From Zadar: 3 magical stops with a cold drink

If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing escape from the bustling streets of Zadar, a speedboat tour offering three scenic stops along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast might just be your perfect half-day adventure. This experience promises to take you away from the crowds, into quiet bays where you can swim, snorkel, and relax with a chilled drink in hand. It’s designed for those who want a taste of the sea’s beauty without committing a full day — and who wouldn’t love the chance to see some of Croatia’s hidden jewels?

What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery with genuine relaxation and a touch of local flavor. The stops include tranquil bays ideal for swimming and snorkeling, a charming fishing village where you can soak up local charm, and a tiny island perfect for a quick exploration. Plus, the inclusion of cold drinks and music on board means you’ll stay refreshed and entertained throughout.

One consideration is that this tour is not suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility, given the nature of boat transfers and swimming stops. Also, it’s a half-day trip, so those craving a comprehensive island-hopping experience or culture might want to look for longer tours.

This excursion suits travelers who prioritize relaxation, scenery, and casual fun over extensive sightseeing or strenuous activity. It’s perfect for families, friends, or anyone who wants a beautiful, easygoing water adventure during their stay in Zadar.

Key Points

• Beautiful hidden coves away from the crowds
• Clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling
• Relaxed pace with plenty of time to unwind
• Inclusion of drinks and music enhances the experience
• Locally guided with a knowledgeable skipper
• Short but memorable half-day adventure

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What the Tour Offers

This 4-hour speedboat trip is designed for simplicity and enjoyment, focusing on scenic beauty, comfort, and a dash of local flavor. We’ll break down what you can realistically expect and how each part adds value to your day.

Starting Point and Departure

The tour begins at Obala kneza Branimira 27A, a recognizable spot near a small gas station in Zadar. Arriving about 15 minutes early is recommended to avoid any last-minute stress—traffic congestion can be unpredictable, and the tour operates on a tight schedule. The boat itself is a comfortable open speedboat equipped with shade areas, music, and safety gear, which makes for a relaxed ride across the water.

The skipper, a local with knowledge of the area, sets the tone for a professional yet friendly atmosphere. Fuel costs, as well as a bottle of cold water and iced tea on board, are included, which adds a little extra value to the overall experience.

The First Stop: Blue Bay Otri

After about 10 minutes of cruising, you arrive at the Blue Lagoon (Otri). Here, the crystal-clear waters beckon for a swim or snorkel. The calm, turquoise sea makes for excellent visibility, perfect for spotting fish and underwater life. The included mask and snorkel gear mean you can easily explore beneath the surface.

This stop lasts around 45 minutes, giving you ample time to float, admire the underwater scenery, or simply lounge on the boat with a cold drink. Many reviews highlight how stunning and peaceful this bay is, with one reviewer noting that jumping into the water and watching the fish was a highlight.

Ugljan Island and Kali Village

Next, the boat whisks you to the fishing village of Kali on Ugljan Island. This is a genuine slice of local life, offering a chance to walk around, take photos, and soak in the island’s charm. There’s an opportunity to visit a local restaurant, Srdela Snack, known for its traditional seafood dishes at reasonable prices. It’s a chance to enjoy some authentic Croatian cuisine with views of the sea — a little bonus that adds value to this trip.

The stop here lasts about 80 minutes, giving time for a leisurely walk, some shopping, or relaxing by a scenic viewpoint. Many travelers appreciate this authentic taste of island life, especially after the morning’s water activities.

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The Small Island of Galevac

The last swimming stop is at Otok Galevac, a tiny island just a short boat ride away. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or walk around the island in roughly 45 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim to the island itself — it’s small enough to explore within 15-20 minutes. The island’s pine trees and calm setting make for a perfect spot to rest and listen to bird chirping, or to visit the local monastery if you’re interested.

Many reviews mention how this stop offers some of the most peaceful, picture-perfect views of the trip. It’s a fitting way to wind down before heading back.

Return and Reflection

The boat ride back to Zadar takes about 10 minutes, giving you a chance to relax, enjoy some music, and reflect on the day. The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving plenty of time to explore more of Zadar afterward or continue your Croatian adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the biggest draws is the combination of scenic natural beauty and relaxed pace. Instead of rushing between multiple destinations, you get ample time at each stop to swim, explore, or simply float and soak up the serenity. The inclusion of cold drinks and music makes the experience feel more like a leisurely day out rather than a hurried tour.

The hidden coves and crystal waters are frequently praised, with a review from Stefan noting, “It’s just beautiful to see and experience Croatia from the water.” The boat’s comfort, shaded areas, and snorkel gear add tangible value, especially for families or groups seeking a hassle-free day.

Many travelers appreciate the authentic flavor of the islands, especially the chance to visit Kali’s local restaurant and enjoy traditional seafood. It’s a taste of Croatia that’s hard to beat for its simplicity and charm.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price and Value: While the cost isn’t explicitly listed here, considering fuel, drinks, and guided service, this tour is a good value for a half-day trip that covers scenic stops and swimming opportunities.

• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and some cash for extras or souvenirs.

• Not Included: Food (apart from the drinks on board), towels, or hotel transfers. So, plan accordingly if you want a full meal or a transfer service.

• Suitability: Not recommended for wheelchair users, those with low fitness levels, babies under 1 year, or seniors over 95. Participants should be comfortable with swimming and boat transfers.

• Accessibility: Arriving 15 minutes early is essential, and public transport or taxis are your best options for reaching the departure point.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Just like Stefan’s glowing review, many appreciate the beautiful views, professional organization, and the relaxed atmosphere. The fact that the boat is comfortable and shaded makes it accessible for long enough to truly unwind. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and the opportunity for dolphin watching add that extra touch of excitement, even if not guaranteed.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers seeking a scenic, laid-back water adventure with some opportunities to swim and explore. It’s ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting a taste of Croatia’s natural beauty without the commitment of a full-day tour. If you’re a water lover, enjoy snorkel gear, or simply want peaceful moments on pristine waters, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s also perfect for those who appreciate local flavors, as the stops include visits to charming villages and a chance to sample seafood. If your goal is relaxation, gentle sightseeing, and enjoying the ocean’s tranquility, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who are comfortable in boats and swimming will enjoy the stops. However, very young babies or those with mobility issues might find the activities challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like swimwear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, flip-flops, and cash for extras.

Are food and drinks included?
Only drinks (cold water and iced tea) are included on the boat. You can purchase food, like seafood at Kali, during the stop.

How long is each stop?
Most stops are around 45-80 minutes, providing enough time to swim, walk, or relax.

What’s the boat like?
It’s an open speedboat with shaded areas, music, and safety gear, suitable for a comfortable ride and leisure.

Can I see dolphins or marine life?
While dolphin watching is mentioned, it’s not guaranteed, but the snorkeling offers opportunities to see fish and underwater scenery.

How do I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes early at the Obala kneza Branimira near the small gas station. Public transport or taxis are recommended.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, especially for families with children comfortable with boat rides and swimming.

What about accessibility?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with low fitness levels.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.

This speedboat tour from Zadar offers a nicely balanced experience: stunning scenery, tranquil bays, a taste of local island life, and refreshing drinks on board. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a relaxed, scenic escape without the fuss of full-day excursions. The stops are well-chosen, and the inclusion of snorkeling gear, local seafood, and the chance to explore tiny islands makes for a memorable half-day.

If you’re craving a peaceful waterside break, love the idea of snorkeling in clear waters, or simply want to see Croatia from an unobstructed view of the sea, this tour is a solid choice. It’s best for relaxed travelers who want just enough adventure to feel invigorated but not exhausted. For a taste of Dalmatia’s beauty in a light, breezy format, this trip delivers.

You can check availability for your dates here: