Split’s sunset is better when you sail.

This 2-hour Polaris sunset cruise turns the water into your front row seat, with live music on the open deck and unlimited sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks. I like the pacing too: you get a relaxed loop around Marjan Hill and Split’s shoreline, then you settle in for the sun to drop behind the city. One consideration: there’s no food included, so if you want snacks, plan to bring your own.

For comfort, the boat operates with limited seating (about half capacity), so you’re not packed in like a ferry. The best part is the mix of scenery and atmosphere: mountain views around Split, passes by Kaštela’s bay and marinas, plus the night lights of town on the return.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Half-capacity comfort: limited seats mean easier deck space than the typical crowded cruise
• Open-deck live music: you’ll hear the band clearly while the horizon does its thing
• Unlimited drinks for the full 2 hours: sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks keep the vibe going
• Marjan Hill views from the water: Split’s green symbol shows up in a way you can’t get from land
• Weather reality check: pack a layer, especially after sunset when the deck can feel cooler

Polaris Sunset Cruise Route: A Simple Two-Hour Plan That Actually Feels Relaxing

This is the kind of activity that fits neatly between dinner plans or a late afternoon in Split. The total time is 2 hours, and the schedule is built around one clear goal: getting you out on the water for sunset over the city and mountains without dragging the day out.

You start by cruising beneath Marjan Hill, the famous green backdrop for Split. Then you continue along the coast toward Kaštela Bay, where you’ll see marinas and a well-known local landmark: the stadium of the football club Hajduk. After that, the route brings you past the newer parts of town so you can watch the city beaches and shoreline as the light changes.

The big value here is the pacing. You’re not sprinting from stop to stop. It’s slow enough to enjoy the views, but still short enough that the evening stays light and easy.

Where to Board: Boat Polaris at Split City Port (Riva Side)

The meeting point is straightforward. You’ll head to the Split city port and look for Boat Polaris docked just in front of the promenade Riva, at the pier called Gat Svetog Nikole. The listed starting spot is Obala Lazareta 3, which is in the same port area.

If you’re trying to get the best deck choice, show up a bit early. The boat has an upper deck where the band plays, and that’s also where the energy gathers for sing-alongs and dancing. If you’re the type who wants calmer views, you can also use the lower deck when you want a breather.

Also note: the host or greeter is English, so you should have no problem understanding when boarding starts and where to go.

Marjan Hill from the Water: The Start of the Cruise That Sets the Tone

The cruise begins with you sailing beneath Marjan Hill, which is more than a scenic backdrop. It’s one of Split’s most recognizable “green moments,” and from the sea it looks wide and layered, with the coastline and vegetation moving past you in a slow rhythm.

This early part matters because it’s when the atmosphere is still settling in. Drinks get flowing, the live music is part of the atmosphere (not the main event yet), and you’re not fighting crowds. It feels like you’re warming up for sunset instead of arriving late to it.

One practical tip: bring a camera. The Marjan Hill views are the kind you’ll want to shoot from multiple angles—especially when the light softens.

Kaštela Bay, Marinas, and Hajduk: Local Landmarks Along the Coast

After Marjan Hill, the boat heads toward the bay of Kaštela. This is where the cruise shifts from “scenic views” to “Split culture and coastal geography.”

You’ll get panoramas of the mountains surrounding Split, plus passes by several marinas. The ship-to-shore perspective makes the coast look busy in a different way than from land—slower, more spread out, and easier to read.

Then there’s the Hajduk connection: you’ll see the Hajduk stadium, an important institution for Split residents. Even if you don’t follow football, it’s a fun local reference point that makes the coastline feel less generic and more “this is really Split.”

Watching Sunset Over Split: City Beaches, Golden Light, and a Deck Full of Music

As the sun sets, the cruise moves toward the newer part of town. This is the moment you’re paying for: the route gives you views of city beaches with the sun dropping behind the town, which creates an easy, romantic feel even on an overcast evening.

The deck becomes the main stage here. Live music is happening on the open deck, and the vibe tends to turn interactive as the evening progresses. People sing along, and you’ll often hear a mix of well-known songs rather than background-only music. The atmosphere is relaxed but not silent.

If weather is cloudy, don’t panic. You can still get a “sunset-feel,” and the drinks plus music help carry the mood. One more reason this part works: the sailing is paced so you can actually look up and enjoy, instead of being rushed.

