Zadar: Sakarun – Dugi otok Luxury Speedboat Tour with Lunch

Zadar: Sakarun – Dugi otok Luxury Speedboat Tour with Lunch — An Authentic Adriatic Adventure

This speedboat tour offers a full day of swimming, exploring, and relaxing around Dugi Otok, one of Croatia’s most captivating islands. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines natural beauty with intriguing historic sites, topped off with a delicious meal. The tour is popular among travelers who want an active, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to unwind in crystal-clear waters.

One thing we love about this trip is the opportunity to visit Saharun Beach, often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its shallow, turquoise waters and white sands are the kind of postcard-perfect scenery that loads your camera roll. Plus, snorkeling at the sunken ship and exploring military tunnels adds a layer of adventure and history, making it more than just a beach day.

A possible consideration is the long travel time to and from Dugi Otok, which makes for a somewhat tiring day, especially if you’re not used to boat trips or long excursions. But if you’re eager to see varied sights in one day, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s best suited for active travelers, families, or groups who enjoy a mix of relaxation and exploration, all within a manageable eight-hour window.

Key Points

• Stunning Beaches: Saharun Beach is a highlight, with shallow waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Historical Sites: The sunken merchant shipwreck and military tunnels offer interesting glimpses into local history.
• All-Inclusive Lunch: Enjoy a tasty meal with options for meat, fish, or vegetarian diets, included in the price.
• Snorkeling Gear: The tour provides masks and snorkels, making it easy to explore the underwater sights.
• Natural Beauty: Muline bay offers a peaceful, pine-shaded setting for swimming and unwinding.
• Duration & Group Size: About 8.5 hours with a maximum of 12 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point & Timing

The adventure kicks off at Uvala Draanica in Zadar at 9 a.m., with the boat departing promptly. This early start means you’re on the water just as the day begins to warm up — ideal for making the most of the day’s activities. The tour wraps up around 5:30 p.m., returning you comfortably to your starting point.

Exploring Dugi Otok

Saharun Beach is the first stop, arriving at around 10 a.m. Travelers generally spend about two hours here, giving ample time to swim, lounge, or snap photos of the iconic white sands and pine trees. One reviewer mentioned a slight disappointment due to debris—likely seaweed, which is a protected species in the area, so the cleanup is not permitted. Still, the water’s clarity and beauty compensate for that minor blemish.

The shipwreck Michelle is next — just a 5-minute drive from Saharun. This spot offers a quick but immersive snorkeling experience. The wreck, believed to have been deliberately sunk in 1984 to create an artificial reef, provides an interesting underwater feature. Reviewers commented on how vivid the wreck looked beneath the surface, making it a highlight for snorkelers.

History & Adventure

The military tunnels are another fascinating stop. These tunnels, used as warship shelters, offer a glimpse into Croatia’s military history. And while free of charge, they add a sense of intrigue to the day’s exploration. Reviewers noted that these sites provide “great insights and photos,” making the visit worthwhile.

Lunch & Relaxation

At around 1 p.m., a family-run restaurant welcomes the group for lunch. You’re able to select from fish, meat, or vegetarian options—an appreciated detail for varied dietary needs. Reviewers loved the quality of the meal and the fact that it was included, removing the stress of finding food on your own.

Final Stops & Swimming

Post-lunch, the boat takes you to Muline Bay, a peaceful cove surrounded by pine trees, perfect for a final swim or just soaking up the scenery. The stop here lasts about an hour, giving you one last chance to enjoy Croatia’s natural beauty.

Practicalities & Comfort

The tour includes snorkeling masks and lunch, which provides great value. Fuel charges and parking fees are covered, but there’s a docking fee of €20 per person payable on the day, so budget accordingly. The boat accommodates no more than 12 guests, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

What the Reviews Tell Us

One guest appreciated the company’s professionalism and the crew’s cool demeanor, describing the speedboat as “great.” They also enjoyed a delicious seafood meal. However, they noted a slight disappointment regarding seaweed debris at Saharun Beach, a natural occurrence due to wind and waves, and not something the tour can control.

Another traveler found the long travel time somewhat exhausting but valued the beautiful bays and the quality lunch. They also mentioned that beverages onboard would be a good addition, hinting at a possible enhancement for future trips.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This tour offers an authentic taste of the Croatian coast, blending scenic beaches, underwater exploration, and historical intrigue. The inclusion of lunch and snorkel gear makes it a good value, especially considering the variety of experiences packed into one day.

The trip’s small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, allowing for better interaction with the crew and more personalized attention. The itinerary balances active adventures with relaxing moments, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy a mix of both.

While it’s a full day, the pace is generally manageable, with enough time at each stop to truly enjoy and absorb the surroundings. Just be prepared for a long day on the water, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or fatigue.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who love scenic beaches, underwater snorkeling, and a touch of history. It’s ideal for active families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a well-rounded day on the water. If you’re not a fan of long boat rides or are looking for a more leisurely experience, this might feel a bit busy.

Travelers who want authentic Croatian flavors will appreciate the included lunch, and those interested in marine life or military history will find plenty to fascinate them.

The Sum Up

This speedboat tour from Zadar to Dugi Otok offers a rich blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and delicious local food. The stunning Saharun Beach, the intriguing shipwreck, and the military tunnels all contribute to a memorable day out, especially if you’re eager to see different facets of Croatian island life.

The inclusion of snorkeling gear and lunch adds great value, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting everything taken care of. While the long boat ride might be tiring for some, the small group size and varied stops help keep the experience engaging.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, curious travelers who enjoy a full schedule of sightseeing, swimming, and storytelling, all rolled into one picturesque day on the Adriatic.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The trip runs for about 8 hours and 30 minutes, from departure at 9 a.m. to return around 5:30 p.m.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers snorkeling masks and snorkels, fuel, parking fees, and a three-choice lunch (meat, fish, or vegetarian).

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a €20 per person docking fee payable on the day, which isn’t included in the initial price.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, so it’s generally family-friendly, especially for those comfortable on boats and with an interest in swimming and exploring.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but you might want to bring your own mask or fins if you prefer.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 12, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, beach-friendly clothing is perfect, along with your swimwear for swimming stops.

This Zadar speedboat tour offers a genuine, well-rounded experience of Croatia’s beautiful coast and history—perfect for those looking to combine adventure, relaxation, and authentic local flavors in one memorable day.