Three islands in one afternoon. The ride includes a cave swim and a proper snorkeling stretch. I especially like the small group size and how the day mixes water time with real breaks onshore. One thing to plan for: this is a speedboat route, so motion sickness can be an issue.

You also get practical help onboard—safety gear, bottled water, and an English-speaking skipper. The stops are timed well so you’re not just sitting on the boat all day. The main drawback I’d flag is the ladder back onboard, which isn’t ideal if you’re tired or you prefer a handier step.

Key highlights worth clocking

• Pokrivenik cave swim with that narrow opening where light cuts in
• Mala Stiniva bay for cliff views and a classic cliff-jumping option
• Zečevo snorkeling at an unpopulated islet with clear turquoise water
• Jelsa free time for coffee and a short walk through an older Hvar town
• Max 12 passengers means more personal attention in the water

Speedboat reality check: 5 hours of sea time and quick swims

This tour runs about 5 hours, with around 2 hours and 10 minutes cruising between stops. That matters because you should treat the day as an active sea outing, not a slow scenic boat ride. Expect a steady rhythm: boat, brief briefing, swim/snorkel time, then off again.

The boat holds up to 12 passengers, which I like because it keeps things calmer. You’ll get safety equipment, and you’ll have snorkeling gear available—useful since you don’t have to pack it or figure out rentals at each stop. Also, there’s bottled water on board, which is a small but real comfort on a sunny day.

Your other big factor is how your body handles motion. The tour is not recommended for people with sea or motion sickness, and it’s also not recommended for non-swimmers. If you know you get queasy on boats, bring a plan (or consider a land-based option). And if you’re over 70, this one may feel more effort than you want due to the active boarding and water access.

Makarska departure: meeting point and what to expect on the day

You meet at Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, at Marineta ul. 12, 21300, Makarska. Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup time depends on where you’re staying and is confirmed the day before your tour. If you don’t get pickup, the meeting point is near public transportation, so you’re not stuck relying on a taxi.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking time. On the water, the skipper (English plus Croatian) keeps things moving and answers questions as you go—one of the reasons people rate this so highly. If you’re the type who likes local context, you’ll probably enjoy hearing what to do around Makarska when the tour ends.

Practical tip: because there’s no restroom on board, use facilities before you meet. Also, plan for quick transitions—this tour does not linger long at stops.

Pokrivenik cave: swimming into a sunlit opening

The day starts with a 40-minute panoramic cruise before your first swim. Stop 1 is Pokrivenik, a small luminous cave hidden in Hvar’s rocky cliffs. The experience here is simple and memorable: you can swim into the narrow opening and see how sunlight plays through the cave’s shape.

Timing is tight but realistic: you’ll have about 20 minutes at this stop. That’s enough to get in, feel the water temperature, and appreciate the light without turning it into a long wait. Since admission is free for this stop, you’re not spending extra money once you’re already on the schedule.

Two things to keep in mind. First, the cave experience is very physical—small entrance, swim positioning, and water movement. Second, your comfort level matters more than rushing. If you’re not a confident swimmer, skip cave entry and just enjoy the view from the safest practical spot offered by the crew.

Mala Stiniva bay: cliffs, crystal water, and the cliff-jumping moment

Your next stop is about 20 minutes away by boat, and it’s one of the most visually striking parts of the day: Mala Stiniva. This is a stone bay where cliffs drop nearly straight down to the sea. You’ll see clear water and steep rock walls, and yes, it’s known as a cliff-jumping spot for people chasing adrenaline.

You get around 30 minutes here. That’s a good window because you’ll likely want time for a first look, then a swim or snorkel, and then deciding whether cliff-jumping fits your comfort level. Don’t force it. If you’re new to jumping from rocks, watch how others handle it, and only go if you understand the landing conditions and the crew’s guidance.

One reason I think this stop works for so many people is that it offers options. If you want calmer fun, snorkel or float. If you want a thrill, jump. The bay’s strong vertical shape makes even a simple swim feel like you’re in a different world.

Jelsa on Hvar: a short town break that actually resets you

After the more physical water time, you head to Jelsa on Hvar. This is your onshore pause: about 50 minutes for coffee or a short stroll.

Jelsa is an older town with historical monuments, which gives you a chance to balance the day. Speedboat tours can feel like a blur. This one breaks that up with an actual change of scenery—stone streets, small-town rhythm, and a place to sit for a moment.

Since lunch is not included, this is one of the moments where you can make a practical choice. If you want something more than coffee, plan for it during your time in Jelsa. The schedule doesn’t leave room for a long meal, but it does give you enough time to grab a snack or drink and recharge.

Zečevo islet and the snorkel-focused blue-water swim

Opposite Jelsa, you’ll cruise to Zečevo, a protected unpopulated islet in the Hvar archipelago. This is another water-heavy stop, with a focus on snorkeling. The water here is described as clear and turquoise, and the “untouched nature” angle is part of what makes it feel special.

