Zadar to Sakarun Beach Tour, Shipwreck Dive & Tunnel – 4,5hr

Experience the Best of Croatian Coast with the Zadar to Sakarun Beach Tour

This 4.5-hour cruise from Zadar offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. The small group setting, with a maximum of 12 people, ensures a more intimate experience, letting you truly enjoy Croatia’s stunning coastlines, hidden spots, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a snorkeler eager to explore a sunken ship or a sunbather dreaming of golden sands and clear waters, this tour aims to satisfy a variety of travelers.

What we love most about this experience is the carefully curated route that avoids the crowds and takes you to some of the most beautiful and remote locations in the Zadar archipelago. Plus, the knowledgeable local guides, combined with a relaxed atmosphere onboard, help make each stop feel special. One potential drawback? The tour’s duration limits the time spent at each site—so if you’re craving a full day of exploring, you might find it a bit brief.

This tour is ideal for friends, families, and especially those traveling with children who enjoy a mix of activities and gorgeous scenery. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see multiple highlights in a short time, with all logistics taken care of.

Key Points

• Small Group Comfort: Max 12 adults ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Varied Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing at Sakarun Beach.
• Expert Guidance: Local, English-speaking captain and crew provide insights and safety.
• Inclusive Price: Snorkeling gear, drinks, fuel, and safety equipment included.
• Unconventional Route: Carefully crafted itinerary avoids crowds, visits remote spots.
• Perfect for Families and Friends: Short, engaging, and flexible for all ages.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

The journey begins at the Obala kneza Trpimira 2 in Zadar, where you’ll meet your small group and board a comfortable speedboat. The boat ride itself is a highlight—expect around 50 minutes of smooth cruising, offering panoramic views of the coastline and nearby islands. The boat’s size and speed make it a quick, comfortable way to travel, avoiding the often crowded ferry routes and giving you more time at each destination.

The first stop is the sunken ship, where you’ll have about 20 minutes for snorkeling or swimming. This site is a real treat—crystal-clear waters and a fascinating wreck provide a glimpse into Croatia’s maritime past. Reviewers mention the marine life here as being particularly vibrant, with many noting the “brilliant colors of exotic fish swimming through the shipwreck”. One guest even described the underwater world as “incredibly beautiful,” highlighting how accessible the snorkeling is for all skill levels.

Next, the boat zips over to Sakarun Lagoon—a highlight for many. This 1.5-hour stay at this picturesque stretch of white sand and turquoise water offers ample time for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking in the views. The beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, making it perfect for families, kids, or anyone looking to relax.

Off to the military bunker, where you’ll stop for a quick 10-minute sightseeing and photo session. This piece of history adds a bit of intrigue—many reviews mention enjoying the chance to see a WWII-era structure. The guide’s insights here are appreciated; they share interesting facts without overwhelming, making it accessible for those interested in Croatia’s past.

The tour wraps up with a 50-minute return cruise, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the coastal scenery one last time. Throughout, the crew is praised for being attentive and knowledgeable, with some guests mentioning that their captain, Marin, made the experience especially memorable with his humor and local insights.

What You’ll Experience at Each Stop

Snorkeling at the Sunken Ship

This site is the star of the tour for many. Expect calm waters and good visibility, perfect for spotting marine life like colorful fish darting around the wreck. Reviewers mention the underwater world as “beautiful” and “vibrant,” making it a worthwhile highlight for snorkelers of all experience levels. Snorkeling gear is provided, though some suggest bringing your own mask if you prefer a perfect fit.

Sakarun Beach

Famous for its soft, white sands and shallow, clear waters, Sakarun is a postcard-perfect spot. Guests rave about the “crystal-clear water” and the peaceful atmosphere, often citing it as a place to completely unwind. The shallow waters are safe and gentle, suitable even for children. The beach’s natural shade from lush trees offers relief from the Croatian sun, especially during the peak hours.

WWII Bunker

This short stop offers a glimpse into Croatia’s military history. Many reviewers appreciate the “quick photo stop” and the chance to explore a WWII-era structure. It’s a less crowded, more authentic experience that adds depth to the day’s adventure.

Practical Information and What to Expect

Transport & Timing:
The tour departs from Zadar at a flexible starting time, with check-in beginning at 8:30 AM or 1:30 PM. The boat ride is comfortable, and the entire experience is designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping the cruise short enough to prevent fatigue. The total cruising time is approximately 2 hours, split around the stops for snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Group Size & Atmosphere:
Limited to 12 adults, this tour fosters a calm, friendly environment. Guests consistently mention how the small group makes it easy to ask questions, relax, and enjoy a more personalized experience.

Inclusions & Extras:
The price covers snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fuel, and the services of a friendly, English-speaking crew. You’ll also have access to water toys for added fun. However, note that docking and anchoring fees are payable in cash—roughly 20 euros per person—so plan accordingly.

What to Bring:
Swimmers should pack swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and cash for optional extras or the docking fee. The tour does not allow pets, baby strollers, or smoking onboard, ensuring safety and comfort for all.

Authentic Reviews and What They Reveal

Guests’ comments add depth to our understanding. Many praise the attentiveness of the crew, especially mentioning the guide’s knowledge and humor—”Marin is such a sweetheart with a great sense of humor,” one reviewer notes. The marine life and wreck site are described as “beautiful” and “the highlight of the tour,” emphasizing how accessible and engaging snorkeling here can be.

A guest from the UK shared that the “guide was very attentive and knowledgeable,” which made the experience more enriching. Others expressed that the timing at Sakarun was just right—long enough to relax but not so long that boredom set in. Reviewers also mention some minor issues, like snorkeling gear not being perfect, or feeling the tour could be slightly longer to truly soak in the beauty, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Zadar to Sakarun Beach tour offers a fantastic snapshot of Croatia’s coast—beautiful beaches, intriguing shipwrecks, and a touch of history—all in a compact, well-paced package. The small group setup, combined with expert guidance, makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed experience without the crowds. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler eager to explore underwater wrecks or simply looking to lounge on some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, this tour delivers.

The inclusion of snorkeling gear, drinks, and a carefully crafted itinerary makes it great value for the price. It’s particularly suited for families, friends, or solo travelers who want a fun, hassle-free way to see remote spots and enjoy the scenic Croatian coastline.

If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this tour ticks all those boxes—delivering genuine moments of awe and calm in equal measure.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride?
The total cruising time is roughly two hours, split between the outbound journey, return trip, and short stops.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fuel, safety gear, and the services of an English-speaking crew are all included.

Are there options for food or drinks?
Drinks are provided onboard, but food and additional drinks at the beach or restaurants are not included.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 12 adults, creating a small, intimate atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, cash for optional extras, and possibly your own snorkeling mask if preferred.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially for those comfortable in water, but parents should consider the activity’s nature and duration.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change for safety reasons, but refunds are not offered in case of weather-related alterations.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

How do I pay for the docking fee?
The fee (~20 euros per person) is payable in cash at check-in.

This tour offers a chance to see some of Croatia’s most stunning sights comfortably and authentically. Whether you’re after underwater exploration, beach lounging, or a bit of history, it packs a lot into a short, enjoyable half-day.