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

Slow travel suits these islands. This full-day sailing trip from Split visits Brač and Šolta at an easy pace, with time for swimming, snorkeling, wine, and a seaside lunch in Stomorska. I especially like the small group, limited to six people, and the friendly care shown by skippers Marin and Damian. The Croatian prosciutto, cheese, bread, and white wine make the ride feel more personal than a simple boat transfer.

I also like the balance between activity and idleness. You can swim in a quiet Brač bay, stroll through Stomorska, or simply stretch out on the sailboat with a glass of wine. The main consideration is that this is a sailing trip, not a guaranteed fast-sailing race. One guest had very little wind and sailed only briefly, so the day depends partly on weather and sea conditions.

What makes this day special

• Only six people: The 33-foot sailboat feels intimate and calm, with enough room for swimming, snacks, and conversation without a crowd.
• A Brač swim stop: You get about an hour to swim, snorkel, use floaties, or relax aboard while prosciutto, cheese, bread, wine, coffee, tea, and water are available.
• Stomorska on Šolta: This quaint harbor village gives you about two hours for a walk, a swim, or lunch at a seaside restaurant.
• Lunch help from the skipper: Marin or Damian may take your order before reaching Stomorska, helping you avoid a long wait at the restaurant.
• A relaxed return to Split: The trip back can include raised sails when the wind cooperates, with open views across the Adriatic.
• A weather-sensitive plan: Strong wind or rain can cancel the outing, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Leaving Split on a 33-foot sailboat

You meet near the INA boat refueling station in Split harbor. Look for the 33-foot sailboat marked RO 1037 on the front. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the port and allow enough time to find the correct boat.

The crew begins with a short introduction and safety briefing. That is useful on a small vessel, where knowing where to sit, move, and store your things makes the whole day more comfortable. Marin and Damian speak English and Croatian, and the tone of the trip is friendly rather than formal.

Before setting off, you get fresh coffee or tea. It is a small touch, but a welcome one if you arrive early or have not yet had breakfast. Once the boat leaves Split, the reward is immediate: the city slips behind you, and the day opens into sea, islands, and changing coastal views.

The boat itself shapes the experience. A 33-foot sailboat is much smaller than the large excursion boats that run around Dalmatia, which explains the six-person limit. You get more contact with the skippers and a quieter ride, but you should not expect the space or stability of a big catamaran.

Brač brings the first swim

The first main stop is a bay near Brač Island. You spend about an hour here, and this is the most active part of the day. You can swim in the clear water, use the provided masks and snorkels, float with the supplied inflatables, or remain on deck and enjoy the view.

I like that the tour does not force everyone into the water. If you would rather sit in the sun, have a drink, or chat with the crew, you can do that. The boat gives you a choice between a proper swim and an unhurried break, which works well for mixed groups.

The snorkeling equipment is included, though the information does not promise a particular marine life sighting or organized snorkeling instruction. Think of it as a chance to look around in clear Adriatic water, not a specialist snorkeling excursion. Bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied.

This is also when the food service becomes part of the rhythm. The crew provides Croatian prosciutto, cheese, and bread, along with white wine and water. Coffee and tea are included as well. The snacks are light, not a full meal, but they are enough to make the swim stop feel generous and distinctly local.

The white wine is available throughout the outing, and one guest particularly appreciated the generous supply. Still, pace yourself. You are on a moving boat, under the sun, and swimming may be part of the day. Water is included, so keep drinking it.

Stomorska offers two unhurried hours

After Brač, the boat continues toward Šolta and docks in Stomorska. This small harbor village is the cultural pause in the middle of the trip. It is described as a place not yet overtaken by large tour groups, and the appeal is simple: a quiet waterfront, time to stroll, and a chance to see a more relaxed side of island life.

You get roughly two hours here. That is enough time for a walk through the village, a swim from the local shore, or lunch at a seaside restaurant. The tour does not include lunch, so you should budget separately for your meal.

The skippers can make lunch easier. Several guests praised Marin or Damian for taking food orders ahead of arrival, allowing the restaurant to prepare the meal and reduce waiting time. That matters on a day with a fixed return boat, since you do not want half your island visit spent studying a menu.

You should still ask the crew about the lunch plan early in the day. The supplied information does not name a specific restaurant, set menu, or lunch price. The best approach is to treat the recommendation as helpful local guidance, while remembering that the meal remains your own expense.

Stomorska is not presented as a major sightseeing center, and that is exactly its value here. You are not racing between famous landmarks. You are getting a couple of hours in a small coastal settlement, with enough freedom to choose your own pace.

Sailing, swimming, or simply doing less

This outing works because it leaves room for idleness. You can spend part of the day lying on the boat, watching the water, and sharing snacks with the small group. You can also swim at Brač and possibly again around Stomorska.

