Podstrana and Jesenice, Boat trip to Bra and olta with lunch

A Complete Look at the Podstrana and Jesenice Boat Trip to Brac and Solta with Lunch

Travelers seeking a scenic, well-paced day out on Croatia’s shimmering waters will find this boat trip a compelling choice. Spanning about 8 to 9 hours, it offers a balanced mix of island exploration, swimming, snorkeling, and a tasty lunch—all within a manageable group setting. What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on authentic, local stops like Sutivan on Bra and the shipwreck of Kontesa, along with the convenience of multiple pick-up points.

One of the best parts? The lunch — a freshly prepared BBQ with options for fish, chicken, or vegetarian plates—plus unlimited drinks, which keeps everyone well-fed and refreshed. The crew’s attentive service, along with free Wi-Fi onboard, adds to the overall value, making it a smooth, enjoyable day even for those unfamiliar with Croatian waters.

However, a key consideration is the weather dependency. Since the trip occurs on open water, schedule changes due to poor weather are possible, which might affect plans. This makes it less ideal as a last-day outing or during unpredictable weather periods. Still, for those eager for an active, scenic day on the sea with plenty of swimming, this trip fits best for travelers wanting a relaxed, authentic experience rather than a rigid tour.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see multiple islands or a seasoned traveler looking to relax on the water, this tour offers a good balance of activities, scenery, and local flavor.

Key Points

• Authentic island stops like Sutivan on Bra provide a taste of local life and scenic exploration.
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling opportunities allow for refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters.
• The included BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks elevate the experience, offering value and convenience.
• Flexible itinerary and timing provide a relaxed pace, with all essential sights covered.
• Comfortable group size (max 45 travelers) ensures a personalized experience.
• Weather dependency means the schedule may shift, so flexibility is key.

An In-Depth Look at the Boat Trip Experience

This tour packs a lot into a day, making it ideal for travelers who want to see multiple islands, enjoy swimming in pristine waters, and indulge in Croatian cuisine—all without the hassle of organizing transport or meals. The overall rating of 4.5/5 from eight reviews indicates a solid, enjoyable experience, especially praised for its friendly staff, tasty food, and scenic stops.

The Booking and Pickup Process

The day begins with pick-ups from three convenient locations: Krilo Jesenice, Podstrana Sv. Martin, and Le Meridien Lav hotel. Early morning pickups (starting around 8:25 am) set a relaxed tone, allowing plenty of time to settle in and meet fellow travelers. The tour’s emphasis on small group sizes (up to 45 travelers) means you won’t feel overwhelmed — instead, you’ll likely enjoy a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Departure & Welcome Aboard
After boarding between 8:30 and 9:00 am, the crew offers a warm welcome with schnapps, coffee, juice, and chocolate donuts — a generous gesture that sets the tone for the day. The sailing to the island of Bra is smooth and scenic, with the crew providing a brief orientation and maps of Sutivan, a picturesque village on Bra’s west coast.

Sutivan Exploration
Arriving around 10:30 am, you’ll have about 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore Sutivan independently. Reviewers mention that the village feels charming, with plenty of local restaurants and Roman-era sights to wander past. The crew’s maps are helpful if you want to wander off the beaten path, but most guests seem to enjoy just soaking up the relaxed island vibe.

Swimming & Snorkeling at Brac
The first swim stop around 12:10 pm is a highlight. Anchored in clear waters, the crew facilitates easy access with ladders on both sides of the boat. Reviewers like Andrea noted that the swimming stops involved ladder access or jumping — a fun way to cool off and learn about the beautiful surroundings. The water is said to be incredibly clear, perfect for snorkeling with provided gear.

Lunch with Stunning Views
At around 1:00 pm, it’s time for lunch. The meal is served onboard and features freshly grilled options: mackerel fish, boneless chicken, or a vegetarian burger, accompanied by salads and bread. Reviewers repeatedly praise the quality of the food, calling it delicious and well-prepared. The inclusion of unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice makes the meal feel like a proper Croatian feast.

