Speedboat days on the Adriatic feel like shortcuts to scenery. From Makarska, this 5-hour ride sends you along Hvar’s less-visited north shore, with time to swim and snorkel in clear bays and a chance for cliff-jumping at Mala Stiniva. It is a small-group outing, limited to about 10 participants, so you do not end up packed in like a bus.

I love the way the route is built for boat-only access and maximum water time, not long land transfers. I also like that the tour supplies masks and snorkels, plus warm jackets, so you can focus on the water instead of shopping for gear.

The main thing to consider is motion and comfort. This is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the boat can feel rough between stops and on the return, so being selective about where you sit helps.

Key takeaways for Hvar’s north shore speedboat

• Snorkeling is included with masks and snorkels, plus time at three water stops for swimming and views.
• Veliki Pokrivenik and Mala Stiniva are the big scenery drivers, with cliffs, pebble beaches, and crystal-clear water.
• Jelsa town fits in with about 70 minutes for a coffee and a walk around an ancient coastal town.
• Zečevo is all about quiet water at an unpopulated islet, with protected nature and turquoise seas.
• Small group, limited headcount (10 or 12 depending on boat model), which makes the day feel more personal.
• Plan for no onboard restroom and pack a change of clothes since you will be wet at least once.

From Makarska to Hvar by speedboat: why this day feels efficient

This tour is set up like a day trip should be: you start in Makarska, then spend the bulk of the time where the good stuff lives, on and around Hvar’s north shore. The day begins with a 35-minute panoramic cruise, which is enough time to get that first hit of coastline and understand how the island’s shape changes the water and the cliffs.

You are not chasing attractions by foot. Instead, the boat acts like your transportation and your ticket. That means you spend fewer hours traveling and more time in bays where you can actually swim, snorkel, and look around.

The practical upside is simple. If you want Hvar without spending your whole trip on buses, this style works. You also get a more natural rhythm, anchored stops, short hikes at most, and then back to the boat.

Stop 1: Veliki Pokrivenik bay and its hidden-cave vibe

The first stop is Plaža Veliki Pokrivenik, reached after that initial cruise. This bay is one of the less-visited spots on Hvar, with impressive cliffs, pebble beaches, and a hidden cave.

That matters because Veliki Pokrivenik is the kind of place that rewards you for slowing down for a swim. The tour gives you about 35 minutes here, with snorkeling and swimming time. If you want to skip snorkeling, you can still enjoy the rocky edges and sun on the pebbled shore while you watch the water move around the cliffs.

A good tip for this stop: treat it like your warm-up. Use it to get comfortable with the boat routine, the entry into the water, and how your mask fits. Then you can be more confident during the second bay, where the cliffs are a bigger visual draw.

Stop 2: Mala Stiniva, cliffs that drop, and a cliff-jump option

Next up is Plaža Mala Stiniva. This is the wow stop. The bay is framed by cliffs that drop straight into the sea, which creates that classic Hvar look where the water looks clear enough to read the bottom.

You get about 35 minutes of swimming and snorkeling time here too. The cliffs are also a natural cliff-jumping spot. You are not required to jump, but the option is part of the appeal. And since safety equipment is included, you can feel more confident that the operator is thinking about how people enter and exit the water.

One reality check: cliffside water stops can feel more exposed, and the boat ride between stops can be bouncier. If you are sensitive to waves, do not assume all the movement happens only during the long transfers. Mala Stiniva is still time on the water, and you might feel the breeze more when the boat shifts.

Stop 3: Jelsa town for coffee and an easy walk

After two water-heavy stops, the itinerary slows down in a good way with time in Jelsa. You get about 70 minutes here for visit, free time, and walking.

Jelsa is an ancient town on Hvar, and you are there specifically for atmosphere and sights rather than a structured tour. In the time window, you can grab a coffee, wander a few streets, and take in the historic character that makes this part of the island feel different from the postcard bays.

This is also where the day balances out. If you booked for snorkeling, Jelsa gives your body a break. If you booked for the town feel, it keeps the trip from being purely about water.

Practical advice: bring or buy a little something for the ride. Food is not included, and there is no onboard restroom, so you want to plan for a quick stop on shore. Even if you do not stay long in town, it is a smart place to refuel.

Stop 4: Zečevo islet, unpopulated nature, and turquoise water

Opposite Jelsa is the islet of Zečevo, a short cruise away. Zečevo is unpopulated and protected as a conservation area, and it is known for untouched nature and crystal-clear turquoise seas.

The tour spends about 40 minutes at Plaza Zecevo for swimming and snorkeling. This stop is less about man-made conveniences and more about pure water and open views. If you like snorkeling, Zečevo is the kind of place where you can spend time looking around without the bay feeling crowded.

There is also a beach bar on Zečevo if you want to wind down. That gives you a choice: stay in the water longer, or take a slower moment on shore with a drink and a view.

The skipper and how the day runs in real life

The tour experience is strongly shaped by the skipper. The operator uses a professional skipper, and in many sailings the captain is described as friendly and organized, with clear guidance on what to do at each stop.

That kind of leadership matters because speedboat tours are time-focused. You get short windows in each place, so you need quick, confident transitions: getting suited up, getting into the water safely, and getting back on schedule.

If you care about photos, keep your eyes open. On some days, the guide has provided drone photos as an extra keepsake. It is not something you should count on every time, but it is an example of the thoughtful touches that can make a fast day feel more memorable.

What is included, and why it changes the value equation

At $91 per person, the real value is not just the boat. It is what is bundled into the price.

Included:

• Masks and snorkels
• Bottled water
• Warm jackets
• Safety equipment
• Insurance
• Professional skipper
• The planned stops and time on the north shore

That matters because snorkeling gear and safety basics add up fast if you shop on the spot. Warm jackets also help even in warmer months, because boats can get breezy when you are wet and between stops.

Not included:

• Food
• Restroom on board

So the value is best if you come prepared to handle basics yourself. Pack a change of clothes, plan on a shore break in Jelsa for anything you want to eat, and bring sunscreen because you will be in the sun over multiple water stops.

Duration, group size, and seating choices that affect comfort

The tour is listed as 5 hours total. With a 35-minute cruise from Makarska to the first stop, then multiple shorter stops and Jelsa time, it is a packed half-day.

Group size is limited to 10 participants, and depending on the boat model it can be up to 12. That small headcount is a big deal. It means you spend less time waiting around and more time actually in the water at each bay.

Comfort detail that can really matter: if the water feels rough between stops, where you sit changes the experience. Some people find the boat rougher between locations and on the way back. If you want to stay drier and shaded more often, you may prefer the back of the boat. If you want maximum forward views, you might end up more wet.

Also note the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not recommended for people with back problems or those prone to seasickness. It is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is not recommended for people over 70 years. If any of that applies, it is worth choosing a calmer, land-based alternative.

What to bring for a day of swim stops and sun

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Towel

Because food and restroom access are not included onboard, I treat this like a mini beach day plus a town hour. You will want your sunscreen ready before you board, and you should plan a quick towel and dry clothes routine for after the final water stop.

Also, not allowed:

• Pets
• Smoking in the vehicle

So keep the day smooth by sticking to the rules and planning around them.

Route flexibility in slow seasons: how plans can change

One more practical consideration. In lower demand periods, the operator may switch you to a related multi-island option rather than running the exact same route. The good part is that you still get the core components you booked for, swimming and time at scenic locations, and you still have the skipper guiding the day.

If you have tight plans later the same day, aim to keep some flexibility. Speedboat schedules depend on conditions, and the operator can offer a full refund or a rescheduled trip in bad weather.

Should you book this Makarska to Hvar north shore speedboat?

Yes, if your priority is time on the water and you want a north shore taste of Hvar without spending the day on land transit. This tour gives you multiple swim and snorkel windows, a real stop in Jelsa for a walk and coffee, and a final water stop at Zečevo where the vibe is calmer and more nature-focused.

Skip it, or at least think hard first, if you are prone to seasickness, have mobility or back issues, or you need a low-motion, low-wet plan. And if you hate the idea of changing clothes and spending time in saltwater, you might prefer a slower boat ride or a land-based Hvar plan.

If you decide to go, pack like you mean it: sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. Then focus on the best part, those short, scenic bays where you can get in the water, look around with the provided snorkel gear, and enjoy Hvar’s north coast at speed.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Makarska?

The tour duration is 5 hours. You can check availability to see the starting times.

What is included in the price?

It includes a professional skipper, masks and snorkels, bottled water, warm jackets, safety equipment, and insurance.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Masks and snorkels are included.

Is food provided on board?

No. Food is not included. There is free time in Jelsa where you can grab a coffee or do sightseeing.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, and people over 70 years.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In bad weather conditions, you will be offered a full refund or a rescheduled trip.