Boat Trip from Split: 3 Ferry Destinations for a Day Trip

Are you on holiday in Split, or have you decided to live there for a while? Day trips around Split are a great way to take a breather, explore, and spend time with family or friends. Set off for Brač from as little as £18, or head to Hvar, just an hour from Split by ferry. Whichever island you choose, you’re guaranteed a beautiful day out on the Croatian coast. A boat trip from Split is always a great choice!

In this article, discover our ideas for excursions from Split to the following Croatian islands:

1. Brač: an excursion from Split for £18
2. Hvar: 1 hour by ferry from Split
3. Korčula: a longer day trip from Split

1. Brač: an excursion from Split for £18

As high-speed ferries connect Split to various ports on Brač, you’ll be able to explore several parts of the island. For example, the first two morning ferries from Split to Brač go to Milna. Once you’ve disembarked in Milna, you can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront lined with beautiful palm trees, with cafés where you can sit down for a hot drink while gazing out to sea.

Organise an affordable day trip from Split: head to Milna, on the island of Brač, by high-speed ferry. Source: iStock.

Once you’ve had your coffee in Milna’s little marina, you can set off on a walk along the Milna – Makarac – Osibova trail. This route of around 7 km forms a loop through different parts of the island. It passes through olive groves to the small pebbly cove of Makarac, perfect for a short break and a few photos. The trail then continues through more olive groves to Osibova Bay, where you’ll find the Crkva Sv. Josipa (Saint Joseph’s Church), dating back to the 17th century.

At the end of the walk, you’ll find yourself back on the Milna waterfront. Settle into a local tavern to sample a few specialities: fresh fish, a good local dessert, or procip, a Brač sweet made from sheep’s milk cheese. Want to explore further? Head to Sutivan. The bus stop is right next to the promenade, where you can catch a bus to Sutivan.

Near the Milna waterfront, don’t miss the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation. Source: iStock.

In Sutivan, you can visit the Sutivan Nature Park, a small animal park with playgrounds, trampolines, a restaurant, and other activities. Once you’ve finished exploring, there’s no need to take the bus back to Milna: late-afternoon boats depart from Sutivan for Split.

Ferries from Split to Brač

If you’re looking for a low-cost boat trip from Split, the ferry crossing to the island of Brač costs £9 one way. The journey to Brač takes just 25 to 30 minutes. Travel time may vary depending on the ferry company and weather conditions. The first ferry of the day leaves at 8:00 for Milna, on the island of Brač. The next ferry from Split to Brač is available from 9:00.

Reach Milna on Brač for just £9 one way. Source: iStock.

What’s more, the two companies offering these morning departures, Kapetan Luka – Krilo and TP Line, offer discounts for children. Both carriers offer same-day return crossings at 7:25 pm and 7:35 pm from Milna, giving you plenty of time to explore Brač. In addition, in the late afternoon, Krilo Shipping Company also operates services from Sutivan and Bol to Split.

2. Hvar: 1 hour by ferry from Split

The island of Hvar is an ideal choice for a day trip from Split, as it takes only an hour to reach by high-speed ferry (without a car). As soon as you disembark, you’ll be able to stroll through Dalmatia’s largest square, Trg Sv. Stjepana (St Stephen’s Square). Nicknamed “Pjaca”, it’s the heart of local life. To the east of the square stands the Renaissance-Baroque St Stephen’s Cathedral, an architectural and historical gem not to be missed.

Plan your excursion from Split and head to Hvar to stroll through Dalmatia’s largest square. Source: iStock.

The town of Hvar is full of historic landmarks, enough to keep you busy all day. For example, at the western end of Pjaca, you’ll see the Clock Tower (also known as the “Leroj”) and the Loggia, the last remains of the Rector’s Palace, demolished in the 19th century. Nearby, you’ll also find the Hvar Theatre and the Arsenal. Add to your itinerary a climb up to Fortica Fortress, which offers panoramic views of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.

On your Split → Hvar day trip, take in the panoramic view of the Pakleni Islands from Fortica. Source: iStock.

The Loggia, the Clock Tower, the Arsenal, Hvar Theatre, and Fortica all require an admission ticket, with the option of buying a combined ticket. Before you set off, make sure you check the opening times and ticket prices for these sites. Find out how to organise your day trip from Split to Hvar below. The key points to consider when planning your trip are departures (outward and return), ferry companies, and prices.

Ferry from Split to Hvar

If you want to organise a boat trip from Split with a shorter crossing, Hvar is the perfect option. Ferries to Hvar depart at 8:00 and 9:00, and the fastest crossing takes 55 minutes. A one-way ticket costs £22, with discounts available and free travel for children. Kapetan Luka – Krilo and TP Line also operate on this route.

Climb up to Fortica Fortress on the island of Hvar. Source: iStock.

For the return journey from Hvar to Split, you can aim for 17:00, 18:40 or 19:00. And if you’re planning to continue to Jelsa, Krilo Shipping Company offers a 17:20 departure.

3. Korčula: a longer day trip from Split

Among our ideas for day trips from Split is the town of Korčula. Like the previous two islands, Korčula is easily reached by ferry from Split. As soon as you step off the boat, you’ll quickly reach Korčula’s Land Gate Tower (also known as Revelin Tower). This is the main entrance to the old town. In the heart of the historic centre, you’ll find other monuments, such as St Mark’s Cathedral, whose bell tower you can climb (admission fee applies).

Start your Split → Korčula trip by passing through the Land Gate Tower to enter the old town. Source: Unsplash.

In Korčula, you can also visit the Town Museum to learn more about local history, from prehistory to the present day. Remember to check opening times on the official website. For example, in high season, the museum is open on Saturdays as well as weekdays, and on Sundays with reduced opening hours. Out of season, opening times change: it is open on weekdays, has reduced hours on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.

While you’re in Korčula, don’t miss the Marco Polo Interpretation Centre. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating life of Marco Polo and his role in bringing East and West closer together. Admission is charged, but family and children’s tickets are available at reduced rates. You can also save money with individual combined tickets including the Town Museum, Revelin Tower, and the Marco Polo Interpretation Centre.

End your day trip from Split with a peaceful moment among the fallow deer on the nearby island of Badija. Source: iStock.

We also recommend a visit to the small island of Badija. Departures leave from the promenade throughout the day, and the crossing takes less than 20 minutes. Badija is a great choice if you’re an animal lover or travelling with children, as fallow deer roam freely across the island.

Ferry from Split to Korčula

Perhaps you’ve already explored Brač and Hvar and want to go a little further on your day trip from Split. Ferries from Split to Korčula leave at 8:00 and 9:00. You can arrive in Korčula at 10:20 or 12:05, and plan to return at 17:00 or 17:40.

On the island of Badija, visit the picturesque Franciscan monastery. Source: iStock.

As with the previous two islands, TP Line and Kapetan Luka – Krilo serve Korčula. One-way fares are slightly higher, from £22 to £27. Here too, you can take advantage of discounts for younger passengers by booking directly through Ferryscanner.

Plan your boat trip from Split!

Living in Split or staying there for a while? The day trips available from Split are ideal for filling your weekend, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family. Book your ferry tickets from Split to Brač, Hvar, or Korčula on our site at the best price. And keep everything under control with the Ferryscanner app!