Private Boat Trip with Sandra Boat Medulin, Kamenjak, Ceja

A Private Boat Trip in Istria: Exploring Medulin, Kamenjak, and Ceja

Imagine cruising along the shimmering waters of Croatia’s Istrian coast in a private wooden boat, with your own crew, your pace, and your comfort. For around $1,628 per group, this roughly 5-hour adventure offers a perfect blend of scenic views, swimming stops, and a delicious onboard lunch. Starting from Medulin, the trip takes you to the Kamenjak National Park, the Austro-Hungarian lighthouse Porer, and the idyllic island of Ceja.

What we really love about this tour is the flexibility it offers. Unlike group excursions that follow a strict route, this private experience lets you choose what to focus on—be it snorkeling, photographing, or simply relaxing. Plus, the guides, including friendly folks like Sandra, Ilia, Vitali, and Tamara, seem genuinely invested in making your day memorable.

A potential consideration is the price—while it’s a significant investment, many reviews emphasize the excellent value given the personalized service, included meals, drinks, and the exclusive stops. If you’re someone who appreciates intimate, tailor-made experiences with plenty of stunning scenery, this trip suits families, couples, or friends seeking a special day on the water.

Key Points

• Private customization: Skip the crowd and set your own pace for the day’s adventures.
• Unforgettable swimming spots: Enjoy the clear waters of Kamenjak and Ceja, with options for snorkeling and lounging.
• Onboard dining: Savor a freshly grilled meal—fish, meat, or veggie—paired with wine, water, or juices.
• Expert guides: Friendly, knowledgeable hosts enhance the experience with local stories and tips.
• Spectacular views: From the archipelago to the 19th-century lighthouse, photo opportunities abound.
• All-in price: Includes lunch, drinks, Wi-Fi, restroom, and entrance fees for stops.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

Your adventure begins at the Port authority in Medulin, a charming seaside town with a lively harbor that signals the start of your relaxing escape. The boat itself is a classic wooden vessel, comfortably equipped with restrooms and Wi-Fi, making the journey as pleasant as the destinations.

The private nature of this tour means you won’t be sharing your boat with strangers, allowing a relaxed, tailored experience. The crew—notably Sandra—are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, always eager to share stories or help with swimming gear. Expect a friendly, informal vibe, where your group’s interests shape the itinerary.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special?

1. Kamenjak National Park

Your trip kicks off with a panoramic view of the Medulin archipelago, setting the tone for the day. The boat cruises along the coast of Premantura, providing an excellent opportunity for photos of rugged cliffs, caves, and turquoise waters. After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the southernmost point of Istria, near an underwater cave—a highlight for many.

This stop is not just about scenery; it’s where many mention the value of the included entrance fee. As one reviewer put it, “Cruising along the coast of Medulin and Premantura and reaching the southernmost point of Istria” is a memorable moment, perfect for snapping pictures or just soaking in the views.

2. Cave Golumbera

Next, you’ll anchor near the Golumbera cave, where you can swim into the underwater cave accompanied by your crew. The 30-minute stop is a favorite among snorkelers and adventure lovers, with many appreciating the chance to feed fishes and enjoy crystal-clear waters.

Reviews highlight this as one of the trip’s most memorable moments, with comments like, “Swim into an underwater cave accompanied by our crew,” and the chance to stay on the boat and relax. The admission fee is included, adding to the impression of good value.

3. Porer Lighthouse and Coastal Views

From Golumbera, you cruise around the Porer lighthouse, a striking 19th-century structure perched on a rocky outcrop. Guides share stories about its history, which adds depth to this scenic detour. The photo opportunities here are plentiful, with rugged cliffs and sea views stretching as far as the eye can see.

Many reviewers mention that this part of the trip is not just about the sights but about the experience—the calm, the breeze, and the chance to capture the moment.

