Podstrana: Full-Day Boat Trip to Brač and Shipwreck Kontesa

The best part of this full-day boat trip is the mix of places and pace. You get a real island stop in Sutivan, time to swim from the boat, and a snorkeling stop beside shipwreck Kontesa, all without changing boats or packing another lunch. The route covers Brač and Šolta, so you see more than one postcard view of the Dalmatian coast.

I like the fresh BBQ served onboard and the generous swimming setup, with snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls available. I also like that the boat is described as spacious rather than tightly packed, and several families found the day easy to enjoy together. The main thing to consider is physical: at swimming stops, you jump from the boat and climb back up ladders, so this is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or anyone uneasy on open water.

Key points to know before booking

• Sutivan gives you proper island time: Walk around this charming Brač town rather than simply viewing it from the water.
• Lunch is cooked on the boat: Choose mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, with salad and bread.
• Two different water stops: Swim in a quiet Brač bay, then snorkel near the Kontesa shipwreck by Šolta.
• The boat has useful water gear: Snorkels, floaties, lilos, and water polo balls are provided.
• The schedule starts early: Pickups are at 8:30 AM in Krilo Jesenice and 9:00 AM at Podstrana Sv. Martin.
• The price covers a full day: At $71 per person, the boat, lunch, fuel surcharge, insurance, and Wi-Fi are included.

A full day across Brač and Šolta

This outing is designed for people who want a full day at sea without having to plan separate ferries, restaurants, and swimming spots. You leave from Podstrana or Jesenice, then spend the day moving between a town visit, quiet coves, and a shipwreck site.

The route is less about ticking off major sights and more about enjoying the coast from the water. You will have a chance to walk, eat, swim, snorkel, and simply sit on the boat as the islands pass by. That variety matters because a full day spent only on a boat can feel long, while a full day spent only swimming can become repetitive.

The boat has received a rating of 4.7 from 66 ratings, and the strongest pattern is clear: people value the room onboard, friendly crew, reliable timing, good food, and relaxed schedule. Those are the details that make or break a boat day.

Morning pickup from Podstrana or Jesenice

You can board at Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 AM or Podstrana Sv. Martin at 9:00 AM, depending on the option you book. If you are staying at Le Meridien Lav, you can reach the Podstrana area by public transport, five bus stops toward Omiš, or use free parking in Sveti Martin. Free parking is also available in Krilo Jesenice.

There is also a Le Meridien Lav marina departure twice a week, subject to availability, at 9:15 AM. Check the departure option carefully before paying, since the meeting point and time vary.

Once underway, the welcome is casual and generous: a small schnapps, a chocolate donut, and juice. That is a pleasant start, especially for families and anyone who has not had breakfast before the early pickup. Bring water and sun protection anyway, since the trip lasts all day and snacks beyond the welcome items are not included.

Sutivan, a worthwhile first stop on Brač

Sutivan is the day’s chance to leave the boat and get a feel for an actual island town. You explore independently, which suits you if you prefer setting your own pace instead of following a guide through a fixed walking route.

Use this time for a slow wander, a look at the waterfront, or a short walk away from the immediate harbor. One useful suggestion is to head west if time allows. That direction led one family to a home selling local olive oil, a reminder that small discoveries can be more rewarding than simply taking photos at the main landing point.

The stop is not presented as a major sightseeing tour, so keep expectations sensible. You will not get a long guided history lesson or a packed list of monuments. What you do get is a pleasant break from the boat and a chance to experience Brač at street level.

For me, this stop gives the itinerary balance. You are not confined to swimming and sunbathing from morning to afternoon, and you can choose how active or quiet this part of the day feels.

Swimming from the boat in a quiet Brač bay

After Sutivan, the boat heads toward a quieter bay on Brač. Here you swim directly from the vessel while lunch is prepared onboard.

This is an important practical detail: there is no beach landing at the swimming stops. You use ladders on the side of the boat to get into and out of the water. If you are comfortable in open water, this is wonderfully direct. You can spend your time floating beside the boat instead of walking across a crowded beach to reach the sea.

The provided snorkels and floaties make the stop easier for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can swim and look below the surface, while less confident swimmers can use the flotation equipment, though the activity is still not suitable for non-swimmers. Water polo balls and a couple of lilos add a playful option for families and groups of friends.

The water is described as crystal-clear, which makes this a good place to bring a mask or use the supplied snorkel. Still, conditions can change. One person noted that the crew offered comfort and practical help when the swells became uncomfortable, but you should not book this trip if you are prone to seasickness.

Fresh BBQ lunch with three main choices

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons this trip offers good value. The chef prepares a fresh BBQ onboard, then serves a choice of mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger with salad and bread.

You need to send your preference after booking so the crew can order enough food. Do this promptly. The fish is the natural choice if you want a taste of the coast, while the chicken and vegetarian burger make the meal workable for different diets.

During lunch, unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice are served. The drinks help make the meal feel like part of the outing rather than a basic packed lunch, though alcoholic drinks are not included as a general extra, and personal alcohol is not allowed. If you want snacks beyond the welcome donut and lunch, plan to buy them if available or bring only what the operator permits.

