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

The best part of this 10-hour catamaran day is its easy mix of swimming, island scenery, a short taste of Hvar, and a party on the ride home. You leave Split in the morning, spend much of the day on clear Adriatic water, and return around sunset without arranging several separate trips.

I like the three swim stops, especially because masks and foam noodles are available, and I like the friendly crew-led atmosphere. Food, coffee, and unlimited drinks are also built into the price. The main drawback is the length: with so much time at sea, the day can feel repetitive if you want a fast sightseeing trip rather than a relaxed boat outing.

Key points at a glance

• Three swim stops: Take a morning swim near Brač, another near the Pakleni Islands, and a final stop by Šolta.
• Hvar with a guide: See the old town with a professional guide, then enjoy about an hour on your own.
• Food throughout the day: Expect an early pastry and coffee, chicken salad after Hvar, then fruit and cakes later.
• Open bar after swimming: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included, with alcoholic drinks served after the first swim stop.
• A lively return ride: Music, games, dancing, and a sunset party replace the quiet mood of the morning.
• Useful practical detail: Meet the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5 at 8:30 a.m., and check the queue carefully.

A full Adriatic day, not just a trip to Hvar

This cruise works best if you see it as a day on the water with Hvar included, rather than as a dedicated Hvar sightseeing tour. You get roughly two hours in town, including a guided walk of about 30 minutes, but much of the experience is spent cruising, swimming, eating, and relaxing on deck.

The catamaran departs from Obala Lazareta 1 in Split. The boat is described as spacious, with room for up to 76 people, although the feel can vary depending on the day’s numbers. The atmosphere begins quietly, then grows louder and more social as the afternoon progresses.

I would choose this outing for a sunny day when you want the sea to be the main event. It is a good fit for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who are comfortable with a late-day party mood. The operator recommends it for children over two, but the final part is more adult and music-focused than a calm family boat ride.

What the $119.72 price really includes

At $119.72 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the full package. You are paying for a full day on the water, a visit to Hvar, three swim stops, lunch, snacks, an open bar, coffee, equipment for the water, and the crew’s hosting. A separate boat ride, meal, and drinks could quickly approach the same cost.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want to explore Hvar. You get only about an hour of independent time after the guided walk. If your priority is museums, shopping, or a long lunch in town, a ferry or private boat arrangement would give you more freedom.

Food is served in stages rather than as one large meal. An early pastry and coffee help with the morning departure. After Hvar, you receive a chicken salad, which is a light salad with chicken on top rather than a creamy mayonnaise-based salad. Later, fruit, homemade cakes, or muffins are served.

That menu suits a hot day at sea, but it is not a full restaurant meal. If you need a large breakfast or have strict dietary needs, plan accordingly. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

Brač starts the day with a quiet swim

The first stop is a bay near Brač, reached after a relaxed cruise from Split. You have about an hour to swim and sit in the clear water while taking in the island views. This is also the point where the day still feels calm and unhurried.

Bring sunscreen and apply it early. There is plenty of time spent outside between stops, and the boat ride itself exposes you to strong sun even when you are not swimming. A hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up are sensible additions.

Alcoholic drinks are served only after the first swim stop. That policy makes practical sense: you can settle into the boat, eat something, and enjoy the first swim before the open bar begins. After that, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are available without an extra charge.

Masks and foam noodles may be available for the swim stops. They are useful additions, especially if you want to float rather than swim continuously. Still, bring your own mask if you need a particular fit, since shared equipment can vary.

Hvar gives you two hours on land

Hvar is the main sightseeing stop. A professional guide leads you through the old town and points out the most important attractions. The guided portion is intentionally short, so you get an introduction rather than a detailed historical tour.

That balance suits me. You learn enough to get your bearings, then have about an hour to wander alone. Use that time for a coffee on the promenade, souvenir shopping, or a quick walk through the streets. You will not have time to see every corner of Hvar, so do not arrive with an ambitious sightseeing list.

Guides such as Mia and Manuela have received especially warm praise for keeping the group informed and creating a friendly mood. Jelena is also connected with the Summer Blues team. Guide assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one particular person will lead your day.

Hvar can easily tempt you to stay longer. That is one of the tradeoffs here. The stop gives you a useful first look, but it may leave you wanting a separate overnight visit. I see that as a strength if you want a sampler of the island, but a weakness if Hvar is your main reason for booking.

Pakleni brings the strongest swimming setting

After Hvar, you return to the catamaran at the waterfront and continue toward the Pakleni Islands. The boat stops in one of the islands’ quieter bays for another hour in the water.

This is a good moment to settle into the day’s social rhythm. The bar is open, lunch is served, and the crew helps keep the atmosphere relaxed. The contrast with Hvar is part of the appeal: you move from an old town and guided walk back to salt water, swimsuits, and open deck.

