From Makarska: Hidden Gems of Hvar Island’s North Shore

Hvar’s north shore is a string of coves, steep cliffs, and clear swimming water that’s easiest to reach by boat. This five-hour speedboat trip from Makarska combines three swim stops with a generous hour in Jelsa, so you get both open-water time and a taste of island-town life.

I like the contrast between Mala Stiniva’s dramatic cliffs and the quieter pebble cove at Veliki Pokrivenik. I also like that the route includes 70 minutes in Jelsa, enough time for a coffee and a short walk rather than just another quick swim stop.

The trade-off is the ride itself: the boat can bounce between stops, and passengers seated near the front may get wet. There’s no restroom on board, and this is not a good fit if you are prone to seasickness or have back problems.

• Four very different stops: Swim at Veliki Pokrivenik and Zečevo, see the sheer cliffs at Mala Stiniva, and walk around Jelsa.
• A small group on a quick boat: The group is usually limited to 10, though the maximum can be 12 depending on the boat.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water, safety equipment, and warm jackets.
• Jelsa gets real breathing room: The 70-minute town stop is longer than the swimming breaks.
• Plan for a wet ride: The front can catch spray, while the back may offer a drier, shadier seat.
• Food and facilities are limited: Bring your own food if you need it, and use shore stops for restroom breaks.

A five-hour route from Makarska to Hvar’s north shore

The tour begins at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel. From there, you cross to Hvar by speedboat, with roughly 35 minutes of panoramic cruising before the first swimming stop.

This is a half-day outing built around the water, not a long guided tour with a running commentary at every site. The skipper handles the route and safety, while you decide how actively to use each stop: swim, snorkel, take in the cliffs, or simply dry off on the boat.

The overall pace is brisk but not frantic. The scheduled stops add up to about three hours, including the 70-minute stay in Jelsa, with the remaining time used for the crossings and transitions. Exact conditions and timing can vary, especially if weather affects the route.

Veliki Pokrivenik: a quiet first swim

The first stop is Veliki Pokrivenik, a bay known for its pebble beach, steep rock faces, and a cave tucked into the cove. You have about 35 minutes here, enough for a swim and a look around with a mask and snorkel.

This is a good place to ease into the day. The sheltered setting and clear water invite a slower start, while the rocky edges and cave give snorkelers something to explore beyond the beach. If snorkeling is not your thing, you can stay on the boat, swim at your own pace, or enjoy the view from the shore.

Keep expectations sensible: 35 minutes is a short visit, not a long beach day. You’ll need to move efficiently if you want to swim, snorkel, and explore the cave area before it is time to leave.

Mala Stiniva: cliffs and a chance to jump

Mala Stiniva is a striking contrast to the first bay. Stone cliffs drop sharply toward the sea, creating a compact cove with a dramatic, almost enclosed feel. The stop lasts about 35 minutes, with time for swimming and snorkeling.

The cliffs are also a popular place for cliff jumping. That is an option, not an obligation. If you prefer to keep your feet in the water, the clear sea and steep rock walls are still a fine reason to stop here.

Use care around the rocks and only jump if you are comfortable with the conditions and your own ability. The boat trip is active, and the stop is brief, so bring footwear you can manage around a rocky shoreline if you have it. No special footwear is listed as provided.

Jelsa: a useful pause on dry land

After the two bays, the boat heads to Jelsa for about 70 minutes. This is the longest stop on the route and the best chance to stretch your legs, get a coffee, or take a short walk through town.

Jelsa is an old Hvar town with historic monuments that reflect its long past. The free time is not a formal guided walking tour, so you can choose how to spend it. If you want a low-key break from salt water and boat spray, find a café; if you prefer a little sightseeing, use the time to wander.

That hour is a valuable part of the itinerary. A boat tour made up only of swim stops can start to feel repetitive, while Jelsa offers a change of pace and a glimpse of everyday island life. Just keep an eye on the time and return to the meeting point your skipper indicates.

