Golden hour from the water hits different. This Makarska sunset speedboat tour pairs a short ride offshore with a long swim stop at Puntica Bay on Brač Island, plus a skyline view of the Makarska Riviera as the sun drops.

What I like most is the mix of scenery and water time. You get a proper chunk of the trip for swimming and snorkeling, and you also get those postcard views from a boat moving out into the light.

One consideration: the boat anchors in the bay, so there’s no docking station. You’ll enter and exit from the water, which can be awkward if you’re not comfortable with that.

Quick reasons to go

• Puntica Bay swim stop on Brač with time to snorkel and explore
• Beach swings to enjoy while you face back toward Makarska
• Small-group feel (up to 12) for a calmer ride
• Snorkeling set included, so you can pack lighter
• Skipper Tina’s timing and photo habit (a batch of jump photos can be sent after the tour)
• Dolphins are possible on the way back, when conditions line up

Makarska Riviera Views From a Speedboat, Not a Boardwalk

Makarska is famous for its waterfront energy, but it’s the open-water angle that makes this tour feel like a real change of pace. As you leave the port, you’ll see the Riviera stretch out along the coast, with hills and buildings stacking up behind the harbor.

The ride toward Brač is short enough that you don’t waste time getting to the good part. In the 90 minutes overall, you spend a big share actually out on the water and in the swim stop, not stuck in transit.

And sunset here isn’t just a pretty sky. You’re watching it while the boat is still moving, which makes the changing light feel more alive than from one fixed spot.

Puntica Bay on Brač: Swings, Snorkel Time, and How the Water Stop Works

Puntica Bay is the star of the show. It’s the kind of cove where you can look around and feel like you’ve stepped away from the main tourist flow, but you’re still close to Makarska for easy sightseeing in the same trip.

You’ll have about 40 minutes in the bay to swim, snorkel, and choose your own style of fun. The boat anchors, so you can enter directly from the speedboat and swim around. If you prefer, you can also swim toward the beach and check out the shoreline area.

One of the most fun details is the beach swings. You can see them swaying with Makarska in the background from the Brač side, which makes for a great photo moment without turning the stop into a long, busy excursion.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to rent or bring equipment. Still, keep expectations realistic: this stop is built around an easy, comfortable swim-and-snorkel window, not a technical diving session.

The Real Timeline: 90 Minutes That Move Fast (In a Good Way)

This tour is designed to fit into a tight travel schedule. The total time is about 1.5 hours, and the pacing is simple: get out to Brač, enjoy the bay stop, then return with sunset views.

A practical way to think about it:

• Short boat time to reach the area from Makarska
• A longer swim/snorkel window where you’re not rushing
• Returning segments where the focus shifts to scenery and light

There’s also a brief viewpoint moment on the way back, timed around the sunset. It’s enough time to enjoy the colors without making the overall trip feel stretched.

If you’re the kind of person who hates feeling trapped on a tour that feels longer than it is, this one usually clicks. It’s short, active, and focused.

Skipper Tina and the Small-Group Energy (What Actually Matters)

The tour runs with a small group (up to 12), and that changes the vibe. It’s easier to hear the guide, easier to get attention if you have questions about the water stop, and the whole ride feels less like cattle logistics.

A standout name that keeps coming up is skipper Tina. People highlight how well she times the tour and how she works the stop so the timing feels right. There’s also a photo side to the experience: she can take pictures during the water moments, and a set of images may be sent after the trip (one group received 23 photos straight away).

That might not sound like much on paper, but it’s useful when you’re traveling without a second camera-holder. You’ll spend less time trying to engineer your own perfect jump photo and more time enjoying the moment.

Price and Value: Is $44 Worth It?

At $44 per person, this isn’t a budget “just hop on” activity, but it also isn’t trying to be a luxury charter. What makes it feel like value is what’s included: the speedboat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling set, and taxes/fees.

You’re paying for three things you can’t easily replicate on your own as a simple outing:

1. A fast ride to the Brač side and back in a tight window
2. A bay stop with time to swim and snorkel
3. A sunset viewing angle that’s hard to recreate without a boat

Also, the small-group size keeps the experience from feeling crowded. When a tour includes gear and a real water stop, $44 can start to look like a fair deal, especially compared with pay-per-rental snorkeling plus a separate boat ride you’d have to arrange.

Tip for value: don’t arrive hungry. Food and drinks aren’t included, so if you want a snack, plan to bring it and keep your energy up for the swimming time.

What to Bring (and the Boat Rule You Should Know)

This tour is simple, but a few details make a difference.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

The boat anchoring detail is important. Since there’s no docking station, you’re entering the water directly off the anchored boat. If you’re traveling with kids, it helps to set expectations in advance so everyone feels comfortable with the step-in and the swim timing.

What’s not allowed:

• Smoking on the boat

It’s also smart to treat this like a water activity. Get ready early enough that you aren’t scrambling when you should be enjoying the first minutes of the ride.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Reconsider)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A quick sunset plan that includes swimming
• A small-group boat ride with snorkeling gear provided
• Views of Makarska that don’t require hiking or changing viewpoints

You might want to reconsider if:

• You need wheelchair accessibility, since the tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users
• You dislike water entry from an anchored boat (no dock)

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely find this tour easy to enjoy. If you’re on the less-confident side, you can still participate—just stay aware of your comfort level and use the full time to ease in.

Quick Practical Tips for Getting the Most From the Sunset

Sunset timing can shift during summer. The tour notes that sunset time decreases by about 2 minutes each day, so it’s worth verifying the exact departure time with the operator when you book.

Once you’re on the water, keep your expectations on track: the main event is the bay swim stop and the sunset return views. Don’t plan to do a long shore stroll after, because the whole point is staying on the schedule.

Also, if you’re bringing snacks, keep it simple. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’re responsible for your own comfort during the trip.

Should You Book the Makarska Sunset Speedboat to Puntica Bay?

I’d book it if you want a short, active sunset experience with time in the water, not just a pretty view from land. The combination of Puntica Bay, beach swings, snorkeling set included, and sunset panoramas from the ride back makes this one feel purpose-built for an easy win in Dalmatia.

Skip it if anchored water entry is a deal-breaker for you, or if you need wheelchair accessibility. Otherwise, this is the kind of tour that gives you a strong “we did something different” story without eating half your day.

If you’re traveling in a small group and you’re aiming for value—boat, fuel, skipper, snorkeling gear, and taxes handled for one price—this one is hard to overthink.

FAQ

How long is the sunset speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours (about 90 minutes). The exact start times depend on availability.

Where does the tour go?

You’ll travel from Makarska and visit Puntica Bay on the island of Brač.

How much time do you get for swimming and snorkeling?

You get about 40 minutes in Puntica Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Is a snorkeling set included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included in the tour.

How many people are in the group?

It’s designed for small groups, up to 12 people, with private or small-group options available.

Where do we meet in Makarska?

The start location can vary depending on the option you book, and it lists PALLADIUM Rent a Boat Makarska as the meeting point option. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You should also plan for water entry since the boat anchors in the bay.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks aren’t included, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Is smoking allowed?

No. Smoking is not allowed on the boat.

How should I choose the correct departure time for sunset?

Departure times depend on availability, and the tour asks you to verify the precise departure time. Sunset timing in summer shifts by about 2 minutes each day, so the schedule can change.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.