Makarska: 3 island, Cave, Cliffs, Jelsa, Lagoon, Golden Horn

Blue water, sharp cliffs, and six busy hours. This speedboat trip packs Hvar and Brač into one lively day from Makarska, with time for snorkeling and swimming at several beautiful bays. I like the mix of active stops and easy town time in Jelsa, plus the chance to see famous Zlatni Rat without arranging several separate boat rides. The main drawback is simple: there are many stops, so you get a taste of each place rather than a long, quiet visit.

I also like that fuel, water, snorkeling gear, insurance, and a sun canopy are included in the $106 price. Captains such as Emil, Antonia, and Bojden have been praised for being friendly, safe, and flexible. Bring a towel, expect a brisk ride over open water, and sit near the back if waves make the front of the boat uncomfortable.

Key details before you book

• Six stops across two islands: Visit a blue cave, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, Zečevo islet, Bol, and Golden Horn Beach.
• Best for swimming: Most of the day is spent in clear water, with snorkeling and cliff jumping at selected bays.
• Fast open-air transport: The speedboat cuts travel time, but the ride can feel rough when the sea is windy.
• Small-group feel: One recent departure had about 12 people split between two groups, though group size can vary.
• No toilet aboard: Use facilities in Jelsa, Bol, Zečevo, or Vala Hrvaska bay.
• Good value for active sightseers: At $106, the price covers the boat, fuel, captain, equipment, water, and insurance.

Leaving Makarska for Hvar’s blue water

You meet the boat at the Maris Travel sales point in Makarska port, in front of Hops restaurant bar. Pickup is also possible at the dock in front of Valamar Places hotel, if arranged.

The first ride lasts about 45 minutes. This is not a gentle ferry crossing. You are on a speedboat, with open water, spray, and changing conditions. A Bimini canopy provides shade, but a light jacket is a smart addition even on a warm morning. Several people found the front seats hard on the body when the boat hit waves, so I would choose a rear seat if you are sensitive to jolts.

The captain speaks Croatian and English. The best version of this trip depends partly on the person at the wheel. Emil has been praised for adding stories and local information, while other captains focused more on safe driving and clear instructions than formal guiding. You should expect a capable boat captain first, and a full-time historical guide only if your particular captain takes that role.

The Little Blue Cave and a first swim

After the long opening ride, the boat reaches a little blue cave on Hvar. You spend about 25 minutes here snorkeling and swimming.

This is a short stop, but it gives the morning a strong start. The cave is best understood from the water, where the light and rock create the blue effect. You will want to move easily between the boat and the sea, so keep your towel and any waterproof phone case close.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The water is clear enough for seeing fish, and the stop works well as a first taste of the day’s main theme: you are here to get into the sea, not simply photograph it from a boat.

Do not expect a long cave expedition. This is a quick swim stop, and the schedule has to keep moving. If you want a slow, detailed cave visit, this is not that sort of outing. If you want a memorable swim in an unusual setting, it earns its place.

Mala Stiniva, where cliffs meet the sea

A short 10-minute ride brings you to Mala Stiniva bay on Hvar. The boat anchors for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or jump from the rocks.

The setting is dramatic without needing much decoration. Rocky cliffs close around the pebble beach, making the bay feel sheltered and distinct from a standard open beach. The water is clear, and the cliffs provide the sort of natural platform that makes this one of the day’s best stops for confident swimmers.

Cliff jumping is optional, not a requirement. You should only jump if you are comfortable with the height and conditions. The captain gives instructions, but you remain responsible for choosing your own limit. If you prefer a quiet swim, there is plenty to enjoy at water level.

This stop is one reason I would choose the trip over a sightseeing-only boat cruise. You have enough time to do something active, rather than simply step ashore, take a picture, and leave. Still, 45 minutes passes quickly once you swim, snorkel, climb, and dry off.

Jelsa’s stone lanes and a useful lunch break

The boat then reaches Jelsa, a small town on Hvar, after about 15 minutes. You get roughly 30 minutes of free time to walk through the stone streets, browse wine shops, buy lavender items, or stop for ice cream.

Jelsa is the day’s change of pace. After several swims, you can put on dry clothes, stretch your legs, and see a little island town. It is also one of the places where you can buy food, with cash and cards accepted.

Thirty minutes is enough to get your bearings and have a quick snack. It is not enough for a relaxed meal or a serious town visit. If you want to eat, order promptly and keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat will not wait for a long lunch.

A guide may add useful context here. Emil was praised for sharing historical stories at the stops, but not every captain treats the day as a guided cultural tour. One passenger particularly wished for more background in Jelsa. My advice is to enjoy the town for its streets and small shops, and treat any extra history as a welcome bonus.

Take care when choosing a restaurant. The captain may suggest a place, but you are free to compare menus and prices before ordering. One person felt overcharged after choosing a restaurant different from the captain’s suggestion, so a quick look at the menu is sensible.

Zečevo islet and the blue lagoon bar

Next comes Zečevo islet, reached after about 10 minutes. The boat stays for around 45 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, snorkel, or have a drink at the cocktail bar in the bay.

This stop has a social feel that differs from Mala Stiniva. At Mala Stiniva, the cliffs and pebble shore create the mood. At Zečevo, the attraction is the clear water, open swimming area, and the option to get a cold drink without leaving the bay.

The water is a good place to watch fish. One captain even fed the fish during a swim, which made the stop more memorable for the group. Do not count on that exact extra, but do bring your mask if you want to make the most of the snorkeling.

