BBQ afloat beats another quiet day. On this full-day boat trip in Dalmatia, you get Sutivan free time plus snorkeling gear on the way to Brač and Šolta. Add a welcome schnapps and a chocolate donut as you cruise, then finish with fresh watermelon on the return leg.

The biggest thing to note is how the swim stops work: you’re anchored off the beach and you’ll need to jump in and climb back via ladders. If you’re not comfortable in open water, this one won’t feel relaxing.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Sutivan on Brač, on your own time: walk the town and slow down for a change of scenery
• Crystal-clear swim stops: snorkels, floaties, and even water polo balls are part of the day
• Shipwreck Kontesa swim time: anchor nearby and get your time in the water
• BBQ on board: chef-prepared lunch during the Brač bay swim window
• Simple lunch choices: mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger with salad and bread
• Roomy boat feel: a comfortable setup without feeling tightly packed

A Full-Day Boat Loop Between Brač, Šolta, and Shipwreck Kontesa

This trip is built for a classic Croatian day: boat ride, saltwater breaks, and a proper meal without you having to plan a thing. The route links two islands that feel different from each other, with time in the pretty town of Sutivan on Brač and swim time near the shipwreck Kontesa.

What makes it especially worthwhile is how many “activity moments” you get. It’s not just getting from point A to point B. You’re scheduled for multiple stops where the sea becomes the main event, plus two different food moments—BBQ at one swim stop and a served lunch later.

And yes, it’s relaxed. You’re not sprinting from sight to sight. You’re choosing when to be in the water, when to hang at the boat, and when to walk around Sutivan.

Getting to the Dock: Podstrana vs Krilo Jesenice Pick-Ups

Your day depends on which morning departure you choose. There are two main pick-up times and locations:

• Krilo Jesenice: 08:30 AM
• Podstrana (Sv. Martin): 09:00 AM

If you’re staying at Le Meridien Lav marina, there’s also a 09:15 AM departure, but it runs twice a week—so you’ll want to confirm availability for your date.

You’ll also find a practical benefit here: the area is served by public transport. From Le Meridien Lav marina, you can use a bus toward Omiš, or park for free in Sveti Martin. In Krilo Jesenice, the trip provides free parking.

Bottom line: if you like simple morning logistics, this is set up nicely. Just make sure you choose the correct time slot when booking, because the start changes your whole day.

Welcome on Board: Schnapps, Donut, and Wi-Fi for the In-Between

The crew keeps things friendly and straightforward from the first minutes. As you sail toward Brač, you’ll get a welcome schnapps, a chocolate donut, and juice while you’re getting settled.

The boat has a comfortable layout and doesn’t feel overcrowded, which matters on a full-day trip. When boats get too tight, you lose the joy of being outside and just moving with the day. Here, the space helps you actually enjoy the ride.

One more small comfort: Wi‑Fi is included. It won’t replace enjoying the sea, but it’s handy for messaging, quick planning, or checking directions for Sutivan.

Sutivan Free Time on Brač: Small-Town Walking Without a Rush

Sutivan is the kind of place where your day feels different the moment you step off the boat. You get a chunk of time to explore at your leisure, not a pressured tour with a countdown.

This matters because Sutivan isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the moment where you can shift from pure water time to land time. Walk, browse, and take a break from sun and salt while still being close to the harbor vibe.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests—say, some people want more swimming and others want photos or gelato—Sutivan is a good compromise. The day already includes water activities, so this stop gives everyone breathing room.

A practical tip: wear sunscreen before you go. You’ll still be in the sun during the sail and while you’re floating later.

Hidden Bay on Brač: Swim From an Anchorage and Watch BBQ Happen

One of the best parts of the schedule is how it pairs a swim stop with food. The boat heads toward a hidden bay on Brač, and you swim off the anchored vessel while the chef prepares a BBQ lunch.

This is where the trip’s “on-the-water” rhythm really clicks. The sea time isn’t just a quick dip. It’s long enough that you can get comfortable, relax, and then come back when you’re ready.

You’ll also see how boarding works. There are ladders on the side of the boat for access to the sea and back. At swim stops, you’re anchored, so you’ll need to jump in and then climb back up via those ladders.

If you want the day to feel easy, this is your preparation moment. That means:

• bring a towel you actually like
• keep your swimsuit on or easily accessible
• don’t plan your first swim if you’re still unsure about ladders and your comfort level in open water

Solta and Shipwreck Kontesa: Snorkeling on a Schedule That Feels Fair

After Brač, you sail toward Šolta and anchor near the shipwreck Kontesa. This is the star for people who want something more interesting than a standard swimming cove.

The shipwreck adds character to the stop. Even if you’re not trying to “explore” the structure, snorkeling near it changes the whole feeling of the water. Fish life, shadows, and texture from the wreck can make the swim more memorable.

For snorkeling, the basics are provided. You get snorkels and floaties, plus additional floating toys like water polo balls. That’s a big deal for families or mixed-skill groups, because it reduces the friction of getting into the water.

And again, it’s anchorage-based. You jump in from the boat, you snorkel around as long as you’re comfortable, and then you climb back via the ladder.

