Zadar Islands: Private Hidden Treasures Speedboat Tour

Zadar’s best island day is not about checking off famous sights. It is about choosing a quiet cove, jumping into clear water, and letting your skipper adjust the day to suit you. This private speedboat trip reaches Dugi Otok, Iž, Ugljan, and smaller islands such as Rava, Žut, and Sit, with plenty of time for swimming.

I like the private format, which gives you room to linger instead of following a fixed crowd schedule. I also like the chance to stop in a real island village for coffee or lunch, then return to a sandy bay beneath olive trees. The main thing to weigh is the extra €160 fuel charge, paid in cash per group, plus the possibility of a rough ride if the sea turns windy.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to two people: You get the skipper and boat to yourselves, rather than sharing the day with a large group.
• Three excellent swim settings: Expect a small sandy bay near Dugi Otok, a quiet cove by Iž, and shallow water at an uninhabited part of Ugljan.
• Island life between swims: You can stop for coffee, ice cream, or a cold drink, and choose lunch in the village of Iž.
• Flexible timing: The trip lasts about seven hours, with the option to stay out longer at no added tour cost.
• Strong local hosting: Skippers named in past bookings include Marija, Lovre, and Roko, all praised for friendly company and local insight.
• Budget for the fuel charge: The advertised price is $329 for a group of up to two, but €160 in cash is added for fuel.

Why this private Zadar boat trip works so well

The Zadar archipelago is made for a small boat. Hundreds of islands and islets spread across the channel, and a speedboat lets you cover open water without giving away the whole day to transit. You leave Marina Tankerkomerc in Zadar and head through the channel, around Ugljan, and toward Dugi Otok.

That route matters. On a standard sightseeing boat, you usually accept the operator’s timetable and swimming stop. Here, you can ask for another swim, stay longer in a village, or spend extra time under the canopy when the sun gets strong. The day is built around your pace.

I would think of this as a swimming and island-life outing, not a formal sightseeing cruise. You will see a lot of the Zadar archipelago, but the main rewards are water, quiet beaches, small settlements, and time away from the city.

The boat is described as a comfortable speedboat, though one past booking called it a small inflatable speedboat. That can be a plus in shallow bays and around narrow coves, but you should expect an open-air ride rather than a large, steady vessel. On a windy return leg, the water can feel choppy and the ride more jolting.

Leaving Marina Tankerkomerc for the open channel

The meeting point is the supplier’s office at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3. From there, the first boat ride takes roughly an hour. You get bottled water, lifejackets, insurance, and snorkeling equipment as part of the package.

Bring your own towel, sun cream, drinks, and snacks. The boat includes bottled water, but the tour information specifically asks you to bring additional refreshments. Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and water shoes belong in your day bag too.

The first hour is transport, but it is useful transport. You pass through the Zadar channel and begin to see the islands from the water, where low stone shores, olive groves, and small villages replace the city’s waterfront. You will want your phone or camera ready, but protect it from spray and strong sun.

The skipper is an important part of the experience. The company operates in English, and past bookings have named Marija, Lovre, and Roko as guides. Lovre was praised for sharing practical insights into local life, food, and culture, while Marija was remembered for her friendly manner and for finding beautiful places to snorkel. You should not assume which skipper you will receive, but the private setup gives you a direct line to the person steering the day.

Dugi Otok and the slow island pause

Dugi Otok is the first major stop. Before heading to a quiet bay, you take a short break to experience the slower pace of an island village. This is a small but valuable part of the schedule.

You can have an ice cream, coffee, or cold drink and stretch your legs. After an hour on a moving boat, even a simple café stop feels welcome. It also gives you a glimpse of ordinary island life, rather than only seeing beaches from offshore.

Do not expect a long guided town tour here. The break is brief, and the point is to slow down before the next swim. If you want a full meal at this stage, ask the skipper about timing, since lunch is also possible later in Iž.

