Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač

The best part of this Makarska outing is the change of scene: in about 20 minutes, you leave the port behind and reach Puntica Bay on Brač, a quiet cove where the boat anchors for swimming. You can jump straight from the speedboat, swim to shore, or snorkel near the beach swings while the late sun warms the water.

I like the small-group size of up to 12 people and the careful timing at sunset. Skipper Tina has also taken photos for families, including a set of 23 pictures sent soon after one trip. The main consideration is simple: there is no dock at the bay, so you need to enter the water from the boat or swim to the beach.

Key points at a glance

• Puntica Bay stop: Spend about 40 minutes swimming and snorkeling at a quiet Brač cove.
• 20-minute speedboat ride: Watch the Makarska Riviera recede as you leave the port.
• Sunset from the water: The return route gives you a wide view of Makarska in evening light.
• Small groups: The boat carries up to 12 people, with private options also available.
• Useful inclusions: Fuel, skipper, snorkeling equipment, taxes, and fees are covered.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not included, though you may bring them.

Leaving Makarska by Speedboat

This tour begins at the Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska meeting point, with the exact starting location depending on the option booked. The precise departure time also changes through the season, so confirm it before you go. Sunset shifts by about two minutes each day during summer, and a small timing error can mean missing the best colors.

The first 20 minutes are part of the experience, not just transport. As the speedboat leaves Makarska, you get a fresh view back toward the Riviera. From the water, the town and coast read differently than they do from the promenade. The boat gives you an open position for photographs, though you should keep your belongings secure while moving.

I especially like this opening because it gets you out of town quickly without asking you to spend half an evening on a boat. The ride is short enough for children and teenagers, yet long enough to make the crossing feel like a proper coastal excursion.

The tour uses a speedboat rather than a larger sightseeing vessel. That means a smaller group, a closer connection to the water, and a quicker ride to Brač. It also means you should expect an active boat trip rather than a fully sheltered, slow cruise. If you are sensitive to movement or want a quiet ride with lots of room to walk around, keep that in mind.

The skipper speaks English and Croatian. The outing can run as a small group or as a private experience, depending on the booking choice. With up to 12 people, the boat remains fairly intimate, though the available space will still be limited compared with a larger tour boat.

Puntica Bay on Brač: Forty Minutes in the Water

After the crossing, the boat anchors at Puntica Bay. There is no docking station here. You enter the water directly from the boat, then swim toward the beach if you want to step ashore.

That detail matters. This is not a tour where you walk down a gangway onto a pier and stroll straight onto land. You should be comfortable swimming from the boat, and you will want swimwear and a towel ready before departure. The operator specifically recommends bringing a swimsuit, and that advice is practical rather than optional.

You have about 40 minutes at the bay. That is enough time for a proper swim, a little snorkeling, and a look around the shore without turning the stop into a rushed photo break. The supplied snorkeling set is included, so you do not need to pack your own equipment.

The cove’s appeal comes from its calm, tucked-away feel and the view back toward Makarska. Beach swings add a playful touch, and they make a good target if you swim from the boat to shore. You can also stay on the speedboat, listen to music, and enter the water from there.

I would treat the bay as the heart of the tour. The sunset is the closing scene, but Puntica Bay gives you time to do something rather than simply look. Teenagers, confident swimmers, and anyone who enjoys a short sea stop will get the most from it.

There are limits. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the boat’s anchoring arrangement creates a practical barrier for anyone who cannot climb into the water or swim to shore. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own if you need something during the 90-minute outing. The supplied information permits you to bring them, while smoking is not allowed.

Returning Toward Makarska at Sunset

After the swim, the speedboat heads back toward Makarska. The return ride takes about 20 minutes, followed by around 10 minutes at a viewpoint or scenic position for the sunset and coastal views.

The exact sequence can feel flexible because sunset timing depends on the day. The important thing is that the skipper plans the ride around the changing light. One of the strongest details from the experience is the attention to timing, with skipper Tina praised for arranging the evening so the swimming stop and sunset fit together naturally.

From the water, Makarska appears across the bay with the coast spread out behind it. The evening colors can shift from gold to orange and pink as the sun drops. I like this perspective because you are not simply watching the sun from the same waterfront you have seen all day. You are looking back at Makarska from Brač and from the open water.

The final 10 minutes are brief, so keep your camera ready before the light reaches its best point. You may get scenic views during the return ride as well as at the formal viewpoint. Some outings have even included dolphins, though you should treat that as a lucky extra rather than part of the planned program.

Photography is clearly part of the experience. Tina has taken photos of children jumping into the sea and sent 23 pictures soon after one outing. Do not assume that professional photography is included as a stated service, but you can reasonably ask the skipper about photos on the day. At minimum, protect your phone from spray and keep it secure on the boat.

