Review: Makarska Sunset Speedboat Tour & Brač Swim (2025)

You know, people are always talking about how amazing the sunsets are along the Croatian coast, and honestly, the ones you see from Makarska are seriously some of the best. The way the sky just kind of explodes with color behind the islands is really something you have to see for yourself. So, you can imagine, the thought of actually watching one of these sunsets from a fast boat out on the water, with a swimming break included, seemed like a pretty much perfect way to spend an evening. As a matter of fact, I went on the 2025 Sunset Speedboat Tour in Makarska with a swim stop on island Brač, and you know, I’ve got a lot of impressions about how it all went down. At the end of the day, it’s one of those trips that lots of people think about doing, so I figured I’d share what it was really like, from beginning to end and stuff.

First Impressions: Leaving the Makarska Harbor

Okay, so finding the departure point in the Makarska harbor was pretty straightforward, you know. The whole area is just buzzing with a really nice, vacation kind of energy in the late afternoon. You could literally see the boat, a sleek-looking speedboat, bobbing there, and frankly, it looked ready for some fun. The crew gave everyone a really warm welcome, which was a nice way to get things started, to be honest. As we pulled away from the dock, the first thing that really hit me was the view looking back; I mean, seeing the whole town with the gigantic Biokovo mountains rising up right behind it is just a completely different perspective from the water. The hum of the engine was there, of course, but it was more of a purr, just a little promise of the speed that was coming up next. There was this feeling, you know, a sense of real anticipation in the air as the buildings of Makarska got a bit smaller and the open sea was just right there in front of us. It’s almost a peaceful moment before the real speed part of the trip begins, and it’s a pretty good one at that.

Across the Water: The Speedboat Ride Itself

Alright, so once we cleared the harbor, the skipper, you know, pushed the throttle forward, and wow, the boat really took off. This isn’t like your typical big, slow ferry trip; this is a completely different kind of thing. You really feel the boat cutting through the waves, and the wind whips your hair around in a way that feels pretty exciting, honestly. You’re sitting there, so close to the water, just sort of zipping across the surface of the incredibly blue Adriatic. The skipper was obviously very skilled, maneuvering the boat with a kind of easy confidence that was actually quite reassuring. For instance, he’d find these perfect lines across the water, making the ride smooth even with the high speed. Looking off to the side, you see the stunning coastline just flying by, a green and rocky blur that’s just really, really pretty. I mean, the ride itself is a huge part of the fun, not just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s the kind of thing that just makes you grin, basically.

Cooling Off: A Golden Hour Swim at Brač Island

So, after that exhilarating ride across the sea, we actually slowed down and pulled into this beautiful, sort of hidden bay on the island of Brač. The water there was, and I’m being totally serious, some of the clearest I have ever seen. You could see all the little rocks and pebbles on the seabed, even in the deeper parts, you know. The skipper cut the engine, and suddenly, everything was just quiet and calm, which was a really amazing contrast to the rush of the speedboat ride. Jumping into that water was just absolutely incredible; it was so refreshing and clean, like, a perfect temperature to cool you down from the afternoon sun. We had a pretty decent amount of time to just float around, swim a little, and take in the scenery. The sun was starting to get lower in the sky by then, casting this amazing golden light on the water and the white stone shores of the island. Frankly, it was a moment of pure calm and just simple, uncomplicated bliss before the big finale of the evening.

The Main Show: The Sunset Over the Adriatic

Alright, so after our swim, we got back on the boat, and the skipper navigated us out to a spot in the open water that was, apparently, just perfect for the main event. It seemed like he knew exactly where to be, sort of between the islands of Hvar and Brač, to get the absolute best view. And honestly, he was right. The mood on the boat got really quiet; everyone was just kind of staring at the western horizon, you know, cameras and phones at the ready. Then it started. The sky began to change colors, moving through these incredible shades of orange, pink, and deep purple that I mean, are really hard to describe. Watching the bright orange sun dip slowly and majestically behind the silhouette of a distant island was utterly mesmerizing. It wasn’t just a sight; it was a whole feeling, sort of peaceful and grand at the same time. The colors reflecting on the calm surface of the sea just doubled the beauty of the whole scene. It was just one of those very simple, very powerful moments that you just sort of store away in your memory, really.

Is This Little Trip a Good Fit For You?

So, at the end of the day, you’re probably wondering if this trip is the right choice for you and your group. Well, to be honest, I think it’s almost perfect for couples or small groups of friends looking for something that is both relaxing and a little bit adventurous. You get that thrill from the speedboat ride, and then you get that super chill swimming stop and the absolutely stunning sunset, you know. It’s a really great mix. For example, if you want to see the famous Croatian sunset but find the idea of a huge, crowded party boat a bit off-putting, this is a seriously good alternative. Now, on the other hand, it might not be the best fit for everyone. People who are very sensitive to motion sickness might find the fast, bumpy ride a little challenging, just to be frank. Similarly, for families with very young children or toddlers, keeping them seated and safe on a fast-moving boat could be a bit stressful, I mean. It’s more or less geared towards adults and older kids who can appreciate both the speed and the serene moments that follow.

A Few Practical Things to Keep in Mind

Alright, if you do decide to go, there are just a few little things you might want to think about to make your trip even better. First, definitely bring a towel; that’s pretty much a non-negotiable for the swim stop. Another really good idea is to have your phone or camera in some kind of waterproof pouch or bag; you’re on a speedboat after all, and things can sometimes get a little splashy, you know. In fact, a light jacket or a long-sleeved shirt is also a smart thing to pack. Even on a warm day, the ride back to Makarska after the sun has gone down can get just a bit chilly from the wind. In terms of what to wear, you really don’t need to get fancy. Just wear your swimsuit under some comfortable clothes like shorts and a t-shirt. Basically, it’s a very casual and relaxed kind of outing. There are often drinks like water or maybe a local spirit offered on board, but it’s always a good plan to check what’s included when you book your spot. Just being a little prepared means you can relax and just enjoy the whole thing, basically.

“The best part was, honestly, that moment when the engine went quiet in the bay on Brač. The contrast from the fast ride to total silence, with that incredible golden light on the water… it was just a really special feeling.”

Quick Takeaways

• The speedboat part of the tour is genuinely fast and exciting, so you know, be ready for some wind and fun.

• The swim stop on Brač is in a really lovely, calm bay with incredibly clear water, which is honestly a highlight.

• The crew really positions the boat in a perfect spot to get an unobstructed, totally amazing view of the sun setting between the islands.

• This trip seems best for couples and friends; maybe not ideal for very young kids or those who get seasick easily, you know.

• Packing is simple: basically a towel, a light jacket for the ride home, and a waterproof case for your electronics are very good ideas.

Read our full review: 2025 Sunset Speedboat Tour in Makarska Full Review and Details

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