A fast boat, four island stops, and serious swim time. That mix is why this Makarska-to-Hvar speedboat day feels so efficient: you’re out on the water early, you get multiple water breaks, and you still land in Hvar Town for a long stretch on your own. I especially like the small group limit (up to 12) and the 3+ hours in Hvar Town to actually enjoy lunch and views.

I also like the way the stops are set up around real coastal moments, not just driving-by photos. You’ll do a quick Nugal Beach photo stop, then head for Brač’s Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) for swimming, and finish with anchor time in the Pakleni islands. One drawback to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues, heart problems, or pregnancy.

Key Things I’d Prioritize on This Speedboat Day

• Small-group feel (up to 12 guests) so the day doesn’t turn into a crowded cattle call.
• Zlatni Rat on Brač for swimming at the iconic shifting beach.
• Hvar Town for about 3.17 hours to eat, wander, and possibly climb toward Fortica for a look out over the Pakleni islands.
• Pakleni islands swim stops plus snorkeling gear on more than one anchor.
• Onboard comfort basics are covered: shaded seating from a bimini sun cover, bottled water, an onboard toilet, and a modern open speedboat.

Why This Makarska Speedboat Day Works So Well

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense if your time in Makarska is limited but you still want island variety. You’re moving by speedboat, which means you’re not stuck in slow transit for the whole day, and you’re timed so you get both scenery and actual time in the water.

What I like most is the balance. You get a few quick photo moments (Nugal Beach), then two proper beach-style swims (Zlatni Rat and later Pakleni/nearby coves), and then you get enough time on Hvar Island to switch gears from “sea day” into “old town day.”

You’ll be out with two local English-speaking crew members and an experienced local skipper guiding the day, so even if you’re not a confident swimmer, the day is structured around short, manageable water windows.

From Palladium Stand to a Full Day at Sea (8:30 to 5:30)

The tour runs from Makarska, meeting at the Palladium Rent a Boat stand on the main promenade. You depart at 8:30 AM and aim to be back by 5:30 PM, which lines up with a full daylight schedule.

One practical point: arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and safety instructions. Speedboats are smooth when everything is ready, and rushed arrivals are where stress starts.

Also note the timing reality: departures happen two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. If you’re visiting in a week that doesn’t include those days, this option simply won’t work, no matter how much you like the idea.

Comfort on the Colnago 38 Open Speedboat (What Matters on a Choppy Day)

This trip uses a Colnago 38 OPEN speedboat, and that’s a big part of why the ride feels purposeful rather than exhausting. It’s an open boat, but you’re not totally exposed: there’s a bimini sun cover that provides shade for all seats and the seating is designed for being out on the water for hours.

You also get the “small stuff” that changes comfort: bottled water kept in an onboard fridge, snorkeling sets, an onboard toilet, and safety equipment. Those are the details you’ll appreciate later in the day when you want to rinse the taste of salt out of your mouth and keep going.

The ride is speed-based, so if you’re someone who gets motion-sick, you’ll want to think about it. The tour isn’t marked as restricted for motion issues in the info provided, but the fact that it’s a speedboat and includes multiple swims means you should plan smart if you’re sensitive.

Nugal Beach (10 Minutes): Quick Scenery and Photo Backdrops

The day starts with a short cruise along the coast to Nugal Beach, with a brief stop for a scenic photoshoot from the boat. This stop is short by design—about 10 minutes—so it’s more about framing the dramatic cliffs and turquoise water than doing a full beach session.

Why it’s worth it: Nugal Beach gives you that “wow, Croatia looks like this” moment early, before the day becomes all snorkeling, swimming, and walking around Hvar. If you like taking boat-to-coast photos, this is one of the places where you’ll get that angle without racing the whole day.

A realistic expectation: don’t plan for swapping into a long swim routine here. Use the moment to take pictures, reset your sense of the coastline, and prepare for the longer water stops ahead.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), Brač (About 40 Minutes): The Iconic Shifting Beach Swim

Next up is Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat), Brač, where the beach is known for its changing shape. The stop is about 40 minutes, which is a solid chunk of time for a real swim and snorkeling without turning it into a half-day activity.

This is the kind of stop that works well for different styles. If you want to swim and float, you can. If you prefer a slower pace, you can do photos and boat-side viewing, then go in for a refreshing dip.

Practical tip: if you bring your phone, keep it protected and plan where you’ll leave it before you get in the water. On speedboat days, you don’t want to spend your swim time worrying about gear.

Pakleni Islands: Two Anchor Stops for Hidden Bays, Snorkel, and Relax Time

After Hvar Town, the day shifts back to sea time with the Pakleni islands. You’ll have two swimming/snor​keling anchoring moments: one around 35 minutes, and another around 45 minutes. That’s plenty of time to do a swim, snorkel for a while, and still have time to just float and enjoy the quiet.

Here’s what makes the Pakleni portion feel special: the islands sit close to Hvar, so you’re not traveling far into open-water isolation for hours. Instead, you’re moving between coves and choosing the best moments to relax based on the sea conditions.

One more detail that helps: the tour includes snorkeling sets, so you’re not scrambling to rent gear at the last minute. Just make sure you pack your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen so you’re not stuck drying off in an uncomfortable spot.

