Snorkeling in Split: Luxury Catamaran to Hvar & Pakleni Islands

Eight hours, three islands, two swim stops, and lunch on a luxury deck

A full-day catamaran tour from Split sails to Hvar's old town, Šolta Island, and the Pakleni Islands, with time to swim and snorkel in clear bays. The boat departs at 8:30 AM and returns at 5:00 PM, carrying a maximum of guests on a 5-star catamaran with sun lounges, private booths and a crew dedicated to your comfort. Includes welcome coffee with fresh croissants, a prepared salad lunch, fresh fruit, snorkeling equipment, and beach towels. A live guide in English leads the tour; children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury catamaran tour and island exploration

• Depart from Split on catamaran
• Swim stop at Šolta Island bay
• Explore Hvar old town for 1 hour
• Cruise to Pakleni Islands
• Stop at beautiful Pakleni Islands bay
• Enjoy finger food lunch on board
• Relax on luxury catamaran decks
• Return to Split

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Split harbor at 8:30 AM, and the first stop is Hvar's old town — you have about an hour to walk the narrow streets, see the 16th-century Arsenal Theatre and St. Stephen's Cathedral, or climb to Fortress Španjola for views back across the water. The boat then cruises for twenty minutes to the Pakleni Islands, where you anchor in one of the most protected bays and spend time swimming and snorkeling in water clear enough to see the seabed. A morning swim stop at Šolta Island follows, in another pristine bay where the crew sets out fresh fruit and water.

Lunch is served on board — a freshly prepared salad bowl, fresh fruit during the day, and welcome coffee with croissants in the morning. The catamaran itself is the experience: 5-star decks with sun lounges, private booths, and enough space that you are not crowded even with a full guest list. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the restroom is on board. A live guide in English narrates the stops and the history, and the crew handles all the logistics so the day unfolds without you arranging transport, tickets or meals separately.

The boat returns to Split by 5:00 PM. Children from age 3 can come along, and the tour suits all fitness levels — the swimming and snorkeling are optional, and the lounges are there if you prefer to stay on deck. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

• Welcome coffee with fresh baked croissants and a freshly prepared salad bowl lunch.
• fresh fruit and fresh water throughout the day.
• snorkeling equipment and beach towels.
• a live guide in English narrating the stops and the history of the islands.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by XCAPE CRUISES

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a full day on the water with multiple island stops, swimming and snorkeling included, and all the meals and logistics arranged — the catamaran's size and crew mean you spend the day relaxing on sun lounges or in the water, not managing a schedule or finding lunch ashore.

Traveler reviews

4.65★★★★★★★★★★

17 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is there to do in Hvar's old town during the one-hour stop?

Hvar's old town holds several landmarks within walking distance: St. Stephen's Cathedral, the 16th-century Arsenal Theatre, and Fortress Španjola, which sits on a hill above the harbor and offers views across the Adriatic. An hour is enough to walk the main streets and pick one or two sites, or simply sit in the main square.

Can I snorkel if I have never done it before?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on the catamaran, and the boat stops in calm, clear bays where the water is shallow and protected. The guide and crew are there to help, and snorkeling is optional — you can swim instead or stay on deck if you prefer.

What meals and drinks are included during the eight hours?

The catamaran includes welcome coffee with fresh baked croissants in the morning, a freshly prepared salad bowl lunch served on board, and fresh fruit throughout the day. Water (fresh and flavored) is included. Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are available at the on-board bar at separate cost.

Is the catamaran suitable for children?

Children from age 3 are welcome on the tour. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and the boat has a restroom on board. The swimming and snorkeling stops are optional, so younger children can stay on the sun lounges with a parent if they prefer.

How does the tour start and end in Split?

The catamaran departs Split harbor at 8:30 AM and returns at 5:00 PM. You meet at the harbor in Split; public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the departure point.

What should I bring or wear for the day?

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat or sunglasses — the sun lounges offer shade, but the deck is mostly open. Beach towels are provided. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own.