You’ll have about 30 minutes at Zečevo. That’s enough to get a couple good snorkel sessions if conditions are favorable. It’s also a stop where you can slow down a bit—less about rushing and more about watching fish and water clarity.

If you’re bringing your own confidence in the water, this is often where it pays off. But if you’re not a strong swimmer, treat this stop carefully and stay close to where the crew can reach you if needed. The tour itself says it’s not recommended for non-swimmers, so don’t pressure yourself into snorkeling “just because it’s offered.”

Žirje Beach on Brač: a quieter ending on the waterline

From Hvar over to Brač, you’ll cruise for about 30 minutes, and your final stop is Žirje Beach. This is described as a secluded bay and a more tranquil finish to the day.

You get about 30 minutes here—again, short enough to keep it energetic, long enough to actually enjoy the beach moment. This stop is ideal if you want a softer landing after cave and cliff time. Think: sit in the sun, rinse off in the sea if you’ve been swimming, and enjoy the views without feeling like you must do the next activity immediately.

A practical note: because there’s no included lunch and because the day is water-first, you’ll probably feel that “cruise + swim” rhythm in your energy level. Žirje Beach is a nice place to coast mentally even if your body is ready for a rest.

Onboard care: safety gear, snorkeling support, and the ladder issue

Included onboard are safety equipment, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment. You’ll also have a skipper who speaks English and Croatian. That’s a solid mix for this kind of tour because snorkeling stops can go smoothly or turn stressful depending on how clearly people are guided.

One detail that came up: getting back onboard involves a ladder that some people found less than ideal (too small, not enough grab handles). That doesn’t mean the tour is unsafe, but it does mean you should be ready for a bit of physical work—especially if you’re tired from swimming.

My advice: go slow near the ladder, keep your hands where they’re meant to be used, and don’t be shy about asking the crew for help. When people feel rushed, ladders get harder.

And yes, there’s a fun possibility built into the route. One participant mentioned seeing dolphins, and it’s the kind of thing speedboats sometimes catch on the way between islands. Don’t bank on it, but if dolphins happen on your day, it’s a great bonus.

Price and value: why $96.38 can make sense here

At $96.38 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to see islands around Makarska—but the value is in what’s bundled. You’re paying for a speedboat day with multiple island stops, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment, plus all fees and taxes.

Another important value point: several stops have admission tickets marked free (Pokrivenik cave and the other listed stops). So you’re not facing extra costs once you’re on the water. Bottled water is included too, which saves a bit of money and hassle.

What’s not included is lunch and there’s no restroom on board. That’s the tradeoff for a shorter, action-packed schedule. If you treat your budget like this: paid tour + quick coffee/food in Jelsa + any extras you want after, it feels more straightforward.

Finally, the small maximum of 12 travelers can be part of the value. Larger boats can mean more waiting, less attention, and more crowding at swim stops. Here, you’re more likely to get practical guidance and feel less rushed.

Who should book this 3-island speedboat (and who should skip it)

This tour makes sense if you want a high-contact day on the water: cave entry, clear-water snorkeling, and cliff scenery. You’ll love it if you’re comfortable swimming and you don’t mind the speedboat rhythm.

It’s also a good fit for people who enjoy learning small local tips. The skipper style here seems to lean practical—sharing local pointers, questions answered, and helpful guidance while you’re moving around.

Skip it if you:

• are a non-swimmer (the tour explicitly doesn’t recommend it)
• have sea or motion sickness
• are over 70 and want to minimize boarding strain
• have young kids—under 4 aren’t permitted
• prefer a tour that’s mostly sitting and sightseeing (this day is about doing)

If you’re in the sweet spot—solid swimmer, okay with speedboat travel, and interested in water stops—this route is a strong use of one afternoon in Makarska.

Final call: should you book this one?

I’d book this tour if you want a compact “best-of” day across Hvar and Brač, with snorkeling gear provided and multiple visually dramatic stops that don’t require planning at each location. The small group size helps, and the skipper support sounds like a real part of the experience.

I’d pass if you’re sensitive to boat motion, you don’t swim confidently, or you really need restroom access during the tour. In those cases, you’ll spend energy managing the situation instead of enjoying the water.

If you do book, come ready for movement: quick transitions, short swim windows, and a ladder back onboard that you’ll handle best when you go slow.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska 3-Island Speedboat Tour?

The duration is about 5 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The exact pickup time varies by location and is confirmed the day before the tour.

What is the meeting point in Makarska?

The meeting point is Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300, Makarska, Croatia.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No, a restroom on board is not included.

Who can participate?

Most travelers can participate, but children under 4 years old are not permitted. The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers, and it’s not recommended for people with sea or motion sickness.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum number of passengers on board is 12.

You Might Also Enjoy

Speedboat Tour Swimming in the Five Island of KsamilAo Nang: James Bond & Hong Islands w/Canoeing by Speed BoatKoh Lanta: 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat with SnorkelingGrand Tour, 1h to 4h private luxury speedboat at Lake Como