Zadar Islands: Private Hidden Treasures Speedboat Tour

The best part of this outing is its freedom. You are not tied to a ferry schedule or a crowded group boat. Your skipper takes you through the Zadar channel toward Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan, stopping for swimming, snorkeling, village time, or a cold drink as the day takes shape. The private format gives you room to set the pace.

I especially like the mix of quiet swimming coves and real island life. You can float in clear water beneath olive trees, then sit down for coffee in a traditional village or choose a local lunch. I also like that guides such as Marija, Lovre, and Roko have brought warmth and useful local knowledge to the day.

The main caution is cost and comfort. The listed price is $329 for up to two people, but fuel adds €160 per group in cash. A speedboat can also feel bumpy in wind, and one past outing raised concerns about the boat’s upkeep and an expensive lunch recommendation.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to two people: You avoid the fixed rhythm and crowd of a large excursion.
• Three major swimming areas: Expect a sandy bay near Dugi Otok, a quiet cove on Iž, and a shallow sandy beach on Ugljan.
• Island hopping with local context: The route brings views of Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit, plus time in the village of Iž.
• Flexible seven-hour day: You can swim more, stay longer, or add time for lunch, with the outing lasting at least six hours.
• Fuel is extra: Budget another €160 in cash per group, on top of the tour price.
• A strong guide experience: Marija, Lovre, and Roko have each been praised for friendliness, local insight, and easy company.

Why this private Zadar boat trip works so well

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you sit in one place while a guide points toward distant islands. It is a moving day on the Adriatic, built around the water itself. You spend the long middle section stopping, swimming, walking, eating, and deciding how much time you want at each place.

That matters in the Zadar archipelago. The islands are close enough to reach by boat, yet each has a different feel. Some stops are little more than a bay and a few trees. Others give you a chance to slow down in a village, order a drink, and watch island life proceed at its own pace.

I see the private setup as the biggest advantage. For two people, the $329 base price works out to about $165 each before fuel, and the boat can be shared only with your own party. Add the €160 fuel surcharge, and the total cost needs careful thought. Still, if you value privacy and want a full day rather than a short transfer, the price can make sense.

The fuel fee is charged per group, not per person, so a larger private party would spread that cost more easily. The supplied details list the boat price for up to two people, so check the exact group rules and total at booking if you plan to bring more people.

Leaving Marina Tankerkomerc for the Zadar channel

The meeting point is the supplier’s office at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3. You begin with a boat ride of roughly one hour, heading out through the Zadar channel toward the islands.

That first stretch is part of the experience, not just dead time. You get broad views across the archipelago and begin to understand how close the islands are to Zadar, while still feeling removed from the city. The boat lets you cover ground quickly, which is why this route can fit several islands and swimming stops into one day.

A speedboat is useful here, but you should know what you are choosing. You get more range and less time spent traveling than on a slower boat, yet the ride can be jolty if the wind picks up. One person found the return journey noticeably bumpier, though it did not spoil the day. If you dislike rough water, ask about sea conditions before setting out and keep expectations flexible.

The boat includes lifejackets, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment. You should still bring your own drinks and snacks, since the supplied information specifically asks you to do so.

Dugi Otok, where the day slows down

The route reaches Dugi Otok after passing around Ugljan. Here, the plan allows a short break in island surroundings. You might stop for ice cream, coffee, or a cold drink before heading to the quieter bay.

This pause is valuable because the day is not only about racing between beaches. Croatian island villages reward a slower rhythm. A drink at a small settlement gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see a little of daily life before returning to the boat.

The main swimming stop near Dugi Otok is a small sandy bay surrounded by wild vegetation. Olive trees provide shade on shore, while the boat’s canopy gives you another place to sit if you would rather stay above the sand. The water is described as turquoise and clear, making this a good point for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating.

Do not expect a developed beach resort. The appeal is the lack of obvious crowds and facilities. Bring sun protection, a towel, water shoes, and snacks so you can enjoy the quiet without needing to leave the bay in search of supplies.

The island views between Dugi Otok and Iž

The next leg opens up the wider Zadar archipelago. From the boat, you see the islands of Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit along the way. The value here is not a formal stop on every island. It is the changing view from the water and the sense of how scattered this part of Dalmatia really is.

I like this section because the boat connects the stops into one larger picture. You are not simply visiting one beach. You are moving through a chain of islands, each separated by clear water and open views, with the skipper handling the route.

The private format also helps here. If one bay suits you better than another, the day can lean more heavily toward swimming. If you want time ashore, you can give more attention to the village stop. The details allow the tour to last longer than six hours at no extra cost, though the normal duration is listed as seven hours and your exact timing will depend on the day.

Iž for swimming, snorkeling, and a village stop

Iž is the next major destination. The boat stops at a secluded bay where you can swim and snorkel directly from the boat. This is a practical detail worth noting: you are not necessarily walking into the water from a beach. You may be stepping or jumping from the boat, with lifejackets and snorkeling gear available.

