Makarska: 3-island Speedboat Cave & Blue Lagoon Tour

The best part of this Makarska outing is that it packs three islands, a sea cave, and several swim stops into five hours. You speed across to Hvar, swim into Little Blue Cave, have an hour in Jelsa, then finish with the Blue Lagoon and a quiet bay on Brač.

I like the small-group limit of 12, which makes a big difference on a fast boat. I also like the mix of activity: you get a little town time, several chances to swim, and no need to pay a separate fee for the cave. The main catch is that this is a water-heavy trip with brisk boat travel, cold water on some days, and no food included.

Key points at a glance

• Swim into Little Blue Cave on Hvar: The boat anchors outside, and you enter by swimming. There is no queue or cave admission fee.
• See three island areas in five hours: The route links Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač from Makarska.
• Spend a full hour in Jelsa: This is your chance for a walk, coffee, and a break from the boat.
• Stop at Zečevo’s Blue Lagoon: You can swim, snorkel, or relax at the waterfront bungalow bar.
• Travel with no more than 12 people: The smaller boat keeps the outing more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Bring your own food and extra drinks: Water is provided, but meals and other beverages are not.

Why this speedboat trip works so well

Makarska is a fine base for the Croatian coast, but its best swimming spots are scattered across the water. This trip gives you a practical way to reach the island side of Dalmatia without arranging separate ferries, taxis, and boat hires.

The speedboat is the key. The first ride takes about 40 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the open-water views but short enough to leave plenty of time ashore and in the water. The boat then links the stops with short rides, including about five minutes between Pokrivenik and Little Blue Cave.

You are not simply sitting on a boat for five hours. The schedule gives you about an hour in Jelsa, roughly 40 to 45 minutes at Zečevo, and several swimming breaks. That balance suits you if you want variety rather than one long stop at a single beach.

The small group also matters. With space for up to 12 people, boarding, getting into the water, and returning to the boat should feel less cumbersome than on a large cruise boat. One recent departure continued even with only four people, creating an unusually quiet outing. That flexibility is a nice sign for anyone who dislikes crowded excursions.

Leaving Makarska for Pokrivenik

Meet at the Palladium Rent a Boat stand on Makarska’s main promenade. The morning departure is at 8am, while the afternoon departure is at 1:30pm, subject to availability.

The first 40-minute run takes you toward Hvar and Pokrivenik. A speedboat ride is part of the fun, but it is also the most exposed portion of the trip. You should expect wind, spray, and movement on the water, so secure loose items and bring a light layer if you are sensitive to the breeze.

Pokrivenik is the first proper stop, with about 25 to 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. It is a sensible opening stop because you can get comfortable in the water before the cave visit. The bay is reached by boat, giving you a break from the built-up waterfront around Makarska.

This is not a long beach stay. Think of it as a quick swim in a sheltered setting rather than time to spread out with a book. If you are happiest when every stop lasts an hour or more, the pace may feel quick. If you like changing scenery, the short visit keeps the morning moving.

Swimming into Little Blue Cave on Hvar

Little Blue Cave is the trip’s most unusual stop. Do not confuse it with the famous Blue Cave on Biševo, which is a different attraction altogether. This smaller cave sits near Pokrivenik and is visited by swimming from the boat.

The boat anchors in front of the entrance, and you make your way inside in the water. There is no entry fee and no waiting line, which makes this much simpler than many well-known cave excursions. You can also swim and snorkel in the area for roughly 20 to 25 minutes.

The cave visit requires real swimming ability. The operator does not recommend the trip for non-swimmers, and the boat does not take you inside. That is an important distinction if you are picturing a dry, seated cave tour.

Bring a towel and swimwear, and keep your phone protected if you plan to take photos. The best value here is not a long guided explanation. It is the chance to reach a small coastal cave by water, with no extra ticket and no queue. The short stop also means you will not spend much of your five-hour outing waiting around.

One useful hour in Jelsa

After the cave, the boat takes about 25 minutes to Jelsa, one of the best-known towns on the northern side of Hvar. You have about an hour of free time here.

This is the town portion of the trip, and it gives the schedule some welcome breathing room. You can walk around, stop for coffee, or simply enjoy being on solid ground. Because the time is fixed, keep an eye on your watch and do not wander too far from the agreed meeting point.

Jelsa is valuable less as a full sightseeing visit and more as a change of rhythm. After swimming and riding the boat, a short walk and coffee break can make the rest of the outing more comfortable. If you want a deep exploration of Hvar, though, one hour is not enough. This tour gives you a taste of Jelsa, not a full island visit.

You should also plan your food around this stop. Food is not included, so Jelsa may be the easiest place to buy something if you do not bring a snack. The supplied information specifically allows you to bring food, while only a bottle of water is included.

The Blue Lagoon on Zečevo

From Jelsa, the boat reaches Zečevo in about 10 minutes. You get roughly 40 to 45 minutes at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, coffee, or free time.

