Podstrana: Full-Day Boat Trip to Brač and Shipwreck Kontesa

A good island day needs room to breathe. This Podstrana boat trip combines Sutivan’s easygoing harbor streets with two swim stops, a fresh BBQ lunch, and the unusual sight of shipwreck Kontesa. I like the generous pace and the fact that the boat is described as spacious rather than packed tight. I also like the simple extras: a welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, juice, snorkels, floaties, and cold watermelon on the ride home.

The main drawback is clear: this is not a dry sightseeing cruise. At the swim stops, you must jump from the boat and climb back up a ladder. That makes the trip a poor fit for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or anyone who dislikes open-water access. People prone to seasickness should also think twice, especially on a full day at sea.

At $71 per person, the trip offers a lot for the money if you plan to swim and eat lunch on board. You get the boat ride, fuel surcharge, insurance, Wi-Fi, equipment, and a cooked meal, with red wine, water, and orange juice served during lunch. The overall rating of 4.7 from 66 reviews fits the strongest parts of the experience: friendly crew, good timing, tasty food, and enough space to relax.

The key points at a glance

• Sutivan gives you a proper island stop: You get free time in a small Brač town rather than only seeing the coast from the boat.
• Two swim locations break up the sailing: One is a quiet bay near Brač, and another is near shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta.
• The boat is set up for swimming: Snorkels, floaties, water polo balls, ladders, and even a couple of lilos are available.
• Lunch is cooked fresh on board: Choose mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, served with salad and bread.
• The day begins early and ends back at your pickup point: Pickup is 8:30 a.m. in Krilo Jesenice or 9 a.m. at Podstrana Sveti Martin.
• You need basic water confidence: The boat anchors offshore, so you enter and leave the sea by jumping and using ladders.

Why this boat trip works better than a rushed island hop

Many boat outings pack in several places but give you barely enough time to look around. This one has a more sensible rhythm. You sail from the mainland, spend time in Sutivan, stop for swimming, eat lunch while continuing toward Šolta, swim again by Kontesa, then return with watermelon on board.

I like that the day is not built around constant announcements or a long list of formal guided stops. You get a little town, a quiet bay, open water, food, and free time. That mix lets you choose your pace. You can walk around Sutivan, stay near the waterfront, or keep the stop short and save your energy for the swimming.

The boat also seems to be one of the better choices for people who dislike cramped day cruises. Several comments describe it as spacious, comfortable, and not overcrowded. That matters more than it sounds. A full day on a boat can feel tiring when every seat is taken, but extra room gives you a better chance to find shade, sit with your group, and move around without bumping into people.

The crew receives consistent praise for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. One family specifically appreciated how the crew offered comfort and assistance when the sea became a little rough. That does not make the boat immune to swell, but it is useful reassurance if you are uncertain about spending a full day offshore.

Morning pickup from Podstrana or Krilo Jesenice

You can join the trip at Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 a.m. or Podstrana Sveti Martin at 9 a.m. If you are staying at Le Meridien Lav, the information provided says you can use public transport for five bus stops toward Omiš, park for free in Sveti Martin, or use free parking in Krilo Jesenice.

There is also a departure from the Le Meridien Lav marina twice a week, subject to availability, at 9:15 a.m. Check the exact option before you book, because the meeting point changes with the departure you choose.

I would arrive early, especially if you need to find parking or are unfamiliar with the marina area. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, as the first swim may come before you feel like changing in a small boat restroom. The practical kit is simple:

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Camera

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and pets are not permitted. Snacks and alcoholic drinks are not included, although snacks and drinks can be purchased. Lunch drinks are covered, including unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice during the meal.

Welcome drinks and the sail toward Sutivan

The trip begins with a friendly food-and-drink touch: a welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, and juice as you sail toward Brač. It is a small detail, but it sets a relaxed tone and gives you something to enjoy while the mainland recedes.

The exact sailing time is not provided, so I would not build a tight schedule around the morning. Treat the boat ride as part of the day, not merely transport between stops. You will have time to sit, watch the coast, and get comfortable on board before reaching Sutivan.

Sutivan is a good first stop because it gives the trip a land-based pause. Instead of spending the whole day in swimwear, you can walk through the town at your own pace. The comments describe it as beautiful, and one person wandered west and found a family home selling excellent olive oil. That kind of unplanned discovery is one reason free time works better here than a forced group walk.

You should still keep an eye on the departure time. The stop is independent, so you are responsible for getting back to the boat. Wear shoes that are easy to walk in, even if you plan to spend most of the day in sandals.

Sutivan on Brač: small-town time with room to wander

Sutivan is not presented as a major sightseeing tour with a long list of monuments. Its appeal is simpler: a pleasant island town where you can walk, take photographs, browse, and enjoy a change of scene.

I would use this stop to get away from the waterfront for a little while. You might find a quieter lane, a local shop, or a family-run product seller, as happened with the olive oil discovery. The point is not to check off attractions. It is to experience a compact Brač town before returning to the boat.

The free-time format suits independent visitors. You do not have to follow a guide or stay with a group. Families can move at their own pace, and couples can take a slower walk. One nine-year-old reportedly called the trip the best day of the week, while another family with older daughters appreciated the mix of town time and swimming.

The limitation is that Sutivan time will feel brief if you want a full town visit and a long swim later. This is a boat day first, not a dedicated Brač town tour. If Sutivan is your main reason for visiting Brač, plan a separate land-based visit.

The first swim stop and the onboard BBQ

After Sutivan, the boat heads to a quiet bay near Brač. You stay at anchor and swim directly from the boat while the chef prepares lunch. This is one of the most important details to understand before booking. There is no beach arrival here. You jump into the water from the side of the boat and return by ladder.

For confident swimmers, that setup is convenient. You can move straight from your seat into clear water without carrying bags across a beach or searching for a place to change. Snorkels and floaties are provided, and the boat also has water polo balls. The equipment makes the stop more social and relaxed, especially for families.

For anyone nervous in open water, the same feature can be stressful. You cannot simply walk into shallow water. Non-swimmers are specifically advised against booking, and I would take that warning seriously. If you are comfortable swimming but uneasy with ladders, ask yourself how you feel about repeating the climb several times.

Lunch is served on board as the boat continues toward Šolta. You choose in advance from mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger. Each option comes with salad and bread. You should email your preference after booking so the crew can order enough food.

The freshly grilled fish gets especially strong praise, but the three choices make the meal workable for a mixed group. The unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice served with lunch add real value to the $71 price. You are not paying separately for a restaurant meal at the harbor, and you do not lose sightseeing time while looking for somewhere to eat.

The meal is practical rather than formal. Think fresh food, sea air, and a shared boat setting. If you need a special diet beyond the listed options, the supplied information does not confirm what can be arranged, so ask the provider before booking.

Sailing toward Šolta and shipwreck Kontesa

After lunch, the boat continues toward Šolta and shipwreck Kontesa. The wreck gives the second swim stop a clear focus. You are not just stopping at another unnamed bay. You can snorkel near a visible piece of maritime history, then float and swim around the boat.

The water is repeatedly praised as crystal clear, which should make this the best stop for using the supplied snorkels. Still, keep expectations sensible. This is a recreational snorkel stop, not a certified wreck-diving excursion. The information only promises swimming and snorkeling from the anchored boat.

Kontesa adds variety to the day. The first bay is mainly about a quiet swim and the smell of lunch cooking. The second stop gives you something to look at under and around the water. If you enjoy taking photographs, this is the place to keep your camera ready, though protect it carefully around the ladders and sea.

Again, access is by jump and ladder. Floaties and lilos can help you rest once you are in the water, but they do not replace swimming ability. Children should be supervised closely, even though the trip has worked well for families with young children.

The return ride, watermelon, and the real value of the day

The return journey includes fresh cold watermelon. It is a smart end to a day in the sun, especially after swimming and a salty lunch. Small comforts like this help make the return feel like part of the outing rather than a long ride back to shore.

The value here comes from the combination. For $71, you receive a full-day boat trip, lunch, fuel surcharge, insurance, Wi-Fi, swimming equipment, and several drinks during lunch. You also get time in Sutivan and two water stops. Comparable outings can become expensive once you add lunch, equipment rental, and drinks, so this package is strong for someone who plans to use those inclusions.

I would not call it the best value for someone who dislikes swimming or spends most of the day sitting indoors. You would pay for features you do not want. The price works best for an active day at sea, particularly if you enjoy grilled fish, casual social meals, and open-water swimming.

The boat was described as comfortable and spacious, with enough room to avoid the usual crowded-cruise feeling. That point appears repeatedly and is worth emphasizing. A boat can visit beautiful places, but if you are shoulder to shoulder all day, the experience loses much of its pleasure.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would recommend it to:

• Families with children who can swim and enjoy flexible stops
• Couples wanting an easy island day without arranging ferries and restaurants
• Visitors staying around Podstrana, Krilo Jesenice, or Le Meridien Lav
• People who enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, and boat-based lunches
• Anyone looking for a good-value full-day outing with a friendly crew

I would be cautious if you suffer from seasickness, dislike open-water swimming, need step-free access, or want a highly structured cultural tour. The trip is conducted in English, and the independent stop in Sutivan means you need to keep track of the meeting time yourself.

The sea can also become choppy. The crew has been praised for helping people when the swell picked up, but a calm forecast is still worth checking before you go. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a seat with your comfort in mind.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your coastal plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Brač and Kontesa boat trip?

Book it if you want a full, relaxed day that mixes a pretty Brač town with real time in the water. The strongest reasons are the spacious boat, friendly crew, fresh BBQ lunch, clear swimming spots, and sensible price. The itinerary gives you enough variety without turning the day into a frantic checklist.

Skip it if you cannot swim, feel uneasy jumping into the sea, or mainly want a guided historical tour. For everyone else, especially families and couples staying near Podstrana, this looks like one of the more balanced ways to spend a day among Brač and Šolta. Bring sun protection, confirm your pickup point, send your lunch choice in advance, and leave room for an olive-oil discovery in Sutivan.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The main pickup points are Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 a.m. and Podstrana Sveti Martin at 9 a.m. A Le Meridien Lav marina departure is also available twice a week at 9:15 a.m., subject to availability.

What islands does the trip visit?

The route includes Brač and Šolta. You visit the town of Sutivan on Brač and stop near shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board and includes a choice of mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger with salad and bread.

What drinks are included with lunch?

Unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice are served during lunch. A welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, and juice are also provided during the morning sailing.

Do I need to choose my lunch in advance?

Yes. After booking, email the provider with your choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian burger so the food can be ordered.

Are snorkels and floaties provided?

Yes. Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are included. The boat also has ladders for getting back on board.

Can non-swimmers join the trip?

No. The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers. At the swim stops, you jump from the anchored boat and climb back using ladders.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.