Zečevo: turquoise water and a beach bar

The final stop is Zečevo, an unpopulated islet a short ride from Jelsa. It is protected for its natural value, and the stop is planned for about 40 minutes of swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

Zečevo offers a quieter finish to the day. There is a beach bar if you want a drink or a break from swimming, though reaching the shore may involve getting into the water. Do not count on stepping directly from the boat onto a dry beach.

This stop is a good fit if you still have energy for one more swim. If you are chilled or tired by this point, you can take it easy and enjoy the water and scenery from the boat instead.

What the boat ride is really like

The speedboat makes it possible to reach coves that are difficult to access by land, and it keeps the route moving between stops. That convenience comes with a trade-off: speedboats can bounce over the water, and the ride may feel rough, particularly on the way back or in unsettled conditions.

Seat choice can matter. One passenger tip is to sit toward the back if you want to stay drier and find shade during the crossings. The front offers a more exposed ride, and spray can leave you wet. Bring a change of clothes and a towel, as the tour recommends, along with swimwear and sunscreen.

The group is small, generally capped at 10 people, though some boat models allow up to 12. A smaller group makes it easier to hear the skipper and get on and off the boat, but it does not turn the trip into a private charter. The captain and group share the same timetable.

Skippers, safety, and what’s included

The skipper is central to the experience. Dinko, Goran, Marco, and Marko are among the captains named by people who have taken the trip, and comments describe friendly, organized guiding. Your skipper may be someone else, so do not book expecting a particular person.

The captain also sets the tone for the day and responds to conditions. One useful reminder from a past trip is that you should feel comfortable asking questions and following safety guidance, especially around cliff jumping and swimming near the boat. Safety equipment and insurance are included, as are masks and snorkels, bottled water, and warm jackets.

There is no restroom on board, and food is not included. Jelsa has cafés, and Zečevo has a beach bar, but those options depend on your stop and timing. If you need snacks or have dietary requirements, bring what you need rather than counting on a meal during the trip.

Is $91 a fair price?

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours on the water, but the price covers transport from Makarska, a skipper, several separate Hvar stops, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, safety gear, and insurance. The value is strongest if you plan to swim at most stops and appreciate having the route handled for you.

You are also paying for access. Reaching the north-shore coves by boat lets you see several places in one outing without arranging separate transport or figuring out how to get to each bay. The 70-minute Jelsa stop adds variety, while the other stops give you time to get in the water.

It is less compelling if you mainly want a long stretch on one beach, a full meal, or a quiet cruise with little motion. You should also factor in that food is extra and there is no onboard restroom. For a half-day that combines scenery, swimming, and a town visit, the price is reasonable if those are the things you want.

Who should book this Hvar boat trip?

This trip suits confident swimmers, snorkelers, and people who enjoy a fast-moving day with several short stops. It is especially appealing if you are staying in Makarska and want to see a different side of Hvar without planning a separate island journey.

It can also work well for mixed groups. You can skip the cliff jumps, take a break from snorkeling, or use Jelsa for a gentler change of pace. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back problems, people prone to seasickness, or people over 70, according to the activity restrictions.

Weather matters. If conditions are poor, the trip may be canceled, with a full refund or a rescheduled outing offered. The route has also changed for some departures when end-of-season numbers were low, so be prepared for a possible adjustment rather than treating every stop as guaranteed.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a practical, active way to reach Hvar’s north-shore coves, enjoy several swims, and spend a little time in Jelsa. The most appealing combination is the scenery at Mala Stiniva, the quieter feel of Veliki Pokrivenik, and a final swim near Zečevo.

Skip it if rough water, spray, or a boat without a restroom would spoil your day. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and any food you need. Choose a seat toward the back if staying drier matters to you, and treat cliff jumping as an optional extra, not the point of the trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about five hours, including boat crossings and stops. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants, or up to 12 depending on the boat model.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Jelsa has cafés, and Zečevo has a beach bar.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a towel. You may also want to bring food, since it is not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions are unsuitable, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.