Hvar’s north shore is better from water. This small-group speedboat tour from Makarska takes you to quieter coves on Hvar’s north side where you can swim and snorkel in clear water, then get a proper break in Jelsa town.

What I like most is the pace: you’re not wasting half the day on slow ferries or transfers, and you still get multiple water stops plus time to walk Jelsa. The other big win is the included extras—snorkel masks, bottled water, warm jackets, and safety gear—so you can show up with just swim stuff and sunscreen. One consideration: it’s not a relaxed “sit and sightsee” cruise. If you’re prone to seasickness, have back issues, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are older than 70, this may not be the right fit, and there’s no restroom on board.

Key Things That Make This North Shore Trip Work

• Boat-only access to Veliki Pokrivenik and Mala Stiniva, where you’re usually limited to what the sea allows.
• Snorkeling kit included (mask and snorkel), plus safety equipment and a professional skipper.
• Mala Stiniva cliff views and a cliff-jumping spot if you’re comfortable with heights.
• Jelsa on your schedule: about 70 minutes to walk and grab coffee or sightseeing.
• Zečevo islet time for swimming and snorkeling, with a beach bar option if you want a break.

From Makarska: The “Fewer Stops, Better Places” Strategy

This is one of those day trips where the route makes sense. You start in Makarska and head straight to Hvar’s north shore by speedboat, which means you spend your energy where the water is most inviting instead of shuttling around.

You’ll also feel the small-group advantage. The tour limits the group to about 10 or 12 people depending on the boat model, so the skipper can actually manage boarding and swim stops without it turning into a crowded traffic jam. That matters when you want a real moment in the water, not just a quick dunk and move on.

Meeting in Makarska Without Guesswork

You meet at the Promare Boat Charter – Rent A Boat Makarska information desk on the Makarska waterfront. It’s a short walk from the ferris wheel, so it’s easy to line up before departure.

If you’re running late or can’t find the desk, you’re told to call for help. I like that clarity because, on a dock, the difference between 5 minutes early and 5 minutes late can be the difference between calm and stressful.

The 5-Hour Rhythm: Panoramic Cruise, Swim Stops, Town Time

The tour runs about 5 hours total, with a 35-minute speedboat ride to your first stop. Then it’s a repeating pattern: arrive, get in the water with snorkel gear if you want, regroup, and move to the next bay.

The itinerary is built around short but meaningful swim windows:

• Veliki Pokrivenik: about 35 minutes
• Mala Stiniva: about 35 minutes
• Jelsa: about 70 minutes
• Zečevo: about 40 minutes

That tempo is the point. You’re packing in the north shore highlights that are easier to reach by boat than by land.

Veliki Pokrivenik Bay: Cliffs, Pebbles, and a Hidden Cave Feel

Your first Hvar stop is Plaža Veliki Pokrivenik. This bay is described as one of the lesser-visited on Hvar’s north side, and it’s set with impressive cliffs and a pebble beach.

What makes it special for you is the setup for underwater time. The bay is positioned so you can snorkel right away, and there’s even mention of a hidden cave in the area. Even if you don’t chase every feature, you’ll still get that “why did we come by boat?” feeling as you swim in a more secluded pocket.

Practical takeaway: this is a good stop for people who want to be in the water immediately. If you’re still figuring out your snorkel comfort, go slowly at first, get your breathing right, and then explore.

Mala Stiniva: The Vertical Cliffs and the Cliff-Jump Option

Next up is Plaža Mala Stiniva, a stone bay with cliffs that drop straight down to the sea. The water here is described as crystal-clear, and the cliffs are noted as a great cliff-jumping spot.

Even if you don’t jump, the viewpoint is worth it. You’ll get that dramatic sense of Hvar’s north coast—sea-level calm surrounded by steep walls that feel almost unreal from the boat.

One consideration: if heights make you nervous, treat this as a swim-and-watch stop. There’s no pressure stated either way, but the geography naturally tempts brave jumpers. Keep an eye on where others jump and always follow the skipper’s safety guidance.

Jelsa for About 70 Minutes: Coffee and Old Streets Without Rushing

After the two main swim bays, the tour switches gears with a town stop in Jelsa. You get about 70 minutes of free time, which is long enough to do something real—like walking around, spotting historical monuments, or just grabbing a coffee and letting the day cool down.

Jelsa is described as an ancient town with numerous historical monuments. With limited time, I’d treat this as a short stroll: find a viewpoint, walk a few lanes, and then sit for a drink before you head back to the boat.

Practical tip: since you’ll be coming off water and back into warm weather, it helps to have sunscreen already reapplied or ready. This is where you’ll feel the sun between the bays.

Zečevo Islet: Unpopulated Calm and Snorkeling Time

Opposite Jelsa, you cruise to Zečevo islet, an unpopulated spot in the archipelago. It’s protected as a significant natural area, and the focus here is clearly on untouched nature and clear turquoise water.

The snorkeling opportunity is the main draw. The time is about 40 minutes, so it’s enough to get in, do a careful swim, and still have time to relax on the boat ride rhythm.

You also have an on-islet option if you want to slow down: there’s a beach bar you can visit. That matters because you’re not stuck only in “swim mode.” It gives you a casual way to top off the experience without adding another stop.

Price and Value: What $91 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At $91 per person, you’re paying for speed, access, and included gear—not for a buffet lunch. The value comes from what’s bundled:

• Professional skipper
• Masks and snorkels
• Bottled water
• Warm jackets
• Safety equipment and insurance

You also get a small-group setting (around 10–12 people) and four main moments of the day: panoramic cruise, two swim/snorkel bays, a town walk, and a final islet swim stop.

What’s not included is straightforward:

• Food
• A restroom on board (not available)

So, if you book this, plan to eat before or after. If you want a meal during the day, your realistic chance is around the Jelsa free time or the Zečevo beach bar option.

What to Bring So the Day Feels Easy

This is a practical list, and you’ll thank yourself for following it:

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Towel

A smart move: bring sandals or water-friendly footwear for the short walk around town in Jelsa. You’ll have a mix of pebbles and docks, and it’s easier than trying to be barefoot everywhere.

Also, since the tour includes warm jackets, you don’t need an extra layer just for warmth—but you do still want to stay sun-smart. Hvar sun can hit fast, especially after you’ve been in and out of water.

Boat Comfort, Seat Choice, and Seasickness Reality

This is a speedboat day, which means the ride can be a bit bouncy between stops. One practical tip is about where you sit: if you want to stay drier and more comfortable, sit toward the back rather than the front, where you’re more likely to get wet during the journeys.

The tour provides warm jackets, which helps when you’re in the wind after water time. Still, if you’re someone who’s prone to seasickness, the tour is not recommended. It also isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, people with back problems, pregnant women, or people over 70 based on the activity guidance.

If any of those apply to you, consider a slower day option instead. The north shore is worth seeing—but you want the day to feel good, not punishing.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This trip fits best if you:

• Want multiple swim/snorkel stops in a single day
• Enjoy dramatic coastlines and short, scenic bursts
• Like a mix of water time and a town stroll (Jelsa)
• Prefer small-group organization over a big ferry crowd

It’s also a strong choice if you want the value of included snorkeling gear and safety setup without needing to rent equipment yourself.

When to Choose This and When to Skip It

Choose it when your ideal day in Croatia includes water time and you’d rather spend on experiences than on logistics. It’s especially good if you’re based in Makarska and want Hvar’s north shore without giving up a whole day to transit.

Skip it when you’re not comfortable with boats, uneven dock boarding, or you know you struggle with choppy water. And skip it if you need a meal and restroom included; this one is built for snacks and drinks on your terms, plus swimming, not full-service comfort.

Should You Book the Promare Speedboat to Hvar’s North Shore?

Yes, if your goal is a time-efficient Hvar day focused on bays you can’t reach easily any other way. The included snorkel masks, warm jackets, bottled water, and safety setup make it feel like a complete package, not a barebones outing.

I’d book it especially if you want both sides of the day: quiet water stops like Veliki Pokrivenik and Mala Stiniva, plus the human-scale break of Jelsa. Just don’t forget that there’s no restroom on board and no food included, so plan to eat before and either grab coffee in town or keep expectations light for on-islet options.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour from Makarska?

The tour is listed as 5 hours total.

Where do I meet in Makarska?

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

What snorkeling equipment is included?

The tour includes masks and snorkels.

Is food included?

No, food is not included. You’ll have free time in Jelsa and there is also a beach bar at Zečevo if you want to stop for something.

Is there a restroom on board?

No, there is no restroom on board.

Who should avoid booking this tour?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, and people over 70.