What the $44 Price Includes

At $44 per person, this is a reasonably priced short boat trip if you plan to swim and use the snorkeling equipment. The cost covers the speedboat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling set, taxes, and fees. You are paying for transport across to Brač, time in a good swimming cove, and a sunset return rather than for a simple harbor cruise.

The value is strongest because the outing packs several elements into 90 minutes. You get a coastal departure, an island stop, water time, snorkeling, and an evening view of Makarska. A longer boat tour may offer more stops, but it will also take a larger part of your day and may cost more.

The price does not include food or drinks. For a 90-minute trip, that is not a major problem, especially since you can bring your own. Pack only what you can manage safely on a small boat. A towel, swimsuit, and any personal drink are more useful here than a large bag.

The small-group format also affects the value. A maximum of 12 people is more personal than a large excursion, and private group options are available. If you are traveling with family or friends and want the boat to yourselves, compare the private price before booking. The supplied information does not give a separate private rate, so you will need to check availability.

The Practical Details That Shape the Evening

Plan for a real water activity, not a sightseeing ride with an optional swim. You need a swimsuit and towel, and you should be ready to enter the sea from the anchored boat. If you prefer to remain dry, this is probably not the right tour.

Confirm the departure time carefully. The operator notes that summer sunset shifts by about two minutes each day, so the start time changes as the season moves along. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, but the listed times are not a substitute for checking the exact departure when you book.

The meeting point and drop-off are at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, although the precise point may vary by the selected option. The activity finishes back at the meeting point, which makes it easy to continue your evening in Makarska afterward.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your coastal plans depend on weather or changing schedules. The tour is offered in English and Croatian.

The operator does not list smoking as permitted. Keep your belongings compact, and remember that the boat is used for swimming access rather than for loading large luggage. Wheelchair users cannot take this activity.

Who Will Enjoy This Brač Sunset Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a short taste of the coast without committing to a full-day island trip. Teenagers are likely to enjoy the direct access to the sea, the speedboat, and the freedom to swim from the boat or head toward shore.

It is also a good choice if you have only one free evening in Makarska. The tour fits neatly into a travel day and gives you something more active than sitting beside the waterfront. The return view of the town helps you see the Makarska Riviera from a new angle.

Confident swimmers will have the easiest time. The bay has no dock, and the boat anchors offshore. If you need step-free access, do not swim, or want a fully land-based sunset stop, choose another activity.

This is not a long cultural tour. You will not spend time visiting Brač villages, learning about local history, or walking through a town. The value lies in the sea, the short crossing, the cove, and the changing evening light.

What to Pack for a Smooth 90 Minutes

Keep the packing list short:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Phone or camera
• Personal food or drinks, if needed
• A small, secure bag for your belongings

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes so you do not lose time getting ready at the bay. Since the boat anchors rather than docks, you may not have a convenient changing area. The snorkeling set is provided, so there is no need to bring fins or a mask unless you strongly prefer your own.

A towel is especially important after swimming from the boat. You may also want to keep a light layer close by for the ride back, since the evening air can feel cooler once you are wet. That is practical packing advice, not a promise about the weather, so check the forecast before you leave.

My Take on the Skipper and Service

The skipper makes a noticeable difference on a short trip. With only 90 minutes, the timing needs to work: leave Makarska promptly, allow enough time at Puntica Bay, and reach the return viewpoint as the light changes.

Tina has received particular praise for getting that timing right and for taking family photos during sea jumps. Her ability to send 23 photos soon after one outing adds a thoughtful touch, especially for parents who want pictures of their children in the water. Ask about photographs if that matters to you, but do not book this as a dedicated photo service unless the operator confirms it.

The English and Croatian language options keep the instructions straightforward. You should still listen carefully to the skipper’s directions at the bay, since the boat’s anchoring position and swim route matter more here than they would at a pier.

The available rating is 4.9 from 19 ratings, which fits the strongest parts of the experience: the friendly help, the swimming stop, the sunset timing, and the sense of getting good use from a short outing. I would place more weight on the practical details than on the number itself, especially the need to swim from the boat.

Should You Book the Puntica Bay Sunset Tour?

Book it if you want a compact, active evening on the water, especially if swimming and snorkeling appeal to you. At $44, the combination of Brač access, fuel, skipper, equipment, and sunset views is good value for a 90-minute trip.

I would skip it if you need wheelchair access, dislike speedboats, want a longer island visit, or prefer to watch sunset without getting wet. For everyone else, this is a smart way to add a little island time to a Makarska stay without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the Makarska sunset speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

How long is the boat ride to Brač?

The speedboat ride from Makarska to Puntica Bay takes about 20 minutes.

How much time do you spend at Puntica Bay?

You spend about 40 minutes at Puntica Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Can I swim directly from the boat?

Yes. The boat anchors in the bay, allowing you to enter the water from the speedboat and swim toward the beach.

Is there a dock at Puntica Bay?

No. There is no docking station in the bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring your own.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The tour is available with a live guide speaking English or Croatian.