Half-day Speedboat Tour: Explore Hidden Gems of Hvar Island

Hvar’s quieter side is the star here: clear water, steep stone cliffs, and small bays that are far removed from the island’s better-known ports. The 35-minute cruise from Makarska gets you out into open water quickly, then the day settles into a pleasant mix of swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and boat time.

I like the plan for two reasons. First, you get both wild coastal scenery and a proper town stop in Jelsa. Second, the guides, including Marco and Mario on some departures, seem to shape the outing around the group, sometimes allowing extra swim time when conditions are good. The main consideration is that there is no restroom on board, and the final Zečevo stop can be less satisfying if the beach bar is closed or busy with a private event.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different kinds of stops: cliff-lined bays, the old town of Jelsa, and unpopulated Zečevo islet.
• A compact five-hour outing: enough time for several swims without taking up a full day.
• Snorkeling gear and bottled water included: you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.
• A small-group feel: the boat holds no more than 18 people, and some departures feel closer to a private charter.
• Fast, open-air cruising: bring a light cover-up for the ride between stops.
• Best for confident swimmers and active sightseers: children under 3 are not recommended, and the boat has no toilet.

Why this Hvar trip works so well from Makarska

Makarska is a practical base for reaching the nearby islands, but the shore itself can keep you busy with beaches and mountain views. This speedboat trip gives you a different day out, one built around the water rather than a long town tour or a crowded ferry schedule.

The five-hour length is a real advantage. You get several coastal stops and time in Jelsa, yet you are back in Makarska the same day with plenty of time left for dinner or an evening walk. I see this as a good fit if you want a taste of Hvar without committing to a full-day excursion.

The price is $85.36 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach the island, but the fare includes fuel, safety equipment, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and all fees. You are paying for a boat, skipper, route, and several swim stops rather than simply a transfer from one port to another.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat rental, fuel, and snorkeling gear. It also helps that the group size is capped at 18. You should not expect a private cruise, but the experience can feel more personal than a large sightseeing vessel.

The 35-minute cruise to Veliki Pokrivenik

The day begins at Rent a Boat Makarska, Promare Charter, at Marineta ul. 12 in Makarska. From there, you take a panoramic cruise of about 35 minutes to Veliki Pokrivenik Bay on Hvar.

This first ride is not wasted travel. It gives you a look at the coast from the water and sets the pace for the day. A speedboat also makes the journey more exciting than a slow ferry, though you should be prepared for wind and spray. One useful tip is to carry something light to cover your shoulders during the ride.

Veliki Pokrivenik is one of the less visited bays on Hvar, marked by pale stone cliffs and a more secluded feel. The stop lasts about 35 minutes, with no separate admission charge. It is a good first pause because you can ease into the day with a swim and take in the setting before the more dramatic Mala Stiniva stop.

The exact balance between swimming, snorkeling, and looking around can depend on the sea and the group. If you prefer long stretches on the beach, this is not that kind of excursion. The boat is the base, and the stops are short enough to keep the route moving.

Mala Stiniva, where the cliffs meet the sea

Mala Stiniva is likely to be the visual highlight of the trip. Here, stone cliffs drop almost straight into the clear water, creating a narrow, striking bay that feels made for a swim.

You get around 35 minutes at this stop. The water is described as crystal-clear, which makes snorkeling worthwhile even though this is not a specialist marine-life tour. Bring realistic expectations: the appeal is the combination of visibility, rock walls, and swimming in a beautiful natural setting, not a guaranteed list of fish or underwater sites.

This is also the stop where the outing can become more active. Some departures include cliff jumping, and that has been a memorable part of the day for some people. It is an optional activity, not something you need to do. If you are not comfortable jumping, you can simply swim, snorkel, or remain on the boat.

The cliffs and stone shore mean you should think about footing and sun exposure. Water shoes may be useful, although they are not listed as included. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, but you should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and anything you need for personal comfort.

I especially like the way Mala Stiniva breaks up the cruise. You are not just stopping at another beach. The setting feels distinctly different from Veliki Pokrivenik, so the first two water stops do not blur together.

Forty-five minutes in historic Jelsa

After the swim at Mala Stiniva, the boat heads to Jelsa. You have about 45 minutes of free time here, which is enough for a coffee, ice cream, a short walk, or a quick look at the town’s historic center.

Jelsa gives the trip a useful change of rhythm. The bays are about scenery and swimming; Jelsa lets you step ashore and enjoy an actual island town. It is an ancient settlement on Hvar with historic monuments and a waterfront setting, so even a brief visit adds cultural interest to a mostly outdoor day.

The time is short, so you should choose one priority. If you want food, sit down promptly. If you prefer to explore, use the first few minutes to walk before deciding where to stop. You probably will not see every corner of Jelsa in 45 minutes, but you can get a pleasant taste of it.

This is also the only scheduled town stop, and lunch is not included. You can use the free time to buy food, but the tour does not promise a full meal break. If you need lunch at a particular hour, plan ahead and ask the operator about the departure timing on your date.

