3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town

REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON & SOLTA ISLAND CRUISES

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town

5.0 · 17 reviews 5 hours (approx.) From $96 Operated by Promare Boat Charter · Bookable on Viator
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Speedboats and sea breaks you out fast. This 3 Islands trip runs from Makarska to Brac with big coastal views, then centers on the famous Zlatni Rat beach area for swimming and snorkeling. You also get onboard stories that help the coastline make sense, not just pass by in a blur.

I like that you spend real time in the water, not just a quick photo stop. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule builds in stops for swimming in crystal-clear bays in between the main beach time.

One note: this is a fast boat day, so it is not for people who get sea or motion sickness, and there is no restroom on board. If you also skip lunch easily, plan ahead, because lunch is not included.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Key Highlights You’ll Care About

  • Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) time in Bol for swimming, snorkeling, and a short walk option through the old stone streets
  • Snorkeling equipment included, so you can show up and go without extra rental hassle
  • Two secluded bay swim stops with clear water and a more relaxed, nature-forward feel
  • Guide Greg’s hands-on approach (including swimming down about 8 meters for a shell in one standout moment)
  • Max 48 travelers keeps the day from feeling like a cattle boat

Other swim-stop cruises we have been out on

Makarska to Brac by Speedboat, the Practical Joy of Going Fast

A speedboat tour sounds like a gimmick until you do it in the Adriatic. From Makarska, you get moving views along Brac’s rocky coastline, which is a lot more interesting than staring at the same waterfront for hours. This is also one of those rare Croatia days where the timing is tight enough to feel efficient, but not so short you miss the swimming.

The whole tour is about balance: boat time for views, then beach and bay time for water fun. With an approx 5-hour schedule, it works well if you want a Brac highlight without turning your day into a long, slow transfer plan. You’ll also be back at the same meeting point at the end, which keeps the day clean and simple.

Before You Go: What to Expect Onboard and What to Bring

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Before You Go: What to Expect Onboard and What to Bring
You should expect a ride with some chop, since you’re traveling by speedboat and spending time between coves. The tour explicitly notes it is not recommended if you have sea or motion sickness, so if that’s you, take it seriously. There is also no restroom on board, so plan your timing and limit long bathroom waits.

What you should bring is the stuff that keeps a beach day smooth: a swimsuit you can wear quickly, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes or sandals you trust on rocky edges. The tour includes bottled water and snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack snorkel gear. Still, bring what makes it comfortable for you to spend time in the sun and then hop back on the boat.

On the vibe side, this is not a tiny private boat, but it is also not huge. The max is 48 travelers, which usually means you’ll have enough room to breathe and not spend the whole day stuck behind someone’s camera.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) in Bol: Beach Time That Actually Feels Like a Destination

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) in Bol: Beach Time That Actually Feels Like a Destination
This is the anchor stop. You go to the Zlatni Rat beach area in Bol, the part of Brac that draws people for good reason. You get time to swim and snorkel here, and the tour even includes the admission fee for the beach area.

Bol is also where the land feels like it belongs. If you want a break from water time, you can walk toward the old town and wander the old stone streets. The walk is described as colorful with Mediterranean flowers, which is exactly the kind of detail that makes a beach town feel lived-in instead of touristy.

Practical tip: treat this as your main swim window. If you love snorkeling, spend time early enough that you do not feel rushed. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the beach and do light snorkeling near where the water is calmer, then save your stronger effort for the clearest moments later.

Blue Lagoon Named Stop and Two Secluded Bay Swims: The Water Break You’ll Remember

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Blue Lagoon Named Stop and Two Secluded Bay Swims: The Water Break You’ll Remember
After Bol, the tour shifts from a famous beach to quieter water. The plan includes time to swim and snorkel in two hidden bays, described as crystal-clear and more untouched. This part is where the “why speedboat” feeling clicks. You’re hopping between spots that would be hard to reach on your own without a boat, and each stop feels like its own small scene.

The tour is marketed around a Blue Lagoon highlight, and it fits this exact rhythm: boat out, gear up, swim, then move on before the crowd energy builds. If you like snorkeling, the included equipment makes it easy to stay flexible. You can try it, change your mind, or just float and enjoy the water without dealing with rentals.

One consideration: water temps in the Adriatic can feel chilly when you first get in, especially if the wind is up. A guide named Greg is described as helpful and even swimming down about 8 meters for a shell for a guest, which hints at how hands-on and “go for it” the day can feel. Still, if cold water shuts you down, keep that in mind.

