Review · MAKARSKA SPEEDBOAT TOURS
Speedboat to Hvar, Brač,Zečevo + Watersports – MPL Nautika
The best part of this six-hour speedboat trip is its mix of famous sights and easygoing island time. You’ll see Bol and Zlatni Rat on Brač, swim and snorkel near Zečevo, try water sports, then finish in Jelsa on Hvar. It packs a lot into one day without turning every stop into a rushed photo call.
I like the small-group feel and the range of activities. You can walk old stone lanes, paddle a kayak, watch for fish, or hang on while the boat pulls a tube or banana ride. Guides including Pero, Marino, Natalia, and Marinko are praised for being friendly and helpful, especially when guests need extra support in the water.
The main consideration is time. You get roughly 30 minutes in Bol and Jelsa, so both town visits are introductions rather than full explorations. Wind can also mean spray on the ride, so bring a waterproof bag and jacket if the forecast looks lively.
Key points at a glance

- Three islands in one day: Visit Brač, the uninhabited island of Zečevo, and Jelsa on Hvar.
- A strong activity mix: Snorkel, swim, kayak, and try tube riding, banana boating, or sofa rides at no extra charge.
- Zlatni Rat is the headline stop: Spend about an hour swimming and exploring the water beside Brač’s famous pointed beach.
- Pero and the crew add local context: Guides explain the places, culture, and history as you move between stops.
- Six hours for $81: The price covers the boat, guide, snorkel gear, kayak, and water sports, making it good value for an active day.
- Pack for sun and spray: You need beachwear, a towel, sunglasses, food, drinks, and ideally a waterproof bag.
Why this speedboat day works

This outing is built around variety. You are not spending six hours in one bay, nor are you sitting on a boat while someone points at the shore. The day moves between town, beach, quiet island, and harbor, with time in the water along the way.
That balance matters in Dalmatia. A pure sightseeing tour can feel hot and passive by midday. A pure beach trip can leave you wishing you had seen more of the islands. Here, you get a little local culture in Bol and Jelsa, then plenty of swimming and playtime to break up the sightseeing.
The boat ride itself is part of the experience. The route includes several open-water crossings, including a longer 45-minute ride at the beginning and again on the way back. You’ll get wide views of the coast and islands, but the ride may be breezy or wet. Sit ready for spray, not as if you are boarding a sheltered bus.
The advertised price is $81 per person. That is a fair deal for a six-hour boat trip when the cost includes a guide, snorkeling equipment, kayak use, and tube riding. Food is not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so factor those costs and arrangements into your day.
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Starting at MPL Nautika

The meeting point is MPL Nautika, located at the top of the cape at the provided address. Signs along the road help you find it, but you should allow enough time to reach the starting point without a last-minute scramble.
There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That is a small but important detail, especially if you are staying somewhere without easy access to the departure point. Bring your food and drinks with you, since meals are not supplied during the tour.
I would arrive prepared to board and spend much of the day outdoors. Wear your beach clothes from the start, pack a towel, and keep sunglasses secure. A small waterproof bag is useful for phones, wallets, and cameras, particularly if the sea is choppy.
The tour is offered with live guiding in English, German, Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian. The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. Guides such as Pero and Marino explain the places along the way and help organize the water activities once you reach the swimming stops.
Bol, Brač: a short walk through island history

The first destination is Bol, described as the oldest coastal settlement on Brač. You have about 30 minutes here for a walk, photos, and free time.
That is enough to get a feel for the town, especially if you focus on the stone lanes and waterfront atmosphere rather than trying to see everything. The old houses, narrow streets, and traditional feel give you a quick sense of how the island’s coastal communities developed.
Bol is also useful as a gentle opening stop. You begin with solid ground, a little history, and time to take photographs before the day shifts toward swimming and water sports. Guides explain local culture and history, so pay attention during the walk if you want more than a scenic backdrop.
The limitation is obvious: half an hour passes quickly. You will not have time for an extended meal, a long café stop, or a thorough visit to every corner. Treat Bol as an introduction, then save your longer pause for the water.
Zlatni Rat: Brač’s famous swimming stop

From Bol, the boat takes about 15 minutes to Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn. You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and free time.
Zlatni Rat is famous for its unusual pointed shape, which changes direction with sea currents and wind. From the water, you can appreciate why it is one of Croatia’s best-known beaches. The beach itself is the visual star, but the clear water is what gives this stop practical value.
Snorkeling gear is provided. You can use the hour to float near shore, look below the surface, or simply cool off. Bring your own sense of pace. If you want photos, swim, and snorkeling all in one stop, an hour will feel short. If you pick one or two activities, it is a comfortable break.
This is likely to be the most recognizable stop of the day, so it may feel less secluded than Zečevo. That is not a flaw, but it helps set expectations. Zlatni Rat is the famous beach stop. Zečevo is where the day becomes quieter and more playful.
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Zečevo: quiet water and free watersports

A 20-minute speedboat ride brings you to Zečevo, an uninhabited island. The stop lasts about an hour and includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and free water activities.
This is where the trip earns its active reputation. You can paddle along the shore in a kayak, use the provided snorkeling gear, or simply swim from the boat or beach area. The shore is described as rocky, so water shoes may be useful, though they are not listed among the required items.
For a faster burst of fun, choose tube riding, a banana boat, or a sofa ride. These activities are included, which improves the overall value of the tour. They also make the stop more social, especially if you are traveling with family or friends.
The crew’s attitude matters here. Patricija’s experience shows that the guides helped a guest who could not swim confidently take part in the water sports. That does not remove the need for caution, but it suggests the staff can offer hands-on help and encouragement.
You should still tell the crew about your comfort level in the water before an activity begins. The sea can look calm while the boat moves quickly, and the rides are meant to be exciting. If you prefer a quieter hour, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming are good alternatives.
Some people have also seen dolphins during the return ride. That is a lucky sighting, not a promised part of the day, but keep your eyes open during the crossings.
Jelsa on Hvar: a final taste of island life

