Zadar Islands: Private Hidden Treasures Speedboat Tour

The best part of this private speedboat trip is the freedom to shape your day around the sea. You can stop for a swim whenever you like, linger in a quiet bay, or spend more time in an island village. The route covers Dugi Otok, Iž, Ugljan, and views toward Rava, Žut, and Sit.

I like the private boat and the easy mix of swimming and local life. You are not tied to a large group schedule, and guides such as Marija, Lovre, and Roko have made the day feel personal, with useful insight into island food and daily life. I also like the sandy, shallow bays, which give you a break from rocky Croatian beaches.

The main caution is cost. The advertised price is $329 for up to two people, but a €160 fuel surcharge is payable in cash per group. Wind can also make the ride back bumpy, and the boat may feel basic rather than polished.

Key points to know before booking

• Three island areas in one day: The route reaches Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan, with views of Rava, Žut, and Sit along the way.
• Private group for up to two: You get the boat and skipper to yourselves, with room to adjust swimming and sightseeing stops.
• Swimming is the main event: Expect several chances to swim and snorkel from the boat in clear water.
• A taste of island life: You can stop for coffee or ice cream, visit the village of Iž, and choose lunch at a local restaurant.
• The fuel charge matters: Add €160 in cash to the advertised $329 price for the group.
• Best for sea lovers: Bring sun protection, a towel, water shoes, snacks, and drinks, since the included water is limited to bottled water.

Why this private Zadar boat day works so well

Zadar is surrounded by islands, but seeing them by regular ferry is a different experience from skimming across the channel in a small private boat. Ferries are useful for reaching a fixed destination. This trip is about the journey, the empty stretches of sea, and stopping when a bay looks too inviting to pass.

The private format is a real advantage. With only your own group and an English-speaking skipper, you can spend more time swimming if that is what you want, or cut a stop short if the weather turns rough. You are not waiting for a busload of people to finish lunch or gather on a pier.

The day lasts about seven hours, including roughly one hour on the way out and one hour on the way back. That leaves around five hours for swimming, walking, sightseeing, snorkeling, village time, and lunch. The exact rhythm depends on your choices, which is the point of booking a private trip.

The most highly praised part of this experience is the skipper. Marija has been singled out for her kindness and friendly manner, while Lovre was appreciated for explaining local life, culture, and food. Roko helped create a good balance between privacy and local contact. Names can vary by departure, but the practical lesson is clear: the skipper can shape the day as much as the route does.

Leaving Marina Tankerkomerc and crossing the channel

The meeting point is the supplier’s office at Marina Tankerkomerc, Ivana Meštrovića 3. From there, you board the speedboat and head across the Zadar channel toward Ugljan and the outer islands.

This opening ride takes about an hour. It is not just a transfer. You get broad views across the Zadar archipelago, with islands appearing and disappearing as the boat moves through the channel. The speed matters here because it lets you cover more ground than a slower boat while still allowing a flexible schedule once you reach the quieter bays.

A speedboat ride is not always smooth. One booking described a windier return leg that was more jolting, though it did not spoil the day. If you are sensitive to motion, ask about sea conditions before setting out and keep that possibility in mind when deciding if this is the right outing for you.

The boat has a canopy, which gives you some shelter from the sun. One booking described the boat as a small inflatable speedboat for two people. That can feel wonderfully intimate, but it also means less space and a more direct ride than you might expect from a large day cruiser.

Dugi Otok: a slower pause and a sandy bay

Dugi Otok is the first major stop. Before heading to the quiet swimming area, you have a short break to enjoy the slower pace of island life. You can have an ice cream, coffee, or cold drink, then continue to a small sandy bay surrounded by wild vegetation.

This is one of the most appealing stops for anyone tired of crowded waterfronts. The bay is described as a local secret, with olive trees on shore and turquoise water in front of them. You can sit beneath the trees, relax under the boat’s canopy, or get straight into the sea.

The sandy bottom makes this bay different from the usual rocky Adriatic swimming spot. Shallow water gives you room to wade and play, while the surrounding natural setting keeps the mood simple. Do not expect a beach club, rows of loungers, or a long list of facilities. The lack of development is exactly what makes the stop work.

Bring water shoes anyway. Croatian coves often mix sand, stone, and uneven seabed, and water shoes are specifically recommended for this tour. You should also bring a beach towel, suncream, a cap, and sunglasses. The boat includes bottled water, but you are asked to bring your own drinks and snacks.

The archipelago views between Dugi Otok and Iž

The route toward Iž gives you a moving view of the Zadar island chain. You pass or see Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit, along with the open water and smaller stretches of coast between them.

This part of the tour is valuable because it shows how spread out the archipelago is. From a single waterfront in Zadar, it is easy to think of the islands as one nearby group. On the water, you see their separate shapes, quiet coves, and different degrees of settlement.

Do not expect a formal lecture or a long guided history talk. The focus is on being outside, moving between islands, and hearing local observations from the skipper. That informal approach suited people who wanted a day away from busy sightseeing routes.

