Speedboat days in Croatia are hard to beat. This one strings together three islands with real swim stops and no-fuss cave access.

I especially like the Little Blue Cave setup: no queue, no entry fee, and you reach it the simple way—by swimming in from the boat. I also like the mix of water time and town time, with Jelsa on Hvar for an actual break (and a chance to reset your legs).

One consideration: the boat has no onboard toilet, so you’ll plan your timing around the stops—especially Jelsa. And while it’s generally a smooth ride, you’ll still want to feel comfortable climbing in and out of the boat for cave and lagoon swims.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Little Blue Cave (Hvar): no queue, no entry fee; the boat anchors and you swim in
• Blue Lagoon on Zečevo: great snorkeling plus time to hang out at the waterfront bungalow bar
• Jelsa break on Hvar: coffee time and the practical bathroom stop
• Small group (up to 12): easier movement on and off the boat than big tours
• Multiple swim-and-snorkel windows: not just one quick dip
• You might see dolphins on the ride, depending on the day

Why this Makarska 3-island speedboat works so well

This tour hits a sweet spot for Croatia island travel: you get Hvar and Brač water time without ferry schedules, and you still get a real town stop for coffee and walking. The speedboat format also means you’re not stuck in transit for hours. In a single morning or afternoon, you’re bouncing between coves, caves, and beaches like the sea is your itinerary.

What makes it especially satisfying is the “swim logic.” The schedule repeatedly gives you time where swimming and snorkeling actually make sense, instead of dropping you off and rushing you away. And because the group is limited to 12 people, you’re less likely to feel like you’re swimming in a human traffic jam.

The other value move: it’s priced as a full package with fuel, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and insurance included. That matters because island day trips can get expensive fast once you start adding the extras yourself.

Meeting point and timing: start from the Palladium dock

You’ll start at Palladium Rent a Boat on Makarska’s main promenade. The tour runs as a 5-hour outing, with morning and afternoon departures listed as 8:00am and 1:30pm.

That timing choice is more important than it sounds. The morning slot tends to feel great if you want lighter crowds at the water stops and an easier schedule for dinner later. The afternoon slot works if you prefer a slower start in Makarska and want your swimming to happen closer to the warmest part of the day.

When you arrive at the promenade meeting area, aim to get there early enough to find the stand without stress. The day moves quickly once everyone’s onboard.

Speedboat comfort: shade, water, and a small-group feel

This is a speedboat experience with a local English-speaking skipper and a small group limited to 12 participants. You’ll have a bimini sun cover for shade over the seats, plus bottled water kept in an onboard fridge.

That’s the practical part. You’re spending real time in the sun and on the water, so shade helps you avoid the classic post-swim headache of too much direct exposure. And since snorkeling gear is included, you’re not trying to hunt down equipment in advance.

One more onboard note: smoking isn’t allowed. That keeps the air cleaner for everyone, especially during stops when boats are near each other.

Finally, a reality check: boarding is part of the deal. One review noted the ladder could be improved, so if you’re not great with steps and climbing, keep that in mind. You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you should be comfortable getting in and out without panicking.

Pokrivenik on Hvar: where the day starts with calm water time

After the initial cruise (about 40 minutes), your first meaningful stop is Pokrivenik on the island of Hvar. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel here, with the schedule showing roughly 25–30 minutes on the water.

Pokrivenik works as a warm-up stop. You ease into the day, get used to the boat rhythm, and then you’re not immediately thrown into a cave swim. The water time at this stage also sets the tone: this is not a tour that just shows you islands from a distance.

What to do to make the most of it: get your gear sorted quickly, then spend your first minutes looking rather than rushing. If conditions are good, you can often get nice views of fish around rocky edges during the snorkeling window.

Little Blue Cave (Hvar): the no-queue cave you swim into

This is the star moment, and it’s different from the famous Blue Cave on Biševo. The Little Blue Cave on Hvar is not the Biševo cave—and that’s exactly why it’s so easy to access.

Here’s the practical setup: the boat anchors in front of the cave, and the only way to visit is to swim into it. There’s no queue and no entry fee, which means you’re not spending precious time waiting around. The cave stop is listed around 20–30 minutes, giving you enough time to enter, see what you came for, and resurface safely.

This is also a good place to be honest with yourself. If water feels intimidating, this stop will feel more stressful than the lagoon beaches. The cave is small and swim-based; there’s no standing around with a life jacket and a view from the rocks.

But if you’re comfortable swimming, it’s the kind of moment that makes the whole day click. It’s dramatic without being complicated, and it feels like you’re doing something local rather than just passing through.

Jelsa on Hvar: coffee, a walk break, and a bathroom plan

After the cave, you shift to Jelsa, described as the most famous town on the northern side of Hvar. You’ll have about 60 minutes for free time, including a walk and a coffee break.

This stop is not just for snacks. It’s the logistics reset you need on a boat day. Since the boat itself doesn’t have toilet facilities, your timing here matters. Plan to use the restroom when you can, rather than trying to guess later.

Jelsa also gives you a change of pace: you go from sea-swim mode to streets and shade. If your legs feel a little heavy from climbing in and out of the boat, this is where you recover.

Skippers are often generous with the pacing, and one thing that comes up in feedback is how smooth the break feels—enough time to grab a drink and stroll without feeling rushed.

Zečevo Blue Lagoon: snorkeling and the bungalow bar hangout

Next up is Zečevo Island and the Blue Lagoon. You’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling, with the tour schedule listing roughly 25–40 minutes depending on the run.

One standout detail is the waterfront bungalow bar. That means this is not just a “get in, get out” lagoon. You can swim, snorkel, dry off a bit, and then enjoy a drink or snack style stop right at the shoreline.

If you snorkel, pay attention to where people cluster and where the water looks clear. The gear you get with the tour is meant for exactly this kind of stop, and the lagoon format tends to produce good conditions when the sea is calm.

Also keep your expectations realistic. The lagoon is beautiful, but it’s still open water. So rinse gear when you can, and make sure you’re comfortable breathing without panic before you commit to longer snorkeling stretches.

The final water stop on Brač (Zirje Beach area)

The tour finishes with a swim stop tied to Brač, listed as Zirje Beach in the schedule. This is typically a shorter window—about 20 minutes—with swimming and snorkeling time.

Think of this as your last chance to stretch out after the towns and caves. You’ll feel the rhythm of the day change here: less “big moment,” more “let’s enjoy the water one last time,” then back to Makarska.

If your energy is running low, this is still worth it. Even a short swim can make the whole day feel complete, especially after you’ve already had at least one cave moment and one lagoon moment.

Price and value: what $106 covers, and what you still need

At $106 per person for a 5-hour speedboat tour, the value depends on what you’re trying to buy. You’re not paying for a bus ride and viewpoints. You’re paying for transport by speedboat, fuel, snorkeling sets, insurance, bottled water, and shade for all seats.

That package matters because many island tours quietly stop being “included” the moment you want water access. Here, the snorkeling setup is included, and the stops are built around swimming and snorkeling rather than just looking.

What you still need to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

And plan for what isn’t included:

• Food and snacks (bring your own if you want)
• Toilet facilities on the boat (nearest facilities can be used in Jelsa)

If you’re someone who hates spending vacation time hunting for bathrooms, treat Jelsa as your best friend. If you’re someone who hates paying for lunch at tourist spots, bring simple snacks and keep your money for the good coffee.

Who should book this tour—and who should skip it

This tour is listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• Non-swimmers

That last one is the big filter. Even though the boat does the heavy lifting by anchoring near stops, several key moments depend on swimming—especially the Little Blue Cave, where you swim in to see it.

It’s a great fit if you:

• Want multiple snorkeling chances in one day
• Like the idea of water time plus a proper town stop
• Prefer a small group size around 12
• Don’t need a long guided lecture and just want the day run well

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Struggle with climbing in and out of boats
• Get anxious in open water
• Want long, dry breaks between swims

One more small note for sea days: one review mentioned seeing dolphins. It’s not guaranteed, but if dolphins are on your wish list, there’s at least a chance.

If you should book: my practical verdict

I’d book this tour if you want a high-value island day that prioritizes swimming, snorkeling, and a classic Hvar hangout in Jelsa—all without complicated planning. The $106 price makes more sense when you compare it to the cost of doing cave access, lagoon time, and island hopping piecemeal.

I’d hesitate if you’re not a confident swimmer, you strongly dislike ladder/boarding situations, or you really need frequent onboard bathroom options. And be aware that while the day is structured, a small number of bookings have noted differences like the coffee/bar timing or details such as water availability.

If you match the tour’s swimming comfort level, this is a fun, efficient way to experience Hvar, Zečevo, and Brač in one go.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska 3-island Speedboat Cave and Blue Lagoon tour?

The tour duration is 5 hours.

What time does the tour start in Makarska?

It runs in the morning at 8:00am and in the afternoon at 1:30pm (check availability for exact starting times).

Where is the meeting point?

You meet by the Palladium Rent a Boat stand on Makarska’s main promenade.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling sets and bottled water kept in an onboard fridge.

Is the Little Blue Cave on Hvar the same as the famous Blue Cave on Biševo?

No. The Little Blue Cave on Hvar is not the Biševo cave. The boat anchors in front, and you visit it by swimming into the cave. There’s no queue and no entry fee.

Are toilets available on the boat?

No. Toilet facilities are not available onboard. The nearest facilities can be used in Jelsa.