White sand and hidden coves, in one day. This private speedboat outing strings together Brac’s Golden Horn area and Hvar’s quieter north shore, with snorkeling gear included so you can hop in where the water looks best. One thing to keep in mind, the advertised group price is only part of the total, since fuel and the crew fee can be added on top.

What really sells this day is the human touch. In particular, captains named David and Christian get praised for being attentive and for steering toward calmer, less tour-busy spots. Because it’s a private boat, you also get time flexibility, so you can linger where you’re enjoying yourself and move on when you’re ready.

You’re basically paying for control: control of the route, control of the stops, and control over how much time you spend in the water versus on land. If you want a day that feels like Hvar and Brac, but without the big-tour crush, this is a strong fit.

Key points before you go

• Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) on Brac first, with time to swim and snorkel near one of the Adriatic’s most famous shorelines
• Zečevo islet stop gives you a quick taste of Hvar’s protected, uninhabited side
• Vrboska village inside a narrow bay, ideal for a slower break and photo moments from the waterline
• Mala Stiniva’s cliff-backed bay, short visit but dramatic views and a great spot to get back in the water
• Private means adaptable timing, including additional scenic cruising if the day runs ahead of schedule

Golden Horn on Brac and Hvar’s quiet north side, the point of the whole day

This tour is designed for one specific goal: getting you away from the parts of Hvar that are crowded and toward the shoreline segments most tour schedules skip. Starting from Makarska gives you a head start in enjoying the water early, and going by speedboat means your day is built around time on the sea, not time stuck in traffic.

The private format also changes the feel. You’re not negotiating your way through groups to reach the next swim spot, and you can adjust how long you want at each stop. That matters on a day like this, because conditions can shift fast on the Adriatic, especially with wind.

Stop 1: Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) on Brac, the famous curve and the first swim

Your day opens with a panoramic cruise to the Golden Horn area on Brac. This is the shoreline that put Zlatni Rat on the map: the beach’s famous curve and a bright, pale stretch of shoreline that looks almost unreal when the light hits just right.

You get about an hour and a half here, which is a good chunk of time for two things: a proper swim and a calm snorkel session. The tour also includes snorkeling equipment, so you can plan around water time rather than searching for gear once you arrive.

Possible consideration: Golden Horn is popular, and it can be affected by wind. In real-life experiences, some days end up skipping this stop due to conditions, with the crew swapping in other locations to keep the day enjoyable. If Golden Horn is your top must-see, it’s smart to keep a flexible mindset and trust the captain’s call.

Stop 2: Zečevo islet, a protected uninhabited break from the crowds

From Golden Horn, you jump to Zečevo islet, just a short boat ride away. This is one of those stops where the value is less about a town and more about the feeling. It’s unpopulated and protected, so it tends to feel like a breath of quiet compared with the island hubs.

You only have around 45 minutes here, so think of it as a quick reset. The best use of this stop is a swim and a little time taking in the coastline from the waterline, not trying to “do” the islet like a walking tour.

Why it works: Zečevo keeps your day balanced. After a famous beach stop, you get something calmer and less staged, which makes the rest of the Hvar portion feel even better.

Stop 3: Vrboska, the village that sits in a narrow bay

Next comes Vrboska, a small village on Hvar with a fjord-like, narrow bay setup. The bay runs through the village area, and that gives Vrboska a distinctive look from the water and from the shoreline.

You have about two hours here, which is enough time to slow down. This is your practical land break in the middle of the day, and it also gives you a chance to wander a bit, grab a coffee if you want, and take photos without feeling rushed.

Possible drawback: Two hours can also vanish fast when you’re traveling by boat and everyone wants to swim again. If you’re the type who stays in the water longer than you plan, use this stop intentionally, even if it means cutting back on wandering.

Stop 4: Jelsa, coffee time and short sightseeing in an older town

After Vrboska, you head to Jelsa. This is where you get a bit of town energy on Hvar, with about 45 minutes to work with.

Jelsa is an ancient town with historical monuments, so you can pick one small storyline and follow it for the time you have. If you like a quick stroll, this stop is a nice reward after several swim stops. If you prefer calm, you can keep it simple and spend your time on coffee and waterfront views.

One real advantage of the private setup: you can shape what happens here. If the group wants more time at the bay, you can discuss adjusting timing with your captain, within the limits of the full-day schedule.

