Hvar, Bra & Pakleni islands cruise with lunch & drinks from Split & Trogir

If you’re dreaming of a day spent exploring Croatia’s stunning islands without the hassle of organizing multiple transports or tours, this full-day cruise offers an appealing solution. Promising visits to three of the country’s most popular spots—Hvar, Bra, and the Pakleni Islands—it’s a chance to enjoy scenic views, swim in turquoise waters, and sample local wine, all while relaxing on a comfortable boat.

What we particularly like about this experience are the well-paced itinerary and the inclusive amenities—from a gourmet lunch to snorkel gear and paddleboards, it feels like good value for the modest price. However, some reviews hint that overcrowding and weather-related changes can affect the experience, so flexibility might be needed if you’re set on specific stops.

This tour best suits travelers who want a convenient, all-in-one day of island fun, especially those eager to combine sightseeing, swimming, and food into a single, straightforward package. If you’re comfortable with group tours and appreciate a lively crew, you’ll probably find this cruise hits the right note.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit three islands in one day—Hvar, Bra, and Pakleni Islands—saving you time and logistical headaches.
• Inclusive amenities: Gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and inflatables are included, adding to the value.
• Flexible free time: Ample time at each stop for swimming, exploring, or just relaxing on the boat.
• Knowledgeable crew: Many reviews praise the crew’s friendliness, helpfulness, and English-speaking guidance.
• Potential for overcrowding: The boat can get busy, which might limit comfort or personal space.
• Weather-dependent: Safety takes precedence; poor weather can change or cancel parts of the itinerary.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Booking and What to Expect

This cruise is operated by Gray Line Croatia, with a typical departure from Split Port at 8:00 am, and a check-in time of 7:30 am. From Trogir, there’s a pre-departure pickup at around 6:15 am, so early risers should plan accordingly. The boat itself accommodates up to 130 travelers, making it a lively group but potentially crowded during peak season.

The price is about $86.12 per person, which includes not just transport but a generous list of amenities—lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, paddleboards, and inflatables. Many reviewers find this to be a good value for money, especially considering the all-day duration and variety of activities.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Pakleni Islands (1 hour 30 minutes)

This chain of wooden islands offers the perfect spot for a first swim. The calm lagoons near the islands provide clear waters, ideal for snorkeling or just floating around. Several reviews, like Hannah’s, highlight how “beautiful” and inviting the waters are, making it a favorite for many. The stop is brief but enough to get your feet wet and enjoy some photo opportunities.

A common critique, however, is that weather can influence the stop—if the sea gets too rough, the captain might skip or shorten it, as some reviews mention. So, flexibility in expectations is wise.

Stop 2: Hvar (2 hours)

Hvar, often called “the Croatian St. Tropez,” is the tour’s highlight for many. The town’s lively harbor, charming alleyways, and the Fortica fortress with panoramic views make for a memorable visit. Many guests appreciate the free time to wander, shop, or relax at a café.

Reviewers like Raul note that “the host was excellent,” and Hannah describes the boat ride as the “highlight” of her trip. However, some comment that overcrowding on the boat can make finding comfortable seating challenging, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.

Stop 3: Bra and Olife Beach Club (1 hour 30 minutes)

The final stop is in Milna, at the Olife Beach Club, where you can unwind or take a quick swim. It’s a quieter spot, ideal for relaxing after the busy morning. Note that drinks here are not included in the tour price, so you may want to budget for that.

While some appreciate the tranquil nature of Bra, others note that the stop is brief, and you may wish for more time to explore. A few reviews mention that weather conditions have impacted this part of the trip, with rough seas making the boat ride back uncomfortable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides snorkel masks, inflatables, paddleboards, and a full-day supply of water, soda, and juice, plus unlimited wine during lunch. Lunch options include beef, tuna, or vegetarian burgers with fries—considered decent but not gourmet by all accounts.

Drinks at the Olife Beach Club are extra, and there’s a $10 deposit for snorkel equipment, which is refundable upon return.

The Crew and Atmosphere

Many reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and helpfulness, with guests mentioning guides like Nana and Ivo who keep the mood light but safe. The music, the wine, and the cheerful crew contribute to a lively, social atmosphere. However, some customers mention that the boat can feel crowded, which might diminish comfort if you prefer quieter environments.

Weather and Safety

Weather can remarkably influence the experience. In windy conditions, the captain might skip stops or alter the route, as several reviews recount abrupt changes. Safety always comes first—so expect flexibility if the weather turns nasty.

Assessing the Value

When evaluating this cruise, consider that it offers a convenient way to see multiple islands with minimal fuss. The inclusion of lunch and drinks, plus activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling, makes it attractive for those who want a full day of fun without additional costs.

That said, the high group size may limit comfort, and some travelers wish for longer or more personalized visits. The price is reasonable, especially given the variety of activities, but a few reviews suggest that overcrowding and time constraints can impact the overall enjoyment.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re someone who values simplicity, good value, and meeting fellow travelers, this cruise can be a fantastic choice. It’s especially suitable if:

• You prefer organized, guided tours with all logistics handled.
• You’re eager to cover multiple destinations in one day.
• You enjoy social environments and lively crews.
• You’re comfortable with large group settings and possible weather changes.

It might be less ideal if you’re seeking a more relaxed, private experience or more time at each stop. Also, if you’re very particular about visiting specific islands (like Bol on Bra) or want a less crowded boat, you may want to explore other options or private tours.

Final Thoughts

This cruise offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation, with the added bonus of included food and drinks that make it quite attractive for the price. Many guests leave praising the friendly crew, the stunning scenery, and the quality of the included amenities.

However, it’s not without its quirks—crowding, weather variability, and limited free time at each stop are factors to consider. For travelers who want a well-organized, lively adventure with the flexibility to swim and explore, this cruise hits the right notes.

In summary, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, fun-filled day visiting some of Croatia’s most picturesque islands with a friendly crew and plenty of water activities, this tour is worth considering. Just keep expectations flexible and pack your sense of adventure!

FAQ

Does the tour include transportation from Trogir?
Yes, if you are staying in Trogir, a pickup is available at 6:15 am, so early risers should be prepared for an early start.

What should I bring for this cruise?
Bring warm clothing, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes. It’s also good to have a small amount of cash for extras like drinks at the beach club.

Are there options for vegetarians or specific dietary needs?
Yes, vegetarian burger options are available for lunch. Check at check-in to confirm your choice.

How long is the boat ride?
The total experience lasts about 10 hours, with stops for swimming, sightseeing, and lunch, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each part of the day.

Is there suitable time to explore Hvar?
Yes, you’ll have approximately 2 hours in Hvar, enough for a quick stroll, a coffee, or a visit to the fortress, depending on your interests.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of bad weather or rough seas, the captain reserves the right to modify or cancel parts of the itinerary for safety reasons, potentially changing stops or the route.

This trip is a lively, well-organized way to see Croatia’s beautiful islands, perfect for those who enjoy group tours, water activities, and scenic views in a single day.