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

Five hours, three islands, and plenty of sea time. This small-group speedboat tour packs several memorable stops into a half-day, taking you from Makarska to Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač. I like the mix of swimming, snorkeling, a short town visit, and fast boat rides. I also like that the group is limited to 13 people, which feels far more personal than a large excursion boat.

The two strongest features are the Little Blue Cave and the quiet bays around Zečevo and Brač. You can swim into the cave when sea conditions allow, then cool off in clear water away from the main coast. The main thing to consider is the tight schedule: five hours gives you variety, but no stop lasts long enough for a slow, leisurely visit. Rough seas can also limit access to the cave.

The five details that shape this boat trip

• Pokrivenik on Hvar: Swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay along Hvar’s northern coast.
• Little Blue Cave: Swim inside a small sea cave near Pokrivenik, with equipment provided and no entrance fee.
• One hour in Jelsa: Enjoy coffee, ice cream, or a short walk through one of Hvar’s best-known coastal towns.
• Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon: Spend time in turquoise water beside a tiny island with a waterfront Bungalow Bar.
• A quiet final stop on Brač: Finish at Žirje Beach, a peaceful bay where you may have much of the water to yourself.
• Small group and practical inclusions: The boat carries no more than 13 people, and the price includes fuel, a skipper, snorkeling gear, taxes, and bottled water.

Why this Makarska boat tour works so well

The appeal is simple: you get a taste of several Croatian islands without giving up a full day. The speedboat covers the distance quickly, leaving time for swimming and a short town stop rather than spending most of the excursion in transit.

At $108.61 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. Still, the price includes the boat, fuel, English-speaking skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and taxes. You are paying for access to several places in one outing, plus the convenience of returning to Makarska after roughly five hours.

I see this as good value if you want variety. You will not get long beach time or a full cultural visit to Hvar, but you will see more coastline than you could manage from shore. The small maximum group of 13 is also important. It means less crowding around the boat and a better chance to hear the skipper and ask questions.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 55 ratings, with 98 percent recommending it. The most praised features are the friendly crew, the range of stops, and the way the trip feels easy rather than stressful. Petar, Ante, and Carlo are specifically praised for their care and good company, so the skipper can make a real difference to the day.

Meeting at Makarska’s marina

The tour starts at Palladium Rent a Boat, at Marineta ul. 15 in Makarska. It returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in town.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is offered in English. The meeting point is near public transportation, though the information provided does not specify exact bus routes or parking arrangements. I would still arrive with enough time to find the marina without rushing. Boat departures are not the place for a last-minute sprint.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and something dry to wear afterward. Food and drinks are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own. Bottled water is supplied, which is useful, but it does not replace lunch or a snack on a sunny half-day at sea.

Pokrivenik: Hvar’s first swim stop

The first stop is Pokrivenik Bay on Hvar’s northern coast. The boat anchors in the bay for about 25 minutes, giving you time to swim and use the included snorkeling equipment.

This is a good opening stop because it gets you into the water quickly. The bay is described as secluded, and its clear blue water suits a short swim. You are not being asked to hike, tour a museum, or follow a long explanation. You step off the boat into the sea and start the day in classic island style.

The limitation is the short time. Twenty-five minutes passes quickly once you collect gear, enter the water, swim, and climb back aboard. I would treat Pokrivenik as a refreshing introduction rather than a full beach visit.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with wind and visibility. The equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, though you may prefer your own gear if fit matters to you.

The Little Blue Cave and the question of sea conditions

A few minutes from Pokrivenik, the boat anchors outside the Little Blue Cave. You have about 20 minutes here, with the chance to swim through the opening and into the cave.

This is likely the most distinctive stop. Sunlight entering the cave gives the water its blue color, and seeing it from the water is more memorable than simply taking a photo from a boat. There are no queues or entrance fees according to the tour details, which makes the stop feel informal and uncomplicated.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is a little cave, not a large show cave with a long passage. The experience depends heavily on the sea. One person found the waves too strong to reach the cave, and the skipper may limit access when conditions are unsafe. That is a real consideration, not a flaw in the organization. A speedboat tour can move quickly, but it cannot order the Adriatic to calm down.

If the water is rough, you may still stop near the cave, but swimming inside may not be possible. The company places safety first, and that is the right call. The trip remains worthwhile because the cave is only one part of a five-stop route.

Jelsa gives the day a change of pace

After the swimming stops, the boat heads to Jelsa on Hvar. You have one hour here, making it the longest stop of the tour.

Jelsa works as a useful break from the water. You can walk around, sit with a coffee, or stop for ice cream. One particularly practical suggestion from the trip is to enjoy an ice cream break here. An hour is enough to get a feel for the town without turning the excursion into a full sightseeing visit.