A drink at the bar is not included in the tour price. The same applies to food throughout the day. This is also one of the places with toilet access, an important detail on a six-hour boat trip.

Bol and the famous Golden Horn

The boat reaches the Brač side near Bol after about 20 minutes. You have around 45 minutes for sightseeing, free time, swimming, and snorkeling, followed by about 40 minutes at Golden Horn Beach, also called Zlatni Rat.

The two Brač stops are easy to confuse, but they serve different purposes. Bol gives you a town visit and another chance to eat or use the toilet. Golden Horn gives you the famous beach itself, with its distinctive pointed shape extending into the sea.

Zlatni Rat is one of Croatia’s best-known beach scenes, and seeing it from the water helps explain its fame. The shape is unusual, and the surrounding sea is inviting. You can swim, walk around, or simply enjoy the view before the return ride.

There is a catch. The beach can be crowded, and people on shore make the famous shape harder to appreciate. One recent passenger would have preferred more time at a quieter bay instead. If your dream is to photograph an empty Zlatni Rat, this short scheduled stop may disappoint. If you want to say you visited one of Brač’s signature sights, it is a useful inclusion.

The schedule lists both Bol and Golden Horn, so expect the Brač portion to feel fairly full. You are not getting a long beach day here. You are collecting several different views of the island in one afternoon.

The quiet bay and beach swing on the way home

On the return journey, the boat passes near Brač and stops for a short swim in a quieter bay. A beach swing serves as a bonus photo spot, and the captain may point out dolphins in their natural setting.

Dolphins are wildlife, not a guaranteed attraction, so keep your expectations sensible. Still, it is worth watching the water during the ride. The final swim gives you one more chance to get in before returning to Makarska, and a quiet bay can feel especially good after the more famous Golden Horn stop.

The complete outing lasts about six hours, including the speedboat rides. That is a lot of ground in a short time, but the timing is one of the trip’s strengths. You get swimming, snorkeling, two island towns, a cave, a lagoon, cliffs, and a famous beach without spending a full day on only one location.

The route can change direction according to sea conditions. Bad weather or rough seas can also lead to a cancellation or rescheduled departure. That is worth remembering if this is your only planned day on the water.

What the $106 price really covers

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It is a full boat day with fuel, a local captain, bottled drinking water in an ice box, snorkeling equipment, life jackets for emergencies, insurance, and sun protection.

The value is strongest if you planned to visit several islands and bays anyway. Booking separate transport, finding the stops, and paying for fuel would be awkward and likely costly. Here, you pay for one coordinated route and spend more of your day swimming than arranging logistics.

Food and drinks beyond the included water cost extra. You can buy them in Jelsa, Bol, or Vala Hrvaska bay, where cash and cards are accepted. The Vala Hrvaska restaurant is closed in October, so do not depend on that stop for a meal late in the season.

The trip suits people who want variety. It is less suitable if you prefer one beach, a slow lunch, or a quiet boat ride with little movement. Six hours sounds generous, but with this many locations, the day keeps a quick rhythm.

Comfort, safety, and who should book

The boat has a Bimini cover, but you should still bring sun protection, water-friendly clothing, and a towel. A light jacket helps on the faster crossings, especially if the day is windy or cool.

I would sit toward the back if you are prone to motion discomfort or dislike hard impacts from waves. The front may give a more exciting ride, but it can be rough. The captain provides life jackets for emergencies, and several people praised the careful driving and clear instructions.

This is a strong choice for:

• Couples and friends who want active swimming stops
• People who enjoy snorkeling more than long city visits
• Families with older children who can handle a speedboat and open-water stops
• Anyone staying in Makarska who wants to sample Hvar and Brač in one day
• Visitors who value a local captain and a flexible approach to changing sea conditions

It is not suitable for pregnant women or babies under one year. Pets are not allowed. There is no toilet on the boat, so use one in Jelsa, Bol, Zečevo, or Vala Hrvaska bay.

The group can feel reasonably personal. One recent departure had about 12 people divided into two smaller guided groups. That should not be treated as a fixed promise for every date, but it gives you an idea of how the experience may feel when the boat is not full.

Should you book this Makarska island tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy sampler of Hvar and Brač, with clear water, cliff jumping, snorkeling, a blue cave, Jelsa, Zečevo Lagoon, and Zlatni Rat all in one six-hour trip. The most praised features are the beautiful swim stops, friendly captains, safe handling, and the amount of ground covered.

Think twice if you dislike fast boats, need long meals, or want quiet beaches without crowds. The Golden Horn stop can feel busy, the front seats can be rough in waves, and the amount of historical information depends on your captain.

For the best chance of a comfortable day, sit near the rear, bring a towel and light jacket, carry some money for food or drinks, and keep your schedule flexible because sea conditions can change the route. With those expectations, the $106 price is fair for an active day that would be difficult to arrange independently.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Makarska?

The meeting point is the Maris Travel sales point in Makarska port, in front of Hops restaurant bar. Pickup may also be possible at the dock in front of Valamar Places hotel.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about six hours, including the boat rides and stops around Hvar and Brač.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled drinking water, fuel, insurance, and a Bimini sun cover are included.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. Toilets are available in Jelsa, Bol, Zečevo islet, and Vala Hrvaska bay.

Is food included in the price?

No. You can buy food in Jelsa, Bol, or Vala Hrvaska bay. Cash and cards are accepted, but the Vala Hrvaska restaurant is closed in October.

Can the tour be canceled or changed?

Yes. Bad weather and poor sea conditions can cause the tour to be canceled, rescheduled, or operated in the opposite direction. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.