Speedboat tour to 3 islands with Blue cave and Blue Lagoon

Travelers looking for a blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and a taste of Croatia’s hidden coastal gems often turn to speedboat tours. This particular adventure, departing from Makarska and exploring parts of Hvar Island, offers a lively and immersive way to see the northern coast of Hvar, with highlights like the Blue Cave and the Blue Lagoon. It’s designed to give you a taste of Croatia’s natural beauty, sprinkled with some local stories and time for relaxing in crystal-clear waters.

What we love about this tour are the exclusive access to spots only reachable by boat and the knowledgeable guidance that makes each stop more meaningful. The scenery along the route is genuinely striking, with cliffs, caves, and secluded coves that make you feel like you’re discovering a secret world.

However, a word of caution: weather conditions can impact the route or timing, so if the sea is choppy, plans might shift, or the tour might be canceled. This is common for outdoor boat trips, but worth keeping in mind when booking.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic cruises, swimming in pristine waters, and learning some local legends along the way. It’s particularly great for those who want to see parts of Hvar that are accessible only by boat and enjoy a well-rounded mix of adventure and relaxation.

Key Points

• Unique access: Visit places only reachable by private boat, away from crowded tourist spots.
• Expert guidance: The guide’s extensive knowledge enriches the experience with stories and insights.
• Diverse stops: From caves to coves, each location offers something special — whether swimming, snorkeling, or sightseeing.
• Flexible and family-friendly: Suitable for a wide audience, including families (not for wheelchair users or seasick-prone travelers).
• Value for money: At $85 per person for six hours, it’s a comprehensive way to explore Hvar’s coast.
• Weather dependent: Schedules may change based on sea conditions, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Initial Cruise

Your day begins at Beach Cvitaka, an accessible meeting point close to parasailing activities. From here, your boat, a speedy vessel with a professional skipper, sets off on a roughly 35-minute scenic cruise toward Veliki Pokrivenik bay. This initial leg is a lovely way to get your bearings and soak in the coastal views of Makarska and the surrounding islands.

Veliki Pokrivenik: Hidden Natural Beauty

The first major stop is Veliki Pokrivenik bay, a true secret among Croatia’s many beaches. Its steep cliffs and pebbly shores look like they belong to a postcard. This quiet spot offers a chance to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings away from crowds.

A key feature here is a hidden cave accessible for snorkeling — a highlight for water lovers looking to explore underwater caves and marine life. The guide shares some of the cave’s history, adding a layer of storytelling to your visit. You’ll have about 35 minutes to swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun.

Cave Pokrivenik: A Brief Historical Interlude

Another cave, Cave Pokrivenik, is nearby, requiring a short walk to explore. The guide offers a quick backstory, mentioning that it has been used as a shelter and hideout by locals for centuries. Legends of pirates and treasures add a sense of mystery, making the visit more engaging for history buffs or those simply intrigued by local lore.

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Mala Stiniva: Cliff-Jumping and Crystal Waters

Next, your boat takes you to Mala Stiniva Cove, a striking, rocky inlet famous for its vertical cliffs and transparent waters. It’s one of those spots that leaves visitors breathless — the kind that makes you want to jump into the cool, clear sea. The cliffs are perfect for cliff-jumping, which many find exhilarating, but always ensure safety and heed any local advice.

Here, you’ll spend about 35 minutes swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the natural spectacle. The water’s clarity is often praised in reviews, making it ideal for underwater photography and marine exploration.

Jelsa: A Taste of Local Life

After the natural beauty of Mala Stiniva, you’ll head to Jelsa, a charming town that invites exploration on foot. With around 70 minutes of free time, you can enjoy a coffee, stroll through narrow streets lined with old stone buildings, or browse shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Reviews mention that guides give helpful, brief explanations about the town’s sights, which enriches the visit. Jelsa also offers a glimpse into what life is like on Hvar — a town with roots stretching back centuries, now alive with local cafes and shops.

Zeevo Islet: A Natural Reserve

Across from Jelsa lies Zeevo Islet, an uninhabited natural reserve known for its pristine environment and untouched waters. It’s a haven for snorkeling, with clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. There’s also a small beach bar where you can grab a drink or snack, making it an excellent spot to unwind before heading back to Makarska.

Return Cruise and Reflection

The final leg is a 40-minute speedboat ride back to Beach Cvitaka, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the sunset views if timing aligns. The entire day offers a balanced mix of active fun and downtime, with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and soaking up the scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $85, the package covers professional skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, water (0.5L per person), and waterproof vests—all essentials for a safe and enjoyable trip. Food is not included, so consider packing a snack or planning to buy something in Jelsa if you want to extend your culinary experience.

The tour is flexible in terms of booking and payments, with a full refund possible if canceled 24 hours in advance. Live guides speak both English and German, making it accessible for many travelers.

Practical Tips

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel, as most of your time will be spent in or around the water. Be aware that the tour depends on favorable weather, and plans could shift if seas are rough.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery as standout features. One recent traveler noted, “The skipper was great, gave short explanations about the cities and sights, was helpful and attentive. Also suitable for children,” confirming that this is a family-friendly option with attentive service.

Others appreciate the quiet beauty of the beaches and caves, emphasizing how much they appreciated being taken to spots away from big tourist crowds, which truly makes the experience feel special.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This speedboat trip is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to explore parts of Hvar inaccessible by land. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the snorkeling and cliff-jumping opportunities, while history buffs will enjoy the stories about local caves and legends. It’s perfect for those seeking a balance of activity and relaxation, with enough free time to soak up the atmosphere of Jelsa or lounge on secluded beaches.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those prone to seasickness, given the boat’s nature and the terrain involved. Be prepared for a lively, sometimes bumpy ride, especially if the weather turns.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, local stories, and active fun all packed into six hours on Croatia’s coast. It’s priced fairly considering the inclusions, and the stops promise a mix of snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and cultural flavor.

The professional guidance and carefully curated itinerary make it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to discover Hvar beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this trip will leave you with memorable views and stories to tell.

If you value authentic experiences and scenic beauty, and you’re comfortable with boat travel, this tour is a great way to spend part of your Croatian holiday.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention it as suitable for children, especially since the guide is attentive and the activity involves swimming and exploring natural sites.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Pack some water and perhaps a snack, as food isn’t included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your plans.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tour operations depend on sea conditions. If the weather is rough, the route or timing might change, or the tour could be canceled. You’ll have the option to reschedule or get a full refund.

How long is the free time at Jelsa?
You’ll have about 70 minutes to explore the town, enjoy a coffee, or browse local shops.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and German, making it accessible for most travelers.

To sum it up, this Croatian boat tour delivers a well-rounded experience blending scenic beauty, adventure, and local charm. It’s best suited for curious explorers who love being on the water, want to see Croatia’s coast from a unique perspective, and enjoy a good story along the way. For those who value a balance of active fun and relaxed sightseeing, this adventure offers excellent value and genuine moments of awe.

You can check availability for your dates here: