Speed over the busy parts of Hvar and you still get the postcard water. This small-group speedboat tour from Makarska hits less-visited coves on Hvar’s north shore, then adds real time in Jelsa town. You’ll swim, snorkel, and even jump from cliffs in bays many people simply can’t reach without a boat.

My favorite part is how the day is built around water access, with multiple timed swimming stops using the provided masks and snorkels. I also like the professionalism from the skipper, with guides who keep things organized and safety-minded. One consideration: it is a speedboat, and the sea can get rough between stops, so I would plan for a bumpy ride and follow the boat-position advice if you’re worried about getting wet.

Quick hits on Hvar’s north shore by speedboat

• Boat-only access to Veliki Pokrivenik, Mala Stiniva, and Zečevo islet, where land plans take too long
• Included snorkeling setup (masks and snorkels) plus time built in for actual swimming
• Real break in the schedule with 70 minutes in Jelsa for coffee and sightseeing
• A cliff-jumping option at Mala Stiniva, with clear, deep-looking water and steep cliffs
• Small group size (limited to 10, sometimes 12 depending on the boat model) for a more personal feel
• Skippers who handle the day well, with named captains like Dinko, Goran, Marco, and Marko in the mix

A fast way to reach Hvar’s quieter north side from Makarska

This tour is a practical solution to a common Hvar problem: if you stay stuck to the main areas, you miss the best north-shore scenery. You start in Makarska and cruise toward Hvar in a speedboat, with a panoramic leg of about 35 minutes before your first swim stop.

That first transfer matters because it sets the tone. Instead of spending your day waiting for buses or ferry schedules, you get right to the coastline you want: cliffs, pebble beaches, and clear water. And since the group is capped at 10 (or 12 on some boat models), you’re not fighting a crowd for the good spots in the shallows.

Veliki Pokrivenik: pebble shore, cliffs, and a cave vibe

Your first Hvar stop is Veliki Pokrivenik bay, a quieter cove known for impressive cliffs, a pebble shoreline, and a hidden cave feel. You get about 35 minutes here, which is just enough time to do two things well: settle in and get out into the water without feeling rushed.

If you like snorkeling, this is one of the stops that makes sense. The bay is described as a place with a hidden cave, and the tour is built around exploring that kind of underwater interest. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, the setup still works because you can simply relax on the rocky and pebble edges and enjoy the view while other people gear up.

The main thing to plan for at Veliki Pokrivenik is how quickly time goes. You’ll want your swimwear on early and your towel ready, because once the boat docks, the clock starts.

Mala Stiniva: vertical cliffs, crystal water, and cliff-jump potential

Next up is Mala Stiniva, a stone bay with cliffs that drop steeply down to the sea. The wow factor here is the geometry. You’re not just looking at a shoreline, you’re looking at a wall of rock rising out of the water, which makes the water feel extra clear.

You’ll have about 35 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is also the stop where cliff jumping shows up as an attraction. Even if you don’t jump, you still benefit from the water access and the dramatic setting that makes photos look like you hired a cameraman.

Practical note: this is one of those places where you may want to check the entry point carefully. When people talk about the sea being clear, that doesn’t always mean it’s shallow everywhere, so take a moment to assess where others are getting in and out.

Jelsa: 70 minutes for coffee, walking, and history sights

After the water time, the tour switches gears. You cruise to Jelsa town and get about 70 minutes to explore. This is not a long town visit, but it’s enough to do something real.

You can grab coffee, walk around, and see historical monuments. Jelsa is described as an ancient town on Hvar with sights that reflect its past, so it’s a good counterbalance to all the swimming. If your group is split between beach people and “show me the town” people, Jelsa is the compromise that usually lands well.

To use your time well, choose one priority early. Maybe you want photos plus one stroll through the center, or maybe you want to find a café and then walk off your pastry. With only 70 minutes, planning your first 15 minutes matters more than what you do after that.

Zečevo islet: protected nature, turquoise water, and a beach-bar option

The final swim stop is Zečevo islet, opposite Jelsa and only a short cruise away. Zečevo is unpopulated and protected, and the tour description leans into untouched nature and crystal-clear turquoise seas.

You’ll get about 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. This is the kind of stop that works best if you can focus on water time rather than shoreline time. You’re coming to experience clear water and space, and since it’s unpopulated, you’ll likely feel the contrast from the town stop.