The meal is served while the boat continues toward Šolta and Kontesa. That saves time and keeps the day moving without rushing the swimming stop. Several people especially liked the freshly grilled fish, and the overall feedback points to generous portions and good value.

Shipwreck Kontesa and the second water stop

The trip then heads toward shipwreck Kontesa near Šolta. The boat anchors nearby, giving you another chance to swim and snorkel.

Kontesa is the most distinctive stop on the route. Rather than looking at another bay from the deck, you have a clear point of interest beneath the water. The supplied snorkels let you spend time watching the wreck area without needing to arrange separate equipment.

Do not expect a shore visit or a formal wreck tour. The boat anchors close by, and the experience is built around swimming and looking through the water. The ladders and open-water entry remain the same as at Brač, so you should be ready to jump in and climb out several times during the day.

This second stop is useful because it gives the itinerary a different feel. The first swim is about relaxing in a bay while lunch is prepared. Kontesa adds a simple underwater focus and gives you another reason to get in the water after lunch.

The boat, crew, and pace

The boat is a major part of the experience. The strongest praise concerns space: you should have room to sit, move around, and find a comfortable place without feeling packed shoulder to shoulder. That matters on a full-day trip, particularly when the sun is strong or the sea becomes choppy.

The crew is described as friendly, attentive, and helpful. Clear explanations and punctual departures also make a difference. You are not left guessing where to go next or how the swimming stops work.

The atmosphere appears relaxed rather than formal. The crew chats with people, helps when needed, and keeps the day moving without making it feel like a military schedule. Families are well served by this setup. A nine-year-old reportedly called it the best day of the week, and another family with older daughters enjoyed the mixture of town time, swimming, food, and open sea.

The schedule is full, but not overloaded. You see Sutivan, two water areas, and Kontesa, with time built in to enjoy each stop. That is better than a rushed itinerary that tries to add three or four islands and leaves you checking the clock.

What $71 includes, and where the value lies

At $71 per person, this is a strong-value day if you intend to swim and eat onboard. The price includes the boat trip, lunch, fuel surcharge, insurance, Wi-Fi, snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls.

You are also paying for the convenience of a single organized route. There is no need to compare ferry times, find a lunch restaurant on an island, rent snorkeling gear, or arrange transport between separate stops. The trip bundles those moving parts into one day.

The value is less clear if you dislike long boat rides or do not plan to get into the sea. Much of the appeal comes from the swimming stops, and the town visit is self-guided rather than a major cultural tour. If your idea of a good day is a museum, historic site, or long walk on land, this is probably not the right use of your money.

For a family, the included equipment and lunch can keep extra spending down. For couples and friends, the spacious boat and relaxed social mood make the price reasonable. Just remember that snacks and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Who should book this boat trip

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a simple day on the water with enough variety to avoid boredom. It works especially well for:

• Families with children who can swim and climb boat ladders
• Couples who want swimming, food, and a small island town in one day
• Friends looking for an easy social outing with equipment provided
• Visitors staying around Podstrana, Jesenice, or Le Meridien Lav
• Anyone who prefers a spacious boat and a relaxed schedule

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, cannot swim, use a wheelchair, or dislike jumping into open water. The boat does not replace a beach, and there is no promise that every swim entry will feel easy for you.

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and camera. Wear something comfortable for the early start, and email your lunch choice after booking. The operator works in English, and the trip returns to the same meeting point.

Should you book the Brač and Kontesa trip?

Book it if your ideal Dalmatian day includes fresh grilled food, clear water, island scenery, and plenty of time in the sea. The combination of Sutivan, two swim opportunities, and Kontesa gives the day more substance than a simple coastal cruise.

The best practical reason to choose it is the balance. You get an attractive town, quiet water, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and a boat with enough room to relax. The main condition is that you must be comfortable entering the water from the side of the boat and climbing ladders afterward.

At $71, I consider it good value for a full day, especially for families and anyone who would otherwise have to pay separately for transport, lunch, and water equipment. Choose it for a relaxed sea day, not for a guided history tour or a beach resort experience.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The main pickup points are Krilo Jesenice at 8:30 AM and Podstrana Sv. Martin at 9:00 AM. A Le Meridien Lav marina departure is also offered twice a week at 9:15 AM, subject to availability.

How long is the activity?

It is a full-day boat trip that returns to the original meeting point.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Brač and Šolta. You visit Sutivan on Brač and stop near shipwreck Kontesa by Šolta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a choice of mackerel, chicken, or a vegetarian burger, along with salad and bread.

What drinks are served with lunch?

Unlimited red wine, water, and orange juice are served during lunch. A welcome schnapps, chocolate donut, and juice are also provided earlier in the trip.

Do I need to choose my lunch in advance?

Yes. After booking, email the operator your choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian burger so the food can be ordered.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, floaties, and water polo balls are included. Lilos may also be available onboard.

Can I swim directly from the boat?

Yes. At the swim stops, the boat anchors and you enter the sea by jumping from the boat. You return using ladders on the side of the vessel.

Is the trip suitable for children and non-swimmers?

Children who can swim and manage the boat ladders can enjoy the trip. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.