Shipwreck of Kontesa & Additional Swimming
Post-lunch, the boat heads to the shipwreck of Kontesa at Necujam Bay, arriving around 2:10 pm. The captain tries to anchor near the wreck, and guests can snorkel or swim around the ship, which offers a unique maritime sight. The reviews mention that the captain is skillful, even when the area is busy, ensuring everyone gets a good chance to explore.

Scenic Cruising & Final Swim
On the return route, the boat offers stunning views of Hvar, Brac, and Solta islands, with a serving of fresh watermelon around 4:15 pm as a light refreshment. The journey back to Podstrana and Jesenice is smooth, with the crew sharing stories and keeping the atmosphere lively.

The Overall Experience

What sets this tour apart is the combination of authentic island hopping, relaxing swimming stops, and the delicious, well-presented lunch. The crew’s attentiveness and the boat’s comfort level get high praise, and the free Wi-Fi onboard is a nice touch for sharing your adventures in real time.

The reviews highlight that many travelers appreciated the attention to detail—from the quality of the food to the smooth navigation around busy wreck sites. Andrea mentions the “lovely stop at village on Bra with loads of lovely restaurants,” while Nataliia notes that “nothing is left to chance,” emphasizing how carefully planned and executed the tour feels.

Practical Considerations

The tour’s duration and schedule are well-thought-out, with enough time at each stop to relax and explore. The early start means you’ll get a full day, but that also demands an early wake-up. The weather can impact plans, so be prepared for possible schedule shifts if conditions are poor. The price, at just under $72, seems reasonable considering the included lunch, drinks, and multiple swimming opportunities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, especially if you love being on the water and exploring small villages. It’s great for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a taste of Croatia’s islands without the hassle of independent planning. The flexible itinerary and friendly crew make it a safe choice for travelers of most ages and activity levels.

Final Thoughts

This boat trip offers an inviting blend of scenic cruising, authentic island visits, and a hearty Croatian lunch. Its well-organized schedule allows for a relaxed pace, with enough time to swim, explore, and unwind—perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time on Croatia’s beautiful coast.

The quality of the food and drinks, combined with the professional, friendly staff, makes it a good value for the price. The included snorkeling gear and free Wi-Fi are thoughtful touches that enhance the overall experience, making this tour both practical and enjoyable.

While weather dependency is a consideration, most travelers find that the flexible schedule and scenic stops outweigh this potential inconvenience. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a smaller group environment, authentic local stops, and a mix of activity and leisure.

In summary, this tour is ideal for anyone wanting a balanced day of island charm, sea swimming, and delicious food, all set against the backdrop of Croatia’s stunning coastline.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour? The trip lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting around 8:30 am and returning by late afternoon.
• Where do I get picked up? Pickup points include Krilo Jesenice, Podstrana Sv. Martin, and Le Meridien Lav hotel, with times starting around 8:25 am.
• What should I bring? Bring swimwear, towels, sun protection, and perhaps a light jacket for the boat. Snorkel gear is provided.
• Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, especially since kids receive juice and chocolate donuts; the relaxed pace appeals to families.
• Can I choose my lunch meal? Yes, upon booking, you can specify if you prefer fish, chicken, or vegetarian options.
• What’s the snorkeling like? The waters are clear and calm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling around the shipwreck and other stops.
• Is Wi-Fi available onboard? Yes, unlimited Wi-Fi is provided during the trip.
• How many people usually go on this tour? The group size is capped at 45 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• What is the price included? The price covers boat transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, coffee, juice, chocolate donuts, fresh watermelon, and Wi-Fi.

This detailed review should help you decide if this Croatian boat trip fits your travel style. Whether you’re after scenic island views, swimming in crystal waters, or just a relaxing day on the sea, this tour offers a solid combination of all that—and plenty of local flavor to enjoy.