From Makarska:Hvar and Brač Island : Day Tour with speedboat

The best part of this day is the freedom to move between quiet coves and small islands that are awkward to reach from shore. You can swim off Brač, stop at Hvar’s cliffs, enter a small blue cave, and still have lunch in the old town of Vrboska before returning to Makarska.

I like the private boat format, which lets your skipper adjust the route instead of dragging everyone through a fixed schedule. I also like the boats themselves: both come with shade, a water shower, an ice box, music, and snorkeling gear. The main catch is important: the advertised price does not include the skipper and fuel, which must be paid in cash on the day.

Key points at a glance

• Two routes give you a real choice: The Golden route focuses on Brač’s famous Golden Horn, while the Blue route adds Pokrivenik and the small blue cave on Hvar.
• The quiet bays are the prize: Biskup Beach, Mala Stiniva, and Puntica offer time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply getting off the boat.
• Vrboska is your practical lunch stop: This small Hvar town, often called little Venice, is where you can order fresh fish, seafood, meat, or another local meal.
• Your skipper can shape the day: Emil, Borna, Matija, and Maria are among the skippers named in feedback, with flexibility praised repeatedly.
• The true cost is higher than the headline price: Add €200 for skipper and fuel on the six-person boat, or €320 on the ten-person boat, payable in cash.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: The ride includes dolphin watching and marine-life viewing, but sightings depend on luck.

A full day from Makarska, with the Adriatic as your road

This is a nine-hour private speedboat outing from Makarska, built around swimming stops rather than long town visits. You leave around 9:00 in the morning and return at about 18:00, with two suggested routes to choose from.

That private setup matters. A group of six or fewer can use the Quicksilver Activ 605 Open. A larger party, up to ten people, can book the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5. If your group is smaller but you want more room, the larger boat is also available.

The ride itself is part of the experience. You get open-water views, quick transfers between islands, and the chance to keep your day moving when a beach feels too busy or the sea conditions make another stop more appealing. The skipper speaks English and Croatian, and the route can be adjusted to your wishes.

The most praised part of the outing is not one single beach. It is the way the skipper handles the day. Borna was described as informed without being overbearing, while Emil, Matija, and Maria were each praised for being friendly and flexible. That is useful on a boat day, when your group may care more about one extra swim than another photo stop.

Choosing between the Golden and Blue routes

The Golden route begins at 9:00 from Makarska Harbour and heads toward Brač. The first stop is Biskup Beach at about 9:45. After that come Bol and the Golden Horn, Zečevo Island, Vrboska, Mala Stiniva, and the ride back to Makarska.

The Blue route starts the same way but heads first toward Pokrivenik Beach on Hvar. It then visits the small blue cave, Mala Stiniva, Zečevo Island, Vrboska, and Puntica Beach on Brač.

The routes overlap at several strong stops, especially Mala Stiniva, Zečevo, and Vrboska. The choice comes down to your priorities. Pick Golden if Brač’s famous beach is high on your list. Pick Blue if you want the cave and more time around Hvar’s eastern coast.

The published schedules are recommendations, not rigid rules. You can ask for changes, though the exact route will depend on the skipper, time, and conditions. It is wise to discuss your priorities at the start: quiet swimming, cliff jumping, snorkeling, the cave, lunch, or the famous Golden Horn.

Biskup Beach and the calm side of Brač

On the Golden route, Biskup Beach is the first swimming stop, reached at about 9:45. It is described as a quiet beach with clear water, and its early place in the schedule gives you a useful first break after the speedboat ride.

This is the sort of stop where the included snorkeling equipment earns its place. You can get into the water, look around the shallows, and settle into the rhythm of the day. It is also a good choice for anyone who prefers swimming and sun over a crowded landmark.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a beach stop, not a major sightseeing site. If your group wants to see the most famous places first, you may prefer the Blue route or ask about heading toward the Golden Horn earlier.

