Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač

Makarska’s sunset looks better when you’re not stuck on the promenade, but out on the water heading for Puntica Bay on Brač. I like the way the timing builds toward a proper sunset panorama, and I also like the small-group feel, up to 12 people, so the ride stays relaxed. The one thing to be ready for is that the bay is anchored, so there’s no dock, you’ll enter the water from the boat.

My favorite detail is the human pacing. You’ll ride with a live guide in English or Croatian, and Skipper Tina has been praised for getting everything timed just right. In other words, you get a real sequence, port views, a long swim stop, then the sunset on the way back, all within about 1.5 hours.

Key things you’ll notice on this tour

• Small group size (up to 12) keeps the vibe calm and personal
• Puntica Bay swim time (about 40 minutes) gives you room to snorkel and just hang out
• Anchored in the bay with no docking station means you’ll swim from the boat
• Beach swings plus Makarska views from the Brač side make for great photos
• Sunset and scenic time on the return adds a second “wow” moment
• Snorkeling set included means you don’t have to pack gear

Why the Puntica Bay sunset feels different from staying on shore

Makarska is gorgeous from land, but this tour changes the angle fast. The big payoff is that you don’t just catch the sunset, you get there by boat, with time built in for the middle part too, swimming and snorkeling in a secluded bay.

What I like about this setup is that it respects your energy. It’s only 90 minutes, which is ideal if you want a sunset activity without losing your whole evening. You’ll also be in a small group, which usually means fewer delays, less crowd noise, and a better chance to actually enjoy the water time.

The other practical win: you get snorkeling gear included. That lowers the “stuff to plan” part of your day. You just bring swimwear and a towel and show up.

Leaving Makarska Riviera by speedboat, up close to the coastline

The tour starts with a boat ride out of Makarska’s port area, and that first stretch matters. The Makarska Riviera view as you exit the port is exactly the kind of scene that looks better in motion, hotels and beaches sliding past while the sea opens up in front of you.

Then comes the quick transition toward Brač. The ride to the island is about 20 minutes, so you’re not spending forever “getting there.” Instead, the pace feels like, boat ride, swim stop, sunset return. That’s a smart way to use time when you’re traveling and your daylight hours are limited.

You’ll also get a live guide in English or Croatian, and the skipper runs the timing. In tight tourist schedules, this kind of coordination is what turns a short tour from chaotic into smooth. One consistent theme in the experience is that the skipper keeps things on track, including timing the sunset moment.

Puntica Bay on Brač: swimming, snorkeling, and beach swings with a view

This is the heart of the tour. Puntica Bay on the island of Brač gives you a postcard-style coastline scene, but the real value is what you can do there.

You’ll have about 40 minutes to swim and snorkel. That’s enough time to do at least two things:

• Start by snorkeling around the bay area while you’re fresh, then
• Slow down, float, and take a swim break with the view toward Makarska

One detail I especially like is that you’re not limited to one “how to swim” option. The boat anchors in the bay. You can enter the water off the speedboat and swim from there, or you can swim toward the beach area. The tour setup is designed for that, so you’re not just sitting and watching, you’re actually participating.

There’s also music playing during the swim time. It turns a simple swim stop into a more fun, relaxed session. And yes, there are beach swings you can admire, with Makarska in your sightline from the Brač side. Even if you don’t swing, the view angle is what you’re really after.

The one practical drawback: there’s no dock

Because the boat anchors, there’s no docking station in the bay. That means you’ll step into the water from the boat rather than walking off onto a platform. If you’re traveling with kids, or if you just prefer easy stairs, this is the main thing to think about.

What helps: wear swimwear you’re comfortable getting wet right away, and bring a towel so you can dry off quickly when you’re back aboard.

The return ride: watching the sky change over Makarska

When you leave Puntica Bay, the tour shifts from swim mode to scenery mode. You’ll head back by speedboat, and the timing works in your favor because sunset lighting is strongest near the end of the day.

You get around 20 minutes cruising back, then a short viewpoint stretch for scenic views and sunset time. That extra viewpoint time is useful because it gives you a chance to enjoy the panorama without constantly balancing on a moving deck.

The colors matter here. Sunset paints the sky in gold, orange, and pink, and seeing those tones from the water makes them feel bigger and more dramatic than the same view from land.

