Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač

Puntica Bay is the star of this short trip. After a brisk 20-minute speedboat ride from Makarska, you anchor off Brač for swimming, snorkeling, and views of beach swings across the cove. Then the boat turns back toward the coast as the sun drops behind Makarska.

I like the generous 40-minute swim stop, which gives you time to get in the water rather than merely pose beside it. I also like the small-group setup, capped at 12 people, and skipper Tina’s thoughtful touch of taking photos for families. The main drawback is simple: there is no dock at Puntica Bay, so you must enter the water from the boat or swim to shore.

Key points

• Puntica Bay on Brač: Spend about 40 minutes swimming and snorkeling in a quiet bay across from Makarska.
• Fast coastal views: The 20-minute ride out gives you a fine view of Makarska Riviera from the water.
• Sunset from the return route: The best color comes as you look back toward Makarska from offshore.
• Small boat, small group: The speedboat holds up to 12 people, with private options also available.
• Snorkeling gear included: A set is provided, so you do not need to bring your own equipment.
• Bring your swimwear: There is no food or drink included, and the boat anchors rather than docks at the bay.

Leaving Makarska with the Riviera behind you

The tour begins at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, though the exact meeting point can depend on the option you book. Once aboard, you head away from the port toward Brač, with roughly 20 minutes on the water before reaching Puntica Bay.

That opening ride is not just transport. Makarska is backed by steep coastal mountains, and the view changes quickly as the boat pulls clear of the harbor. From offshore, you see the town and shoreline as one broad sweep instead of the street-level collection of hotels, cafés, and waterfront buildings.

The speedboat gives you a stronger sense of motion than a slow sightseeing vessel. You feel the breeze and cover the crossing quickly, leaving more of the 90-minute outing for the actual swim stop. If you prefer a calm, quiet ride, note that a speedboat is chosen for pace and open-water views, not for a silent cruise.

The guide speaks English or Croatian. Skipper Tina has received especially warm praise for timing the outing well, helping families, and taking photos of children jumping into the sea. You should still treat photography as a welcome possibility rather than a guaranteed part of every departure.

Puntica Bay gives the tour its purpose

After about 20 minutes, the boat anchors at Puntica Bay on Brač. This is the central stop, with around 40 minutes set aside for swimming and snorkeling.

The bay faces Makarska, so you get an unusual view back across the water. Beach swings add a playful touch to the scene, and you can choose between two simple ways to enjoy the stop. You can jump in from the boat and swim around it, or make your way to the beach and explore near shore with the provided snorkeling set.

I like this arrangement because you are not rushed through a five-minute photo stop. Forty minutes is enough time to get comfortable in the water, take a few photos, and enjoy the cove without checking your watch every minute.

Still, the setup requires a little confidence in the water. The boat anchors in the bay and does not pull up to a landing platform. You enter directly from the speedboat, then swim to the beach if you want to go ashore. This may not suit anyone who needs step-free access or does not feel comfortable climbing into open water.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. Food and drinks are not supplied, but you may bring your own. Smoking is not allowed on the activity.

Swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the view

You do not need to snorkel to make good use of the stop. The main appeal is the chance to cool off in the sea while looking back toward the Makarska Riviera from another island.

If you choose the beach, you can spend time near the swings and look across the bay. If you stay with the boat, you can swim around the anchored speedboat while music plays. The choice makes the stop flexible for a mixed group, especially when one person wants to snorkel and another would rather remain close to the boat.

The snorkeling set is included in the price, which is useful for a short outing. You avoid bringing your own mask and fins or paying an extra rental fee at the beach. The supplied details do not specify the type of marine life or underwater sights you will see, so think of the equipment as a way to inspect the cove, not as a promise of a major snorkeling site.

The bay is also where the trip feels least structured. You have time to swim, take pictures, and enjoy the setting at your own pace. For families with older children or teenagers, this free time may be the most enjoyable part. One family with three teenage boys found the swimming stop a hit, and dolphins were seen during one outing. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but keep your eyes open on the ride.

The ride back frames Makarska at sunset

After the swim, the boat spends about 20 minutes returning toward Makarska. The final 10 minutes are set aside for the sunset viewpoint and scenic views along the way.

This is when the trip changes from a swim excursion into a short photo cruise. From the water, Makarska appears beneath the mountains, with the town and Riviera spread along the coast. As the sun lowers, the sky can take on gold, orange, and pink tones.