There’s also a beach bar you can visit if you want to wind down a bit. That’s a nice flexibility because it gives you a “stay in the moment” option after snorkeling, or a place to cool off without committing to another long walk.

What makes the $91 price feel fair

Pricing in Croatia can swing wildly depending on season and how much is included. At $91 per person for a 5-hour tour, I like the value because you’re paying for a fast boat transfer plus multiple swim stops that you can’t replicate easily on your own without serious planning.

What supports the value:

• A professional skipper who handles the route and the stops
• Masks and snorkels included, so you don’t need to pack or rent
• Bottled water and warm jackets (warm jackets are a small detail, but they matter when you’re in and out of the breeze near the water)
• Safety equipment and insurance, which gives peace of mind on the water

You do not get food, and there is no restroom on board. That means the real cost of the tour is how you manage those gaps. I’d treat it like a half-day water day: eat before, hydrate, and plan your stop at Jelsa if you want a proper coffee or snack.

Meeting point and getting on the boat smoothly

You meet at the Promare Charter – Rent A Boat Makarska information desk on the Makarska waterfront. It’s a minute walk from the Ferris wheel, so it’s easy to find once you’re already in the right area.

The tour is run with English and Croatian support from a host or greeter. If you have trouble locating the desk, you can call for help, which is a comfort when you’re traveling with limited time.

Pacing and comfort: fast between stops, active in the bays

This is a speedboat day, so the rhythm is intentional: cruise, swim, cruise, swim, town, swim, back. The schedule is tight enough that you’ll feel the “see more in less time” promise, but it’s not so rushed that you can’t enjoy the water.

The comfort factor is the part I’d think about before booking:

• The tour is not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness.
• It’s also not recommended for people with back problems, and it’s not set up for wheelchair users.
• Pregnant travelers should choose a different option.
• There’s an age cap noted as not suitable for people over 70.

If you’re worried about getting wet on the ride, one practical tip from real experience is to sit in the back if you want shade and less splash during travel between stops. The front can get wetter, especially if the sea is a little bumpy.

The skipper matters more than you think

In these boat days, the skipper is your safety plan and your schedule plan. This tour is led by a professional skipper, and the strong feedback centers on guides who communicate clearly and run a tight operation.

You might meet captains including Dinko, Goran, and Marco or Marko, and the common theme is friendly, helpful guidance. One account includes the skipper turning the boat around to retrieve a cap that flew off, which tells you the people in charge are paying attention.

If you like photos, there’s another detail worth noting: one guide provided drone photos in an extra way. That’s not something you should build your whole day around, but it’s a nice reminder that the guides often think beyond the basic checklist.

When weather changes your plan (and how the operator handles it)

Croatia’s coast has a way of switching the mood quickly. The tour is clear that in bad weather conditions, you’ll either get a full refund or a rescheduled trip.

That matters because the whole point of this day is the boat access. If conditions are unsafe, no amount of wishing will help. The best part is that you’re not left hanging.

Tips to make your swim stops better

You can make this day smoother with a few small choices:

• Bring swimwear plus a change of clothes. You will likely want to dry off before the town stop.
• Pack sunscreen. Even though you’re not on a long beach lounge all day, you’re in direct sun between water entries.
• Bring a towel you can actually use quickly. Short stops mean you want your towel accessible.
• Don’t forget to manage your entry style at steep bays. At places like Mala Stiniva, take your time finding a comfortable spot to get in.
• If you’re sensitive to choppy water, plan for it mentally before you board. This is one of those days where your first bounce sets the mood.

Should you book this Hvar north shore speedboat tour?

Book it if you want the easiest route to Hvar’s quieter north bays without sacrificing a chunk of town time. This is especially worth it if you like snorkeling, enjoy cliff scenery, and want more water stops packed into a half-day format. The included snorkeling gear, warm jackets, small group size, and professional skipper all support the $91 price.

Skip it or choose a gentler option if you’re prone to seasickness, have mobility limits that make boats or water entries difficult, or you simply prefer a slower travel day. Also keep expectations realistic: there’s no food and no restroom on board, so you’ll want to handle those needs before and during your Jelsa window.

If you match the vibe, you’ll leave with that classic Hvar feeling, only from the side of the island most people never reach.