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

The best part of this trip is the variety packed into five hours. You can swim in Pokrivenik Bay, enter the Little Blue Cave, stroll through Jelsa, stop at Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon, and finish in a quiet Brač cove. It is a fast-moving taste of the Adriatic rather than a slow beach day.

I like the small maximum group of 13, which keeps the boat more personal and makes the short stops easier to manage. I also like the practical setup: fuel, snorkeling gear, taxes, and bottled water are included. The trade-off is simple: five hours goes quickly, and rough seas can make the cave inaccessible.

Key points at a glance

• Five stops in about five hours: You get swimming, snorkeling, a town break, and three island settings without committing to a full-day cruise.
• A small-group speedboat: The boat carries no more than 13 people, a useful advantage over large excursion boats.
• The Little Blue Cave is weather-dependent: You can swim inside when sea conditions allow, but waves may prevent safe access.
• Jelsa gives you a change of pace: After the water stops, you have one hour for coffee, ice cream, and a look around town.
• Morning departures may be calmer: The operator specifically notes that morning sea conditions are often better.
• Bring a picnic: Bottled water and snorkeling equipment are included, but food and other drinks are not.

What this Makarska speedboat trip is really like

This is an island-hopping sampler built around quick changes of scene. You leave from Palladium Rent a Boat at Marineta ul. 15 in Makarska and head across the water toward Hvar Island. The speedboat matters here. It allows the skipper to link several bays and islands in half a day, instead of making you choose just one destination.

The boat carries a maximum of 13 people and the tour is offered in English. That size suits you if you want something more social and flexible than a big boat outing, but still prefer a set route and a professional skipper. Petar, Ante, and Carlo are among the skippers associated with the experience, and the feedback repeatedly points to friendly guidance and attentive care.

The overall rating is 4.9 out of 5, with 98 percent of people recommending the trip. That is strong evidence that the format works for most people. Still, the high score should not hide the main limitation: this is a brisk tour. You are seeing several places, not settling into one bay for an entire afternoon.

Pokrivenik Bay: your first swim on Hvar

Pokrivenik Bay is the first stop, on the northern coast of Hvar. The boat anchors in the bay, giving you about 25 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

This opening stop gets you into the sea quickly. There is no long town visit or formal sightseeing here. You step off the boat with your mask and snorkel, look beneath the surface, and enjoy a short swim in a sheltered coastal setting.

I like this as a first stop because it sets the rhythm for the day. You are not waiting around for a guide to lead you through a long explanation. You get water, rocks, sky, and a chance to cool off. The short timing also keeps the tour moving toward the cave.

The drawback is the time limit. Twenty-five minutes is enough for a swim, but not enough if you want a long snorkel session or a leisurely float. If you are happiest spending most of the day in one cove, this itinerary may feel too busy.

The Little Blue Cave, with sea conditions in mind

Only a short distance from Pokrivenik is the Little Blue Cave. The boat anchors outside, and you can use the provided snorkeling equipment to swim inside. There is no entrance fee and no queue, which keeps this stop refreshingly direct.

The appeal is the change in light inside the cave. The water and rock create the blue effect that gives the place its name, and seeing it from the water is more memorable than simply passing the entrance by boat. You have about 20 minutes, so this is a compact experience rather than a long cave visit.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is not a major show cave with a developed entrance, walkway, or formal tour. Its charm depends on the sea, the light, and the conditions on the day.

The sea can be the deciding factor. One person found the waves too strong to reach the cave, and the operator explains that safety comes first. If the skipper decides the swim is not safe, you may miss the inside of the cave. That is disappointing, but it is the correct call on a small open boat.

If the cave is a top priority, book with a flexible attitude and consider the morning departure. The operator notes that morning trips often have calmer wind and sea conditions. It is not a guarantee, but it is a sensible choice.

Jelsa: one hour for coffee, ice cream, and a town break

After the swimming stops, the boat takes you to Jelsa on Hvar. You have a full hour here, the longest single stop of the day.

Jelsa works as a reset. Instead of staying on a boat all afternoon, you can walk through the town, stop for coffee, or get an ice cream. The break also gives you dry land after the cave and bay swims. One particularly useful detail is that the stop has been praised as a pleasant place for an ice cream break.

Do not expect Jelsa to function like a major museum town on this short visit. The appeal is its relaxed waterfront setting and the chance to wander without a strict sightseeing program. You can take a breath, buy something small, and return to the boat refreshed.

This is also the stop most likely to divide opinion. Some people find the town a welcome change of pace, while others may consider it less interesting than the water stops. If you want every minute devoted to swimming, the hour in Jelsa may feel long. If you like combining nature with a little local town time, it provides useful balance.

The schedule does not include food or drinks, so plan to pay for your own coffee, ice cream, or meal. You are also free to bring your own food and drinks, which is the practical choice if you want to keep the stop short.

