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

The best part of this 10-hour catamaran trip is its mix of clear-water swimming, a short taste of Hvar, and a cheerful party on the ride home. You are not simply ferried from Split to one island. You get three swim stops, lunch, snacks, and time in town.

I like the easy balance between sightseeing and relaxing. I also like the useful extras, including snorkel masks, floating noodles, bathrooms, coffee, and a maximum capacity of 76 people. The main drawback is the length: if three similar swim stops sound repetitive, or if you get seasick, this can be a long day on open water.

Key points at a glance

• Three swim stops: Cool off near Brač, the Pakleni Islands, and Šolta, with masks and foam noodles available.
• A short Hvar visit: Take a guided introduction to the old town, then enjoy about an hour on your own.
• Food throughout the day: Expect a morning pastry, coffee, chicken salad for lunch, fruit, and homemade cakes or muffins.
• Open bar after the first swim: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included.
• A party finish: Music, dancing, and games can turn the final ride into the liveliest part of the day.
• A social but not huge boat: The catamaran holds up to 76 people, though the mood and crowd size can vary.

What this Split boat day is really like

This is best understood as a full day at sea with a sightseeing stop, not as a traditional island tour packed with facts. The catamaran leaves Split at 8:30 a.m. and returns to the same harbor around sunset after roughly 10 hours.

I like that the schedule gives you several ways to enjoy the day. You can swim, sit in the sun, watch the islands pass by, join the Hvar walk, or take part in the music and dancing later. The hosts stay involved without turning every minute into a lecture.

The mood changes as the day goes on. The morning begins quietly with coffee and a pastry. Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop, and the return trip usually becomes much more social. That makes this a good fit if you want a relaxed start and a party ending.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet sailing trip from beginning to end. Music, dancing, and an open bar are part of the design, especially during the final two hours.

The first swim near Brač

Your first stop is a bay near Brač, reached after the catamaran leaves Split. You get about an hour to swim and relax in clear Adriatic water, with views of the coast and nearby islands.

This is a smart first stop because it breaks up the morning crossing. You can get into the water early, settle into the boat, and see how much swimming or sunbathing you want to do for the rest of the day.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. There is a fair amount of time on the boat between stops, and the open deck gives you little shade compared with a regular indoor sightseeing vehicle.

Snorkel masks and foam noodles may be available for use, which adds value if you want to float without packing extra equipment. The water can still feel cool, so a towel and a dry change of clothes are practical choices.

After this stop, the bar opens for alcoholic drinks. Beer and wine are included along with soft drinks, water, and coffee. If you prefer a quieter morning, you can simply stick with water or a soft drink and save your energy for Hvar.

Two hours in Hvar, with a guide and free time

Hvar is the main sightseeing stop. The boat docks at the town waterfront, and a professional guide leads you around the most important sights in the old town.

You should think of this as an introduction rather than a full historical tour. The guided portion helps you get oriented, then you have about an hour to explore on your own. I like this setup because Hvar deserves more than a quick photo stop, but most people also want time to wander without a group.

Use the free hour for a walk along the promenade, a coffee, or souvenir shopping. The stop is long enough to get a feel for the town, but not long enough for an unhurried visit to every major sight. If Hvar is your main reason for booking, you may wish the schedule gave you more time ashore.

Several hosts have received especially warm praise for their work. Mia is known for keeping the day organized and maintaining the mood, while Manuela is noted for offering useful information, speaking with people across the boat, and making families feel welcome. The exact host is not guaranteed, so treat those names as examples rather than promises.

Lunch is served after the Hvar stop. The advertised chicken salad is a light salad with pieces of chicken on top, not a creamy mayonnaise-based chicken salad. That distinction matters if you are expecting a substantial meal. It is suitable as a midday meal on a boat, but hungry diners may want to enjoy a larger meal in Hvar if they prefer.

A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking.

Pakleni Islands and the best water stop

After Hvar, the catamaran heads toward the Pakleni Islands. The boat stops in one of the islands’ quieter bays for another swim of about an hour.

This is one of the strongest parts of the day. The setting shifts from the town waterfront to a natural bay, and the water gives you another chance to swim, float, or simply sit on deck. I like the change of pace. You have had a little town time, and now you are back in the Adriatic.

The open bar continues, and the chicken salad is served around this part of the day. You can choose a drink and eat on board rather than lose time looking for food ashore.

Do not expect a major guided visit to the Pakleni Islands. The point here is the water and the setting, not a long walk or detailed commentary. If you want a quiet hour, choose a spot away from the loudest music. If you want to meet people, this is when the social side of the cruise usually becomes more noticeable.

Šolta and the last swim

The final swim stop takes place near Šolta as the boat heads back toward Split. It lasts about an hour, and fruit plus homemade cakes or muffins are served on board.

By this point, the schedule has been full. You have already had a morning swim, a town visit, lunch, and another swim. Some people will appreciate one more chance to get into the water. Others may feel that the third swim stop is too similar to the first two.

