Zadar: Long Island full day tour

If you’re looking for a way to truly experience the Croatian coast beyond the typical cruise, this Zadar: Long Island full-day tour offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, history, and fun by speedboat. It’s a private, all-in-one adventure that takes you to some of the most photogenic and culturally interesting spots on Dugi Otok, an island often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors but no less captivating.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the speedboat allows you to cover multiple destinations efficiently, skipping the hassle of ferry schedules or large tour groups. Second, the experience includes several opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring, making it perfect for active travelers who want a taste of everything. The main drawback? Given the full-day nature and the boat travel, it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges or pregnant women. But if you’re seeking a flexible, personalized day on the water with plenty of authentic touches, this tour might be just what you need.

This tour is best suited for adventure-minded travelers who love the outdoors, vibrant landscapes, and a touch of local history. If you’re after a relaxing beach day with fewer crowds or want to see some lesser-known parts of Croatia’s coast, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Private Group: Up to 10 people, making for a more personalized experience.
• All-Inclusive: Fuel, snorkeling gear, drinks, and Sakarun ticket included—food is extra.
• Flexible Itinerary: Customizable stops, including Veli Rat Lighthouse and Sakarun Beach.
• Authentic Experiences: Explore the WWII Submarine Repository and enjoy unspoiled beaches.
• Value for Price: For about $908 for a group, you get a full day of diverse activities—worthwhile if you’re craving a comprehensive island experience.
• Timing: Early start around 9:00 AM helps maximize your day on the water and land.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off at the Ina gas station in Zadar, a convenient and familiar meeting point. From there, a speedboat whisks you across the approximately one-hour journey to Dugi Otok, with the route offering scenic views of Croatia’s rugged coastline. The boat is equipped with all necessary safety gear, including life jackets, and provides a smooth, comfortable ride. As it’s a private group tour, you won’t be sharing your trip with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

An important note: departing early around 9:00 AM gives you a full 8 hours of exploration, including plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying local food. The tour concludes back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

First Stop: Veli Rat Lighthouse and Coastal Views

The first destination is the iconic Veli Rat Lighthouse, perched high on Dugi Otok’s northwest tip. The climb is optional, but the panoramic views are well worth it. We loved the way the lighthouse stands majestically against the sky, offering vistas over the rocky coastline and shimmering sea.

Walking up to Veli Rat is a gentle hike, and it’s a fantastic way to stretch your legs after the boat ride. The lighthouse itself is a symbol of the island’s maritime history and provides a perfect photo opportunity. Visitors often comment that the view from the top is one of the best in the region, with expansive sea vistas that stretch toward the horizon.

Sakarun Beach: A Caribbean Escape on the Adriatic

Next, the boat glides over to Sakarun Beach, about 20 minutes from Veli Rat by boat. This stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is frequently compared to Caribbean beaches, thanks to its unspoiled beauty and calm, shallow seas. It’s a haven for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Many travelers love the clarity of the water here, which makes for excellent underwater exploration. You might find that bringing your own snorkel gear enhances the experience, as you’ll be able to observe colorful fish and marine life right from the shore.

According to reviews, Sakarun’s natural beauty makes it an ideal spot for relaxing or taking photos. Some guests mention that it gets busy during peak hours, but as part of a private tour, you’ll have the advantage of enjoying it with fewer crowds.

Lunch and Local Flavors

After a morning of sightseeing and swimming, the tour offers the opportunity to sample local Croatian seafood. Many recommend stopping at one of the nearby restaurants near Sakarun or Soline for fresh fish and other specialties. The meal isn’t included in the price, so you’ll want to budget some extra for a proper seaside lunch, which adds to the authentic experience.

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WWII Submarine Repository: A Unique Historical Stop

One of the tour’s highlights is exploring the World War II Submarine Repository—a lesser-known gem for history enthusiasts. Here, you can see relics of Croatia’s military past, providing a tangible link to the island’s strategic importance during wartime. The experience is a quiet, contemplative moment amid the day’s more lively activities.

While not everyone’s main focus, many reviewers appreciate the chance to learn about the island’s history in a relaxed setting. It adds depth to the trip and offers an interesting contrast to the beaches and natural scenery.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a professional skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a ticket for Sakarun Beach. These inclusions emphasize value, ensuring you won’t need to worry about extra costs during the day. However, food is not included, so bringing along snacks or planning a seaside meal is advisable.

The private group setting enhances the overall experience, as you can tailor some aspects of the day to your interests. The only caveats are that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back issues, or those with mobility impairments—mainly due to boat travel and walking involved.

Duration and Flexibility

The full-day tour’s 8-hour duration allows plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing. Departure times are flexible depending on availability, but starting early maximizes your time on Dugi Otok. The trip ends back at the meeting point, making logistics simple and stress-free.

At a cost of $908 for a group up to 10, this experience packs in multiple destinations, activities, and insights into a single day. When you consider the cost of private transportation, guided visits, and included equipment, it’s a good deal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, personalized adventure.

The chance to explore less crowded spots like Veli Rat and Sakarun, combined with historical insights, means you’re getting more than just a beach day — you’re gaining authentic experiences that highlight the island’s natural and cultural charm.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to combine natural beauty, history, and a splash of adventure. If you’re comfortable on a boat and enjoy swimming and exploring, it offers a well-rounded snapshot of Dugi Otok’s highlights. It’s particularly suited for small groups seeking a private, flexible experience that balances sightseeing with relaxation.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely, less physically involved day or have mobility restrictions, you might find this tour a bit too dynamic. Also, those seeking a culinary experience will need to plan to purchase lunch separately.

This Zadar: Long Island full-day tour provides an excellent way to see Dugi Otok through the eyes of someone who appreciates both natural splendor and history. The private boat allows you to cover key spots efficiently while enjoying the freedom to customize your day. You’ll love the stunning views from Veli Rat Lighthouse and the peaceful serenity of Sakarun Beach, all with the comfort of included gear and drinks.

It’s a well-balanced trip that rewards curiosity and active exploration. If you’re after a personalized, scenic day on the water with a touch of local flavor, this tour offers good value and authentic experiences that few other options can match.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a professional skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a ticket for Sakarun Beach. Food is not included, so plan to bring some snacks or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Ina gas station in Zadar and ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to coordinate your day.

How long is the boat ride from Zadar to Dugi Otok?
The journey takes about an hour, depending on boat speed, offering a scenic ride along Croatia’s coast.

Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?
While it’s generally suitable for active travelers, it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or pregnant women due to boat travel and walking involved at some stops.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a snorkel if you want to explore underwater. Comfortable footwear for walking up to the lighthouse is also recommended.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private group experience, there’s some flexibility to tailor stops based on your interests, within the framework of the day.

How much does it cost?
The price is $908 for a private group of up to 10 people, which can be a great deal for a personalized, full-day adventure.

This tour reveals the best of Dugi Otok with just enough adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, it’s a chance to experience Croatia’s coast in an authentic, memorable way.

You can check availability for your dates here: