A fast boat day with real sea time is the point here, and the stops are built around swimming breaks. I especially like the Little Blue Cave experience on Hvar, because there’s no queue, no entry fee, and you can reach it by water. I also love the easy rhythm of the itinerary: boat, swim, snack-free sightseeing, then boat again. One consideration: the water can be cold, so if that idea makes you nervous, plan on a quick jump-in and keep moving.

This is also a small-group tour, capped at 12 people, with an English/Croatian guide and a skipper who drives the boat. You’ll cover three islands in one morning or afternoon without the hassle of buses and ferries.

Key things I’d put on your radar

• Little Blue Cave access by swimming: the boat anchors in front and you swim in to explore.
• Two boat-only swim spots on Hvar: Pokrivenik plus the Little Blue Cave.
• Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon time: a longer stay with free time, coffee, and a waterfront bungalow bar.
• Town break in Jelsa: about an hour for walking and a coffee stop on Hvar.
• Snorkeling set included: you get gear plus a calm, guided structure to your swim stops.

Why this Makarska speedboat tour works so well (Hvar, Zečevo, Brač)

If you’re basing yourself in Makarska, this is one of the more efficient ways to see the islands off the coast without turning your day into a travel project. In just 5 hours, you’re moving between Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač-area beaches, with swimming built into the plan.

The big value is that the itinerary is designed for water time, not just looking. You get multiple opportunities to be in the water with a snorkeling set, and you don’t spend the day commuting between distant places.

The trade-off is pace. You’re not settling into one beach for hours. If you want slow, lazy beach lounging all day, this format can feel tight.

Meeting at Palladium Rent a Boat and what the small-group day feels like

You meet at the Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska stand on the main promenade. That matters because it keeps the day simple: you’re starting where most people already are, then you’re out on the sea.

The group stays small, limited to 12 participants, and there’s a live guide (English/Croatian) plus a skipper. In practice, small groups mean it’s easier to manage time at each stop. One bonus from past participants: even when numbers were low, the tour still ran, giving people a quieter, more private feel.

What to expect on the boat: you’ll cruise between islands, then anchor for swims. Bring a towel and your swimwear, because once you’re at the stop, there’s not much time for extra prep.

Pokrivenik on Hvar: your first swim break after a quick cruise

After you start from Makarska, you cruise for about 40 minutes before reaching Pokrivenik on Hvar. Then you get roughly 25 to 30 minutes at the water.

This stop is a warm-up for the rest of the day. You’re not rushing straight into the cave experience. You’re getting that first chance to jump in, snorkel, and shake off the travel time. It’s also one of the places where the water can surprise you. Based on experience from earlier tours, the sea can feel cold at first, but once you’re moving, it’s very doable.

A fun possibility: dolphins have been spotted during this kind of run. It’s not something you can plan around, but if you’re out early and the water is calm, you might get lucky.

A practical drawback: the stop is short. If you want a slow swim at your own pace for a long time, you’ll have to choose your moments.

Little Blue Cave on Hvar: no lines, but swim access only

This is the star stop. You’ll reach the cave area about a few minutes from Pokrivenik, and you’re typically looking at around 25 minutes near Little Blue Cave.

Here’s the key detail: the boat anchors in front of the cave, and the only way to see it is to swim in. There’s no queue and no entry fee for this specific Little Blue Cave experience. Also, it’s not the famous Blue Cave on Biševo. Think of it as a smaller, more intimate cave stop that’s popular for swimmers in this region.

What I like about this setup is that it’s simple. You don’t need to coordinate tickets or wait in line. You just show up, get in the water, and follow the plan.

What to watch: this stop is not for people who don’t feel comfortable swimming. The tour is also not suitable for non-swimmers, and that’s for good reason. Even if the time on-site is short, you still need to be confident in the water to enjoy it safely.

Jelsa on Hvar: the town reset you actually need

After the cave swim, you head to Jelsa on Hvar, and you get about 60 minutes of free time. This is not a guided lecture stop. It’s a real break from the water schedule.

You’ll have time for a walk and a coffee break in town, which is exactly what I’d want after multiple swim sections. Jelsa is often described as the most famous town on the northern side of Hvar, so it gives you a sense of what people come for—without forcing you into a full-day Hvar itinerary.

The main drawback of this stop is that it’s time-limited. You can’t see everything. But that’s kind of the point of a speedboat day. You get enough town time to reset your legs and recharge.

Tip for enjoying it: keep your coffee break simple, then use the remaining time to do short, easy wandering rather than trying to cover distances.

Zečevo Blue Lagoon: swimming plus a bungalow bar break

Next comes Zečevo Island and the Blue Lagoon, with a longer stretch of time on-site. You can expect around 45 minutes, including coffee/free time plus swimming and snorkeling.

This is where the day turns from quick sea stops into a proper hangout. The lagoon area also includes a waterfront bungalow bar, so you can grab a drink or just enjoy the sea view from a deck instead of constantly being in the water.

What makes this stop valuable is variety. You’ve already done cave swimming and a short cove. Now you get space to choose your pace—splash around, snorkel, then step out for a break when you want.

One consideration: it’s popular. Even on a small-group tour schedule, the lagoon is a place where you’ll want to bring calm expectations. The plan still gives you time to enjoy it rather than just pass through.

Zirje Beach as your last swim: a final burst before the return

On the way back, there’s a final water stop at Zirje Beach, with about 20 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. If you’re following the bigger picture, this is your last taste of the sea before you head back toward Makarska.

I like the structure here. After several activity-heavy segments, the final stop is shorter. It keeps you from feeling rushed in the sense of panic, but it still lets you finish the day with one last swim.

A practical takeaway: plan your energy. Don’t spend your full first snorkeling session exhausting yourself for the later stops. You’ll enjoy the last swim more if you pace the earlier ones.

What’s included (and what you should bring) for a smoother sea day

This tour keeps the basics covered. You get the boat, skipper, fuel, taxes and fees, a snorkeling set, and a bottle of water.

What’s not included is also straightforward: food and other drinks. Bring your own snacks if you like. It’s not a long meal day, but having something small helps you feel better during the town break and between swim stretches.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Don’t bring:

• Smoking is not allowed.

Small tip that saves time: if you can, arrive already dressed for the water. It makes the whole day feel more relaxed.

Price and value: why $96 can be a good deal for this route

At $96 per person, this tour isn’t “cheap,” but it’s also not random pricing. You’re paying for a speedboat day that includes the boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, and snorkeling gear. You’re also getting transport between islands that would cost time and hassle if you tried to assemble it yourself.

Where the value really shows up is in the time efficiency. A 5-hour window from Makarska with multiple swim stops plus town time is hard to replicate cheaply without your own boat—or with the friction of schedules.

This also looks like a strong option for people who want:

• multiple swim stops in one day
• a structured plan with gear provided
• a small group (up to 12 participants) so you’re not packed in like a bus

Who should think twice? If you’re prone to getting seasick, or if cold water makes you miserable, this format might not match your style. Also, the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or children under 3—so be sure you fit the physical comfort level before booking.

Should you book the Makarska 3-island Speedboat Cave and Blue Lagoon tour?

Book this tour if you want a swim-first day with Hvar highlights, Zečevo lagoon time, and a final beach swim, all without building an island-hopping plan yourself. I think it’s especially good when you like variety: cave swimming, town wandering in Jelsa, and then lagoon relaxation by the bungalow bar.

Skip it if you want lots of beach time at one spot, or if you don’t feel comfortable swimming. This isn’t a “sit on the boat and watch” trip.

If you’re on the fence, here’s an easy decision rule: if you can handle getting in the water (even when it’s chilly), and you’re happy with short, timed stops, you’ll likely have a great day out of Makarska.

FAQ

What time do the tours run from Makarska?

The tour runs in the morning at 8:00am and in the afternoon at 1:30pm (starting times depend on availability).

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about 5 hours.

Which islands and stops are included?

You visit Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač-area spots, including Pokrivenik, Little Blue Cave, Jelsa, Zečevo (Blue Lagoon), and Zirje Beach.

Is food included?

No. Food isn’t included, but you can bring your own.

Is Little Blue Cave crowded or does it require an entry fee?

For this stop, there are no queues and no entry fee. The boat anchors in front, and you visit it by swimming in.

Can I join if I’m not a confident swimmer, or if I’m pregnant?

This tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or children under 3 years.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by SpeedboatPhi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat90 Mins Speedboat Tour Dubai Marina JBR Atlantis and Burj Al ArabMarettimo: Island Speedboat Tour with Cave Visits & Swimming