A day cruise beats the usual port shuffle. This one runs from Podstrana and Jesenice out to Brač and Šolta, with town time plus anchored swim stops and a proper lunch onboard.

I like the mix of walking time in Sutivan and then just zoning out on the water. You get a simple plan, English-friendly setup, and enough downtime that it feels more like a relaxed day at sea than a rushed tour.

What I really enjoy here is the BBQ lunch experience and the fact that the crew feeds you while you are still in island mode. The lunch choices are mackerel, boneless chicken, or a vegetarian burger, plus salad and bread, and you get unlimited red wine during lunch.

I also like the water-time extras: you are provided snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls, so you can hop in without having to bring much.

One consideration: the swim stops are anchored, so water access is via ladders (and jumping is possible if you are comfortable). If you prefer gentle dock access only, plan around that and bring the right footwear and swim gear.

Key highlights at a glance

• Brač plus Šolta in one long day, with multiple swim and snorkel stops
• BBQ lunch onboard with choice of mackerel, chicken, or vegetarian burger, plus unlimited red wine during lunch
• Sutivan free time with town maps, giving you structure for exploring on your own
• Provided snorkels and floaties, making it easy to enjoy the water even if you do not travel prepared
• Wi-Fi onboard included, handy for sharing photos while you are cruising
• Max group size 45, which keeps the day feeling smoother than big-boat chaos

How this Brac and Solta boat trip feels in real life

This is a classic Dalmatian day cruise setup. You leave from the Podstrana and Jesenice area, sail out to two islands, and spend your time doing three things well: seeing a seaside town, swimming a lot, and eating well. At $66.23 per person for an 8 to 9 hour day, it is a strong value if you care about real island time and not just passing scenery from a bus window.

The pace is built around easy rhythm. You have morning boarding and a couple of brief sailing moments, then you settle into island segments with defined return times and swim windows. The schedule also gives you built-in snacks and drinks throughout the day, not only at lunch.

One detail I appreciate is that they provide the gear for the fun part. You do not need to bring your own snorkel or spend time hunting for rentals. The ship also includes unlimited Wi-Fi, which makes a surprising difference when you want to message friends without burning your mobile data.

Finally, the boat capacity is kept reasonable, up to 45 people, which helps the crew keep things organized. You will still share space, but it should feel friendly rather than hectic.

Pickup route from Krilo Jesenice and Sv. Martin Podstrana (and why it matters)

Morning starts with a pickup loop, and it is worth taking seriously. The first pickup point is hotel Krilo at 08:25, with the group sailing at 08:30 toward Sv. Martin Podstrana and the Le Meridien Lav marina to collect more passengers.

You then have a second pickup at Sv. Martin beach in Podstrana at 08:55. After that, the plan moves to Le Meridien Lav marina for the final boarding around 09:00, so you want to be at your stop early and ready.

Why this matters: the day only works if everyone is aboard on time. The schedule includes specific departure moments, like the move to Brac at 09:30, so late arrivals can squeeze the experience. If you are coming from Split, arriving with buffer time helps, and since this is near public transportation, you can usually plan without stress.

Also note that you get a mobile ticket and the tour is offered in English. That makes day-of check-in and communication simpler, especially if you do not speak Croatian.

Morning coffee, then straight to Brac (the first real shift into vacation mode)

Right after boarding, there is a quick setup flow that keeps things light. The day includes a short welcome moment and a first onboard service, with coffee or a welcome shooter for adults and a chocolate donut plus coffee as part of the early sailing vibe.

Then you head to Brac. Departing for the island happens at 09:30, with a sailing period that lines up well with the first part of the morning. The crew does a quick briefing, and you get the sense that the staff wants everyone comfortable before the real island time begins.

This is when you can gauge what kind of day you are buying. If you want lots of sitting on deck, the schedule supports that. If you prefer action, the later swim stops give you plenty to do.

Sutivan on Brac: your town time (maps, Roman settlement, and a smart pace)

The big land stop is Sutivan on Brac. You arrive around 10:30, then you get free time to explore on your own.

