From Makarska:Hvar and Brač Island : Day Tour with speedboat

The best part of this nine-hour private speedboat trip is the freedom to trade crowded waterfronts for quiet coves, clear water, and small island stops. You can choose the Golden route around Brač and Hvar, or the Blue route with Pokrivenik and a small blue cave where swimming inside is possible.

I like the choice of two boats and two route plans, and I like that skippers such as Emil, Borna, Matija, and Maria have adjusted the day to suit each group. The main catch is the price: the advertised $236 covers the group booking, but skipper and fuel cost an additional €200 or €320 in cash, depending on the boat.

Key points at a glance

• Two distinct routes: Choose the Golden route for Brač’s Golden Horn, or the Blue route for Pokrivenik and the small blue cave.
• Private boat, not a shared excursion: The Quicksilver takes up to six people, while the Cap Camarat holds up to ten.
• Quiet swimming stops: Biskup, Mala Stiniva, Puntica, and Lantina offer time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing away from busy ports.
• Vrboska is the lunch stop: This small Hvar town, known as Little Venice, gives you time to order local fish, seafood, meat, or another meal.
• Cliff jumping is optional: Mala Stiniva is the main stop for jumping, but you can simply swim or sit by the water.
• Extra costs matter: Skipper and fuel are paid in cash on the day, and lunch is separate.

A private island day from Makarska

From Makarska, the boat takes you into the island world of central Dalmatia. This is not a slow ferry ride with a fixed deck and a long list of passengers. It is a private outing on a small motorboat, with stops built around swimming, short visits, and time on the water.

That difference matters. You are not just going to one famous beach, taking a quick photograph, and heading back. The day links several islands and bays, with enough flexibility for your skipper to change the order or adjust the stops to your group.

The tour runs for about nine hours, normally from 9:00 to 18:00. That is a full day in the sun, so bring patience for the heat as well as enthusiasm for the scenery. The boats have a Bimini sun canopy, an ice box, a water shower, and an audio system, but you will still want sun protection, swimwear, and a towel.

Choosing between the Golden and Blue routes

The Golden route is the better choice if you want to see Brač’s famous Golden Horn and add a classic old-town stop in Hvar. It begins with Biskup beach, then moves to Bol, Zečevo, Vrboska, and Mala Stiniva.

The Blue route gives you a little more variety in the water stops. It includes Pokrivenik beach, the small blue cave on Hvar, Mala Stiniva, Zečevo, Vrboska, and Puntica beach on Brač.

The routes overlap at several points, including Vrboska, Zečevo, and Mala Stiniva. The practical choice comes down to priorities. Pick Golden if Golden Horn is high on your Dalmatia list. Pick Blue if swimming into a small cave sounds more appealing than visiting Bol.

The route can also be adjusted to your wishes. That does not mean every stop can be added without affecting the schedule, but it does give a private group more say than a standard coach or ferry excursion.

Biskup beach and the Brač opening

On the Golden route, Biskup beach is the first major stop. It is described as a quiet beach with clear water and few, if any, other people. The appeal here is simple: you get into the sea early, before the day becomes a string of sightseeing stops.

This is one of the best places to use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The water is clear, and the stop is designed for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing rather than a long town visit.

The tradeoff is that a quiet beach offers limited facilities. The information provided does not promise cafés, changing rooms, or beach services, so treat this as a natural swimming stop. If you need shade, food, or a proper changing area, plan ahead.

Golden Horn at Bol

The next Golden route stop is Bol and its famous Golden Horn beach. This is the postcard moment of the Brač portion, with a long, pointed beach reaching into the sea.

Golden Horn is a must-see sight for many people visiting Brač, but it is also the route’s most famous stop. That means it may feel less private than Biskup or the smaller bays. Use it for the view, a swim, and photographs, then enjoy the fact that the boat soon moves on to quieter places.

A boat approach gives you a useful perspective. From the water, you can see the shape of the beach clearly, rather than arriving only as a beachgoer among many others. You will have free time here, but the exact balance between swimming and sightseeing depends on the skipper and the day’s conditions.

