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

The most memorable part of this five-hour speedboat tour is the chance to swim into a small blue cave on Hvar. You also get cliff jumping at Mala Stiniva, a stop in the pretty harbor town of Jelsa, and clear-water swims around Zečevo and Brač.

I like the small groups of 10 or 12 and the well-spaced stops, which give you time to swim without spending the whole day aboard. I also like that guides such as Greg, Marko, Filip, and Dinko have been praised for being friendly, careful, and good company on the water. The main drawback is simple: you get only 50 minutes in Jelsa, and the boat has no restroom.

Key points to know

• The blue cave is a swimming stop: You enter from the sea, so you need confidence in open water.
• Mala Stiniva adds the fun factor: Swim, snorkel, and cliff jump in a dramatic Hvar bay.
• Jelsa gives the day some culture: You have about 50 minutes to walk the waterfront and old streets.
• Zečevo and Brač keep the pace varied: Expect more quiet bays, fish, and time in the water.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction: Expect fast crossings, exposed coastline, and possible waves.
• Pack for a wet half-day: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What this Makarska speedboat trip gets right

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you sit back and watch the islands slide past. It is a swimming-focused outing with several short boat crossings and a useful land stop in Jelsa.

From Makarska, you travel toward the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Zečevo. The boat is used to reach small coves and cliff-lined water that would be awkward to visit by car or regular ferry. That is the real value here. You are not simply going from one large port to another.

The tour is rated 4.9 from 333 ratings, with 91 percent of participants giving it a perfect score. The strongest pattern is clear: people praise the boat, the friendly skippers, the smooth organization, and the balance between swimming and exploring.

I would choose this trip if you want a busy half-day at sea with plenty of water time. I would not choose it if you want a slow island tour, a long visit to Hvar Town, or a full meal on board.

Makarska Marina and the first 40 minutes at sea

The main meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk at Makarska marina. Pickup can also be arranged from selected points around Makarska, including Bluesun Hotel Neptun, Bluesun Hotel Alga, Medora Auri Family Beach Resort, the Tip-extreme bus stop, and the Biokovo Skywalk and zip line area.

If you use pickup, the operator sends the exact time and location the day before. Arrive a few minutes early. The marina meeting point is the safer choice if you want to avoid confusion, and you can call the operator if you have trouble finding the desk.

The first crossing takes about 40 minutes. That may sound long on paper, but it is part of the outing. You get open views of the Adriatic, rocky shores, green slopes, and the mainland fading behind you.

A speedboat is exciting, but it is not the smoothest way to travel. On calm days, the ride should feel fast and refreshing. In rougher conditions, you can bounce around, and the spray may reach the seating area. People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking.

Life jackets are kept on board, and the local skipper handles the route. Guides named Greg, Marko, Filip, Dinko, Josef, and others have led recent departures, but you should not assume a particular person will be assigned to your boat.

Pokrivenik and Hvar’s small blue cave

The first main stop is Pokrivenik, a coastal area on Hvar with cliffs, clear water, and the small blue cave that gives the trip one of its best moments. You have about 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling.

The cave is not a dry cavern reached by foot. You enter through the water, so you need to swim from the boat or shore into a dark opening in the cliffs. Inside, the water takes on a blue glow as your eyes adjust. It is a short, natural stop rather than a long cave tour.

That distinction matters. The cave is atmospheric because it is small and reached by water, not because it contains a walkway, lighting system, or formal attraction. If you dislike swimming into enclosed spaces, you can stay outside and enjoy the cliffs instead.

Bring your own sense of comfort. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the operator also excludes children under four, pregnant women, people with serious mobility limits or back problems, wheelchair users, and people over 75. The boat carries life jackets, but this is still an active sea outing.

Snorkel masks and tubes are included. At the rocky bays, you might see small fish, sea urchins, and, depending on the day, harmless jellyfish. The water can feel chilly outside the main summer season, especially in May and October.

Mala Stiniva: swimming, snorkeling, and optional cliff jumping

After about 20 minutes on the boat, you reach Mala Stiniva, one of Hvar’s most attractive stops. The bay is framed by steep stone sides, and the water is well suited to a swim or short snorkeling session.

You have roughly 30 minutes here. That is enough for a proper swim, a look below the surface, and time to jump from the rocks if conditions and your confidence allow it.

Cliff jumping is optional, of course. The tour description presents it as a highlight, but you should never feel pressured to jump. The rocks are natural, the water conditions can change, and a safe entry is more important than copying somebody else.

I like this stop because it gives the day a bit of energy after the first cave visit. You can swim quietly, snorkel near the rocks, or take part in the more playful side of the trip. If you want a calm outing with no physical activity, this will feel more demanding than a standard boat ride.

Jelsa gives the tour a welcome change of pace

The boat then heads to Jelsa, a small harbor town on Hvar. You get about 50 minutes of free time, making this the longest stop on land.

Jelsa is a good counterpoint to the coves. Walk along the waterfront, look into the old streets, and stop for a coffee, drink, or ice cream. The town is compact enough for a short visit, but 50 minutes is not enough for a relaxed meal or an in-depth tour.

This is also where the schedule may feel slightly uneven. The swim stops are generally around 20 to 30 minutes, while Jelsa receives nearly an hour. Some people will welcome the chance to stretch their legs and dry off. Others will wish that more of this time had been added to the cave or swimming stops.

The skipper may offer information about the island and suggestions for food in Makarska, but this is not a formal walking tour. You explore Jelsa on your own. Keep an eye on the time and return to the boat as instructed.

Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon and the quieter Brač stop

A short 10-minute crossing takes you from Jelsa to Zečevo, an uninhabited islet known for its Blue Lagoon. You have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel.

This is the kind of stop that makes a speedboat useful. Zečevo is not a town visit or a major developed beach. The attraction is the water itself, plus the feeling of being away from the mainland.

The color can be striking in good weather, but remember that conditions affect every coastal photograph and every swim. Wind, clouds, boat traffic, and the number of other craft can change the mood. The operator aims for quieter places, but no open-water tour can promise that you will have an entire bay to yourself.

The final swimming stop is Žirje Beach on Brač, reached after about 30 minutes at sea. You get another 30 minutes to swim and snorkel, followed by a 20-minute return crossing.

This last stop is useful because it gives you one more chance to get in the water without rushing straight back to Makarska. It also breaks up the return journey. By this point, you may be ready for a dry towel and a quieter seat, so bring a cover-up and keep your belongings in a secure bag.

The boat, group size, and comfort

The maximum group is 10 or 12, depending on the boat model. That is small enough for the skipper to speak with everyone and help people get back aboard after swimming.

Recent boats have been described as modern, clean, comfortable, and stable in the waves. One group received a larger luxury boat, while another praised the storage space and bottled water. You should still expect a practical speedboat rather than a shaded yacht with lounge areas.

There is no restroom on board. This is one of the few real comfort limitations, especially if you are bringing young children or usually need frequent facilities. Use the marina facilities before departure and plan to wait until the next stop in Jelsa.

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and oversize luggage is not permitted. Bring only what you need for the water. A small dry bag or compact backpack is more useful than a large suitcase.

Guides make a real difference

The skipper is not just the person driving. During a five-hour trip with several short stops, a friendly guide affects the whole tone of the day.

Greg has been singled out for being social, helpful, informative, and attentive when people climbed back into the boat. Marko has been praised for his explanations, humor, and easy manner. Filip, Dinko, Josef, Carlos, Craig, and others have also led departures with a mix of safety guidance and local information.

The exact style may vary by skipper. One recent assessment felt that not enough information was given about the stops, while most of the feedback praised the guide’s communication. If hearing local facts is especially important to you, ask questions as you go rather than waiting for a formal commentary.

You may also see dolphins. Sightings have happened on the way out or back, and one skipper stopped so the group could watch them. This is a lucky extra, not part of the guaranteed schedule.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. You are paying for a five-hour route, a local skipper, a speedboat, fuel-intensive crossings, snorkel equipment, bottled water, life jackets, and insurance.

The value depends on how much you want to do in one half-day. A regular ferry may cost less, but it will not take you into a small blue cave, to Mala Stiniva, around Zečevo, or to a quiet Brač bay. A private boat would offer more freedom but would normally cost much more per person unless you have a large group.

For me, the strongest value is the variety. You get a cave, two Hvar swim areas, Jelsa, a lagoon, and a Brač beach without organizing several separate transfers. The price feels fair for an active day on the water, especially if you make full use of the snorkeling and swimming stops.

Food is not included, so bring a snack if you need one. Do not bring a large picnic or bulky beach equipment. There is no promise of a restaurant stop beyond the free time in Jelsa.

What to bring and who should book

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Pack a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, water-friendly clothing, and a light layer for the boat ride. A second shirt can be useful after several swims.

You should book this if you:

• Enjoy swimming in open water
• Want a fast way to see several island locations
• Like small groups instead of a large cruise boat
• Are comfortable with waves and repeated boat crossings
• Want both natural stops and a short town visit

You should think twice if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Cannot swim
• Need a restroom during a five-hour outing
• Want a long, relaxed visit in Jelsa
• Prefer a quiet sightseeing cruise with little physical activity

The tour is not suitable for people with motion sickness, and the operator specifically lists people prone to seasickness among those who should not join. Bad weather can lead to a rescheduled trip or a full refund.

Should you book the three-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want the best mix of swimming and scenery in one half-day from Makarska. The blue cave and Mala Stiniva provide the most memorable moments, while Jelsa keeps the day from becoming five straight hours of saltwater and boat spray.

I would especially recommend the morning departure in hot weather. One summer booking advised taking the 8 a.m. trip because the midday sun becomes intense. Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat, and check the forecast before choosing your date.

Skip it if you need a gentle boat ride, reliable bathroom access, or a long cultural visit. For active visitors who are happy to get wet, accept a little bouncing, and enjoy a full schedule, this is a strong use of five hours around Makarska.

FAQ

How long does the Makarska speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the boat crossings, swimming and snorkeling stops, and free time in Jelsa.

Which islands and locations does the tour visit?

The route includes Brač, Hvar, and Zečevo. Stops include Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Žirje Beach.

Can I swim into the blue cave?

Yes. The blue cave is reached by swimming from the boat or nearby water into the cave opening. You should be comfortable swimming in open water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water and life jackets stored on board.

How much time do I get in Jelsa?

You get about 50 minutes of free time in Jelsa for sightseeing, walking, or buying a drink or ice cream.

Is cliff jumping included?

Mala Stiniva is used for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Jumping is optional, and you should only do it if you are confident and conditions are safe.

How many people are on each boat?

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

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board, so use facilities before leaving Makarska.

Does the price include food?

No. Food is not included. Bring a small snack if needed, and use your free time in Jelsa to buy food or a drink.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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