open water can feel tiring if you want a short excursion with a tightly packed list of sights.

The trip begins at Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 a.m. or Podstrana Sv. Martin at 9 a.m., depending on the option you book. From the Le Meridien Lav marina, departures run twice a week when available, at 9:15 a.m. You need to choose the correct time slot, since the departure points are not interchangeable.

If you are staying at Le Meridien Lav, the practical choices are public transport, five bus stops toward Omiš, or free parking at Sveti Martin. Free parking is also available in Krilo Jesenice. Check your exact pickup point before setting out, since a late arrival at the wrong marina is a poor way to begin a boat day.

Welcome snacks and the ride toward Sutivan

The opening stretch is handled in a friendly, casual way. You receive a welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, and juice while sailing toward Brač. Snacks and alcoholic drinks beyond this welcome service are not included, so do not expect an all-day open bar.

The small welcome items are useful more than luxurious. They give you something to eat early, especially if you have not had breakfast, and the juice is a sensible choice before a day of sun and swimming. If you are prone to seasickness, keep your first food light and bring any personal remedy you normally use. The boat operator specifically says this trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

The boat itself is one of the better reasons to consider this trip. Several people praised the generous space and the lack of crowding. That makes a real difference on a full-day cruise. You can sit, stand, chat, take photographs, or simply watch the water without having every movement bump into someone else.

Still, space is not the same as privacy. You are sharing a boat, and the atmosphere is social. The crew is described as attentive and happy to chat, which suits people who like a friendly group outing. If you want a silent private charter, this is the wrong product.

Free time in Sutivan on Brač

Sutivan is the first major stop, and it gives the day a welcome change of pace. Instead of staying on board for every minute, you can walk through town on your own and see a bit of island life before returning to the boat.

The useful feature here is freedom. You are not being led from one photo stop to the next. You can use the time for a short walk, a drink, photographs, or a look around the waterfront and streets. The schedule provides enough time to explore, but the exact amount is not specified, so you should listen carefully when the crew gives the return time.

One particularly nice suggestion is to wander west from the main area. One family on the trip found a home selling excellent olive oil in that direction. That is the sort of small, local encounter that can make a short stop feel less like a checklist. If you spot a local product for sale, ask about payment and transport before buying, since no purchase details are provided.

Sutivan is also the main cultural stop, so set your expectations properly. This is free time in a small coastal town, not a guided tour with a long explanation of Brač history. You will need to make your own plans, and that suits independent visitors who would rather explore at their own speed.

Swimming near a quiet Brač bay

After Sutivan, the boat heads to a less developed bay on Brač. While you swim, the chef prepares lunch on board. This is a smart use of time: instead of sitting through a long lunch break at a restaurant, you get in the water while the food is being cooked.

The swim is from the boat. Ladders on the side let you climb back aboard, but you must first enter by jumping into the sea. This is fine for confident swimmers and older children who are comfortable in open water. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and parents should decide carefully if younger children can manage the jump and ladder without help.

The water is described as clear, and the provided equipment adds some variety. Snorkels let you look below the surface, while floaties and water polo balls make the stop more playful. There are also a couple of larger floatation boards available, according to the experience details from the day.

Do not picture a supervised beach club. You are swimming near an anchored boat, not walking into shallow water from a protected shore. The crew can help, but you remain responsible for judging your comfort in the sea. Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, and strong sunscreen. A waterproof phone case is sensible if you plan to photograph from the water, though a camera is simply listed as something to bring.

Fresh BBQ lunch with three choices

Lunch is served on board as the boat continues toward Šolta and Kontesa. You choose one of three main dishes: mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger. Each comes with salad and bread.

The fresh grilled fish receives especially strong praise, but the range of choices is important. A vegetarian option is available, and chicken gives you a straightforward alternative if seafood is not your thing. You must email the operator after booking with your choice so the crew can order the right amount of food in advance. Do this promptly rather than assuming you can decide at the last minute.

During lunch, red wine, water, and orange juice are served without limit. This is a useful inclusion in the $71 price, particularly because drinks on boat trips can quickly push up the final bill. Snacks and additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included.

I see the meal as a major part of the value. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a couple of swims. You get hot food prepared during the excursion, a choice of main dish, salad, bread, and lunch drinks. It is still worth bringing a small personal snack if you have a large appetite, since the included welcome food is modest and extra snacks are not part of the package.

The meal also creates the social center of the day. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, and the crew is described as friendly and attentive. Families and mixed-age groups should find the arrangement easy, provided everyone is comfortable with the swimming setup.

Shipwreck Kontesa and the second swim

The final major stop is near shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta. The boat anchors, and you can use the supplied snorkels to look into the water around the wreck. This is a chance to see a maritime relic from the sea, but it is important to understand what is included: you are not visiting the wreck on land or taking a guided underwater tour.

The attraction works best for people who enjoy the combination of swimming and a simple underwater subject. The wreck gives your snorkel stop a purpose beyond floating around, while the clear water helps with visibility. Conditions can vary, and the provided information does not promise a particular depth, fish life, or underwater route, so keep your expectations sensible.

Again, access is by jump and ladder. If you dislike climbing a metal ladder from open water, this stop may not be relaxing. The boat has floaties and water polo balls, so you can enjoy the stop without snorkeling, but you still need to get into and out of the sea.

