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

Sea, islands, and a little dancing. This full-day catamaran cruise from Split combines three swim stops, a guided visit to Hvar, lunch, and an open bar. I like the easy mix of Adriatic swimming and town time, and I like that the friendly crew keeps the mood relaxed early and lively later. The main caution is simple: ten hours is a long day, and much of it is spent on the water.

I also appreciate the practical extras, including coffee, breakfast pastries, fruit, cakes, snorkeling masks, and foam noodles. The boat carries up to 76 people, though some departures feel less crowded. If you want quiet sightseeing or a long, detailed tour of Hvar, this is not the best fit. If you want a sociable day with good scenery and music on the ride home, it makes strong sense.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swim stops: Stop near Brač, in the Pakleni Islands, and near Šolta for swimming in clear Adriatic water.
• About two hours in Hvar: A guided walk introduces the old town, followed by roughly one hour to explore alone.
• Food throughout the day: Expect a morning pastry and coffee, chicken salad after Hvar, then fruit and homemade cakes.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included, with alcohol served after the first swim stop.
• A party finish: Music, dancing, games, and a sunset return turn the final part into a lively boat party.
• Motion sickness matters: The catamaran can hit swells, so bring medication if you are prone to seasickness.

What this Split boat day is really about

At $119.72 per person, this is more than a simple ferry ride to Hvar. You are paying for a full day on the water, several swim breaks, a guided town visit, food, drinks, equipment, and a crew-led atmosphere. That package can be good value if you would otherwise book a Hvar boat trip, pay for meals, and arrange swimming stops separately.

The key is to understand the mood. This is not a quiet sailing trip with long stretches of commentary. It is part sightseeing, part beach day, and part floating social club. The early hours are calm, with sea views and swimming. After Hvar, the music and drinks become more important, especially on the return to Split.

The 4.8 rating from 670 reviews and 94 percent recommendation rate fit that picture. The most praised parts are the crew, the swim locations, the food and drinks, and the party on the way home. The one repeated concern is the length of the day, with some people feeling that the swim stops were too similar.

Meeting the Summer Blues catamaran at 8:30 a.m.

You meet directly in front of the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5, at Obala Lazareta 1 in Split’s harbor. Several boat companies use nearby docks, so check the name and join the correct queue. That small detail matters in a busy port.

The boat leaves at 8:30 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point around sunset, after roughly ten hours. The early start gives you time to reach Hvar and several swimming areas without rushing, but you should expect a full day rather than a quick island outing.

The catamaran has bathrooms, which is useful on a long crossing. It can carry a maximum of 76 people, although the mood may feel more comfortable when the boat is not full. One person described a departure with about 45 to 50 people as spacious enough for dancing and moving around.

The first part of the morning is deliberately gentle. Coffee and a pastry are served, giving you something small to eat before the first swim. Alcoholic drinks begin after that initial swim stop, so the day does not start with an open bar before anyone has had breakfast or reached the sea.

First stop near Brač: an easy start in the water

The first destination is a bay near Brač, where the boat pauses for about an hour. This is your first chance to swim in the clear water, stretch your legs, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

The stop is less about sightseeing on land and more about the setting. You stay near the boat, swim, relax, and look across the island scenery. Foam noodles and snorkeling masks are available, adding a useful touch for anyone who wants to float or look below the surface without packing much equipment.

You should bring your own towel, sunscreen, and anything you need for comfort between swims. There is plenty of time spent exposed to sun and wind, and one practical point comes through clearly: apply sunscreen early, then keep using it during the day.

The first stop is also important because it sets the tone. The trip is not a nonstop party from Split. It begins with water, space, and a slower pace. If you are hoping for a peaceful morning, this is the part you will likely enjoy most.

Hvar old town: a guided introduction, not a full day ashore

After the morning cruise, the boat reaches Hvar, where the land portion lasts about two hours. A professional guide leads a tour of the most important sights in the old town, giving you a basic sense of the place before you set off on your own.

This guided walk is useful because Hvar can feel confusing on a first visit, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a busy waterfront. You get an introduction without having to plan your own route. The guide names specifically praised include Manuela and Mia, both of whom were described as friendly, helpful, and good at keeping the group informed.

Do not mistake this stop for a full Hvar visit. You have about one hour of free time after the guided section. That is enough for a coffee by the promenade, a quick look through the lanes, or souvenir shopping. It is not enough for a slow museum visit, a long lunch, and a climb to every viewpoint.

That short stay creates one of the main tradeoffs. Hvar is often the highlight of the day, and you may wish you had more time there. On the other hand, the limited stop is what allows the cruise to include Brač, the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, and the return party in one day.

Lunch is served after the Hvar visit. The advertised chicken salad is a light salad with chicken pieces on top, not a mayonnaise-based chicken salad. It is suitable as a simple meal at sea, but you should not expect a large restaurant-style lunch. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking.

