Pokrivenik Bay and the Small Blue Cave on Hvar Island

View from a boat approaching a small stone village on the Adriatic coast, with turquoise water and steep cliffs in the background
Approaching a peaceful island village by boat, where turquoise waters meet quiet coves and timeless stone houses

We started strong from Makarska harbour, where we met our skipper, Berto, who welcomed us on board and where we met other travellers who shared the motorboat with us. The first stop was the Pokrivenik Bay on Hvar, where the deep turquoise water practically begged us to jump in. Not long after, we floated beside the entrance of the so-called small Blue Cave, a tiny, quiet, and glowing from within like a secret. Some travellers decided to enter the cave and they really enjoyed it!

Woman in a straw hat relaxing on a boat, looking out at the Adriatic Sea with rocky cliffs and sailing boats in the distance
A quiet moment on the Adriatic: taking in the views near Pokrivenik Bay, where cliffs meet calm, open sea.

Jelsa: Where Time Slows and Coffee Lingers

Jelsa on Hvar welcomed us with that unmistakable island charm that makes you instinctively slow your step and breathe a little deeper. The harbour shimmered in the early morning light, framed by bobbing boats and stone houses with faded shutters. I found a quiet corner café, where locals lingered over tiny cups of strong coffee as if the clock had stopped ticking. Naturally, I joined in, ordered a macchiato and let time stretch.

Cup of espresso and artisan ice cream on a wooden café table by the Jelsa harbour, with cyclists passing and boats moored in the background
Coffee and ice cream with a harbour view in Jelsa -the perfect pause between swims and sailing

Just a few steps away, I discovered what might be the best ice cream I’ve had in Dalmatia. Creamy, rich, and just sweet enough, it melted faster than I could eat it, which only gave me an excuse to sit a little bit more on the terrace of the charming bar.  There was no rush in Jelsa, just the soft rhythm of people chatting, sea lapping, and a breeze that seemed to whisper: stay a little longer.

Seafront view of Jelsa town with colourful buildings, palm trees, and a church steeple, backed by green hills and mountains
Sailing into Jelsa: a postcard-perfect harbour town framed by hills, palms, and timeless Mediterranean charm

Zečevo Island and Žirje Beach on Brač – Where the Sea Feels Endless

Rustic wooden cabana with white curtains overlooking a rocky beach and clear blue sea, shaded by a driftwood roof
A hidden Adriatic retreat on Zečevo island: rustic cabanas and sea views set the tone for slow island afternoons

Later, we stopped near the islet of Zečevo for another swim, one of those swims where you forget time exists, and finally dropped anchor by Žirje Beach on Brač. Crystal-clear shallows, soft white pebbles, and that perfect, midday light made it feel like a private cove carved just for us. 

View from a boat approaching a secluded pine-covered island with rustic cabanas along the shoreline and clear turquoise water
Arriving by boat to a hidden corner of the Adriatic – Zečevo island, where shaded cabanas peek out from pine trees and the sea is impossibly blue

Back on Board

Guests boarding a small motorboat at a harbour under clear blue skies, with stone buildings and coastline in the background
Departing from Jelsa: towels ready and sunglasses on

As we made our way back toward Makarska, the boat felt like a floating lounge, sun-warmed and happy.  Our skipper, Berto, played a chilled-out mix of summer classics that drifted perfectly with the sea breeze, just loud enough to get a few feet tapping. A few guests swapped stories and suncream, while others leaned back with their faces to the sky, eyes closed, soaking it all in. 

Practical Tips for Future Travellers

Small motorboat floating on crystal-clear turquoise water with a skipper at the helm, surrounded by the Adriatic sea and pine-covered coastline
Crystal waters and calm seas – the perfect day for exploring the Adriatic by boat, one hidden cove at a time

A few practical tips if you’re thinking of joining the trip: wear your swimsuit under your clothes to make the most of every swim stop, and don’t forget to bring a towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Light footwear is ideal for wandering around the island town; flip-flops or sandals will do just fine. There’s no need to overpack either; you’ll spend most of the time in your swimwear, with the sun on your skin and the sea never far away. And above all, lean into the relaxed pace – this is a laid-back escape, not a guided tour, so let the day unfold as slowly as the Adriatic allows.

Makarska harbour with boats docked along the waterfront, backed by red-roofed houses and the dramatic Biokovo mountain range
Back in Makarska, where boats rest beneath the mighty Biokovo mountains and the Adriatic sparkles with stories still to tell.

It was more than just a boat tour; it felt like we’d all briefly joined the same easygoing island tribe, somewhere between the waves and the warmth. If you’re in Makarska and looking for a half-day that feels like a full reset, this is it!