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

The best part of this five-hour speedboat trip is the variety. You swim into a small blue cave near Hvar, jump from cliffs at Mala Stiniva, stroll Jelsa, then trade the town streets for quiet swimming spots around Zečevo and Brač. It packs several very different sides of the Dalmatian coast into one morning or afternoon.

I like the small group size, limited to 10 or 12 people depending on the boat, and the strong mix of action and downtime. I also like that the tour does not treat Jelsa as an afterthought: you get about 50 minutes to walk, have a drink, or grab gelato by the waterfront. The main drawback is the fast pace. Five hours covers a lot of sea, and Jelsa may feel short if you want a proper town visit.

The quick facts that matter most

• A blue cave swim near Pokrivenik: You enter a small cave in Hvar’s cliffs by swimming, so confidence in open water matters.
• Cliff jumping at Mala Stiniva: This is the most active stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and jumps in a striking bay.
• Jelsa gives the tour a land-based pause: You have about 50 minutes to walk the old streets and waterfront on your own.
• Three separate swimming areas follow: Zečevo and Žirje Beach on Brač offer more snorkeling and quieter water.
• The boat carries only 10 or 12 people: That makes boarding, swimming stops, and conversation easier than on a large excursion boat.
• The price is $94 per person: For five hours of transport between islands, equipment, water, and a local skipper, that is fair value if you want an active half-day at sea.

From Makarska marina to Hvar’s cliffs

The tour begins at the Promare Boat Charter information desk in Makarska marina. Optional pickup is available from several nearby locations, and the company contacts you the day before with the exact time and meeting details. If you use pickup, wait a few minutes early. Boat departures do not work well when one person is still looking for the bus stop.

Once aboard, the first run takes about 40 minutes. This is not a quiet harbor cruise. The speedboat gets you across open water quickly, but you should expect wind, spray, and movement. On a calm day, the ride is part of the fun, with views of the Dalmatian coast, cliffs, green hills, and clear water. On a rougher day, the same stretch can feel lively, especially toward the bow.

The boats used for the trip have been described as modern and stable, with storage for personal items. Life jackets are kept onboard, bottled water is supplied, and masks and snorkels are included. Keep your towel, sunscreen, and hat within easy reach. There is no restroom on the boat, so use facilities before leaving the marina.

Skippers vary by departure. Greg, Marko, Filip, Dinko, Carlos, and others have led trips, and the company’s best feature is the personal approach of its crew. You can expect English and Croatian service, explanations of the places you visit, and help getting back aboard after a swim. Do not expect a formal historical lecture. This is a relaxed boat day with useful local commentary along the way.

Pokrivenik and the small blue cave

The first major stop is around Pokrivenik on Hvar, after the initial 40-minute run. You get roughly 20 minutes for a photo stop, swimming, and snorkeling. The attraction here is a small cave hidden in the cliffs, where the water takes on a blue glow as your eyes adjust to the darker space.

This is not a large show cave with a built walkway. It is a natural opening in the rock, reached from the boat and entered by swimming. That makes the stop feel more adventurous, but it also means you need to be comfortable in the sea. The entry can feel intimidating at first, especially when you move from bright sunlight into the shadowed cave. Once inside, the color and reflected light are the point.

You will not have hours here. The 20-minute stop is enough for a swim into the cave, a few photos, and a quick look underwater. If you want a long snorkeling session, save your energy for the later bays. Water clarity can be excellent, and the snorkeling equipment lets you look for small fish, sea urchins, and other simple sea life close to the rocks.

The boat ride itself also gives you a chance to spot wildlife. Dolphins have appeared during some departures, including on the way back, but sightings are never guaranteed. Treat them as a lucky extra rather than part of the promised schedule.

Mala Stiniva: the tour’s energetic stop

After about 20 minutes on the boat, you reach Plaža Mala Stiniva. This stop lasts around 30 minutes and is aimed at people who want more than a quick photo. You can swim, snorkel, and try cliff jumping in the bay.

Mala Stiniva is one of the tour’s most appealing stops because it gives you a choice. Jump if you want a burst of adrenaline, or stay in the water at a comfortable pace if you prefer a quiet swim. The bay’s cliffs and clear water make it a good place for photos, but remember that the boat’s schedule keeps the stop moving.

Cliff jumping is optional, not a requirement. You should judge the conditions for yourself and follow the skipper’s instructions. This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and that rule makes sense here. Even the cave stop involves open water, while the speedboat’s ladder requires enough strength and confidence to climb aboard.

Snorkeling is also better here than a quick look from the boat. The included masks and snorkels save you from carrying extra gear, though you should check the fit before entering the water. A loose mask or mouthpiece is a nuisance when your swimming time is limited.

Jelsa gives you 50 minutes on land

From Mala Stiniva, the boat runs for about 20 minutes to Jelsa on Hvar. This is the tour’s only proper town stop, and it changes the rhythm nicely. After several water activities, you can walk on solid ground, browse the old streets, sit by the waterfront, or pick up a cold drink or gelato.

Jelsa is a picturesque small town with a pleasant harbor setting. You are not being led through a long historical program, so use the time according to your interests. I would walk the waterfront first, then turn into the older lanes before returning to the boat. If you want a drink or snack, do not spend the entire 50 minutes wandering inland. The boat leaves on schedule.