The Live Music Setup and the Unlimited Bar: How the Vibe Feels on Deck

This cruise is built around live music plus an open bar for the whole 2 hours. Included drinks are unlimited sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The band performs on the open deck, so your sound experience is part of the scenery. On a typical night, you’ll get multiple sets during the ride, and you can expect the music to match the moment—sing-alongs and dancing show up when the energy builds.

A real advantage here is how the drink service works. The crew serves drinks during the cruise, so you’re not stuck waiting in line for long. One small but important detail: the boat stays clean, and facilities onboard are there when you need them, which makes a big difference on a short evening outing.

If you want extra fun, lean into the interaction. On at least some nights, the band has been known to respond to requests, and the captain may even involve passengers in a lighthearted moment on board. It won’t be the same every time, but the overall style is friendly and hands-on.

Comfort, Weather, and Snacks: What You Should Bring to Make It Easy

Here’s what you should know so you’re not scrambling at boarding time.

• No food is included. There aren’t snacks included with the cruise. If you like having something to nibble with your drinks, bring it. Many people bring items like chips or other easy snacks so they’re not going into late evening on an empty stomach.
• Pack a layer. Even in warmer months, once the boat is moving and the sun is down, the deck can feel cooler. A light jacket or small blanket makes a big difference.
• Camera is a must. You’re getting sunset views plus mountain-and-coast panoramas from water level, and you’ll want to capture it.

If you prefer comfort that doesn’t involve standing for two hours, choose your deck spot thoughtfully. The upper deck is best for being close to the band and the clearest atmosphere. The lower deck is more chilled when you want to sit down and listen from farther back.

Price and Value: Why $81 Can Make Sense (When You Factor in the Bar)

At $81 per person for 2 hours, the math only works if the cruise delivers more than scenery. In this case, it does.

You’re paying for three big value pieces:

1. Live music during the ride, not a quick playlist and done.
2. Unlimited drinks for the entire time block, including sparkling wine (not just beer and water).
3. A comfortable, shorter cruise that’s built around sunset and major visual moments like Marjan Hill and coastal passes near Hajduk.

Because drinks are included and service is active throughout, you don’t have to keep calculating costs once you’re on board. That’s where the value really shows, especially if you’d otherwise buy a couple of drinks while watching sunset somewhere on land.

The limited seating (around half capacity) also adds value. You’re not paying the same price for a crowded, shoulder-to-shoulder experience. It’s the difference between “nice view” and “actually relax.”

Who This Cruise Fits Best in Split (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This works especially well if you want a low-effort evening with a clear payoff. It’s a good match for:

• Couples who want romance without complicated planning
• Groups who want an easy social setting with music and drinks
• Solo travelers who like meeting people in a friendly atmosphere
• Families with kids, since children 0–3 join for free and 4–12 get a 50% discount (though the night air can be cooler, so pack layers)

It may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a food-focused experience, because the cruise is drinks-and-music first. And if you strongly prefer total quiet, the open-deck live band and sing-alongs can be part of the fun but may not be your style.

Still, for most people coming to Split, this is a straightforward way to get sunset views plus entertainment in a single outing.

Should You Book the Polaris Sunset Cruise on Boat Polaris?

I’d book this if you want a two-hour sunset plan that’s easy, scenic, and social without heavy logistics. The combination of live music + unlimited drinks + limited crowds is what makes the experience feel worth it, and the route gives you standout views like Marjan Hill and coastal panoramas toward Kaštela Bay.

Book it with confidence if your priority is atmosphere and sunset. Consider bringing a snack and a warm layer, and you’ll avoid the two most common “small annoyances” that can happen on cool evenings.

If your idea of value is mainly about food and guided history, you might feel like you’re paying for the wrong things. But for an evening where you can relax, sing along, and watch the Adriatic light up behind the mountains, this cruise hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $81 per person.

What’s included in the price?

You get a sunset cruise, live music on board, and unlimited sparkling wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Where do we meet the boat?

Boat Polaris is docked at Split city port, in front of the promenade Riva, at the pier Gat Svetog Nikole. The listed starting location is Obala Lazareta 3.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera. It’s also smart to bring a warm layer for after sunset when it gets cooler on the water.

Are children allowed, and do they get discounts?

Yes. Children aged 0–3 join for free, and children aged 4–12 get a 50% discount.

Is there a language option for the host?

The host or greeter is English.

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