A sunset that starts with engine noise. This Makarska sunset speedboat gives you a fresh angle on the Riviera as you leave the port, and you get a proper swim and snorkel break at Puntica Bay on Brač. I also like that it is run as a small-group outing, not a crowded party boat. The one catch is practical: the boat anchors, so there is no docking station in the cove, and you’ll enter the water from the boat.

The ride is short and the pacing makes sense, with a calm 20-minute cruise toward Brač, a 40-minute swim stop, then an easy return while the sky shifts. Your skipper, often Tina, keeps the timing tight for sunset and the moments that matter, and she’s known for helping with photos during the fun bits. One more thing to plan around: you should confirm the exact departure time, since sunset in summer changes by about 2 minutes each day.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small-group format (up to 12 people), which keeps the experience relaxed and photo-friendly.
• Puntica Bay on Brač is the star, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy beach swing views.
• Anchoring in the bay means you enter water from the boat, not from a dock.
• Snorkeling set is included, so you can pack lighter.
• Sunset viewpoint time on the way back, giving you a final scenic window before you return.

Leaving Makarska Port, Then Chasing Golden Light

Makarska is gorgeous from shore, but the first minutes of this tour show you why everyone comes back for the sea view. As you exit the port, you get an instant panorama of the Makarska Riviera, the buildings stacked along the coast, and the curve of the water leading your eyes. Even if you’ve already seen the seaside walk, this looks different because you are higher up on the motion, with the coastline sliding past in a clean line.

I like that the tour starts with a real payoff, not a long wait. You are moving quickly, but not so fast that you lose the view. The rhythm is set by the schedule: you cruise to Brač, you slow down for the swim stop, and then you let the return trip do its job at sunset.

The boat is also built for short, active breaks. You are not spending this 90 minutes sitting in one place waiting for something to happen. Instead, you get that “on the water, in the moment” feeling right away.

The 20-Minute Cruise to Brač Island (What You’ll Actually Notice)

The speedboat leg to Brač is about 20 minutes. That matters because you’re not giving up half the day to get to one view. It is long enough to feel like you’ve left Makarska behind, but short enough that you still have a strong chunk of time for swimming and sightseeing.

During this section, keep an eye on the coastline as it changes. From the boat, the shape of the coast becomes more dramatic, and you get perspectives that don’t work from the promenade. It is a quick orientation tour without feeling like you are being lectured.

There’s also a practical advantage: because the cruise time is set, you’re less likely to feel rushed during the later parts. The tour structure keeps you in control of your energy, swim for a while, then enjoy the ride back without having to “make time.”

Puntica Bay on Brač: The Swim Stop That Changes the Whole Tour

The heart of this experience is Puntica Bay on Brač. You’ll spend about 40 minutes here, with snorkeling and swimming time in a calmer setting than the open water.

What makes Puntica Bay special in a useful, everyday way is how flexible the stop feels. You can swim off the speedboat while the music is playing, or you can swim toward the beach and then snorkel around the cove. That choice matters. If you want an easy swim, you can keep it simple. If you want to put your face in the water and explore, you have time for that too.

You’ll also notice details once you’re oriented. There are beach swings, and the view toward Makarska from Brač gives you that “I’m on the other side of the postcard” feeling. It’s not just pretty, it’s memorable, because you’re seeing Makarska from water level and from an angle you don’t get anywhere else.

One thing to plan for: the boat anchors in the bay. There is no docking station. So think about how you feel about stepping into the water from the anchored boat. If you want your arrival to feel effortless, this part is more active than shore-based sightseeing.

Snorkeling Gear Included, and How to Use It Well

The tour includes a snorkeling set, which is a genuine value boost if you don’t already have your own gear. It means you can show up with just the basics and still do the activity.

During the Puntica Bay portion, you get a focused window for snorkeling. Forty minutes sounds short until you’re in the water and realize you don’t need a long time to make it count. Your best bet is to start snorkeling at a pace you can hold. Spend a few minutes getting comfortable, then slow down for the parts you actually want to see.

If you’re choosing between swimming straight off the boat versus swimming to the beach, decide based on your comfort and your time. Swimming to the beach can add variety, especially since you’ll then have the swings as a visual marker. But if you’d rather reduce effort and keep your energy for photos or calmer floating, staying near the boat is totally fine.

Also, take advantage of the fact that the boat is playing music during the swim moment. It turns the cove time into something social, not just practical. Even in a small group, it helps set the mood.

The Sunset Return: Panoramas, Then a Quick Viewpoint Window

After Puntica Bay, you’ll cruise back toward Makarska. The return leg is about 20 minutes, and you’ll feel the pace shift again because this is where the light takes over.

As you head back, you get Makarska’s panorama from the water, and that is the part most people remember. The sky changes in layers, gold first, then orange and pink as the horizon starts to glow. It’s not just about watching the sun go down. It’s about seeing how the coastline looks when the glare lowers and the water reflects more of the color.

There is also a short scenic period on the way back, around 10 minutes at a viewpoint. That timing is important. It gives you a final chance to look, take photos, and soak it in after the swim.

One timing tip from the tour details that you should treat seriously: sunset timing shifts through summer, decreasing by about 2 minutes each day. Because the whole experience is built around sunset, you’ll want to confirm the exact departure time with the operator so you’re not staring at an early sky when you should be catching the real colors.

Price and Value: Why $44 Feels Reasonable

At about $44 per person, this tour is priced like a true activity, not just a boat ride with a token stop. You’re paying for transportation, a skipper, fuel, and a full snorkeling set, plus the taxes and fees. In other words, you’re not assembling your own day from separate rentals and unpredictable schedules.

The biggest value driver is the format: a small group (up to 12). If you’ve ever been stuck on a larger boat where everyone crowds the same side for photos, you’ll appreciate how this setup keeps things calmer. You can actually move around, swim without feeling like you’re in a line, and enjoy the view without battling for space.

Also, the total time is only 1.5 hours. That makes it a strong fit for a vacation day when you want one standout experience but still want room for dinner, a beach walk, or exploring Makarska’s evening atmosphere.

Skipper Tina and the Small-Group Advantage

A lot of “sunset tours” feel generic because the company and staff treat the trip like a checklist. Here, the standout pattern is how the skipper handles timing and people.

Skipper Tina is specifically mentioned for timing everything to perfection, and for helping the group have fun during the swim moments. She’s also been known to take the time to relate to families, including helping capture action photos when kids or teens are jumping into the sea. Afterward, she’s shared a photo set quickly, which is a small thing that can matter a lot if you don’t want to spend the entire day fiddling with your camera.

Even if you don’t care about photos, this kind of attention usually shows up in the experience. When the skipper times the return properly and keeps the group moving smoothly, you feel it. You’re less likely to waste time, and the sunset moments land where they should.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a good match if you want:

• A short, scenic speedboat ride from Makarska
• A real swim stop with snorkeling gear included
• A small group setting where the day stays relaxed

It is less ideal if:

• You don’t want to enter the water from an anchored boat (there is no dock in the bay)
• You need wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users

If you’re traveling with teens or groups of friends, you’ll likely enjoy how the stop gives everyone something to do. The combination of swimming time and sunset cruising gives both active and photo-focused people a reason to stay happy the whole way through.

Practical Tips to Make Your 90 Minutes Go Smoothly

This tour is straightforward, but a little prep helps. Bring swimwear and a towel, since you’ll be getting wet and you’ll likely want to dry off afterward. Avoid smoking, since it is not allowed on this activity.

Plan your mental energy for the water part. The swim and snorkeling time is the central event, so if you treat it like an afterthought, you might miss the best of Puntica Bay.

Also, check the departure time before you go. Sunset timing changes through the summer, and the operator asks you to confirm the exact departure. That one step helps you line up with the light you came for.

Finally, remember that the tour loops back to the meeting point. So you can plan your evening without worrying about a long transfer afterward.

Should You Book This Makarska Sunset Speedboat Tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a tight, high-impact experience: a small group, a real swim stop on Brač, and a sunset-focused return that does not feel overcomplicated. The included snorkeling set and the way the schedule balances cruising time with swimming make the $44 price feel fair.

Skip it if you strongly prefer shore access, because the bay stop is anchored with no docking station. And if wheelchair access is a requirement, this one won’t work.

If you’re on the fence, I’d base the decision on two questions: Do you feel comfortable entering the water from a boat? And do you want a structured 1.5-hour window centered on sunset instead of a long, unplanned day? If you say yes to both, this is the kind of Makarska evening you’ll talk about long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska sunset speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, with a 90-minute format. The exact start time depends on availability.

Where do you go for the swimming and snorkeling stop?

You stop at Puntica Bay on Brač Island for swimming and snorkeling. The boat anchors in the bay, and there is no docking station.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes the speedboat, skipper, fuel, a snorkeling set, and taxes and fees.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Smoking is not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Croatian.