Pokrivenik and the small blue cave

The Blue route begins with Pokrivenik beach before reaching the small blue cave on Hvar. The cave is one of the more unusual stops because you can swim into it and look around from inside.

This is not presented as a grand cave system or a long underground tour. Think of it as a short, memorable water stop that adds something different to the day. You will need to be comfortable entering the water and following the skipper’s instructions.

Pokrivenik gives the Blue route a strong opening. Instead of heading directly to the busiest named beach, you start with a quieter bay and then move toward the cave. The sequence works well for people who prefer swimming and small natural sights over a full day of town visits.

Zečevo’s Lantina beach

Lantina beach is on Zečevo, a small island near Hvar. Reaching it by boat is part of the appeal. You get a brief island stop without the scale or formality of a major port.

The stop is described as a unique experience, and it suits the general character of this tour: small bays, clear water, and time to relax rather than a packed schedule of monuments. Snorkeling equipment is included, so this is another place to swim and look below the surface.

There is no promise of extensive visitor infrastructure at Lantina. I would treat it as a nature stop and bring anything you need for the next few hours. The boat has an ice box, but lunch is not included, and your main meal comes later in Vrboska.

Vrboska, Hvar’s small Venice

Vrboska is the day’s main town stop. It is a small Hvar settlement often called Little Venice, with a historic waterfront and a different feel from the open beaches and coves.

You have time here for lunch. The available choices include local fresh fish, seafood, meat, or something else, so this is the point in the day when you can sit down for a proper meal instead of relying on snacks from the boat.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. That is normal for a private boat day, but you need to budget for it. The stop is also a good reason not to overpack the morning with extra swimming time. You will likely appreciate a meal and a walk after several hours in the sun.

Vrboska adds cultural interest without turning the day into a formal history tour. The focus remains on enjoying the town, eating, and getting back on the water.

Mala Stiniva for cliff jumping

Mala Stiniva beach on Hvar is the main stop for cliff jumping. If you want an active moment, this is where the day gets more exciting. If you do not want to jump, you can swim or simply enjoy the setting.

The tour description does not set out jump heights, safety conditions, or a required level of swimming ability. Do not assume that every jump is suitable for every person. Listen to the skipper, check the water, and skip the jump if you are unsure.

This is also one of the places where a flexible private trip helps. A group with keen swimmers may want more time here. A group with children, cautious swimmers, or mixed interests may prefer a shorter stop and more time in the water at a calmer bay.

Puntica beach and the swing

The Blue route ends its island-hopping section at Puntica beach on Brač. It is described as a calm bay with a swing, giving the final stop a slower, more relaxed mood.

After a morning of cave swimming and cliff-jump options, Puntica offers a chance to settle down. You can swim, take photographs, use the swing, or enjoy the last quiet stretch before returning to Makarska.

The Golden route has a similar relaxing stop at Biskup earlier in the day, while the Blue route places Puntica later. That small difference may influence your choice. If you like ending with a calm swim, Blue has the advantage. If you prefer a quiet beach at the start, Golden begins more gently.

The boats, space, and what is included

The smaller option is a Quicksilver Activ 605 Open for up to six people. The larger option is a Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 for up to ten people.

For a group of six, the smaller boat may feel like the natural fit. For fewer than six, you can book the larger boat for more room and comfort. This is worth considering because nine hours on a boat feels very different when everyone has space to sit, move, and store belongings.

Both boat options include:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Life vests
• Bimini sun protection
• An ice box
• A water shower
• An audio system

The boat condition has been a strong part of the experience. Borna was praised for choosing a boat that suited the group, while other groups found the transport highly satisfactory. The supplied equipment is practical rather than luxurious, but it covers the basics for a long swimming day.

Dolphin sightings are possible, though never guaranteed. The trip includes dolphin watching and marine-life viewing as part of the boat cruise, so keep your eyes open during the crossings. Do not book this as a dedicated dolphin-watching trip.

Skippers who shape the day

The skipper matters here because the activity is private and the route has room for adjustment. Emil has been described as friendly, capable, and flexible. Borna received praise for finding quiet bays without hovering over the group. Matija was noted for changing the schedule around the group’s wishes.