The exact bay can depend on conditions. Do not expect a formal beach visit with a long walk ashore. The focus is swimming from or near the boat. If you prefer sandy beaches, note that this experience is built around sheltered water stops rather than extended time on land.

Šolta is the final swim before the party

The last swim stop takes place near Šolta on the return route to Split. By this point, the sea time may feel either wonderfully restful or a little long, depending on your mood and the weather.

Fresh fruit and homemade cakes are served after the swim, giving you something light before the final ride. The open bar remains part of the experience, and the tone shifts toward music, games, and dancing on deck.

This is where the cruise becomes distinctly more social. The final hour or two can include a lively dance party, with the crew helping set the pace. I would not choose this tour if you want a quiet sunset sail. I would choose it if you like the idea of meeting people, sharing a few drinks, and ending the day with familiar dance music over the Adriatic.

The crew shapes the whole experience

The boat, stops, and food matter, but the crew has a major effect on the day. Hosts such as Mia, Manuela, and other Summer Blues staff are responsible for explaining the schedule, helping with swim equipment, serving food and drinks, and turning up the energy later.

The strongest part of the service is its personal touch. The crew is described as friendly, professional, and attentive without filling the day with nonstop commentary. That matters because this is not a lecture-heavy sightseeing trip. You receive practical information at each stop, then plenty of time to enjoy yourself.

The balance of age groups can also work well. The boat may include families, couples, groups of friends, and solo participants. That broad mix is a plus during the relaxed part of the day. Once the music and dancing begin, the mood becomes more party-oriented, so anyone seeking a very quiet outing should take that into account.

Expect real boat motion and a long day outside

The Adriatic is not always smooth. Swells can make the ride uncomfortable, especially during longer crossings. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual medication. The crew may have motion sickness pills on board, but carrying your own is the safer plan.

The early start also matters. You meet at 8:30 a.m., and the return includes about an hour of cruising back to Split. This is a full day, not a short morning excursion. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, a phone case, and a light layer for the ride home.

The meeting point is in Split’s harbor, where several boat companies operate close together. Look for the Summer Blues catamaran at dock 4 or 5, and join the correct queue. That small detail can save unnecessary confusion before departure.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. It is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Groups larger than 10 are not accepted on the daily tours, even if you are otherwise traveling together, so check that rule before booking a large party.

Who should book this catamaran cruise

I would book this trip if you want several Adriatic highlights in one day and do not want to plan ferry times, restaurant stops, swim locations, and drinks separately. It offers a tidy route from Split, a short introduction to Hvar, three chances to swim, and an upbeat finish.

It is especially suited to you if you enjoy:

• Swimming in clear open water
• A friendly, social boat setting
• Included drinks and light meals
• A quick guided look at Hvar
• Music and dancing on the return
• A full day with a clear schedule

I would think twice if you want serious sightseeing in Hvar, a quiet boat ride, a small private group, or a substantial meal. The three swim stops are attractive, but they are similar in purpose, and some people may find the repeated pattern a little long.

The boat can hold up to 76 people, so it is not an intimate private sailing trip. On a less crowded departure, the space may feel comfortable and easygoing. On a fuller one, the experience will feel more like a group excursion.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:30 a.m. start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you can choose another date or experience or receive a full refund.

Because the trip is popular and is often reserved well ahead of time, I would not leave it until the last day of a short Split visit. At the same time, weather and sea conditions matter more than squeezing this outing into a fixed schedule.

Should you book the Summer Blues day trip?

Book it if you want a complete Adriatic day rather than a focused Hvar tour. The strongest formula is simple: swim, eat, explore Hvar briefly, swim again, then enjoy music and drinks on the way home.

The $119.72 cost makes good sense for anyone who will use the open bar, included food, swim equipment, and full-day boat access. Just set the right expectations. Hvar is one part of the day, the ride can be bumpy, and the final stretch is a lively party rather than a peaceful cruise.

For sunny-weather fun with helpful hosts, good swim stops, and a memorable return to Split, I would book it. For long, quiet time in Hvar or a small private boat, choose another plan.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

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

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 a.m. The activity lasts about 10 hours and returns to the same meeting point in Split.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes a swim stop near Brač, time in Hvar, a swim stop near the Pakleni Islands, and another swim stop near Šolta.

How much free time do I get in Hvar?

You spend about two hours in Hvar, including a guided sightseeing walk and approximately one hour of free time to explore independently.

Are drinks included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chicken salad is served after the Hvar stop. The day also includes an early pastry and coffee, followed later by fruit and homemade cakes or muffins.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you must request it when booking.

Can children join the cruise?

The tour is recommended for children over two years old. The atmosphere becomes more party-oriented later in the day, with music and dancing.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

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