Zadar Islands: Private Hidden Treasures Speedboat Tour

The best part of this private Zadar boat tour is the freedom to shape the day around the sea. You can stop for a swim whenever you like, trade busy beaches for quiet coves, and spend time in small island villages instead of racing from one sight to the next. I especially like the three different swimming settings, from a sandy bay near Dugi Otok to shallow water off Ugljan, and the chance to visit Iž for coffee or lunch. The route also gives you wide views of islands such as Rava, Žut, and Sit.

I like the private format, which makes it easier to linger, change the pace, or ask your skipper about local life. Guides including Marija, Lovre, and Roko have each been praised for their friendly company and local insight. The main drawback is the extra €160 fuel charge, payable in cash, and the speedboat can feel rough on a windy return trip.

Key points at a glance

• A private boat for up to two people: You get more control over swim stops, timing, music, and lunch plans than on a standard group cruise.
• Three strong swimming stops: Expect clear water, a small sandy bay near Dugi Otok, a quiet cove by Iž, and shallow water on Ugljan.
• A look at island life: Coffee, ice cream, or a cold drink in a village gives the day a useful pause between boat rides.
• Local guides by name: Marija, Lovre, and Roko are among the skippers associated with this experience, with strong praise for their easy company and local knowledge.
• A full seven-hour outing: The trip includes roughly one hour out, five hours among the islands, and one hour back.
• Budget for fuel: The advertised price is $329 per group of up to two, plus a €160 fuel surcharge paid in cash.

Why this private Zadar boat trip works

The Zadar archipelago is best understood from the water. From the shore, you see only fragments of the island chain. On this trip, you move through the Zadar Channel, pass Ugljan, and continue toward Dugi Otok and Iž. The boat turns the journey itself into part of the day.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fixed script and a crowded deck. It is a private outing with a skipper who can adjust the stops to your interests and the conditions at sea. You can swim more, walk less, or spend extra time in a village if that suits you.

The price is $329 per group of up to two people, not per person. That makes the base rate fairly attractive for a couple compared with two individual seats on separate excursions. But you need to add the €160 fuel charge, payable in cash. That extra cost changes the calculation, so look at the full amount before booking.

For two people who value privacy and time in the water, the cost can make sense. You are paying for the boat, skipper, snorkeling gear, insurance, bottled water, and a flexible route. Lunch, drinks, snacks, and fuel are separate.

The trip has a 4.9 rating from 27 reviews, and 92 percent of ratings for transport are perfect. Those figures point to a consistently strong experience, though they do not remove the practical issues of wind, sun, and the added fuel fee.

Leaving Marina Tankerkomerc

You meet at the supplier’s office at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3, in Zadar. The tour begins and ends here, which keeps the day simple.

The first and last parts of the outing each take about an hour by speedboat. That gives you a useful hour on the way out to settle into the ride and watch the islands come into view. On the return, it is a chance to rest after swimming and sun.

A speedboat saves time compared with a slower vessel. You can reach islands farther from Zadar and still have several hours for swimming, walking, and eating. The tradeoff is comfort. One previous passenger found the return trip more jolty when the wind picked up. If you are sensitive to motion, ask the skipper about sea conditions before setting off and sit where the ride feels easiest.

The boat has a canopy, useful during the hottest part of the day. Still, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Bottled water is included, but you should also bring your own drinks and snacks.

Dugi Otok and the first quiet bay

The route heads through the Zadar Channel and around Ugljan toward Dugi Otok. Along the way, you see the island chain from a moving viewpoint, with the water separating one low, rocky shore from the next.

On Dugi Otok, you take a short break in an island village. This is not simply a fuel stop for the people on board. It gives you a chance to slow down, have an ice cream, order coffee, or enjoy a cold drink before returning to the water.

That pause matters. A full day on a speedboat can become repetitive if every stop is only a swim. A village break adds a glimpse of everyday island life and gives you solid ground beneath your feet.

The next stop is a small sandy bay near Dugi Otok. It is surrounded by wild nature and olive trees, with turquoise water and room to relax. You can sit in the shade, swim from the beach, or remain on the boat beneath the canopy.

This is one of the strongest parts of the route for anyone who wants a quiet beach setting. The bay is small, so do not expect a long beach walk or a full menu of facilities. Its appeal is the lack of fuss: sand, shallow-looking water, olive trees, and time to do very little.

You can also use this stop for snorkeling and viewing marine life. Bring water shoes if you have them, since rocky and sandy edges can vary from one cove to another.

Island views on the way to Iž

After Dugi Otok, the boat continues toward Iž. The route takes in views of Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit. You are not simply transferred from one stop to another. The movement between islands shows how scattered the Zadar archipelago is and why a private speedboat is useful.

The skipper is your main source of context here. Guides such as Marija, Lovre, and Roko have been singled out for their friendly manner and explanations of island life, culture, and food. The quality of that personal contact can shape the day, especially because the tour has no large group competing for the guide’s attention.

You can ask questions as you go, or simply enjoy the ride. The private setup gives you room to choose. Some people will want a steady stream of local detail. Others will prefer quiet time and music. The boat has a sound system, so you can use it during a swim stop, within reasonable consideration for the quiet bays around you.

Swimming and snorkeling off Iž

The Iž stop takes you to a secluded bay where you can swim and snorkel directly from the boat. This is different from the sandy bay near Dugi Otok. Instead of settling on a beach under olive trees, you can jump into clear water and make the boat your base.

Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets are included. You should still bring your own towel, swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, and sun protection. The tour is built around swimming, so these are not minor packing details.

The boat stop works well if you are comfortable getting in and out of the water from a vessel. If you prefer a gradual entry, the later Ugljan stop offers shallow water and a sandy bottom. Tell your skipper what feels comfortable for you, since the private format allows more useful communication than a large group trip.

The clear water is a major reason to choose this excursion. You get several opportunities to swim, rather than one brief stop tacked onto a long cruise. The day includes about five hours among the islands, although that time is shared between swimming, village visits, sightseeing, and travel between coves.

A village stop on Iž

Iž village offers a more grounded side of the trip. It is described as a traditional Croatian island village, and the stop gives you a chance to walk around and see a settlement rather than only a shoreline.

You can choose to eat lunch at a local restaurant. Seafood is one option, and previous visitors also enjoyed Croatian food here. Lunch is not included, so ask about prices and available dishes before ordering.

This is worth handling carefully. One account describes a meal that was good but felt expensive because the available choices did not match the posted menu. I would not let that cancel the stop, but I would ask the skipper or restaurant staff what is actually available, what the price is, and whether the menu has changed.

If you are not hungry, you can use the village pause for a drink or a short walk. The point is to break up the water time and see a small community at a slower pace.

The sandy side of Ugljan

The final major stop is on the uninhabited side of Ugljan Island. Here, the attraction is shallow water and white sand. That makes it a good place for a relaxed final swim, especially if you have children or prefer an easy entry into the sea.

The setting also gives you a choice of shade. You can sit in olive gardens, rest beneath pine trees, or stay near the boat. It is a pleasant way to finish the island portion of the day before the return to Zadar.

Children aged three and older are allowed on the tour. Families should still consider the boat ride, the sun, and the amount of time spent on the water. A hat, sunscreen, snacks, and water shoes will make the day easier.

Because the tour can last longer than six hours at no extra cost, the skipper may have room to let you enjoy this final stop rather than rushing you back. The stated duration is seven hours, and the actual pace depends on your chosen stops and conditions at sea.

What the private format really adds

A private group of up to two is the key feature here. You do not have to wait for a busload of people to finish lunch, and you can spend more time swimming if that is your priority.

I see the greatest value in the private format for couples, close friends, or a parent and child who want an easy day without a fixed group schedule. It also suits people who prefer a quieter experience and want to ask a skipper about local food or island customs.

The format is less useful if your main aim is the lowest possible price. The $329 base cost plus €160 fuel is a substantial amount for two people, and lunch and personal refreshments cost extra. A shared boat or standard ferry will usually be cheaper, though it will not offer the same control over the stops.

The private boat also gives you a better chance to avoid spending the whole day in the same crowded place. The route includes secluded bays and the uninhabited side of Ugljan, but conditions and other boats can affect how quiet a stop feels on the day.

Who should book this excursion

I would choose this tour if you want the sea to be the main event. It is a good match for people who enjoy repeated swims, snorkeling, short village visits, and long stretches of open water.

You should also like a flexible day. The experience is not built around a long list of formal sights. Its pleasures are practical: clear water, sandy coves, island views, shade under olive trees, and a skipper who can help shape the route.

Families with children aged three and older can consider it, especially because one stop has shallow water. Couples may find the price easier to justify because the boat is priced per group of up to two rather than per seat.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, motion, strong sun, or unstructured time. The ride can become bumpy in wind, and the trip offers limited protection from the elements. Bring your own drinks and snacks, since only bottled water is included.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the tour operates for seven hours and not every departure time is necessarily offered each day.

Should you book the Zadar Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private day of swimming rather than a standard sightseeing cruise. The mix of Dugi Otok, Iž, Ugljan, small bays, island villages, and open-water views gives the day more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Before you commit, add the €160 fuel charge to the $329 price and bring cash for that fee. Confirm lunch prices at Iž, pack food and drinks, and prepare for a potentially bumpy ride home if the wind rises.

For two people who value privacy, local conversation, and several good swim stops, this is a strong use of a full day in Zadar. For budget-focused visitors or anyone seeking a calm, slow boat ride, a cheaper and less exposed option may suit you better.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at the supplier’s office at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3, in Zadar.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is seven hours. The trip lasts a minimum of six hours and may continue longer for your enjoyment at no extra cost.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to two people.

Which islands does the route visit?

The route travels through the Zadar Channel and around Ugljan toward Dugi Otok, then continues to Iž before stopping at a sandy bay on the uninhabited side of Ugljan.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Swimming is a central part of the experience, and you can stop as many times as you like during the route.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets are included.

Is lunch included?

No. You may choose to eat at a local restaurant in Iž, but lunch is an extra cost.

Is fuel included in the listed price?

No. A €160 fuel surcharge applies per group and must be paid 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?

The tour is suitable for children aged three and older. Children should be prepared for a full day on a speedboat, time in the sun, and swimming stops.