The scenery also explains why a speedboat is useful. You spend less time simply getting from one island to another and more time in the places where you can swim, eat, or walk. The tradeoff is that the ride itself can be lively, especially if wind picks up.

Iž, local food, and a traditional island village

The stop on Iž adds a human element to a day that could otherwise become one long swim. Iž is known here for its traditional Croatian island village character, and you have time to walk around before deciding if you want lunch.

You can stop for coffee or a drink, then choose a local restaurant for a meal. Seafood has been a popular choice, though lunch is not included in the tour price. One booking described a delicious seafood meal, while another had a disappointing experience with the restaurant recommendation and felt pressured into expensive meat or fish dishes that were not the options expected from the menu.

That contrast is useful advice. Ask your skipper what is actually available that day, what the prices are, and whether you can order from the regular menu before settling in. The meal can be a memorable part of the day, but it is also the point where you have the least price control.

I like that the village stop is optional in spirit. If you care more about swimming than lunch, you can keep the focus on the water. If you want a glimpse of island routine, Iž gives the day more substance than a string of anonymous coves.

A secluded bay on Iž for swimming and snorkeling

After the village, the boat heads to a quiet bay on Iž. This is a good place to use the included snorkeling equipment and look into the clear water from the boat.

You can swim, snorkel, watch marine life, and use the boat’s sound system. The setup is casual rather than structured. You are not being rushed through a short swim stop. In a private group, you can decide how long to stay and how much time to spend in the water.

Several stops like this are a strong reason to choose the tour. One couple swam at three secluded spots, with clear water and very few other people around them. That kind of privacy is hard to achieve on a large organized boat excursion.

Still, do not book this as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The provided details promise equipment and marine-life viewing, but not a specialist guide, a particular reef, or guaranteed wildlife. The pleasure comes from swimming in clean water and exploring at your own pace.

Ugljan’s sandy bay and the final swim

The last major stop is on the uninhabited side of Ugljan Island. This sandy bay has shallow water and pale sand, making it a pleasant final break before returning to Zadar.

The shallow water should appeal to families and anyone who prefers an easy entry to the sea. Children must be at least three years old, and lifejackets are provided. Parents should still supervise children closely around the boat and in the water, since the tour is a boat day rather than a staffed swimming beach.

On shore, you can sit among olive gardens or beneath pine trees. The setting gives you a final chance to slow down before the return ride. Bring a towel and dry clothes if you dislike sitting wet on a moving boat.

This last stop also shows the value of the private format. You can use it for games, another swim, or simple rest. There is no need to turn every stop into an activity. Sometimes the best use of a quiet island bay is doing very little.

What the $329 price really includes

The listed price is $329 per group of up to two people, not per person. That makes the base price easier to assess if you are a couple or traveling with one companion. The boat rental, professional skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, insurance, and bottled water are included.

You must also pay a €160 fuel surcharge in cash per group. That is a substantial extra cost, so include it when comparing this outing with a shared boat trip or a ferry-based island visit. Lunch, coffee, ice cream, drinks beyond the included bottled water, and snacks are also extra.

For two people who value privacy, the price can be reasonable because you are buying control over the day as well as transport. You cover several islands, get repeated swimming stops, and avoid a fixed group program. If you mainly want one quick swim and a short boat ride, the cost will feel harder to justify.

The tour has received a 4.9 rating from 27 reviews, with 92 percent giving the transport a perfect score. That points to a consistently strong experience, while the comments also show why it pays to ask about the boat condition, wind, fuel charge, and lunch prices before departure.

Who should book this Zadar island trip

I would choose this trip if you want a private day on the sea and care more about secluded swimming than formal sightseeing. It suits couples especially well, since the price covers up to two people and the small boat creates a relaxed setting.

It can also work for families with children aged three and older, provided everyone is comfortable with a speedboat and parents are ready to supervise around the water. The shallow sandy bays are helpful, but conditions can change with wind.

This is less suitable if you want a large, stable boat, a guaranteed smooth ride, or a fully planned food experience. It is also not ideal if you dislike bringing your own supplies. Pack your own snacks and drinks, and expect to pay separately for lunch.

The tour is conducted in English. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Zadar plans depend on weather.

Should you book the Hidden Treasures Speedboat Tour?

Book it if your perfect Zadar day means clear water, several quiet swim stops, a sandy bay, and a skipper who can adjust the pace. The private setup, island village visits, and access to Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan give you more variety than a basic beach transfer.

Before paying, budget for the €160 cash fuel surcharge and ask about the day’s lunch options. If you are fine with a small boat, possible wind, and a flexible rather than polished style, this is a strong choice for two people seeking a quieter side of the Zadar archipelago.

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 experience last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. It includes roughly one hour by speedboat in each direction and about five hours for stops and activities.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes stops around Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan. You can also see the islands of Rava, Žut, and Sit along the way.

Is the tour private?

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

Is fuel included in the price?

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

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, insurance, and bottled water.

What should I bring?

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