Hvar & Pakleni Islands Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drinks

Summary

Catamaran day trip from Split to Hvar swim stops local lunch

You’ll board a catamaran in Split for a day trip through Brač’s bays, explore Hvar with a local guide and free time, then swim off Pakleni Islands and Šolta. Meals, drinks, and all swim stops are included—plus little moments like homemade cake and sea air that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sea to smell so clean. That first step onto the catamaran in Split — you know how mornings by the harbor can be noisy, but somehow it felt calm. There was this gentle hum of people finding seats, a bit of laughter from a group behind me (I think they were from Germany?), and then we just slipped out into that blue. The crew handed out coffee and some sort of flaky pastry — I probably got crumbs everywhere. First swim stop was near Brač; the water was cold enough to wake me up properly. I floated for a bit, staring at the islands, not really thinking about anything. It’s weird how quickly you forget your phone exists.

Our guide in Hvar met us right at the dock — she had this way of talking about the town that made it feel less like a checklist and more like someone showing you their favorite corners. We wandered past old stone walls and she pointed out where her grandmother used to buy bread (“still does,” she said). Afterward, I had an hour to just sit on the promenade with an espresso, watching people try (and fail) to keep gelato off their shirts. The sun bounced off everything — almost too bright. I picked up a tiny lavender sachet for my mom; it still smells like Hvar every time I open my bag.

Back on board, there was chicken salad waiting (vegetarian option too if you ask), and finally the open bar kicked in — wine tasted better than I expected but maybe that’s just being out on deck with salty hair. We stopped again at one of those Pakleni bays where nobody said much; everyone just drifted in and out of the water or lay around half-asleep. On Šolta Island, someone passed around homemade cake while music played quietly over the speakers — not party music exactly, but enough that people started dancing by accident. The last bit back to Split felt slow in a good way. I kept thinking about that lavender scent and how sunburned my nose would be tomorrow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise to Hvar and islands

• Depart from Split on catamaran
• Swim near Brač island bay
• Guided tour of Hvar town
• Free time in Hvar town
• Swim at Pakleni islands bay
• Enjoy chicken salad and open bar
• Swim stop at Šolta island
• Fresh fruit, cakes, and drinks onboard
• Return cruise to Split

Top questions

How long is the catamaran cruise from Split to Hvar?

The full-day tour lasts about 8 hours including all stops.

Are drinks included on this Hvar & Pakleni Islands cruise?

Yes, there’s an open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and water after the first swim stop.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch includes chicken salad (vegetarian available), plus pastries, fruit, and cakes.

How many swim stops are there on this tour?

The cruise includes three swim breaks: near Brač Island, Pakleni Islands, and Šolta Island.

Is there a guided tour in Hvar town?

Yes, there’s a professional guided walk plus about an hour of free time in Hvar town.

Where does the tour depart from in Split?

You meet directly at dock 4 or 5 in Split harbor by the "Summer Blues" catamaran.

Can groups larger than 10 join this catamaran cruise?

No, groups over 10 people aren’t allowed on daily tours as per provider policy.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

The tour is recommended for children above two years old.

What’s included

Your day covers three swim stops around Brač, Pakleni Islands and Šolta; an eight-hour catamaran cruise; local pastry breakfast; chicken salad lunch (or vegetarian option); fresh fruit and homemade cakes; unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee after the first swim; Wi-Fi onboard; plus a guided tour of Hvar town with extra free time before returning to Split in the evening.