REVIEW · BRAC ISLAND & ZLATNI RAT TRIPS

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač

4.9 · 19 reviews From $44 Operated by Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Sunset looks different when you are moving. This 90-minute speedboat tour from Makarska to Puntica Bay on Brač mixes big-riviera views with a real swim stop timed for sunset.

What I like most is the people and the pacing. Skipper Tina gets praised for timing, and she also helps with photos, including kids jumping in, which turns the ride into a memory, not just a commute. I also love the way Puntica Bay gives you a full swimming and snorkeling window with a view back to Makarska, plus beach-swing moments when you want a slower scene.

One thing to consider: you are not docking at a pier. The bay has no docking station, so getting in the water is from the anchored boat, and that can be awkward if you are not comfortable in open water.

Key things to know before you go

  • Small group size (up to 12) means less time waiting and more time enjoying the views
  • Puntica Bay on Brač includes a dedicated swim and snorkeling window
  • Anchoring in the bay means you enter from the boat, not from a dock
  • Sunset on the return gives you a fresh angle on Makarska Riviera as the light changes
  • Skipper Tina is specifically noted for excellent timing and photo help

Makarska sunset views from the open water

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Makarska sunset views from the open water
This is the kind of tour that makes sense the minute you see Makarska from the sea. As you leave the port, you get that long stretch of coastline and mountains that feels like the whole region is laid out in front of you.

The timing is built around sunset, so the light shifts while you are on the move. That matters because Makarska at golden hour can look different every few minutes, and you get to watch it from the water instead of only from a promenade.

Getting to Brač in time for the show

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Getting to Brač in time for the show
The ride to Brač is quick, about 20 minutes. That keeps the tour feeling focused, not rushed, and it gets you to the calm water sooner so you can actually enjoy the stop instead of just changing locations.

On a speedboat, the sea can feel energetic, even when conditions are good. If you get motion discomfort easily, bring your calm mindset, maybe sit where you feel most stable, and treat the outbound stretch as part of the experience.

Puntica Bay swim stop, snorkeling, and those beach swings

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Puntica Bay swim stop, snorkeling, and those beach swings
Your main moment is the Puntica Beach area on Brač, where you get about 40 minutes. This is where the tour earns its value because it is not just a photo stop, you get time to swim, snorkel, and hang out in the bay.

What makes it special is the view angle. You can admire beach swings while looking toward Makarska from Brač, so you get a “postcard from the water” feeling without having to fight for a viewing spot on land.

You can also swim off the speedboat while music is playing, or you can swim toward the beach and snorkel around the bay area. Either way, you get a real stretch of time in the water, not a quick dip.

Anchored boat access, and how to plan for it

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Anchored boat access, and how to plan for it
Here’s the practical detail that can make or break your comfort level. The boat anchors in the bay, and there is no docking station, so you enter water off the boat.

That means you should come ready for a boat-to-water moment. Pack a towel, wear swimwear ahead of time if you can, and think about how you will step from the boat back to your seat afterward.

If you are traveling with kids, this is the kind of stop where having a skipper who times things well helps. Skipper Tina is praised for making the experience smooth, and that matters when people are excited to get in the water.

The return leg: sunset panorama without the crowds

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - The return leg: sunset panorama without the crowds
After Puntica Bay, you head back toward Makarska, again with a shorter ride segment. The return is when the sky typically starts doing its best work, with golden, orange, and pink tones spreading across the horizon.

You also get a brief viewing stretch, about 10 minutes, built in for scenic views. This is your window to slow down, take photos without the constant movement pressure, and enjoy the panorama from a slightly different angle than earlier in the tour.

One bonus that has been noted is the chance to spot dolphins. You cannot count on it, but when it happens it turns the return into something extra, especially because you are already in a “watch the sea” mindset.

Price and value: what $44 gets you

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Price and value: what $44 gets you
At about $44 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, the value is strongest when you care about two things: views and a swim stop. You are paying for transport by speedboat, skipper service, fuel, snorkeling gear, and the fees included in the price.

For me, the best part is that snorkeling gear is included, so you do not have to pay extra or hunt for equipment at the last minute. If you just wanted a sunset photo, this would be pricey. Because you get a swim and snorkeling window plus multiple scenic angles, it feels like a solid use of time.

Also, small group size helps with perceived value. Up to 12 people means the skipper can manage the timing and photo moments without feeling like you are in a big cattle-car experience.

Timing matters: sunset changes during the summer

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Timing matters: sunset changes during the summer
This tour is tied to sunset timing, and that affects departure schedules. The operator notes that in summer, sunset time decreases by about 2 minutes each day, so you should confirm the exact departure time when you book.

If you are planning other activities in Makarska, give yourself buffer time. Sunset is not the same day-to-day, and a speedboat tour moves on its own clock.

What to bring, what to wear, and how to stay comfortable

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - What to bring, what to wear, and how to stay comfortable
You do not need much, but the right basics make it easier. Bring swimwear and a towel, since you will be getting in the water and you will want to dry off before the ride back.

If you like photos, treat this as a “hands and phone ready” tour. You will be on the water near Makarska and Brač, plus you get that 10-minute scenic viewing stretch, so you will want your camera accessible without having to dig through a bag.

Also remember the rules: smoking is not allowed. It’s a small note, but it helps keep the ride comfortable for everyone.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač - Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)
This sunset speedboat tour fits best if you want variety in a short window: ocean views, a meaningful swim, and sunset all in one outing.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you like water time and you are comfortable with getting in from an anchored boat. It is described as not suitable for wheelchair users, which is the main reason to consider alternatives if accessibility is a concern.

If you are the type who gets bored on long rides, this tour’s structure helps. You have a short transit, a longer swim and snorkeling stop, then sunset scenery on the way back, all within about 90 minutes.

Small details that add up to a better experience

The tour is led by a live guide in English and Croatian, so you should be able to follow the plan and get helpful context about what you are seeing.

Music during the swim stop also changes the mood. When you are in that 40-minute window, a little background sound can make it feel less like a task and more like a relaxed sea break.

And the photo help is worth mentioning. Skipper Tina is noted for taking time with photos, including helping capture action moments like jumping into the sea, and she sends pictures afterward. If you are traveling with family, that service can turn your trip into a set of real memories, not just a few blurry screenshots.

Should you book this Makarska to Brač sunset speedboat?

I would book it if your vacation has room for one experience that combines sea views and actual water time. The pricing feels fair for what you get, especially because snorkeling gear is included and the stop at Puntica Bay gives you a real 40-minute window.

Skip it if you know you are uncomfortable entering water from an anchored boat, or if you need dock access for mobility reasons. Also skip it if you want a slow, land-based sunset evening, because this one is active and centered on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska sunset speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which is described as a 90-minute experience. You can check availability to see the specific starting times.

Do we stop to swim and snorkel?

Yes. There is a stop at Puntica Bay where you get around 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. A snorkeling set is included.

Is the boat docked at Puntica Bay?

No. The boat anchors in the bay and there is no docking station, so you enter the water from the boat and you can swim toward the beach if you want.

What do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You’ll be spending time in the water during the Puntica Bay stop.

How big is the group?

This is a small-group tour, with up to 12 people. Private or small groups are available.

Where do we meet and where does the tour end?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. The tour ends back at the meeting point.