The crew provides town maps, and they specifically point you toward the area of the Roman settlement. That is a nice touch because it turns free time into something you can actually use, not just wandering without a plan. You also get a clear return instruction: departure is 11:45, so you need to be back at least 3 minutes earlier.

From a planning perspective, Sutivan is a good kind of stop. It is long enough to walk, snack, and decide if you want a quick drink or just enjoy the waterfront. But it is not so long that it hijacks the day. After this, the cruise shifts back to water time, with swim and snorkel windows.

If you are the type who hates rigid itineraries, this works. If you love structure, the maps give you a middle ground.

First swim stop near Brac: anchored calm and ladder access

After Sutivan, you depart at 11:45 and arrive at the first swim point around 12:10. This is one of those segments that can make the whole trip feel worth it.

The ship anchors, and the crew puts out ladders on both sides, giving you a clear way into the water. You then have about 25 minutes for swimming and snorkelling, using provided floaties and snorkels.

Here is the practical part: anchored swims are not the same as a pier. Plan for ladder entry. If you are cautious in the water, arrive early in the swim window so you have time to find the ladder and get settled. If you are comfortable jumping in, the option is there, but you do not have to force it.

Also remember the timing. This swim segment is short compared to later ones, so it is best to treat it like a warm-up. Use it to test your rhythm, then save your energy for the longer swim stops later in the afternoon.

Lunch on Šolta side: BBQ while you are still island-ing

Lunch is the heart of the experience. Around 13:10, while you are swimming at the Šolta section, the chef starts the BBQ lunch preparations and the crew sets tables.

You then get about one hour to eat with a view. The cruise aims you toward the islands on the starboard side, with views of Brač, Hvar, Mrduja, and Šolta, plus you can see the city of Split in the mix depending on light and conditions.

The lunch menu is refreshingly straightforward:

• Mackerel fish
• Boneless chicken
• Vegetarian burger

Plus salad and bread.

You also get unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice during lunch time. After lunch, alcoholic drinks are not included the same way, so if you want beer or extra wine later, you will need to check with the onboard bar.

This is one of the reasons the price works. Many boat trips either skimp on food quality or make you pay extra for the good stuff. Here, lunch is a real part of the itinerary, not an afterthought. The later sweet treats reinforce that mood too, with chocolate donut early and watermelon served later.

If you have a meal preference, you should share it at booking. The day uses fresh food prepared onboard, and they plan around your choice.

Necujam swim stop: a longer water window to reset

After lunch, you head to Necujam and arrive at 14:10. This is another anchored swimming segment, but longer than the first one: you have about 1 hour 5 minutes for swimming and snorkelling.

This stretch is where you can actually slow down. Use the time to swim at your own pace, snorkel if you like seeing what is below the surface, or just float and enjoy the boat rocking. Since snorkels and floaties are provided, it is easy to join in without gear hunting.

One more practical note: afternoon water time can feel cooler or warmer depending on the day and the sun. Bring what you need for comfort, like sunscreen and a light layer you can pull on after you get out, especially if you tend to chill.

The staff keeps the ship organized, and this stop is built to give you a real break before the final return sailing.

Heading back from Šolta: watermelon, then the return loop

You leave Šolta at 15:15 and sail back toward the meeting points. During the return, the schedule includes a sweet reset: around 16:30, the crew serves cold watermelon.

Then you land back at Sv. Martin Podstrana around 17:20. The final return is to Krilo Jesenice at 17:45. So you get a complete loop, not a partial drop-off.

Why this works for many people: the return flow means you can plan your evening without rushing to a later transfer. You also get a final onboard treat before disembarking, which makes the trip feel like it ended with care rather than just turning off the lights.

