Makarska: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Little Blue Cave & Lagoon

Five hours of sea light and quick stops.

This Makarska island speedboat tour is a fast, fun way to see multiple coastal spots without committing to a whole day of ferries. You anchor for swims, snorkel at the Little Blue Cave, then end with a calmer beach stop on Brač.

I especially like the small group size (max 13 people), which keeps the pace easy and the boat time feeling personal. I also love that snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included, so you can show up with just the essentials and get straight into the water.

The one catch is that sea conditions can affect access at the Little Blue Cave, and the overall day moves quickly since each stop is timed. If you’re hoping for long, slow lounging, you may feel a bit rushed.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Small group, max 13 travelers, so it feels more like a shared boat day than a cattle-style tour.
• Snorkeling gear included, which matters when you want to hop in right away.
• Little Blue Cave time on the water, with a short, focused window to snorkel inside.
• Blue Lagoon at Zečevo, anchored close enough for easy swimming and photos.
• Jelsa on Hvar for an hour, enough time for coffee and a walk without wearing out your whole day.
• Multiple island settings in one run, from Hvar’s bays to a quieter stop on Brač.

Makarska speedboat days: what this 5-hour island hop really feels like

This is the kind of trip that works because it’s efficient. You start in Makarska, then spend about five hours bouncing between anchor points, with swimming built into the schedule. Instead of choosing one beach and hoping for the best, you get several different water scenes, from rocky coves to lagoon-like bays.

The boat runs with an English speaking skipper, which helps a lot when you want clarity on what to do next and how long you have at each stop. And because the group is capped at 13, you’re less likely to feel squeezed on the boat or stuck in long lines waiting for gear or a reboard moment.

If you’re optimizing for value, the big win is that you’re not just sightseeing from the deck. You’re actually getting in the water multiple times, and snorkeling equipment is part of the deal.

Meet at Palladium Rent a Boat, and how to prep for a smooth day

You meet at PALLADIUM Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska. The location is near public transportation, so you should be able to get there without a complicated taxi plan.

Bring a swimsuit and plan to get wet. Even though snorkeling gear is included, you’ll still want the basics for comfort once you’re back onboard. Also, since food and drinks are not included, I recommend bringing your own snacks and water supplement if you like to graze during the stops, especially because the town time is just one hour.

One practical tip from the way people talk about this trip: if you have the option, pick a morning departure. Mornings often mean calmer sea and smoother water, which can directly help with cave conditions later in the day.

Stop 1: Pokrivenik Bay on Hvar, where swimming starts fast

The first stop is Pokrivenik, along Hvar Island’s northern coast. The whole point here is that you arrive by boat to a sheltered bay with crystal blue water, then anchor while you swim and snorkel.

You get about 25 minutes. That’s not enough time to become an expert underwater, but it’s perfect for a quick reset, a few laps, and checking the water around the boat. Since there’s no arrival stress or long walk from a parking lot, this is one of those starts that feels instantly vacation-like.

What I like about Pokrivenik as a first stop is the pacing. You ease into the day with a straightforward swim before the more specific snorkeling stop at the Little Blue Cave.

Little Blue Cave: snorkel time, cave access, and sea condition reality

Next comes the highlight for many people: Little Blue Cave. It’s close to Pokrivenik, and the boat anchors in front of the cave so you can snorkel and swim inside using the provided equipment.

You’ll typically have about 20 minutes here. That means you want to treat it like a focused session: gear up quickly, get in, and aim for a calm lap rather than spending the whole time negotiating straps.

Now for the important consideration: cave access can be limited depending on sea and wave conditions. The cave is popular, and when water gets rough, it can become harder to reach or comfortable to enter. This is not something you can fully control, so going with a flexible mindset is smart.

Even if conditions aren’t perfect for every swim inside the cave, the bigger value is that you’re still getting a dedicated snorkeling stop with a natural feature people come for.

Jelsa on Hvar: one hour to stretch, eat, and reset

After your water time, you head to Jelsa, described as the most popular town on Hvar’s north side. You get about one hour to explore, including time to grab a coffee.

This town has serious foot traffic during peak periods, with over 5,000 visitors daily mentioned for the area. But your hour is long enough to do the basics well: a short stroll, a casual drink break, and then back to the boat without feeling like you’re spending your entire day trapped in a schedule.

What makes Jelsa a good mid-tour break is that it balances the day. You’ve been in and out of the water already, so the land time helps your arms, shoulders, and legs recover a bit. And if you like dessert, an ice cream stop fits this window nicely, since you’re not rushed through like some quick photo stops.

Zečevo and the Blue Lagoon: turquoise water plus a waterfront bar

Next is Zečevo, famous for the Blue Lagoon feel. Zečevo is also described as the smallest island on this route, roughly 1.5 km long and about 200 m wide at its narrowest point. So you’re not visiting for big hikes. You’re visiting for the water.

