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

Blue water, small islands, and one quick boat ride.

This five-hour outing packs a lot into half a day: a swim at Pokrivenik Bay, a chance to enter the Little Blue Cave, and time in Jelsa. I like the small group limit of 13 people and the useful mix of swimming, island scenery, and a town stop. The main drawback is that the sea can make the cave inaccessible, and Jelsa may feel too quiet if you want a major sightseeing stop.

I also like that the price includes the boat, fuel, English-speaking skipper, snorkel equipment, bottled water, taxes, and fees. At $108.61 per person, this is not a cheap beach outing, but the cost makes more sense if you value seeing several locations without arranging separate boat transport. Morning departures may offer calmer sea conditions.

Key points before you book

• Five hours, three islands, and five stops: You visit Hvar, the tiny island of Zečevo, and Brač, with swimming and town time along the way.
• Pokrivenik Bay is the first swim: You get about 25 minutes in a sheltered bay on Hvar’s northern coast.
• The Little Blue Cave is weather dependent: You can swim inside when conditions allow, with no entrance fee or queue.
• Jelsa gives the trip a useful change of pace: You have one hour for coffee, ice cream, and a look around town.
• A maximum of 13 people keeps it personal: The small boat format is a major reason this works better than a large group cruise.
• Bring your own food: Drinks and meals are not included, though bottled water and snorkel equipment are provided.

Why this half-day boat trip works

Makarska is a good base for getting onto the Adriatic. The coast is beautiful from land, but the best views often arrive when you leave the harbor and see the coves from the water.

This tour is designed for people who want variety rather than a long stay in one place. In roughly five hours, you get three swimming opportunities, a cave visit, a town break, and several stretches of open water. The pace is active, but the schedule does not appear overloaded.

The boat carries no more than 13 people. That matters. You have a better chance of hearing the skipper, getting help with the snorkel equipment, and moving around without the crowding common on larger day boats.

The trip is offered in English, and the English-speaking skipper handles the route. Previous outings have been led by skippers including Peter, Ante, and Carlo, while Petar has handled questions and arrangements for the operator. The exact skipper depends on the day, but the personal service is clearly part of the operation.

Starting at Makarska’s harbor

You meet at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, at Marineta ul. 15 in Makarska. The tour returns to the same spot, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in town.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation comes at booking. The meeting point is near public transportation, another useful detail if you do not have a car.

This is a weather-sensitive outing. The operator can cancel in poor conditions and offer another date or a full refund. That policy is important because the open sea determines how comfortable and practical the route will be.

If you have a choice of departure times, the morning trip deserves serious thought. One skipper specifically noted that mornings are often calmer, and calmer water can make the fast boat ride more pleasant and improve your chance of reaching the cave.

Pokrivenik Bay: your first swim on Hvar

The first stop is Pokrivenik, a bay on Hvar’s northern coast. The boat anchors for about 25 minutes, giving you time to swim and snorkel in clear water.

This is a good opening stop because you do not have to wait long before getting into the sea. The bay feels more secluded than a town beach, and the short visit gives you a quick sense of what the day is about: blue water, rocky shores, and time spent outside rather than touring buildings.

Do not expect a long beach break. Twenty-five minutes passes quickly once you collect equipment, enter the water, and get comfortable. If you want to snorkel, be ready to use your time efficiently.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water. Food and other drinks are not included, so bring something small to eat if you know you get hungry after swimming.

The Little Blue Cave and the limits of sea conditions

The Little Blue Cave is only a short distance from Pokrivenik. The boat anchors outside, and you can use snorkeling equipment to swim into the cave when the sea is suitable.

There is no entrance fee and no queue. That makes the stop feel more natural than a heavily managed attraction, though it also means the visit depends on the water. If waves are too strong, the skipper may limit or cancel entry for safety.

That is the most important caution on this tour. The cave is a highlight, but it is not guaranteed in every condition. One disappointing outing involved waves that made access difficult, and the operator explained that safety comes first. You should book this tour for the full collection of stops, not only for the cave.

The planned stop lasts about 20 minutes. Bring a secure swimsuit, and keep your expectations sensible. You may swim into the cave, but the available time is short and the skipper controls access based on conditions.

Jelsa gives you an hour on dry land

After the swimming stops on Hvar, the boat heads to Jelsa. You have about one hour to explore the town, sit for coffee, or enjoy an ice cream.

Jelsa provides a welcome pause. After two water-based stops, you can walk around, dry off, and stretch your legs. An ice cream break has become a particularly good fit for this schedule, especially if you are traveling with children.

Jelsa is popular, but it is not a grand sightseeing capital. The appeal is the relaxed harbor setting and the chance to experience a smaller Croatian island town rather than rushing from cove to cove.

This is also the stop most likely to divide opinion. If you want dramatic ruins, major museums, or a long list of famous sights, one hour in Jelsa may feel underwhelming. If you enjoy a simple coffee stop and a look at local waterfront life, the break works well.

