Split: Full Day Sailing Tour to Šolta Island and Brač Island

Leave Split by sail, not by schedule. This full-day trip pairs the open Adriatic with two very different island stops: a quiet swimming bay near Brač and the seaside village of Stomorska on Šolta. I like the small group of up to six people, which keeps the 33-foot sailboat comfortable and personal, and I like the unhurried rhythm of swimming, snacking, wine, and island time.

The main consideration is the wind. If the weather is calm, the boat may motor for much of the route instead of sailing under full canvas. You also pay $141 per person, then cover your own lunch, so this is best for you if the boat time and peaceful pace matter more than packing in many sights.

Key details at a glance

• A six-person sailboat: The small group suits you if a quiet, social day sounds better than a crowded excursion boat.
• A Brač swim stop: You get about an hour to swim, snorkel, use floaties, or simply stay aboard with wine and snacks.
• Stomorska on Šolta: This quaint harbor village gives you about two hours for a walk, a swim, and lunch at your own cost.
• Croatian food and wine included: Expect prosciutto, cheese, bread, white wine, water, coffee, and tea.
• Guides Marin and Damian: Their attentive approach includes practical help, such as arranging lunch orders ahead of time.
• A real sailing-day choice: Calm weather can mean less sailing, while good wind turns the ride back into the highlight.

Meeting the boat in Split

You meet near the Ina boat refueling station in Split’s port. Look for the 33-foot sailboat marked RO 1037 on the front. The meeting instructions are specific, which helps, but allow enough time to locate the boat in the port area rather than arriving at the last second.

Marin and Damian lead the trip in English and Croatian. The day begins with a short introduction and safety briefing, followed by coffee or tea before setting out. That small start matters. You can get settled, learn where the equipment is, and ask questions before the boat leaves the harbor.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the port yourself. The tour also ends at the same meeting point. If you use a taxi or walk to the marina, build in a little extra time for finding the correct part of the harbor.

The boat is a sailing vessel rather than a large day-cruise craft. That means fewer people, less engine noise when the wind cooperates, and a more relaxed setting. It also means limited space. You should be comfortable sitting close to other people and sharing the boat’s facilities and equipment.

The ride from Split to Brač

The first major stop is a bay near Brač. The ride gives you views of the Adriatic and the coast around Split, with the main pleasure coming from being on the water rather than from a formal commentary program.

I like this part because the boat lets the day begin slowly. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to another. You can settle into the motion of the sea, enjoy the view, and get ready for the first swim.

Wind determines how much sailing you actually experience. Some departures have enough wind for the sails to do the work, while calm conditions mean only a short period under sail. This is worth understanding before you book: the tour is built around sailing, but it is also a boat day, and nature gets the final say.

The crew provides water throughout the trip, along with coffee and tea. Bring a sun hat and sunscreen, since the boat offers little escape from direct sun while you are on deck. A towel is not included, so pack one with your swimwear.

Brač: one hour for swimming or staying aboard

At Brač, the boat anchors in one of the island’s bays for about an hour. This is the most active part of the day, but you decide how active you want to be.

You can use the provided masks and snorkels to look beneath the clear water. Floaties are also available, which makes it easy to relax without treating the stop like a serious swim workout. If you prefer to stay dry, remain on the boat with a glass of white wine and a plate of Croatian snacks.

The food is simple and well suited to a boat: prosciutto, cheese, and bread. It is not meant to replace lunch, but it gives you something salty and filling between swims. I see this as a real benefit of the tour. You are not left waiting for a late meal while hungry and sun-worn.

The hour goes quickly, especially if you want time to swim, snorkel, dry off, and eat. Bring your own towel and do not expect a long beach visit. The stop is about enjoying the water and the setting, not exploring the island in depth.

One practical point: the provided equipment is shared tour gear, so if you prefer a particular mask or snorkel, you may want to bring your own. The tour information confirms that snorkeling gear and floaties are supplied, but it does not promise a full range of sizes or styles.

Šolta and the village of Stomorska

After Brač, the boat continues to Šolta and docks at Stomorska. This is where the day shifts from swimming to island life.

Stomorska is described as a charming village that has not been taken over by large tour groups. You get about two hours here, enough time for a waterfront walk, a swim from the local shore, and lunch at a seaside restaurant.

I like the contrast between the two islands. Brač provides the water stop and open space, while Šolta gives you a place to stretch your legs and sit down for a proper meal. Stomorska is not presented as a major sightseeing center, and that is part of its appeal. You are visiting a small harbor village rather than chasing a checklist of famous landmarks.

Lunch is not included in the $141 price. You choose and pay for your own meal at the village restaurant. The skippers can recommend a place, and they may take your order before arrival so food is ready soon after you reach the shore. That can save valuable time during a two-hour stop.

The early ordering approach also helps if you want to swim after lunch. You are not forced to spend the entire visit waiting for a table or meal. Still, you should ask about the menu and price before ordering, since lunch costs are outside the tour fee.

