More about: Cruises and Boat Rides from Split
Split has a major advantage over other coastal destinations: you don’t need to go very far to start seeing islands, coves and water so blue it looks like it’s been photoshopped. Excursions depart from the harbour to suit every pace: laid-back trips for swimming and dining on board, long day trips hopping from island to island, catamarans with a more relaxed atmosphere, and itineraries designed for those who want to make the most of the day. If you’re torn between a few options, here’s a clear guide to help you make the right choice.
Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta Boat Trip
Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta
Enjoy a truly summery day out from Split, with stops for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on board, with food and drink included so that all you have to worry about is enjoying the sea.
With this boat trip to Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta, you’ll enjoy a day of sailing, snorkelling and a meal on board without too much hassle. It’s one of those itineraries where the plan is basically to sail, swim and let the day unfold, with three very appealing stops and a pace that’s easy to enjoy.
It’s a very well-balanced option because it doesn’t try to cram in too much. It offers just the right amount of activity to make you feel you’ve seen various parts of the Split area, without turning it into a race against time and piers.
Recommended if… you want a thoroughly enjoyable day out on a boat, with swimming, snorkelling and a meal included, without having to opt for more demanding itineraries.
Hvar, Pakleni Islands and Brac Catamaran Day Trip
Catamaran trip to Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Brač
Sail on a catamaran around some of Dalmatia’s most famous islands on a full-day excursion with a professional guide, a great atmosphere on board and meals included.
With this catamaran trip to Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Brač, you’ll enjoy a particularly pleasant day out on the Adriatic, with comfortable sailing, several stops and a visit to Hvar, one of the islands with the most character on the Dalmatian coast.
As well as the island-hopping route, this trip stands out for its atmosphere on board and for including a meal on the catamaran. It’s a very comprehensive option for anyone who wants to spend several hours sailing, change scenery several times and experience the Adriatic in a more comfortable and sun-drenched way.
Recommended if… you’re looking for a full-day trip with that extra special touch, a great atmosphere on board and several iconic islands all in a single day.
Hvar, Pakleni Islands and Brac Boat Trip from Split or Trogir
Boat trip to Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Brač from Split or Trogir
Make the most of your day with a long cruise around several Adriatic islands, including time for a swim, lunch and drinks, departing from Split or Trogir.
If you like the idea of really making the most of the day, this boat trip to Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Brač from Split or Trogir is a top choice. It departs from either Split or Trogir, which makes it convenient for a wider range of travel styles, and includes a key perk: lunch and drinks are included, with a vegan option available.
It’s one of those trips that leaves you feeling you’ve made the most of your day. You hop from island to island, have time for a swim and, at the same time, don’t have to worry about the logistics because everything is pretty much sorted.
Recommended if… you want a long and generous excursion, visiting several islands, with time for swimming and lunch included, and you don’t mind spending the whole day at sea.
We’ve compared the best cruise and boat trip options from Split
- Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta Boat Trip
- A very summery itinerary with stops for a swim
- Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta
- Snorkelling, food and drink on board
- Ideal for enjoying the sea at a leisurely pace
- Book
- Hvar, Pakleni Islands and Brac Catamaran Day Trip
- Comfortable sailing on a catamaran
- Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Brač
- Professional guide and meals included
- Ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of islands
- Book
- Hvar, Pakleni Islands and Brac Boat Trip from Split or Trogir
- The most comprehensive and extensive itinerary
- Hvar, the Pakleni Islands and Brač
- Lunch, drinks and a vegan option
- Perfect for making the most of a full day hopping between islands
- Book
Other very popular cruises and boat trips from Split
If you’d like to explore further options, there are other excursions from Split that are well suited to whatever kind of trip you have in mind. There are shorter trips, ambitious island-hopping routes and excursions that combine sailing with nature.
- Pirate boat trip in Split — a shorter, more original option, perfect for anyone who wants to see Split from the sea in a more relaxed and unique way.
- 5-island tour including a visit to the Blue Cave and Hvar — one of the most ambitious and scenic routes from Split, with the added attraction of the Blue Cave, several islands and time for snorkelling.
- Excursion to the Krka Waterfalls with a cruise and a swim — here, the boat forms part of a more extensive excursion that combines nature, a cruise and, in season, time for a swim.
What you’ll see on cruises and boat trips from Split
One of the great advantages of taking a cruise or boat trip from Split is that, in a very short space of time, the landscape changes completely. You leave behind the seafront promenade and the city’s historic centre to enter a much more open stretch of the Adriatic, with lush, green islands, small bays, harbour towns, coves with turquoise waters and swimming spots where the sea seems almost transparent.
Depending on the route you choose, you can sail to well-known destinations such as Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, Brač, Šolta, the Blue Lagoon or even the spectacular Blue Cave, one of the most photographed spots on the Dalmatian coast.
As well as the scenery, these excursions usually include much more than just the boat trip. On many trips, you’ll have stops for swimming, time for snorkelling, free time to explore an island or village and, in some cases, food and drinks on board. Some trips focus on relaxation and swimming; others combine sailing with visits to well-known islands; and others add a more active or scenic element.
Prices for cruises and boat trips from Split
Prices vary considerably depending on three factors: duration, number of stops and what’s included in the experience. A short, unique trip, such as the pirate ship, doesn’t cost the same as a full-day excursion visiting several islands, with snorkelling, a guide and food or drinks included.
Generally speaking, the more comprehensive the itinerary—more islands, more hours of sailing and more on-board services—the higher the price. That’s why it’s worth looking not just at the final cost, but at what you’re actually getting: sometimes a slightly more expensive trip saves you having to pay for food, transfers or activities separately.
If you’re looking for a well-balanced option, the trip to Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta usually offers excellent value for money in terms of duration, stops and included services.
Tips for taking a cruise or boat trip from Split
What sort of excursion to choose
If you’re after a quintessential summer day out involving water and a dip, the Blue Lagoon is usually a very easy choice to enjoy. If you’re interested in visiting the more famous islands, Hvar, Pakleni and Brač by catamaran offer a more varied experience. And if you prefer something a bit different without going on a long trip, the pirate ship tour of Split could be a lovely surprise.
About the logistics
For several excursions, you’re asked to arrive at the departure point a little in advance, and for some early departures, it’s advisable to allow for morning traffic. If you’re staying outside the city centre or in another town, it’s best to allow plenty of time.
The most comprehensive tours are very rewarding, but they’re also longer. If you’re travelling with the aim of having a ‘big day out’, go for it. If you’d prefer a more relaxed experience, look for a tour that doesn’t try to cover too many stops.
When to travel
The weather is quite important for this sort of trip. If the weather is bad, you’ll usually be offered a change of date or a refund. And on excursions such as the one to Krka, the itinerary varies slightly outside the swimming season.
What to pack to make the most of it
Although it may seem obvious, being well prepared really makes a difference on these excursions. Take your swimwear, a towel, sun cream, sunglasses and something light to cover up in whilst on the boat. If the trip includes snorkelling, this is usually organised for you, but it’s worth checking exactly what equipment is included so you don’t end up carrying too much.
Stops for swimming
Not all excursions allocate the same amount of time for swimming. If this is a key factor for you, check whether the experience is designed more for swimming and relaxing or for visiting several islands in a single day. Both options work very well, but they don’t offer exactly the same pace.
Travelling with children or in a group
If you’re travelling with family or friends, the more laid-back boats and tours with meals included tend to work particularly well as they simplify the day. On the other hand, if you’d rather see lots of places and make the most of your time, a longer trip – even if it’s a bit more intense – might be worth it.