Makarska: Discover coastal area with Betina 500

The best part of this Makarska boat rental is simple: you choose the coast you want to see. Take the wheel of a Betina 500, leave from Makarska, and spend the day looking for quiet swimming spots between Vruja, Brela, and Podgora. No boating license is required, and a short briefing gets you moving.

I like the small-group freedom, with room for up to five people, and I like that the fuel is included rather than added as an awkward extra later. The boat is stable, easy to steer, and fitted with a bimini, ladder, and USB outlet. The main consideration is that you may not visit the islands, and the 10 HP engine is built for a relaxed coastal outing, not high-speed thrills.

Key points before you book

• You can drive without a boating license, after the staff explain the controls and safety basics.
• The route follows the mainland coast, from the Vruja and Brela area toward Podgora. Island visits are not allowed.
• Fuel, insurance, and safety equipment are included, with up to 30 liters of fuel supplied.
• The Betina 500 suits small groups, with space for as many as five people and good stability on the water.
• The day runs from 9 am to 6 pm, giving you plenty of time for several swims and coastal stops.
• Bring your own water, food, towels, and sun protection, since meals and drinks are not included.

Taking the wheel from Makarska

This is a self-drive boat rental, not a guided cruise. You meet at the yellow working spot in front of Hops bar, complete the handover, and receive an operating and safety briefing before setting off.

That briefing matters, especially if this is your first time driving a boat. The staff explain what each control does and how to handle the boat safely. Joze is also available by phone if you need help while out on the water. One person had an engine stop during the day and received quick instructions that got the boat running again.

The Betina 500 uses a new 10 HP, four-stroke Tohatsu outboard engine. It has a steering wheel rather than a simple tiller, which gives you better control and makes the boat feel more familiar to anyone used to driving a car. You still need to pay attention to waves, other boats, and your position along the shore, but the setup is intended to be manageable for beginners.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day. You can plan your outing around the coast rather than around a fixed sequence of stops, which is the main appeal here.

What the Betina 500 is like on the water

The boat is designed for comfort and easy handling rather than speed. Its size gives a small group enough room to move around, and the stable hull is useful when you are stopped for a swim or when someone is climbing back aboard.

The steering wheel gives you a better feel for the direction of the boat, while the 10 HP engine provides enough power to travel along the mainland coast and return within the rental period. You should not expect a fast motorboat. The practical advantage is that you can reach a good stretch of coastline without rushing, while still keeping the outing easy to manage.

A fixed ladder makes swimming stops much more convenient. You can climb back aboard without hauling yourself over the side, which is especially useful after several swims. The bimini provides shade during the hottest part of the day, though you will still need sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

There is also a 12-volt USB outlet. Bring the right charging cable if you want to use it, and keep your phone protected from spray. The boat comes with safety equipment, insurance, and 30 liters of fuel. Food and drinks are not included, so pack water and anything you want to eat during the day.

Following the mainland coast from Vruja to Podgora

The advertised coastal range runs from the Vruja and Brela area toward Podgora, with the route also described as Brela to Podgora. That gives you a useful choice: travel farther along the shore, or spend more time stopping in the places that catch your eye.

Vruja is a good direction if you want to begin with a quieter-feeling section of coast and look for water access that is difficult from land. Brela brings you along one of the most attractive parts of the Makarska Riviera, with rocky shoreline, clear swimming areas, and small coves tucked between more familiar beach sections.

As you continue toward Makarska and Podgora, you can stop whenever the water looks inviting. The point is not to tick off named sights. It is to see the coast from the sea and find your own place to swim for an hour.

Keep your expectations realistic. You cannot visit the islands on this rental, so this is specifically a mainland coastline experience. If your main goal is Hvar, Brač, or another island, you need a different boat trip. If you want a flexible day close to Makarska, the mainland route is much easier to manage.

Finding swimming coves away from the main beaches

The boat gives you access to small bays that you cannot reach easily on foot. You can drop anchor, swim directly from the boat, and use the ladder to get back aboard. Some spots may have a small beach or a rocky shoreline, while others are best enjoyed from the water.

The staff can suggest places to stop. One particularly memorable type of location described for this outing is a lagoon with very clear water, cliffs around it, and a small beach that is hard to reach from land. Places like that are the reason to rent a boat rather than spend another day on a busy shorefront beach.

You should still use good judgment. Check the weather before leaving, and do not treat a quiet cove as automatically sheltered in every condition. The sea can change, and a small boat is more affected by waves than a large excursion vessel.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water. A cooler with ice packs has sometimes been available on the boat, but food and drinks are not part of the formal inclusions, so ask about this when you arrive rather than relying on it.

A full day from 9 am to 6 pm

The rental day runs from 9 am until 6 pm. That is a useful amount of time for a relaxed coastal plan, but you should not spend the entire morning racing toward the far end of the route.

