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

Hvar’s cliffs hide a small blue cave you can swim into, and the route pairs that unusual stop with a cliff-jump bay, a proper island town, and several clear-water swims. It’s a lively way to see three islands in five hours without spending the day on a ferry.

I like the mix of action and town time: Mala Stiniva brings the splash, while Jelsa gives you a chance to stroll, get a gelato, or sit by the waterfront. I also like that the small-group boats carry no more than 10 or 12 people, depending on the model, and include masks, snorkels, and bottled water.

The trade-off is the speedboat ride itself: it takes time to reach the stops, and choppy water or motion sickness can make the crossings uncomfortable. There’s no restroom on board, and the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

• Swim into Hvar’s blue cave at Pokrivenik, a short stop for photos, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Make a splash at Mala Stiniva with time to swim, snorkel, and try cliff jumping if you’re comfortable.
• Take a breather in Jelsa, a picturesque Hvar town, with 50 minutes to explore independently.
• Snorkel in Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon, a stop at an uninhabited islet.
• Finish with a quieter Brač bay, a final chance to swim away from the main town bustle.
• Go with a small group, typically capped at 10 or 12 people, with a local skipper at the helm.

Three islands, one fast-moving day

This five-hour trip from Makarska is built around variety. You cross the Adriatic by speedboat, stopping around Brač, Hvar, and Zečevo for swims, a taste of island-town life, and a little optional adrenaline at the cliffs.

The pace suits you if you want to spend most of your time on the water rather than make a single long visit to one island. It is not a slow cruise. The boat has ground to cover, so expect several crossings between stops, with the coastline, cliffs, and open water becoming part of the experience.

A local skipper runs the trip in English or Croatian. The group limit of 10 or 12, depending on the boat, keeps it smaller than a large excursion vessel, though the exact boat model can vary. Skippers named on past trips include Greg, also referred to as Grgur, Marko, Filip, Josef, Dinko, and Carlos. You can’t count on a particular person when booking, but the skipper is central to the day: steering, keeping the group informed, and helping people get in and out of the water.

Pokrivenik’s small blue cave

The first swimming stop is around Pokrivenik on Hvar, after an opening speedboat ride listed at about 40 minutes. The stop lasts roughly 20 minutes, so think of it as a brief introduction to the day rather than a long cave visit.

The cave is small and tucked into the cliffs. You swim into it, and your eyes need a moment to adjust to the dimness. That change from bright water to shadow is part of the appeal. Bring your mask if you want to look around underwater, but don’t expect a lengthy guided cave tour or a large cavern you can walk through.

A swim into a cave requires more confidence than a shore-side dip. The tour is explicitly not suitable for non-swimmers, and the boat carries life jackets, but they are stored on board rather than described as flotation aids for every swim. If you’re unsure, ask the skipper about the conditions before getting in. The stop can also be affected by weather and sea conditions.

Mala Stiniva: swimming with a cliff-jump option

Next comes Plaža Mala Stiniva, a small bay on Hvar where the cliffs and clear water create the day’s most energetic stop. You have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel, with cliff jumping as an option for those who want it.

The word option matters. You do not need to jump to enjoy this stop. You can swim, watch the action, or use the supplied mask and snorkel to look below the surface. If you do want to jump, take your cue from the skipper and the conditions. The tour information describes the activity but does not promise a particular jumping height or setup.

The short visit keeps the schedule moving, but it also means you should have your swim gear ready before the boat arrives. A towel, sunscreen, and a hat are useful between swims, and a dry layer can help after you climb back aboard. The sea can feel chilly outside the hottest part of summer; one October trip was described as cold-water swimming, even with sunshine.

Jelsa gives the day a town-sized pause

After the bays, the boat reaches Jelsa on Hvar for about 50 minutes of free time. This is the longest stop on the route, and it provides a useful change of pace: instead of watching the shore from the water, you can walk through the old town, take in the waterfront, and choose a café or gelato.

Jelsa is a proper town, not just a beach stop, but 50 minutes is still a short visit. You’ll have time for a simple wander, not an in-depth exploration. If you like browsing slowly or sitting down for a meal, the clock may feel tight. The tour does not include food, so bring a snack if you know you’ll want more than a drink or an ice cream.

This stop is one reason the trip feels more rounded than a string of swims. The water is the main event, but a little time on land helps you get a feel for Hvar beyond its coves. I’d use the time for an easy loop along the waterfront and through the central streets, keeping an eye on the meeting point and return time.

Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon and the final Brač swim

From Jelsa, the boat makes a short crossing to Zečevo, an uninhabited islet, for about 30 minutes in the Blue Lagoon. Here the emphasis is swimming and snorkeling rather than walking around. Masks and snorkels are included, so you don’t need to pack your own unless you prefer a familiar fit.

The lagoon stop is a good fit for anyone who likes having several chances to get in the water rather than spending a long stretch at one beach. You might see fish or other sea life through your mask, but sightings are not guaranteed. The water and visibility vary with conditions, and the tour does not promise a particular marine encounter.

The last swimming stop is Žirje Beach on Brač, where you get another roughly 30-minute break in a more secluded bay. The route description presents it as a quieter escape from the crowds, though the amount of solitude depends on the day and other boats in the area. It’s a welcome final swim before the ride back to Makarska, especially if you want to cool off once more before returning to town.

What the five hours feel like on board

The scheduled stops add up to a busy half-day, but the crossings take a meaningful share of the time. The published route includes rides of roughly 10 to 40 minutes between locations. That is part of the appeal if you enjoy open-water speedboat travel and changing views; it can feel less appealing if you mainly want long, lazy beach hours.

Past trips describe comfortable, modern boats, and some groups have received an upgraded boat. That is not something to assume or pay extra for unless confirmed. The boat is also the only transport between the stops, so follow the skipper’s instructions when boarding and moving around. Life jackets are carried on board, and bottled water is included.

The ride can be bumpy when waves pick up. A skipper has been praised for handling rougher conditions, but good boat handling cannot make a choppy sea feel smooth. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a real consideration, not a minor footnote. The tour’s suitability guidance excludes people with motion sickness and seasickness, as well as those with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Price, group size, and practical details

At $94 per person, the tour is best judged as a full half-day of boat transport, several swimming stops, snorkeling gear, and a skipper, not as a simple ride to one beach. The three-island route would be harder to arrange independently in the same time, and the small group limit keeps the outing more personal than a large boat trip. For a day focused on sea access and scenery, the price can make sense.

The value depends on what you want. If you’d rather settle into one beach, eat a long lunch, or spend half a day exploring Jelsa, this schedule may feel too compressed. If you want variety and enjoy being on the water, the mix of cave, bays, town, and lagoon gives you more than a single destination.

Meet at the Promare Boat Charter information desk in Makarska marina unless you have selected an optional pickup. For pickup, the operator will contact you the day before with the time and location. Check the exact starting time when you book, since availability varies.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Weather-appropriate clothing is sensible for the boat ride, particularly outside peak summer. Food is not included, and there is no restroom on board. Pets and oversized luggage are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited in the vehicle.

The trip can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered. In bad weather, you are offered a refund or a rescheduled trip. Since this is a sea-based outing, check conditions close to departure and be ready for the operator to adjust plans for safety.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This outing works best for confident swimmers who like active days and don’t mind moving between locations. You can spend much of the tour in the water, but there is also a little town time and plenty to see from the boat. The small-group format is useful if you value a skipper who can talk with the group and help with practical matters, such as boarding after a swim.

Families should check the age and suitability limits carefully. Children under four are not accepted, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or mobility issues. The route involves boat crossings and water access, so it is a poor fit for anyone who cannot swim or feels unwell at sea.

Timing can shape the mood. Early departures may mean cooler water, while later trips can bring stronger sun and heat. One past visitor recommended an 8 a.m. departure to avoid the strongest midday sun. Treat that as a useful personal tip, not a guarantee of a specific temperature or crowd level. In spring and autumn, expect the possibility of cooler water; in summer, bring ample sun protection.

Should you book the Makarska island tour?

Book it if you want a brisk, water-focused introduction to Brač, Hvar, and Zečevo, and you’re happy to trade a long beach stay for several distinct stops. The cave, cliff-jump bay, Jelsa stroll, and Blue Lagoon make a satisfying mix, while the small group and included snorkel gear keep the outing straightforward.

Skip it if you’re prone to seasickness, need a restroom during a short excursion, or want a slow day with lots of time on land. If you do go, bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel, and keep some flexibility around sea conditions. For the right swimmer, this is a practical way to reach coves and swim spots that are difficult to visit from Makarska on your own.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts five hours, including boat crossings and stops.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Brač, Hvar, and Zečevo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water.

Is cliff jumping required?

No. Cliff jumping is an activity option at Mala Stiniva. You can swim or snorkel instead.

How much time do you get in Jelsa?

The scheduled free time in Jelsa is about 50 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk at Makarska marina. Optional pickup is available for some bookings.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. A restroom is not available on board.

How many people are in each group?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

In bad weather conditions, you are offered a full refund or a rescheduled trip.