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

The best part of this trip is its range: in about five hours, you reach three islands, swim in clear bays, enter a small sea cave when conditions allow, and still have time for coffee or ice cream in Jelsa. I like the small maximum group of 13, and I like that snorkeling gear, fuel, the boat, and bottled water are included. The main catch is the pace. Five stops leave limited time at each one, and rough seas can make the Little Blue Cave unsafe or impossible to enter.

I also like the morning departure option, since one skipper notes that the sea is often calmer early in the day. Bring your own food and drinks, choose your swimwear carefully, and expect a fast, active outing rather than a slow cruise. If you want a relaxed day on one beach, this is not the right fit.

Key points at a glance

• Five hours, five distinct stops: You visit Pokrivenik, the Little Blue Cave, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Žirje Beach.
• Three-island route: The trip reaches Hvar, tiny Zečevo, and Brač from Makarska.
• Small boat group: The maximum is 13 people, which makes the outing more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment is provided, and there are no entrance fees for the cave or bays.
• Jelsa gives you a land break: You have about an hour for coffee, ice cream, and a look around town.
• Sea conditions matter: The cave visit depends on safe water conditions, and cancellation is possible in poor weather.

A fast route across three Croatian islands

This is an island-hopping trip built around variety. You are not spending half the day getting to one distant destination. Instead, the speedboat links several short stops, each with a different purpose: swimming, snorkeling, a small-town visit, and a final quiet bay.

The route begins at Palladium Rent a Boat, at Marineta ul. 15 in Makarska. It ends back at the same place. The boat carries up to 13 people, a useful limit for a five-hour outing. You still share the ride, but the group should feel far less crowded than a large excursion vessel.

The price is $108.61 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat ride, but the cost includes the boat, fuel, an English-speaking skipper, snorkeling equipment, taxes, fees, and bottled water. Since several stops would be difficult to reach independently in a single morning or afternoon, the price makes more sense if you value time and convenience.

Food and other drinks are not included. You can bring your own, which is worth doing because the schedule gives you only one proper town stop. Jelsa is the natural place to buy a coffee or ice cream, but you should not count on a full meal there unless the timing works for you.

Pokrivenik Bay starts the swimming day

The first stop is Pokrivenik on the northern coast of Hvar. The boat anchors in the bay, giving you about 25 minutes to swim and snorkel in clear water.

This is a practical first stop because it gets you into the sea quickly. You can test the water, use the provided snorkeling equipment, and settle into the rhythm of a speedboat trip. The short time limit keeps the route moving, but it also means you should be ready before the boat arrives. If you spend ten minutes looking for a towel or adjusting gear, a large share of your swim is gone.

Pokrivenik is best treated as a refreshing swim rather than a full beach visit. The appeal comes from the bay and its clear water, not from a long stay on shore. Bring goggles or use the supplied gear, and keep an eye on the skipper’s timing.

The Little Blue Cave depends on the sea

A few minutes from Pokrivenik, the boat stops at the Little Blue Cave. The boat anchors outside, and you can collect snorkeling equipment before swimming inside. There are no entrance fees or queues.

This is the most distinctive stop on the route. Entering the cave by water gives you a closer, more active experience than simply looking at it from a boat. The cave is small, so the pleasure comes from the color, the enclosed space, and the swim itself rather than from a long visit.

You should also understand the limitation. Access depends on the waves. One party found the water too rough to reach the cave, and the operator makes clear that safety comes first. A calm, sunny day does not guarantee perfectly gentle water at the cave entrance.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in the crew’s planning. It is part of visiting a sea cave by small boat. If conditions prevent entry, you may still stop nearby, but you should not book this trip solely for the cave. Think of it as a strong possibility within a broader route.

Jelsa offers an hour off the boat

After the swimming stops, you spend about an hour in Jelsa on Hvar. This is the longest stop and the only one centered on a town rather than a bay.

Jelsa gives you a chance to walk, sit down, and enjoy a coffee or ice cream. That break matters. Five hours of boat travel and swimming can feel busy, so an hour on land gives your body and attention a rest. It also lets you see a small piece of island life rather than only the coast from the water.

Do not expect an extensive sightseeing program. The stop is short, and the town is a pause in the route, not a guided cultural visit. You can use the hour for a quick walk, a drink, or a snack. One particularly good use of the time is an ice cream stop before returning to the boat.

Jelsa may be the least exciting stop for someone focused only on swimming. One person found it uninteresting, while others liked the village atmosphere and the chance to stop for refreshments. Your reaction will depend on what you want from the day. If every minute must be spent in the water, Jelsa may feel like a delay. If you like a change of pace, it is useful.

Zečevo brings the Blue Lagoon

Next comes Zečevo, a tiny island known for its turquoise water. At only about 1.5 kilometers long and 200 meters wide at its narrowest point, it is a very different setting from Jelsa.

You have about 25 minutes here. The main draw is the bay, locally called the Blue Lagoon. The water is the star, so this stop works best for a quick swim and photos rather than a long walk across the island.

