Cruises and Boat Rides from Split

Split has a major advantage over other coastal destinations: you don’t have to go very far to start seeing islands, coves, and water so blue it looks like it’s been photoshopped. Excursions depart from the port to suit every pace: laid-back trips for swimming and dining on board, long day trips from island to island, catamarans with a more relaxed atmosphere, and itineraries designed for those who want to make the most of their day. If you’re torn between several options, here’s a clear guide to help you make the right choice.

The Most Refreshing Option

Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck and Šolta Boat Trip

Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck, and Šolta

Enjoy a truly summery day trip from Split with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on board, with food and drinks included so all you have to worry about is enjoying the sea.

From $72 at Hellotickets

With this boat tour to Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck, and Šolta, you’ll enjoy a day of sailing, snorkeling, and dining on board without overcomplicating things. 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 so you feel like you’ve seen various spots around Split, but without turning it into a race against time and piers.

Recommended if... you want a truly enjoyable day on a boat, with swimming, snorkeling, and a meal included, without having to opt for more demanding itineraries.

The most relaxed and elegant option

Hvar, Pakleni Islands and Brac Catamaran Day Trip

Catamaran Excursion 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.

From $114 at Hellotickets

With this catamaran tour to Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and Brač, you’ll enjoy a particularly pleasant day on the Adriatic, featuring comfortable sailing, several stops, and a visit to Hvar—one of the most characterful islands along the Dalmatian coast.

In addition to the island-hopping route, this excursion stands out for its onboard atmosphere and for including a meal on the catamaran. It’s a very well-rounded option for anyone who wants to sail for several hours, change scenery several times, and experience the Adriatic from a more comfortable and sun-drenched perspective.

Recommended if... you’re looking for a full-day excursion with that extra special touch, a great onboard atmosphere, and several iconic islands all in a single day.

The most comprehensive option

Hvar, Pakleni Islands and Brac Boat Trip from Split or Trogir

Boat Tour to Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and Brač from Split or Trogir

Make the most of your day with a long tour of several Adriatic islands, including time for swimming, lunch, and drinks, departing from Split or Trogir.

From $89 at Hellotickets

If you like the idea of really making the most of your day, this boat tour 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 an important perk: lunch and drinks are included, with a vegan option available.

It’s one of those tours that leaves you feeling like you’ve made the most of your day. You’ll hop from island to island, have time to swim, and at the same time, you won’t have to worry about the logistics because everything is pretty much taken care of.

Recommended if… you want a long and generous excursion, visiting several islands, with time for swimming and a meal included, and you don’t mind spending the whole day at sea.

If you’d like to explore more options, there are other excursions from Split that work very well depending on the type of trip you have in mind. There are shorter itineraries, ambitious island-hopping routes, and excursions that combine sailing with nature.

• Pirate Boat Tour in Split — a shorter, unique option, perfect for those who want to see Split from the sea in a more laid-back and distinctive way.
• 5-Island Tour with 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 snorkeling.
• Krka Waterfalls Tour with Cruise and Swimming — here, the boat is part of a broader excursion that combines nature, a cruise, and, in season, time for swimming.

One of the great advantages of taking a cruise or boat tour from Split is that, in a very short time, the scenery changes completely. You leave behind the waterfront promenade and the city’s historic center to enter a much more open stretch of the Adriatic, with lush, green islands, small bays, fishing villages, 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 along the Dalmatian coast.

In addition to the scenery, these excursions typically include much more than just the boat ride. On many of them, you’ll have stops for swimming, time for snorkeling, free time to stroll around 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 still others add a more active or scenic element.

Prices vary significantly depending on three factors: duration, number of stops, and what’s included in the experience. A short, unique tour—such as the pirate ship—doesn’t cost the same as a full-day excursion that includes multiple islands, snorkeling, a guide, and meals or drinks.

In general, the more comprehensive the itinerary—more islands, more hours of sailing, and more onboard services—the higher the price. That’s why it’s best not to focus solely on the final cost, but rather on what you’re actually getting: sometimes a slightly more expensive tour saves you from having to pay separately for meals, transfers, or activities.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded option, the tour to Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck, and Šolta usually offers a great balance between duration, stops, and included services.

What kind of tour to choose

If you’re looking for a quintessential summer outing with plenty of water and swimming, the Blue Lagoon is usually a very enjoyable choice. If you’re interested in exploring more famous islands, Hvar, Pakleni, and Brač by catamaran offer a more varied experience. And if you prefer something different without going on a long trip, the pirate ship tour in Split might be a pleasant surprise.

About logistics

For many excursions, you’re asked to arrive at the departure point a little early, and for some early departures, it’s recommended to factor in morning traffic. If you’re staying outside the city center 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 looking for a “big day” out, go for it. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, look for a tour that doesn’t try to cram in too many stops.

When to Travel

Weather plays a significant role in these types of plans. If there are poor weather conditions, you’ll typically be offered a date change or a refund. And on excursions like the one to Krka, the itinerary varies slightly outside of the swimming season.

What to Bring to Make the Most of It

Although it may seem obvious, being well-prepared really makes a difference on these excursions. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light cover-up for the boat ride. If the trip includes snorkeling, the gear is usually provided, but it’s a good idea to check exactly what’s 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 that’s 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 follow exactly the same pace.

Traveling with Children or in a Group

If you’re traveling with family or friends, the more laid-back boats and tours that include a meal usually work especially well because they simplify the day. On the other hand, if you prioritize seeing many places and making the most of your time, a longer—albeit slightly more intense—trip might be worth it.