Sunset Speedboat Tour in Makarska with swim stop on island Brač

The best part of this Makarska outing is the speedboat ride to Puntica Bay, a quiet bay on Brač with clear water, open views of the Makarska Riviera, and the chance to swim straight from the boat. The return ride is timed for sunset, when Makarska looks especially good from the sea.

I like the generous 40-minute swim stop and the fact that snorkeling equipment, fuel, the skipper, and all fees are included. I also like the simple format: you get out on the water without giving up an entire day. The trade-off is that a maximum group of 30 can make this feel more like a shared boat trip than a private escape.

Key points at a glance

• Puntica Bay on Brač: Swim in a sheltered bay with clear water and views back toward the Makarska Riviera.
• A 25-minute speedboat ride each way: The journey is part of the attraction, not just transport to the swimming stop.
• Forty minutes in the water: You have enough time to swim, use the included snorkeling gear, and check out the beach swings.
• Sunset return to Makarska: The boat approaches the city from the west for a different view of the harbor and coast.
• Good short-trip value: At $46.99 per person, you get about 90 minutes on the water with fuel, a skipper, fees, and snorkeling equipment included.
• Bring your own refreshments: Snacks and drinks are not included, so pack something before check-in.

Why this short speedboat trip works so well

Makarska is backed by steep mountains and fronted by open Adriatic water. From shore, you see the sea as a beautiful foreground. From a speedboat, the view changes constantly. The city pulls away behind you, the coast opens up, and Brač gives you a new angle on the whole bay.

This is a compact experience rather than a full-day island tour. That matters if you have only a few days in Makarska, or if you want to leave room for dinner, a walk along the waterfront, or time at the beach. In about an hour and a half, you get a proper boat outing, a swim in a different setting, and a sunset view from the water.

The tour is run by Palladium Rent a Boat from the Makarska harbor. The overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 25 ratings, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. Those numbers suggest strong consistency, but the small sample means you should still judge the trip by its format: a scenic ride and swim stop, not a formal sightseeing cruise.

Meeting at Makarska harbor

The meeting point is PALLADIUM Rent a Boat Makarska, at Marineta ul. 15 in Makarska. You need to check in 15 minutes before departure, so allow time to find the rental office and reach the harbor without rushing.

The activity begins and ends at the same point. That makes the evening easy to plan. You do not need a separate taxi back from another beach or island, and you can leave any larger bags at your accommodation rather than carry them onto the boat.

The activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. Since this is a speedboat trip with a swim stop, you should be comfortable getting on a boat and entering the water. The available information does not give details about boarding assistance, so ask the operator ahead of time if you have specific mobility needs.

The 25-minute ride from Makarska to Brač

Once the boat leaves the harbor, you have about 25 minutes of open-water travel before reaching Puntica Bay. This is not a slow cruise with a long spoken presentation. It is a brisk ride focused on scenery, sea air, and the changing view of the coast.

You will see Makarska from the water as the city recedes behind you. The Riviera, with its beaches and mountain backdrop, looks more dramatic from this angle. A speedboat also gives you a sense of distance quickly, allowing you to reach Brač without spending most of the evening in transit.

The skipper is part of the experience. The boat crew has been described as friendly and good-humored, and one account names a skipper called Carlos. You should not expect a scripted history lecture, but the skipper can answer questions when asked. That suits this tour well. You get enough local input to make the ride engaging, without turning a short sunset trip into a classroom session.

Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool on moving boats. The tour takes place around sunset, when the air may be less warm than it was during the afternoon. Also keep your phone secure while the boat is moving. The views invite photographs, but the ride is not the place to balance loose items on a seat.

Puntica Bay and the 40-minute swim

The main stop is Puntica Bay on Brač. It is described as a secluded bay with clear water and broad views toward Makarska. The point is not a long visit to a town or a set of monuments. The attraction is the water itself and the feeling of being away from the main waterfront.

You get around 40 minutes for swimming, which is a sensible amount of time for a short tour. It is long enough to cool off, use the snorkeling equipment, and relax without making the stop feel endless. The available information does not promise particular marine life, so treat snorkeling as an added way to look around, not as a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The water has been praised for its clarity. That makes the stop especially appealing during a hot day in Makarska, when a swim can be more refreshing than another hour of sightseeing. Families can also find this portion easy to enjoy. Two 10-year-old children were reported to have had a great time exploring the water, though parents should make their own judgment about swimming ability and supervision.

