A long boat day sounds simple. This one strings together three swim stops, a real look at Hvar, and an open-bar party finish.

I especially love the value: lunch plus unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee) turn what could be an expensive day into something way easier on your budget. I also like the pacing—relax on the catamaran, then go explore Hvar for a focused window instead of being dragged from stop to stop.

One consideration: it does build into a party vibe by the end, so if you want quiet sightseeing all day, you may feel the shift toward music and dancing near the return to Split.

Key things that make this day cruise work

• Big scenery, little effort: scenic sailing plus multiple swim stops without planning your own route.
• Unlimited drinks that matter: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water flow all day, with coffee included.
• Hvar with structure: a guided intro first, then about an hour to wander on your own.
• Swim breaks designed for fun: masks and foam noodles help you get in the water quickly.
• Crew energy: named hosts like Mia and Manuela are praised for keeping the day lively.
• A sunset party finish: music ramps up on the return cruise for a DJ-style deck vibe.

Summer Blues from Split: a catamaran day built for sea time

This cruise is all about exchanging city time for Adriatic time. You start in Split and spend roughly 10 hours on the water, with a mix of swimming, short land time in Hvar, and plenty of room to hang out on deck.

The Summer Blues catamaran is sized for a social day but not a huge cattle-car. With a maximum of 76 travelers, you still get that group energy without feeling lost in a crowd. That balance shows in how the day moves: there’s time to cool off, time to roam, and time to just do nothing.

Meeting spot and timing: what your morning should look like

You’ll meet at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, and the instructions are clear: stand directly in front of the catamaran, Summer Blues, at dock 4 or 5. Joining the correct queue matters because multiple boat companies board near each other.

The start time is 8:30 am. Plan on being there a bit early. An early departure helps you get to the first swim stop while conditions are calm and the day is still fresh.

If you’re thinking about logistics, this tour is marked as near public transportation, and most people can participate. Still, remember this is a day on the water: comfy shoes help when you step on and off the boat, but the real goal is swims and sun.

Stop 1: Brač island swim stop where you cool off first

The day’s first stop is on Brač. You cruise in with the catamaran route focused on views and an easy transition into water time. The first swim stop is about 1 hour, with time to jump in, float, and relax in a bay setting.

This is where the day’s tone starts. One review noted the swim spots were spectacular, and the first one is your chance to settle in fast. It also matters because the alcohol isn’t poured until after the first swim stop—so you get a calm start before the open bar turns up later.

What to do with this hour: get sunscreen on before you’re focused on the water, and take a quick look around the bay. Even when you’re just thinking about swimming, it helps to notice where the boat moors, because that affects how easy it is to hop back on when you’re done.

Hvar: guided orientation, then real free time to roam

After Brač, the cruise heads to Hvar, with a landing program that’s set up for first-timers. You get a professional guided tour covering the main attractions, then you’re given about an hour of free time to explore on your own.

The guided part is valuable because Hvar can feel like a picture you’ve seen before—until you’re standing there and trying to place streets, sights, and viewpoints. A guide helps you know what to look for, and you’re not walking in blind.

Then comes the part you’ll likely enjoy most: your own time. Use it for practical wins like:

• grabbing a coffee by the promenade
• wandering streets at your own pace
• picking up souvenirs without feeling rushed

Expect around 2 hours total on Hvar for this stop, including the guide segment and your free time.

Pakleni Islands swim stop: the open bar meets the sea

Next up is the Pakleni Islands, known for small bays and an easy “get in the water right now” vibe. This stop also runs about 1 hour.

Here, you get both the scenery and the party shift. The description includes returning to the catamaran and continuing toward the Pakleni islands, plus a swim in a hidden bay. Then you can taste the food served onboard and use the open bar while you enjoy the natural setting.

This stop is great if you’re the type who wants more than one day-in-one place. By now, you’ve had your first swim (Brač), you’ve walked around Hvar, and you’re ready for another full water break. It’s also one of the easiest times to get in a relaxed snorkeling moment, especially since masks and foam noodles have been provided.

Šolta island swim and the “music turns up” return to Split

On the way back to Split, you get one more swim stop—this time on Šolta island—about 1 hour again. Alongside the water time, there’s also fresh fruit and homemade cakes served onboard.

This last swim matters because it breaks up the return cruise. It’s also a chance to re-energize before the evening mood hits.

And then the best part for many people: the return period shifts into fun. Multiple reviews describe dancing, music, and a DJ-style atmosphere on deck. The cruise ends back at the meeting point at Split, with the vibe building toward sunset.

If you want to be ready for the party without getting caught off guard, do it like this: treat the last swim as your reset, then stay on deck when the music starts. If you’d rather take it slow, you can also retreat to quieter spots—there’s space to mix and match depending on the crowd energy at that moment.

Food and drinks: what’s included, and how to make it satisfying

This is a big reason the reviews score so high. The cruise includes lunch and snacks plus unlimited drinks.

