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

Clear water, quiet coves, fast boat. This five-hour trip from Makarska reaches parts of Hvar’s north shore that are difficult to visit by road. I especially like the mix of swimming stops and free time in Jelsa, plus the small-group setting that keeps the boat from feeling crowded. The main caution is the ride itself: the speedboat can be rough, and anyone prone to seasickness should think twice.

I also like that the day includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, warm jackets, and a professional skipper for $91 per person. Guides such as Dinko, Goran, Marco, and Marko have earned praise for being friendly and helpful, though one note suggests you should speak up if you want closer attention during cliff jumping or other water activities.

Five things to know before you book

• Four very different stops: Swim at Veliki Pokrivenik, jump from the rocks at Mala Stiniva, stroll through Jelsa, then snorkel around Zečevo islet.
• A true small-group outing: The boat usually carries no more than 10 people, though the limit can be 12 depending on the boat.
• The front seats get wet: Sit toward the back if you want more shade and less spray during the speedboat rides.
• Jelsa is your only town stop: You get about 70 minutes for a coffee, a walk, and a look at historic monuments.
• Good value for active beach time: Snorkeling equipment, safety gear, insurance, water, and a skipper are included, but food and an onboard restroom are not.
• Weather matters: Rough conditions can lead to a refund or a rescheduled trip, so keep your plans flexible.

Why this north-shore boat trip is worth considering

Hvar is famous for its old towns, nightlife, and polished marina scene. This outing takes a different route. Instead of spending the day in the island’s busiest areas, you head toward rugged bays, clear water, exposed rock, and a small islet with no permanent population.

The journey begins at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on Makarska’s waterfront, about a minute from the Ferris wheel. From there, the boat makes a 35-minute panoramic run across to Hvar. That crossing is part of the experience, but it also sets the tone: this is a fast, open-water excursion rather than a gentle sightseeing cruise.

I like the five-hour length. It is long enough to reach several places without taking up your entire day in Dalmatia. You get time in the water, time on land, and a little room to slow down at a beach bar or in Jelsa. At the same time, every stop is fairly short, so you should book this for variety rather than extended beach lounging.

The tour costs $91 per person. That is a fair price if you plan to use the snorkeling equipment, enjoy the boat ride, and value reaching shorelines that are awkward to access independently. It is less attractive if you want a long beach day or dislike being on a small, moving boat.

The 35-minute ride from Makarska

The first leg takes about 35 minutes by speedboat. You will see the mainland recede as the boat heads toward Hvar, with the sea and mountain-backed coast providing the main scenery.

Speedboats save time, which is the big advantage here. A slower vessel would spend much more of the five hours simply getting from one bay to the next. The tradeoff is comfort. The boat can bounce over waves, and spray may reach the front seats. One practical tip is repeated clearly by the experience itself: sit toward the back if you want to stay drier and find more shade during the crossings.

Warm jackets are provided, which is useful even during a warm Croatian day. Open-water rides can feel cooler than expected, especially early in the morning or after swimming. Bring a change of clothes anyway. You will also want sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear.

The group is limited to 10 people in many cases, with a maximum of 12 on some boat models. That size matters. You can generally hear the skipper, move around more easily, and get into the water without the disorder of a large excursion boat.

Veliki Pokrivenik: cliffs, pebbles, and a cave

The first swimming stop is Veliki Pokrivenik, a bay on Hvar’s northern coast. The setting is made up of steep cliffs, rocky slopes, pebble beaches, and a concealed cave.

You have about 35 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. Masks and snorkels are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. The water is the main attraction. The clear conditions make it possible to look below the surface and inspect the underwater edges around the bay.

This stop works well as an introduction to the day. You can get comfortable in the water, enjoy the views from the boat, or simply sit in the sun if snorkeling is not your thing. That flexibility is useful in a mixed group, since not everyone wants to jump straight into an active water stop.

Do not expect a long walk ashore. The point is the bay itself, not a town or a major sight. If you want a full beach afternoon, 35 minutes will feel short. If you want to see several different parts of Hvar in a single outing, the brief stop makes sense.

Mala Stiniva: the best stop for cliff jumping

Mala Stiniva is a narrow stone bay framed by cliffs that drop sharply toward the sea. The vertical rock gives this stop a more dramatic feel than Veliki Pokrivenik, and the clear water is suited to both swimming and snorkeling.

You get another 35 minutes here. The cliffs provide opportunities for jumping into the water, but you should decide for yourself what feels safe. This is not the place to let the enthusiasm of the group make the decision for you. Check the landing area, follow the skipper’s guidance, and skip the jump if you are uncertain.

The stop is especially good for people who like active swimming rather than simply floating near a beach. It also gives you a memorable change of scene after the first bay. Still, the same limits apply: there is not much time for lingering, and the rocky surroundings may be awkward for anyone who needs easy access into the water.

A useful point from the practical information is that the outing is not suitable for people with back problems, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70. The speedboat ride, uneven shorelines, and water entries explain why. If you are unsure about your fitness for the trip, ask the operator before booking.