The route then continues to a small sandy bay near Dugi Otok. It is surrounded by wild nature and has the kind of clear turquoise water that makes you understand why a private boat is useful. You can rest beneath olive trees, sit under the boat’s canopy, swim from shore, or stay aboard and enjoy the shade.

This bay is likely to be one of the day’s best stops for people who want simple beach time. The sand and shallow water make it easier to wade in, play, or relax without immediately needing to swim out. If you prefer snorkeling, the boat carries equipment, and you can look for marine life in the clear water.

There is no promise of a formal beach facility here, so pack what you need. That is part of the appeal, but it also means no guaranteed café, changing room, or organized beach service. Put on swimwear before leaving Zadar and keep dry clothes in a protected bag.

The island chain between Dugi Otok and Iž

The boat then turns toward Iž, passing views of Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit. This is the part of the trip where the archipelago reveals its scale. You are not simply going from one beach to another. You are moving through a spread of islands, each with its own small coves and settlements.

The exact route can depend on sea conditions and the skipper’s judgment. That flexibility is useful because the best swimming spot is not always the one printed on a schedule. You may spend longer at a calm bay or move on if wind makes one side of an island less comfortable.

The boat’s speed saves time. That is especially valuable on a seven-hour outing, since the archipelago is broad and the stops are spread out. You get more time in the water instead of spending the day on a slow transfer boat.

Still, speed has a trade-off. A small boat can feel lively when the sea is rough. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a calm-weather day if possible and tell the skipper early if the ride is uncomfortable. The return to Zadar may be windier than the morning crossing.

Snorkeling and swimming off Iž

The next swim stop is a secluded bay on Iž. Here, the main activity is getting into the water from the boat. You can snorkel, swim, listen to music from the sound system, or simply sit beneath the canopy.

This stop suits you if you prefer clear water and privacy to a developed beach. There is no need to carry beach chairs or search for a public strip of sand. You can move between the boat and the water as often as you like.

The sound system adds a relaxed, informal touch, though you should not expect a quiet nature retreat every minute. The private group can choose the mood. Keep the volume low if you want to hear the sea and leave the cove peaceful for others.

Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets are supplied. You still need to bring water shoes if you dislike rocky entries, along with a towel and sun protection. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and there is limited shade once you are away from the boat.

For families, the minimum age is three. The private boat helps parents set the pace, but children should be comfortable around open water and follow the skipper’s safety instructions. Lifejackets are included, and the skipper controls the boat movements, but this remains an active day on the sea rather than a passive cruise.

A stop in Iž village for food and local character

Iž village offers a welcome change from the swim stops. It is described as a traditional Croatian island village, and you can walk around, have a drink, or choose a local restaurant for lunch.

This is where the tour feels more connected to everyday Dalmatia. You are not spending every hour at a beach. You get a short look at the slower rhythm of an island settlement, with time to eat before returning to the water.

Lunch is not included, and this is the one part of the day where I would ask clear questions before ordering. One past booking had a disappointing experience when the restaurant did not offer the full menu shown and instead presented only costly beef or fish dishes. The food was considered good, but the price felt unfair.

That does not mean your meal will be the same. It does mean you should ask what is available that day and confirm prices before sitting down. If you want a more controlled budget, bring snacks and choose only a coffee or drink in the village.

Other bookings had a very good seafood meal at an extra cost. The skipper may be able to suggest a place, but you remain responsible for the restaurant bill. I would treat lunch as optional, not as a guaranteed part of the tour.

The final beach on uninhabited Ugljan

The last major stop is on the uninhabited side of Ugljan Island. The setting is a sandy bay with shallow water, white sand, olive gardens, and pine trees. After several hours on the water, this is a good place to slow the day down.

Shallow water makes the bay suitable for wading and beach games. You can sit under the trees, rest on the sand, or swim one more time before heading back. It is less about sightseeing and more about giving you a calm final break.