I like this contrast. Two swimming stops in a row can begin to feel repetitive, while Jelsa gives you dry land and a chance to stretch your legs. It also lets you see a little of island life rather than only beaches and coves.

The drawback is that Jelsa will feel brief if you want a serious town visit. The tour describes it as receiving more than 5,000 visitors daily, so it is not an isolated village experience. Some people may find the stop too ordinary compared with the cave and lagoons. If your main goal is water and remote bays, you may wish this hour were spent swimming instead.

Still, Jelsa earns its place for many people. A cool drink, a short stroll, and a sweet snack can restore you before the final two stops.

Zečevo and the Blue Lagoon

The second island is Zečevo, a very small island measuring about 1.5 kilometers long and only 200 meters across at its narrowest point. The boat spends around 25 minutes in its bay, locally known as the Blue Lagoon.

The draw here is the turquoise water. You can swim, relax aboard the boat, or take in the unusual scale of the island. Zečevo is also known for a waterfront Bungalow Bar, giving the stop a little more character than a simple patch of sea.

Do not expect a long island walk. The stop is too short for that, and the tour is built around the water. Think of Zečevo as a swim and scenery stop with the option of a nearby bar, not a full island exploration.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the places most likely to make the tour feel special. At the same time, water color changes with light, weather, and sea conditions. Photos can make any lagoon look perfect, so enjoy the clear water without expecting a private tropical beach.

Žirje Beach on Brač closes the route

The final stop is Žirje Beach on Brač, a hidden bay known for calm turquoise water and quiet surroundings. The boat stays for about 20 minutes.

This is a fitting last stop because it is described as particularly peaceful. Brač is quieter in this area, and you may find only one or two other boats in the bay. After the faster pace of the morning or afternoon, this can feel like a gentle finish.

Again, twenty minutes is not long. You will need to decide quickly if you want to swim, snorkel, or simply sit and enjoy the view. I would have your gear ready before the boat anchors so you do not spend half the stop looking for your mask.

The sequence also means that the day ends with another water stop rather than a long ride back from a distant town. That helps the tour feel full without making the return journey feel like dead time.

Morning departures may give you calmer water

The tour can run in different sea conditions, and one useful piece of advice is to choose the morning departure when possible. The crew notes that mornings are usually calmer, which matters for a speedboat route with cave access and several open-water crossings.

Calmer water can make boarding, swimming, and moving around the boat more pleasant. It may also improve your chance of entering the Little Blue Cave, although no departure can guarantee that. If you are prone to seasickness, a morning trip may be the wiser choice, but the supplied information does not promise specific conditions or onboard medical facilities.

The weather policy is practical. The experience requires good weather, and if poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The price covers:

• The boat
• Fuel
• An English-speaking skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• Taxes and fees
• Bottled water

Food and other drinks are not included. Bringing your own snacks is sensible, especially if you want something more substantial than a drink or ice cream in Jelsa.

The tour information does not list a lunch stop, hotel pickup, or special equipment for mobility needs. Most people can participate, but this is an active boat outing involving swimming and getting in and out of the water. If that could be difficult for you, contact Palladium Rent a Boat before booking.

The group limit of 13 is one of the strongest practical advantages. A smaller boat allows the skipper to give clearer instructions and keep the atmosphere relaxed. It also reduces the chance of spending the day shoulder to shoulder with a large crowd.

Who will enjoy this half-day outing?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• Several island views in one morning or afternoon
• A mix of swimming, snorkeling, and a town stop
• A small group rather than a large cruise boat
• A fast, active outing from Makarska
• The possibility of swimming into a sea cave
• A short trip that leaves part of the day free

It suits couples, families, and friends who enjoy being on the water. The five-hour length is especially useful when you want to add another Makarska activity later.

I would hesitate if you want a slow visit to one island, a long beach stay, or a guaranteed cave swim. You should also think twice if rough water makes you uncomfortable. The boat moves quickly, and the sea is the boss of the schedule.

Should you book the Makarska 3 Island Tour?

Book it if you value variety more than long stops. For $108.61, you get three islands, five distinct stops, snorkeling equipment, fuel, a skipper, and a small group. That is a fair package for a half-day on the Croatian coast, particularly if you want to see more than one bay without arranging several boat transfers yourself.

Choose a morning departure when you can, bring your own food, and keep the cave visit flexible. The best version of this tour gives you clear water at Pokrivenik, a blue-lit cave swim, an ice cream in Jelsa, a lagoon stop, and a quiet Brač bay. Even if the sea cancels one part, the route still offers plenty of variety.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Makarska.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač. Pokrivenik, the Little Blue Cave, and Jelsa are on Hvar, while Žirje Beach is on Brač.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included in the price.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring your own.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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