REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON & SOLTA ISLAND CRUISES

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split

4.5 · 61 reviews From $203 Operated by Voyage of Croatia · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Three islands, one calm day. This VIP-style cruise is interesting because you hop between Brac, Hvar, and Solta by speedboat, then get included wine and a homemade seafood lunch without the usual big-tour chaos. The one main thing to plan around is weather, since the day depends on good conditions to run.

I like that the vibe is small and relaxed, with a max of 11 people aboard, so the schedule feels human. The day runs about 8 to 9 hours, starting at 9:30 am from Trumbićeva obala 1 in Split, and ends back there.

Key things to know before you go

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Key things to know before you go

  • Tiny group, calm pace: Maximum 11 travelers, capped at a very small, boutique feel.
  • Speedboat that actually moves: Dual-engine speedboat energy, with comfortable seating (one of the most praised comfort details).
  • Brac to Hvar to Solta in one sweep: Three island highlights without changing plans or booking separate tours.
  • Water time is the point: Swim, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboard time, plus chances for secluded spots.
  • Lunch is built from local ingredients: Homemade seafood lunch with fresh grilled fish, paired with included wine.
  • You’re not stuck in crowds: The whole plan is designed to bypass busy areas and aim for quieter bays.

Other swim-stop cruises we have been out on

Speedboat Morning From Split to Brac North Shore

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Speedboat Morning From Split to Brac North Shore
Your day starts in Split at Trumbićeva obala 1, with a 9:30 am departure. Expect to move fast, in a good way. This tour is built around a speedboat, not a slow ferry, so the boat ride is part of the fun, not a boring transfer.

First up is Brac, and specifically the northern side. That matters because it sets the tone early. You’re not just sightseeing from a distance, you’re heading toward places that feel made for swimming, snorkeling, and short walks.

One thing I’d underline if you’re deciding between island tours is this: the best part is often the timing. You leave in the morning, when water looks its clearest and before the day-trippers pile in. You also get time on Brac before Hvar so the day doesn’t feel like a nonstop rush from stop to stop.

Brac Breaks, Then Hvar Town Power Walk in Stari Grad

After Brac, you transfer to Hvar, and you’ll spend time in Stari Grad, a historic town area that’s easy to fall for. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy it. The walk-through time is meant to help you actually see the places you’d miss if you only had a quick bus stop.

There’s also a “slow down” moment built in, including time around Stari Grad and the area known as the Old Spa house. Even if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, you’ll feel it. This is the kind of old-town texture that makes you stop for photos and then keep walking because the streets stay interesting.

This is also where the day starts to mix experiences. The tour doesn’t just do scenery. It adds a human, local rhythm: a break that leads naturally into wine tasting.

Wine Tasting and Lunch at a Fisherman Bay

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Wine Tasting and Lunch at a Fisherman Bay
At some point during the Hvar portion, you’ll get wine tasting plus lunch at a fisherman’s bay. That lunch is described as homemade and built around local ingredients, with fresh grilled fish as a highlight. If you’re the type who gets annoyed when “lunch” turns out to be a sad sandwich, this is the opposite.

What makes the food stop feel valuable is where it happens. The lunch isn’t just served somewhere, it’s part of a bay setting that ties into swimming time. You’re not racing between meals and water. You get a real pause.

Wine is included, and you might notice the difference in style compared to the typical tourist pours. Some folks even mention buying more to take home, which usually means the wine was more than a checkbox. If you love wine with seafood, you’re in the right place.

A small note to keep you comfortable: this is a day trip, so if you have dietary needs, you’ll want to speak up early. The data says lunch is included and highlights seafood, but it also implies there may be other options if you do not want seafood, so confirming that is smart.

Swimming, SUP, and Snorkel Time That Actually Feels Long Enough

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Swimming, SUP, and Snorkel Time That Actually Feels Long Enough
One reason this tour gets such strong buzz is the water time. You get to swim and snorkel, plus there’s stand-up paddleboard time, so you’re not locked into one kind of activity.

You’ll also hear about different kinds of snorkeling stops. One stop can include a sunken ship wreck to snorkel around, and there’s even mention of a secluded bay setup that feels like you’re in on a secret. The key is variety. You’re not just doing the same shallow swim every time you stop.

From a practical point of view, snorkeling and SUP are the kind of activities that need a little preparation. Bring what you need for sun and water comfort. The boat rides can cool you off with wind, so you may not realize you’re getting sunburn until later. Sunscreen is not optional on a speedboat day.

If you love the water but hate crowded beaches, this is a strong match. Many stops are designed to feel quieter and more private than the obvious tourist spots.

Solta Secret Snorkeling Stop, Plus That Private-Beach Feel

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Solta Secret Snorkeling Stop, Plus That Private-Beach Feel
The final island stop is Solta, and the plan includes a secret snorkeling spot plus more time to swim. Solta is where the day often turns into that slow, relaxed finish you hoped for at the start.

This is also where the “VIP” aspect starts to matter. The tour is aiming to keep you away from the busiest places and toward calmer coves and water where you can actually enjoy yourself. If your ideal Croatia day looks like warm water, shade when you want it, and a short swim between breaths, this stop is built for you.