You get about 25 minutes here, which is usually enough time for a couple of swims and time to stand out at the edge for photos. The bay’s turquoise look is a big part of the appeal, and the water is the main event.

There’s also an on-the-water Bungalow Bar along the waterfront. I wouldn’t plan a whole meal around it, since your time is limited, but it’s a useful option if you want a quick drink or a simple snack during your stay.

Žirje Beach on Brač: the quiet-water way to end the day

The final island stop is on Brač, at Žirje Beach in a hidden bay setting. This is where the trip shifts from “busy sightseeing” energy to “let’s relax” energy.

You get about 20 minutes here. The bay is described as tranquil, with stunning natural surroundings and turquoise water. Brač on this route is also said to be quite quiet, which is why this stop can feel noticeably calmer than the earlier ones.

What I recommend at this stage is to keep your plan simple: take a swim, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the fact that you may have the water mostly to yourself. Then you’re back onboard without the late-day fatigue that comes from longer beach hangs.

Why the skipper and the small group size matter

The experience is built around your skipper. The boat doesn’t just move from stop to stop, it also controls the vibe of the day: timing, how smoothly people reboard, and how quickly everyone gets what they need for water time.

Across the naming people use when talking about this tour, skipper names like Peter, Ante, and Carlo come up. The common thread in those comments is that the skipper keeps things informative, fun, and organized, which you feel when you’re trying to manage snorkeling gear in a short time window.

Because the group is limited to 13 travelers, you’re more likely to get attention without feeling like you’re fighting for it. It’s one of the reasons the day can feel like it doesn’t drag, but it also doesn’t feel like a rushed conveyor belt.

Snorkeling setup and what you should bring (so you enjoy the water)

Good news first: you have use of snorkeling equipment included, plus bottled water. That removes two common friction points on boat days: buying gear and carrying extra drinks.

Since food and drinks are not included, I suggest bringing something small that doesn’t take much time to eat. Think snack bars or simple treats you can grab during the quiet moments, especially if you want to keep energy up after multiple swims.

For comfort, bring the usual beach basics. Sun protection is a must since you’ll be outside and on open water. Also bring a change of clothes or at least something dry for the ride back, because even a short reboarding delay can mean you’re still wet in the wind.

Price and value: why about $108 can make sense here

At $108.61 per person for about five hours, this tour isn’t “cheap,” but it can be good value if your goal is efficient island time plus snorkeling. What you’re paying for is the boat experience itself, including fuel, taxes and fees, and the human part: an English speaking skipper.

You’re also getting snorkeling gear included, and multiple stops are built into the package. Several stops have no admission fees described for the time on site, so you’re mainly paying for the transport and guide support.

Where it feels especially worth it is if you want variety without planning complexity. You get Pokrivenik water time, Little Blue Cave snorkeling, a town break in Jelsa, and then lagoon and beach scenery at Zečevo and Žirje. If you tried to stitch together transport and gear on your own, it usually turns into more work than most people expect.

The main “value risk” is the cave conditions. If the sea is choppy and access is limited, you may feel like part of your plan changes. That’s the nature of this coast, and it’s also why morning timing and flexibility help.

When to book: timing, weather, and rebooking options

This tour is often booked ahead. The average booking lead time is 13 days, so if you want a specific time slot, don’t wait until the last minute.

Also, this experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund. And cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is a comforting safety net if you’re unsure about the forecast.

If your schedule allows, I’d aim for morning departures. People specifically recommend mornings because conditions tend to be better. And since cave access can depend on waves, the morning start is more than a feel-good suggestion.

Who this tour is perfect for, and who should think twice

This trip fits best when you want a mix of water time and real stops on land, without committing to a long day. It’s a strong match for first time visitors to the Makarska area who want to see Hvar and Brač quickly.

It’s also a good choice if you like snorkeling but you don’t want the logistics of renting gear, finding a boat, and coordinating with other groups. With the gear included and timed swims, it’s low effort, high payoff.

I’d think twice if you need guarantee-level access to the Little Blue Cave regardless of sea conditions. The schedule is short at each stop, so if you’re a slow swimmer who likes long stretches in one spot, the timed windows may feel tight.

Should you book this Makarska 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

Yes, you should book it if your top priorities are variety in a short time, included snorkeling gear, and a small group format that keeps the day friendly and organized. It’s also a good fit if you like the idea of water first, town break second, and a quieter beach finish.

You might skip it if you’re strictly chasing one specific outcome, like perfect cave access in rougher conditions, or if you’re hoping for long, laid-back hours on a single beach. The tour is built to move, and even on calm days it’s designed to pack in multiple settings.

If you want a smart island hopping day built around swimming and quick coastal stops, this one is easy to justify.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

It lasts about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at PALLADIUM Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What places are included in the tour?

The tour includes stops at Pokrivenik, Little Blue Cave, Jelsa, Zečevo (Blue Lagoon), and Žirje Beach on Brač.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you can bring your own.

Is there an English-speaking skipper?

Yes, the tour is offered with an English speaking skipper.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 13 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.