Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač

The lovely twist on this short Makarska outing is that the sunset view comes after a swim on Brač, not from a crowded waterfront bar. In 90 minutes, you cross to Puntica Bay, have time in the water, and see Makarska from offshore as the light changes.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the generous 40-minute swim stop. I also like that snorkeling gear, fuel, and the skipper are included in the $44 price, so you can focus on the bay rather than arranging a boat yourself.

One thing to plan around: there’s no dock at Puntica Bay. The boat anchors offshore, so you’ll need to enter the water from the boat or swim to the beach. Check your exact departure time, too, since sunset shifts earlier by about two minutes each day in summer.

• A 20-minute crossing takes you from Makarska’s port to Brač.
• Puntica Bay gives you 40 minutes to swim from the boat or reach the beach.
• Beach swings face Makarska, making a distinctive sight from the Brač shore.
• The return includes a sunset viewpoint, with a panorama of Makarska from the water.
• Snorkeling gear, fuel, and the skipper are included; food and drinks are not.
• The boat anchors in the bay, so there’s no dock or direct step ashore.

Leaving Makarska by speedboat

The outing begins at the Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska meeting point, though the precise location may vary with the option you book. Once aboard, the boat heads out of the port toward Brač. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, and the view back toward the Makarska Riviera is one of the first rewards.

That brief ride matters. From the water, you get a wide view of the coastline rather than seeing it in slices between buildings. It also sets the pace for a compact trip: you’re not spending most of the evening getting to the main stop.

The group is limited to 12, which keeps the trip smaller than a large sightseeing boat. That can make it easier to settle in and hear the skipper, though the actual feel of the ride will depend on the group and the boat. English and Croatian are the listed tour languages.

Forty minutes at Puntica Bay

Puntica Bay is the main event, and the schedule gives you 40 minutes there. The speedboat anchors in the bay, with no dock, so you can get into the water directly from the boat or swim across to the beach. That makes this a good fit if you’re happy around water, but less convenient if you’d rather step ashore without swimming.

You can swim, snorkel, or spend your time on the beach. A snorkeling set is included, so you don’t have to bring your own mask and snorkel. The bay is described as a place to snorkel around, but there’s no specific promise about underwater wildlife or visibility, so treat the gear as an opportunity rather than a guarantee of a particular sight.

The beach swings are a memorable detail. From Brač, you can look back toward Makarska while the swings move along the shore. It’s a simple scene, but it gives this short stop a sense of place beyond the usual swim break.

Music plays from the boat while you’re in the bay. You can swim off the boat or make your way to the beach, then return to the boat before departure. With 40 minutes, there’s time to enjoy a swim without turning the stop into a rushed photo call, though it’s still a short visit, not an afternoon at the beach.

The ride back and sunset view

After the swim stop, the boat heads back toward Makarska, another 20-minute crossing. The final 10 minutes are set aside for a viewpoint and sunset scenery. From offshore, the town and Riviera appear from a different angle, with the evening light shifting over the coast.

The sunset is the visual finish, not a long stop on land. If you’re hoping to stroll along a beach at dusk or sit down for dinner during the tour, this isn’t that kind of outing. Instead, you get the open-water view on the way back and return to the meeting point after about 90 minutes.

Timing is important here. The departure time changes with the season, and summer sunsets move earlier by roughly two minutes each day. Confirm the precise start time with the operator rather than relying on an old screenshot or a schedule saved several days earlier.

What the $44 price includes

At $44 per person, the price covers the speedboat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling set, taxes, and fees. That’s useful value for a short boat trip because you don’t need to arrange a separate transfer to Brač or hire a boat independently to reach the bay.

Food and drinks are not included, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Since the full tour lasts only 90 minutes, you may not need much. Still, if you like having water or a small snack after swimming, bring it along rather than expecting refreshments on board.

The price is easiest to justify if you want both the crossing and the swim stop. If your main goal is simply to watch sunset from Makarska, you can do that on shore without paying for a boat. Here, you’re paying for the change of perspective, a visit to Brač, and time in the water before the evening view.

Skipper Tina and the personal touches

On trips led by Tina, the skipper’s role can add more than steering the boat. Tina has been praised for timing the outing well and for helping families capture photos of their children jumping into the sea. She has also shared photos after the trip, which is a welcome touch if you’d rather enjoy the swim than keep your phone in hand.

Those details are not a promise that Tina will lead every departure or that photos are included as a standard service. The listed tour languages are English and Croatian, and the operator is Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska. If having a particular skipper matters to you, ask when confirming your departure.

A dolphin sighting has also been a bonus on a past trip. It’s an enjoyable possibility, not something the tour can guarantee. I’d book for the bay and the sunset, and treat wildlife sightings as an extra.

Who will enjoy this short outing

This tour suits you if you want a manageable dose of sea time without giving up an entire day. The 90-minute length works well for a free evening, and the small-group format makes it a more intimate option than a large boat excursion. It’s also a good choice for families with teenagers: the swim stop, boat ride, and chance to jump into the sea offer more activity than a sunset cruise that stays seated throughout.

It’s less suitable if you use a wheelchair, as the activity is not wheelchair accessible. You should also be comfortable getting into the water from an anchored boat or swimming to shore. The operator specifically notes that there’s no docking station in the bay, so don’t assume you can step from the boat directly onto the beach.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Food and drinks are optional, but you can bring them. Smoking is not allowed on the tour.

A few practical details before you go

The activity starts and ends back at its meeting point, which is listed as Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, though the exact meeting point may depend on the option booked. Check the details for your chosen departure before setting off to the harbor.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms are handy if your plans are still taking shape, but they don’t replace the need to confirm the departure time close to the date, especially during summer.

Should you book the Makarska sunset speedboat tour?

I’d book this if you want a short, active outing with a proper swim stop and a sunset view from the water. Puntica Bay, the beach swings, and the panorama back toward Makarska give the 90 minutes a clear shape, while the included skipper, fuel, and snorkeling set help make the $44 price reasonable.

Skip it if you want a long beach stay, a land-based sunset, or an easy step from boat to shore. And if you’re comfortable with the swim access and brief schedule, bring your towel, confirm the sunset departure time, and enjoy Brač from the water.

FAQ

How long is the sunset speedboat tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes. It includes a 20-minute trip to Brač, 40 minutes at Puntica Bay, a 20-minute return, and about 10 minutes for sunset scenery.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $44 per person. The speedboat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling set, taxes, and fees are included.

How much time do you get at Puntica Bay?

You get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. You can enter the water from the boat or swim to the beach.

Is there a dock at Puntica Bay?

No. The boat anchors in the bay, and there is no docking station. You need to enter the water from the boat or swim to the beach.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You can also bring your own food and drinks if you want them.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.