The word uninhabited is important. You should not expect shops, beach bars, or a full set of facilities. Bring food and drinks from Zadar or buy them earlier in the day. The tour includes bottled water, but the supplier asks you to bring your own snacks and additional drinks.

This stop also gives you a chance to use the flexible schedule. The listed duration is seven hours, with a minimum of six hours and the possibility of staying out longer at no extra cost for your enjoyment. Ask the skipper what is realistic on the day, since weather and sea conditions still matter.

The price, fuel charge, and real value

The base price is $329 per group of up to two people. That makes the experience most attractive for a couple or two friends who want a private day rather than two seats on a shared boat.

The important extra cost is a €160 fuel surcharge per group, payable in cash. Include this when comparing the tour with other Zadar boat trips. The final cost is not simply the advertised dollar price.

Even with that surcharge, the value can be strong if you use the boat’s flexibility. You are covering several islands, getting a private skipper, using snorkeling equipment, and stopping at beaches that would be harder to reach without your own boat. You also avoid the time loss of a slow vessel.

For one person, the total cost may feel high. For two people splitting the price, it becomes easier to justify, especially if you care about privacy, multiple swim stops, and a day built around your interests.

Lunch, ice cream, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks are extra. I would carry cash for the fuel charge and food, and confirm restaurant prices before ordering.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend it most strongly for:

• Couples wanting a private day away from Zadar
• Friends who care more about swimming than museums
• Families with children aged three and older
• People who want several swim stops rather than one long beach visit
• Visitors interested in small island villages and local food
• Anyone willing to trade a large, steady boat for a faster, more personal ride

It is less suitable if you dislike open boats, want a structured history tour, or need guaranteed facilities at every stop. It is also not the best fit for anyone who wants a fixed, all-inclusive lunch price.

The private format is a major advantage. You can ask to swim again, take a longer rest, or spend more time in Iž. The skipper’s local knowledge helps, but this is not a lecture-heavy excursion. You are paying for access, flexibility, and time in the water.

Practical advice for a better day

Wear your swimsuit from the start. Changing on a small boat is not likely to be comfortable, and you may want to enter the water soon after reaching the first bay.

Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a beach towel, water shoes, dry clothes, and snacks. Keep electronics in a waterproof pouch. The combination of sun, salt, and spray is hard on phones and cameras.

Ask about the fuel payment before departure so there is no confusion. Also ask about the planned lunch stop, the expected sea conditions, and how much time you can spend in each bay.

A calm day will make the ride more comfortable. The boat can reach the islands quickly, but speed does not remove the effects of wind. One past booking found the return leg noticeably jolty, though still enjoyable overall.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 27 reviews, with 92 percent of ratings giving the transport a perfect score. The most consistent strengths are the skippers, clear water, private swim stops, and the sense of being away from crowded beach areas. The weaker points are the extra fuel cost, a less polished boat noted once, and uncertainty around restaurant pricing.

Should you book the Zadar Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private, active day with repeated swims, quiet bays, and real island villages. The strongest part is the balance between freedom and local guidance: you get a skipper who can lead the route, but you are not locked into a rigid schedule.

I would book this for two people who will use the boat fully. Swim often, take advantage of the Dugi Otok and Iž stops, and save time for the sandy bay on Ugljan. Bring your own snacks, carry cash for the €160 fuel charge, and confirm lunch prices before ordering.

Skip it if you need a low total price, a large stable vessel, or a fully included meal. For the right pair, though, this is a practical way to see much more of the Zadar archipelago in one day while keeping the pace relaxed.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. It has a minimum duration of six hours and may last longer for your enjoyment at no extra cost.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan. Along the way, you can see Rava, Žut, and Sit, depending on the route and conditions.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is a private group experience for up to two people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, bottled water, boat rental, insurance, and a professional skipper and guide are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. You can choose lunch at a local restaurant in Iž, but food and drinks cost extra. You should also bring your own snacks and drinks.

What extra fee must I pay?

A €160 fuel surcharge applies per group and is payable in cash. This is separate from the advertised $329 price.