The last stop is Jelsa, a fishing village on Hvar, reached after about 15 minutes from Zečevo. You have around 30 minutes to visit, walk around, and take in the waterfront.
Jelsa gives the day a different flavor from Bol. Instead of arriving at a famous beach, you enter a smaller harbor setting with narrow stone streets, traditional homes, and a relaxed Mediterranean feel. You can use the time for a short stroll, a coffee by the water, or photographs of the village.
Again, 30 minutes is an introduction. You will not have time to treat Jelsa as a full Hvar visit, and you should not book this trip expecting a beach day on Hvar. One person specifically found the lack of a Hvar beach stop disappointing. The tour visits Jelsa, but its main swimming locations are Zlatni Rat and Zečevo.
That distinction helps you choose wisely. If you want to sample Hvar’s island atmosphere after a day on the water, Jelsa works well. If Hvar is your main goal, you may prefer a tour that gives the island more time.
The return ride and the rhythm of the day

After Jelsa, the boat takes about 45 minutes to return to MPL Nautika. By then, you will have had four short boat transfers, two swimming stops, two town visits, and a full hour of activities at each water stop.
The rhythm is active but not frantic. The longest stretches on the boat give you time to rest, dry off, and look back at the coast. The stops are short enough to keep the route moving, but long enough to swim and try at least one activity.
Wind is the main variable. One guest advised bringing waterproof bags and jackets because spray can reach the boat when conditions are breezy. That is sensible advice. Keep electronics protected, and do not assume a sunny day means a dry ride.
The return crossing is also a good time to watch the sea. Dolphin sightings have occurred, though no wildlife encounter can be guaranteed. The boat’s open views make the ride more engaging than a simple transfer.
Guides, comfort, and safety

The crew receives especially strong praise for warmth and practical help. Pero is repeatedly singled out for his good humor and care, while Marino, Natalia, and Marinko are also described as attentive and clear when explaining the stops.
That human element is important on an activity-heavy day. You need someone who can explain where to go, manage the water sports, and make less confident swimmers feel supported. The crew also adjusts the experience around group preferences, according to the tour information.
The boat is described as comfortable, though the exact size and seating arrangement are not provided. A small-group atmosphere is part of the appeal, but you should check availability for your date if group size matters to you.
Safety remains your responsibility as well as the crew’s. Listen carefully before tube rides and banana boats, use the provided equipment properly, and tell the guides if you are not comfortable swimming. Children and adults who prefer gentler activities can stick to kayaking, snorkeling, or watching from the boat, subject to the crew’s instructions.
Who should book this tour

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a broad taste of the central Dalmatian islands in one day. It works particularly well for active couples, families with older children, and friends who want both sightseeing and water play.
It also suits anyone who does not want to plan several separate ferry trips. In six hours, you reach Brač, Zečevo, and Hvar, with transport handled between the stops. That convenience is a major part of the $81 value.
You may want a different experience if you prefer slow village visits, long beach stays, or a full day focused on Hvar. The town stops are brief, and the route is designed around movement and activity.
This is also not ideal if you dislike open speedboat rides or getting splashed. The boat crossings are essential to the route, and wind can change the feel of the day. Pack accordingly and choose a calmer-weather date when possible.
What to bring for a better day
Bring the basics listed by the operator: sunglasses, a towel, food, drinks, and beachwear. I would add a waterproof phone pouch or dry bag because spray is possible on the crossings.
Keep lunch simple and easy to carry. There is no food included, and the short town stops are not designed around a long meal. Hydration matters, especially when you spend time in direct sun and salt water.
If you have water shoes, they may be helpful at the rocky Zečevo stop. They are not listed as required equipment, so do not treat them as essential. Comfortable sandals or sturdy swim footwear can make getting in and out of the water easier.
Should you book the MPL Nautika speedboat tour?
Book it if you want a high-value mix of islands, swimming, and watersports rather than a slow, detailed visit to one place. The route gives you famous Zlatni Rat, quieter Zečevo, historic Bol, and Jelsa in a single half-day, while the included gear keeps extra costs down.
The strongest reasons to choose it are the friendly crew, the range of free water activities, and the chance to see dolphins if luck is on your side. The main compromises are short town visits, no meal, no hotel transfer, and possible spray on the boat.
At 4.8 out of 5 from 62 ratings, it has a strong record, and the repeated praise for Pero, Marino, Natalia, and Marinko points to a crew that adds real value. If you are ready for a sunny, active day and understand that Jelsa is only a brief Hvar stop, this is an easy tour to recommend.
FAQ
How long does the MPL Nautika speedboat tour last?
The tour lasts six hours, including the boat rides, town visits, swimming stops, and return to MPL Nautika.
Which places does the tour visit?
The route includes Bol on Brač, Zlatni Rat on Brač, the uninhabited island of Zečevo, and Jelsa on Hvar.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling gear is included for the swimming stops at Zlatni Rat and Zečevo.
Can I use a kayak during the tour?
Yes. A kayak is available for use at Zečevo.
Which watersports are included?
The included activities are tube riding, banana boat rides, and sofa rides. The tour information says these are offered free of charge.
Is food included?
No. You should bring your own food and drinks.
What languages can the guides speak?
Live guiding is available in English, German, Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian.
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