Bol and the Golden Horn

At around 11:00, the Golden route reaches Bol and the Golden Horn, the distinctive beach that has become Brač’s best-known sight. Its narrow, pointed shape makes it easy to recognize from the water, and the boat gives you a useful view before you decide how much time to spend there.

The Golden Horn is a must-see for many first-time visitors to Brač, but it is also the least secret stop on the day. Expect a more famous setting than Biskup Beach or Mala Stiniva. I would treat it as a scenic landmark and photo stop, then save your longest swim for one of the quieter bays.

There is no claim that every stop is empty, and the schedule does not promise a long beach stay here. That is part of the balance. You get the famous image, then continue toward smaller islands and less familiar shorelines.

Pokrivenik and the small blue cave on Hvar

The Blue route reaches Pokrivenik Beach at about 9:50, then continues to the small blue cave at 11:00. The cave is one of the more unusual parts of the trip because you can swim into it and see it from the inside.

You should think of this as an active stop. The experience involves getting into the water and entering the cave, so it suits people comfortable with swimming. The supplied details do not give the cave’s size, depth, or exact swimming conditions, so ask your skipper what is suitable on the day.

This stop also shows why a small private boat is useful. The route can include a place that does not fit neatly into a standard bus-style excursion. Still, cave access can depend on local conditions, and the skipper has the final say on what is safe.

Mala Stiniva, where cliff jumping takes center stage

Mala Stiniva Beach appears on both recommended routes, at about 16:00 on Golden and 11:40 on Blue. It is the main stop for cliff jumping, although you can also skip the jump and enjoy the scenery from the beach or boat.

I like the flexibility here. One person can jump, another can swim, and someone else can stay dry with the group. The description calls it the best place for cliff jumping, but you should make your own decision based on comfort and the conditions that day.

Do not treat a cliff jump as compulsory. The real value of Mala Stiniva is the combination of natural surroundings and free time. If your group has mixed energy levels, this stop is easier to enjoy than an activity that requires everyone to take part.

Zečevo Island and Lantina Beach

Lantina Beach on Zečevo Island is scheduled around 12:00 on the Golden route and 12:30 on the Blue route. Zečevo is a small island near Hvar, and the appeal is the change of pace. You are stepping away from the larger islands and stopping at a smaller, more secluded place.

This is another good swimming and relaxation stop. The day has several active possibilities, so Lantina gives you room to slow down. You can use the boat’s shade, listen to music, cool off in the sea, or take a little time with the scenery.

The schedule does not specify a long walk or a full island tour here. Plan on a coastal stop rather than an extensive land visit. That is ideal if your priority is water time, less so if you want museums, churches, or a long town exploration.

Vrboska, the best place to pause for lunch

Both routes reach Vrboska on Hvar at about 14:00, with the Golden route arriving around 13:45 and the Blue route around 14:00. The town is often called little Venice because of its water-lined setting and old-town character.

Vrboska is the one stop where the day shifts from beaches to local food. You can choose fresh fish, seafood, meat, or another dish, but lunch is not included. Bring enough money for the meal, and remember that the skipper and fuel charge also requires cash.

The timing works well. By early afternoon, you will probably want a proper meal rather than another snack on the boat. One skipper took a group to a beautiful restaurant, and the lunch was singled out as a high point. That does not guarantee a particular restaurant, but it suggests you should ask the skipper for a recommendation rather than choosing blindly.

Do not expect a long historical tour of Vrboska. The town visit is mainly a chance to eat, stroll, and get your bearings before returning to the water.

Puntica Beach and the final swim

The Blue route finishes its island stops at Puntica Beach on Brač around 16:30. It is described as a calm bay with a swing, giving the final stretch of the day a relaxed feel.

This is a sensible ending. After the cave, cliff-jumping option, and lunch, a quiet cove lets you take one last swim without needing to rush through another major sight. The swing adds a playful touch, especially for groups who want a final photo.