Zečevo also has a waterfront Bungalow Bar. The stop is short, so do not assume you will have time for a leisurely drink and a full swim unless the skipper’s schedule allows it. The bar adds character, but the bay remains the reason to visit.

This is another place where the schedule can feel tight. The route gives you access to several beautiful areas, but it does not give you the freedom to linger. Keep your belongings organized and listen for the return-to-boat time.

Žirje Beach closes the route on Brač

The final stop is Žirje Beach, a quiet bay on Brač. The stated stop lasts about 20 minutes, and the attraction is its turquoise water and peaceful setting.

The bay is described as unusually quiet, with perhaps only one or two other boats. That makes it a fitting last stop. After the more structured cave visit, town break, and Blue Lagoon swim, Žirje offers a simple final chance to get in the water.

Do not expect facilities or a long beach day. Twenty minutes passes quickly, and the tour must still return to Makarska. If you want to make the most of this stop, have your swimsuit ready before arrival and avoid packing your towel at the bottom of a bag.

The stop also shows the value of using a small speedboat. A larger vessel may not be able to make the same kind of brief visit to a quiet bay. Still, the tradeoff is speed: you cover more ground, but each stop stays short.

Skippers make a real difference

The boat is only part of the experience. The skipper controls the pace, explains the route, handles sea conditions, and decides whether cave access is safe.

The named skippers connected with this trip include Peter, Petar, Ante, and Carlo. Peter is praised for being informative and fun. Ante is described as friendly and a good guide, while Carlo is praised for taking care of the group’s needs. Petar also handles questions before the trip and is associated with a warm, helpful approach.

You should not assume that you will have a particular skipper on your departure. The useful point is that the company uses English-speaking skippers and that the service has received strong marks overall. The reported rating is 4.9 from 55 ratings, with 98 percent recommending the experience.

A small group helps here. With no more than 13 people, the skipper can give clearer instructions and keep the departure times manageable. It also reduces the chance of feeling lost in a crowd. You still need to be punctual, since one late person can affect five short stops.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $108.61, this tour is priced as a packaged half-day boat excursion rather than a simple ride. The included fuel matters because island distances add up. So do the boat, skipper, snorkeling equipment, taxes, fees, and bottled water.

The value is strongest if you want to see several places without arranging separate transport. You get Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač in one outing, plus a town visit and several swim stops. Hiring a boat independently could offer more freedom, but this tour removes the need to plan a route or operate the vessel.

The value is weaker if you want maximum time in the water. The five stops sound generous, but the actual swim periods are about 20 to 25 minutes, with one hour in Jelsa. You are paying for access and variety, not long, lazy beach time.

Bring your own lunch, snacks, and preferred drinks. Bottled water is supplied, but food is not. A small bag, swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and secure footwear are sensible choices for a day that moves between boat, water, and town.

Timing, weather, and practical details

The experience lasts about five hours and is offered in English. It starts and ends at Palladium Rent a Boat, Marineta ul. 15, Makarska. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it easier to reach without arranging a private transfer.

The company recommends good weather for the outing, and the trip can be canceled in poor conditions. You will then be 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 inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

If you have a choice of departure time, morning is worth considering. One skipper specifically notes that the wind and sea are often calmer earlier in the day. Calm water improves the speedboat ride, makes swimming more pleasant, and may improve your chance of reaching the cave.

Most people can take part, but this is an active sea trip. You need to be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming at the scheduled stops, and following the skipper’s instructions. The supplied information does not promise a long period on shore or a slow, sheltered cruise.

Who should book this Makarska boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to see a lot in half a day and enjoy changing locations. It suits couples, families with children who like swimming, and small groups that want an English-speaking skipper rather than a private boat rental.

It is also a good choice for a short stay in Makarska. You get a taste of Hvar, a tiny island, Brač, and a coastal town without giving up an entire day. The route feels active but not endless.

I would hesitate if your main goal is the Little Blue Cave. The cave is weather-dependent, and the visit may be limited by waves. I would also hesitate if you dislike speedboats, short swim stops, or having a fixed schedule.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want maximum variety in five hours, a small group, and a skipper-led route that handles the fuel, equipment, and navigation. The strongest parts are the Little Blue Cave when conditions cooperate, the clear-water stops at Pokrivenik and Zečevo, and the quiet final bay at Žirje Beach.

Skip it if you want a full day at one beach, a substantial cultural visit, or guaranteed cave access. For most people seeking an active introduction to the islands around Makarska, the combination of three islands, five stops, and a 13-person limit makes the price reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the Makarska 3 Island Speedboat Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Palladium Rent a Boat, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska, Croatia.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač. Stops include Pokrivenik and the Little Blue Cave on or near Hvar, Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon, and Žirje Beach on Brač.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although bottled water is provided. You may bring your own food and drinks.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 13 people.

Is the Little Blue Cave visit guaranteed?

No. The boat anchors in front of the cave and allows you to swim inside when conditions are safe. Rough waves may prevent access.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. An English-speaking skipper is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

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