From Makarska: Hidden Gems of Hvar Island’s North Shore

Makarska’s waterfront is only the starting point. In 35 minutes, your speedboat carries you to Hvar’s quieter north shore, where steep stone cliffs meet clear water and small bays remain reachable mainly by boat. You’ll swim at Veliki Pokrivenik and Mala Stiniva, walk through Jelsa, then finish at the peaceful islet of Zečevo.

I like two things in particular: the small-group format, limited to about 10 or 12 people, and the useful mix of water time and town time. You are not stuck on a boat all day, but you also do not lose half the trip driving between inland sights. The main catch is a practical one: the speedboat can be rough between stops, and anyone sitting at the front may get sprayed. People prone to seasickness should think twice.

Quick points before you book

• Four distinct stops in five hours: You get three swim and snorkeling areas plus about 70 minutes in Jelsa.
• Veliki Pokrivenik has a cave: This lesser-visited bay combines pebble beaches, cliffs, and a tucked-away cave worth seeing from the water.
• Mala Stiniva is the cliff-jumping stop: The bay has tall stone walls dropping straight into the sea, though you should only jump if the skipper confirms it is safe.
• Jelsa gives the day some culture: You have time for a coffee, a walk, and a look at old monuments instead of spending the entire outing in swimwear.
• Zečevo islet is quiet and unpopulated: You can snorkel in clear turquoise water or visit the beach bar.
• The boat ride is part of the experience: It is fast and scenic, but the ride can feel bumpy, especially in the front seats.

Why this Hvar boat tour works well from Makarska

If you are staying in Makarska and want to see Hvar without arranging a full day of ferries and local transport, this outing is a tidy solution. The route focuses on the northern side of the island, far from the better-known resort scenes, and reaches coves that are awkward or impossible to visit by road.

The schedule also makes good use of five hours. After the 35-minute cruise from Makarska, you receive roughly 35 minutes at Veliki Pokrivenik, 35 minutes at Mala Stiniva, 70 minutes in Jelsa, and 40 minutes at Zečevo. That is enough time to swim properly at each water stop, though not enough for a long, lazy beach day.

The group limit matters. With 10 people, or up to 12 depending on the boat, boarding and leaving the boat are easier than on a large excursion vessel. You can usually hear the skipper’s instructions, and the pace feels more personal. The boats have safety equipment, bottled water, warm jackets, and basic masks and snorkels.

This is still a speedboat trip, not a quiet sailing cruise. The engine noise, wind, spray, and short travel intervals give the day energy. They also mean that you should bring a change of clothes and secure your hat, phone, and sunglasses. One captain even turned back to retrieve a hat that had blown overboard, but I would not plan on such luck.

The 35-minute crossing from Makarska

The meeting point is the Promare Charter information desk on Makarska’s waterfront, about a minute from the Ferris wheel. That is a simple place to find, and the outing ends there as well.

The first 35 minutes are spent crossing toward Hvar. You get wide views of the Adriatic and the coast as the boat leaves Makarska behind. The ride helps the tour cover a lot of ground quickly, but it can be exposed to wind and waves.

Seat choice makes a real difference. If you want the driest and shadiest place during the crossings, sit toward the back. The front offers a more open view and a stronger sense of speed, but you may get wet when the boat hits chop. If you are prone to seasickness, this is the part to consider most carefully. The tour is not suitable for people with serious seasickness concerns or back problems.

Warm jackets are provided, which is useful on the return ride when wet swimwear and wind can make you cold. Still, pack a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and dry clothes. Food is not included, and there is no restroom on board, so use facilities before leaving Makarska or during the Jelsa stop.

Veliki Pokrivenik, cliffs and a quiet cave

The first water stop is Veliki Pokrivenik, a bay on Hvar’s north shore with a more remote feel than the island’s main resort areas. You have about 35 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling.

The bay is framed by impressive cliffs and pebble beaches. Its main feature is a hidden cave, best appreciated from the water or while snorkeling. The offered masks and snorkels let you inspect the clear shallows without bringing your own equipment.

If snorkeling is not your thing, you can stay aboard, swim, or relax in the sun. That flexibility is useful in a small group because you do not need to force yourself into an activity you do not enjoy. The stop is short, however, so expect a quick look rather than an extended exploration of every corner.

The water is the real attraction here. You are visiting for the contrast between pale stone, open sea, and sheltered cove, not for shops or a developed beach scene. Bring your own waterproof phone pouch if you want pictures, since the tour provides snorkeling gear but does not list photography equipment as included.

Mala Stiniva, the best stop for a jump

Mala Stiniva is the most dramatic of the swimming bays. Stone cliffs drop vertically toward the sea, creating a narrow, striking setting that feels very different from a standard beach stop.

You get another 35 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The cliffs also make this the natural cliff-jumping stop. If you enjoy jumping, this is likely to be the highlight, but use common sense. Check the water, follow the skipper’s instructions, and do not jump simply because other people are doing it.

The tour information identifies the site as a good cliff-jumping area, but it does not promise a fixed jump height or a guided jumping session. Treat it as an option, not the central purpose of the trip. You can enjoy the bay from the water even if you prefer not to jump.

One small concern is supervision. A captain’s main job is to operate the boat and keep the group moving, so you should take responsibility for your own limits in the water. Families with confident swimmers may enjoy this stop, but it may be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes open-water swimming or steep rock edges.

Jelsa, 70 minutes for coffee and a walk

After two swimming stops, the boat heads to Jelsa. This is the longest stop, with about 70 minutes to walk around, see historic monuments, or sit down for coffee.

Jelsa gives the outing a welcome change of pace. You go from salt water and bare rock to a settled Hvar town with streets, buildings, and reminders of the island’s long past. The time is not enough for a full town tour, but it is enough to stretch your legs, get a drink, and see more than a series of coves.

Food is not included, but Jelsa is the most practical place on the route to buy something if you need it. The tour does not promise a specific meal stop, so bring a snack from Makarska if you want something reliable. A coffee and a short walk may be all you need after the first swim stops.

Jelsa is also useful for anyone in a mixed group. Strong swimmers can enjoy the water stops, while someone who wants a break from swimming can make better use of the town visit. You should keep an eye on the meeting time, though. Seventy minutes passes quickly, and the boat cannot wait indefinitely for a late return.

Zečevo islet, clear water and a beach bar

Opposite Jelsa sits Zečevo, an unpopulated islet protected as a significant natural area. The final stop lasts about 40 minutes and is set aside for swimming and snorkeling.

Zečevo offers a different mood from Mala Stiniva. Instead of tall cliffs pressing close around the bay, you get untouched surroundings and clear turquoise water. It is a good place to slow down near the end of the trip, rinse off in the sea, and use the snorkeling equipment again.

There is also a beach bar on the islet. That gives you the option of buying a drink and taking a break from the water, though the tour price does not include food or refreshments. Since the stop is only 40 minutes, you may need to choose between snorkeling and sitting at the bar rather than doing both at length.

The islet is unpopulated, so do not expect a full range of facilities. The appeal is the simple setting: sea, stone, and a small place to get a drink. It is a fitting final stop before the return crossing to Makarska.

What the $91 price includes

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning on the Adriatic. The value comes from combining transport, four separate stops, a professional skipper, and use of masks and snorkels in one compact outing.

You are paying to reach the north shore of Hvar quickly. Visiting these bays independently would require arranging a boat, fuel, local knowledge, and a plan for moving between places. The tour handles that practical work and lets you focus on swimming, walking, and scenery.

The price also includes bottled water, safety equipment, warm jackets, and insurance. It does not include food, drinks at the beach bar, or a restroom on the boat. Those omissions are easy to manage if you eat before departure, carry a small snack, and plan to use Jelsa for a comfort break.

Value depends on what you want from Hvar. If your priority is museums, long town walks, or time on a single beach, you may find the schedule too quick. If you want several attractive swimming locations without hiring a private boat, the price is easier to justify.

Skippers, group size, and the feel on board

The provider is Promare Boat Charter. Outings have been led by skippers including Marko, Goran, and Dinko, with strong praise for friendly service, clear explanations, and good organization. The exact skipper depends on the departure, so do not book expecting a particular person.

The small group is one of the strongest features. A boat carrying nine passengers still leaves enough room to move comfortably, and the limit of 10 or 12 people keeps the outing from feeling like a floating crowd. You are likely to get more direct attention than on a large ferry-style tour.

The standard language is English or Croatian. Captains explain the stops and answer questions, though the depth of commentary may vary. This is primarily an active sea outing, not a formal history tour.

Some outings have included thoughtful extras, such as a captain turning around for a lost hat or providing drone photos of the group. Those touches are welcome, but they are not listed as guaranteed parts of every departure. The reliable benefits are the route, skipper, equipment, water, and safety gear.

Weather, comfort, and who should book

Weather controls the quality of this trip. In rough conditions, the crossing can be uncomfortable and a departure may be canceled after reaching the island. If that happens, you are offered a full refund or a rescheduled trip.

That policy is reassuring, but it does not prevent a wet or bumpy ride on a day when the tour still operates. Sit at the back if you want more shelter and shade during travel. The front is better for open views, but expect more spray.

This outing suits you best if you:

• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in open water
• Like cliff jumping but can make safe decisions for yourself
• Want a small group rather than a large boat
• Prefer several short stops to one long beach stay
• Would like a brief visit to Jelsa
• Are comfortable with a fast, sometimes rough ride

It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back problems, people prone to seasickness, or people over 70 years old, according to the stated restrictions. Children are not specifically discussed, so families should ask the operator about their child’s swimming ability and comfort on a speedboat before booking.

You also need to be comfortable without a restroom on board. Plan around that limitation rather than assuming one will be available at sea.

Should you book this Hvar north shore tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy half-day on the water with several swim stops, a little cliff jumping, and a useful taste of Jelsa. The route reaches scenic bays that are difficult to visit without a boat, and the small group keeps the experience personal.

Skip it if you want a calm cruise, a full meal, long time ashore, or guaranteed dry clothing. The boat ride can be rough, the stops are timed, and the day is built around swimming rather than sitting on a beach.

For most active visitors based in Makarska, the strongest case is the variety. In five hours, you see Veliki Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, and Zečevo without spending the entire day planning connections. Pack lightly, sit toward the rear if you dislike spray, and treat the cliff jumping as optional. At $91, it is a fair choice for seeing this side of Hvar efficiently.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Makarska?

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

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the departure schedule.

What places does the speedboat visit?

The route includes Veliki Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, Jelsa, and Zečevo islet before returning to Makarska.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with bottled water, warm jackets, safety equipment, and insurance.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Jelsa has time for coffee and sightseeing, and Zečevo has a beach bar where you can buy refreshments.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A dry layer is useful after swimming and during the return ride.

What happens if the weather is bad?

You can receive a full refund or reschedule the trip if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.