Pakleni Islands: the most scenic swim break

Once you return to the boat, the cruise continues toward the Pakleni Islands. The catamaran stops in one of the islands’ sheltered bays for about an hour, giving you another chance to swim, float, and enjoy the setting.

This is one of the strongest parts of the day because the stop feels more secluded than a town visit. The water, rocky shore, and small island setting provide the kind of Adriatic scene people hope to see from Split. Snorkeling masks and noodles make it easy to get into the water without much preparation.

The open bar is available by this point, with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee included. Drinks are part of the price rather than an extra cost, which improves the value for people who expect to have several beverages during a ten-hour outing.

You should still pace yourself. The boat spends many hours in sun and motion, and alcohol can make seasickness and dehydration worse. Water is included, so use it. The crew is also available if you need motion sickness pills while on board, although bringing your own medication is a sensible precaution.

Šolta: one more swim before the music starts

The final swim stop is near Šolta, lasting about an hour as the boat heads back toward Split. Fresh fruit and homemade cakes are served, giving you a lighter afternoon snack after lunch and swimming.

The food is spaced across the day rather than served as one large meal. You get a morning pastry, lunch after Hvar, then fruit and cakes later. That arrangement works well for a day in the sun, though anyone with a large appetite may want to bring an extra snack.

Šolta is another chance to cool off before the final return. The main drawback is that the three swim stops can feel alike. If you prefer sightseeing on land, you may find the repeated swim pattern too long. If you enjoy being in the water, the stops give you plenty of time to swim without rushing back aboard.

The return to Split turns into a boat party

The final stretch is where the character of the trip changes. Music picks up, the crew leads games and dancing, and the boat becomes more social as it heads toward Split. Several people described dancing for nearly two hours on the return, with the music providing the day’s big finish.

The crew receives especially strong praise. Hosts such as Manuela, Mia, and other members of the four-person team are described as attentive, upbeat, and good at making people feel included. That matters on a shared boat, where the staff can either create a warm atmosphere or leave everyone to fend for themselves.

The party is not a minor detail. It is one of the main reasons to choose this cruise over a standard island transfer. You may make friends on board, especially if you are traveling alone or with a small group. The mix of ages can also feel broader than on some larger, more youth-focused boat outings.

Still, the music and dancing will not suit everyone. Families can take part, and children over two are allowed, but the mood becomes more adult and party-oriented later in the day. If you want a quiet sunset ride, choose another boat trip. If you like familiar songs, dancing, and a cheerful crew, this is the payoff.

Food, drinks, and what the price covers

The $119.72 price is strongest for people who will use the included extras. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are available without separate charges. You also receive breakfast, lunch, fruit, and cakes.

The food is practical rather than gourmet. The chicken salad is light, and the later cakes and fruit help fill the gaps. Several people found the meals good, while the specific description of the salad is worth remembering so you know what to expect.

The value also comes from the number of stops. A ferry to Hvar would not include three swim breaks, equipment, food, an open bar, or a host creating the onboard program. For a full day of organized activities, the price is reasonable. It is less attractive if you mainly want several free hours in Hvar, since the town visit lasts only about two hours.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy day from Split with very little planning. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families who are comfortable with a livelier afternoon.

It is especially good for people who value variety. You get sea views, swimming, a guided old-town visit, food, drinks, and music in one package. You do not need to arrange separate transport, lunch, or swim equipment.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike loud music, or want to spend most of the day ashore. The catamaran can encounter swells, and the day includes a fair amount of travel time. Bring motion sickness tablets, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable clothes that can handle repeated swims.

Groups larger than ten people are not allowed on the daily tours. That rule is strict, and a group that ignores it may be refused boarding without a refund. Solo visitors and smaller parties are the better match.

Booking details worth knowing

Confirmation arrives when you book, and the tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. It requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:30 a.m. start. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded, so keep an eye on the local time and the forecast.

Should you book the Summer Blues day trip?

Book it if you want a full, social day on the Adriatic rather than a long, independent visit to Hvar. The strongest reasons are the helpful crew, three swim stops, included drinks, and the music-led return to Split.

Skip it if you want silence, serious historical commentary, or a relaxed Hvar day with several hours ashore. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to combine the best parts of a boat day with a short taste of Hvar. Just arrive ready for sun, swells, swimming, and a party that may last until the dock comes back into view.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 a.m. and lasts about ten hours, returning to the original meeting point around sunset.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $119.72 per person.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

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

How much free time do I get in Hvar?

The Hvar stop lasts about two hours in total. It includes a guided tour and about one hour of free time.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food includes a morning pastry, lunch, fruit, and homemade cakes. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included. Alcohol is served after the first swim stop.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. Request the vegetarian option when you book.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Snorkeling masks and foam noodles are available for use during the swim stops.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

The tour is recommended for children over two years old. The atmosphere becomes more party-oriented later in the day.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can receive a full refund or choose another date or experience.