REVIEW · SPLIT
Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Hvar & Pakleni Islands with Food and free Drinks
Book on Viator →Operated by Summer Blues · Bookable on Viator
Sun, swims, and a deck party. This full-day catamaran cruise from Split strings together three island swim stops plus real time in Hvar, and you also get unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee all day. I really like the mix of relaxation and built-in fun, and I also like that the group stays small enough (up to 76) that the boat feels social, not chaotic. One thing to consider: the ride includes multiple swells, so if you’re motion-sickness prone, plan for it.
You start with early coffee and pastries, then alcohol typically kicks in after the first swim stop. By the return leg, the vibe turns more party-forward with music, dancing, and games on deck—great if that’s your style, less ideal if you want a quiet sightseeing day the whole way through.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you go
- A party-meets-islands day on a Split catamaran
- Price and what $119.72 really covers
- Meeting the Summer Blues: where you’ll actually start
- Stop 1 at Brač: the first swim bay is your reset button
- Hvar Old Town: guided orientation plus one hour to roam
- Pakleni Islands swim: hidden-bay calm and a second water hit
- Solta Island on the way back: final swim plus dessert-style snacks
- Food and drinks: how they keep the day moving
- Crew energy, music, and the motion-sickness reality
- Snorkel extras and comfort details that matter
- Who should book this Hvar catamaran day trip
- Should you book this catamaran cruise from Split?
- FAQ
- What islands does this cruise visit?
- How long is the tour?
- What’s included for food?
- Are drinks included, and when do alcohol service start?
- Is there vegetarian food available?
- How much time do you get in Hvar?
- How many swim stops are there?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- What should I bring for the day at sea?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key points to know before you go

- Smallish-group feel (max 76): easier to move, find space, and enjoy the boat day without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds
- Unlimited drinks from an open bar: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included, not an add-on
- 3 swim stops in standout spots: including Brač and the Pakleni Islands, plus another swim on the way back
- Hvar with a guided start + free time: a professional introduction, then about an hour to roam on your own
- Food spread that matches the rhythm of the day: pastries/coffee early, lunch after Hvar, and snacks later
- Deck party energy at the end: music, dancing, and a hype atmosphere as you head back to Split
A party-meets-islands day on a Split catamaran
This is the kind of tour that feels made for a vacation day: you leave Split in the morning, spend the day moving between water and land, then come back at sunset with energy still in the tank. The big idea is simple—less time in lines, more time in sun, swims, and hanging out on the water.
If you’re choosing between a boat trip that’s mostly scenic with a little sightseeing and one that has an event-like atmosphere, this one lands closer to the second option. You’ll still get genuine downtime—lounging on the catamaran deck between stops—but the return leg leans into music and dancing.
Price and what $119.72 really covers

At $119.72 per person for about 10 hours, the value hinges on what’s included. Here, lunch and snacks are part of the package, and the drinks side is the real money-saver: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are all included, with the open bar serving after the first swim stop.
That matters because Hvar and other island areas can add up fast once you’re on the water and trying to beat the heat with drinks. With unlimited beverages built into the day, you can focus on the experience—swim, sunscreen, repeat—without doing mental math every time you want a cold drink.
Meeting the Summer Blues: where you’ll actually start

The meeting point is Obala Lazareta 1, 21000 Split, and you meet directly in front of the catamaran named Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5. Join the correct queue—other companies board nearby, and it’s worth arriving early so you don’t end up chasing the right line.
Start time is 8:30 am, so plan to be there a little ahead. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics tidy.
One more comfort detail: this is English-offered, and the capacity is capped at 76 travelers. For a day on the water, that size helps keep things lively without feeling packed.
Stop 1 at Brač: the first swim bay is your reset button

Your first swim stop is near Brač Island, in a bay where the water is described as crystal blue. This is where you’ll get that classic Adriatic moment: quick plunge, float around, then return to deck time while you cruise onward.
Timing is about one hour for this first stop. It also lines up with when the day’s rhythm changes—alcohol service starts after this initial swim, so you’ll usually be refreshed before the open bar kicks in.
Practical tip: bring sunscreen and water-friendly footwear if you like a bit of grip when you move around the boat. The day is sun-heavy, and you’ll spend plenty of time outdoors.
Hvar Old Town: guided orientation plus one hour to roam

Hvar is the land-time payoff, and the pacing here is smart. You land and get a professional guide introducing the main attractions, then you’re released into about one hour of free time to explore on your own.
The total Hvar stop is about two hours, which is enough to do something real without turning it into a rushed sprint. If you want a coffee by the promenade, a stroll through older streets, or a quick souvenir lap, this is the window to do it.
How to think about this stop: it’s not a full-day, deep-history tour. The guided portion helps you get oriented fast, and the free time is what lets you pick your own pace. Some people even prefer this setup because you’re not stuck with constant commentary while trying to enjoy the atmosphere.
Pakleni Islands swim: hidden-bay calm and a second water hit

