Explore Makarska
Boats in Makarska
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Why explore Makarska by boat?
Makarska sits under the Biokovo mountain on a horseshoe bay, with the island of Brač lying directly across the channel. The Makarska Riviera's pebble beaches run for kilometres in both directions, and many of the best of them are far easier to reach by boat than by road.
- Beaches
- Coastal towns
- Family days
What Makarska is known for
Biokovo backdrop
The mountain rises almost straight from the sea — the view is best from a little way offshore.
Riviera beaches
Pebble beaches from Brela to Podgora, several with no road access.
Brač across the channel
Bol and the Zlatni Rat spit lie on Brač's southern shore, facing Makarska.
Sveti Petar peninsula
The wooded headland and lighthouse that shelter Makarska's harbour.
Where can you explore?
Places within reach of a day on the water from Makarska.
A riviera village south of Makarska with a long beach.
Explore Tučepi →
A riviera village north of Makarska with a long pebble shore.
Explore Baška Voda →
Known for pine-backed pebble beaches and the Kamen Brela rock.
Explore Brela →
The largest central Dalmatian island, known for the Zlatni Rat spit near Bol.
Explore Brač →
Where the Cetina river canyon meets the sea, below cliffside fortresses.
Explore Omiš →
A Pelješac town facing Korčula across a narrow channel.
Explore Orebić →Distances are approximate straight-line distances between destinations, not sailing routes.
Best time to explore Makarska by boat
May–June
- Quieter coast
- Long days
- Sea warming up
July–August
- Warmest weather
- Busiest period
- Book earlier
September–October
- Warm water
- Fewer crowds
- Relaxed coast
Seasonal guidance only. Weather and sea conditions change day to day — always confirm with your operator.
A little local history
Makarska developed as a small port under Ottoman and then Venetian control, its position at the foot of Biokovo making it the natural harbour for the whole riviera. The Venetian period left the town's central square and the Franciscan monastery above the bay.
Good to know
Trip style
Day trips: leave in the morning, back before evening.
Payment
You pay the booking fee here, the rental directly to the operator.
Conditions
Operators cancel or reschedule when the sea is not safe.
Routes, sea conditions and access can vary. Always confirm local conditions and requirements with your boat operator before departure.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the boat. Each listing states whether the operator requires a boat licence, and you can filter for boats that do not require one. Licence rules are set by the operator, not by CroatianBoats.
Working out a budget? Read our guide to how much it costs to rent a boat in Croatia.
Plan your trip
Get official destination information, local events and visitor resources for Makarska.