Stomorska also gives you a chance to slow the day down. Walk the waterfront, find a shaded place if available, or return to the water. This is not a guided village tour with a long list of facts. It is free time, which suits you if you prefer choosing your own pace.

Sailing back toward Split

The return journey is often the most satisfying sailing section when the wind picks up. You may see the sails raised on the way back, giving you the quiet, steady ride that people hope for when booking a sailing trip.

If the wind remains weak, the boat will spend more time under power. That does not erase the value of the day, since the swim stop and Stomorska visit still form the main program. But you should not book this expecting guaranteed sailing conditions.

The return also gives you time to talk with Marin and Damian and enjoy the small-group setting. With only six people, the guides can pay attention to individual needs more easily than on a large boat. That personal approach is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. You can enjoy the views, share snacks, and talk with the other people aboard, but the no-speaker rule keeps the boat from turning into a floating party. Pets are not allowed.

What the $141 price really covers

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the Adriatic. The value comes from the combination of a small group, a full day on the water, two island stops, swimming equipment, snacks, and drinks.

The small boat changes the experience. You avoid the scale and noise of a large excursion vessel, and the guides can help with details such as choosing a restaurant or arranging your lunch order. For me, that is where the price begins to make sense.

Included food is light but useful: cheese, prosciutto, and bread. White wine and water are included, along with coffee and tea. The tour does not include lunch, towels, hotel transfers, or anything beyond the listed food and drink, so budget for those separately.

The price is strongest for you if you value comfort and company over a packed itinerary. It is less attractive if you mainly want a cheap boat transfer, a long beach stay, or a guaranteed day under sail.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would choose this trip if you want a calm day with several simple pleasures rather than a demanding sightseeing program. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy small groups and do not mind sharing a compact boat.

You will likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want swimming and snorkeling in clear water
• Prefer a maximum group size of six
• Like wine, Croatian snacks, and an easygoing social setting
• Want free time instead of a tightly guided island tour
• Are happy to pay separately for lunch
• Can handle boarding a small boat and moving around without wheelchair access

It is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also be a poor match if you dislike sun exposure, boat motion, or changing weather. The tour is canceled in strong wind or rain, so keep your plans flexible.

Families may enjoy the floaties and swimming stop, but the tour details do not specify child ages, child prices, or special family equipment. If those points matter to you, ask the operator before booking.

Practical packing advice for the Adriatic

Pack lightly, since space aboard a 33-foot boat is limited. Your most useful items are:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes for the boat
• Money or a payment method for lunch

Snorkeling gear, floaties, water, white wine, coffee, tea, cheese, prosciutto, and bread are supplied. You do not need to bring your own snacks unless you have dietary needs, since the included food is specific and limited.

Do not bring a speaker. Pets are also not allowed. A waterproof bag can be useful for keeping phones and other items dry, though this is a general practical suggestion rather than supplied equipment.

The tour is offered in English and Croatian. If you need another language, this experience may not be the right fit.

Weather, flexibility, and cancellation

The sea controls the day more than any timetable does. Strong wind or rain can cancel the trip, while light wind can reduce the actual sailing time. I recommend checking the forecast and keeping a backup plan in Split, especially if this is your only planned boat outing.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. There is also a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if you are still arranging your Dalmatian schedule.

Do not treat the weather policy as a minor footnote. It is central to the experience. A calm, sunny day may deliver a smooth motor-assisted cruise with good swimming. A breezier day may give you the sailing experience you imagined, but conditions can also become less comfortable.

Should you book the Šolta and Brač sailing tour?

Book it if you want a small, peaceful day on the water with swimming, local snacks, wine, and free time in a quiet village. Marin and Damian receive strong praise for being attentive, friendly, and helpful, and the lunch-ordering service is a practical touch that makes the short Stomorska stop work better.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sailing, included lunch, hotel transport, or lots of organized sightseeing. The $141 cost is fair for a six-person boat with equipment and refreshments, but it rewards you for valuing atmosphere more than quantity.

My clearest advice is to choose this tour for the pace. You get one good swim near Brač, two hours in Stomorska, and a return ride that may be sailed or powered depending on the wind. That is a fine Dalmatian day when you want the sea to set the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour begin?

The tour begins at the port in Split, near the Ina boat refueling station. The boat is a 33-foot sailboat with RO 1037 written on the front.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Split.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour is limited to six people in total, according to the supplied experience information.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Brač Island and Šolta Island. The Brač stop focuses on swimming and snorkeling, while Šolta includes free time in Stomorska.

How long is the stop at Brač?

The boat anchors near Brač for about one hour.

How long do I have in Stomorska?

You have approximately two hours in Stomorska on Šolta for walking, swimming, and lunch.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you pay for your own meal at a seaside restaurant in Stomorska.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes cheese, prosciutto, bread, white wine, water, coffee, and tea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and floaties for swimming are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not supplied.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip is canceled in strong wind or rain. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Which languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English and Croatian.