The schedule gives you enough time to get a taste of the town, but not enough for a detailed visit. Think of Jelsa as a pleasant intermission, not the main attraction.

Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon and Bungalow Bar

Next comes Zečevo, described as the smallest island on the route. It measures about 1.5 kilometers in length and only 200 meters across at its narrowest point.

The stop lasts roughly 25 minutes and focuses on the turquoise water in the bay, often called the Blue Lagoon. There is also a waterfront Bungalow Bar, which gives you the option of a brief drink stop if it is open and operating during your visit.

Zečevo works best as a swim and scenery stop. Its small size makes the island memorable, but you should not expect a long walking tour or a full afternoon of activities. The time is built around enjoying the water.

The sequence is smart. Jelsa gives you a town break, then Zečevo returns you to the sea. You get a change of setting without spending hours in transit.

Žirje Beach on Brač

The final stop is Žirje Beach on Brač, in a quiet bay known for turquoise water and natural surroundings. The visit lasts about 20 minutes.

The operator presents this as one of the more peaceful stops, with a good chance of sharing the bay with only a few other boats. That solitude is appealing after a busy harbor or crowded beach, though conditions and other boat traffic can always change the scene.

Again, 20 minutes is enough for a swim but not for a long exploration. You will want to get into the water promptly if you want the most from the stop.

It is worth noting that the route covers three islands, but the stops are not evenly divided into sightseeing visits. Hvar receives the most time through Pokrivenik, the cave, and Jelsa. Zečevo and Brač are short swim stops. That is ideal for a water-focused day, but less suitable if your main goal is to explore island villages on foot.

What is included for $108.61

The $108.61 price includes the core costs that can quickly add up on a private or small-group boat trip:

• Boat transport
• Fuel
• English-speaking skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Taxes and fees

That is a fairer value than the headline price first suggests. You are paying for access to several islands, not just a ride along the coast, and fuel is included despite the route covering a broad area.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own snacks and any preferred drinks, especially if you plan to swim several times. Bottled water is supplied, but it may not replace a meal or a larger drink for a five-hour outing.

The tour is also recommended by 98 percent of customers and has a 4.9 rating from 55 reviews. Those figures point to a consistently strong experience, but they do not erase the practical weaknesses: short stops, weather limits, and the possibility that Jelsa will not excite everyone.

The small group is the real advantage

A maximum of 13 people is one of the strongest features here. Small-group boat trips usually feel more flexible, and this route benefits from that format because several stops involve swimming from the boat.

Skippers can explain the plan, help with equipment, and keep an eye on conditions without addressing a large crowd. The personal touch has been a repeated strength, with guests praising the friendly crew and the care shown by skippers such as Carlo, Peter, and Ante.

The boat itself has also received positive comments. You should still remember that a speedboat is a transport tool, not a floating lounge. The ride may feel lively, particularly if wind or waves pick up.

If you prefer a slow boat with plenty of shade and room to stretch out, this may not be your best choice. If you want to cover ground and reach several islands in a half-day, the format makes sense.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want several island stops without committing to a full-day cruise
• Like swimming and snorkeling more than extended sightseeing
• Enjoy small groups
• Are happy with short, active stops
• Want a simple coffee or ice cream break in Jelsa
• Have limited time in Makarska
• Can accept that the cave visit depends on the sea

Families can find the route appealing, especially because the schedule offers variety. One family outing included sightings of dolphins, an octopus, and plenty of small fish, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

You may want another tour if you dislike fast boat rides, need long time ashore, or are choosing this only for the Little Blue Cave. The cave is a strong feature, but safe access can change with the weather.

Practical tips for a better day

Choose the morning if possible. The sea is often calmer then, which can help with comfort and cave access.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a small bag for snacks. Since food and drinks are not included, you should plan ahead rather than rely on finding refreshments at every stop.

Wear something suitable for quick changes between boat and water. The schedule is tight at the swimming stops, and you do not want to spend half of a 20-minute visit searching through a large bag.

Keep your expectations focused on the water. The tour gives you a taste of Jelsa, but it is not a detailed cultural tour of Hvar or Brač. Its strength is the combination of boat travel, swimming, small bays, and a little town time.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since poor weather can cancel the tour, check the forecast and keep some flexibility in your plans.

Should you book the Makarska 3 Island Tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced half-day on the water with a small group, several swim stops, and enough variety to avoid feeling stuck in one place. The combination of Pokrivenik, the Little Blue Cave, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Žirje gives you a broad taste of the nearby islands for $108.61.

Skip it if you need guaranteed cave access or a deep visit to island towns. For most people who enjoy swimming and quick scenic stops, this is a strong use of five hours. Pick a morning departure, bring food, and treat the cave as a bonus rather than the sole reason to go.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Makarska.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač.

Is the Little Blue Cave entrance fee included?

There is no entrance fee for the Little Blue Cave. The boat anchors outside, and you can swim inside when sea conditions allow.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but bottled water is provided. You may bring your own food and drinks.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The tour has a maximum of 13 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.