The two swim locations give the day a good rhythm. Sutivan supplies town time, the Brač bay offers a more relaxed swim while lunch is prepared, and Kontesa adds a point of interest to the second water stop. You are not simply repeating the same activity all afternoon.

What the $71 price really includes

At $71 per person, this is good value for a full-day island outing if you plan to eat lunch on board and use the swimming gear. Included are:

• Boat transport
• Fuel surcharge
• Insurance
• Lunch
• Mackerel, chicken, or vegetarian burger choice
• Salad and bread
• Red wine, water, and orange juice with lunch
• Snorkels
• Floaties and water polo balls
• Wi-Fi

That list covers the costly basics. You do not need to arrange separate boat transfers between the islands, rent snorkeling gear, or buy a restaurant lunch during the main part of the day. Fuel and insurance being included also make the price easier to judge, since there are fewer compulsory add-ons.

You should budget for any extra snacks or alcoholic drinks. The welcome schnapps does not turn the trip into a drinks package. The price is strongest for someone who wants a complete day at sea with food included, rather than for someone who only wants transport to Sutivan.

The rating is 4.7 from 66 reviews, and the repeated strengths are clear: a comfortable boat, punctual departure, friendly staff, tasty food, open-water swimming, and a group size that does not feel cramped. Those details matter more than a glossy promise of luxury. They suggest a well-run, practical excursion with a pleasant mood.

Who will enjoy this boat day

I would recommend it most to families with confident swimmers, couples who want a relaxed island day, and friends looking for a mix of town time and swimming. One family said a nine-year-old called it the best day of the week, while another family with daughters aged 18 and 21 enjoyed the easy pace and variety.

Children still need close supervision. There are ladders, jumps, open water, and a boat deck. The fact that children have enjoyed the trip does not remove the need to check each child’s swimming ability and comfort.

Independent visitors will appreciate the free time in Sutivan. You can explore without a guide, and a short walk west may turn up local olive oil or another small find. People who want constant commentary or formal sightseeing should know that the experience is more about being on the water than receiving historical instruction.

I would not book it if you are a non-swimmer, frequently seasick, or uncomfortable entering the sea from a boat. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone needing a beach-style entry should look for a shore-based excursion instead.

Practical preparation for a better day

Bring the basics: swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, and camera. Put sunscreen on before departure and reapply during the day, since the trip lasts many hours and the water reflects the sun.

Wear something easy to move in. You will need to use a ladder, and loose footwear or awkward clothing can make that harder. No special gear is required for snorkeling, as masks and related equipment are provided.

Arrive at the correct pickup location with time to spare. The listed departures are 8:30 a.m. from Krilo Jesenice, 9 a.m. from Podstrana Sv. Martin, and 9:15 a.m. from the Le Meridien Lav marina when that departure is available. Confirm the option you selected before the morning of the trip.

If you have a vegetarian lunch preference, or want chicken or fish, email the operator after booking. This is not a minor detail. The kitchen needs the choice in advance, and sending it early prevents an avoidable lunch problem.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on board, and pets are not allowed. Wi-Fi is included, but I would still treat this as a day to watch the coast and water rather than stare at a phone.

The return ride and final watermelon

The return journey includes cold watermelon, a fitting finish after several hours in the sun. It is a small detail, but fresh fruit at the end of a swimming day is far more welcome than another heavy snack.

By returning to the original meeting point, the excursion keeps transport simple. You do not need to arrange a separate ride from another island or port. The main thing to remember is that a return boat ride can feel longer after swimming, eating, and spending a full day outside, so plan a quiet evening afterward if possible.

The crew’s calm handling of rougher swells was specifically appreciated by one family. That does not mean the sea will always be smooth, but it does indicate that staff pay attention when conditions make people uncomfortable. Seasickness remains a real possibility, and the operator does not recommend this trip for people prone to it.

Should you book the Brač and Kontesa trip?

Book it if you want a full, good-value day on the water with a comfortable boat, a real meal, two swim stops, and free time in Sutivan. The strongest reasons are the spacious setup, fresh lunch, included equipment, and useful mix of activities. At $71, the package makes sense because the boat, fuel, insurance, food, and lunch drinks are already covered.

Skip it if you cannot swim confidently from a boat, dislike ladders, or regularly feel ill at sea. Also skip it if your priority is a detailed guided tour of Brač and Šolta, since the emphasis is on swimming, food, scenery, and relaxed time rather than formal interpretation.

For the right person, this is a practical Dalmatian day out: Sutivan for a walk, Brač for a swim, Kontesa for snorkeling, and watermelon on the way home.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

You can depart from Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 a.m. or Podstrana Sv. Martin at 9 a.m., depending on the option booked. Departures from the Le Meridien Lav marina are available twice a week when scheduled, at 9:15 a.m.

What islands does the trip visit?

The boat visits Brač and Šolta. Stops include Sutivan on Brač, a swimming bay near Brač, and the waters near shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger. Lunch also includes salad and bread. Send your choice by email after booking so the crew can order the food.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice are served during lunch. Snacks and other alcoholic drinks are not included but may be available for purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are included. The boat anchors near the swim stops, and you enter the sea by jumping from the boat and return using ladders.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and camera. You should also be prepared for a full day in the sun and on open water.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.