Zečevo Island and the Blue Lagoon

The next stop is Zečevo, a very small island measuring about 1.5 kilometers long and only about 200 meters wide at its narrowest point. Its main attraction is the turquoise water in the bay, known locally as the Blue Lagoon.

You have about 25 minutes here. This is another swim stop, with the color of the water doing most of the work. The island also has a waterfront Bungalow Bar, giving you the option of a drink if time and your own budget allow.

Zečevo provides a different feel from Pokrivenik. The first stop is a Hvar bay; this one is a tiny island pause. You get the pleasure of arriving by boat at a place where the water, shore, and small bar form the whole scene.

Again, the timing is short. You are not walking the whole island or spending hours at the bar. Think of Zečevo as a bright, easy swim with a memorable setting. If you want a long beach session, you may wish the boat stayed longer.

Žirje Beach on Brač: the quiet finish

The final stop is Žirje Beach, a secluded bay on Brač. You have about 20 minutes to swim in the turquoise water and enjoy the natural setting.

This is presented as a quieter spot, where you may find very few other boats. That gives the final stop a calmer mood than a crowded public beach. It is a good way to finish the route, especially after the movement and activity of the earlier stops.

The word hidden should not be taken to mean untouched or guaranteed empty. Boat traffic depends on the day, and the tour description allows for the possibility of one or two other boats. Still, this part of Brač is intended to feel peaceful, and the small-group format helps preserve that mood.

The 20-minute stay is enough for a final swim, not a long rest. If you have spent too much time taking photos earlier, this is where you may wish for more time. Keep an eye on the schedule so you do not turn the last stop into a rushed scramble back to the boat.

Why the small boat matters

The maximum group size is 13, and that is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. A small boat makes the stops feel less like a mass outing. It also gives the skipper a better chance to answer questions, check that everyone is ready, and keep the group together.

The reviews repeatedly highlight friendly skippers and good care. Petar is noted for being informative and fun, while Ante is praised as a friendly guide. Carlo is also described as attentive to the group’s needs. Those details matter because a speedboat trip depends heavily on the person at the controls.

You should still expect an active boat ride. The route covers multiple islands, and the boat moves quickly between them. If you prefer a quiet cruise with lots of room to stretch out, a larger, slower vessel might suit you better. If you want to cover ground and see more than one bay, the speedboat is the right tool.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The price is $108.61 per person. Included are the boat, fuel, an English-speaking skipper, snorkeling equipment, taxes and fees, and bottled water.

That is a fair value if you would otherwise need separate transport to Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač, plus equipment for the water stops. You are paying for the boat, fuel, local route planning, and the ability to see five locations in one organized half-day. The value is strongest for people who want variety and do not have their own boat.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring a snack or picnic if you do not want to buy something in Jelsa. Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and anything you need for five hours around the water. The supplied facts do not specify changing facilities, so it is sensible to arrive ready to swim.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. Public transportation is nearby. The activity begins and ends at Palladium Rent a Boat, Marineta ul. 15, Makarska.

Timing, weather, and the best departure choice

The advertised duration is about five hours. That includes the boat rides between stops, so the time in each place is deliberately limited. The scheduled stays add up to 150 minutes, leaving the rest for travel between Makarska, Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač.

I would choose the morning trip if you have a choice. The operator says wind and sea conditions are usually better earlier in the day, and calmer water improves both the boat ride and the chance of reaching the Little Blue Cave.

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

These rules are worth noting because the sea controls the day more than the calendar does. A sunny forecast does not always mean calm water, especially when the cave is involved.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour if you want a compact introduction to the islands around Makarska. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like swimming, snorkeling, quick sightseeing, and a little town time.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Makarska for only a short period. In five hours, you get a feel for Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač without giving up an entire day. Children enjoyed the outing according to one family account, especially when marine life appeared, though the supplied information does not set a minimum age or describe child-specific equipment.

You may want another type of excursion if you dislike fast boats, get uncomfortable in changing sea conditions, or want a long, quiet stay on one beach. The itinerary is carefully packed, but it is still packed. You will spend more time moving between places than you would on a single-island beach trip.

Should you book the three-island speedboat tour?

I would book it if your priority is variety. The route gives you clear-water swims, a cave attempt, an hour in Jelsa, a tiny island, and a quiet Brač bay. The small group, included snorkeling gear, and capable skippers add real value to the $108.61 price.

Book with two conditions in mind: choose the morning if possible, and accept that the Little Blue Cave may be closed by the sea. If missing the cave would ruin your day, this tour carries too much uncertainty. If you can treat it as one part of a wider island-hopping day, it is a lively and efficient choice from Makarska.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Palladium Rent a Boat, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska, Croatia.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 13 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Can I enter the Little Blue Cave?

You can swim inside the Little Blue Cave when sea conditions allow. The boat anchors outside, and snorkeling equipment is available. Rough waves may make access unsafe.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.