Gazing at the Makarska Riviera from the open sea reveals a completely new side to the Dalmatian coast. The contrast between the imposing Biokovo mountain range and the crystal-clear, turquoise sea is best admired from the deck of a boat. If you are planning a holiday along this stretch of the Adriatic, a half-day speedboat excursion organised by Palladium Rent a Boat offers an unforgettable adventure exploring hidden coves and islands.

Discover Hvar’s Most Beautiful Attractions by Speedboat

The meeting point and departure site for this nautical adventure is located on Makarska’s lively promenade (Marineta 15), where our skipper, Toni, welcomed us aboard. His deep knowledge of the local waters, years of seamanship, and warm approach immediately created a relaxed, friendly atmosphere among the passengers aboard the Palladium speedboat.

Collage showing passengers boarding the Palladium Rent a Boat speedboat in Makarska and skipper Toni at the helm.
Collage showing passengers boarding the Palladium Rent a Boat speedboat in Makarska and skipper Toni at the helm.
Collage showing passengers boarding the Palladium Rent a Boat speedboat in Makarska and skipper Toni at the helm.
Meeting skipper Toni and stepping aboard the Palladium Rent a Boat speedboat at the Makarska promenade.

After an exhilarating 25-minute ride across the waves, we arrived at the northern coast of Hvar and the scenic bay of Pokrivenik, famous for its towering cliffs. A true highlight of the trip was visiting the Little Blue Cave. Swimming inside with the provided snorkelling gear was sheer magic.

The rocky coastline and entrance to the Little Blue Cave on Hvar island in Croatia.

Jelsa on Hvar: A Picturesque Island Town with Top Recommendations for Treats and Lunch

Continuing our journey, the boat headed towards Jelsa, a charming town nestled in a quiet bay on the northern shore of Hvar. Jelsa captivates visitors from the very first moment. Its old town radiates an authentic island charm, characterised by narrow stone alleyways, historical landmarks, and a laid-back Mediterranean rhythm where time seems to slow down.

A woman walking up stone steps towards a church tower in the historic alleyways of Jelsa on Hvar.
Wandering through the charming stone alleys and historic spots of Jelsa.

With a 1.5-hour stopover, you will have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soak in the local atmosphere, and snap a few postcard-worthy photos. And when you fancy a quick break after wandering around, there is no better way to unwind than by indulging in local flavours.


To help you make the most of your stop, skipper Toni shared two foolproof local recommendations with us:

  • Jelsa Slastičarnica Gelateria Ice Caffe – situated right on the waterfront, this is the perfect spot to relax in the shade with a coffee, artisan gelato, or traditional pastries.
  • Restoran Prošperin Jelsa– a superb choice if you have worked up an appetite from the sea breeze and want to taste authentic Dalmatian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
View of Jelsa harbour and boats through an arched window inside Restoran Prošperin.
Enjoying a cosy lunch with a harbour view at Restoran Prošperin in Jelsa.

Turquoise Paradise: Swimming in the Blue Lagoon on Zečevo and Studena Cove on Brač

Leaving Jelsa behind, we set sail for the islet of Zečevo and its famed Blue Lagoon. The remarkable clarity of the sea and the shifting turquoise hues in this area are simply breathtaking, offering perfect conditions for taking a refreshing dip, snorkelling, or floating on the calm surface.

Collage showing a swimmer jumping into turquoise sea, snorkelling equipment on board, and a boat approaching a cove.
Collage showing a swimmer jumping into turquoise sea, snorkelling equipment on board, and a boat approaching a cove.
Collage showing a swimmer jumping into turquoise sea, snorkelling equipment on board, and a boat approaching a cove.
Snorkelling equipment and pristine swimming spots.

The final stop of our island route was the secluded Studena Cove on the island of Brač. Surrounded by lush pine trees and a rocky shoreline, this peaceful bay provided a quiet moment of calm and untouched nature before our comfortable cruise back to Makarska.

A Perfect Haven After a Day at Sea: Where to Stay in Makarska?

Whether you are popping in for a weekend getaway or settling in for a longer summer holiday, having the right home base makes every sea adventure complete.

Top Tips for Planning Your Day at Sea

To ensure your half-day excursion runs smoothly and effortlessly, we have put together a few handy tips:

  • Choose the departure time that suits you best: The trip lasts 5 hours, with a choice between a morning slot (08:00 – 13:00) for calmer sea conditions or an afternoon slot (13:30 – 18:30) to catch the warm sunshine.
  • Pack only the essentials: You will only need your swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sun cream.
  • Everything is provided on board: Snorkelling gear, drinks, a smooth ride on the Palladium, and expert guidance from skipper Toni are all taken care of.
  • Book in advance: Due to limited seating on the speedboat, it is best to secure your place ahead of time.

Ready to set sail? You can easily book your spot aboard the Palladium via our Experience Concierge by Valamar and embrace the magic of the riviera.