Zadar: Kornati, Ship wreck Sakarun, Golubinka,speedboat tour

If you’re looking for a day filled with breathtaking scenery, vibrant marine life, and the thrill of a fast boat ride, this speedboat tour from Zadar offers a compelling way to explore Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Designed for travelers who love nature, water activities, and a bit of adrenaline, this experience promises a full day of discovery, all within a manageable price point.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its diverse stops — from snorkeling at a shipwreck to lounging on a sandy beach, every moment offers a new perspective on Croatia’s natural beauty. A couple of considerations worth noting are that the tour involves multiple quick stops and is not suited for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility or swimming issues. Still, if you’re someone who enjoys energetic, scenic outings, this trip is likely to suit you well.

For those seeking an active, engaging day out with knowledgeable guides and memorable sights, this tour hits many of the right notes. It combines adventure, relaxation, and a good dose of Croatian charm in one well-organized package.

Key Points

• Vivid marine life and coral formations at the shipwreck snorkel stop
• Beautiful beaches like Sakarun for swimming and relaxing in the sun
• Dynamic speedboat ride offering both thrill and scenic views
• Expert guides providing interesting facts and local insights
• Flexible itinerary with free time for lunch and exploration
• Affordable value with multiple stops and all essential gear included

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Croatian Coast by Speedboat: What to Expect

This tour begins early in the morning, meeting at the Arbiana Cruises stand in Zadar. From there, you’ll step onto a RIB speedboat, designed for speed and stability, with a friendly skipper leading the way. The boat itself is praised for its fun and fast ride — you’ll feel the wind in your hair as you cut across the waves, making the journey part of the thrill.

The Itinerary: A Day of Highlights

Lagnii Cliffs and Veli Rat Lighthouse: Your first stop on Dugi Otok is the Lagnii cliffs near the historic Veli Rat lighthouse. This offers a panoramic view of the rugged coastline and a chance to stretch your legs. The cliffs provide some dramatic scenery, and the area is perfect for snapping photos or simply absorbing the fresh sea air.

Shipwreck “Michelle” Snorkeling: Next, you’ll visit the wreck of the Italian cargo ship “Michelle”, a favorite for snorkelers. According to reviews, it’s a lively underwater scene with plenty of colorful fish and coral. We loved the way the wreck serves as a little underwater city, hosting many fish and offering a unique glimpse into maritime history. One review enthusiastically notes, “Snorkeling at the shipwreck revealed coral formations and lots of fish, making it a lively underwater scene.” Expect to spend around 30-45 minutes here, exploring the ship and the vibrant marine life.

Sakarun Beach: After the underwater adventure, the boat takes you to Sakarun, a sandy cove famous for its shallow, turquoise waters and soft sand. This stop is all about relaxation — you can jump in, float, or just lie back on your towel. As one traveler put it, “The beach was perfect for relaxing and swimming, with clear waters and soft sand.” The stop provides a nice break and a chance for a quick swim before moving on.

Golubinka Cave and Pebble Beach: The Golubinka cave is a natural wonder on the west coast of the islands. Exploring inside the cave reveals striking blue hues of the water, and it’s a favorite among snorkelers. Following that, you’ll reach the pebble beach of Golubinka, where you can walk along the smooth stones and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Lojena Beach and Kornati National Park: The highlight for many is the visit to Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island, within Kornati National Park. The protected waters here are perfect for swimming and observing marine life, as noted in reviews praising the “beautiful, calm waters” and “great snorkeling.” The park’s dramatic limestone formations and clear waters make this a photographer’s paradise.

Vrulje Bay and Lunch Break: Midway through the day, you’ll have free time in Vrulje Bay to explore or purchase a seaside lunch. The tour allows some flexibility here — you can walk ashore, enjoy the local seafood, or simply relax by the water. This is a key feature that balances active sightseeing with chill-out moments.

Mana Island and Final Scenic Views: The day concludes with a cruise past Mana Island, known for its steep cliffs and history as a filming location. Here, you’ll have some time to relax or take in the scenery before heading back to Zadar.

Practical Details and Value

The tour costs $99 per person, which includes snorkeling gear, water, insurance, and a professional skipper. Additional expenses, like park entry fees (around €30), are payable in cash. Considering the number of stops, the variety of activities, and the included gear, many reviewers feel this offers excellent value. One said, “It was a well-organized day with lots of beautiful spots and a fun speedboat.”.

The group size is typically small to medium, making for a more intimate experience, and the tour duration is approximately a full day, usually from morning to late afternoon. The speedboat is a big part of the appeal — it’s quick and exhilarating, but also comfortable enough for a relaxed sightseeing experience.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially for their friendly attitude and helpfulness. Antonio appreciated the “well-organized trip” and the chance to see dolphins and tuna along the way. Suzy called it “the best experience during her holiday,” highlighting the lunch, prosecco, and friendly skipper.

Many appreciated the variety of stops — snorkeling at the shipwreck, lounging on Sakarun, or exploring Golubinka cave — making each segment memorable. Ryan loved the fast boat and the underwater scenery, noting the “steep cliffs and lots of fish.” The overall consensus is that this tour strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect if you’re active and adventurous and want to maximize your time exploring the coast’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for confident swimmers who want to snorkel at multiple sites, as well as those who enjoy fast-paced boat rides. Couples, friends, and solo travelers looking for a lively day out will find plenty to love.

However, if you’re looking for a calm, cultural, or leisurely sightseeing experience, this might not be your best fit. The tour involves quick stops and a lot of movement — not suited for small children, pregnant women, or travelers with limited mobility or fitness.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour from Zadar offers a dynamic way to see Croatia’s stunning islands and marine life, all packed into a single day. The combination of snorkeling at a lively shipwreck, lounging on a beautiful beach, and cruising past dramatic cliffs provides a well-rounded experience. The knowledgeable guides, good value for money, and spectacular scenery make it a popular choice among travelers.

It’s a tour that captures the essence of Dalmatia — lively, scenic, and full of surprises. If you’re craving a day of adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and take in the views, this tour will deliver.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, primarily due to the fast boat ride and active stops involved.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is included in the price, but you might want to bring your own if you prefer a particular mask or fins.

How much does the park entry fee cost?
The Croatian national park entry ticket is approximately 30 EUR per person, payable in cash, and is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for additional expenses like the park fee or lunch.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
While the tour is generally weather-permissive, rough seas or storms could lead to cancellations or changes. It’s best to check the forecast and confirm with the provider.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

This Zadar speedboat tour blends excitement with natural beauty, making it a memorable way to experience Croatia’s coast. Whether you’re snorkeling around sunken ships or soaking up the sun on a sandy cove, you’re sure to leave with stories to tell and photos to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: