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

Small boats make big island days better. This relaxed sailing trip from Split visits a quiet bay near Brač and the pretty village of Stomorska on Šolta, with swimming, snorkeling, Croatian wine, and a seaside lunch stop along the way. I like the small group of up to six people and the easy pace, which gives the day a friendly, personal feel rather than a crowded excursion-boat mood.

I also like the thoughtful food touches: prosciutto, cheese, bread, white wine, coffee, and tea are included, and the skippers can take your lunch order before arriving in Stomorska. The main consideration is the wind. This is a sailing tour, but on a calm day the boat may motor for part of the route, so you should book it for the islands, swimming, and atmosphere rather than guaranteed full-time sailing.

Key points to know before booking

• Only six people fit on the 33-foot sailboat: The compact group makes it easier to find space, ask questions, and enjoy a quieter day on the water.
• Brač comes first for swimming: You get about an hour in a bay where you can snorkel, use floaties, explore the shore, or stay aboard with wine and snacks.
• Stomorska gives you a real island break: Spend roughly two hours walking, swimming, or eating lunch in this small Šolta village.
• Marin and Damian lead the boat: Their friendly, attentive approach is a major part of the experience, with Marin singled out for his care and sailing skills.
• Lunch is separate: You pay for your own meal, but the skipper can help save time by arranging food before you reach the village.
• Weather controls the day: Strong wind or rain can cancel the trip, and light wind may mean less sailing than expected.

Why this small sailing trip works so well from Split

Split is a useful starting point for island trips, but many boat outings involve large groups, loud music, and a tight schedule. This one takes a different route. You meet near the Ina boat refueling station, find the sailboat marked RO 1037, and begin with a short welcome and safety briefing.

The boat is 33 feet long, with room for no more than six people according to the tour details. That matters. You are not fighting for a seat or trying to hear a guide over dozens of people. The skippers can keep an eye on everyone, explain the route, and adjust the mood of the day to the group.

You get coffee or tea before setting out. It is a small touch, but a useful one if you are meeting early or have not yet had breakfast. Once you leave Split, the city fades behind you and the Adriatic becomes the main event: open water, island views, and the simple pleasure of sitting on a sailboat.

The pace is deliberately unhurried. This is not designed as a checklist tour that races from one photo stop to the next. You have time to swim, sit in the sun, eat a snack, and enjoy the boat without feeling that every minute needs to be filled.

The Brač bay stop: swimming first, sightseeing second

The first island stop is Brač, where the boat anchors in one of the island’s bays. You spend about an hour here. The exact bay can depend on conditions, but the purpose is clear: get into the water and enjoy the coast from sea level.

You can swim with the provided floaties, masks, and snorkels. The clear water makes this a good chance to look below the surface, though you should think of the snorkeling as a pleasant add-on rather than a major reef excursion. The supplied details do not promise a particular marine site or wildlife encounter.

You can also explore the shore if the landing conditions allow. If swimming is not your thing, staying aboard is perfectly acceptable. You can stretch out on the boat, sip white wine, and eat prosciutto, cheese, and bread while everyone else gets wet. That choice is one reason the tour suits mixed groups.

The water stop is also where the trip’s relaxed character becomes clear. You are not being pushed into an activity. You can swim hard, float quietly, or simply watch the islands from the deck. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

One practical warning: do not assume the sails will be up all day. A calm day may produce only a little sailing, with the boat using its motor for part of the route. The return journey can offer better sailing if the wind picks up, but the schedule cannot control the weather. If the feeling of sailing is your top priority, ask about the forecast before you go.

Stomorska on Šolta: two hours for lunch and a stroll

After the Brač swim stop, the boat continues to Šolta and docks in Stomorska. This small coastal village is the cultural pause in the day. Instead of another open-water swim, you get about two hours to walk around, eat, and enjoy the harbor at your own speed.

Stomorska is described as a quiet village that has not yet been taken over by large tourist groups. That makes it a useful contrast with Split. You are not spending the entire day on the boat, but you also are not being dropped into a major port with a long list of sights and crowds.

Lunch is not included in the $141 price, so plan for an additional expense. You can choose a seaside restaurant, and the skippers may take your order ahead of time. That detail can save precious time, especially when you have only two hours before returning to the boat.

One particularly useful touch is the skipper’s restaurant recommendation. A well-chosen local meal can become one of the strongest memories of an island day, and the early order system means you do not waste half your stop waiting for food. Still, the lunch choice and quality can vary, so treat this as helpful guidance rather than a guaranteed culinary program.

You may also swim near Stomorska after lunch or before returning aboard. The village stop is not a formal guided walking tour, so you should expect free time rather than a detailed history lesson. That is good news if you prefer wandering, a drink by the water, or a quiet meal over a packed sightseeing program.

Croatian snacks, wine, and the social side of the boat

Food on this tour is simple, local, and well suited to a day at sea. Included snacks are cheese, prosciutto, and bread, along with white wine, water, coffee, and tea. This is not a full lunch, but it is enough to take the edge off hunger between Split, Brač, and Šolta.

I like this style of provisioning because it fits the setting. You are tasting familiar Croatian staples while looking at the coast, not sitting down for a formal meal in the middle of the sailing schedule. The snacks also make the boat feel more welcoming, especially during the Brač stop.

Wine is included throughout the trip, but you should still pace yourself. Sun, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink water as well, use sunscreen, and remember that the day includes swimming and movement around a small boat.

The small group adds to the social atmosphere. With only six people, you have a better chance of chatting with the skippers and the other people aboard. The tone described by the experience is friendly and intimate, not party-focused. Speakers are not allowed, which is a plus if you want to hear the water, talk with your companions, and keep the day peaceful.

Marin and Damian are the two skippers named for this experience. Their role goes beyond handling the boat. They help with lunch planning, pay attention to the group, and keep the day moving without making it feel rushed. Marin receives especially warm praise for his sailing and attentive manner, while both skippers are described as friendly and helpful.

What the $141 price really gives you

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Brač or Šolta. You are paying for a full day on a small sailboat, a limited group size, equipment, snacks, drinks, and the care of two skippers.

The value improves if you want a calm, personal boat day rather than basic transport. Snorkeling gear and floaties are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. Coffee, tea, water, wine, and light food are also covered. The small capacity is important here: a six-person boat offers a very different experience from a large vessel carrying dozens of people.

You still need to budget for lunch in Stomorska, plus your own transport to and from the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Towels are also excluded, so bring one from your accommodation.

The tour is a good value for someone who will actually use the included features. If you want to swim, snack, talk with the skippers, and enjoy a quiet ride, the price is easier to justify. If you mainly want a quick transfer to an island or a nonstop sailing workout, you may find it expensive.

The option to reserve now and pay later also helps if your Split plans are still shifting. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, but weather can cancel the trip, particularly in strong wind or rain.

Who should book this island day

I would choose this tour for couples, solo visitors, friends, and small family groups who want a peaceful day at sea. It is especially well suited to people who like flexibility: you can swim, snorkel, explore the shore, eat lunch, or stay on deck depending on your mood.

It also suits mixed groups. One person can swim near Brač while another relaxes with wine and snacks. At Stomorska, some people can stroll while others focus on lunch or another swim.

The tour is less suitable for anyone who needs wheelchair access. The meeting point is at the port, the boat is small, and the itinerary involves boarding, swimming, and moving around on a sailboat. Pets are not allowed.

You should also be comfortable with a day shaped by the weather. Strong wind or rain can cancel the trip, while weak wind can reduce the amount of actual sailing. The islands and swim stops remain worthwhile, but the boat may not glide under sail for the entire route.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under light clothing and pack a sun hat, sunscreen, and towel. Bring water-resistant protection for anything you cannot afford to get wet, though the tour includes drinking water.

Arrive with enough time to find the correct boat. The meeting point is close to the Ina refueling station, and the boat has RO 1037 written on its front. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the port.

Have lunch money or a payment method ready for Stomorska. The meal is not included, and the two-hour stop passes quickly if you want to eat and take a walk.

If you care most about sailing under canvas, check the weather and wind forecast. The trip still works on a calm day, but you may spend more time motoring. If swimming, wine, island scenery, and a small group matter most, the wind becomes less important.

The tour operates in English and Croatian. The entire activity returns to the same meeting point in Split, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from either island.

Should you book this Split sailing tour?

Book it if you want a quiet, small-group day with two island stops, a good swim, simple Croatian snacks, and free time in a village rather than a crowded port. The combination of Brač swimming and Šolta lunch gives the day enough variety, while the six-person limit keeps it personal.

Skip it if you want guaranteed sailing all day, included lunch, hotel pickup, or a large sightseeing program with formal commentary. The wind may be light, and lunch costs extra.

For most people who want to slow down after exploring Split, this is a strong choice. The best parts are not flashy: a swim from the boat, a plate of prosciutto and cheese, a glass of white wine, and two friendly skippers guiding you toward a quiet corner of Dalmatia.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

It is a full-day experience from Split, with about one hour at a Brač bay and approximately two hours in Stomorska on Šolta before returning to Split.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The tour allows up to six people, creating a small-group experience on the 33-foot sailboat.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch in Stomorska is not included in the price. You have free time to eat at a seaside restaurant, and the skipper may take your order before arrival to reduce waiting time.

What food and drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip can be canceled in strong wind or rain. If it runs in light wind, there may be less sailing than expected, although the island stops and other activities can still take place.