The exact timing matters. Sunset moves earlier by about two minutes each day during summer, so you should confirm the departure time with the operator rather than assume the same start time will work throughout your stay. A well-timed departure is important here. Leave too early and the return may come before the best color; leave too late and you lose part of the swim stop.

Skipper Tina was specifically praised for getting the timing right on one outing. That is a meaningful detail for this experience because the sunset is not a side feature. It is the reason to choose the evening departure instead of a regular boat trip.

What $44 buys you

At $44 per person, the tour offers a compact mix of transport, swimming, snorkeling equipment, and sunset views. The price includes the speedboat, skipper, fuel, taxes, fees, and snorkeling set.

For me, the value comes from the combination. You are not paying only for a ride to a beach, and you are not spending the full amount on a long cruise with a short photo stop. The 90 minutes are divided among a quick crossing, a substantial swim period, and a sunset return.

The trip is also small by design, with groups of up to 12 people. That matters on a speedboat. A smaller group usually makes boarding, swimming, and moving around the boat easier than a crowded excursion vessel. Private and small-group options are available, though the price can vary by the option selected.

There are limits to the value. This is not a full meal cruise, and no drinks or snacks are included. It is also not a long island tour. You see one bay on Brač and the Makarska coast from the water, then return. If you want several stops, a longer island visit, or a full evening on Brač, you need a different type of excursion.

Who will enjoy this 90-minute outing

I would choose this for someone staying in Makarska who wants a short evening on the water without giving up most of the day. It works well before dinner because the full activity lasts about an hour and a half and ends back at the meeting point.

It should suit couples looking for sunset scenery, families with children who can swim, and groups of friends who want music, water, and a quick change of scene. Teenagers are likely to appreciate the speedboat and the chance to jump into the sea more than a slow coastal cruise.

It is less suitable for anyone using a wheelchair, as the activity is not wheelchair accessible. It is also a poor match if you dislike boat-to-water entry, need a firm dock at every stop, or want a dry sightseeing experience.

The private option may appeal to families or couples who want more control over the mood and pace. The shared small-group option should offer better value if you mainly care about reaching Puntica Bay and seeing the sunset.

Practical tips for getting the most from it

Confirm the departure time close to your chosen date. Summer sunset shifts by about two minutes each day, and the timing affects both the swim stop and the final view of Makarska.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. You will want to use the water as soon as the boat anchors, and there is no point carrying a full change of clothing if you plan to remain in swimwear afterward.

Bring water and any snack you need. Food and drinks are not included, though you are allowed to bring your own. Keep belongings compact, since a small speedboat gives you less spare room than a large vessel.

Use sunscreen before departure and hold onto loose items during the ride. The supplied information does not promise onboard storage, so a small, secure bag is the sensible choice.

If you want photos, ask the skipper early. Tina has taken and sent photos soon after one trip, including pictures of children jumping into the sea. That service may depend on the skipper and departure, but it is worth asking before the swim begins.

Booking, cancellation, and meeting details

The activity leaves from Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, with the precise meeting point depending on the option booked. It returns to the meeting point at the end.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Makarska plans depend on weather or changing sunset times.

The speedboat tour is offered with an English or Croatian-speaking guide. Since the boat anchors in the bay and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, check that the physical setup suits you before paying.

My call: book it if you want water time and sunset color

I would book this tour if you want a quick, good-value outing that combines a real swim stop with a sunset view. The 40 minutes at Puntica Bay make it more useful than a ride that only circles the coast, while the return panorama gives the evening a clear finish.

I would skip it if you want a full island day, a meal, or easy shore access. The boat-to-water entry is the key practical issue, and the entire experience depends on reasonably good conditions and accurate sunset timing.

For most able swimmers staying in Makarska, $44 is a fair price for a small-group speedboat ride, snorkeling gear, fuel, and a memorable view back at the coast. Pack a swimsuit, towel, water, and a little room for spontaneity. You may get a fine sunset, a good swim, and, if luck joins the boat, even a dolphin sighting.

FAQ

How long does the sunset speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, though the exact meeting point can vary by the option booked.

How long is the ride from Makarska to Puntica Bay?

The speedboat ride to Puntica Bay takes about 20 minutes.

How much time do I get to swim and snorkel?

You get about 40 minutes at Puntica Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Does the boat dock at Puntica Bay?

No. The boat anchors in the bay. You can enter the water from the boat and swim to the beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set, speedboat, skipper, fuel, taxes, and fees are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring your own.