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

The most memorable part of this Makarska boat trip is the chance to swim into a narrow sea cave on Hvar, where sunlight cuts through the opening and lights the water. From there, the day moves through clear bays, a cliff-jumping cove, the small town of Jelsa, and quiet swimming spots on Hvar and Brač.

I like the variety. You get active water time at Mala Stiniva, a little town time in Jelsa, and peaceful snorkeling at Zečevo and Žirje Beach. I also like the small-group limit of 12 people, which keeps the speedboat more personal than a large excursion boat. The trade-off is the amount of time spent moving between stops, plus no restroom on board.

Key points to know before booking

• Swim into a luminous cave: The first stop is a small cave hidden in Hvar’s rocky coast, reached by swimming through a narrow opening.
• Cliff jumping at Mala Stiniva: This steep-sided bay offers a clear swimming area and a natural setting for anyone who wants a little adrenaline.
• A useful mix of water and town time: Jelsa gives you 50 minutes to stroll or stop for coffee between swimming stops.
• Two hours and 10 minutes on the boat: The speedboat ride is part of the experience, but it is important if you prefer more time ashore.
• Small group, simple setup: The boat carries no more than 12 people and includes bottled water, safety equipment, and snorkeling gear.
• Good weather matters: The trip can be moved or refunded if poor conditions prevent departure.

What the Makarska speedboat day is really like

This is a fast-moving island-hopping trip rather than a slow cruise. You spend about five hours on the water, with roughly two hours and 10 minutes used for speedboat transport between the stops.

That ratio matters. You are not getting five hours of swimming, and you are not spending the whole day on one beach. Instead, the appeal is the changing scenery and the chance to sample several very different corners of Hvar and Brač in one outing.

The boat departs from Rent a Boat Makarska, Promare Charter, at Marineta ul. 12. Pickup is available, but the exact time depends on your location and is confirmed the day before. The operator uses a boat limited to 12 people, so you can expect a smaller group than on a standard coastal excursion.

The skipper speaks English and Croatian. One skipper named Greg is noted for handling questions, transfers, and boarding assistance well, though the name is not guaranteed for every departure. The crew can also point you toward local places to visit in Makarska, which is useful if you are still planning your time in town.

The 40-minute run to Hvar’s cave

The first leg takes about 40 minutes from Makarska to Pokrivenik on Hvar. This is a scenic cruise, but it is still a speedboat ride, so expect wind, spray, and a fairly exposed seat.

At Pokrivenik, you reach a small luminous cave tucked into the rocky coast. The entrance is narrow, and you swim through it rather than walk inside. Sunlight passing through the opening creates the main effect, lighting the water and stone in a way you cannot get from the boat.

You have about 20 minutes here. That is enough for a swim and a look inside, but not a long beach stop. If you are uneasy in confined spaces or not a confident swimmer, this part may not suit you. Non-swimmers are specifically advised not to book the tour.

Bring a secure swimsuit and keep loose items in the boat. The tour includes safety equipment and bottled water, but the supplied details do not indicate waterproof storage for phones or cameras. A waterproof case is a sensible extra if you want pictures from the water.

Mala Stiniva: clear water and a sharp-sided bay

After about 20 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Mala Stiniva. This is one of the more dramatic stops, with stone cliffs dropping almost vertically toward the sea.

You get about 30 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. The water is described as crystal-clear, so this is a good place to use the included snorkeling equipment. The setting is more rugged than a developed beach, with the cliffs providing the visual drama rather than cafés, umbrellas, or a long promenade.

Cliff jumping is optional. You should judge the conditions and your own comfort instead of treating it as a required part of the stop. The tour is not recommended for anyone with sea or motion sickness, and the combination of a moving boat, open water, and jumping from rock makes good water confidence important.

One practical point deserves attention: getting back into a rigid inflatable speedboat can be harder than getting out. The boarding ladder has been described as small, with too few grab handles, and the skipper may need to help pull people aboard. If you have limited upper-body strength or trouble climbing ladders, this is worth considering before booking.

Jelsa gives the day a welcome pause

From Mala Stiniva, the boat continues to Jelsa. You have 50 minutes here, the longest stop of the day and the only one focused on a town rather than a swimming cove.

Use the time for coffee or a short walk. Jelsa is an old settlement on Hvar with historic monuments and a more settled feel than the rocky bays. You will not have hours for a full town visit, but the pause breaks up the water activities and lets you walk on solid ground.

I like this stop because it gives the schedule some balance. A day of swimming and boat rides can become repetitive, especially under strong sun. Jelsa provides a change of pace without turning the excursion into a formal sightseeing tour.