Jelsa: 70 minutes for coffee and a walk

After the two swimming stops, the boat heads to Jelsa. This is the longest stop of the day, with about 70 minutes of free time.

Jelsa gives the schedule a welcome change of pace. You can walk through the old town, stop for a coffee, and look at the historical monuments that reflect the town’s long past. After two active water stops, an hour on land lets you dry off, stretch your legs, and get your bearings.

Do not expect a guided historical tour. The time is free rather than structured, so you are responsible for deciding how to spend it. That suits me because you can keep it simple: find a café, wander through the streets, or enjoy the waterfront without trying to cram in too much.

The length of the stop is also worth noting. Seventy minutes is enough for a relaxed visit, but not enough for a major museum program or an ambitious exploration of the island. Treat Jelsa as a pleasant town break, not the central purpose of the excursion.

Bring some money for a coffee or other purchases. Food is not included in the tour price. Jelsa is the natural point to buy something, since the other stops focus mainly on swimming and snorkeling.

Zečevo islet: quiet water and a beach bar

The final stop is Zečevo, a short cruise from Jelsa. This unpopulated islet is protected as a significant area, and its appeal comes from open, untouched surroundings and turquoise water.

You have around 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The islet is also home to a beach bar, giving you the choice of getting back into the water or relaxing with a drink. The bar is a useful detail, but you should not assume it is included in the tour price. Food and drinks are your own expense.

Zečevo is a good last stop because it feels slower and less structured. By this point, you have already seen two coves and Jelsa, so you can use the final swim to repeat what you enjoyed most: snorkeling, floating, or simply sitting near the water.

The stop may feel limited if you want substantial time onshore. The focus remains the sea, and there may not be much to do beyond swimming, snorkeling, and visiting the bar. That is fine for a water-based day, but less satisfying for someone who wants cultural sightseeing at every stop.

What the guides add to the day

The skipper is not just there to drive the boat. The better guides help explain where you are, answer questions, and keep the pace moving. Dinko has been praised for being professional, cool, and friendly. Goran is described as amenable and easy to work with, while Marco and his wife were appreciated for explaining the stops and helping with questions.

One particularly human touch came when Marco turned the boat around after a cap flew away. That sort of small response can make a difference on a compact outing where you spend much of the day close to the crew.

The quality of guiding can vary from one departure to another, as it does with any boat operation. One piece of feedback raises a fair concern about a captain spending too much time on a phone instead of watching people during active water activities. I would treat that as a reminder to take responsibility for your own safety, especially around cliff jumping.

Some departures may also include drone photos, though you should not count on this as a guaranteed feature. The central value is the boat trip and the access to the bays, not photography.

Comfort, safety, and what to pack

There is no restroom onboard. Plan accordingly before leaving Makarska and use the facilities when you can during the Jelsa stop.

The tour provides bottled water, warm jackets, masks, snorkels, safety equipment, and insurance. You still need to bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes

Wear something that can handle spray. The front of the speedboat offers the most exposure to the ride, while the back is the better choice for shade and a drier journey. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the right excursion for you. The crossing can be rough, and the boat returns across open water after the final stop.

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets are not permitted. The tour is conducted in English and Croatian. Bad weather can force a cancellation, but the operator offers either a full refund or a different date.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Makarska plans depend on weather or changing schedules.

Who will enjoy this Hvar excursion most?

I would recommend this trip to active couples, friends, families with older teenagers, and small groups who want to combine scenery with water time. It is particularly good for you if swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping sound more appealing than sitting on a large boat all day.

It also suits anyone staying in Makarska who wants to see Hvar without arranging a separate ferry, taxi, or rental boat. The skipper handles the route, and the boat reaches bays that are not simple to connect by land.

You may want a different plan if you need a smooth, quiet ride, have mobility limitations, or want several hours at one beach. The short stop times and rougher crossings are real parts of the experience, not minor footnotes.

Families should consider the swimming ability and comfort level of every member. One departure had a young child who became frightened by rough water, while older family members later enjoyed the trip on a rescheduled outing. That is a useful reminder that conditions can change the mood of the day.

Should you book the north-shore tour?

Book it if you want a compact, active look at Hvar’s quieter northern coast. The strongest reasons are the small group, clear-water swimming, two distinctive bays, a worthwhile stop in Jelsa, and the final visit to Zečevo. At $91, the combination is good value if you would otherwise need to organize boat transport yourself.

Skip it if seasickness is a concern, if you need an onboard restroom, or if you prefer long, unhurried stops. For the right person, this is a well-paced way to see four different settings in five hours. Just sit toward the back, pack dry clothes, and treat the cliff jumping as optional rather than obligatory.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Makarska?

The meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel. The tour ends at the same location.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided, along with bottled water, warm jackets, safety equipment, insurance, and a professional skipper.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. You can buy a coffee or other refreshments in Jelsa, and Zečevo has a beach bar.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The usual maximum is 10 participants, though some boat models can carry up to 12 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions make the trip unsafe, you can receive a full refund or reschedule for another date.