Zadar: Boat Tour with Unlimited Wine & 3 Stops

If you’re visiting Zadar and craving a relaxing day on the water, this boat tour offers a charming blend of scenic views, cultural stops, and a generous flow of Croatian wine. It’s a popular choice among travelers, boasting a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 890 reviews, with many praising the relaxed vibe, friendly crew, and stunning scenery.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances leisure with adventure—expect to sip wine, snap photos, and enjoy refreshing swims all in one trip. But, keep in mind, the tour is heavily weather-dependent, especially the Hidden Bay stop, which might be canceled if the conditions aren’t right. This tour suits those who enjoy a laid-back day with a touch of local flavor, perfect for couples, families, or anyone wanting to see the coast without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Boat: Travel on a 120-year-old wooden vessel that adds historic charm to your cruise.
• Uninterrupted Wine: Enjoy unlimited white wine, still water, and juices throughout the trip.
• Scenic Stops: Three stops offer swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the boat—Kukljica, Hidden Bay, and Kali.
• Beautiful Coastal Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of rocky hills, turquoise waters, and colorful villages.
• Flexible and Relaxed: The tour is not rushed, with plenty of time at each stop to explore or unwind.
• Weather-Dependent: The Hidden Bay visit is subject to weather conditions and could be canceled.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Charm of the Historic Wooden Boat

Begin your adventure by stepping onto a vessel that’s over 120 years old. We love the idea of cruising on a traditional wooden boat that’s seen more than a century of Croatian history. This isn’t a shiny, modern cruise ship—it’s a vessel filled with character and stories, which adds a layer of authenticity that many travelers find delightful. The boat’s spacious design ensures everyone can relax comfortably, with plenty of shade and seating options.

Guests frequently praise the crew’s friendliness and professionalism. One reviewer, Emma, mentioned that “Sanda was very helpful, offering us lots of information about Zadar,” reflecting the crew’s attentiveness. The boat’s condition is also noted as excellent, considering its age, and the general vibe onboard is casual and welcoming.

The Scenic Coastal Cruise

Once underway, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Zadar’s coastline, rocky hills, and sparkling waters. Many reviews highlight how the landscape appeals to the camera-happy, with Charlotte noting the “gorgeous, emerald-green water” and stunning scenery. The relaxed pace means you can sit back with a glass of wine and soak in the scenery, or simply enjoy the sea breeze.

The Three Stops: What to Expect

Kukljica – 45 Minutes

The first stop is Kukljica, a charming village on Ugljan Island known for its beautiful beach and relaxed vibe. The 45-minute window is enough for a quick swim and some sunbathing. Reviewers like Nina appreciated this stop, emphasizing that the crystal-clear waters are perfect for cooling off after a warm sail. The beach is friendly for families and couples alike, with shallow waters ideal for children.

Hidden Bay – 45 Minutes (Weather-Dependent)

The second stop is at Hidden Bay, a spot praised for its serenity and natural beauty. Here, you can snorkel, swim, or lounge on the boat. Several reviews, like that of Gissela, mention the breathtaking views and delightful swimming experience. It’s a highlight for many, especially because of the tranquility and pristine waters.

However, this stop is weather-dependent. If the captain decides conditions aren’t safe, you’ll spend more time at the other stops, making the tour feel less rushed. Reviewers like Evelina suggest bringing water shoes for walking to the swim spot, as the approach involves some pebble beaches.

Kali – 1 Hour

The final stop is in Kali, a quaint fishing village with a lovely beach and popular snack bar, “Srdela Snack,” which several travelers recommend. Here, you can indulge in Croatian seafood grilled delicacies at reasonable prices, adding a culinary highlight to your day. Emma, among others, raved about the local seafood, emphasizing the value and quality of the food.

The hour-long stay in Kali allows enough time to explore the village, relax on the beach, or grab a quick snack before heading back. Many reviews point out how enjoyable the stop is for both the scenery and the local atmosphere.

The Return Journey

On the way back to Zadar, you can continue sipping your unlimited wine and enjoying the scenic coast. The crew often plays music, creating a festive yet relaxed atmosphere. As you approach the pier, it’s hard not to feel grateful for the stunning views and laid-back experience.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes the historic wooden boat, unlimited white wine, still water, juices, a knowledgeable tour guide, and snorkeling gear. The price is around $41 per person, which many reviews say offers great value considering the length and quality of the experience.

However, there are some extras to consider. Docking fees cost about 10 EUR per adult (5 EUR per child), payable in cash. Also, note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to reach the meeting point at the pier yourself.

What to pack? A sun hat, swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and some cash for the docking fee. The tour lasts roughly 4 hours, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon or morning activity.

The Meeting Point and Practicalities

You’ll meet at the pier off Obala Kralja Petra Kreimira IV, near the little white lighthouse. The boat departs at a scheduled time, with crew members always mindful of the departures, as one reviewer pointed out. The activity ends back at the starting point, making it convenient for those staying nearby.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many travelers praised the friendly and helpful crew, especially mentioning guides like Sanda who provided lots of information about Zadar. The wine quality also receives high marks—”free white wine” and “plenty of wine” were common phrases. Most agree that even with unlimited wine, everyone remained well-behaved, adding to a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The stunning stops at Kukljica and Kali receive glowing praise, with many mentioning how swimming in the crystal-clear waters was a highlight. The second stop at Hidden Bay is considered the most breathtaking, but it’s weather-dependent, so flexibility is key.

Several reviews note that the boat’s historic charm adds to the experience, and the small group size allows for a more intimate and friendly vibe. The overall consensus is that this trip offers great value for money, especially given the combination of scenic beauty, culture, and relaxed fun.

The Sum Up

This boat tour in Zadar offers a delightful way to experience the region’s coast without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. The combination of a vintage vessel, scenic stops, and unlimited Croatian wine makes for a memorable day. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a mellow, scenic adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and take photos.

If you’re after a laid-back, authentic experience with friendly crew and stunning views, this trip ticks all those boxes. The high praise from past guests reflects its appeal: relaxing, scenic, and filled with friendly faces. Keep in mind the weather dependency and optional costs, but overall, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy Zadar’s coastline.

FAQ

Is the boat tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially since the stops include safe shallow waters ideal for children. Just note the duration and ensure children are comfortable with boat travel.

Do I need to book in advance?
It’s recommended to reserve your spot, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred departure time. You can book and pay later, which offers flexibility.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Unlimited white wine, still water, and juices are included. Snacks are not specified as part of the package, but the stops, especially Kali, offer opportunities to buy local food.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including the three stops and cruising time.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather looks bad?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance, and the provider may reschedule if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

Is the hidden bay stop guaranteed?
Not necessarily. The captain decides based on weather conditions. If the bay is not accessible, you’ll spend more time at the other two stops.

This review paints a clear picture of what to expect from the Zadar boat tour with unlimited wine and three scenic stops. It’s a relaxed, scenic, and social experience that offers excellent value—perfect for those wanting a taste of Croatia’s beautiful coast in a laid-back setting.