Here’s what you should expect:

• Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
• Coffee included
• Breakfast pastries early in the day
• Lunch served after the Hvar stop (chicken salad plus cake/snack items)
• Fruit and homemade cakes later in the day

A couple details help you set expectations:

• Alcohol begins after the first swim stop.
• One review mentioned the bar opening around 10:30 am, which aligns with that idea of waiting until you’ve had your first water break.

About the food quality: most descriptions keep it simple—think filling, not fancy. Still, the way it’s timed helps. You aren’t stuck hungry while you’re walking around Hvar or climbing back on the boat after swimming.

Also, there’s a vegetarian option available if you tell the provider when you book. That’s worth doing early, so you’re not hoping something works out at the last minute.

Quick reality check on the chicken salad

Some people expect a mayo-heavy chicken salad, but at least one reviewer clarified it’s more like salad with chicken on top. So if your idea is a creamy version, plan to adjust your expectations. It still reads as a light, practical meal for a hot day on the water.

The crew and the party energy: fun, safe, and well run

The cruise lives or dies by the vibe control, and this one gets strong feedback for the crew’s personality and organization. Reviews mention the captain and crew being friendly and safety-minded, with hosts keeping guests informed and engaged.

Two names pop up repeatedly in praise: Mia and Manuela. That doesn’t mean you’ll get them, but it does suggest the company puts effort into training and personality, not just logistics.

The music and games show up mainly on the return. Several reviews describe dancing for a long stretch and ending with a more upbeat, party-forward tone.

Here’s how I’d judge it for you:

• If you want a chilled day first, you’ll get it early.
• If you want an energetic ending and don’t mind a louder scene on the deck, this delivers.
• If you want a strictly quiet, museum-style day, the final stretch may feel too loud.

Swim-ready advice: sunscreen, gear, and motion sickness prep

Swimming is a core part of the day, not an optional extra. If you’re thinking about what to pack, do it for the reality: sun plus water time plus boat time.

Based on the feedback you can trust, these are the practical moves:

• Bring sunscreen. There’s a fair amount of boat travel time, and you’ll be exposed.
• If you get motion sickness, bring your own pills. One review specifically warned it’s not always smooth sailing and you hit swells.

Good news: snorkel gear has been provided on this cruise. Reviewers mentioned snorkel masks and foam noodles, which makes it easier to enjoy the water without carrying anything bulky.

Group size and who this cruise suits best

This cruise caps at 76 travelers, and the provider notes that daily tours don’t allow groups with more than 10 people. That usually helps keep the tour feeling like a shared experience rather than one big private party with its own rhythm.

As for who it fits best:

• I think it’s ideal for adults and mixed-age groups who want a lively day with swimming and a bit of fun.
• It works well for people who want to see Hvar without planning transport or dealing with ferry schedules.
• If your group is family-focused and you want a calm atmosphere all day, you might be happier finding a more low-key boat option. The return party is real.

Price and value: why $119.72 feels fair here

At $119.72 per person, you’re paying for a full day that includes more than just sailing. This is not only “transport to places.” It’s built around included meals and drinks.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

• You’re getting lunch, plus pastries and snacks.
• You’re also getting unlimited drinks (including beer and wine).
• You’re doing multiple stops: Brač (swim), Hvar (guided + free time), Pakleni (swim), Šolta (swim).
• You get the benefit of a guided introduction in Hvar, which saves time and makes the walking feel purposeful.

That added cost adds up fast on your own in Croatia. A day like this is one of those times when paying up-front can actually save money, especially if you’ll drink a bit and you want a structured Hvar experience.

One more detail: the cruise is commonly booked about 35 days in advance, which is a good sign for planning. Popular dates can sell out, so booking ahead makes sense if your schedule is fixed.

Should you book the Hvar and Pakleni catamaran day?

If you want a full day that feels like a vacation inside your vacation, I’d book it. You’re not just seeing Hvar—you’re also getting multiple swim breaks and a proper open-bar setup that turns the return into a social experience.

I’d skip it (or at least rethink timing) if you need a quiet, early-then-sleep day. The last part of the cruise leans party. It starts relaxed, but it does not pretend to be subdued.

If you come with these expectations—swim time, Hvar sightseeing with a guide, included meals, and a music-fueled ending—you’ll likely leave with the kind of day you talk about later.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise from Split?

It’s listed as about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start in Split?

Start time is 8:30 am.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, Croatia, directly in front of the catamaran Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5.

What islands and stops are included?

You’ll stop for swim time at Brač, visit Hvar with a guided tour plus free time, swim again at the Pakleni Islands, and have another swim stop at Šolta Island before returning to Split.

Are meals included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks such as breakfast pastries and later fruit/cakes.

Are drinks included, and when does alcohol start?

Yes. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included, plus coffee. Alcoholic beverages are served after the first swim stop.

Do I get free time in Hvar?

Yes. After the guided tour, you’ll have about an hour of free time to explore Hvar on your own.

Is there snorkeling gear included?

Snorkel masks and foam noodles have been mentioned as provided.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.