Hvar Town for 3+ Hours: The Best Use of Your Time on Land

The best land payoff is Hvar Town, where you get about 3.17 hours of free time. That’s long enough to do a small loop, find a place to eat without rushing, and still have time to enjoy the view back over the water.

You can keep it simple: wander the old streets near the waterfront, browse in shops if that’s your thing, and pick a seafront restaurant. I like that this stop is flexible because it doesn’t force a set schedule. You choose how slow you go.

If you want a higher viewpoint, you might also consider the climb toward Fortica fortress for panoramic views over the Pakleni islands. The time window is tight for a long hike and a long meal, but it’s workable if you pace yourself.

Bring a little strategy: sunscreen early, and shoes you’re comfortable walking in. Hvar Town is best when you’re not worried about your feet or your skin.

Marinkovac Swimming Moment: Another Cove Break for Snorkeling Time

In addition to the main swim stops, there’s also a swimming and snorkeling stop at Otok Marinkovac for about 45 minutes. This adds a bit of variety to the day so you’re not doing the same kind of swim stop three times in a row.

If you like snorkeling but also like not overthinking it, Marinkovac is a good “middle” stop: enough time to get in the water properly, but still anchored within the rhythm of the day.

What’s Included vs. What You’ll Need to Bring

You’re not just paying for boat ride mileage. This tour includes a lot of practical items:

Included:

• Speedboat ride on the Colnago 38 OPEN
• Two local English-speaking crew members
• Fuel, taxes & fees, and insurance
• Snorkeling set
• Bottled water kept in the onboard fridge
• Bimini sun cover for shaded seating
• Onboard toilet
• (Safety equipment is part of the setup through onboard procedures)

Not included:

• Food and snacks
• You’ll be able to eat during your Hvar Town free time (about 3 hours), but plan to cover your own lunch and drinks.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also avoid:

• Smoking
• Glass objects
• Pets

If you’re the type who likes to snack between swimming windows, pack simple things you can eat quickly. The info doesn’t say meals are provided, so assume you’ll manage your own food.

Price and Value: Is $176 Worth a 9-Hour Island Day?

At $176 per person, you’re paying for a full-day structure: fast transport, multiple island stops, and the onboard extras that reduce hassle. The value is strongest if you want all three of these in one day:

1) Sea time on multiple coves and beaches

2) Snorkeling gear included

3) A meaningful chunk of time in Hvar Town

This is not a “just cruise near the coast” option. You get timed water windows (Nugal Beach photo stop is brief, but Zlatni Rat and the Pakleni/Mari​nkovac stops are swim-forward). You also get the onboard comfort basics—shade, water, and a toilet—that matter when you’re out from morning to late afternoon.

Where the value can feel less strong: if you’re only interested in one thing, like purely town time. Because this is built around speedboat stops and swimming, you’ll want to actually use those parts of the day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This works best for people who:

• Want Hvar + Brač + Pakleni islands in one day from Makarska
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling without renting gear
• Like a small-group format (up to 12 guests)
• Want a real town block at Hvar, not just a quick dock stop

The info also flags who should skip it:

• Pets aren’t allowed
• Not suitable for people with mobility issues
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people with heart problems
• Not suitable for children under 3
• Not suitable for wheelchair users

If you fit within the recommended group, the small-group size is one of the most reassuring parts. It’s easier to move around, hear instructions, and manage the rhythm of swimming stops without the day feeling rushed or chaotic.

A Few Extra Notes That Make the Day Go Smoothly

Two-day schedule awareness matters. Tuesday and Thursday departures mean you’ll want to plan around the boat schedule early.

Expect the day to be weather-dependent. If conditions are rough, the tour may be rescheduled or fully refunded. That’s the reality of speedboats, especially when you’re planning multiple swims.

Lastly: treat it like a sea day, not a sightseeing bus day. Bring sunscreen early, plan your towel setup, and think about the fact that you’ll be on and off the boat a few times.

Should You Book This Makarska to Hvar Speedboat Day Trip?

Book it if you want a practical, high-value day that mixes Brač’s Zlatni Rat swim, Pakleni islands anchoring time, and a real chunk of Hvar Town without losing a whole day to slow transit. The included snorkeling setup, onboard shade, and long land time are the big reasons this one feels worth the money.

Skip it if you’re set on a slow travel pace, you don’t plan to swim/snorkel, or you fall into one of the listed restrictions (mobility issues, heart problems, pregnancy, wheelchair use, or very young kids). And if you only have weekdays that don’t include Tuesday or Thursday, check availability early, because this one isn’t daily.

If you’re aiming for a day where you leave Makarska with sea views in your head and saltwater still on your skin, this is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the tour and what are the departure times?

The tour runs for 9 hours, departing at 8:30 AM and returning by about 5:30 PM.

Where do I meet the speedboat?

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

What islands and stops are included in the day?

You’ll visit Makarska coastal sites plus Brač (Golden Horn/Zlatni Rat), Hvar Town, and the Pakleni islands, with swimming and snorkeling stops including Otok Marinkovac.

Is swimming and snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included, and you’ll have multiple swimming and snorkeling opportunities during the day.

Is food included in the price?

No food or snacks are provided. You can bring your own refreshments, and during the Hvar Town free time you’ll have about 3 hours to eat at recommended local bars and restaurants.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It isn’t suitable for pets, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, pregnant women, people with heart problems, and children under 3 years old. Smoking and glass objects are not allowed onboard.