Hvar, Brac & Solta Boat Tour: Swim, Snorkel & Local Lunch

Summary

Private boat day trip to Hvar Brac Solta with swimming lunch

You’ll island-hop by private boat from Split or Trogir to Hvar, Brac, and Solta—stopping for coffee on Hvar’s waterfront, swimming at hidden beaches, exploring an old submarine base, enjoying seaside lunch with fresh fish, then snorkeling above a sunken shipwreck before heading home salty-haired and happy.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sea to be that clear — like glass, honestly. We left Split just after breakfast, and the air still smelled faintly of coffee from the harbor. Our skipper, Luka, had this easy way about him; he pointed out the islands as we skimmed across the Adriatic, telling us which ones were famous for lavender or olives. I tried to remember the names but got them mixed up almost immediately. The first stop was Hvar town — I’d heard it was busy in summer but that morning felt slow and local. We wandered along the Riva, and I sat for a coffee watching old men play cards under striped umbrellas. There’s this fortress above town (Fortica), and climbing up is sweaty work but worth it for that view — you get all those little boats bobbing below and rooftops stacked like red tiles on a bakery shelf.

After Hvar, we headed for what Luka called “Robinson beach” on Brac. It’s quiet there — soft sand underfoot and barely anyone else around except a couple of kids chasing each other in the shallows. The water was so blue it almost looked fake. I floated on my back for ages just listening to nothing but my own breathing and some distant gulls. Then out of nowhere Luka asked if anyone wanted to see an old submarine base from Yugoslav times — I mean, how could you say no? He steered us into this hidden cove where concrete tunnels disappeared into the rock; it felt weirdly secretive and cool at the same time.

Lunch was at this tiny place right by the water on Solta — you literally step off the boat onto their terrace. The smell hit me before I even sat down: grilled fish, olive oil, something lemony in the air. I tried to order in Croatian (badly), which made our waiter laugh and correct me gently. Some people went for another swim while we waited; I just sat there watching sunlight flicker on the waves and thinking how different this felt from any “day trip” I’d done before.

The last stop was a bay with a sunken ship where we snorkeled — not deep at all but enough to see rusted metal shapes tangled with seaweed below us. My mask kept fogging up but honestly I didn’t care much; it was more about floating there with salty lips and feeling small in a good way. On the ride back toward Split, everyone got quiet for a bit — maybe tired or just soaking it all in. Even now when I close my eyes I can still hear that low hum of the engine mixed with wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hvar, swim and lunch by sea

• Cruise one hour to Hvar town
• Explore Hvar town and coffee break
• Climb Fortica fortress for views
• Relax at Lonely beach (Robinson beach)
• Visit secret Yugoslavian military base
• Lunch at seaside restaurant (optional)
• Swim or walk in nearby village
• Snorkel at sunken ship bay
• Return to Trogir or Split

Top questions

How long does the private boat tour to Hvar Brac Solta take?

The tour lasts about one full day including stops at each island.

Is lunch included on this island-hopping tour?

Lunch is optional at a seaside restaurant on Solta; you can also swim or walk instead.

Can children join this private boat trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Are snorkeling equipment and safety gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and safety gear are included in your tour.

Where does the tour depart from?

The private boat departs from either Split or Trogir harbor.

Do we visit historical sites during this day trip?

You’ll have free time in historic Hvar town and visit an old Yugoslavian submarine base.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the departure point in Split or Trogir.

What should I bring for this island hopping trip?

Sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, water, camera—and maybe some Croatian phrases!

What’s included

Your day includes private boat hire with skipper Luka as your local guide, bottled water onboard throughout the journey, all necessary safety equipment plus snorkeling gear for exploring that sunken shipwreck bay—plus insurance is covered so you can just relax into every swim stop along these Croatian islands.