The water is the star here. Clear conditions make it possible to look below the surface and watch marine life, though the exact amount you see will depend on visibility and the sea that day. You can also use the boat’s sound system, which adds a relaxed, informal touch for people who want music during their swimming break.

After the water, you can visit the village of Iž. It is presented as a traditional Croatian island village, and this stop gives the day some cultural shape. I prefer this kind of pause to a schedule made entirely of beaches. You get a glimpse of island architecture, local routines, and the slower pace that makes the Zadar islands different from the mainland city.

Lunch in Iž is optional and costs extra. This is where I would ask clear questions before ordering. One past lunch recommendation led to a meal where only costly beef or fish dishes were available, despite other items appearing on the menu. The food was considered good, but the price felt unfair. Confirm what is available and the cost before committing.

That warning does not mean you should skip lunch. Fresh seafood in an island setting can be one of the best parts of the day. I would simply treat the restaurant stop as your choice, not an automatic feature of the tour.

Ugljan’s sandy bay for the final swim

The last major stop is on the uninhabited side of Ugljan. This sandy bay is suited to easy water time, with shallow water and white sand. It is a good contrast to swimming from the boat at Iž.

Families may appreciate the shallower water, though children should still be watched closely. The tour is suitable for children aged three and older, but the boat ride, sun, and changing sea conditions still call for sensible supervision.

You can play in the water, sit beneath pine trees, or relax among olive gardens. This is the kind of finish that lets the day taper off rather than end with a rushed return. If you have already had enough swimming, the shade gives you somewhere to sit while the rest of your group enjoys the bay.

The stop also shows why packing matters. Sandals or water shoes are useful, and a beach towel is specifically recommended. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential because much of the day is spent on open water or exposed shore.

The skipper can make or break the day

The boat and route matter, but the skipper shapes the experience. A private tour gives you more direct contact with the person driving the boat, explaining the islands, and helping decide when to stop.

Marija has been singled out for her kindness and friendly manner, along with taking people to attractive swimming places and good Croatian food. Lovre has been appreciated for his easy company and for explaining local life, culture, and cuisine. Roko has helped create a good balance between privacy and local content.

Those names come from specific past outings, so you should not assume you will receive one particular skipper. The useful point is that the strongest part of the experience is often the human side. A good skipper reads the group, explains the area without turning the day into a lecture, and helps you get the balance right between movement and rest.

The tour is offered in English with a live guide. If local stories and island customs matter to you, use the ride between stops to ask questions. That is where this private format can feel more personal than a standard boat excursion.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The base price is $329 for a group of up to two people. It includes the boat rental, skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, insurance, and bottled water.

The extra fuel surcharge is €160 per group, payable in cash. This is the number most likely to change your calculation. For two people, the combined cost is much higher than the headline price alone suggests, and you should budget for lunch, drinks, snacks, and any other purchases on the islands.

Still, the value depends on how you use the day. If you want a private boat, several quiet swimming areas, and the ability to spend time in villages without joining a large group, the cost may be reasonable. If your main goal is a quick swim and a cheap ride, a shared boat or ferry will likely suit you better.

I also would not book this purely for luxury. One past assessment found the boat could have been better maintained. The supplied details describe a comfortable speedboat, but this is an active day on the water, not a polished yacht charter.

Who should book this island day

I would choose this tour for a couple, two friends, or a small family that wants control over the pace. It fits people who care more about swimming, quiet bays, and local villages than about a formal sightseeing program.

It is also a good match if you want to avoid crowded beaches. The route includes several secluded or lightly developed places, and the private boat makes it easier to spend more time in the spots you enjoy.

Families with children aged three and older can consider it, especially because Ugljan includes a shallow sandy bay. Parents should be ready for a full day in the sun and on a moving boat, with some potentially rough water.

I would hesitate if you dislike speedboats, need guaranteed calm seas, or want every meal and expense covered. I would also ask about the boat’s current condition and the planned lunch arrangement before booking.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a private, water-focused day with several swimming stops and a taste of island village life. The strongest reasons are the freedom to set the pace, the clear water around the coves, and the personable guiding reported from skippers such as Marija, Lovre, and Roko.

Think twice if the total cost, including €160 fuel, stretches your budget or if you want a smooth luxury boat. For the right group, this is a very good way to see more of the Zadar archipelago in one day without being herded from stop to stop.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the supplier’s office at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3, in Zadar.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is seven hours. The activity lasts a minimum of six hours and may last 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 a group of up to two people.

What islands does the route include?

The route goes around Ugljan toward Dugi Otok, then continues toward Iž. Along the way, you can see Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The day includes several opportunities for swimming, including a sandy bay near Dugi Otok, a secluded bay on Iž, and a sandy bay on Ugljan.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch in the village of Iž is optional and costs extra.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. A €160 fuel surcharge applies per group and is payable in cash.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat or protective cap, swimwear, a beach towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and your own drinks and snacks.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The activity is suitable for children aged three and older. Children should still be supervised carefully around the boat and water.