After Hvar, you’re back on board and cruising to the Pakleni Islands. This is your second swim stop, again around one hour, in a more secluded-feeling bay setup.
This part of the day is where you can slow your brain down. You’re surrounded by islands, and the vibe is all about floating, swimming, and letting the day feel like a vacation instead of a checklist.
You’ll also eat as the day continues: snacks like chicken salad and fruit are served during the day flow, and you’ll have the open bar available as part of the onboard party energy building toward the end.
Solta Island on the way back: final swim plus dessert-style snacks

On the return leg toward Split, you get another swim stop, this time on Šolta Island. It’s about one hour, with more time to enjoy the water before you head back in for the sunset arrival.
This stop also comes with homemade-style treats—fresh fruit and homemade cakes—plus the open bar while you’re finishing your last swim. It’s a good “wrap-up” moment that keeps the day from feeling like it ends abruptly once you leave Hvar.
Food and drinks: how they keep the day moving

The food plan follows the tour’s tempo instead of piling everything at one time.
Early on, you should expect pastries and coffee. After the Hvar stop, lunch is served, with dishes such as chicken salad, plus cakes and fruit later in the day. On top of that, there’s a steady flow of snacks so you’re not forced to wait until you’re actually starving.
On the drink side, this tour is the easy winner: unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee are included. Alcohol is served after the first swim stop, and by the later hours the atmosphere can shift into more of a party state.
From experience with similar boats, what makes this package feel “worth it” is not just the free drinks—it’s that you’re not constantly choosing between paying for water and not. You can just use the included bar like it’s part of the schedule.
Crew energy, music, and the motion-sickness reality
The crew is a major reason this trip gets such high marks. Names that have come up as standout hosts include Mia and Manuela, both praised for keeping everyone informed and keeping the mood up without making it feel chaotic.
Music and dancing are a real part of the final stretch. You’ll hear playlists and get a deck party vibe on the way back, including games and dancing that can last a long time during the return cruise.
Now the honest bit: sailing conditions aren’t guaranteed to be smooth. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring pills. It also helps to have a plan—pick a spot on the boat where you can face forward or where you feel the least rocking. The good news is that motion-sickness support is available onboard in case you need it.
Also pack for sun. Even if you’re not doing a beach day on land, you’ll be outside between stops.
Snorkel extras and comfort details that matter
Small extras make a boat day easier. Snorkel masks and floating noodles (foam) are provided for free, which helps if you want to try a quick swim with gear without dragging your own from home.
You’ll also find bathrooms onboard, which is a big quality-of-life factor on a 10-hour outing. And the boat itself tends to feel spacious enough that you can find a spot to lounge without constant crowd pressure.
If you’re traveling with a group, this is one of those days where the boat size and capacity cap help everyone feel like they have room to breathe.
Who should book this Hvar catamaran day trip
This trip is ideal if you want a full day on the water that includes both sightseeing and actual time to swim. It’s also a good fit if you like social energy: you’ll meet people onboard, and the return party is a big part of the experience.
It’s less ideal if you want a quiet, museum-style Hvar day. The day can turn more party-forward as alcohol flows and the music ramps up.
A useful middle-ground way to think about it:
- If you’re traveling with kids, the day includes a swim-focused structure, and the tour is recommended for children above age two.
- Still, the later-departure deck vibe can feel more like a party setting than a calm family outing.
If your idea of a perfect day is beaches and photos in between swells, you’ll probably love it. If you hate noise and dancing, you might prefer a quieter island-hopping option.
Should you book this catamaran cruise from Split?
Book it if you want the best kind of vacation trade: you pay once, then you get drinks, food, and multiple swim stops without constantly spending extra. The included unlimited drinks alone help justify the cost, and the Hvar time is long enough to feel like you got somewhere instead of just passing through.
Skip it if you’re sensitive to boat movement or you’re set on a calm sightseeing day the whole way through. The swells are real sometimes, and the return deck party is not subtle.
If you’re flexible, bring sunscreen, consider motion-sickness protection, and plan to go with the flow. This is the sort of day that can turn into your highlight precisely because it mixes swim breaks, Hvar orientation, and a final sunset-style celebration instead of treating the trip like a strict itinerary.
FAQ
What islands does this cruise visit?
You’ll go to Brač (first swim stop), Hvar (town visit), the Pakleni Islands (second swim stop), and Šolta Island (final swim stop on the way back).
How long is the tour?
It’s listed as about 10 hours including the return to Split.
What’s included for food?
You’ll get pastries and coffee early, lunch after the Hvar stop, and additional snacks later in the day, including fruit and homemade cakes.
Are drinks included, and when do alcohol service start?
Yes. The package includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are served after the first swim stop.
Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.
How much time do you get in Hvar?
You’ll have about two hours total for Hvar, including a guided introduction and roughly one hour of free time afterward.
How many swim stops are there?
There are three swim stops: one near Brač, one at the Pakleni Islands, and one on Šolta Island.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Obala Lazareta 1, Split, directly in front of the catamaran Summer Blues at dock 4 or 5. Make sure you join the correct line.
What should I bring for the day at sea?
Bring sunscreen and consider motion-sickness pills if you’re prone to nausea. Snorkel masks and foam noodles are provided, but sun protection and personal comfort items are still worth packing.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.




