Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Reviewed · HVAR & PAKLENI ISLANDS

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

4.2 · 297 reviews 10 hours From $83 Operated by Tours In Croatia · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Three islands, one day, serious water time. I loved the Pakleni Islands swim-and-snorkel coves and the easy Hvar Town walking break, and I really liked that lunch includes wine. One thing to consider: the boat can feel busy, and a few people wish they had a bit more time on Hvar.

The crew can make or break a day like this, and the energy here tends to be great. Names that kept coming up include Ante and Sandra, plus other helpful staff like Nada, Kataryna, and Ivo.

At about $83 for 10 hours, this is a solid value if you want a lot of coast for your money: breakfast donuts and coffee, a hot lunch with options, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and even stand-up paddle and inflatables are part of the package.

Key highlights worth your attention

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Key highlights worth your attention

  • Pakleni Islands swim stop with real time in the water and chances to snorkel
  • Hvar Town free time for architecture, shops, and a relaxed walk
  • Brač (Milna) reset with about 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, and unwind
  • Lunch plus wine on board, served with fries (burger, tuna, or veggie)
  • Water extras included such as stand-up paddle and inflatables
  • Crew-led comfort with clear guidance and seat tips when the boat gets full

A catamaran day that mixes speed and real breaks

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - A catamaran day that mixes speed and real breaks
This tour is built for a very specific kind of day: a lot of coastline, multiple stops, and then enough downtime to enjoy each place instead of just speeding past it. You start at the marina area (meeting points can be either Obala Lazareta 1 or Ul. Blaža Jurjeva Trogiranina 1, depending on your booking), and you’ll be expected to check in about 30 minutes before departure.

Once you’re on board, it’s all deck time: sun on your shoulders, Adriatic views off the side, and constant motion between islands. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, but it’s not a slow sightseeing cruise. If you’re hoping for quiet and roomy, pick a different style of trip, because this one runs with plenty of people—especially in high season.

The flip side is that it’s efficient. In one day you get the Pakleni Islands for water play, Hvar for town energy, and Brač for a calmer harbor mood at Milna. Many people rate it highly because it feels like a “best hits” sampler done the practical way: you’re not stuck waiting for a slow transfer, and you’re not paying extra just to swim.

Pakleni Islands: where the water time actually happens

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Pakleni Islands: where the water time actually happens
The day begins at the Pakleni Islands, a stretch of small islands and coves that are famous for clear water and protected bays. You’ll get a photo stop plus free time, and this is the part of the itinerary where you’ll feel the most payoff. You have around an hour here for swimming and snorkeling, and that’s usually enough time to do the basics without rushing.

What helps is the setup on the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included (goggles), and the catamaran is positioned so you can get in and out easily. You also have access to inflatables and a stand-up paddle, which turns the “just swim” stop into something more active if you want it.

Small but real tip: if you’re borrowing or using gear with a deposit, be ready for that. One passenger mentioned a 10€ deposit for water goggles that was returned at the end of the day, and that matches the general idea of bringing a deposit as instructed. It’s not a big hassle, but it’s the kind of detail that avoids confusion later.

Weather can affect this stop. On a day with a thunderstorm, one guest said they skipped swimming in the water, even though the crew stayed friendly and the rest of the day went on. That’s a good reminder to pack for both sun and sudden cloud cover.

Hvar Town: shopping, history, and the kind of walk you remember

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Hvar Town: shopping, history, and the kind of walk you remember
Next comes Hvar Island and, more specifically, Hvar Town. This is where the tour shifts from water play to culture and wandering. You’ll have about 2.25 hours of free time to visit, shop, and see what Hvar is known for: stone streets, strong visual landmarks, and lots of places to pause with a drink.

What you should expect in that time window is not a deep-detailed museum day. It’s a walking-and-exploring block. That works well because you can pick your pace: meander for photos, duck into shops, or find a café and watch the town flow.

A nice detail from the onboard guidance is that the crew may help you aim for the best views. One guest specifically called out Sandra taking them up to the fortress area on Hvar, which suggests the crew can point you toward viewpoints worth the effort. Even if you don’t do a climb, Hvar’s layout rewards casual strolling.

Two practical notes from the experience vibe:

  • The stop can feel short if you’re the type who wants to fully “do Hvar,” not just get a taste. A couple of people felt they needed more time.
  • The boat crowd matters for comfort. One guest wished they’d arrived early to get a good seat; they ended up near smokers and couldn’t move easily once the boat filled.

If Hvar is the main reason you came, plan to be decisive once you step off the boat. You’re given time, not an all-day vacation.

Brač and Milna: 90 minutes of easy island living

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Brač and Milna: 90 minutes of easy island living
Your final stop is Milna on Brač, where you get roughly 1.5 hours. Compared with the Pakleni Islands and Hvar Town, Milna feels more like an intentional reset. Think swim, snorkel, sunbath, and then just doing nothing for a while.

This stop is great for travelers who want a less intense feel after Hvar. You can get back in the water, try snorkeling again, or simply relax. Since you already have goggles included, you’re not scrambling to find gear or pay extra to enjoy the water.