The small group makes a real difference. With six people at most, the boat feels more like a shared day with a skipper than a packaged excursion. Guests have described the atmosphere as intimate, cozy, peaceful, and private. If you dislike loud groups and crowded decks, this setup is a strong reason to book.

The tradeoff is that a small boat offers less personal space than a large vessel. You may spend much of the day close to the same people, so this is best for anyone comfortable with a social setting. Speakers are not allowed, which protects the quiet mood. Pets are not allowed either.

The trip is also dependent on the weather. Strong wind or rain can cancel the day, and wind affects the sailing itself. One outing had little wind and included only a short amount of actual sailing, although the swimming and lunch still made the day worthwhile. If raising the sails is your main goal, keep your expectations flexible.

When the wind is right, the return can be the most graceful part of the outing. The boat heads back toward Split with the sails up, giving you time to enjoy the sea without another scheduled stop. If the wind fades, the day becomes more of a scenic boat cruise. That is not a flaw, but it is important to understand what you are buying.

What the $141 price includes

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach an island. You are paying for a full day, a very small group, two island stops, a sailboat, swimming equipment, snacks, drinks, and the attention of two skippers.

The value is strongest if you want a relaxed day rather than basic transportation. A standard boat transfer might get you to an island, but it would not include an hour at a swim stop, snorkeling gear, floaties, Croatian snacks, wine, or a small-group atmosphere. The ability to ask Marin or Damian for local lunch advice adds practical value too.

Lunch is extra, as are towels and transportation to and from the meeting point. Those costs are easy to plan for, but they mean the advertised price is not your full spending total. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun hat, and sunscreen. You should also bring enough personal money for lunch.

I consider the price fair for visitors who care about comfort and group size. If your goal is simply to visit Šolta as cheaply as possible, you can likely find less expensive transport. If you want one carefully paced day with swimming and food already arranged, the cost makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would choose this trip if you want:

• A quiet boat with no more than six people
• Swimming and snorkeling time without a packed schedule
• A gentle introduction to two Dalmatian islands
• Local snacks and Croatian wine included
• A seaside lunch stop with help from the crew
• Time to relax rather than collect a long list of sights

It is especially suited to couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy small-group outings. The peaceful pace also suits anyone who wants a break from Split’s busy port and old-town streets.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed sailing conditions, dislike small boats, or want a full guided tour on land. The visit to Stomorska is free time rather than a formal walking tour, and the Brač stop is centered on swimming and relaxing rather than a long island excursion.

Wheelchair users cannot take this tour. You also need to arrange your own way to the harbor. The meeting point is specific, so check for the INA refueling station and the RO 1037 marking before setting out.

Practical details for a smoother day

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel, since towels are not included. A sun hat and sunscreen are essential because much of the day is outdoors, and the water, white deck, and open sky offer little relief from the sun.

Keep your belongings compact. The information does not specify storage space, and a small sailboat is not the place for a large suitcase. A small day bag with sunscreen, water, a phone, and a light cover-up should be enough.

The tour lasts a full day, but the exact departure and return times are not provided here. Plan your Split schedule with room on both sides. I would not book a tight airport transfer, ferry connection, or dinner reservation immediately after the boat returns.

Bad weather can cancel the trip, particularly strong wind or rain. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while your plans are still taking shape.

The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 53 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the small group, helpful skippers, quiet stops, swimming, and relaxed pace. Those details are more useful than a high score alone because they show exactly what the day does well.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a small, peaceful sailing day with swimming, local snacks, white wine, and time in a quiet island village. The combination of Brač’s swim stop and Šolta’s Stomorska visit gives the day enough variety without making it feel rushed.

I would particularly recommend it for anyone who values personal attention. Marin and Damian appear to shape the experience through practical help, good lunch advice, and a warm onboard atmosphere. Just remember that the wind may be light, lunch costs extra, towels are not supplied, and there is no hotel pickup.

If those limits suit you, this is a thoughtful way to see two islands without spending the day in a crowded boat.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour begin?

Meet at the boat near the INA boat refueling station in Split harbor. The sailboat is 33 feet long and has RO 1037 written on the front.

Where does the tour end?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The boat allows a maximum of six people. This keeps the outing small and gives you more space than a large group excursion.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Brač Island and Šolta Island. The Brač stop is mainly for swimming and snorkeling, while Šolta includes time in the village of Stomorska.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with floaties for swimming.

Is food included?

Light snacks are included: Croatian cheese, prosciutto, and bread. Coffee, tea, white wine, and water are also provided. Lunch in Stomorska is not included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so bring your own towel along with swimwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip can be canceled in conditions such as strong wind or rain. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.