That speedboat sound means one thing: water time. This 5-hour 3 Islands Speedboat Tour turns Makarska into a launchpad for clear swims, quick sightseeing, and snorkeling gear you actually use. I like that the stops are built around real swim breaks (not just pass-by views), and I really like having masks and snorkels included for the underwater exploring.

The one thing to think through is logistics and comfort: there’s no restroom on board, so plan for short shore breaks during the swim stops, and double-check whether your selected option includes hotel pickup. Speedboats also mean you’ll want to be honest with yourself about seasickness.

Weather is handled the way you’d hope: if conditions turn dangerous, you’ll get a full refund or a rescheduled trip, and safety comes first.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Included snorkeling gear at the swim stops means you don’t need to rent anything on the spot
• Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) at Brač gives you that postcard beach, plus time to swim and snorkel
• Two quieter water breaks in small bays help you escape the worst of the day-trippers
• Possible dolphins while cruising (no guarantees, but your crew will be watching)
• Jelsa on Hvar for 45 minutes gives you a taste of another island without turning the day into a marathon
• Small groups up to 10–12 depending on the boat model keeps things more manageable in the water

Why this speedboat day works: three islands, lots of swim time

This tour is built on a simple idea: if you’re going all the way out to Brač and beyond, you should spend more time in the water than waiting around. The pacing is punchy—short speedboat rides, then time to swim and snorkel—so the day feels active without feeling rushed.

From a value standpoint, the big win is that the water time isn’t just “hang out on a beach.” You get 3 swim stops, and you’re provided with masks and snorkels plus safety gear. That combination matters because Croatia’s coast is great, but the real fun is when you can see what’s happening underwater without extra costs or last-minute rentals.

The other thing I like is the mix of famous and quieter. Zlatni Rat gets attention for a reason, but it can also be the busiest spot. The good news is the tour doesn’t end there—you also get time in more secluded bays and around nearby islands.

Getting on board in Makarska: meeting point and pickup reality

You meet at the Promare Boat Charter info desk in Makarska harbor. If you’re driving or walking in from town, give yourself a little buffer so you’re not stressed when everyone boards.

Pickup depends on the option you choose. Drop-off locations include hotels around the Makarska area (listed locations go from Hotel Laurentum to several Bluesun properties and other nearby resorts). Still, one caution shows up in experience: if your booking option doesn’t include a transfer from your hotel to the harbor, you’ll need to get yourself there.

The tour also uses small groups—up to 10 or 12 depending on the boat model—so you’re not dealing with a huge cattle-call situation. That helps when you’re getting geared up for snorkeling or organizing swim breaks.

Zirje Beach swim stop: a fast entry into the underwater world

After boarding and a short speedboat ride, you’ll reach Zirje Beach for about 25 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. This stop is short on purpose. It’s the warm-up phase: get your mask on, get used to the water, and start spotting fish while the day is still fresh and you’re not too tired from travel.

What makes this stop feel worthwhile is that you’re not hauling your own gear. You’ll have masks and snorkels included, which means you can focus on actually seeing the underwater scene rather than solving rental hassles.

Practical tip: keep your sunscreen plan simple. You’ll be in and out of the water, so it’s worth applying early and bringing a towel for after.

Zlatni Rat on Brač (Golden Horn): the main beach, with a crowd check

Next comes Golden Horn at Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač, with about 1 hour for free time, swimming, and snorkeling. This is the signature stop on the day, and it’s easy to see why. The beach is famous for a reason: clear water, a dramatic feel from the boat, and strong conditions for snorkeling when the sea is calm.

One reality check: Zlatni Rat can feel crowded, especially during peak season. If you’re the type who doesn’t love shoulder-to-shoulder beach time, don’t panic. Treat the 1-hour window like this: prioritize the water and snorkeling first, then decide whether you want to linger on shore.

If you want a quick land option, Bol (the old town) is 20–25 minutes on foot from Zlatni Rat. That’s a walk you’d consider only if you still feel energetic and the sun isn’t beating down too hard. For most people, the best use of time is to stick with swimming and snorkeling, then enjoy the beach without forcing extra plans.

You might also hear guide names like Marco—that name comes up for this operator, so if you’re led by someone with that name, you can expect a friendly, efficient pace.

Speedboat cruising and the hidden-bay idea: why you feel the difference

Between swim stops, you cruise along Brač’s rocky coastline. This is more than transportation. The boat ride is where you get the “how did they find this view?” moments—coastlines sliding past quickly, angles you can’t get from shore, and lots of opportunities to spot marine life.

