Hvar feels closer when the boat pulls out. I love the snorkeling-focused stops around Hvar, and I love the breathing room in Jelsa for coffee and a little exploring. The only real catch is timing, this experience depends on good weather, so wind and rougher seas can change plans.

What makes this tour appealing is the practical mix: short travel stretches, then real time in the water, and a small maximum group size that keeps things relaxed. If you get a skipper like Marco or Mario, you’re likely in for a friendly, hands-on day where they steer you toward the best spots for swimming and cliff jumping, when conditions allow.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Multiple swim and snorkel stops around Hvar, not just one quick break
• Mala Stiniva Bay for clear water with dramatic vertical cliffs
• Jelsa town time to reset on land, grab coffee, and do light sightseeing
• Zečevo islet visit with time to unwind at the beach bar
• Small group size (maximum 18) that keeps the vibe closer to a private outing

Why this Hvar speedboat tour starts in Makarska

Most people picture Hvar Island as something you reach by ferry, then spend the rest of the day figuring out. This tour flips that. You start from Makarska, then let a speedboat do the hard work of getting you to multiple spots around Hvar in just about 5 hours.

That matters if you are short on time, or if you hate the idea of spending your day in transit. You also get a steady rhythm of motion, panoramic cruising between stops, and then the payoff, actual swimming time.

One more detail I like: you meet at Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300 Makarska. It is a straightforward location, and the tour notes say it is near public transportation, so it is easier to line up if you are already in the area.

The half-day pace, and how to plan what to wear and bring

This is a half-day format with a simple structure: travel by boat, stop, swim or snorkel, then move on. The ride time between locations is often the longest part, but it stays interesting because the crew is running a route around Hvar’s coast rather than dead straight across open water.

A few practical things to plan around:

• There is no lunch included, so think about whether you want breakfast beforehand or a snack after.
• There is no restroom on board, so use facilities before you board.
• You do get bottled water and snorkeling equipment, which saves you time and luggage.

Also, bring something for sun and spray. Even in good conditions, the boat gives you wind off the water. Many people end up glad they had a light cover or layer.

Finally, keep your day flexible mentally. The tour requires good weather. If conditions are not right, expect it could be changed or refunded under the provider’s rules.

Stop 1: Veliki Pokrivenik Bay, a calmer start with dramatic cliffs

Your first hop is Pokrivenik, specifically Veliki Pokrivenik bay on Hvar Island. It is reached after about a 35-minute panoramic cruise, which is long enough to settle in and enjoy the coastline, but not so long that the day feels like travel-only.

This stop is a strong opener for two reasons. First, the setting is visually impressive, with striking cliff scenery around the bay. Second, it gives you early water time before you spend much time on land.

What to expect in practice:

• A short window to swim and get your bearings
• A spot where the water looks inviting, especially if the light is right
• A good chance to try snorkeling without rushing straight to the biggest cliffs later

If you are new to snorkeling, start here. It is easier to build confidence when you are not immediately thrown into the most intense scenery of the day.

Stop 2: Mala Stiniva Bay for crystal-clear water and cliff-jump thrills

The next stop is Mala Stiniva, one of those bays you remember because the geography feels unreal once you are there. The cliffs drop vertically to the sea, and the water is described as crystal-clear.

Time-wise, you get around 35 minutes here. That is not long in the way a beach day is long, but it is plenty for a swim, a couple of snorkeling passes, and a short break to take photos or just watch the water clarity.

This is also where a lot of fun can happen. Several experiences on this route highlight cliff jumping as a standout moment. If you like that kind of thrill, this is the stop to pay attention to. If you do not, you can still have a great time here just floating and snorkeling.

My practical take: if the water is clear and you feel comfortable in it, snorkeling will feel worth it right away. If you do not, it still pays off to spend time watching how the light hits the sea at the base of the cliffs. It is one of those places where you stop thinking in checklist terms and just look.

Stop 3: Jelsa town time, coffee and a little history on land

After the water play, you get to slow down in Jelsa, an ancient town on Hvar Island. You receive about 45 minutes for this stop, with time to grab a coffee and do light sightseeing.

