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

Hvar’s coast gives this speedboat trip its best moments: you swim into a small blue cave, jump from the rocks at Mala Stiniva, then wander into Jelsa for coffee or gelato. I like the strong mix of action and free time, and I like that the boat reaches coves you could not visit easily from Makarska.

The five-hour plan also gives you several proper swims instead of one token stop. The trade-off is simple: this is a fast, active outing with no toilet on board, limited shade, and little appeal for non-swimmers or anyone prone to seasickness. Jelsa gets about 50 minutes, which is enough for a stroll but not a full town visit.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip worth it

• A small blue cave on Hvar: Swim into the cliff opening and let your eyes adjust to the dim blue light.
• Mala Stiniva cliff jumping: This is the liveliest stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a jump if you want one.
• Jelsa in 50 minutes: Walk the waterfront, see the old town, and stop for a drink or gelato.
• Three separate water stops: Zečevo, Pokrivenik, and Žirje Beach each offer a different setting for swimming.
• Small groups: Boats carry up to 10 or 12 people, depending on the boat model.
• A well-liked crew: Greg, Marko, Filip, Grgur, and other local skippers are praised for friendly help and clear English.

A fast route through three Dalmatian islands

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. The speedboat spends much of the day moving between islands, then pauses in small bays for swimming and snorkeling. That format lets you see a lot in five hours, but it also means you should expect wind, spray, engine noise, and a lively ride across open water.

The meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk at Makarska marina. Optional pickup is available from several local locations, and the company contacts you the day before with the exact time and place. If you arrange pickup, be ready a few minutes early. The boat leaves on schedule, and the sea is not a place where a late arrival is easy to fix.

The group size matters. With no more than 10 or 12 people, the boat feels personal enough for the skipper to answer questions and help you back aboard. Several skippers are named in the feedback, including Greg, Marko, Filip, Grgur, Marco, Carlos, Dinko, and Josef. The strongest praise centers on friendly manner, useful local information, and practical help in the water. One skipper even retrieved a lost mask and snorkel, which tells you something about the hands-on style of the crew.

Pokrivenik and the first swim

The first long boat ride takes about 40 minutes. That may sound like a lot for a five-hour outing, but it is part of the appeal. You get broad views of the Dalmatian coast, rocky headlands, green slopes, and bright water as the boat runs toward Hvar.

Pokrivenik is a photo stop and a 20-minute swimming and snorkeling break. It works well as an introduction to the day. You can get into the water, test the temperature, and see what the supplied mask and snorkel are like before the more dramatic stops arrive.

Do not expect a guided underwater lesson. The gear is provided so you can look around at your own pace. In the clear shallows, you might spot small fish, sea urchins, or harmless jellyfish. Keep your hands to yourself and watch your footing on rocks when entering or leaving the water.

The open-water ride can be rough if the wind rises. A recent excursion handled high waves well, but that does not make the boat smooth in every condition. If motion sickness is a concern, take that seriously. The trip is specifically unsuitable for people prone to seasickness, and the speedboat will feel more exposed than a large ferry.

Mala Stiniva: the place for a jump

After about 20 minutes on the water, the boat reaches Mala Stiniva bay on Hvar. You have around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with cliff jumping as the headline activity.

This is a natural setting, not a staffed adventure park. The skipper can point out suitable places, but you must decide what feels safe for you. Check the water first, follow the crew’s instructions, and skip the jump if you are uncertain. There is no prize for making a bad decision on holiday.

For confident swimmers, this is likely the most playful stop. You can jump, swim away from the rocks, then use the mask to look below the surface. For others, simply floating in the clear bay is enough. You do not need to jump to get value from the stop.

The short stay keeps the day moving, though some people may wish for more time here. The benefit is variety: you are not stuck at one crowded beach for half the tour. The drawback is that every bay gets a fixed slot, so you cannot linger when conditions are especially good.

The blue cave near Pokrivenik

The cave experience is one of the tour’s more unusual features. You swim into a small opening hidden in the Hvar cliffs rather than viewing a large commercial cave from a separate boat.

Inside, the light changes quickly. One early-season visitor described the first moments as slightly unsettling until their eyes adjusted, followed by a beautiful view of the water and rock. That is a useful warning: the entrance can feel dark and tight, and this is not the right stop for anyone uncomfortable swimming into a confined space.

The cave is small, so the experience depends on timing, sea conditions, and how many people are in the water. It is best understood as a brief natural encounter, not a long underground tour. You get a few memorable minutes, a striking photo opportunity, and a chance to see a side of Hvar that is hard to reach on foot.

The supplied mask and snorkel are useful here, but you should bring your own if you need a particular fit. The boat carries life jackets, though they are stored on board rather than worn continuously. Ask the skipper if you want guidance before entering the water.

Jelsa gives the day a land-based pause

The boat reaches Jelsa after another short run, and you have about 50 minutes to explore. This is the calmest section of the trip and a welcome change after repeated swims.

Jelsa is a picturesque old town on Hvar with waterfront views, narrow streets, and places to stop for a drink. You can get your bearings quickly, walk through the center, and still leave time for ice cream or a coffee by the water. One useful tip is to treat this as a light town visit rather than a full historical tour.

The time is enough for a pleasant taste of Jelsa, but not enough to explore Hvar in depth. One person found this the longest stop while wishing the swimming locations had received more time. That is a fair criticism. The tour is built around the sea, so Jelsa is a sampler.

I like the balance here. A full five hours in coves can blur together, especially when several stops involve the same basic activity. Jelsa breaks up the pattern and lets you dry off, stretch your legs, and buy something cold. Bring or buy food here if you need lunch, since food is not included and there is no restroom on the boat.

Zečevo’s blue lagoon

A 10-minute ride brings you to Zečevo, an uninhabited islet with a blue lagoon. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is set aside for swimming and snorkeling.

This is the kind of place where the boat itself adds value. You are not visiting a developed beach with rows of facilities. You arrive by water, step straight into the sea, and use the mask to inspect the rocks and seabed.

Zečevo may be one of the most attractive stops for people who prefer a quiet swim to cliff jumping. The water is the main event, and the lack of buildings helps the setting feel remote. Still, remote does not mean empty. Other boats may arrive, especially in summer, and the crew cannot promise that your boat will have the lagoon alone.

The half-hour stop is long enough for a good swim but short enough to keep the route on time. Use the first few minutes wisely: secure your hat and loose items, apply sunscreen before boarding, and keep your towel somewhere easy to reach.

Žirje Beach and the final Brač stop

The route then runs for about 30 minutes to Žirje Beach, described as a secluded bay on Brač Island. You get another 30-minute swimming and snorkeling break before the final 20-minute ride back toward the drop-off points.

This last stop serves a different purpose from Mala Stiniva. Mala Stiniva brings the rock-jumping fun, while Žirje is about quiet water and a less developed shoreline. It is a good final pause before returning to Makarska, when you may want to float rather than chase another activity.

The exact feel of the beach depends on the day, weather, and other boats in the area. The word secluded should not be read as a promise of private access. It means the bay is reached by boat and offers a break from the busier main beaches.

By this stage, you will have had several chances to snorkel. That is good for anyone who wants to see fish and underwater rock rather than spend the whole trip taking photos from the deck. It can be tiring for people who do not enjoy repeated entries into the sea, so this tour suits active days more than restful cruises.

What the $94 price really covers

At $94 per person, the cost is reasonable if you want a full half-day on the water rather than a simple transfer. You are paying for a local skipper, speedboat transport, bottled water, masks and snorkels, life jackets, insurance, and a route linking several hard-to-reach bays with Jelsa.

The value is strongest for couples, friends, and small families with confident swimmers. Booking separate boat rides to the cave, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Brač would take more planning and could cost more. Here, the skipper handles navigation and timing while you focus on the stops.

The price does not include food. There is also no restroom on board. Plan around that. Eat before departure, use facilities at the marina, and carry only a small day bag. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and smoking in the vehicle is not permitted.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. If bad weather prevents the trip, you are offered a full refund or a new date. Those terms help when your Dalmatian schedule depends on sea conditions.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you want several water stops, a small group, and enough speed to cover more than one island in a morning or afternoon. It is especially good for people who like to alternate physical activity with short sightseeing stops.

It is less suitable if your main goal is a long visit to Jelsa, a leisurely sail, or a private beach day. You will be moving often, and the boat has no onboard toilet. The experience also requires comfort with swimming from a boat and climbing back aboard.

The listed restrictions are clear. Children under four, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, people over 75, and those prone to motion sickness should not book. The boat may be stable in moderate waves, but conditions can change quickly.

For families, read the restrictions carefully. One family had a four-year-old, and the skipper was especially helpful, but the official suitability guidance excludes children under four and does not turn this into a child-focused excursion. The swimming, cliff jumping, and boat transfers demand attention.

What to bring for a better day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a light layer for the ride. The boat’s speed can make the wind feel cooler than it did on the marina.

Bring only what you can keep secure. A small waterproof pouch for a phone and cash is sensible, though the provided information does not promise dry storage. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful, but make sure loose items cannot blow away at speed.

Take water seriously. Bottled water is included, but food is not. If you need snacks, carry a small amount that can handle sun and motion, or plan to buy something in Jelsa.

The time of day also matters. One visitor preferred the 8 a.m. departure because the midday sun became intense. An early start can mean cooler conditions, though the water may feel chilly outside the warmest part of summer. In October, the sea was described as cold but manageable in strong sunshine. Check the forecast before booking.

My verdict: an excellent active half-day

I would book this Makarska speedboat tour if the main picture in your mind is clear water, small coves, a quick look at Jelsa, and a little harmless adventure. The strongest features are the number of swimming stops, the small group size, and the personable local skippers.

I would skip it if you dislike fast boats, get seasick, cannot swim, or want a slow cultural visit. Jelsa is brief, the cave is small, and every stop runs on a schedule.

For most active visitors, $94 buys a well-filled five hours. Choose an early departure if heat bothers you, watch the weather, bring food and sun protection, and leave room in your plan for a day shaped by the sea.

FAQ

How long does the Makarska speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including boat rides, swimming and snorkeling stops, cliff jumping at Mala Stiniva, and free time in Jelsa.

Where does the tour start?

The main meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk at Makarska marina. Optional pickup is available from selected local locations.

Which islands and islets does the tour visit?

The route includes stops connected with Hvar, the uninhabited Zečevo islet, and Brač Island. Jelsa is the town stop on Hvar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water, insurance, and life jackets stored on board.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so eat before departure or bring a small snack. You can also use part of your free time in Jelsa for a drink or food.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board. Use facilities before leaving the marina and plan accordingly.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 or 12 people, depending on the boat model.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. If bad weather prevents the trip, you are offered a full refund or a rescheduled trip.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers. Much of the tour centers on swimming, snorkeling, and entering the water from the boat or shore.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, beachwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Oversize luggage, pets, and smoking in the vehicle are not allowed.