From Zadar: Sakarun Beach Private Speed Boat Tour

If you’re looking to turn a day in Dalmatia into an adventure packed with turquoise waters, secret tunnels, and one of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, a private speed boat tour from Zadar to Sakarun might be just what you need. Although I haven’t personally taken this trip, the details highlight a well-rounded experience that offers both natural beauty and intriguing history.

What draws us in? First, the stunning scenery of Sakarun Beach, with its powder-white sands and clear waters. Second, the chance to explore military tunnels that reveal a slice of wartime history. Third, the excitement of snorkeling over a sunken ship from the 80s that’s become a magnet for underwater explorers.

One possible consideration? The fuel cost of 200-250 euros isn’t included, which means you’ll need to budget for that separately—something worth planning before you go. This tour suits travelers who love a mix of scenic chill-out time, a bit of history, and underwater adventure, especially those comfortable with boat excursions and looking for a private, flexible experience.

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Key Points

Stunning scenery: You’ll get to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.
Historical interest: The military tunnels give a glimpse into the area’s wartime past.
Underwater excitement: Snorkeling over a sunken ship offers a unique and engaging experience.
Private tour: The trip is tailored for small groups or private parties, enhancing flexibility and comfort.
Cost specifics: Fuel costs are additional, so plan to bring cash.
Timing and duration: The tour lasts about 9 hours, with multiple stops that balance sightseeing and leisure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: A Croatian Day Trip with a Twist

This private speed boat tour from Zadar offers a fantastic way to explore Dugi Otok’s diverse highlights without the chaos of large group tours. It promises a blend of scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and underwater exploration—all delivered in one day.

What I really like about this experience is the personalized nature of a private trip, allowing you to enjoy each stop at your own pace. The chance to visit military tunnels adds an unusual layer of history, while the sunken ship provides a fun, accessible diving highlight. Plus, the boat is operated by a professional skipper, promising smooth sailing and local expertise.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that fuel isn’t included in the price, which means you’ll need to budget an extra 200–250 euros for fuel. This might seem a bit inconvenient but is fairly standard for private boat outings, and the overall experience remains exceptional value considering the stops and sights.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love a mix of natural beauty and history, don’t mind a boat ride, and want the flexibility of a private experience. It’s not ideal for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or anyone prone to seasickness, given the boat travel involved.

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Exploring the Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

Starting Point: Put Klementa

The adventure begins at Put Klementa, a well-marked location accessible by navigation apps. From here, the boat departs directly into the waters of Dalmatia, setting the tone for a day filled with scenic views and memorable moments.

Stop 1: Speedboat Ride to Dugi Otok (1.5 hours)

The journey from Zadar to Dugi Otok takes about 1.5 hours. This is where you can settle into the boat, enjoy the breeze, and start soaking in the views of Croatia’s rugged coastlines. The ride itself is part of the fun, offering a chance to appreciate the crystal-clear waters and the distant islands.

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Stop 2: Yugoslav Underground Boat Shelter

Next, you’ll visit Potkop Bukain, a military tunnel system located near the Boava resort. This site provides a fascinating glimpse into Croatia’s wartime past. The guide will take you inside the tunnels, ending at the very depths of the bunker—an experience that’s both intriguing and educational.

Travelers who’ve visited this spot mention it’s a “cool photo stop,” and “the guided tour really brought the history alive.” The 30-minute visit allows enough time to explore, take photos, and absorb the significance of this military hideout.

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Stop 3: Scenic Drive & Photo Stop at Dugom Otoku

After the tunnels, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a quick 30-minute ride to Dugi Otok, the island itself. Here, you’ll find Olupina broda Michelle, a charming shipwreck from the 80s, which has become a favorite among snorkelers and divers.

Guests report spending about an hour here—perfect for snapping photos, wandering around, and enjoying the rugged coastline. The shipwreck adds a dash of history and adventure, and the scenic views along the way are often highlighted as a favorite part of the trip.

Stop 4: Sakarun Beach (2.5 hours)

The highlight for many is Sakarun Beach, renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters. Spending around two and a half hours here, you’ll have plenty of time to swim, lounge, and take those iconic photos of the beach’s shallow, calm waters.

Reviews often mention how clean and beautiful the beach is, making it a perfect spot for relaxing, sunbathing, or snorkeling. The shallow waters are ideal for families or less confident swimmers, and the scenery truly is postcard perfect.

Return Journey: Boat Ride Back (2.25 hours)

The journey back to Zadar takes roughly two hours and 15 minutes, giving you time to unwind, reflect on the day, and enjoy the coastal views. Some trips may include a stop for lunch if you want, which is a nice way to extend the experience and sample some local Dalmatian cuisine.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Book

The tour includes boat rental, a professional skipper, water, juice, and a welcome aperitif—perfect for staying refreshed during the day. However, fuel costs are extra (200-250 euros), so bringing enough cash is essential.

Meeting is straightforward at Put Klementa, with clear directions via Google Maps. Remember to arrive on time, as late arrivals might miss the boat. The tour lasts about 9 hours, making it a full day of adventure but still manageable for most day-trippers.

Bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, and water. Don’t forget your passport or ID, especially if you plan to snorkel or explore underwater. Cash is also recommended for fuel and optional lunch stops.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

Guests have shared that the military tunnels are a standout, with some describing the guided tour as “really bringing the history alive.” The sunken ship is often praised for being an accessible yet exciting snorkel spot, with many noting the opportunity to explore underwater without needing advanced diving skills.

The timing of the stops is well-thought-out, allowing enough time to relax and explore without feeling rushed. The private group aspect means you can customize your experience—whether that’s spending more time at Sakarun or taking extra photos of the shipwreck.

One reviewer highlighted the stunning views throughout the day, mentioning it’s “the kind of trip that makes you appreciate Croatia’s natural beauty in a whole new way.” Others appreciated the professionalism of the skipper and the flexibility that comes with a private tour, especially if you want to linger at certain spots or skip others.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private speed boat tour from Zadar offers a well-balanced mix of sea, history, and relaxation. The stops are thoughtfully curated, and the experience is flexible enough to suit a variety of travelers. It’s especially ideal for those who love scenic boat rides combined with unique land and underwater attractions.

The value is clear: for a full day of exploring Dugi Otok’s highlights, it’s a chance to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches and intriguing historical sites without the hassle of organizing multiple trips. The private format means more personalized service and the ability to tailor your day.

However, do keep in mind the extra fuel costs and the physical nature of some stops, like snorkeling and exploring tunnels. If you’re comfortable on boats and eager to explore Croatia’s coastline from a different perspective, this could be one of your best day trips from Zadar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour? The tour includes boat rental, a professional skipper, water, juice, and a welcome aperitif.

Is there a lunch included? Lunch is not included but can be arranged as an optional stop along the way, depending on your preferences.

How long does the tour last? The experience lasts about 9 hours, with various stops for sightseeing, swimming, and exploring.

Do I need to bring cash? Yes, it’s recommended to bring up to 250 euros for fuel costs and any optional purchases like lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is private, making it suitable depending on the children’s comfort with boat rides and swimming. Always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What should I bring? Essentials include passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Are there any restrictions? The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back or mobility issues, heart problems, or seasickness.

How do I find the meeting point? The meeting point is at Put Klementa, accessible via Google Maps link provided in the details. Arrive on time to avoid missing the boat.

To sum it up, the From Zadar: Sakarun Beach Private Speed Boat Tour offers an enriching, scenic, and flexible way to explore some of Croatia’s most captivating sights. Whether you’re after picture-perfect beaches, a touch of history, or a splash of underwater adventure, this trip promises a memorable day on the Dalmatian coast.