Maria was also singled out for her local knowledge and for taking a group to a particularly good lunch restaurant in Vrboska. English and Croatian are available, which makes the practical side of the day easier for English-speaking visitors.

The style is not a formal guided tour packed with commentary. It is closer to having a boat driver who knows the stops and can help you shape the day. If you want nonstop historical explanation, this may feel light. If you want swimming, scenery, and an adaptable schedule, it is a good match.

What the price really means

The advertised cost is $236 per group of up to ten people. That looks attractive when divided among a full group, but it is not the final amount.

Skipper and fuel are extra, paid in cash on the day:

• €200 for the Quicksilver option for up to six people
• €320 for the Cap Camarat option for up to ten people

Lunch is also separate. You should calculate the full group cost before booking, particularly if your party is small. A private boat can still offer good value when six to ten people share the cost, but a couple or small family may find the total less appealing than the headline price suggests.

The value comes from control and coverage. In one day, you can reach several beaches, two or three islands, Vrboska, and the small blue cave without arranging separate boat transport. You also avoid paying for a large shared excursion where the stops and schedule are fixed.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend it most strongly to groups of friends, families, and couples who want a full day on the water and are happy to swim several times. It is especially good for people who prefer small bays to long beach stays and want a private boat rather than a crowded excursion.

It also works well for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can relax under the canopy, and someone else can choose a cliff jump. The skipper can adjust the day rather than forcing everyone into the same activity at every stop.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboat travel, want a slow sailing trip, or need a fully structured historical tour. The schedule is active, the day is long, and the main attractions are reached by water. Anyone prone to motion sickness should consider that before booking.

The current rating is 4.9 from 30 ratings, and 94 percent of ratings give the experience a perfect score. The most consistent strengths are skipper flexibility, good boat condition, attractive swimming stops, and the chance to keep the boat private for your group.

Practical planning before you go

The meeting point depends on the option booked, with Poseidon Rent a Boat and IvaMare Boats listed as the possible starting and ending points. Confirm the exact location before the morning of departure.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and cash for the skipper and fuel. Since lunch is not included, allow extra money for your meal in Vrboska. You may also want a dry bag for phones and cameras, although a dry bag is not listed among the included items.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times should be checked when booking, even though the suggested routes begin at 9:00 and return around 18:00.

Should you book this Makarska speedboat tour?

Book it if your ideal Dalmatian day includes clear water, several island stops, a small cave, a famous beach, and the freedom to change plans. The private format is the real selling point, especially when you have enough people to share the cost.

Before paying, confirm which boat you need, add the €200 or €320 cash charge, and budget for lunch. Choose Golden for Golden Horn and a classic Brač and Hvar combination. Choose Blue for the small blue cave, Pokrivenik, and a calmer final stop at Puntica.

For a group that wants to swim, explore, and let the skipper shape the day around its interests, this is a strong use of a summer day from Makarska. It offers more variety than a single beach trip, with enough quiet stops to keep the famous sights from taking over.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about nine hours. The suggested routes begin at 9:00 and return to Makarska Harbour at approximately 18:00.

Where does the tour start?

The starting location depends on the option booked. The listed possible locations are Poseidon Rent a Boat and IvaMare Boats.

How many people can join the tour?

The Quicksilver Activ 605 Open holds up to six people. The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 holds up to ten people.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is offered as a private group experience, so your group has the boat to itself.

What is the difference between the Golden and Blue routes?

The Golden route includes Biskup beach, Bol and Golden Horn, Lantina beach, Vrboska, and Mala Stiniva. The Blue route includes Pokrivenik, the small blue cave, Mala Stiniva, Lantina beach, Vrboska, and Puntica beach.

Can I swim inside the small blue cave?

Yes. The Blue route includes a small blue cave on Hvar where you can swim inside and explore it from the water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Are skipper and fuel included in the advertised price?

No. Skipper and fuel are paid separately in cash on the day. The charge is €200 for the option for up to six people and €320 for the option for up to ten people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have time to eat in Vrboska, where local fish, seafood, meat, and other dishes are available.