Jelsa is one reason I would choose this outing over a simple swim cruise. You get a little history and local atmosphere without turning the whole day into a guided walking tour.

Zečevo islet and the final hour on the water

Opposite Jelsa, a short cruise takes you to Zečevo, an unpopulated islet in the Hvar archipelago. The islet is protected as a significant area, and its appeal lies in its untouched setting, open water, and lack of permanent settlement.

The stop is scheduled for about 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it the longest pause of the day. You may swim, relax by the water, and visit the beach bar for a drink. This is a laid-back ending after the more active snorkeling stops.

The beach bar is also the least predictable part of the experience. It may not be fully ready for visitors if there is a private event or an unusual operating schedule. That does not erase the value of the islet itself, but you should treat the drink stop as a bonus rather than the central reason to book.

One appealing detail is the unhurried feel of this final stop. You are not rushing from one photograph to the next. You can sit with a drink, swim again, or simply enjoy the view before the return cruise.

The total route includes panoramic cruising between the listed stops. Some people love this part because a speedboat gives you wind, sea views, and a sense of movement. If you prefer maximum time ashore, remember that a meaningful part of the five hours is spent traveling between bays and the island.

What the boat setup means for your day

The boat carries a maximum of 18 people. That is small enough to make conversation with the skipper possible and large enough that the mood depends on the group. Several departures have had a relaxed, almost private-charter feel, especially when the captain takes time to talk with everyone.

Guides such as Marco and Mario have been praised for being friendly, approachable, and willing to share information about the area. The exact skipper is not guaranteed, but the operator’s local connection is useful. One captain has been described as a Makarska native, which can add a personal touch to the route.

The boat includes safety equipment and fuel, so there are no surprise fuel charges during the trip. Snorkeling equipment is provided as well. Bottled water is included, though I would still carry extra water if you tend to drink often in the sun.

There is no restroom on board. This matters more than it might seem on a five-hour water outing, especially if you are traveling with young children. Use facilities before departure and make the most of the stop in Jelsa.

The tour is not recommended for children under 3. The speedboat, open water, short swim stops, and lack of an onboard restroom make it better suited to older children, couples, friends, and active families.

What to pack for the five-hour route

Keep your packing simple, but cover the basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Light clothing or a cover-up for the boat ride
• Sunglasses secured with a strap if possible
• Cash or a payment method for food and drinks in Jelsa or at Zečevo
• Water shoes if you dislike rocky shorelines
• A waterproof pouch for phones and small valuables

Be careful with glasses and other loose items when swimming or cliff jumping. One person lost glasses after jumping from a cliff, despite an attempt to find them with snorkeling equipment. The lesson is plain: secure anything expensive before entering the water.

You should also expect direct sun and wind. The breeze on the boat can feel cool, but it does not replace sunscreen. A light cover-up is useful both for sun protection and for the return ride.

How this tour compares with a private charter

A true private charter gives you more control over departure times, stop lengths, and food plans. This trip follows a set route, so it cannot offer that same freedom.

Still, the small maximum group and flexible approach at swim stops make it a strong middle ground. If the group is enjoying the water and conditions allow, the skipper may give you longer to swim than planned. That flexibility is valuable, particularly at Mala Stiniva.

You should choose this scheduled tour if you want the convenience of a prepared route and included equipment. Choose a private rental instead if you already know the bays you want to visit or need a custom schedule.

Who will get the most from this experience

I would recommend this trip to:

• Couples looking for a scenic half-day on the water
• Families with children old enough to swim comfortably
• Friends who want snorkeling and optional cliff jumping
• Visitors based in Makarska who want to see Hvar without spending a full day away
• Anyone who prefers smaller boats to large group excursions
• People who enjoy a mix of nature, swimming, and a short town visit

It is less suitable if you dislike fast boat rides, need frequent restroom access, want a long guided tour of Jelsa, or expect a guaranteed beach-bar experience at Zečevo.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason comes with the same choice of another date or a refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted, so keep that cutoff in mind when planning around uncertain weather.

Should you book the Hvar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced introduction to Hvar’s coast, with two strong swimming areas, a historic town, and a relaxed islet stop in about five hours. The price is fair for the boat, fuel, equipment, safety gear, and route, particularly if you value a small group and do not want to organize a charter yourself.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a quiet beach day, a substantial lunch, or a long visit in Jelsa. The tour moves at a steady clip, the boat has no restroom, and the Zečevo beach bar may not always be operating normally.

For most active visitors staying in Makarska, this is a smart use of half a day. Pack light, secure your valuables, bring a cover-up, and treat the beach bar as an extra rather than a promise. The bays, clear water, and chance to see a less developed side of Hvar are the real reasons to go.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start and finish?

It starts at Rent a Boat Makarska, Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300 Makarska, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including the panoramic boat rides between stops.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Veliki Pokrivenik Bay, Mala Stiniva Bay, the town of Jelsa, and the islet of Zečevo.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fuel, safety equipment, and all fees and taxes are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have free time in Jelsa, where you can get food or a drink.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. A restroom is not available on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.