Three stops, one fast speedboat day. This tour is built for big Brac views and solid beach time at Zlatni Rat. You’ll bounce between the coast, swim breaks, and a bit of town time in Jelsa.

I especially like the structure: you get a proper beach window in Bol, then shorter stops to snorkel in calmer, quieter water. The included snorkeling equipment and safety gear mean you can show up and go without adding extra costs.

The main drawback is the ride: it’s not recommended if you’re prone to sea or motion sickness, and there’s no restroom on board.

The highlights at a glance

• Zlatni Rat Beach admission included so you don’t have to budget for that extra entry fee
• Snorkeling equipment provided which keeps your packing lighter
• English-speaking guide with story time at each stop
• Max 48 travelers big enough for energy, not so huge it feels chaotic
• Multiple swim stops with time built for short, refreshing water breaks

Setting Off From Makarska: Speedboat basics that matter

This is a half-day speedboat tour that starts and ends back at the marina area in Makarska. You meet at Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter on Marineta ul. 12, and if pickup is offered where you’re staying, the exact pickup time is confirmed the day before. The tour runs about 5 hours total, so it’s not a full-day slog—more like a well-paced day trip.

Because it’s a speedboat, the rhythm is quick: coast views first, then beach and swim breaks, then back to Makarska. If you like movement and you don’t mind the wind, it feels efficient and fun. If you’re sensitive to motion, though, this is the part that can decide everything. With no alternate pacing and no mention of any “easy mode,” you’ll want to choose carefully.

One practical thing: you should plan on getting wet. Even if you’re not snorkeling the whole time, the boat ride and water stops make it a day for swimwear and quick changes.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach in Bol: Your main swim window

Zlatni Rat is the star stop, also known as Golden Horn, in the town of Bol on Brac. You get time here to swim and snorkel, and the admission fee for the beach is included—nice, because beach fees can be an annoying add-on on otherwise fair-priced tours.

This stop is valuable for two reasons. First, it’s the kind of beach that gives you payoff fast: you arrive and you’re already in the water zone. Second, having a dedicated chunk of time in one place (rather than only quick “in-and-out” moments) means you can actually switch gears—swim, snorkel, relax on the shore, then decide whether you want a short walk inland.

If you feel like stretching your legs, you can walk to old town Bol. Expect old stone streets and small bursts of color with Mediterranean flowers along the way. It’s not billed as a long sightseeing march, so treat it as a gentle option: stroll, take photos, grab a local moment, then return for the next boarding call.

Blue Lagoon and the secluded bays: Snorkeling time without the long haul

Between the big beach stop and Jelsa town time, you’ll get two hidden-bay style water stops. The tour description frames them as secluded, crystal-clear waters, and the point is simple: quick access to calm swim areas where snorkeling feels natural.

This is where the included snorkeling equipment is a real value. You don’t have to rent gear separately, and you also don’t have to spend time organizing masks and fins while everyone else is boarding. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still get something out of these stops—float and watch the water life, take photos, and enjoy the clarity.

A key consideration: these are speedboat excursions, so the stops are built around time on the water, not long waits or big onshore activities. If you love a relaxed, slow beach day, you might wish there were more downtime. If you like short bursts of swimming and then moving on, this format works well.

From the ride perspective, bring something for wind. In open water, the boat can feel cool, and you’ll spend time exposed on deck between stops.

Jelsa Town on Brac: A change of pace from open water

Jelsa is the land break in the tour’s “three stops” idea, and it’s a nice counterbalance to sand and open water. Instead of keeping you fully on the boat, you also get time where you can reset your brain with streets and atmosphere.

What makes this stop worth planning for is the way it shifts the day. Earlier parts focus on swimming and snorkeling. Jelsa gives you a chance to walk, look around, and experience a different side of the island than just the shoreline scenes.

Just don’t expect this to be a full town tour with set landmarks. The tour is still built around the day trip pace, so use Jelsa time like you would a free block in any small coastal town: wander a bit, find a view, and then come back before you feel rushed. The biggest win here is variety.

The guide factor: Greg-style stories and helpful hands

A big part of whether a speedboat day feels great is the person steering the vibe. One guide named Greg is highlighted for being friendly and open, sharing short stories connected to each destination as you arrive. That kind of commentary turns “we’re stopping here” into something you understand a little better in the moment.

There’s also an example of hands-on help that says a lot about the tour energy. In one case, a passenger couldn’t swim down to retrieve a shell, and Greg swam about 8 meters down to get it for them. You probably won’t need deep-water rescues on your trip—but it’s a good signal that the guide is watching out for people and not just reading instructions.

If you care about learning a bit while you’re moving, this tour’s guiding style is a strong match. You’ll get practical updates and destination flavor without it becoming a classroom.

Price and value: What you pay for in real terms

At $96.12 per person for about 5 hours, the price looks fair when you break down what’s included. You get bottled water, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, insurance, and the Golden Horn beach admission fee. That last one matters because it can be a hidden cost elsewhere, and it’s specifically tied to the tour’s main beach stop.

What’s not included is also clear. Lunch isn’t included, and there’s no restroom on board. Those two items are the only real budget surprises you’ll need to plan around.

For me, the value comes down to this: you’re paying for a guided speedboat day with multiple water stops and real snorkeling support. If you were doing it independently, you’d spend time arranging transport, possibly renting gear, and figuring out beach access. Here, most of that friction is taken care of, so you can focus on the water and the views.

One more detail that helps you time your planning: the tour is typically booked about 38 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in peak season, I’d treat that as your cue to book early rather than waiting for last-minute luck.

What to bring (and how to avoid small annoyances)

Because snorkeling equipment and safety gear are included, you can keep your packing simple. Still, you should bring what you’ll need to make the day comfortable and easy.

I recommend:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry layer for wind on the boat
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat you don’t mind getting wet
• A towel or something small to sit on near Bol
• Water shoes if you prefer more secure footing in and around rocky areas
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos from the swim stops

Also plan around the fact that there’s no restroom on board. If you’re sensitive to that, use the time before you board. And since lunch isn’t included, either bring your own food (if the operator allows it on board) or plan to grab something when you’re back in Makarska.

Who should book this speedboat day, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you like moving and you want a classic coast-and-snorkel day without hours of slow travel. If you’re comfortable on boats and you can handle a bit of wind and splashing, you’ll likely enjoy the pacing: beach first, then water stops, then town time.

You should think twice if:

• You get sea or motion sickness easily. The tour notes it’s not recommended for that, and speedboats don’t get gentler just because you’re traveling.
• You prefer very long onshore stays. The day is built around water time and short stops, not long sightseeing.
• You’re traveling later in life and want to minimize physical strain. The tour says it’s not recommended for people over 70, so respect that guidance.

If you’re traveling with friends who all want swimming time, this is a strong group-friendly format. With a max of 48 travelers, it’s large enough to feel lively but not so big that you’re constantly fighting for attention.

Should you book this 3 Islands speedboat tour?

I’d book it if your ideal Brac day includes a main beach at Zlatni Rat, plus extra swim and snorkel breaks in quieter bays, and then a town reset in Jelsa. The included snorkeling gear and the Golden Horn admission fee make it feel like a “show up and enjoy” day, not a scavenger hunt for logistics.

Skip it if you know you’ll feel rough on boats, or if you need restroom access and a lunch included in the package. Also, if you hate the feeling of time boxing your day, remember this is a paced speedboat itinerary—great for water lovers, less ideal for slow explorers.

If you’re the type who likes a fast, scenic itinerary and you’re ready for wind and salt air, this tour is a strong bet for Makarska-based exploring.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Islands speedboat tour?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at Rent a Boat Makarska – Promare Charter, Marineta ul. 12, 21300, Makarska, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup time varies by location and is confirmed the day before your tour.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, insurance, and admission fees for Golden Horn Beach.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No, there is no restroom on board.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What if I need to cancel or the weather is poor?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.