Some groups also mention a Mojito moment with a friendly person who delivers drinks right to the boat. I’d treat that as a bonus vibe, not a reason to book on its own, but it fits the overall mood: playful, relaxed, and not overly formal.

What the 8 to 9 Hours Really Feels Like

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - What the 8 to 9 Hours Really Feels Like
The day runs about 8 to 9 hours, which is a sweet spot for people who want a lot of variety but not an overnight commitment. With a speedboat involved, the schedule can feel more energetic than tours that rely on buses and ferries.

Comfort is a real part of the experience here. Multiple people mention that the boat feels fast, but also smooth, and that seating is cushioned in a way that helps for viewing and for not getting beat up. Some also describe the boat as military-style emergency boat, with high, bouncy seats, which tells you two things: you’ll feel the speed, and you’ll want to hold on when you move around.

Also note the group size. Maximum 11 travelers means fewer interruptions and more attention from the captains and hosts. People mention captains like Duje and other team members like Slav doing a great job keeping things fun and organized.

If you like music on the move, this tour can deliver that too. One example mentioned music selection that matched the mood, to the point where people asked about the playlist. Even if your day’s music differs, this tells you the crew does care about atmosphere.

Price and Value, What $203.82 Includes and Why It’s Not Just a Ride

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Price and Value, What $203.82 Includes and Why It’s Not Just a Ride
At $203.82 per person, the cost isn’t cheap. But it’s not just payment for boat time. Here’s what you’re getting that supports the price:

  • Transport by speedboat across three islands in a single day.
  • Included wine tasting as part of the Hvar portion.
  • Included lunch, described as homemade seafood with fresh grilled fish.
  • Water activities like snorkeling and stand-up paddleboard time, plus swimming.

If you tried to build this day on your own, you’d likely spend money on separate local transport legs, boat or ferry options, and you’d still have to figure out food stops. This tour also packs in the “how do we get to the quieter spots” puzzle, which is half the work when you plan yourself.

Value also comes from time. You’re not spending a chunk of the day commuting. You’re spending it where it counts: bays, beaches, and water.

So for the type of person who wants an easy, planned day with real extras included, this pricing can make sense.

Logistics That Matter: Meeting Point, Weather, and Packing

Brac, Hvar, & Solta Day Trip: Snorkeling, Wine & Lunch from Split - Logistics That Matter: Meeting Point, Weather, and Packing
You meet at Trumbićeva obala 1 in Split. You start at 9:30 am and return to the same meeting point at the end. That simplicity is nice. It reduces the stress of remembering a second pickup location or navigating multiple connections.

Now the one big practical factor: good weather is required. The cancellation policy notes that if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either be offered a different date or get a full refund. That means you shouldn’t plan your whole trip around this being the one and only day you can snorkel.

Packing checklist, based on what you’re likely doing:

  • Swimwear you can rewear after lunch
  • Towel or a plan for drying
  • Sunscreen (the speedboat wind can trick you)
  • Water shoes if you prefer them for rocky entry
  • A light layer for the boat ride, even in warm weather

If you get motion-sensitive, I’d still mention the boat is described as fast and smooth, but it’s a speedboat, so expect movement. Bring a calm mindset, and use the provided seating rather than pacing around.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Day

This day trip is built for people who want a little luxury without the stiffness. The small group, included food and wine, and the focus on swimming and snorkeling make it a strong fit for couples, small friend groups, and solo visitors who want social energy without crowds.

It’s also a good choice if you’re staying in Split and want to hit multiple islands without planning. Brac, Hvar, and Solta in one day is a lot, and this tour does it with a clear structure and enough time at each stop to feel like more than a photo mission.

It might be less ideal if you:

  • Prefer a slow, walking-heavy day with minimal water activities
  • Get anxious about outdoor plans that depend on weather
  • Want super flexible pacing with lots of free time to wander with zero schedule

Age range is listed as 10 to 60. If you’re outside that range, you’ll want to check other options rather than count on this one.

Should You Book This Brac, Hvar, and Solta Speedboat Day Trip?

If you want a day that feels like a private getaway while still hitting three island highlights, I think this is a strong booking candidate. The best reasons to choose it are simple: small group size, included lunch and wine, and lots of real water time that makes snorkeling and swimming the center of the day, not an afterthought.

Book it if your priorities are:

  • Quiet coves and less crowd pressure
  • A planned day that still feels relaxed
  • Seafood lunch in a bay setting, paired with wine
  • Snorkeling that can include interesting stops like a wreck

Skip it if you’re planning around only one weather-dependent day or you hate boats. The speedboat pace is part of the magic, and you should like that idea before you pay for it.

If you’re on the fence, pick the day with the best forecast and bring your sunscreen. This is the kind of tour where the memories usually come from the water stops and the calm, intimate lunch break.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am from Trumbićeva obala 1, Split, and it returns back to the same meeting point.

How long is the Brac, Hvar, and Solta day trip?

The duration is listed as about 8 to 9 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers.

What activities are included during the day?

The experience includes snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming, along with visiting Brac and Hvar and spending time on Solta.

What happens if weather is poor and the tour can not run?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.