Half-day Speedboat Tour: Explore Hidden Gems of Hvar Island

Mala Stiniva is the sort of bay that makes a boat trip worthwhile: stone cliffs drop straight toward remarkably clear water, and you arrive by sea rather than setting out to find a shore-side viewpoint. This five-hour trip from Makarska pairs swims and snorkeling with a short stop in historic Jelsa and time on the uninhabited islet of Zečevo.

I like the mix of secluded coves and a real town stop, which gives you more than a string of swims. I also like that snorkeling gear, bottled water, fuel, and safety equipment are included, so the $85.36 price covers the essentials rather than just the ride.

The trade-off is that this is a boat-centered outing, not a leisurely island tour. You have limited time in Jelsa, and the Zečevo beach bar may not be ready or available on the day. The boat has no restroom, and a speedboat ride can feel exposed, so bring a cover-up.

• Mala Stiniva’s sheer stone cliffs frame a swim stop in clear water, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Pokrivenik is the first bay, reached after a roughly 35-minute panoramic cruise from Makarska.
• Jelsa gets about 45 minutes, enough for a coffee, a short walk, or a quick look at its old streets and monuments.
• Zečevo is uninhabited, with about an hour at the final stop and a beach bar that may be open.
• The group is capped at 18, and the trip runs around five hours, including cruising between stops.
• Cliff jumping may be part of the fun, but do not assume it is guaranteed or jump without the skipper’s approval.

A fast crossing from Makarska to Hvar

The tour begins at Rent a Boat Makarska, at Marineta ul. 12, and returns to the same meeting point. Its first leg is a roughly 35-minute panoramic cruise to Veliki Pokrivenik Bay on Hvar. That crossing is part of the outing, not dead time: you get open-water views and a sense of how much ground a speedboat can cover in half a day.

The trip is listed at about five hours. The named stops account for roughly three hours, with the remaining time spent cruising between locations and moving in and out of the bays. That balance matters. You get several distinct stops without giving up an entire day, but you should expect a fair amount of time aboard.

A maximum of 18 people keeps the group smaller than a large excursion boat, though it is still a shared trip rather than a private charter. The ride itself is part of the appeal, but the speed and exposure mean it is wise to bring a light layer or something to cover your shoulders. One useful practical detail: check-in, nearby parking, and boarding have been described as straightforward, but confirm your own parking plan before you set out.

Pokrivenik: a quieter first bay

Veliki Pokrivenik is described as one of Hvar’s less-visited bays, with prominent cliffs and a more secluded feel than a town waterfront. You get about 35 minutes here. It is a short first stop, best thought of as an introduction to the island’s rocky coastline and an opportunity to swim if conditions and the skipper’s plan allow.

The appeal is the setting, not a long list of activities on shore. There is no stated land excursion here, and the tour provides no admission-ticket attractions. You are coming for the view from the water and time in the bay.

Because this is an early stop, it also gives you a chance to settle into the boat routine before the rest of the trip. Keep your phone and other valuables secure when you move around, and take care with anything you do not want getting wet.

Mala Stiniva: the signature swim

Mala Stiniva is the most dramatic stop on the route. Its stone cliffs drop vertically toward the sea, making the bay feel enclosed and striking when seen from the water. The sea is described as crystal clear, and you have around 35 minutes to swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel to take part. The tour does not promise a particular underwater sighting, however. Think of the gear as a way to explore the clear water, not a guarantee of seeing specific marine life.

Some outings have also included cliff jumping, and it has been a highlight for some people. But the published schedule does not promise a jump, and conditions can change. Ask the skipper before considering it, follow their directions, and skip it if you are unsure. The cliffs are part of the scenery, not an invitation to jump from every ledge.

Water time is one of this trip’s strongest draws, and skippers have sometimes let people stay in a bay longer when the group was enjoying the swim. That flexibility is a bonus rather than a fixed promise. If you are counting on a precise schedule, remember that time in the water can affect how long you have at later stops.

Jelsa: a short taste of island town life

After the swim at Mala Stiniva, the boat heads to Jelsa, where you get about 45 minutes of free time. This is the tour’s change of pace: instead of cliffs and open water, you can stretch your legs in an old island town, stop for coffee, look at historical monuments, or find something to eat.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a brief visit, not a full exploration. If you want a sit-down meal, keep an eye on the clock and ask the skipper how much time you have before leaving the boat. A coffee, a quick walk, or an ice cream stop may fit more comfortably than a long lunch.