Keep your expectations in check. The stop lasts 50 minutes, so you have time to get your bearings and enjoy a brief stroll, not enough time for a detailed exploration of the town. If your main goal is beaches and snorkeling, you may find the town break longer than needed. If you enjoy a little local character between swims, it is one of the tour’s more useful inclusions.

Zečevo keeps the water time quiet

Zečevo is a short cruise from Jelsa, across from the town. This unpopulated islet is protected as a significant area and is known for untouched surroundings and clear turquoise water.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is aimed at snorkeling. Since there are no town sights or developed facilities listed here, the value is in the water and the sense of space around the boat.

This is also where the lack of a restroom becomes most relevant. The boat does not have one, and the stops are short. Plan accordingly before leaving Makarska, particularly if you are traveling with young children. Children under four are not permitted on the tour, and the outing is not designed around family facilities.

The quiet setting also means you should not expect a beach club or a full lunch stop. Bottled water is included, but lunch is not. Bring food only if the operator permits it and if you can store it securely, since the supplied details do not specify onboard food storage.

Žirje Beach finishes the route on Brač

The last stop comes after a 30-minute cruise from Hvar toward Brač. Žirje Beach is described as a secluded bay, giving the day a calmer finish after the more active Mala Stiniva stop.

You have another 30 minutes to swim and enjoy the setting. The appeal here is simple: less noise, clear water, and a final chance to get in the sea before returning to Makarska.

This final crossing is part of the tour’s charm, but also part of its limitation. You are covering a lot of water in a short outing, so the ride itself occupies a large share of the day. If you enjoy being on a speedboat and watching the coast change, that will feel like part of the attraction. If you want maximum time on land, a single-bay boat trip may offer better value.

What the $96.38 price includes

At $96.38 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands, but it includes more than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for a half-day route covering several stops, a small-capacity boat, a skipper, safety equipment, bottled water, and snorkeling gear.

The price makes the most sense if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate trips to Hvar and Brač. It also saves you the work of planning a route around cave access, swimming coves, and Jelsa. The small group limit is useful for people who dislike crowded boats and want a faster, more flexible format.

The value is weaker if you do not swim, dislike speedboat travel, or want a proper meal and toilet facilities included. Lunch costs extra, and there is no restroom on board. You are also paying for movement between locations, not simply time at the beach.

The tour is booked, on average, about 23 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early during busy summer periods, especially if you need hotel pickup or have a fixed schedule in Makarska.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to confident swimmers who want a compact taste of several islands. It suits couples, friends, and active families with children aged four and older who can manage a small speedboat and short swimming stops.

It is particularly good for you if you want:

• A cave swim without committing to a full-day boat charter
• Cliff jumping as an optional activity
• Snorkeling equipment supplied
• A short visit to Jelsa
• A small group rather than a large boat
• Pickup from your accommodation, if available

I would think twice if you are over 70, prone to motion sickness, uncomfortable in open water, or unable to climb a small boat ladder. The tour is specifically not recommended for people over 70, non-swimmers, or anyone with sea or motion sickness.

The schedule also demands some flexibility. Weather can cancel the trip, and the minimum number of participants must be met. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit from the start. The first stop comes after the 40-minute ride, and the schedule is built around getting into the water quickly.

Use reef-safe sunscreen, bring a towel, and pack a waterproof phone case. The supplied information confirms safety equipment, snorkeling gear, and bottled water, but not towels, dry bags, or phone protection.

Take motion sickness seriously. The boat spends more than two hours traveling, and open-water speedboat rides can feel rough even when the weather looks pleasant from shore. If you know you are sensitive, ask a medical professional about suitable preparation before the trip.

Do not count on a full meal. Lunch is not included, and the stop in Jelsa is only 50 minutes. You may be able to buy coffee there, but the tour details do not promise a meal break or onboard food service.

Finally, allow time for boarding help. The skipper may need to assist people back onto the boat after swimming. That is normal for this type of craft, but it can be awkward if you are carrying cameras, fins, or other loose items.

Should you book the Makarska 3-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a busy half-day built around swimming, scenery, and variety. The cave at Pokrivenik, cliff-sided Mala Stiniva, a short stop in Jelsa, quiet Zečevo, and Žirje Beach give you a broad taste of the coast in one route.

Skip it if comfort is your priority. The boat has no restroom, lunch is not included, the ladder may be difficult, and much of the five-hour outing is spent in transit. For the right person, though, the $96.38 price is fair for a small-group route with equipment and several distinct stops. Choose this tour for active island hopping, not for a slow day at one beach.

FAQ

How long does the Makarska speedboat tour last?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Rent a Boat Makarska, Promare Charter, at Marineta ul. 12 in Makarska. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, but the exact time depends on your location and is confirmed the day before the tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price. Bottled water is provided.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

Can children join the tour?

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