Jelsa Town in the Mix: A Chance to Step Off the Boat

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Jelsa Town in the Mix: A Chance to Step Off the Boat
The tour name includes Jelsa Town, so the day is built with that in view. What I like about a route that includes a town element is that it prevents the tour from being only water and boat sounds. Even if your time there is short, it adds variety to your Brac day, so you get more than just scenery from the deck.

When the schedule gives you land time, use it like a visitor, not a passenger. Step off, take a slow lap, grab a quick look at local streets, and then return to the water portion ready to enjoy the bays with a refreshed mind.

The Guide Makes the Day: Stories, Help, and Greg’s Kind Energy

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - The Guide Makes the Day: Stories, Help, and Greg’s Kind Energy
A good speedboat day is mostly about timing and safety. But what turns it into a memory is the human touch. One of the biggest praises is the way guides like Greg make the route feel personal. He’s described as kind, open to talk, and sharing little stories for each destination, which helps you understand what you’re seeing beyond the photos.

There is also a memorable moment that says a lot about his style. When someone could not swim down to get a shell, Greg swam roughly 8 meters down to retrieve it. That kind of effort is not required for a tour to run well, which is why it stands out. It shows you the guide is watching for small needs, not just reciting facts.

If you want the best experience, ask questions when you’re boarding and again when you arrive at each stop. Even a short conversation can make the coastline, the beach, and the quiet bays feel more meaningful.

Price and Value: Is $96.12 Worth a Half-Day at Sea?

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Price and Value: Is $96.12 Worth a Half-Day at Sea?
At $96.12 per person for about 5 hours, this is not a budget-only activity. But it is also not just paying for a ride. You’re paying for access, transport, and included gear, with value built into the day.

Here’s what helps the value math:

  • Snorkeling equipment included, so you do not need rentals
  • Bottled water is provided
  • Safety equipment and insurance are included
  • Admission fee for Golden Horn is included

What you should factor into your planning is what is not included. Lunch is not provided, and there’s no restroom on board. So bring a snack if you need it, and time your meals so the day does not feel rushed or uncomfortable.

Group size also matters for value. With a max of 48 travelers, you’re unlikely to get that chaotic feeling that comes with huge boats. It’s big enough for smooth logistics, but small enough to still feel like a day trip with people, not a moving crowd.

Who Should Book This Speedboat Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

3 Islands Speedboat Tour: Golden Horn, Blue Lagoon & Jelsa Town - Who Should Book This Speedboat Tour (and Who Should Skip It)
This tour fits best if you want a mix of scenic cruising plus real water time. You’ll enjoy it if you like snorkeling, enjoy short walks through pretty old streets, and want to see Brac without spending the whole day in transit.

You should skip it if you:

  • have sea or motion sickness, because the ride is fast and not recommended for that
  • want a low-effort day with no boating between stops
  • need a restroom on board, since one is not available

Age also matters. People over 70 are noted as not recommended, so if anyone in your group is older, confirm comfort with the boat ride and consider a calmer alternative.

If you’re a strong swimmer or you’re willing to try snorkeling, you’ll likely get more from the secluded bay stops. If you’re a hesitant swimmer, you can still enjoy beach time and light snorkeling, but you should stay realistic about what you feel safe doing.

Should You Book the 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

If you want a true Brac highlight day from Makarska, this is a solid choice. The big reasons are straightforward: Zlatni Rat time in Bol, snorkeling gear included, and two quieter bay swims that make the day feel like more than just a single beach visit. Add the guide energy, especially when someone like Greg takes the time to help people in little ways, and it becomes the kind of tour you talk about later.

You should not book if you hate fast boats or you know you get motion sick. And if you are hoping for a meal plan or onboard restroom convenience, look elsewhere. For everyone else, it’s an efficient, fun, and good-value way to experience Brac’s coastline with your feet in the water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The start point is Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300, Makarska, Croatia.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The exact pickup time varies by location and is confirmed the day before the tour.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 5 hours.

What stops are included during the tour?

The tour focuses on Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) in Bol, plus swim and snorkel stops in secluded bays, and it is also described as including Jelsa Town and a Blue Lagoon stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is lunch included, and is there a restroom on board?

Lunch is not included, and there is no restroom on board.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour at most?

The maximum number of travelers is 48.

What is the cancellation policy and what happens if weather is poor?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The activity requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.