Half-day Speedboat Tour: Explore Hidden Gems of Hvar Island

Exploring the Hidden Corners of Hvar Island: A Detailed Look at the Speedboat Tour

If you’re dreaming of a quick yet immersive adventure around Hvar Island, this half-day speedboat tour from Makarska offers a blend of scenic cruising, snorkeling, and charming towns—all in about five hours. The fact that it’s highly rated (perfect 5.0/5 from 48 reviews) and recommended by 100% of travelers speaks volumes about its popularity and value.

What truly catches our eye is how this tour manages to package several highlights into a manageable timeframe. Think crystal-clear waters for swimming, exploring an authentic Croatian town, and uncovering a secluded islet—all without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

However, it’s worth noting that, as a half-day experience, it’s designed for those who crave a quick escape rather than an all-day marathon. Also, while the tour offers plenty of snorkeling and sightseeing, it doesn’t include lunch—so packing a snack or planning to grab a bite in Jelsa might be wise. This trip is perfect for travelers seeking a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery in a compact package.

Key Points

• Quick but comprehensive: Cover multiple scenic spots and towns within 5 hours.
• Excellent for snorkeling: Multiple swimming spots mean ample water fun.
• Authentic town exploration: Free time in Jelsa provides local charm and a chance to enjoy Croatian cafes.
• Relaxed pace with safety and comfort: All safety gear, bottled water, and snorkel equipment included.
• Perfect for small groups: Max 18 travelers ensures a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Great reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

A Well-Rounded Adventure on the Waters of Hvar

This tour offers a well-paced journey around Hvar’s coast, blending natural beauty with local flavor. Starting from Makarska, you’ll hop aboard a speedboat that whisks you to four key stops over five hours. The tour is designed for those who want a taste of Hvar’s best without committing a full day, yet still wish to enjoy snorkeling, sightseeing, and some downtime.

The price of $85.36 per person strikes us as reasonable, especially considering the inclusion of essential amenities like bottled water, snorkel equipment, and safety gear. While there’s no lunch included, you’ll find opportunities to eat in Jelsa or Zeevo Beach Bar, which many reviewers praise for their delicious offerings.

The Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Look

Start in Makarska with a 35-minute cruise to Veliki Pokrivenik Bay – a lesser-visited gem that offers impressive cliffs and unspoiled scenery. This quiet bay is perfect for those seeking tranquility and pristine views. Reviewers mention that this area is less crowded, making it an ideal spot for peaceful swimming and photos.

Next, Mala Stiniva Bay – with its vertical cliffs and crystal-clear waters, is a highlight that often leaves visitors in awe. Many describe it as a “stunning sight,” and the waters are well-suited for snorkeling thanks to their clarity. One reviewer, Irene, called it a “great experience,” highlighting how the scenery and water quality make it worthwhile.

The visit to Jelsa follows, giving you about 45 minutes to walk around and soak in the local vibe. You can enjoy a coffee or explore at your leisure. Multiple reviews mention that Jelsa is a “beautiful town,” perfect for a quick look around or for picking up local treats. Guests praise the free time, noting that it offers a glimpse into authentic Croatian life away from tourist crowds.

The final stop: Zeevo islet – an unpopulated, protected landscape where you can unwind at the beach bar. The islet is praised for its untouched natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Over an hour is spent here, allowing plenty of time to snorkel, relax, or enjoy a drink at the seaside bar, often described as “great” with “fabulous drinks made from fresh ingredients.”

What to Expect at Each Stop

Pokrivenik Bay: Expect a serene start with panoramic views as the boat cruises along the coast. It’s an excellent place for your first swim, with calm waters and scenic cliffs. Reviewers appreciated the quiet, less-touristy feel, perfect for some early water fun.

Mala Stiniva: Prepare for jaw-dropping scenery with cliffs that dramatically drop into clear waters. This bay is often called “picturesque,” with many guests raving about the quality of snorkeling. The water is described as “crystal-clear,” and the cliffs provide an excellent backdrop for photos.

Jelsa: This small, historic town offers a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, or explore local shops. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed stroll, with some guests noting its “beautiful” architecture and friendly atmosphere. The extra free time here is a highlight for those who want a taste of local life.

Zeevo Islet: The final stop is a chance to unwind in nature at an untouched island. The beach bar makes it easy to grab a drink and relax on the sand or snorkel in the surrounding waters. Reviewers praise the natural untouched landscape and the peace it offers.

The Experience: Guides, Comfort, and Group Size

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and friendly captains, who go out of their way to make everyone comfortable. One reviewer, Michelle, called the captain “so friendly,” while others appreciated the personalized attention due to the small group size (max 18 travelers).

Safety equipment and snorkel gear are provided, ensuring a secure and fun water experience. The boat itself is described as smooth and well-maintained, making the journey comfortable. Notably, some reviewers mention that the tour feels more like a private boat experience thanks to how well-organized and stress-free the check-in process is.

Group size is small enough to foster a friendly atmosphere, and the boat’s speed allows for quick transitions between stops, maximizing your time at each location.

The Value and Practicalities

At just over $85, the tour offers a fantastic value considering the multiple stops, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and the guidance of experienced skippers. While it doesn’t include lunch, the stops at Jelsa and Zeevo provide local options for eating, which many guests found convenient and enjoyable.

The duration of about five hours strikes a good balance: enough time to see several key spots without feeling exhausted. The tour’s flexibility—such as allowing longer swims if everyone is enjoying themselves—adds to its appeal.

The pickup service is convenient if you’re staying near Makarska, and the mobile ticket option makes booking straightforward. A quick mention from reviews is that the experience is suitable for most travelers, except young children under 3, due to safety considerations on the boat.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who value scenic water views and want to explore multiple stops without dedicating an entire day. Perfect for couples, friends, or small families, the tour’s small group size guarantees a more personal experience.

If you’re keen on snorkeling, relaxing with a drink, and exploring a Croatian town all in one go, this tour hits the mark. It also appeals to those craving a balanced mix of relaxation and activity.

However, if you prefer extensive sightseeing, multiple days on the water, or don’t enjoy boat rides, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers seeking a food-inclusive experience might want to plan ahead for a meal in Jelsa or Zeevo.

The Sum Up

This half-day speedboat tour of Hvar Island from Makarska offers a compact yet diverse slice of Croatian coastal beauty. From dramatic cliffs and crystal waters to charming towns and serene islets, it ticks many boxes. The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and relaxed pace makes it a standout option for those short on time but eager to experience Croatia’s coastal charm.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a small-group, personalized experience that balances adventure with downtime. Without the fuss of full-day commitments, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and with plenty of great photos.

The only real consideration is that there’s no included lunch, so plan accordingly. But with so many reviews praising the friendly guides, pristine locations, and overall value, this tour is a fantastic way to make the most of your Croatian coast visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for children under 3 years old due to safety on the boat.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including cruising, snorkeling, and exploring stops.

What’s included in the price?
Bottled water, snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, fuel, and safety equipment are included.

Are meals provided?
No, meals are not included. However, there are opportunities to buy food and drinks in Jelsa and Zeevo Beach Bar.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, located at Marineta ul. 12, Makarska.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 18, which helps maintain a friendly and personalized atmosphere.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Full refunds are offered if canceled within this window.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.