Umag is a charming seaside town in Croatia, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the water and its surroundings in a way that suits every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in a relaxing boat cruise, underwater adventures, or even a day trip to Venice, this coastal spot has a lot to offer. We particularly enjoy the Istria: Aquavision Glassboat panoramic tour for its unique underwater presentation and scenic cruise, and the Snorkeling & dolphin watching tour, which combines wildlife encounters with swimming in pristine waters. Each experience offers a different perspective on this lovely part of Istria, making your visit memorable and engaging.
If you’re short on time, the Venice boat trip provides a quick escape across the Adriatic, giving you a taste of Italy just a few hours from Umag. For those seeking adventure, a private speedboat rental with a captain allows for personalized exploration of hidden lagoons and dolphin watching. Whatever your interests—relaxing, wildlife, cultural day trips—Umag’s tours deliver authentic experiences that make your vacation truly special.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ll cover six of the best tours and experiences, ranging from scenic boat rides and dolphin safaris to cultural excursions to Venice. Each offers something unique:
- Panoramic glassboat tours that combine underwater shows with scenic cruising
- Day trips to Poreč with swimming and sightseeing
- Snorkeling and dolphin safaris for wildlife lovers
- Boat trips to Savudrija with sunset views
- Private speedboat rentals to explore lagoons at your own pace
- Venice boat trips for a quick cultural fix across the border
Now, let’s look at each one in detail.
1. Istria: Aquavision Glassboat panoramic tour of Umag
Starting our list, the Aquavision Glassboat offers a 2-hour cruise that’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a relaxing yet engaging experience on the water. For just $29 per person, you get a scenic journey along the Umag Riviera, with a special underwater presentation featuring a diver showing the marine life below. This tour is unique because of its glass-bottom boat design, allowing you to see the underwater world without getting wet.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic views and the underwater presentation, which is both informative and fun. The boat’s friendly crew and the welcome aperitif add a touch of hospitality — ideal for a laid-back afternoon. The reviews, averaging 4.6/5 from 139 travelers, highlight its great value and engaging experience. It’s perfect for families with children or anyone curious about marine life but not keen on snorkeling.
Bottom Line: An affordable, family-friendly choice that combines scenery and underwater discovery, making it a memorable introduction to Umag’s coastline.
2. From Umag: Fish Picnic to Poreč with Lunch and Swimming
A step up in adventure and flavor, this tour takes you along the west coast of Istria to the historic town of Poreč. For $59 per person, you’ll sail on a comfortable boat from Beach Kastanija, enjoying the spectacular views of the Croatian coast. Once in Poreč, you can explore the lively town center or marvel at the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning mosaics.
The highlight, however, is the fresh fish picnic on board, served with local wines and produce, accompanied by opportunities for swimming in crystal-clear waters. The boat stops for a swim, giving you time to cool off in the blue waters of the Adriatic. The tour’s 4.6/5 rating from 59 reviews points to its excellent value, especially considering the combination of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and culinary delights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a mix of cultural sightseeing, swimming, and dining, all in one relaxing trip.
3. Umag: Snorkeling & dolphin watching morning boat tour
For wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this snorkeling and dolphin safari offers a thrilling morning out on the water. At $47 per person, the 2.5-hour tour promises encounters with bottlenose dolphins and exploration of underwater reefs. The boat, St. Lorenz, takes you to prime dolphin-watching territory, with over 60 reviews rating it 4.4/5, noting its engaging guides and rewarding wildlife sightings.
The trip includes snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon, known for its clear, shallow waters and abundant marine life. The itinerary features dolphin watching for about 45 minutes, as well as snorkeling at Savudrija Lighthouse and Zambratija. Many travelers mention the magnetic experience of seeing wild dolphins in their natural habitat, making this tour memorable for nature enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for families and wildlife enthusiasts wanting a mix of dolphin watching and snorkeling in a short, lively tour.
4. From Umag: Venice Boat Trip with Day or One-Way Option
Travelers craving a taste of Italy won’t want to miss this Venice boat trip, which offers a quick and scenic ride across the Adriatic. With a flexible itinerary, you can choose a round-trip or one-way journey, exploring Venice at your own pace. Starting at around 3.5 hours, the trip features stunning views of the lagoon and iconic landmarks from the water.
While not a full-day tour, this experience provides a compact introduction to Venice’s romance and history, with the boat crew sharing their insights along the way. Rated 4.7/5 from 10 reviews, travelers praise the smooth ride and the chance to get a snapshot of this legendary city. It’s perfect for those with limited time or who prefer a stress-free trip combining sea travel with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A convenient, scenic way to visit Venice from Umag, great for travelers with a day to spare seeking a taste of Italy’s most romantic city.
5. Umag: Private speedboat rental with captain
For those who want to customize their day, the private speedboat rental offers total flexibility. For about 3 hours, you can explore lagoons, snorkel in marine reserves, and possibly spot wild bottlenose dolphins in their habitat. With a captain at the helm, you can relax while visiting hidden spots and enjoying the sea at your own pace.
Although the reviews are slightly lower at 4.3/5, the appeal here is the personalized experience — perfect for couples, groups, or families wanting to tailor their adventure. The key highlights include discovering the best swim spots, dolphin watching, and enjoying activities like sunbathing or snorkeling.
This tour suits those looking for exclusivity and flexibility, with the added benefit of local knowledge from your captain. The main consideration is the cost, which is higher than group tours, but the value lies in the customized route and privacy.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers or groups who want a bespoke marine adventure with the comfort of a private guide.
6. From Umag: Boat Tour to Savudrija with Swimming and Dolphins
Rounding out the list, this scenic boat tour takes you from Umag to Savudrija, combining a panoramic cruise with time for swimming and dolphin watching. Priced at $41 per person for a 3-hour trip, it’s a great option for families or couples wanting a relaxing afternoon on the water.
The trip offers dolphin safaris and opportunities to swim in the sea, with special sunset departures that create unforgettable memories. The reviews don’t specify an average score, but the focus on natural beauty and wildlife makes it appealing for those who want a laid-back, scenic experience.
Bottom Line: A versatile choice for travelers wanting a peaceful cruise with the chance to see dolphins and enjoy a swim, especially during sunset.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Umag
When selecting the best experience, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. For a quick, family-friendly activity, the Aquavision Glassboat is a solid choice. If you love wildlife and snorkeling, the dolphin safari offers a memorable adventure. For a cultural day trip, the Poreč tour combines sightseeing with swimming and dining. Want a personalized trip? The private speedboat gives you flexibility and exclusivity. And if you’re pressed for time but craving Italy, the Venice boat trip is perfect.
Book early, especially for popular tours like the Venice trip or dolphin safaris, as they tend to fill quickly. Also, check the season — summer months offer the best swimming and wildlife encounters, while spring and fall might bring fewer crowds and cooler waters.
Umag offers a surprising range of water-based experiences that cater to virtually every preference. Whether you’re after a relaxed cruise, wildlife encounters, or cultural day trips, you’ll find an adventure that fits your style and schedule. For families, the glassboat tour and dolphin safaris are excellent options, while couples might enjoy the sunset cruise or Venice trip. Solo travelers and groups can tailor private rentals for a truly bespoke experience. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable excursions.