The tour highlights include a chance to spot dolphins while cruising. That’s never guaranteed, but what you should take from it is this: the crew keeps an eye out, and the ride is done with time spent moving through the right stretches rather than just racing straight from stop to stop.

You’ll also get time in two quieter bays (the tour description frames it as untouched nature). In practice, these are the parts that often feel more relaxing than the headline beach: fewer people, cleaner-feeling water, and a calmer vibe once you’re in the shade or floating with your snorkel mask.

If you’re thinking, I love beaches but I hate crowds, this is the trade-off that makes sense: the tour gives you one famous beach and then tries to restore your peace with quieter swims after.

Zecevo Island snorkeling stop: another water window, different feeling

Then it’s on to Zecevo Island for about 30 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. Compared with the Golden Horn stop, this one tends to feel like a change of pace. You’re back to focused water time, and you’re likely to notice different underwater scenery depending on conditions.

Because snorkeling gear is included, you don’t lose time figuring anything out. You can simply get in, look around, and use the stop efficiently.

Timing matters here: 30 minutes can feel either perfect or short, depending on how quickly you get comfortable. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll probably feel satisfied. If you’re still learning how to snorkel smoothly, you’ll want to take a minute to get your breathing rhythm down right away so you don’t waste the best visibility time.

Jelsa on Hvar for 45 minutes: a quick island taste

The last major stop is Jelsa on Hvar, with about 45 minutes for sightseeing and free time. This is your chance to step off the boat and change the pace. You’re not getting an all-day exploration of Hvar’s towns—think of it as a taste that helps you understand why people return.

What you’ll likely enjoy most in that short window is simply walking around and soaking up island atmosphere: side streets, viewpoints, and that classic Adriatic blend of stone and sea light.

Because it’s only 45 minutes, I’d treat Jelsa as a “quick wander with purpose,” not an attempt to see everything. Decide what matters to you beforehand—maybe a short stroll for photos and then back to the harbor calmly.

Value for $94: where the price makes sense and where it can sting

At $94 per person for 5 hours, the price can feel either fair or steep depending on what you compare it to.

Here’s what you’re paying for that actually adds value:

• A real speedboat day out of Makarska with multiple island stops
• 3 swim stops that include swimming time, not just scenic stops
• Masks and snorkels included so you can snorkel without extra rental costs
• Bottled water and safety equipment

Where you might feel the cost more:

• Food isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan your meals around the tour timing
• There’s no restroom on board, which means you should use the swim stops as your main bathroom windows
• If you end up reaching the harbor on your own (depending on pickup option), you’ll want to factor that extra transit time into your schedule

My practical take: this tour is worth it if you want a boat-based day focused on water fun and underwater viewing, and you’ll actually use the snorkeling gear. If you’re mostly interested in dry land sightseeing, you might prefer a different kind of excursion.

Who it suits best (and who should skip)

This tour is best for travelers who are:

• Comfortable getting in the water and swimming with a snorkel
• Okay with a speedboat ride and the movement that comes with it
• Looking for a balanced mix of one famous beach plus quieter bays

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 4
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Non-swimmers
• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• People over 70

One more “be honest with yourself” category: if you don’t handle boats well, this kind of ride can turn from fun to miserable quickly. The tour also requires a water-focused mindset—so if you’re expecting a gentle, shore-only day, plan differently.

What to bring so your day feels easy

Pack like you’re going to spend a lot of time in the water—because you are.

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also, bring a small plan for your valuables. The tour doesn’t mention extra storage details, so assume you’ll want essentials secure while you swim.

And because there’s no restroom on board, keep it simple: go before boarding, then treat shore breaks as your reset moments.

Should you book this 3 islands speedboat day?

I’d book it if you want maximum water time in a single day and you care about snorkeling without extra rentals. The mix of stops—Zirje Beach, Zlatni Rat, Zecevo Island, plus a short Jelsa break—keeps the day varied while still staying centered on swimming.

I’d reconsider if:

• Crowds at Zlatni Rat would ruin your mood
• You’re sensitive to boat motion (the tour isn’t meant for seasickness-prone travelers)
• You need food or restroom access as a must-have

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’re curious about what lives underwater, and you like the idea of bouncing between islands by speedboat, this is a solid “do it once” day from Makarska.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The duration is 5 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Masks and snorkels, bottled water, 3 swim stops, and safety equipment are included.

Is food provided during the tour?

No. Food is not included.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the Promare Boat Charter info desk in Makarska harbor (in the harbor area). The operator also lists a specific map link.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and people over 70.