Jelsa helps make this outing feel more complete than a swim-only boat ride. You get a glimpse of everyday island life and a chance to spend a little time ashore. Still, if historic streets and museums are your main interest, you will want a separate visit with more time.

Zečevo: an uninhabited island and a possible beach-bar stop

The final listed stop is Zečevo, a protected, uninhabited islet opposite Jelsa. The boat ride from Jelsa is short, and the stop lasts about an hour and five minutes. The setting is described as untouched, with time to unwind by the water and, when available, visit the beach bar.

The bar is a welcome extra, but do not make it the reason you book. It may not be ready for visitors, and a private event has occasionally affected access. One outing included a fresh drink made with ingredients from a garden, but that is not a stated inclusion or guaranteed feature. Bring enough water for yourself; bottled water is included on the boat, while lunch is not.

This is a useful final pause after the town and swim stops. If the bar is open, you can add a drink to your island time. If it is not, the islet and sea remain the main attraction.

What the $85.36 fare covers

At $85.36 per person, the fare buys a five-hour outing that combines boat transport, several swimming areas, snorkeling gear, Jelsa, and Zečevo. Fuel, safety equipment, bottled water, and all fees and taxes are included. For someone who wants to reach multiple bays without arranging their own boat, that is a practical package.

Lunch and tips are not included. There is also no restroom on board, which is worth remembering during a five-hour trip with time in the water. Plan to use facilities before departure, and treat Jelsa as a possible chance to stop for food rather than assuming lunch is provided.

The trip’s value depends on what you want from Hvar. If your priority is swimming in several coastal spots and getting a brief town visit in the same half-day, the price is easier to justify. If you prefer long stretches ashore, a private boat, or a full meal included, this is not the right format.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable around water and want an active half-day. Families have enjoyed the snorkeling, and the maximum group size of 18 keeps the outing from becoming a large-boat crowd. Children under three are not recommended, and parents should consider whether young children will be comfortable with a speedboat, swimming stops, and no restroom on board.

It is also a good fit if you want some variety without making a full-day commitment. The sequence moves from a quieter bay to dramatic cliffs, then to a town and an islet. That variety is the tour’s real strength.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a slow, land-based visit to Hvar or needs a highly structured schedule. The stops are short, and time on the water is central. If you are prone to motion discomfort, or simply do not like fast boat rides, consider that before booking.

Skippers have included Marco and Mario, both of whom have been praised for being friendly and for sharing information about the area. The specific skipper is not guaranteed, but a good host can make the ride feel more personal. Some trips have also had music on board, though that is not listed as a guaranteed feature.

Practical points before you go

Pickup is offered, but the stated start point is Rent a Boat Makarska at Marineta ul. 12. Confirm the precise meeting arrangement when you book. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you do not need to plan a separate return transfer from Hvar.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a cover-up for the ride. Those are practical suggestions for a day built around swimming and open-air boat travel, not provided items. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are supplied. Pack light, and secure valuables before getting in the water.

The tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels it, you can be offered another date or a full refund; the same choice applies if the minimum group is not met. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Hvar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively half-day with clear-water swims, cliff-lined bays, a short look around Jelsa, and a chance to relax on Zečevo. The included snorkeling gear and water, manageable five-hour length, and group limit of 18 make it a well-rounded way to see several coastal stops from Makarska.

Think twice if you need a restroom on board, want a long visit in Jelsa, or are counting on the beach bar or cliff jumping. Those are not guaranteed parts of the experience. If the sea, boat ride, and swim stops are the main reason you are going, this trip offers a strong mix for the price.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts approximately five hours, including panoramic cruising between stops.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 12, 21300 Makarska, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point in Makarska.

What stops are included?

The listed stops are Veliki Pokrivenik Bay, Mala Stiniva Bay, Jelsa, and the islet of Zečevo.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled water, fuel, safety equipment, and fees and taxes are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and tips are not included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no restroom on board.

Can children take the tour?

Most travelers can participate, but the tour is not recommended for children under three years old.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.