This is the tour’s smart counterbalance. You spend time swimming in remote bays, then land on a town where you can:

• stretch your legs
• take a break from boat wind
• get something small to eat or drink, depending on what is available

In Jelsa, expect a classic Adriatic feel: stone streets, a relaxed pace, and plenty of small ways to wander for under an hour. Even if your goal is only coffee and a quick look, the stop helps the day feel human, not just nonstop water hopping.

From my perspective, this is one of the best “value moments” in the itinerary. The boat gets you to viewpoints and swim spots you probably would not reach on your own easily. The town time gives you a taste of Hvar beyond waterline photos.

Stop 4: Zečevo islet and the Zečevo beach bar, unpopulated shore time

The final major stop is Zečevo islet, opposite Jelsa. You get about 1 hour 5 minutes, which is a longer stay than some of the bays earlier in the day. The islet is described as unpopulated, and it is protected as an area of special significance, so it feels more like a quiet escape than a sightseeing market.

This stop is built around downtime. You can swim and relax, then decide whether to spend time at the Zečevo beach bar. That bar is part of what makes the islet visit feel complete, because it gives you a simple payoff that does not require planning.

One consideration: service can be affected by how the beach bar is running that day. If you are arriving with a strong craving for a drink at a specific time, keep expectations flexible and allow a little buffer once you step off the boat.

Either way, this is a good final act. After several more intense water moments, the longer time here lets you end the day calmer, with fewer time checks and more just enjoy-the-water energy.

What is included, and what you will pay for yourself

At $85.36 per person, the value hinges on what you actually get for the money, not just the headline duration. You are paying for a speedboat route that hits multiple water stops around Hvar, plus equipment and safety basics.

Included:

• Bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Safety equipment
• All fees and taxes
• Fuel

Not included:

• Lunch
• Tips
• Restroom on board

This matters because it changes how you should budget the day. You can keep costs controlled by eating beforehand or planning a meal after you return to Makarska. And because snorkeling gear is included, you avoid rental hassles.

Also, the small maximum group size (18) makes the experience feel less like a loud bus tour. It can feel more like a guided, stop-and-swim boat outing, especially if the captain takes time to point out where the clearest water is.

Captains make a difference, and this route tends to deliver

The guides and skippers can shape how much you enjoy a boat day, even when the itinerary is fixed. Here, the record is strong: names like Marco and Mario come up, both connected with friendly, knowledgeable hosting and remote stop choices that feel better than the standard route.

What you should hope for from the skipper:

• Clear guidance on when and where to swim or snorkel
• A good feel for the water conditions
• A laid-back style that still keeps the group moving at a comfortable pace
• A sense of fun, especially if cliff jumping is on the table for that day

If you are going on a honeymoon, a family outing, or just a couple friends who want a “do something different” day, this style tends to fit. It is not overly scripted, and it leaves room to enjoy the water instead of watching from a distance.

Who this tour fits best in real life

This is a great match if you want:

• a swim-and-snorkel day without the effort of arranging multiple locations
• a taste of Hvar that includes town time in Jelsa
• a manageable commitment, about 5 hours, with most of the day spent where the scenery is

It is also a decent choice for families, as long as your kids are comfortable in the water. The tour notes say it is not recommended for children under 3. Beyond that age, snorkeling participation is often a hit because the equipment is provided.

Skip this tour if:

• you need long stretches of land time (the day is mostly water and cruising)
• you strongly dislike speedboat rides or windy open water segments
• you need a restroom on board (this one does not have it)

Should you book this Makarska to Hvar speedboat tour?

I would book it if your priority is water time. The route is built to deliver multiple swim moments, not just a quick coastal look. If you want a day where you snorkel around cliffs, take a break in Jelsa, then end on a quieter Zečevo islet with a beach bar option, this itinerary lines up well.

I would hesitate only if your schedule cannot flex with weather, or if you dislike the idea of spending much of the half-day moving by boat. Also, if you are traveling with a strict food plan, remember lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

If you are looking for a practical, high-value way to see more of Hvar than you could on your own in a day, this speedboat tour from Makarska is a strong bet.

FAQ

What is the duration of the half-day speedboat tour?

The tour duration is listed as approximately 5 hours.

Where do I meet, and does the tour end back there?

You start at Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300 Makarska, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, and coverage of all fees and taxes.

What is not included?

Lunch, tips, and a restroom on board are not included.

Is pickup offered?

The tour notes say pickup is offered, and it also states you will have a mobile ticket.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.