Top Rated Boat Tour in Split - how to plan, pack, and get the best out of your day

No Split trip is complete without a bout tour to enjoy the most beautiful islands and bays. There are so many alternatives to choose from.

Based on our friends’ recommendations, we chose to join the Summer Blues catamaran tour. We enjoyed the whole trip from itinerary, to the whole vibe on board.

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A Complete Guide to the top rated catamaran tour in Split, including what to pack, what to expect and how to get the best out of your day!

Quick Mini Guide to Split

Here’s a quick mini guide to Split to help you plan the best trip!

Where to stay:
– Airbnb with the best location and free parking if you are traveling by car
– Hotel Ambasador
– Splendida Palace

When to visit:
– I highly recommend shoulder season (May to early June or September)
– Summer (mid-June to August) is peak season
– Winter is cold and the wettest season

Top things to do:
– Explore Diocletian’s Palace
– Visit Krka Waterfall and National Park
– Discover Game of Thrones locations

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Tours in Split

How much does it cost?

It costs around 129 euros, and can be a bit cheaper during the shoulder seasons. If you download the GetYourGuide app and use the “LILASABROAD5” code, you can get an extra 5% discount. You can use the link below to check out and book before it is sold out!

How long does the bout tour last?

The tour starts at 8:30 am and takes around 9.5 hours. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier. They take you to more remote places, which are located further from Split. Although we were back in Split around 6 pm, we were tired from all the activities we did during the day. The only other thing you should plan on the day of the tour is a dinner reservation.

Which islands are included in the tour?

The most popular stops include Hvar, Brač, and the Pakleni Islands, along with hidden bays and secluded beaches. Depending on the weather conditions and wind, they might change the route. Nevertheless, you will visit amazing swimming spots.

What should I bring on the boat tour?

There are some essentials that you need to pack – swimwear or two, sunscreen, watershoes, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket (it can get chilly in the evening or windy on the boat). You can find a snorkeling set on the boat, but you can also pack your own kit. If you want to use your phone to take underwater pictures, I recommend this cover that I use (please read the instructions carefully). Since the tour includes a two-hour stop at Hvar Island, I suggest packing an extra outfit to match the vibe.

Which food and drinks are included?

This is an all-inclusive tour. In the morning, they serve local pastries with tea and coffee. Drinks are unlimited. Alcoholic beverages are offered after 12 pm. During lunchtime, they serve Caesar salad. For the afternoon, you can enjoy fruits and muffins. If these are not enough for you, make sure to pack some snacks too. If you have specific dietary requirements, make sure to inform the tour company and pack some food as a backup. It is also good to have a bottle of water.

Boat tour itinerary & how to get the best out of your day

Getting on board and Brač Island

Now that we’ve covered FAQs about Summerblues Catamaran tour in Split, we will dive into how to plan and get the best out of your day.

You are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. I would advise you to arrive even earlier, so you can get the tables with shade. It is not allowed to lie down on the net when the boat is on the way. But you can still lie down and enjoy before the tour starts.

The Split marina view is so beautiful. I already know it’s gonna be an amazing day!

This tour includes food and unlimited drinks. For breakfast, we were served warm local pastries with coffee and tea. You can of course bring some snacks on board as well, or, just like me, ask for a second pastry (if there are any left)

After around 50 minutes, we arrived at our first beautiful bay on Brač Island. What I loved about this tour is that, everywhere we went, we were the only commercial boat. This made each stop feel private and special.

You can see how crystal clear the water is. We swam to the beach and back. You can use their snorkeling tools as well to watch the small fish swimming all around.

I recommend taking the last 5 minutes of the stop to rest, lie on the net, and try to get dry.

Hvar Island & how to spend 2 hours

Our next stop is Hvar Island, where we will have 2 hours to explore. There are two toilets, one for men and one for women. You can also change there. So, if you are planning to change your outfit, get in the queue before arriving on the island.

A tour guide was waiting for our boat, and some people from the boat joined the tour. However, we decided to wander around, just the two of us.

The moment we stepped out of the boat, my husband spotted this cool hidden gem. On the edge of the Hvar port, you will see rectangles with months written on them and Roman numerals.

If it is sunny, step into the box with the current month, and raise your arm. You will see the time.

It is such a cute island, every corner feels cozy. But first things first, I need coffee. We stopped at Kava37, the best coffee stop on Hvar Island. While enjoying our coffee, I met a Czech girl who lives in Split, and she gave us amazing tips! You can read my Split blog for the best hidden gems and things to do.

Since our time was limited, we decided to rent a quad and drive to the island’s most popular fortress. Usually, you can rent a quad for a day, but my husband negotiated with Mi&Ti rental to rent for an hour.

You can definitely walk up to the Fortica Fortress and enjoy the view on the way. I think going around in quads or Vespas is the best way to feel the island vibe.

The entrance to the Fortica costs 10 euros. The current form of the fortress dates back to the 16th century. There is a perfect view of the port, so this strategic location protects the port and the old town. This fortress is also known as the Spanish fortress, not because the town was ruled by Spain, but because Spanish military engineers contributed to its construction in the 14th century.

Today, it is mostly visited for the stunning view of the island and the port. You do not have to enter the fortress to enjoy the view.

Check this popular viewpoint right next to the entrance.

After returning the quad, we did some shopping. We are collecting tree ornaments, and found the most beautiful handmade ones in one of the souvenir shops. Another popular keepsake is red coral jewelry and anything with lavender.

Oh, by the way, you can also choose to stay at the coast and enjoy the beach at Hvar.

Afternoon on the boat

Around 2 pm, it was time to board the boat. On the way to our next stop, we were served our lunch, Caesar salad. To be honest, it was hard to eat anything due to the wind. So many of us waited to arrive at Pakleni Island to enjoy our lunch.

They do not serve alcoholic beverages in the morning. But after 2PM, the tap was open.

Each stop was way more beautiful than the previous one. After spending an hour swimming, it was time to leave for the next stop. The wind was in our favor, so the ride was much faster and more enjoyable. We all got blankets to stay warmer. I loved that they thought about every detail to make this tour enjoyable from every aspect.

At our next stop on the island of Solta, we were served fresh fruit and muffins. Knowing that it was our last stop, we spent most of the time in the sea, snorkeling and enjoying this remote place.

On the way back to Split, the boat suddenly turned into a party boat. By this time we had spent all day together and met new people, so it was quite fun. And the crew had the best vibe!

Around 6 oclock we could see the city. We arrived at the marina at half past 6. Take cash with you. The crew went above and beyond to make this trip amazing, and you will want to tip them generously.

Split evening

Even though we were served food the whole day, we were starving from all the time spent at sea. After a quick stop at our Airbnb, we came to Bokeria Kitchen and Wine for dinner. It is one of the most popular places in Split, so I am glad I had a reservation in advance. Every person I know who has been to Split has told me to dine at Bokeria Kitchen and try their Truffle Pasta.

For starters, we ordered the Chevice, which is sea bass marinated in lemon, served with red onion, mint, and pomegranate. It was the definition of umami.

Then it was time for the truffle pasta, rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Meanwhile, my husband enjoyed his lamb shank. Bokeria also features an extensive wine list. Our waiter suggested local wines to pair with our dishes, and they were a perfect match. It is very popular, but it is totally worth it.

Make sure to make a reservation beforehand, and specify if you would like to sit outside.

And as every evening, we ended the day at Peristil, enjoying the live music arranged by the restaurant Luxor.

Other Things to Do in Split

Taking a boat tour to several islands in Split is absolutely the best way to experience the area. But if you have more time in Split, there are still a bunch of things to do! Whether you are spending 3 days in Split, or just looking for alternative activities, this small coastal city still has many gems to offer! Here is the list of my other favorite activities:

Wander the Diaclation Palace
The Palace is actually the whole old town in Split. Although it is free to wander around, there are still some paid activities that are totally worth it. One of them is the cellars, famously featured in Game of Thrones. Do not miss out the Split Cathedral, and the panoramic view of the city from the Bell Tower. After that, you can enjoy discovering hidden gardens, such as Cat’s Garden, small alleys, and charming local shops.

Climbing to the Marjan Hill
It takes over 300 steps to reach the panoramic viewpoint on Marjan Hill. The route is so beautiful that you hardly notice the distance. Once you are on the top, you can enjoy the iconic Split view, or rest at the Terace Vidilica restaurant. If you are up for an adventure, you can hike all the way to Kasjuni Beach, and your reward will be swimming in the best beach of the area.

➡️ Read Next: Make sure to check out my ultimate guide “Three Days in Split” including a free map of the top places in the city.

Day trip to Krka National Park:
It is the home of the famous Skradinski Buk Waterfall. You can access the park from the Lozovac Entry, where parking is free and shuttle services are available. The walk to the waterfall is scenic, with boardwalks through lush nature, and the view of the waterfall is breathtaking. While swimming at Skradinski Buk is no longer permitted due to its popularity, there are other areas in the park, such as Roski Slap Waterfall and Skradin City Beach. If you plan your trip well, you can also catch a boat to Visovac Monastery, located on a small island.

Enjoy the local cuisine
You can spend your whole trip only visiting restaurants and cafes in Split, and never get bored. The city’s food scene is rich in flavors and offers a variety of family-run restaurants (known as Koboba), stylish cafes, and wine bars that source their products from local wineries. Visit Konobas and ask for their signature dish. It never disappoints. Besides those unique tastes, you have to try truffle pasta and black risotto, often served with seafood.

Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Within an hour’s drive, you can arrive at the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). BiH is not a member of the EU and the Schengen Area. Therefore, bring your passport and check visa requirements. The first stop is the Kravice Waterfall. Unlike Skradinski Buk, it is still allowed to swim in this beautiful view. After a refreshing swim, you can continue your drive to Mostar. You can watch local young men jumping off the bridge (don’t forget to tip), eat local food, shop at the Old Bazaar, and climb up to the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for the best view of the city.

Final Thoughts

I hope this blog inspired you to book this island tour during your visit to Split. I have a blog post comparing all the top-rated tours in Split, so read it to save time!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!