Makarska: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Cave and Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Makarska boat trip is the change of scene: one minute you are speeding across open water, and the next you are swimming through a narrow cave lit by sunbeams. The route links Hvar’s rocky coves with a quiet Brač bay, so you get much more than a single beach stop.

I like the small maximum group of 12, which should make the speedboat feel less like a floating bus. I also like the mix of active and easy stops: cliff jumping and snorkeling at Mala Stiniva, followed by coffee and a short walk in Jelsa. The main drawback is the amount of time spent moving between stops, plus the lack of a restroom on board.

Key points to know before booking

• Five stops across Hvar and Brač: The route includes a cave at Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Žirje Beach.
• About 2 hours and 10 minutes on the boat: You get a proper speedboat ride, but less than three hours at the stops.
• Small group of up to 12 people: This is a more personal setup than a large excursion boat.
• Good for confident swimmers: The tour includes swimming, snorkeling, and optional cliff jumping, but it is not recommended for non-swimmers.
• Greg may be your skipper: One skipper identified as Greg received especially warm praise for his help, local tips, and steady work helping people back aboard.
• $96.38 is a fair activity price: Water, snorkel gear, safety equipment, taxes, and the skipper are included, but lunch is not.

Why this Makarska speedboat route works

This is a fast-moving half-day built around water access. You are not spending the day at one packed resort beach. Instead, you stop at small bays, an unpopulated islet, an old Hvar town, and a secluded Brač shoreline.

I like that the route gives you several different versions of the Dalmatian coast. The first stops are about cliffs and clear water. Jelsa adds a little town life. Zečevo gives you open, untouched surroundings. The final stop at Žirje Beach is meant to slow the pace before the ride back to Makarska.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That matters here. Getting in and out of small coves is easier on a compact vessel, and the skipper can give more direct help than on a large boat with dozens of passengers. Pickup is available, but the exact time depends on where you are staying and is confirmed the day before.

You meet at Rent a Boat Makarska, Promare Charter, at Marineta ul. 12. The trip ends at the same point. The activity is offered in English, with a skipper who speaks English and Croatian.

The 40-minute ride to Pokrivenik’s luminous cave

The first leg takes about 40 minutes from Makarska. That is not a quick transfer, but it gives you a broad view of the coast and makes the speedboat ride part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

At Pokrivenik, you stop at a small cave tucked into the rocky cliffs of Hvar. You can swim through its narrow opening, so this is not a cave you simply view from a dock. The appeal comes from the way sunlight reaches the water and rock inside, creating the pale glow that gives the stop its character.

You have about 20 minutes here. That is enough for a swim and a look inside, but not enough for a long, relaxed beach session. Bring your phone in a waterproof case if you want photos, though handling any device around a narrow cave entrance takes care.

This first stop also sets the physical tone for the day. You need to be comfortable entering the sea from the boat and swimming through a confined opening. It is not suitable for someone who prefers to keep both feet on a beach.

Mala Stiniva combines cliffs, swimming, and a thrill

After roughly 20 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Mala Stiniva. This bay is framed by steep stone cliffs that drop directly toward the sea. The water is clear, and the setting feels more dramatic than a standard resort beach.

You get about 30 minutes here. That short window is designed for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. If you want the adrenaline option, the cliffs provide a natural launch point. The tour does not promise a particular jump height, so you should judge the conditions and your own comfort instead of copying someone else.

Mala Stiniva is probably the stop that will make the biggest impression on active people. It gives you a strong sense of place without requiring a long walk or hike. The tradeoff is that the bay may feel too focused on action if you want a quiet, extended swim.

The skipper’s role matters at this point. A good skipper can explain where it is sensible to enter the water and help people manage the boat ladder afterward. One skipper, identified as Greg in the available feedback, was praised for answering questions, sharing useful local suggestions around Makarska, and helping people aboard.

Jelsa gives you 50 minutes on solid ground

From Mala Stiniva, you head to Jelsa, an old town on Hvar. This is the longest stop, with about 50 minutes of free time.

Jelsa is a welcome change after two water stops. You can sit down for a coffee, take a short stroll, and look at historic buildings and monuments that reflect the town’s long past. Do not expect a full guided tour or a deep visit to Hvar. The time is simply enough to get a taste of Jelsa and stretch your legs.

I like this pause because a boat trip made entirely of swimming stops can become repetitive. Jelsa breaks up the day and gives you a chance to experience a real settlement rather than only coves and beaches.

Still, keep your expectations in check. Fifty minutes passes quickly if you want both coffee and sightseeing. You will need to stay near the central area and return to the meeting point on time. This is a short town visit, not a full exploration of Jelsa.

Zečevo offers the clearest snorkeling stop

A short cruise from Jelsa brings you to Zečevo, an unpopulated islet in the Hvar archipelago. It is protected as a significant area, and the setting is prized for its untouched feel and clear turquoise water.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. Snorkeling is the main reason to get in. Snorkel equipment is included, along with bottled water and safety gear, so you do not need to bring your own mask unless you prefer a familiar fit.