This stop offers the most convenient setup of the day. The waterfront bungalow bar gives you somewhere to pause if you want a drink or a break from the water. Other drinks are not included, so budget separately if you plan to order there.

The lagoon is a good match for you if you want options. You can stay active in the water, use the snorkeling set supplied with the tour, or sit near the bar and take in the setting. The time is still limited, so it is best to choose what matters most instead of trying to do everything.

The included snorkeling gear adds value here and at the other swim stops. You do not need to arrange a separate rental, although bringing your own equipment is fine if you prefer a particular mask or snorkel.

Finishing at Zirje Beach on Brač

The final stop is Zirje Beach on Brač, reached after about 15 minutes by boat. You have around 20 to 30 minutes for another swim and snorkel before the return ride.

Ending with a swim is a smart choice. It lets you cool off after the faster ride from Zečevo and gives the day a relaxed finish. This is another short stop, not a full beach afternoon, so use the time for the water rather than unpacking a large amount of gear.

After Zirje Beach, the return trip to Makarska takes about 30 minutes. You arrive back at the Palladium stand on the main promenade, where the activity ends.

The sequence also shows why this tour is best viewed as a sampler. You see several coastal settings in one morning or afternoon, but you never stay long enough to know each one in depth. That trade-off is reasonable at five hours, especially if your time in Makarska is limited.

What the $96 price really covers

At $96 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time on the Adriatic. The price becomes easier to justify when you count what is included: the boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, snorkeling equipment, and a bottle of water.

You are paying for transport to multiple island stops as well as the boat time itself. A self-planned version would require more research and separate arrangements, and it would be difficult to match the cave, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Brač in one half-day.

The value is strongest if you want variety and convenience. It is weaker if your main goal is a long, lazy swim at one beach or a full day in Jelsa. Food and other drinks cost extra, so bring a packed snack and any drink you know you will want.

The free cancellation window is 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. That helps if your weather plans are still shifting, though the tour itself depends on suitable sea conditions.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this trip if you:

• Have only a short stay in Makarska and want to see beyond the mainland
• Enjoy swimming and can enter the sea from a boat
• Like a fast pace with several different stops
• Want both a coastal town and natural swim locations
• Prefer a small group to a large boat
• Are happy to bring your own food and pay separately for other drinks

I would be cautious if you dislike speedboat motion, are not a confident swimmer, or want a slow, beach-centered day. The trip is also not suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

The water may feel cold, especially early in the day or outside the warmest part of summer. One recent outing included children happily jumping from the boat despite chilly water, and even a dolphin sighting, but neither should be treated as guaranteed. Bring swimwear, a towel, and realistic expectations about conditions.

The tour guide speaks English and Croatian. The skipper is central to the experience, and the direct feedback from a recent trip points to an organized outing and a friendly captain. Since no individual skipper name is provided, you should not book this expecting a named guide.

Practical advice before you go

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water quickly at Pokrivenik. A towel is required, and a small waterproof bag will help protect valuables during the cave swim.

Bring food. You may carry your own snacks, and you will have an hour in Jelsa plus time at the bungalow bar, but nothing beyond the bottle of water is included. If you are prone to motion discomfort, eat lightly before departure and keep your belongings secure during the faster stretches.

Smoking is not allowed on the activity. The tour is offered in the morning and afternoon, so choose the time that best fits your plans. The morning departure gives you the rest of the day afterward, while the afternoon option may suit you if you want a relaxed start.

There is no cave admission charge and no queue at Little Blue Cave, but you must swim from the boat. That single detail should guide your booking decision more than the cave’s name.

Should you book the Makarska island tour?

Book it if you want an energetic half-day with several swim locations, a small group, and a taste of Hvar. The route covers a lot of ground, and the combination of Little Blue Cave, Jelsa, Zečevo, and Brač offers more variety than a basic beach transfer.

Skip it if you want long stays, a quiet beach day, or a cave visit that does not involve swimming. At $96, the tour earns its price through the skipper, fuel, equipment, and multi-island route, but its value depends on using those elements. For an active visitor who wants to see a lot from Makarska in five hours, it is a well-focused choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the Palladium Rent a Boat stand on the main promenade in Makarska.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Palladium Rent a Boat meeting point in Makarska.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed departure times are 8am and 1:30pm. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač.

Is Little Blue Cave the famous Blue Cave on Biševo?

No. Little Blue Cave on Hvar is a different cave from the Blue Cave on Biševo.

Do I have to swim into Little Blue Cave?

Yes. The boat anchors outside the cave, and the cave can only be visited by swimming.

Is there an admission fee or queue for Little Blue Cave?

There is no entry fee or queue for Little Blue Cave.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you may bring your own. Other drinks are also not included, while one bottle of water is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included with the boat trip.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

No. Smoking is not allowed during the activity.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Croatian.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You may also bring food and any drinks beyond the included bottle of water.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay later?

Yes. You can reserve your place and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.