Zadar 4-Islands Escape Saharun & Hidden Shipwreck with Lunch

Exploring the Zadar Archipelago: A Detailed Look at the 4-Islands Escape with Saharun & Hidden Shipwreck

Taking a boat trip around Croatia’s Dalmatian islands is a classic way to experience the region’s natural beauty and laid-back charm. The Zadar 4-Islands Escape by DALMATIA TOURS offers a well-rounded day out, combining scenic cruising, snorkeling adventures, and a taste of authentic Dalmatian life. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the reviews, itinerary, and details paint a pretty attractive picture.

What we love most is how this trip balances adventure, relaxation, and local flavor. From exploring crystal-clear bays to enjoying a communal meal prepared by a passionate local chef, it seems designed to give a genuine taste of island life. Yet, one thing to keep in mind is the additional fee for docking in protected areas—something that might come as a surprise if not budgeted in advance.

This tour suits travelers who love water activities, appreciate good value, and want to experience a variety of sights without the fuss of multiple bookings. If you’re seeking an authentic, laid-back day on the sea with plenty of swimming and scenic stops, this one might be perfect.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and a traditional Dalmatian lunch.
• Scenic Locations: Includes famous Sakarun Beach, a sunken shipwreck, and the Veli Rat lighthouse.
• Small Group Feel: Guided by knowledgeable skippers, with a friendly, helpful atmosphere.
• Value for Money: Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and transport, making it an all-in-one day.
• Extra Costs: Docking fees are cash-only, so plan ahead.
• Weather Dependent: The trip might be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather, so flexibility is key.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Off from Zadar

Your adventure begins just across the bridge from Zadar’s old town, where your guide and skipper, Tome, will greet you. The group size is typically capped around 10 to 11 guests, which helps foster a more intimate experience compared to larger tours. The boat itself is a speedboat, capable of reaching each destination quickly, giving you more time in each stunning location.

Sakarun Beach: Early Riser’s Dream

The first stop is Sakarun Beach, known for its white sands and shallow, clear waters. The tour aims to arrive early to beat the crowds—a huge plus if you’re after serene swimming rather than fighting for space with other travelers. Reviewers consistently mention how perfect this spot is for a relaxing swim and how the water is incredibly inviting.

Sunken Ship Michelle: A Snorkeler’s Paradise

Next up is the Sunken Ship Michelle, a shipwreck partially visible above water. This site is ideal for snorkelers, with some reviewers noting the water quality and the opportunity to see marine life around the wreck. Visitors are advised to bring water shoes—some parts of the wreck might be sharp, and a couple of reviews mentioned the snorkeling gear having a gasoline smell, so do come prepared.

Lighthouse Veli Rat: A Photo-Stop with a View

The Veli Rat Lighthouse on Dugi Otok is a highlight, offering fantastic photo opportunities. It’s an active lighthouse, surrounded by a lush forest, and the stop here is generally a short photo break. Reviewers liked how Tome shared interesting facts about the lighthouse, adding an educational touch to the scenic view.

Hidden Cove of Molat

Moving to Molat Island, the tour stops at Cove Orljevice, a peaceful, secluded bay far from crowds. Travelers appreciate this quiet spot for swimming and relaxing, often remarking that it feels like discovering a secret paradise.

Lunch on Sestrunj Island

The highlight for many is the lunch at a traditional Dalmatian tavern on Sestrunj Island. Chef Goran, a fisherman by trade, serves freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection, alongside local vegetables. One reviewer explicitly mentioned that Goran’s fish was caught the night before, which adds to the authenticity. Vegetarian and meat options are available if pre-arranged, offering flexibility.

Ugljan’s Frnaa Beach and Final Swim

The tour wraps up with a visit to Frnaa Beach on Ugljan, another pristine spot perfect for a last swim. By this point, guests often feel relaxed, with plenty of time to soak up the sun and bathe in the calm, clear waters.

