Sunset Speedboat Tour in Makarska with swim stop on island Brač

The best part of this Makarska outing is the contrast: a quick, open-water ride takes you from the harbor to Puntica Bay on Brač, where you can swim before seeing the town from the sea at sunset. It’s a compact way to add a boat trip to a busy coastal stay.

I like the 40-minute swim stop and the simple, useful inclusions: snorkeling equipment, skipper and fuel are covered in the $46.99 price. One consideration: the whole outing lasts about 90 minutes, so the time at the bay is limited, and snacks and drinks are your responsibility.

At a glance

• A 25-minute ride to Brač: The speedboat crosses from Makarska to Puntica Bay.
• Forty minutes ashore or in the water: Use the stop to swim, snorkel or take in the view.
• A sunset return past Makarska: The route back approaches the city from the west.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks if you want them.
• A small-group cap: No more than 30 people can join, and the activity returns to its starting point.

From Makarska harbor to open water

The tour begins at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, at Marineta ul. 15. You’ll leave from the harbor and head toward Brač, trading the view from the waterfront for a broad look back at the Makarska Riviera. The ride to the island takes about 25 minutes.

The speedboat is the main event as much as the stop is. In a short time, you get a different perspective on the coast, with the town and shoreline receding behind you. If your stay in Makarska is brief, that change of viewpoint gives the outing a clear purpose: get out on the water without giving up half a day.

The schedule is tight by design. The crossing, 40-minute stop and return crossing add up to roughly 90 minutes, leaving room for a swim and a sunset view but not for a long beach visit. Think of this as a lively coastal outing, not a day trip to Brač.

Puntica Bay’s 40-minute swim stop

At Puntica Bay, the boat pauses for about 40 minutes. The water is described as clear, and the bay offers a view back toward the Makarska Riviera. You can use the stop to swim, put on the supplied snorkeling gear or simply enjoy the scenery.

That stretch of time is enough to cool off and get a feel for the bay, but it will pass quickly if you want to swim, snorkel and take photos. If swimming is the priority, bring what you need ready to hand so you’re not spending much of the stop sorting through bags. There is no meal or snack included, so pack something if you expect to be hungry.

The beach swings are a fun detail to look out for. They add a playful photo opportunity to a stop that is otherwise focused on the water and views. The tour information does not say where exactly they are or whether access is guaranteed, so treat them as a feature to check out if they’re available, not the main reason to book.

For families, the stop may be the most appealing part. Two 10-year-old children had a great time exploring the water on one outing, which suggests the format can work well for kids who enjoy swimming. Still, there is no stated minimum age or detailed safety information here, so if you’re booking with children, ask the operator about any age or life-jacket requirements that matter to your family.

The sunset approach back to Makarska

After the swim, the speedboat heads back toward Makarska, taking about 25 minutes. Instead of returning directly from the same angle, the route enters the city from the west and gives you a panoramic view from the water.

This is where the timing can make the short trip feel special. The setting sun changes the look of the coastline, and you see Makarska from offshore rather than from its promenade or harbor. The skipper’s timing matters: one family described the return as especially memorable as the sun dipped below the horizon. Sunset times vary through the year, so check the departure time for your date rather than assuming it will match a particular hour.

Wildlife sightings are possible but not something to count on. Dolphins were seen on one trip, a lovely bonus if it happens, but the tour description does not promise them. Go for the swim, the sea views and the sunset; consider any wildlife sighting a gift.

A friendly skipper, not a history lecture

The skipper is responsible for the boat and the pace of the outing. The experience is not presented as a formal history tour, so don’t expect a detailed account of Makarska or Brač. The skipper may be able to answer questions, and the tone can be friendly and relaxed, but the main focus is getting out on the water and reaching the bay.

That distinction helps set expectations. If you want a guided cultural tour, this is not the right fit. If you want a simple boat ride with a swim and a chance to ask questions along the way, it has the essentials. The skipper’s friendliness and sunset timing were both praised, but the specific skipper can vary, so don’t book expecting a particular person.

What $46.99 gets you

At $46.99 per person, the price covers the skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment and all fees and taxes. For a roughly 90-minute trip with a crossing to another island and a swim stop, that is a reasonable way to add a boat experience without paying for a full-day excursion.

The short duration is part of the value, especially if you’re fitting this around other plans. You get a taste of the coast and a proper chance to swim, but you don’t lose a large block of the day. On the other hand, if you want hours at a beach or a longer visit to Brač, this will feel too brief. The tour is built around the boat ride and sunset, not a long island stay.

Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included. You can bring your own, so plan ahead if you want something to eat or drink during the outing. Don’t assume there will be food or refreshments available on board.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a good match if you want to get out of Makarska by boat, swim in clear water and be back in about an hour and a half. It works particularly well for couples, families with children who enjoy the water, or anyone with limited time who still wants a coastal outing.

It is less suited to someone who wants a long beach day, a structured history lesson or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. The stop is short, the focus is outdoors, and the main payoff comes from the combined ride, swim and sunset rather than from any single extended activity.

The maximum group size is 30. That is a cap, not a promise of a tiny private-style outing, so expect that other people may be aboard. The listed average booking lead time is six days, which is a useful reminder to plan ahead, particularly if your dates are fixed.

Getting ready for the harbor

Check in 15 minutes before departure at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes it easy to plan dinner or an evening stroll afterward, though you should leave yourself a little flexibility in case conditions affect the schedule.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English. It is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the local time applies. That policy is worth keeping in mind if your plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Makarska sunset speedboat?

Book it if you want a short, scenic boat trip with a real swim stop, and if seeing Makarska from the sea at sunset sounds appealing. The included snorkeling gear and straightforward 90-minute format make the price easy to weigh against what you get.

Skip it if you’re hoping for a long stay on Brač, a meal, or a detailed guided tour. The best reason to go is the combination: a quick ride across to Puntica Bay, a refreshing swim and a return along the coast as the light changes. For a limited-time taste of the Adriatic, that’s a satisfying use of an evening.

FAQ

How long does the sunset speedboat tour take?

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trip to Brač takes about 25 minutes, the swim stop lasts 40 minutes, and the return journey takes about 25 minutes.

Where does the tour leave from?

Meet at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How much time do I get at Puntica Bay?

The stop at Puntica Bay on Brač lasts about 40 minutes. You can use the time to swim, snorkel or enjoy the views.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, the skipper, fuel, and all fees and taxes are included in the price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can bring your own.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather cancels the activity, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.