Join me on a ferry trip with Krilo Shipping from Split to Bol on Island Brac, home to the most famous Croatian Beach, the Golden Horn.
Here are my tips for traveling from Split to Bol on Island Brac.
General stuff
All ferries to Bol are Fast ferries meaning passenger only, locally the ferries are referred to as Catamarans.
From the beginning of June to the end of September, it is possible to arrange a day trip (e.g., a beach trip to the Golden Horn) using the Fast Ferry.
Some vessels can accommodate a few bicycles, If you need to bring bicycles I would recommend you contact the companies directly to arrange it.
Finding the ferry to Bol
Most Fast Ferries to Bol depart from the Obala Lazareta / Ul pier. Svetog Nikole is the pier closest to Riva. In most cases, the Bol Ferries are moored on berths 6a, 6b, 6c, or 7.
As I mentioned in my video about the ferry port in Split, It is always advisable to check the electronic displays at the end of Gat Sv Petra or the Ferry Terminal Building.
On less busy days, I recommend being by the Ferry 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time; on busy days, you should be there 30 minutes prior.
Boarding in Split
If you’re planning to board a Fast Ferry in Split, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Prepare for Long Lines: On busy days, longer lines of passengers waiting to board are common. Be sure to bring something to protect yourself from the strong sun while waiting.
Suitcase Handling: You’ll need to carry your suitcase onboard, as rolling it up the gangway is not always possible.
Luggage Storage: Suitcases are stored in designated luggage areas on the boat, which can sometimes be quite small. Avoid packing anything fragile, as your suitcase may end up at the bottom of a stack.
Free Seating: Catamarans operate with open seating, meaning seats are not assigned. If you board late, you may not secure the best seats, so plan to arrive early if you have a seating preference.
About Tickets and Timetables
Here is what you should know about Tickets and timetables
Ferry Companies: Three companies operate this route: Jadrolinija, Krilo Shipping, and Krilo Kapetan Luka. Tickets for all three can be purchased online or at the port in Split.
Ticket Sales Locations: The sales outlets for each ferry company are located in different parts of the port. Make sure to allow enough time to find the correct sales point and wait in line if necessary.
Checking Timetables: If you’re unsure about your travel time, I recommend using a site like GetByFerry.com to check the timetables for all three companies.
(Disclaimer: I used to be the CEO of the company that created GetByFerry.)
Seasonal Departures:
Summer Season: up to 6 daily departures.
Winter Season: 1 daily departure.
Ticket Prices: Most departures cost around 20 euros for a one-way adult ticket. However, one departure is a subsidized line, offering tickets at approximately half the price.
Seating: It is not possible to book a specific seat in advance. Each passenger is guaranteed a seat onboard, and you can choose freely once aboard the catamaran.
Other Ways of Getting to Bol
The first time we visited Golden Horn Beach was back in 2006. At that time, it wasn’t possible to do a day trip with the fast ferry, so we had to take the car ferry from Split to Supetar and then drive to Bol.
The ferry from Split to Supetar is the busiest ferry connection in Croatia. If you’re planning to visit Bol by car, this is the ferry you’ll need to take.
During the summer season, there is also a bus connection from Split to Bol. When you purchase a ticket for this bus, the ferry crossing from Split to Supetar is included in the ticket price.
Other tips
As I mentioned in the video, once you arrive at the port in Bol, there are three ways to get to Golden Horn Beach:
By Boat: You can take a boat (the one I’m using in the video) from the port in Bol, which will drop you off directly at the beach. The price for the trip is 4 euros.
On Foot: Walking to the beach is another option. It’s about 2 km, but if you’re carrying all your beach gear, this might not be the most convenient choice.
Tourist Train: A tourist train runs from the bus stop in the center of Bol to the area above Zlatni Rat Beach. The train ride costs approximately 4 euros.
If you are doing Island hopping in Croatia, you can meanwhile travel by Catamaran from Bol to destinations like Hvar, Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Mljet.