A sensible day might look like this:

• Start with the briefing and a slow first stretch while you get used to steering.
• Cruise along the mainland coast toward the Vruja or Brela side.
• Stop at a quiet bay for your first swim.
• Continue toward Makarska and Podgora, choosing additional coves as conditions allow.
• Leave enough time for the return trip, fuel check, and boat handover before 6 pm.

The exact order is yours to decide. That flexibility is valuable for families because you can stop when children need a swim or a break, rather than following a fixed cruise schedule. It also works well for friends who want to spend most of the day in the water.

The drawback is that you are responsible for the clock. There is no guide steering you home from a distant stop, so keep track of your return time and allow for slower conditions if the sea becomes choppy.

The cost for a group of up to five

The price is $293 per group, not per person, for up to five people. For a full day, that can be reasonable when shared by a small group. Fuel, insurance, and safety equipment are included, and you do not face a separate fuel bill at the end.

There is a €150 safety deposit paid on the spot. You receive it back when the boat is returned without damage. This is not part of the rental price, so bring a way to cover the deposit and factor it into your arrival plan.

The value depends on how you use the boat. If five people share the cost and spend most of the day swimming and exploring, the rental can compare well with several individual paid activities. For one or two people, the per-person cost is higher, though you still gain the privacy and freedom of setting your own route.

You are paying for control over the day, not for a polished sightseeing cruise. There is no food, no island stop, and no dedicated guide aboard. For many people, that is exactly the point. You get a boat, a safety briefing, fuel, and the coastline in front of you.

What the strongest praise tells you

The most consistent strengths are the staff, the briefing, the boat’s handling, and the quality of the swimming stops. The handover is described as friendly and clear, with time taken to explain how the controls work. That is particularly important for first-time boat drivers.

The boat’s condition also receives strong praise. It is described as practical, comfortable for four people, and easy to steer. Five people can fit, but four may feel more spacious if you plan to bring bags, food, towels, and snorkeling gear.

Communication is another useful strength. Booking questions are answered through WhatsApp, and Joze has provided immediate help when a mechanical problem occurred on the water. That does not mean an engine issue is impossible, but it does mean you have a direct contact if something goes wrong.

There are also a few memorable possibilities along the coast. One outing included dolphins following the boat for about half an hour. You should never book expecting wildlife, since sightings cannot be promised, but the open-water setting gives you a chance to notice more than you would from a crowded beach.

Who should rent this boat

This experience suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want a private day on the sea without holding a boating license. It is also a good choice if you like making your own decisions and would rather stop at three coves than follow a guide’s schedule.

Families should appreciate the fixed ladder, bimini, stable hull, and ability to return to the boat whenever needed. Parents should still supervise children closely around the water, and everyone should keep sun protection and drinking water close at hand.

First-time boat drivers can manage the experience after the briefing, but you should be comfortable taking responsibility for steering and following safety advice. The staff can explain the controls, but they do not stay aboard to handle navigation for you.

This is less suitable if you want a fast boat, a party atmosphere, alcohol aboard, or an island-hopping day. Smoking, pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. The boat is intended for a calm, self-directed coastal outing.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear and shoes that can handle a wet boat floor. Pack towels, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies before departure.

The meeting point is the yellow working spot in front of Hops bar. You return the boat there at the end of the day. The rental includes insurance, safety equipment, and fuel up to 30 liters, but the €150 safety deposit is paid at the start and returned if there is no damage.

Check the weather conditions before you leave. A sunny forecast does not remove the need to consider wind and waves, particularly if you are new to driving a small boat. The steering is easy, but you remain responsible for handling the boat sensibly.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The operating language is English.

Should you book the Betina 500?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day along the mainland coast and like the idea of being captain for a few hours. The included fuel, clear briefing, easy steering, and access to quiet swimming coves make this a practical choice for a group of up to five.

Think twice if island visits are essential, if you want a high-speed boat, or if you would rather relax while someone else handles the controls. For everyone else, this is a strong way to see the Makarska Riviera from the water, with enough freedom to make the day your own.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license to rent the Betina 500?

No. A boating license is not required to operate this boat. The staff provide an introduction to the controls and explain how to use the boat safely before departure.

How many people can join the boat rental?

The boat can be rented for a group of up to five people.

What hours is the boat available?

The daily rental runs from 9 am to 6 pm. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the boat rental start?

You meet at the yellow working spot in front of Hops bar.

Can I visit the Croatian islands during the rental?

No. Island visits are not allowed. The permitted coastal route follows the mainland from the Vruja and Brela area toward Podgora.

Is fuel included?

Yes. Fuel is included, with up to 30 liters supplied as part of the rental.

Is a safety deposit required?

Yes. You pay a €150 safety deposit on the spot. It is returned at the end if the boat has no damage.