That is the clearest tradeoff in the itinerary. The three stops offer repeated access to beautiful water, but they do not create three completely different activities. If you are happiest relaxing on a boat, the repetition is part of the pleasure. If you prefer more time in Hvar or more sightseeing, the final stop may feel unnecessary.

The snacks help keep the last stretch comfortable. You can have fruit or cake, enjoy the included drinks, and settle in for the final ride.

The ride home becomes a deck party

The catamaran’s return to Split is not just a transfer. Music, dancing, and games often take over the deck, with the crew encouraging people to join in.

This is where the tour earns its party reputation. The day begins at a relaxed pace, but the open bar and shared experience make it easier for people to talk and make friends. You do not need to dance, though. There is still room to sit back and watch the coast pass by.

The atmosphere suits couples, groups of friends, solo bookers who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who are comfortable around music and alcohol. The tour is recommended for children older than two, but parents should know that the final part can feel more like a social party than a family sightseeing trip.

One useful detail: the boat has bathrooms, which matters on a full day at sea. The catamaran also offers enough space for people to spread out, though comfort depends on how full the departure is. The maximum is 76 people, so do not expect a private or small-group sailing.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

The included food is simple, light, and suited to a boat day. You can expect:

• A morning pastry and coffee
• Chicken salad for lunch
• Fruit and homemade cakes or muffins later in the day
• Unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and coffee

Alcohol starts after the first swim stop. That timing is sensible. You have time to wake up, eat, and get settled before drinks become part of the day.

I would pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a swimsuit, a towel, and a dry layer for the ride home. Motion sickness tablets are worth considering if you are sensitive to swells. The catamaran can encounter rougher water, and a long day on open water is not ideal for anyone who becomes ill easily. The crew keeps motion sickness pills on board, but bringing your own is still wise.

The tour provider allows a vegetarian meal if requested in advance. Other dietary needs are not specified, so ask before booking if your food requirements go beyond that option.

Is $119.72 a fair price?

At $119.72 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Hvar, but it includes much more than transport. Your price covers the catamaran, three swim stops, a guided Hvar visit, food, nonalcoholic drinks, beer, wine, coffee, and the entertainment on the way back.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, meals, drinks, and a visit to Hvar. It is also useful for a short stay in Split because one booking gives you a full day on the Adriatic and a quick look at several islands.

The value is weaker if you mainly want several hours in Hvar. You only get about two hours in town, including the guided walk. A public ferry or separate Hvar visit might give you more freedom ashore, though it would not include the swim stops, food, open bar, or deck party.

For many people, the package works because the boat time is part of the attraction. You are paying for a complete social day, not just a ride between two ports.

Meeting at Split harbor

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1, at dock 4 or 5 in Split harbor. Look for the Summer Blues catamaran and join the correct queue. Several boat companies board nearby, so checking the vessel name is important.

Confirmation is issued at booking, and the activity is offered in English. Most people can take part, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Groups larger than 10 people are not allowed on the daily tours. A large family or friend group should not assume it can book separately and board together. The operator reserves the right to refuse boarding without a refund if the group policy is ignored.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would book it if you want one easy day that combines swimming, island views, a brief cultural stop, included drinks, and music. It is particularly appealing if you like a social atmosphere but do not want a loud party from the first minute.

You should also book it if you are staying in Split for only a few days and want to see Hvar and several nearby coastal areas without arranging separate transport.

I would think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need extensive time in Hvar, or want a quiet, highly educational tour. The guided information in Hvar is useful but limited, and the three swim stops follow a similar pattern.

For families, the decision depends on age and expectations. Children over two are allowed, and the swimming stops can be enjoyable. Still, the alcohol, music, dancing, and late-day party make this a better choice for families comfortable with an adult social setting.

Should you book the Summer Blues day?

Yes, if you want a full Adriatic day with swimming and a strong social finish. The crew, food service, included drinks, comfortable catamaran, and well-spaced stops give the day real value.

Book with realistic expectations. You will get a taste of Hvar, not a deep visit. You will have three swim stops, not three completely different excursions. If that sounds like your kind of day, Summer Blues offers a practical and fun way to get out of Split and onto the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1 in Split harbor. 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 10 hours, returning to the original meeting point around sunset.

Which places does the tour visit?

The itinerary includes a swim stop near Brač, Hvar town, the Pakleni Islands, and a final swim stop near Šolta.

How long do you spend in Hvar?

The Hvar portion lasts about two hours. It includes a guided introduction to the town and about one hour of free time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken salad, and fruit, cakes, or muffins are served at other points during the day. A morning pastry and coffee are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and coffee are included. Alcoholic drinks are served after the first swim stop.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. You must request the vegetarian option when booking.

Are children allowed?

The tour is recommended for children older than two. The later part of the trip can have a party atmosphere with music, dancing, and alcohol.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.