What you get onboard (and what you should plan to pay for)

This is where the trip is fairly clear-cut. Included in the day:

• Lunch (BBQ choice) with salad and bread
• Unlimited red wine, water, orange juice during lunch
• Welcome coffee and/or tea for adults, and juice for kids
• Chocolate donut and coffee
• Watermelon in the afternoon
• Provided snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls
• Unlimited Wi-Fi onboard

Not included:

• Drinks are only included for adults during the lunch window (anything outside that window, or other alcoholic drinks, is paid at the bar)
• Snacks at the bar, like ice creams and chips, are paid separately

So if you plan to drink alcohol, think about timing. Drink with lunch, then treat the bar like optional. If you are traveling with kids, the included juice and the snack rhythm are helpful, and you can keep the day calmer.

Wi-Fi can be useful for uploading photos right after swim stops. It also helps with logistics if you need to coordinate with someone picking you up later.

The crew and service style: calm, practical, and family-friendly

The best boat days feel like the crew runs the schedule smoothly without making it feel stiff. This one leans that way. The itinerary includes brief briefings, clear times for returning from free time, and organized snack and meal service.

In particular, the lunch service is handled by the onboard team, and you will see attention to details during the meal window. You also get small comfort touches, like having cold watermelon in the late afternoon.

The tour also reads as family-friendly. It is geared toward a broad range of ages since the swim stops are optional and you can just relax onboard or float with the provided gear. Adults get the welcome drinks too, and kids get juice.

Price and value: why $66.23 makes sense if you want water time

At $66.23 per person for an 8 to 9 hour day, the value comes from packing several costs into one ticket:

• transportation via the pickup loop,
• island sailing to Brač and Šolta,
• guided structure for at least one town stop,
• a full meal with multiple choices, plus drinks during lunch,
• and equipment support for swimming and snorkelling.

If you try to recreate this on your own, you quickly pay for boat access, fuel, and a good chunk of time. You may also end up spending extra on food and snorkel gear. Here, the ticket bundles it.

So the big question is personal. If you want a quiet day on water with real food and minimal planning, this is a solid buy. If you mainly want culture and long walks, it might feel too focused on swimming and sea time.

Who this boat trip is best for

This tour fits best if you are:

• planning a short Croatia stay and want island time without ferry juggling
• into swimming, snorkelling, or just floating in clear water with provided gear
• traveling with family and want a schedule that includes breaks and treats
• okay with anchored swim stops and ladder entry

If you get seasick easily, the itinerary is still boat-heavy, so you might want to think about how you usually handle sailing. The itinerary itself does not promise calm seas, and the experience does require good weather.

Should you book the Brac and Šolta cruise from Podstrana?

I think this is worth booking if you want a relaxed, all-in-one island day. You get multiple swim stops, a real BBQ lunch with choice, and a town stop in Sutivan where the crew hands you maps so you can explore with purpose. The onboard additions like Wi-Fi and watermelon make it feel complete, not like a barebones cruise.

Book it if you like days that are mostly about water, food, and easy time on your own. I would skip it only if you dislike ladder access for swimming or if you want a more land-focused sightseeing day.

If weather is questionable, keep an eye on plans. The experience requires good weather, and if it gets canceled due to weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation up to 24 hours also gives you flexibility.

FAQ

What time does the boat trip start and when do we return?

The start time is 9:30 am. The cruise returns to Sv. Martin Podstrana around 5:20 pm and to Krilo Jesenice around 5:45 pm.

Which islands does this tour visit?

You visit Brač and Šolta, with a town stop in Sutivan on Brac plus swim stops around the Šolta side.

Is lunch included, and what are the meal options?

Yes. Lunch includes a freshly prepared BBQ with your choice of mackerel fish, boneless chicken, or a vegetarian burger, served with salad and bread.

Are snorkels and swim gear included?

Yes. You get snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls included for the swimming stops.

What drinks are included during the day?

During lunch time, adults get unlimited red wine, plus water and orange juice. Outside the lunch window, drinks are paid at the bar.

Does the trip include Wi-Fi?

Yes. Unlimited Wi-Fi is included onboard, so you can share photos and messages during the cruise.