One consistent theme: this is where people describe the day as relaxing. It’s also where you may find more of a “hang out” scene, and yes, some guests noted there’s a beach-bar style option at this end stop. One person said it was lovely and highlighted a bar/pool set-up at the end. Just be aware that if food and drinks at that bar are not included, you’ll likely want cash or card for extras.

If you’re trying to optimize your day for maximum island time, notice the trade-off: Milna is a great finish, but a few people felt the focus was more on the bar than on seeing more of Brač itself. The consolation is that Milna gives you the kind of water time you came for.

Lunch, wine, and the included extras you’ll actually use

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Lunch, wine, and the included extras you’ll actually use
Food on day tours can be hit-or-miss. Here, lunch gets described as genuinely good, which is a big deal on a boat where you can’t just wander off and find another option. You choose your lunch style at check-in, with three options: beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger served with french fries. Wine is included during lunchtime, and you also get unlimited soft drinks on board (juice and water).

One thing I like about meals like this is the predictability. You don’t have to spend time figuring out what’s available once you’re off the boat. Plus, lunch at the right moment keeps the day from turning into a snack-chasing workout.

There’s also breakfast included: donuts and coffee. That’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference if your morning started early.

For hydration: unlimited juice and water is included, so you’ll be covered there. One review mentioned that soda may cost extra, so if soda is your thing, consider grabbing only what you need and rely on the included drinks for the rest.

Then there are the “extras that get used” items: stand-up paddle and inflatables. If you’re traveling with friends and want a shared activity during stop time, this is where it happens.

Timing and logistics that can make or break your comfort

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Timing and logistics that can make or break your comfort
This is a 10-hour experience, and it runs on port timing. Check-in is about 30 minutes before departure, and the boat leaves on schedule. Once you’re moving, you’ll feel the momentum—this tour is more “day program” than “flexible cruise.”

On board, the day can feel busy because of capacity. That’s not a complaint against the crew; it’s the nature of popular catamaran routes in summer. If you’re sensitive to crowded conditions, arrive early for your seat. One passenger noted that choosing a seat earlier helped them avoid being stuck near smokers.

Also think about the rhythm:

  • You’ll spend time in the water at Pakleni and Milna, and you’ll also do Hvar Town wandering.
  • In between, you’re on the boat, enjoying views and the deck atmosphere.

If you prefer constant shore time, you may wish for fewer boat hours and longer town stops.

For your gear checklist, keep it simple and functional:

  • swimwear and beachwear
  • a towel
  • sunscreen (and reapply)
  • a camera
  • comfortable clothes for town wandering
  • deposit (requested as part of the gear process)

Pets aren’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, based on the provided rules. If either is relevant to you, you’ll want to pick a different trip that matches your needs.

Finally, remember that the route can change if conditions turn rough or if the weather requires it. That can mean a different stop plan, and one guest described a switch to a different island tour when the original plan was affected by high winds.

Who should book this tour (and who should consider another option)

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Who should book this tour (and who should consider another option)
I think this tour fits best if you want a packed day that still includes genuine downtime for swimming. If you’re the type who wants to tick off Hvar and also cares about water time, it’s hard to beat the format. You’re not paying extra for the right to swim, and you get snorkeling gear and water toys included.

It also works well for:

  • couples and small groups who want to bounce between islands without organizing ferries
  • travelers who like guided structure but still want free time on land
  • people who care about value: the included breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear add up when you compare it to piecemeal costs

It’s less ideal if you:

  • hate crowded boats and want a lot of personal space
  • want a long, slow Hvar Town experience rather than a short walking window
  • want to spend more time exploring Brač itself, since Milna is the focus at the end

Should you book the Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni cruise?

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - Should you book the Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni cruise?
If your goal is a big Adriatic day with swims, snorkels, and two distinct island vibes (Hvar Town energy plus Milna relaxation), I’d book it. The value is strong for the full-day format, especially because lunch includes wine and the day includes snorkeling gear plus stand-up paddle and inflatables.

But go in with eyes open. This is a popular catamaran tour, so plan for a lively onboard crowd and a schedule that doesn’t slow down. If you’re okay with that trade-off, you’ll end the day with three different kinds of island memories—clear-water coves, a walkable Hvar Town, and an easy Milna finish.

FAQ

Split: Hvar, Brač, and Pakleni Cruise with Lunch and Drinks - FAQ

What is the total duration of the tour?

The experience runs for about 10 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point can vary based on your option. It may be at Obala Lazareta 1 or Ul. Blaža Jurjeva Trogiranina 1.

What food and drinks are included?

You get donuts and coffee for breakfast, lunch with your choice of beef, tuna, or a vegetarian burger with french fries, unlimited soft drinks (juice and water), and wine during lunchtime.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, including goggles.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and beachwear. A deposit is also requested.

Can the route or stops change due to weather?

Yes. The provider may change the route or cancel in case of bad weather or rough sea conditions.