Watch the departure time, sunset changes quickly in summer

One note worth taking seriously: in summer, sunset time decreases by about 2 minutes each day. Because this is a sunset-focused tour, the exact departure time can shift. I recommend you confirm the precise departure time with the operator before you commit your schedule, especially if you’re there during peak summer weeks.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes tight plans (dinner reservations, show times), that confirmation can save you stress.

Dolphins and the small-group advantage on the water

One extra bonus that can happen on this kind of coastal speedboat route is dolphins. In past trips, groups have reported seeing dolphins during the ride. You can’t count on it, but it’s a real reason some people love this format: you’re moving through marine areas where wildlife sightings are possible.

More importantly, small group size helps your odds of having the moment be enjoyable. With fewer people onboard, it’s easier for the skipper to manage positioning and for you to get a decent view when something pops up.

What’s included, what you’ll pay for, and how to prep

Here’s the simple version of what you get and what you bring.

Included:

• Speedboat ride
• Skipper
• Fuel
• Snorkeling set
• Taxes and fees

Not included:

• Food
• Drinks

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

Food and drinks are on you. I’d treat this like a short beach day, bring something easy if you think you’ll get hungry, or plan to eat after you’re back in Makarska.

Also note a couple rules. Smoking isn’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. That matters because the anchored-bay setup and getting in and out from the boat is not designed for wheelchair access.

Price and value: is $44 per person worth it?

At $44 per person, this tour sits in the “value for experience” zone, mainly because several big pieces are handled for you.

You’re paying for:

• A speedboat ride with fuel covered
• A skipper who manages timing and safe water handling
• Snorkeling set gear included
• A real time block of water activities, not just a quick photo stop

In practice, the value comes from avoiding the usual add-ons and logistics. If you tried to DIY this, you’d need a boat option, snorkeling gear, and a schedule built around sunset. Here, you’re buying a ready-made package that runs about 1.5 hours total.

The small-group size also adds value. Up to 12 people sounds small, but it matters. You get more attention, fewer bottlenecks during boarding and swimming, and a more relaxed experience.

If you love swimming, sunsets, and having a short plan that still feels special, this price is easier to justify. If you don’t plan to get in the water, you may feel like the tour’s main value is wasted, since the swim stop is the central event.

Who should book this sunset speedboat tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit for people who want one strong evening activity in Makarska that includes both scenery and water time.

You’ll probably love it if you:

• Want a sunset view without hours of travel
• Like swimming and snorkeling
• Prefer smaller groups
• Want a photo angle of Makarska from the water, plus beach swings from Brač

You might want to think twice if:

• You dislike getting in and out from an anchored boat (no dock)
• You need wheelchair-friendly access
• You’re not comfortable spending time in the water for about 40 minutes

For families, the short duration can work well, and the swim stop gives kids a chance to actually enjoy the trip. For adults traveling solo or as a couple, the calmer group size and the scenery-heavy return can feel like a perfect reset after a day of walking.

Should you book this Makarska to Brač sunset speedboat to Puntica Bay?

Book it if you want a practical, time-efficient sunset plan that includes a proper swim stop and snorkeling gear, with a small-group vibe. The anchored-bay setup is the key point to check for comfort, because you will enter the water directly from the boat.

If your travel style is simple and experience-first, this one makes sense. You get the Makarska Riviera exit view, the Puntica Bay swimming and snorkeling window, and then the sunset panorama with viewpoint time on the return.

Before you go, do two things:

• Confirm the exact departure time with the operator, since sunset timing shifts in summer
• Bring swimwear and a towel, so you can enjoy the swim stop without scrambling later

If that sounds like your kind of evening, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska sunset speedboat tour to Puntica Bay?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which is a 90-minute experience.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a small-group tour with up to 12 people.

Where is the swim and snorkeling stop?

The swim and snorkeling stop is at Puntica Bay on the island of Brač.

Can I swim directly from the boat?

Yes. The boat anchors in the bay, and there is no docking station, so you enter the water from the boat.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

A snorkeling set is included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Food and drinks are not included, so you may want to bring your own.

Do I need to confirm the departure time for sunset?

Yes. The precise departure time should be verified with the operator, since sunset time changes during summer. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is smoking allowed, and is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Smoking is not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.