If you’re sensitive to motion, keep your eyes on the water and your body. This trip is set up for people who can handle open-water boat time, and it’s not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness.

Lunch Strategy: BBQ at the Bay Plus a Proper Served Meal

This is one of those trips where the food feels like it has actual planning behind it. You’re not just snacking while you wait.

First, there’s the BBQ moment at the hidden bay on Brač. That’s when the chef prepares lunch while you’re in the water.

Then, during the sail toward Šolta and the Kontesa stop, lunch is served on board. You can choose between:

• mackerel fish
• chicken
• vegetarian burger

That lunch includes salad and bread, and it comes with unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice during the lunch period.

A small but helpful detail: when you book, you’re asked to email your lunch preference so the crew can order food on time. If you forget this step, you’re likely to create extra stress for yourself. Do it early so the day stays smooth.

Also, snacks and alcoholic drinks beyond what’s served for lunch are available for purchase, but they’re not part of the included package.

After the Water: Watermelon on the Return Ride

The final touch is simple and very welcome: cold watermelon on the return journey back to the pick-up locations. After hours of sun and saltwater, it hits the spot.

This also signals something about how the day is paced. It’s not a long, tiring slog with one meal in the middle. You get food at the right moments—while the day still feels fun.

On-the-Water Practical Tips (So You Don’t Have a Friction Day)

Here’s what I’d focus on before you go, because it directly affects comfort.

Swim-stop reality

Swim time happens from an anchored boat. You need to jump in and climb back using ladders. So if you’re learning to swim or nervous about open water, you may want a different format that has an easier entry point.

What to bring

Bring the basics:

• hat
• swimwear
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen

A hat and sunscreen are not optional if you burn easily. You’ll be outside for a full day.

If you’re prone to motion sickness

This trip isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness. That’s not the kind of thing you should try to “push through,” because the day is anchored around sea time.

Photo planning

The boat ride gives plenty of photo chances, especially with islands and coves sliding past. If you’re relying on your phone, keep it secure and think about charging time before you go.

Price and Value: Why $71 Usually Feels Like a Deal

At about $71 per person, this trip is priced like a full-day experience that actually earns its cost. You’re paying for transportation by boat, multiple swim stops, snorkel/floating gear, and a lunch that isn’t a sad afterthought.

What makes the value stand out is the combination:

• onboard BBQ at one stop
• a served lunch with multiple main choices
• snorkeling setup (snorkels, floaties, and extra floating aids)
• multiple opportunities in the water, not just one quick swim

If you tried to build this day yourself—boat rental, separate snorkeling gear, and meal planning—you’d likely spend more and still deal with logistics. The trip removes that planning load.

And the “room to breathe” feeling on the boat helps value, too. A comfortable vessel makes a long day feel shorter.

Who Should Book This Trip (And Who Should Skip It)

This is best for people who want a full day on the water without turning it into a complicated plan. You’ll also like it if you enjoy doing things in blocks—swim, eat, walk, swim again—rather than rushing between landmarks.

It’s also a good fit for families of different ages. The snorkels and floaties help kids and less-confident swimmers participate safely within the limits of ladder entry. Even if a child isn’t swimming constantly, the boat and the water toys keep them busy.

But skip it if any of these apply:

• you can’t swim (the trip isn’t suitable for non-swimmers)
• you use a wheelchair (not suitable for wheelchair users)
• you’re prone to seasickness
• you’re hoping for an easy, step-off-to-shore style swim (anchorage ladder access is the norm)

Should You Book Podstrana’s Brač and Kontesa Trip?

Yes, if you want a straightforward, good-value Croatian sea day with both land time and real swimming. The Sutivan break adds variety, and the shipwreck Kontesa stop gives the water time more personality than a generic cove.

Book it especially if you care about food that’s actually part of the day, not just a fuel stop. Between the BBQ at the bay, the served lunch with choice of mains, and the included drinks during lunch, it’s built to keep you happy without counting every euro.

But if ladder-based anchorage swimming sounds stressful, or if motion sickness is a real risk for you, I’d steer you toward a different style of excursion. This one is for people who like the sea enough to handle it at the waterline.

FAQ

What are the pick-up times for this boat trip?

There are two main departures: Krilo Jesenice at 08:30 AM and Podstrana (Sv. Martin) at 09:00 AM. There is also a 09:15 AM option from Le Meridien Lav marina that runs twice a week.

Where is the trip available to start from?

You can start from Krilo Jesenice or from Podstrana Sv. Martin. If you stay at Le Meridien Lav, there is a separate 09:15 AM marina option.

Is Sutivan on Brač included?

Yes. You’ll be sailing toward Sutivan with a welcome on board, then you’ll have time to explore Sutivan on your own.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkels and floaties are included. Water polo balls are also provided for use during the swim stops.

How does swimming work during the stop near coves and the shipwreck?

The boat anchors offshore. You swim from the anchored boat by jumping in and then climbing back using ladders on the side of the ship.

What’s included for lunch and what options do you get?

Lunch on board includes a choice of mackerel fish, chicken, or a vegetarian burger with salad and bread. Unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice are served during lunch.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.