From Makarska: Hidden Gems of Hvar Island’s North Shore

Hvar’s north shore is made for a fast boat. In five hours, you reach quiet coves, steep sea cliffs, and clear water that would be awkward to visit by road. I like the two proper swim stops, especially Mala Stiniva for cliff jumping, and I like the one-hour-plus break in Jelsa, which gives the day more variety than a simple beach outing. The drawback is the ride itself: the speedboat can be rough, and anyone sitting at the front may get wet.

I also like the small-group limit, which keeps the trip more personal than a large excursion boat. Skippers including Dinko, Goran, Marko, and Marco have been praised for being friendly and helpful, with one crew even turning back for a flying cap and another offering drone photos. Still, this is not a good choice if you are pregnant, have back trouble, use a wheelchair, are prone to seasickness, or are over 70.

Key points before you book

• 35-minute speedboat ride from Makarska: You cross to Hvar quickly, but expect spray and a lively ride.
• Two northern Hvar swimming coves: Veliki Pokrivenik and Mala Stiniva each allow about 35 minutes in the water.
• Mala Stiniva suits cliff jumpers: Its near-vertical rock walls make it the most active stop.
• Jelsa adds a welcome change of pace: You get 70 minutes for coffee, a walk, and old-town sights.
• Zečevo islet has clear water and a beach bar: It is the final swim and snorkeling stop.
• Small groups and useful equipment: Masks, snorkels, bottled water, warm jackets, and safety gear are included.

Why this north shore trip works so well

Hvar is famous, but the island’s most rewarding coastal moments are often away from the main resort towns. This outing focuses on the north shore, where coves, rock walls, and small beaches are easier to reach by boat than by car.

The plan is simple: leave Makarska, spend time in two secluded bays, pause in Jelsa, then finish at Zečevo islet. You get four different kinds of time in one half-day: a scenic crossing, active swimming, a town visit, and a final rest by the sea.

At $91 per person, the price is fair if you want several stops without arranging your own boat. A professional skipper, fuel-powered transport, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, safety equipment, insurance, and warm jackets are included. Food is not included, and there is no restroom on board, so you should plan around those limits.

The group size matters. The usual limit is 10 people, though some boats may carry 12. That is small enough for easier communication with your skipper and less crowding around the swim stops. It also gives the day a more relaxed feel than a large boat carrying dozens of people.

The ride from Makarska to Veliki Pokrivenik

The meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute from the Ferris wheel. From there, the first crossing takes about 35 minutes.

This opening ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You get a broad view of the Dalmatian coast as the boat heads toward Hvar. A speedboat covers the distance far faster than a slower sightseeing vessel, leaving more time for swimming and Jelsa.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat moves sharply over the water, especially when the sea is not calm. One useful seating tip is to choose the back if you want more shade and less spray. The front gives you a stronger sense of speed but may leave you wet during the crossing and the return trip.

Bring a light change of clothes even on a hot day. The operator supplies warm jackets, but a dry shirt or shorts can make the ride home much more comfortable. Sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel belong in your day bag.

Veliki Pokrivenik, a quiet first swim

Veliki Pokrivenik is the first stop, with about 35 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The bay has pebble beaches, high rock walls, and a concealed cave that adds interest to the shoreline.

This stop is a good introduction because you can choose your level of activity. With the provided mask and snorkel, you can look into the clear water around the rocky edges. If you would rather stay dry, you can sit in the sun and take in the cliffs.

The time passes quickly. Thirty-five minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a short look beneath the surface, but it is not a long beach session. You will need to be ready to return to the boat when the skipper calls.

There is also a practical point here: the bay is valued for its quiet setting rather than for a long list of facilities. Do not expect a full beach service area at every stop. Food is not provided during the trip, so bring something to eat if you need more than a drink and a swim.

Mala Stiniva brings the action

Mala Stiniva is the most dramatic stop on the route. Stone cliffs drop almost straight into the sea, creating a narrow, striking bay with clear water and natural ledges for cliff jumping.

You can swim and snorkel for another 35 minutes, or take part in the more active side of the stop. Cliff jumping is available here, but it is optional. If you are unsure, watch first and choose only a jump that fits your comfort and ability.

This is also where the small boat setup helps. With no more than 10 or 12 people, you are not competing with a huge crowd for the best place to enter the water. Still, the boat does not turn this into a supervised cliff-jumping lesson. Use care, follow the skipper’s instructions, and do not jump simply because other people do.

The water can feel especially inviting after the ride. A mask and snorkel are included, so you do not need to rent basic equipment separately. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, since neither is supplied.

Jelsa gives the day a town break

After the two swim stops, the boat continues to Jelsa, an old town on Hvar with historic monuments and a waterfront setting. You get about 70 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the day.

That extra hour matters. A five-hour boat trip can otherwise feel like one swim stop after another, but Jelsa gives you time to walk, have coffee, and see a little of Hvar’s past. You can keep your visit easy and unhurried, or use the time to explore the town center before meeting the boat again.

Jelsa is not a full island tour. You will not have time to cover every street or attraction. Think of it as a pleasant pause between water activities, with enough time to stretch your legs and get a drink.

Because food is not included, Jelsa may be your most useful chance to buy something during the outing. The supplied information does not promise a meal stop, so do not rely on a set lunch. If you know you get hungry after swimming, pack a snack before departure.

Zečevo islet closes the route

Opposite Jelsa, Zečevo islet is only a short boat ride away. It is unpopulated and protected as a significant natural area, with clear turquoise water and a quiet, open setting.

The final stop lasts about 40 minutes. That gives you time for another swim and a look underwater with the supplied snorkeling equipment. After two earlier bays and a walk in Jelsa, this stop works well as a slower finish.

Zečevo also has a beach bar. You can visit it if you want a drink and a break from the water, though the availability of services can vary with the season. The bar is a useful detail, since the other swimming coves may offer little or nothing on shore.

Do not expect a developed resort on Zečevo. Its appeal is the lack of buildings and the feeling of being away from the main island towns. You may prefer this stop if you want quiet water and open surroundings rather than another busy beach.

What the skipper adds to the day

The skipper is more than the person steering the boat. The best part of a small-group outing is the chance to ask questions, get help with equipment, and receive clear guidance about each stop.

Dinko has been singled out for being professional, cool, and friendly. Goran has been described as flexible and easy to work with, including during a late-season change to a different island route. Marko and Marco have also received praise for explaining the places and activities clearly.

Those details suggest a useful strength of the operation: the mood can depend on the person at the helm, but the skippers are generally presented as approachable. One crew even turned the boat around after a passenger’s cap blew away. Another provided drone photos of a family in the water.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. A skipper may be handling the boat, safety, timing, and passengers at once. One account raised a concern about a captain using a phone instead of watching swimmers closely, so I would pay attention to the safety briefing and speak up if you need help.

The boat, equipment, and comfort limits

Masks and snorkels are included, which saves you from bringing or renting your own basic kit. Bottled water, warm jackets, safety equipment, and insurance are also covered.

There is no restroom on board. With a five-hour duration and several swim stops, this is worth considering before you leave Makarska. Use facilities before departure and take the Jelsa stop as your natural mid-trip break.

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets are not permitted. Wheelchair users cannot take part, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people prone to seasickness, or people over 70.

The speedboat can be rough between stops and on the return to Makarska. If you are sensitive to motion, this is a serious consideration rather than a minor inconvenience. Weather also matters. In poor conditions, the operator offers either a full refund or a rescheduled trip.

Who will get the most from the $91 price

I would choose this tour if I wanted to see several coastal places in a short time and did not want to rent a boat myself. The cost covers transport, a skipper, basic water equipment, safety gear, water, jackets, and insurance. That is solid value for a five-hour outing with four distinct stops.

It suits active couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable swimming from a boat. It also works for anyone who wants a quick taste of Hvar without moving accommodation from Makarska.

The tour is less suitable if you want a long, quiet beach day. The swimming windows are about 35 to 40 minutes, and the boat schedule keeps moving. You also need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the boat and coping with spray.

The schedule may change late in the season if numbers are low. A group can be moved to a three-island outing instead, as happened to one party, while still keeping the day focused on swimming, scenic coves, and Jelsa. If you have your heart set on every listed stop, confirm the exact plan before departure.

My practical packing advice

Keep your belongings light and protected from spray. A waterproof pouch for phones and cash is sensible, though it is not listed as supplied equipment.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• A small snack, since food is not included
• A phone case or dry bag for spray
• Comfortable clothing for walking in Jelsa

Wear sunscreen before boarding, then reapply during the day. Much of the outing takes place on open water, and the reflected sun can catch you even when the breeze feels cool.

Plan to arrive at the Promare Boat Charter desk on the Makarska waterfront. It is close to the Ferris wheel, and the activity returns to the same point.

Should you book this Hvar boat tour?

Book it if you want a fast, active half-day on the water with several scenic stops and a small group. The mix of cliff-lined coves, snorkeling, cliff jumping, Jelsa, and Zečevo gives you more variety than a basic swimming cruise.

Skip it if you dislike rough boat rides, need a restroom on board, want a full meal included, or prefer long stretches on one beach. For the right person, $91 buys efficient access to parts of Hvar that are difficult to reach from land, plus enough time in Jelsa to make the day feel like more than a boat transfer.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people are in the group?

The normal maximum is 10 or 12 participants, depending on the boat model.

What swimming stops are included?

The route includes Veliki Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, and Zečevo islet. Each offers time for swimming, and snorkeling is available at the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

How much free time do you get in Jelsa?

You get about 70 minutes in Jelsa for coffee, walking, and sightseeing.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Zečevo has a beach bar, and Jelsa offers time for a coffee or other purchase.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

What happens if the weather is bad?

You are offered a full refund or the chance to reschedule the trip if weather conditions make the outing unsuitable.