Makarska: 3-Island Golden Horn and Blue Lagoon Speedboat Tour

Planning a day on the water in Makarska? This small-group speedboat tour promises to take you to some of the most iconic spots along the Dalmatian coast — from the famous Zlatni Rat beach to the secluded Blue Lagoon. With a solid 5-star rating based on 17 reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice for travelers wanting to combine adventure, stunning scenery, and a relaxed vibe.

What we really like about this tour is how it packs in multiple stops—giving you a taste of Croatia’s diverse islands without feeling rushed—and how it’s tailored for small groups, which usually means a more personal experience. The fact that it’s all about crystal-clear waters, photo-worthy scenery, and fun makes it tempting.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour duration is only about five hours, which might leave some wishing for more time at each stop, especially if you’re a slow swimmer or want to linger longer. Also, since the tour is heavily focused on sightseeing and swimming, it might not be the best fit if you’re looking for a full-day, laid-back beach day with a lot of downtime.

All in all, this experience seems ideal for couples, friends, and even families who want to see the best of Makarska’s islands with a friendly, knowledgeable crew guiding you along. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, keep reading — I’ll break down everything you need to know.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Max 12 guests, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Variety of Destinations: Visit Zlatni Rat, Vrboska, Zeevo Island, and Nugal Beach — each offers unique scenery.
• Ideal for Swimming & Snorkeling: Blue Lagoon provides a peaceful spot for a quick swim or snorkel.
• Professional Crew & Smooth Ride: The boat is well-maintained, and guides are friendly and knowledgeable.
• Good Value for Money: At around $92 per person, it includes all fees, bottled water, and snorkeling gear.
• Timing & Duration: About five hours, with carefully planned stops but limited free time at each location.

The Experience in Detail

If you’re considering this tour, it’s helpful to understand what each part entails and what makes it special.

Starting Point & General Vibe

The tour kicks off at PALLADIUM Rent a Boat in Makarska, a central spot easy to find. Expect a modern, comfortable speedboat and a skipper who’s there to guide you through the day. With a maximum of 12 guests, you won’t be squeezed into a crowded vessel — this is about quality over quantity, which seems to be a common theme in the glowing reviews.

Nugal Beach — A Picture-Perfect Stop

Your first stop is a quick 10-minute photo break at Nugal Beach, one of the most stunning hidden beaches along the Adriatic. Surrounded by cliffs and greenery, it’s the sort of place that looks like it belongs on a travel magazine cover. Since no admission fee is involved, it’s more about soaking in the scenery and snapping some photos. Several reviewers rave about how postcard-worthy it looks, making it a perfect opening shot for your camera roll.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) — Croatia’s Iconic Beach

Next, you’ll spend about 70 minutes at Zlatni Rat, often called the “Golden Horn.” It’s the most famous beach in Croatia, easily recognizable by its shape that shifts with the winds and tides. We love how this stop is built right onto the itinerary — it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the Dalmatian coast.

Guests are dropped off directly at the beach, giving you plenty of flexibility to walk along the shore, take photos, or just breathe in the salty air. One reviewer calls it Croatia’s most iconic beach, and it’s not hard to see why. The shape is unique, and the surrounding scenery makes for excellent photos.

Vrboska — Little Venice of Croatia

A highlight for many is the stop in Vrboska on Hvar Island. This charming coastal village has a laid-back feel, with stone bridges, a canal, and narrow streets — reminiscent of Venice, but on a smaller, more intimate scale. You’ll spend about an hour wandering here, soaking in the Mediterranean vibe.

Travelers often mention how peaceful and picturesque it is, making it a great contrast to the busier Zlatni Rat. One review notes how they loved “the canal, stone bridges, and peaceful Mediterranean vibe,” which perfectly captures the small-town charm of Vrboska.

Zeevo & Blue Lagoon — Swim & Snorkel in Seclusion

The final stop is at Zeevo Island, where you’ll have about 20 minutes for a refreshing swim at the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon’s calm, clear waters are perfect for a quick dip and snorkeling — a favorite for many reviewers who say the water is “crystal-clear” and provide a peaceful setting for relaxing and cooling off.

This stop is particularly appreciated by those looking for a more secluded, nature-based experience. Since no extra fee is involved, it’s a bonus that you can enjoy the water without crowds.

What’s Included & What to Bring

The tour includes the essentials: speedboat with skipper, fuel, all taxes, bottled water, and snorkeling gear. It’s good value considering all these are covered, especially since some other tours charge extra for water or equipment.

You’ll want to bring your own towel, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks or drinks (aside from water, not provided). The tour doesn’t include lunch, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry after snorkeling or exploring.

Group Size & Pacing

The small group size makes this a more personal experience, and the boat ride itself is described as smooth and fast. Expect a comfortable, efficient trip — reviews mention the boat being well-maintained and the crew being friendly and professional.

Duration & Flexibility

The whole experience lasts about five hours, which is perfect if you’re looking for a half-day adventure. It’s a well-paced tour, but some may wish for more time at each stop, especially Zlatni Rat or Vrboska.

The Reviews Tell a Consistent Story

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour hits the mark for many travelers. Comments like “perfectly organized,” “beautiful spots,” and “friendly crew” are common themes. Several reviewers mention how unforgettable the experience was, especially noting the crystal waters, dolphins sightings, and the knowledgeable skipper.

One reviewer highlights the dolphin sightings — a rare and magical moment — and another appreciates the hidden places visited, like the Blue Cave. The crew’s friendliness and professionalism really stand out, making the overall experience both enjoyable and safe.

Analyzing the Value

At about $92 per person, this tour seems to offer good value, especially considering it’s a small-group experience with all fees and snorkeling equipment included. For that price, you get a well-organized, scenic, active half-day on the water — which many reviewers say is a highlight of their trip.

While it doesn’t include lunch or extensive free time at each stop, it’s designed to give a diverse snapshot of the region’s beauty in a manageable timeframe. If you’re after a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, it’s a solid choice.

Who Would Love This Tour

This experience is best suited for couples, groups of friends, or small families who enjoy being on the water and exploring scenic spots. It’s ideal if you want a personalized trip with a knowledgeable skipper guiding you through Croatia’s best-kept secrets.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun, and picturesque outing that combines island hopping with swimming in turquoise waters, this tour fits the bill. However, if you prefer a full-day, laid-back beach day with more downtime, you might find this a bit too brisk.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, including all stops and transfers.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the speedboat with skipper, fuel, all fees and taxes, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and snacks are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks (except water).

Can I swim and snorkel?
Absolutely. The Blue Lagoon stop is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with calm, clear waters.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the small group size and safe environment make it suitable for families with children comfortable in the water. Always check with the provider if you have young kids.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and fun half-day adventure from Makarska, this speedboat tour ticks a lot of boxes. Its blend of iconic beaches, charming villages, and peaceful swimming spots offers a comprehensive snapshot of Croatia’s stunning islands.

The small-group setting and helpful crew make it a comfortable and personalized experience, and the reviews suggest it’s a tour that leaves many travelers with unforgettable memories. It’s especially worth considering if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots without committing to a full-day or multiple-day trip.

This tour provides a thoughtful mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty — perfect if you’re looking to soak up the best of Makarska’s island scenery with a friendly crew by your side.

Happy sailing, and enjoy your Croatian island hopping!