From Zadar: Sakarun Beach Private Speed Boat Tour

Travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, history, and a touch of adventure will find this private speed boat tour from Zadar to Sakarun Beach to be a memorable escape. This experience promises stunning scenery, intriguing historical sites, and the thrill of exploring a sunken ship—all in one day.

What we love about this tour is its combination of diverse highlights: the breathtaking turquoise waters of Sakarun Beach, exploring military tunnels on Dugi Otok, and snorkelling around a wreck from the 1980s. The privacy and flexibility of a speed boat make the trip feel exclusive, allowing for personalized experiences away from crowded group tours.

A potential consideration is that the trip can feel somewhat long for those less accustomed to boat rides. Plus, snorkeling gear could be improved, as some travelers have noted the goggles are basic. Still, this tour is best suited for active travelers who want a full day of exploration, stunning scenery, and a touch of history.

This experience is perfect for adventurous souls, those who love scenic coastal views, or travelers eager to combine beach relaxation with a bit of exploration and snorkelling.

Key Points

• Stunning Beach: Sakarun’s turquoise waters and white pebble sands are a highlight.
• Historical Interest: Explore military tunnels on Dugi Otok for a taste of local history.
• Snorkelling Excursion: Discover a sunken ship from the 80s, perfect for underwater enthusiasts.
• Private Experience: Enjoy the flexibility of a private speedboat for a more personalized trip.
• Inclusions & Extras: Water, juice, snorkelling gear, and a professional skipper ensure comfort.
• Additional Cost: Fuel and docking fees are extra, so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Unfolds

Departure and Journey

The adventure begins at a designated meeting point at a gas station, where you’ll meet your professional skipper—likely someone well-versed in the waters around Dugi Otok. From here, the boat ride itself becomes part of the charm, offering scenic views of the Dalmatian coast as you head towards your first stop.

Visiting the Military Tunnels

Your first stop is to explore the military tunnels near Boava, Dugi Otok. These tunnels are remnants of wartime infrastructure and offer a glimpse into local history. The boat can enter the tunnels, which is a unique feature of this tour, giving you a sense of how these structures were used and what life might have been like during their operation. Several reviewers, including Andre, praised this part of the trip, calling the guide and the experience “second to none.”

Sunken Ship Snorkelling

Next, you’ll anchor near a sunken ship from the 1980s—an exciting spot for snorkelers and underwater photography. The boat remains close enough for easy access, and you’ll have some time to explore, swim, or just marvel at the underwater relic. While the snorkeling gear is basic—mainly goggles—some travelers, like those in reviews, found this to be a highlight, especially if you enjoy exploring submerged wrecks.

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Arrival at Sakarun Beach

The final destination is Sakarun Beach, widely regarded as one of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. The smooth white pebbles contrast sharply with the vivid blue waters, creating picture-perfect scenes. The beach’s cleanliness and tranquility make it an ideal spot to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

Optional Lunch Stop

On your way back to Zadar, there’s an opportunity to stop for lunch, allowing you to sample local Croatian cuisine or simply take a break and enjoy the views. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers who want to extend their day with a meal or additional exploration.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

The Scenic Beauty

The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the scenery. The photos of Sakarun Beach speak for themselves—crystal-clear waters, white pebbles, and unspoiled nature. We loved the way the boat ride itself offers sweeping views of the Dalmatian coast, making the journey just as memorable as the stops.

The Historical Element

Visiting the military tunnels adds an unexpected layer of interest. These tunnels are accessible for a close look, and the fact that the boat can enter them makes for a richer experience, rather than just a cursory visit. As one reviewer put it, “the tunnels made the trip complete,” offering a tangible link to the area’s past.

The Underwater Adventure

The sunken ship from the 80s is a real treat for snorkelers and those curious about maritime history. Exploring a wreck is always a thrill, and anchoring close gives you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. The underwater environment is a bonus for those who love marine life or want some unique photos.

The Privacy and Flexibility

Compared to large group tours, a private boat ensures you can customize your experience—whether you want more time at the beach, fewer stops, or to focus on snorkelling. This personal touch is often reflected in reviews, with travelers appreciating the attention and service from the professional skipper.

The Practical Details

Duration and Group Size

This tour runs for a full day, giving you ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to up to 7 people, making it intimate and ideal for small groups or families wanting a more personalized trip.

Price and Value

At $528 for the entire boat (up to 7 people), the cost breaks down to roughly $75 per person, which is reasonable considering the private nature of the experience, the inclusions, and the exclusive access to sites. The price does not include extra costs like fuel (€150) and docking (€70), which should be factored in for a full budget picture. Our sense is that the value is high given the customized itinerary, professional guide, and the combination of scenic and historic stops.

What to Bring

Make sure to carry your passport or ID, a towel, and possibly sun protection and snacks if you’re planning to stay long at the beach. While water and juice are included, bringing some extra refreshments could be a good idea, especially for the boat ride.

Accessibility

This trip isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the nature of boat boarding and site access. It’s best suited for active travelers who are comfortable on boats and in the water.

Booking and Cancellation

Reservations can be made with flexible payment options, allowing you to book now and pay later. Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for spontaneous travelers.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One traveler described the experience as “really excellent,” praising the guide and the boat, which made the whole trip feel seamless and special. Others noted that the views and swimming spots make the trip worthwhile, with some mentioning the trip felt a bit long for less boat-savvy travelers.

A small note from reviews: the snorkeling gear could be improved, as some found the goggles basic. However, the opportunity to explore a sunken ship and walk through historic tunnels more than compensates for this.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a day of varied experiences—beach lovers, history buffs, weekend adventurers, or anyone wanting a private, scenic boat trip around Dugi Otok. If you enjoy a mix of relaxation and exploration, combined with the chance to see beautiful beaches and underwater relics, this is a solid choice.

It’s less suited for travelers with limited mobility or those who prefer less time on the water. Also, if you’re sensitive to long boat rides, consider this before booking.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, the boat ride and snorkeling might be more suitable for older children comfortable on boats and in the water.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat rental, water and juice, a professional skipper, and snorkeling equipment. Extras like fuel (€150) and docking (€70) are additional costs.

Can I bring food or drinks?
The tour includes water and juice, but you can bring your own snacks or drinks, especially if planning to stay longer at the beach or during lunch stops.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire experience is designed as a full-day trip, with the boat ride being a significant part of the journey, but the exact time varies depending on stops and weather.

Is there a designated meeting point?
Yes, the activity begins at a specified gas station and ends back at the same spot.

Are there any restrictions?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Also, party groups are not allowed, maintaining a more relaxed environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for last-minute changes.

Final Thoughts

This private speed boat tour from Zadar offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, history, and underwater adventure. The chance to relax on the stunning sands of Sakarun Beach while also exploring historic tunnels and snorkelling around a sunken ship makes for a well-rounded day out.

The personalized nature of a private boat means you can tailor the experience to your interests, whether it’s more time at the beach, additional swimming, or simply soaking in the views. While the costs for fuel and docking need to be considered, many will find the overall value justified by the exclusivity and diversity of highlights.

If you’re after a day that combines scenic coastal views, a little history, and a touch of underwater exploration, this tour is a worthwhile investment. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting an intimate, flexible adventure away from crowded group excursions.

This trip is a fantastic way to see Dugi Otok from the water, get a taste of Croatian history, and relax on one of its most beautiful beaches. For those eager to explore off the beaten path and enjoy a private, tailored experience, it’s hard to go wrong.

You can check availability for your dates here: