Zadar Islands: Private Hidden Treasures Speedboat Tour

The best Adriatic day may be off the map. This private speedboat trip from Zadar heads through the island chain toward Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, quiet beaches, and small island villages. I like the freedom to stop as often as you want, and I like that a local skipper can adjust the day to suit your group. The main catch is the extra €160 fuel charge, payable in cash, which makes the final cost higher than the advertised price.

I also like the small-group setup, especially for couples or families who do not want to follow a fixed group schedule. Guides such as Marija, Lovre, and Roko have been praised for their friendly company and local insight. Still, a speedboat ride can become choppy in wind, and one lunch recommendation led to an unexpectedly expensive meal, so you should keep some flexibility in both your stomach and your budget.

Key details that shape the day

• A private boat for up to two people: The listed price is $329 per group of two, not per person.
• Three island areas in one outing: The route reaches Dugi Otok, Iž, and the less developed side of Ugljan.
• Swimming is the main event: You can stop repeatedly for clear water, snorkeling, and time on sandy bays.
• A real village break: Iž gives you time for coffee, ice cream, or a Croatian lunch away from Zadar.
• The return ride can be rough: Wind made the ride home jolty for one couple, a useful warning for anyone prone to seasickness.
• Bring your own beach supplies: Pack drinks, snacks, a towel, sun cream, water shoes, a hat, and sunglasses.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The trip begins at Marina Tankerkomerc, at Ivana Meštrovića 3. From here, you board a private speedboat with a skipper and English-speaking guide. The boat ride out takes about an hour, and another hour is set aside for the return, leaving roughly five hours for island stops and free time.

That division matters. You are not paying for a full day spent slowly chugging between islands. The speedboat covers ground quickly, allowing you to see several parts of the Zadar archipelago in one outing. You pass the islands of Ugljan, Rava, Žut, and Sit before reaching the main swimming areas.

I would think of this as a flexible coastal day rather than a sightseeing cruise with a long list of formal stops. The skipper is there to guide the route, but the appeal is the chance to say, in effect, that bay looks good, can we stop here? The advertised schedule allows extra time if you want it, with the trip lasting at least six hours and potentially longer at no added cost.

A speedboat has a tradeoff. You get more range and less time spent in transit, but the ride is open to the weather. One couple enjoyed the outing but found the return trip more jolty when the wind picked up. If you have a sensitive stomach, take that seriously and ask about conditions before departure.

Dugi Otok and the small sandy bay

Dugi Otok is the first major pause. The island has a slower rhythm than Zadar, and the plan includes a short break where you can have an ice cream, coffee, or cold drink. This is a useful change of pace after the fast ride across the channel.

The special stop comes next, at a small sandy bay near Dugi Otok. It is surrounded by wild vegetation and has turquoise water, olive trees, and room to relax without the feel of a large organized beach. You can swim, snorkel, look for marine life, walk a little, or simply sit under the trees.

The boat has a canopy, so you can choose shade on board instead of sitting ashore. That sounds minor, but it matters on a long summer day. You are likely to spend much of the outing in direct sun, and having a shaded place to cool off makes the boat more comfortable.

This bay is best for people who value quiet over facilities. The supplied information does not promise beach services, sun loungers, changing rooms, or toilets at the swimming spots. Bring what you need, including water shoes if you dislike rocky or uneven entry points.

The snorkeling equipment is included, along with lifejackets and bottled water. You should still bring extra drinks and snacks because the tour specifically advises you to do so. A waterproof phone pouch would also be sensible, although it is not listed as an included item.

The island chain between Dugi Otok and Iž

The boat then works through the Zadar archipelago toward Iž. From the water, you see a string of smaller islands, including Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit. The point is not to collect formal attractions, but to enjoy the changing views and the sense of distance from the mainland.

This is where the private format earns its keep. On a standard group boat, you usually follow a set timetable and wait for everyone to return from the water. Here, your skipper can spend more time at a bay if you want another swim, or move on if you have had enough sun.

The guides can also add local context. Lovre, for example, was praised for sharing insights into island life, culture, and food while keeping the day relaxed. Roko was appreciated for finding a good balance between privacy and conversation. Marija received especially warm praise for her kindness and for choosing attractive swimming spots and a good place to eat.

The exact route can depend on the day and sea conditions. That is a benefit, not a flaw, as long as you want an adaptable trip rather than a guaranteed checklist. You should not book this expecting every minute to follow a rigid printed plan.

Iž village and the lunch decision

Iž offers one of the day’s most valuable changes of scene. Rather than spending all seven hours on beaches, you get a chance to walk through a traditional Croatian island village and see a quieter side of Dalmatia.

You can stop for a drink or choose lunch at a local restaurant. Seafood is available according to the experience details and past visits, but lunch is not included in the tour price. Allow extra money for it, and ask clearly what is available and how much it costs before ordering.

That last point is important. One past outing included a lunch recommendation where the menu shown was not what could actually be ordered. The available choices were limited to expensive beef or fish dishes, and the meal left the group feeling overcharged, even though the food itself was good.

I would not treat this as a reason to reject the tour, but I would handle lunch carefully. Ask to see the current choices, confirm prices, and decide whether you would rather have a simple coffee or snack and eat later in Zadar. The village stop is worthwhile even if you skip the restaurant.

Iž swimming, music, and time on the boat

After or around the village visit, the route includes a secluded bay near Iž. You can swim and snorkel directly from the boat, using the supplied gear. The ability to jump in from the boat is a key part of the day, especially if you prefer open-water swimming to sitting on a crowded beach.

The boat also has a sound system. You can use it while relaxing on board, though I would keep the volume considerate in a quiet bay. The best moments here are likely to be simple ones: a swim in clear water, a few minutes under the canopy, and a view of the islands without a large crowd around you.

The tour is particularly suited to couples and small families who want privacy. Children aged three and older are allowed, but the day still involves several hours on a speedboat and repeated swimming stops. You know your child’s tolerance for sun, motion, and open water better than any tour description can tell you.

Ugljan’s uninhabited side and the final swim

The last major stop is a sandy bay on the uninhabited side of Ugljan. Its shallow water and white sand make it a good place for relaxed swimming and beach games. You can also sit among olive trees or beneath pine trees before the ride back to Zadar.

This stop gives the day a different feel from the deeper-water swimming areas. Shallow water is useful for children and for anyone who wants to wade rather than swim. It also gives you a chance to dry off and rest before getting back on the boat.

Do not expect a developed resort beach. The attraction is the lack of heavy development, but that also means fewer comforts. Pack a towel, sun cream, a hat, snacks, and enough water. Water shoes are worth bringing because beach surfaces can vary, and the trip includes several natural bays rather than one polished seaside facility.

Once everyone is ready, the boat returns to Marina Tankerkomerc. The trip back takes about an hour. Depending on the wind, it may be calm or bumpy, so keep your belongings secured and avoid assuming that the final ride will be as smooth as the morning crossing.

What the $329 price really means

The listed price is $329 for a private group of up to two people. For a couple, that works out to $164.50 each before the fuel charge. The required €160 fuel surcharge, payable in cash per group, changes the calculation considerably. You should treat the advertised price and fuel together when comparing it with other boat trips.

The package includes the boat, professional skipper and English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, insurance, and bottled water. Lunch, extra drinks, snacks, and the fuel surcharge are not included.

For two people, the value comes from privacy and flexibility rather than from the number of included meals or formal attractions. You are paying to reach several islands in one day, stop in quiet bays, and avoid a large group schedule. If you would be happy on a crowded public boat, a cheaper shared trip may suit you better.

If you place a high value on time, the speedboat is efficient. One past visitor specifically liked that it reduced travel time between islands and left more time for beaches and restaurants. That is the core financial argument for this tour: you cover a large part of the archipelago without sacrificing most of the day to transport.

Who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this outing to:

• Couples wanting a private day with several swims
• Small families with children aged three or older
• People who prefer quiet bays to organized beaches
• Anyone interested in small Croatian island villages
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want repeated water stops
• Visitors who enjoy choosing the pace as they go

It may be a poor fit if you dislike fast boats, need a fully calm ride, want a guaranteed restaurant menu, or prefer an organized schedule with every cost paid in advance. It also is not the right choice if you want a museum-heavy or history-focused day. The cultural element is the village of Iž and the skipper’s local perspective, while the main pleasure is the sea.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 27 reviews, and 92 percent of ratings give the transport a perfect score. The strongest praise centers on friendly skippers, beautiful swimming spots, privacy, and the feeling of getting away from the busiest coastal sights.

What to pack for seven hours

Wear swimwear from the start and bring a beach towel, water shoes, sun cream, sunglasses, and a sun hat or protective cap. Bottled water is included, but you should bring your own drinks and snacks for a full day outside.

A small dry bag is useful for phones, wallets, and spare clothing. Keep lunch money separate because the fuel fee must be paid in cash, and restaurant costs are extra. If you are sensitive to motion, ask about the forecast and sea conditions before leaving.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when booking.

Should you book this private island tour?

Book it if you want a flexible private day on the water, especially as a couple or a small family. The combination of Dugi Otok, Iž, Ugljan, quiet bays, snorkeling, and a traditional village gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Before you commit, add the €160 fuel charge to the advertised $329, budget separately for lunch, and accept that wind can make the return ride rough. If those conditions work for you, this is a strong choice for seeing the Zadar islands at your own pace, with enough empty shoreline and clear water to make the day feel far removed from the city.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3, in Zadar.

How long does the tour last?

The scheduled duration is seven hours. The trip lasts at least six hours and can continue longer for your enjoyment at no extra cost.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private group experience, with the listed price covering up to two people.

What islands does the route visit?

The route travels around Ugljan toward Dugi Otok and continues to Iž. You can also see the islands of Rava, Žut, and Sit along the way.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets are included.

Is lunch included?

No. You can choose to eat at a local restaurant in the village of Iž, but lunch costs extra. You should also bring your own drinks and snacks.

What is the fuel surcharge?

A €160 fuel surcharge applies to each group and must be paid in cash.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for children aged three and older.