Zečevo suits you if the pleasure of the day is quiet water and looking below the surface. It is less suited to anyone expecting shops, cafés, or a developed beach. There are no town facilities described here, so use Jelsa for your coffee and restroom needs before returning to the boat.

Since the tour has no restroom on board, planning matters. You will want to use facilities when you can and avoid treating the boat as if it were a full-service cruise vessel.

The final stop at Žirje Beach on Brač

The ride from Hvar toward Brač takes about 30 minutes. The final stop is Žirje Beach, a secluded bay intended as a calm finish to the day.

You have about 30 minutes at the beach. The attraction is peace and water rather than a long list of activities. After the cave, cliff jumping, snorkeling, and town walk, this gives you room to swim or simply take in the setting before the return ride.

This stop also shows why the tour is better understood as a coastal sampler than a beach day. You visit several attractive places, but no single stop lasts long enough for complete relaxation. If you want to settle in with a book for half a day, choose a dedicated beach excursion instead.

For people staying in Makarska, the appeal is the range. You see parts of two islands without arranging ferries, taxis, and separate boat trips. The speedboat handles the island-hopping in one compact outing.

The boat time is part of the price

The total activity lasts about five hours, with approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes spent cruising between locations. Add the listed stop times, and almost the whole excursion is accounted for.

That ratio is important when judging the $96.38 price. You are not paying only for time in the water. You are paying for transport between Makarska, Hvar, and Brač, plus the skipper, safety equipment, snorkel gear, bottled water, and taxes.

I consider the price reasonable if you specifically want to see several coastal spots in one day. It becomes less appealing if your priority is maximum swimming time. A large portion of the outing is spent seated on a moving speedboat, often in sun and wind.

The small group helps the value. With a maximum of 12 people, the boat should be easier to manage in tight bays, and the day is less likely to feel like a mass outing. The provider also offers pickup, with the exact time confirmed the day before. Hotel transfers were described as smooth in the available feedback, though you should still wait for your confirmed pickup details.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear a swimsuit from the start. The first stop comes after the initial cruise, and the schedule does not leave much room for changing between every bay.

I would also bring:

• A towel and sun protection
• Water shoes if you dislike sharp or uneven rock
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Some cash or a payment card for coffee in Jelsa
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

Bottled water and snorkeling equipment are supplied. Lunch is not, so eat before departure or carry a small snack if permitted by the operator. The supplied details do not specify a meal stop.

The boat has safety equipment, but it is still an open-water activity. Conditions can change, and the tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The ladder is a small but real concern

Getting into the sea is only half the task. You also need to climb back aboard.

The boat ladder was described as short and lacking enough grab handles, and the skipper had to pull some people back onto the boat. That detail deserves attention, especially for anyone with limited upper-body strength, stiff joints, or anxiety around boarding from the water.

This does not make the tour unsuitable for most capable swimmers, but it is a practical warning. Ask the skipper for help, take your time, and do not assume the boarding setup will feel like a pool ladder. The tour is not recommended for people over 70, non-swimmers, or people prone to seasickness.

Children under four are not permitted. The supplied information says most people can participate, but the activities and boat access still require a reasonable level of mobility and comfort in the sea.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want a compact taste of island scenery, swimming, snorkeling, and a little history without planning your own boat charter.

It suits you best if you:

• Swim confidently in open water
• Like changing locations rather than staying put
• Enjoy speedboat rides and sea views
• Want both active stops and a short town visit
• Prefer a small group
• Have only half a day available
• Are comfortable spending over two hours in transit

I would think twice if you dislike fast boats, get motion sick, need regular restroom access, or want a long lunch and an unhurried beach afternoon. The itinerary is full, and the short stop times reward people who are ready to get in, swim, and move on.

The tour is also not ideal for someone who wants a fully guided cultural visit. Jelsa receives only 50 minutes of free time, and the other stops are mainly about the sea and scenery.

Is the Makarska three-island speedboat tour worth booking?

Book it if you want variety. For $96.38, you get a five-hour route through Hvar and Brač, five distinct stops, a small boat, water, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, and an English-speaking skipper. The combination of a glowing cave, Mala Stiniva’s cliffs, Jelsa’s streets, Zečevo’s snorkeling water, and Žirje Beach gives the day a good rhythm.

Skip it if you want comfort above all else. There is no restroom, lunch is extra, the ride takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes, and climbing the small ladder may be awkward. For a strong swimmer who enjoys active sightseeing, the price looks fair. For a non-swimmer or anyone prone to seasickness, choose a slower land-based outing instead.

FAQ

How long does the Makarska speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours. About 2 hours and 10 minutes of that time is spent cruising between locations.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $96.38 per person.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Rent a Boat Makarska, Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300 Makarska, Croatia.

Does the tour return to Makarska?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered. The exact pickup time varies by location and is confirmed the day before the tour.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes safety equipment, all fees and taxes, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and an English and Croatian-speaking skipper.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

Can non-swimmers or young children join?

The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers, and children under four years old are not permitted. It is also not recommended for people over 70 or those with sea or motion sickness.