The Golden route instead spends its late afternoon at Mala Stiniva before returning to Makarska. If your group cares most about a calm final stop, Blue may suit you better. If cliff jumping is the main goal, Golden gives Mala Stiniva the later slot.

Boats, shade, and what to bring

The Quicksilver Activ 605 Open carries up to six people. The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 carries up to ten. The larger boat can also be booked by a smaller group if you want extra space and comfort.

Both options include a water shower, sound system, ice box, Bimini sun protection, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets. These are practical features, not decoration. A long day in direct sun is easier when you can sit under shade, keep drinks cool, rinse off salt water, and use the supplied gear.

The boat’s condition received strong praise, and one group found the smaller boat exactly the right size for six people. If you are deciding between the boats, group size matters more than the headline capacity. Six people can fit on the smaller boat, but a larger group may appreciate the extra room on the Cap Camarat.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and cash for the extra boat costs and lunch. The provided information does not say that food or drinks are included, so do not count on a full meal onboard.

The price needs careful reading

The advertised price is $236 per group of up to ten people. That sounds attractive for a private nine-hour boat, but it is not the complete amount.

Skipper and fuel are extra:

• €200 in cash for the Quicksilver option, for up to six people
• €320 in cash for the Jeanneau option, for up to ten people

Lunch is also extra. The €320 charge is the key figure for a ten-person group, but the value depends on how many people share it. Split among a full group, the boat can make good sense for a full day across several islands. For two or three people, the added cost is much more significant, especially if you choose the larger boat for comfort.

I would compare the total cost, not just the initial online price. You are paying for a private boat, skipper, fuel, route flexibility, and a full day on the water. That is strong value for a group that will use the boat well, particularly if everyone wants swimming stops rather than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to a private group that wants control over the day. Families, couples traveling together, and groups of friends can all benefit, provided everyone is happy spending much of the day on and around the water.

It suits confident swimmers, snorkelers, and people who like active stops. Cliff jumping is optional, but the cave visit involves swimming, and much of the appeal comes from getting off the boat into the sea.

It is less suitable if you want a slow historical tour of Hvar or Brač, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or a full lunch included in the price. The towns are short stops, and the day is built around coves, beaches, and boat travel.

Dolphins may appear during the ride, but this is a lucky extra, not something you should book the tour expecting to see. The same applies to marine life in general. The trip gives you the chance to watch, not a guarantee.

Should you book this Makarska speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a full private day on the water, several swim stops, a flexible skipper, and a mix of famous sights and quieter bays. The strongest reasons are the route choice, the small blue cave, Mala Stiniva’s cliff-jumping option, and the chance to stop for lunch in Vrboska.

Before paying, make sure your group understands the extra cash charge for skipper and fuel. Decide if you want the six-person boat or the roomier ten-person boat, then choose Golden for the Golden Horn or Blue for Pokrivenik and the cave.

I would make this a strong pick for groups of six to ten who can share the full cost. For a small party on a tight budget, the extras may change the calculation. For everyone else, it is a well-planned way to see several Dalmatian islands in one long, active day.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts nine hours, beginning at about 9:00 and ending around 18:00.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and finishes in the Makarska area. The listed meeting and drop-off options are Poseidon Rent a Boat and IvaMare Boats, and the exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

How many people can join the private tour?

The Quicksilver Activ 605 Open is for up to six people. The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 is for up to ten people.

Are the skipper and fuel included?

No. Skipper and fuel cost €200 in cash for the option up to six people, or €320 in cash for the option up to ten people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy lunch in Vrboska, where options include fresh fish, seafood, meat, and other dishes.

What is the difference between the Golden and Blue routes?

The Golden route includes Biskup Beach, Bol and the Golden Horn, Lantina Beach, Vrboska, and Mala Stiniva. The Blue route includes Pokrivenik Beach, the small blue cave, Mala Stiniva, Lantina Beach, Vrboska, and Puntica Beach.

Can the route be changed?

Yes. The recommended routes can be adjusted based on your wishes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.