From Makarska: Hidden Gems of Hvar Island’s North Shore

Hvar’s quiet north shore rewards a fast boat. This five-hour trip from Makarska reaches bays that are difficult to visit by road, with time for snorkeling in clear water and swimming below steep coastal cliffs. I like the small-group format and the mix of nature, water time, and a proper town stop in Jelsa. The main drawback is the ride itself: rough water can make the front seats wet and uncomfortable, especially for anyone prone to seasickness.

I also like that the tour includes masks, snorkels, bottled water, warm jackets, and a professional skipper, so you can pack lightly. Guides such as Marko, Marco, Goran, and Dinko have been praised for being friendly and helpful, with one skipper even turning back for a flying cap and another providing drone photos. Still, this is an active outing with no restroom aboard, and it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people over 70, or anyone who gets seasick easily.

Key points at a glance

• Veliki Pokrivenik is the quiet opening stop: Expect cliffs, a pebble beach, and a concealed cave reached by water.
• Mala Stiniva is the best cliff-jumping setting: Its near-vertical rock walls frame remarkably clear swimming water.
• Jelsa gives the tour a useful change of pace: You get about 70 minutes for coffee, a walk, and historic sights.
• Zečevo islet feels remote and simple: Snorkel in turquoise water, then use the beach bar if you want a drink.
• The small boat matters: Groups are limited to 10 or 12, depending on the boat, but the ride can be bumpy.
• Bad weather protection is reassuring: You can receive a full refund or reschedule if conditions cancel the trip.

Why this Hvar boat trip is worth considering

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning on the Adriatic. But you are paying for a speedboat, a skipper, several separate stops, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, water, and the chance to see the north coast of Hvar in only five hours.

The value comes from distance and access. From Makarska, the boat reaches Hvar in about 35 minutes, then moves between small bays and Jelsa without the long road transfers required on land. You see four distinct settings in one outing: two secluded coves, a historic town, and an unpopulated islet.

I would not choose this trip simply to sit on a boat. The best value appears if you want to swim several times, snorkel, try a cliff jump, and still have enough time for coffee in town. If you prefer a slow cruise with lots of time onshore, the schedule may feel too active and compressed.

The 4.7 rating from 186 ratings fits the experience described here. The strongest praise centers on beautiful coves, well-organized timing, pleasant skippers, and the sense of getting a lot into half a day. One outing even included a dolphin sighting, though that is a lucky extra rather than something you should expect.

Leaving Makarska on a 35-minute speedboat ride

The meeting point is the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute from the Ferris wheel. That is a useful landmark in a busy seaside area. The boat returns to the same place at the end.

The first crossing takes roughly 35 minutes. A speedboat gets you across quickly, but speed also means spray and motion. One useful seat tip is to sit toward the back if you want more shade and a better chance of staying dry. The front offers a stronger sense of the ride, but it can get wet when the sea is choppy.

Warm jackets are supplied, which helps on the crossing or on a cooler day. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Bottled water is included, but food is not, so eat beforehand or bring a small snack if allowed by the operator. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets are not permitted.

The boat is not a ferry with roomy facilities. There is no restroom on board. That matters during a five-hour outing with several stops, particularly if you are traveling with children or prefer easy access to facilities.

Veliki Pokrivenik, cliffs and a concealed cave

The first swimming stop is Veliki Pokrivenik, a bay on Hvar’s northern shore. About 35 minutes are set aside here for swimming and snorkeling.

This cove is appealing because it feels less developed than the famous parts of Hvar. You get a pebble beach, striking rock walls, and a cave tucked into the shoreline. The boat lets you approach from the sea, which is the natural way to understand this place. From the water, the cliffs and small beach form a compact scene that feels far removed from Makarska’s waterfront.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. The appeal is the clear water and the chance to look around the rocky edges of the bay. You can also skip the swimming and simply sit in the sun or take in the rock formations.

Thirty-five minutes is enough for a good swim, but not for a leisurely beach afternoon. If you are slow getting changed or want a long snorkel, be ready when the skipper gives the signal to return. The pace is designed to fit several stops into one half-day.

Mala Stiniva, the tour’s best jump spot

The next stop is Mala Stiniva, another 35-minute swimming and snorkeling break. The cove is known for stone shoreline and cliffs that drop almost straight into the sea.

This is likely the most dramatic stop for active swimmers. The clear water below the rock walls creates a natural setting for cliff jumping. You should only jump where the skipper confirms it is safe, and you should follow local guidance rather than choosing a height on your own. The provided safety equipment and professional skipper are useful, but they do not remove the need for personal caution.

If jumping is not for you, the stop still works. You can swim, snorkel, or remain on the boat and enjoy the view. The water is the main attraction, not an organized adventure course, so the experience depends on conditions and your comfort level.

One point deserves attention: the small boat can pitch between stops, and the open setting offers little shelter. People with back problems or a strong tendency toward seasickness should skip this trip. A review also raised a concern about a skipper using a phone during some active moments. That is not enough to define the whole operation, but you should always speak up if you need clear safety instructions before swimming or jumping.

Jelsa, a 70-minute pause on Hvar

After two water stops, the boat heads to Jelsa. You get about 70 minutes here, making it the longest single stop and an important break from swimming.

Jelsa is an old town on Hvar with historic monuments and a more settled, walkable feel than the small coves. You can have a coffee, stroll through town, or look at the buildings that reflect the island’s past. The stop is not meant to be a full guided tour, so you should treat it as free time and explore at your own pace.

I like this part of the schedule because it keeps the trip from becoming four versions of the same swim stop. Jelsa gives you a chance to dry off, stretch your legs, and see a little local life. It also gives less confident swimmers a way to enjoy the day without spending every minute in the water.

The tradeoff is that 70 minutes passes quickly. You will not see all of Hvar from here, and the tour does not include a meal. Use the time wisely: find a coffee, take a short walk, and be back at the meeting point on schedule. The boat cannot wait for a long lunch.

Zečevo islet, clear water and a beach bar

The final stop is Zečevo, a short cruise from Jelsa. This unpopulated islet is protected as a significant area, with untouched surroundings and clear turquoise water.

The stop lasts about 40 minutes. It is another chance to snorkel, swim, and enjoy the quieter side of the Hvar archipelago. Because Zečevo is unpopulated, do not expect a town, shops, or a full range of services. Its appeal is simplicity.

There is a beach bar, which gives you the option of a drink and a slower finish. One practical detail is that the bar may be reached by swimming to shore, depending on where the boat stops. If you want a drink, ask the skipper about access before leaving the boat and keep your belongings secure.

By this point, you have already had two swimming stops and a town visit. Zečevo works well as a final pause rather than a major sightseeing destination. The water and setting matter more than any specific attraction on land.

The skippers and small-group atmosphere

The group is limited to 10 people, or 12 depending on the boat model. That is considerably more personal than a large excursion vessel. You can ask questions, get help with snorkeling gear, and hear basic information about each stop without shouting across a crowded deck.

Several skipper names come through clearly: Dinko, Goran, Marko, Marco, and Marco’s wife have all been praised for friendly service, good explanations, and flexible help. Dinko was described as professional and warm, while Goran was noted for being particularly accommodating. Marco and his wife explained the places well and even turned the boat around to retrieve a cap that had blown away.

One family also received drone photographs during its rescheduled trip. That suggests aerial photos may sometimes be offered, but you should not treat them as a guaranteed inclusion. The listed inclusions are safety equipment, masks and snorkels, bottled water, warm jackets, insurance, and the professional skipper.

Small groups do not mean a private charter. You still share the boat and follow a common schedule. The advantage is a friendlier setting and less waiting. The limitation is that the skipper must balance different comfort levels, from enthusiastic jumpers to people who only want a quiet swim.

Weather, comfort, and who should book

Weather can change the character of the outing. Rough water may make the crossing uncomfortable, and one family had to abandon an initial attempt after reaching Hvar because of conditions. The operator offered a full refund or another date, and the rescheduled trip went ahead successfully.

That policy is important because the tour is exposed to the sea. If the forecast looks uncertain, keep your schedule flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option avoids paying at the time of booking.

This trip suits you best if you:

• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in open water
• Like short, active stops rather than one long beach visit
• Want to see Hvar without arranging a full day of island transport
• Are comfortable with a speedboat and possible spray
• Appreciate a small group and informal skipper guidance
• Want a town visit as well as natural coastal scenery

It is a poor fit if you need a restroom aboard, dislike boat motion, want a substantial meal included, or need step-free access. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or people over 70. Those restrictions are worth taking seriously, not treating as fine print.

What to pack for the five-hour outing

Pack swimwear under clothes that are easy to change, sunscreen, a towel, and dry clothes. A waterproof pouch is sensible for phones and small valuables, though waterproof storage is not listed as included.

Bring water-resistant footwear if you have it, especially for entering pebble beaches or rocky shorelines. That is practical advice for this type of coast, but shoes are not provided, so choose what you already own rather than buying special equipment just for the trip.

Eat before departure because food is not included. The beach bar at Zečevo may provide a drink, but it should not be treated as your meal plan. Jelsa is the better place to use your free time for coffee or a quick bite if one is available within the schedule.

If you sit in front, expect more spray. If you want shade and a drier ride, the back is the safer choice. Bring the change of clothes even on a sunny day because the sea can be rough between stops.

Should you book this Hvar north shore tour?

Book it if you want four different experiences in five hours: secluded bays, clear-water swimming, a Hvar town visit, and a quiet islet. At $91, the package makes sense for an active half-day when you value speed, equipment, and access to places you could not easily reach from land.

Think twice if you are sensitive to boat motion or want a relaxed day with long hours on one beach. The itinerary is tightly timed, the boat has no restroom, and the front seats can get wet. For confident swimmers and curious explorers based in Makarska, though, this is a strong way to sample Hvar’s northern shore without committing to a full island day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the boat ride, four stops, and the return to Makarska.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Promare Boat Charter information desk on the Makarska waterfront, about a minute’s walk from the Ferris wheel.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Promare Boat Charter meeting point in Makarska.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The group limit is 10 or 12 people, depending on the boat model.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food is not included. Bottled water is included, and Zečevo has a beach bar.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions make the trip unsafe, you can receive a full refund or reschedule for another date.