Stop 5: Mala Stiniva, dramatic cliff drops and a short, satisfying water stop

Mala Stiniva is the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall for the Adriatic in the first place. You’re in a stone bay where cliffs drop down toward the sea, and the effect is pure scenery without needing any effort.

You get about 30 minutes at this stop. That’s short, so your best move is to treat it like a swim-and-look moment: jump in, snorkel if conditions are good, then take in the view before you have to move on.

Why this stop is often the highlight: It’s a tight time window, which keeps the day efficient, and it’s visually strong, which means even a short visit feels worthwhile.

Stop 6: Back to Makarska, the scenic wind-down cruise

After Mala Stiniva, you return to Makarska harbor. You’ll have around 40 minutes of panoramic cruising, which helps the day end smoothly rather than abruptly.

There’s also a nice built-in flexibility: any remaining time can be used for more panoramic cruising. In other words, if the schedule has a little breathing room, your captain can give you extra scenery time.

What the private price really covers, and what can add up

The tour price is listed at $405.23 per group, for up to 8 people, and it runs about 8 to 9 hours. That framing is important, because you’re not paying per person.

The included basics are solid for a day on the water: bottled water, use of snorkeling equipment, and all fees and taxes. Those are the kind of extras that often get priced separately on group boat trips.

Here’s the part you should plan for. Lunch isn’t included, and there can be additional costs beyond the base price, specifically a crew fee and fuel. The crew fee is listed as 90€ for Standard or 200€ for Premium, and fuel is not included. Some people get surprised because the total depends on which option you choose and what your boat needs that day.

My practical value take: If you split the group cost well and you care about having your own route and swim timing, it can feel like excellent value. If you’re expecting the headline number to be the entire bill, you’ll want to budget for the add-ons early.

Snorkeling and swim time, how to make the most of it

This is not a land-heavy tour. It’s built around swimming and snorkeling, and the included equipment means you can go straight from boat to water.

The itinerary gives you multiple water chances: Golden Horn, Zečevo, Vrboska’s bay area, and Mala Stiniva. Even if Golden Horn gets adjusted on a windy day, the structure still aims to protect your time in the sea.

Key detail: Because the tour is private, your group’s comfort matters. If you want more time to float and snorkel, you can usually ask your captain to focus the schedule there, within reason. If you want more shore photos, you can flip the balance at stops where you have enough time.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great match if you want a full-day sea outing but hate feeling herded. Private boats work especially well for couples and small friend groups who want to move quickly between standout places without waiting on a big itinerary machine.

It also fits families who are comfortable in a boat setting, since the tour is designed for a full day with multiple opportunities to swim. And it works well for anyone who wants Hvar’s north side without relying on a bus and schedule roulette.

The one group that might hesitate is anyone who is cost sensitive and expecting a strict, all-in price. The base cost is clear, but the final total depends on crew fee option and fuel.

Should you book this private Golden Horn and North Shore speedboat tour?

If your dream day is more water time than walking time, and you want Brac plus Hvar without the usual crowd hotspots, I’d book it. The combination of a famous start at Golden Horn, a protected uninhabited islet stop, and a dramatic finish at Mala Stiniva is a strong “greatest hits” mix, without feeling like a checklist.

I would only think twice if Golden Horn is your absolute must-see and you’re not okay with the possibility of a swap due to wind or weather. The tour is weather dependent, and the captain adjustments are part of how the day stays enjoyable.

Bottom line: if you want control, quiet coves, and included snorkeling gear in a private 8 to 9 hour format, this is a high-likelihood win. Just budget for the additional crew and fuel costs, so the day stays fun from the first minute.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The tour meets at Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300, Makarska, Croatia. The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours.

Is this tour private, and what group size does it accommodate?

Yes, it is private, and your group is the only one participating. The tour price is per group for up to 8 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Bottled water and use of snorkeling equipment are included.

What are the main stops during the day?

The route includes Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) on Brac, Zečevo islet, Vrboska, Jelsa, and Mala Stiniva. You then return to Makarska.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are there extra fees beyond the group price?

The crew fee is not included (90€ for Standard, 200€ for Premium), and fuel is not included. The tour does include all fees and taxes.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I bring a pet or service animal?

Service animals are allowed. Pets are allowed.