Fifty minutes is enough for a taste, not a full visit. That is the main tradeoff in the itinerary. If your priority is swimming and scenery, the stop is well judged. If Jelsa is high on your list, you may wish for more time. The tour gives you a useful glimpse of Hvar’s town life without turning the outing into a full island sightseeing trip.

This is also the best place to eat something if you have not had breakfast. Food is not included, and there is no restroom onboard. Bring cash or a card according to your own needs, but do not assume there will be time for a leisurely meal.

Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon and the open-water stops

After Jelsa, it is only about 10 minutes to Zečevo, an uninhabited islet known for its Blue Lagoon. You get around 30 minutes to swim and snorkel. The stop feels more remote than Jelsa, with no town streets or buildings to distract from the water.

This is where the trip settles into its most peaceful stretch. You can float, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the contrast between the lively boat ride and a quiet island bay. The word lagoon can suggest a fully enclosed pool, but you should think of this as a sheltered sea area with clear water, not a resort facility.

There are no cafés or changing rooms at the uninhabited islet. Wear your swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel handy. The boat provides water, but you should bring your own food if you need more than a snack.

The final listed swimming stop is Žirje Beach on Brač, reached after about 30 minutes by speedboat. You have another 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This gives the day a second quiet finish, and it is useful because conditions can vary between bays. If one spot has more wind, shade, or boat traffic, the next may feel more comfortable.

The itinerary then allows about 20 minutes back to the drop-off points. The sequence covers Hvar, the Zečevo islet, and Brač without asking you to spend the whole day in transit. You will still spend a fair portion of the five hours moving between stops, but the speedboat makes that practical.

What $94 buys you

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. A public ferry may cost less, but it will not take you to a small cave, Mala Stiniva, the Blue Lagoon, and a secluded Brač beach in a single half-day. You are paying for direct boat transport, a skipper, route planning, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and access to places that are awkward to reach without your own boat.

The value is strongest if you want several swims and do not have a full day for a private charter. A group of 10 or 12 keeps the experience more personal than a large excursion, while still spreading the boat cost across several people. Some departures use a larger luxury boat, depending on the model and availability.

The value is weaker if you dislike speedboats, get seasick, or want a slow cultural tour. You spend less than an hour in Jelsa and only 20 to 30 minutes at most water stops. This is an active sampler, not a deep visit to any one island.

Several practical details affect the price. Masks and snorkels are included, but food is not. Insurance is included, and life jackets are onboard. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve before paying, which helps when your weather plans are uncertain.

When to go and what to pack

Summer gives you the warmest water and the easiest conditions for long swims. Early and late season trips can be quieter, but the sea may feel chilly. One October outing had sunny conditions but cooler water, while early-season departures found some bays nearly empty. Weather matters more than the calendar, so check the forecast before you commit.

An early departure can be more comfortable in July and August. One useful tip from the day-to-day experience is to choose the 8 a.m. trip if available, since the midday sun can be intense. Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and clothing suited to the forecast.

I would also bring a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and smoking is not permitted in the vehicle. Keep your belongings compact because the boat is built for movement, not suitcases.

The tour is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility or back problems, people over 75, non-swimmers, or anyone prone to motion sickness. The open sea and speedboat movement make those limits practical rather than fussy. If you are prone to seasickness, consider medication advice from your doctor before booking, but understand that the operator specifically excludes people with motion sickness.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour?

I would choose this outing if you want a busy half-day with real swimming time. It suits couples, friends, older children who are confident in the water, and anyone staying in Makarska who wants to see more of the coast without arranging a private boat.

It also works well for mixed groups. One person can cliff jump, another can snorkel, and someone else can simply float in the bay. Jelsa adds enough walking and café time to keep the day from becoming five straight hours in the water.

I would not choose it for a serious history enthusiast, a person who wants a long beach stay, or anyone who needs a restroom close at hand. You also need to accept that conditions can change. High waves may make the ride rougher, and bad weather can lead to a refund or a rescheduled trip.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Greg is often praised for being friendly and helpful, including assisting swimmers back into the boat. Marko is known for lively conversation and local explanations, while Filip and Dinko have also led trips. Names and crews vary, but the pattern is clear: expect a hands-on skipper rather than a distant driver.

Should you book the Makarska three-island tour?

Book it if you want to combine a cave swim, cliff jumping, snorkeling, Jelsa, and quiet bays in one well-organized five-hour outing. The route makes good use of a speedboat, and the small group limit keeps the experience from feeling like a floating crowd.

Skip it if your main goal is a relaxed day on one beach or a longer visit to Jelsa. You should also skip it if you are not a confident swimmer or if boat motion quickly makes you ill.

For most active visitors based in Makarska, $94 is a reasonable price for the range of stops and equipment included. Pack lightly, choose an early start in hot weather, and treat the dolphin sightings as luck rather than a promise. With those expectations, this is one of the more efficient ways to sample the Dalmatian islands in half a day.

FAQ

Where does the Makarska speedboat tour start?

The main meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk at Makarska marina. Optional pickup is available from selected locations, with exact details sent the day before.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

Which islands and stops are included?

The route includes stops around Hvar, the Zečevo islet, and Brač. Key stops are Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Žirje Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water. Life jackets are stored onboard.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so bring something to eat or use your free time in Jelsa to buy a snack.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom onboard, so use facilities before departure.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions are unsuitable, you will be offered either a full refund or a rescheduled trip.