One unusual touch is the beach swings. They add a playful photo stop and give you something to do between swims. Do not expect a developed beach complex with a full range of facilities. Puntica Bay is valued for its natural setting and calm pause, so bring what you need for the short stop.

You should wear a swimsuit under your clothes if possible. There is no mention of changing facilities, and the schedule is too short to spend much time getting organized on shore. A towel, water, sunscreen, and a small snack will make the stop more comfortable.

The west-side approach to Makarska

After the swim, the boat returns to Makarska in about 25 minutes. The route enters the city from the west, giving you a panoramic view that differs from the one you saw at departure.

This is when the tour earns its sunset name. The return crossing is planned around the evening light, and the sea becomes a broad viewing platform. The sun may appear behind the coast rather than directly over the water, depending on the date and conditions, but the changing light still gives the ride a special finish.

Several details in the feedback point to this final leg as a major highlight. The sunset has been described as breathtaking, and one account even mentions dolphins jumping nearby. Dolphins are never guaranteed, so do not book this as a wildlife trip. If you happen to see them, consider it an excellent bonus.

The western approach also helps you appreciate Makarska as a coastal city rather than simply a beach resort. The harbor, waterfront, and mountain setting come together from offshore. If you are looking for a good first or last activity in town, this view gives you useful orientation.

What the $46.99 price includes

At $46.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water, but it offers reasonable value for a short, organized outing. The price includes the skipper, fuel, all fees and taxes, and snorkeling equipment.

The most important value is time. You do not need to arrange a separate boat rental, learn a route, or worry about fuel. You also get a dedicated swimming stop on Brač, rather than only a quick pass along the coast. For someone who wants a taste of island scenery without paying for a full-day excursion, the package is well judged.

Snacks and alcoholic drinks are not included. You can bring snacks and drinks with you, so plan ahead at a shop near the harbor or your accommodation. This small bit of preparation matters because the tour lasts only 90 minutes and does not include a meal stop.

The maximum group size is 30. That is large enough to affect the feel of the trip. You may have less personal space and less one-to-one time with the skipper than you would on a private charter. In return, the shared format keeps the price well below what a private speedboat experience would usually cost.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A quick taste of the Adriatic without giving up half a day
• A swim in clear water away from Makarska’s main beach
• A family-friendly activity with a simple schedule
• A boat ride built around evening views
• A shared excursion at a moderate price
• A different view of Makarska for photography

It is especially useful for people with limited time. One piece of feedback specifically valued the chance to get out on the water without committing to a longer tour. That is exactly the strength of this format.

Families should like the clear structure. There is a short ride, a defined swim period, and a return to the same harbor. Children who enjoy swimming and boat rides will have plenty to keep them busy, though the operator does not provide detailed age or safety rules in the available information.

You may want a different activity if you want a detailed cultural tour, several island stops, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet private boat. This outing is about scenery, speed, swimming, and sunset. It does not promise a deep explanation of Brač or Makarska.

Practical details that can make the evening smoother

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The harbor can be distracting, especially near sunset, and a calm check-in is better than running down the waterfront at the last moment.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, and a small snack. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if you have one that fits well. Keep valuables to a minimum and use a waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take photographs near the water.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The activity is booked with a mobile ticket and is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking. With a maximum of 30 people, the boat may feel social rather than secluded, so set your expectations accordingly.

Is the sunset speedboat tour worth booking?

Book it if you want a compact, scenic evening on the water. The combination of a 25-minute ride to Brač, a 40-minute swim in Puntica Bay, included snorkeling gear, and a sunset return gives you a lot in a short time.

The main reasons to hesitate are the shared group size and the limited cultural content. This is not the trip for a long island visit or a private, quiet cruise. But if your priority is clear water, a lively speedboat ride, beach swings, and a fresh view of Makarska at sunset, $46.99 is a fair price for the time and equipment included.

FAQ

How long is the sunset speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The ride from Makarska to Brač takes about 25 minutes, the swim stop lasts about 40 minutes, and the return journey takes another 25 minutes.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet at PALLADIUM Rent a Boat Makarska, Marineta ul. 15, 21300 Makarska. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How much time do I get to swim?

You get approximately 40 minutes at Puntica Bay on Brač. You can swim, use the included snorkeling equipment, and visit the beach swings during this stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, the skipper, fuel, and all fees and taxes are included in the price.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are not included, but you are welcome to bring them with you. Alcoholic beverages are also not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.