Practicalities and What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

The speedboat ensures swift travel between stops, making the most of the day. The group size, generally limited to around 10-11 guests, promotes a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. The skipper, Tome, is praised for his English skills and local knowledge, making the journey both fun and informative.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee covers skipper, gas, snorkeling equipment, and a lunch with one drink on Sestrunj. The meal is a real plus, especially considering the freshness of Goran’s seafood and the scenic setting. The vegetarian menu is available if booked in advance, which is great for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

Additional costs include a CASH-only docking fee of €20 per person for protected areas, which reviewers highly recommend budgeting for—something that caught a few travelers off guard. The tour doesn’t include hotel transfers, so plan to meet at the designated harbor.

Duration and Timing

The tour is a full-day experience, starting early to beat the crowds and ending back at the meeting point around late afternoon. The actual schedule can shift depending on weather, so flexibility is advised.

What to Bring

Bring essentials like a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and snacks or water if you prefer extra hydration. The boat doesn’t offer shade at all times, so sun protection is key.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that Tome’s guiding makes a difference. Guests appreciate his knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to answer questions. One reviewer even mentioned he played some good music, which adds a fun vibe to the trip.

Guests rave about the clarity and uncrowded nature of the swimming spots, especially Sakarun Beach and Cove Orljevice. The lunch served by Goran consistently gets high marks for freshness and flavor, making the entire day feel like a well-curated local experience rather than just a tourist activity.

One reviewer pointed out that snorkeling gear had a gasoline smell, which is useful to know—bringing your own gear or rinsing thoroughly might improve the experience. Another mentioned that the lighthouse stop lasted longer than expected, about 1 hour 20 minutes, which might be a bonus or a drawback depending on your preference for sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for water lovers, those who enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and travelers seeking authentic local flavors. It’s suitable for those who value small-group experiences and are comfortable with a full day on the water. Not suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness, given the boat’s nature and the sea conditions.

It’s a flexible, value-packed option for anyone wanting to see some of Croatia’s best island scenery without the hassle of multiple bookings or long travel days.

The Sum Up

The Zadar 4-Islands Escape offers a compelling blend of stunning scenery, aquatic adventures, and authentic Croatian cuisine. The emphasis on small-group comfort, knowledgeable guides, and scenic stops makes it stand out from more generic boat tours. The inclusion of a freshly cooked meal and snorkeling gear adds real value, especially considering the experience’s overall affordability.

While the extra docking fee is an important detail to plan for, it generally doesn’t detract from how memorable and enjoyable this trip promises to be. Whether you’re keen to relax on pristine beaches, explore undersea wrecks, or simply soak up the views with some great food, this tour covers all bases.

In summary, it’s a fantastic choice for those who want a well-rounded, authentic day on the Croatian sea—perfect for water enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, children must be comfortable on boats and in the water. It’s best for kids who enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
Snorkeling gear is included, but some reviewers noted a gasoline smell and advised bringing your own or rinsing gear thoroughly after use.

How much is the docking fee, and do I need cash?
Docking fees are €20 per person and are cash-only, so it’s wise to carry some cash for this expense.

What is the typical group size?
The tour usually accommodates around 10 to 11 guests, fostering a more personalized experience.

Can I book vegetarian or special menus?
Yes, vegetarian menus are available; it’s best to contact the provider after booking to specify dietary preferences.

What should I pack for the day?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera, snacks, and water. Water shoes are recommended for exploring wrecks or rocky areas.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, bad weather can lead to rescheduling or cancellation. Check the forecast and stay flexible.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickups are not included. You need to meet at the designated harbor location.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day activity, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
Likely not, as the trip involves being on a speedboat in open water, which can be rough for sensitive individuals.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Zadar 4-Islands Escape matches your travel style. With its mix of scenic beauty, adventure, and authentic local food, it presents a memorable way to experience Croatia’s stunning coastline.