4. Lunch on Board in Kamenjak

As you cruise along the Kamenjak coast, a delicious onboard lunch is served. Choices typically include grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian options, with wines, water, and juices included. Several reviews emphasize that the lunch was tasty and generous, with “food was delicious, and the staff extremely friendly,” adding significant value to the experience.

This meal is more than just sustenance; it’s a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy the scenic backdrop of the rugged coast. The 45-minute lunch break offers room for conversation and photo-taking.

5. Ceja Island: Relaxation and Swimming

The highlight for many is the two- to three-hour stop at Ceja Island, a private paradise with a sandy beach, clear waters, and a bar and restaurant. Here, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or just unwind in the tranquility of this untouched spot.

Guests rave about the crystal-clear water and the natural beauty of Ceja, often calling it a “beautiful and natural” place. The reviews mention the well-maintained facilities, with toilets and a bar, making it comfortable to spend an extended period.

6. Return to Medulin

After your leisure time on Ceja, the boat slowly makes its way back to Medulin, completing the loop. The 20-minute ride offers final views of the coast and a chance to reflect on the day.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Personalized Experience: Unlike larger group tours, this private trip means your preferences shape the day. Do you want more swimming? A longer stop at Ceja? Your guides are praised for their flexibility and attention.

Authentic and Scenic Stops: The stops at Kamenjak and Ceja aren’t just touristy highlights—they’re beautiful spots that showcase Istria’s natural beauty. Many reviews emphasize the crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches.

Excellent Value for Money: With lunch, drinks, entrance fees, Wi-Fi, and personalized service included, many consider this a great deal—especially compared to the costs of separate activities or private rentals.

Knowledgeable Guides: From sharing the history of the lighthouse to pointing out the best photo spots, guides like Sandra, Ilia, and Tamara are appreciated for their friendly professionalism.

Considerations Before Booking

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that price is higher than standard group tours, reflecting the personalized service and exclusivity. If you’re budget-conscious, you might compare this experience with other group options, but you’ll likely find that the quality and intimacy justify the cost.

Weather can affect the trip—since it’s dependent on good conditions, a rainy or stormy day might mean a rescheduling or refund. Also, transportation to the meeting point involves a shuttle bus for €7 per person, which is an added cost to keep in mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want a flexible, private day at sea—families, couples, or friends who appreciate personalized service. If you love scenic views, swimming in pristine waters, and sampling good local food and wine, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to avoid large crowds and prefer a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this private boat trip offers a well-rounded, intimate excursion that combines spectacular scenery, enjoyable swimming, and an authentic taste of Istria. The friendly guides, delicious onboard meals, and beautiful stops make it a worthy splurge for anyone looking to experience Croatia’s coast in a more personal way.

If you’re after a stress-free day of adventure, with the ability to tailor what you see and do, this trip could be just the ticket. It’s especially suitable for families or groups of friends who want a memorable day on the water without feeling rushed.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The price covers a private boat, lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian), drinks (wine, water, juices), Wi-Fi, restroom, and all entrance fees for stops like Kamenjak and Ceja.

How long is the trip?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including all stops and cruising time.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, there’s a shuttle bus option available for €7 per person (children 0-4 go free). You’ll need to arrange your own transport or arrive at the port on your own.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if the weather is unsuitable. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this trip suitable for children?
Most travelers report it’s suitable for families; just check your kids’ swimming ability and comfort with boat trips.

What type of boat is used?
A charming wooden boat equipped with restrooms and Wi-Fi. It’s designed for comfort and style, adding to the overall experience.

Are groups large or small?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring an exclusive experience.

How much time is spent at Ceja Island?
You’ll have around 2 to 3 hours to swim, sunbathe, and relax on Ceja.

What kind of meals can I expect?
A grilled main course with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian, served onboard with wines, water, and juices.

To sum it up, this private boat trip in Istria offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, personalized service, and cultural charm. Perfect for those looking to experience Croatia’s coast in comfort, with the flexibility to make the day your own. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or friends seeking a special adventure, you’re likely to leave with wonderful memories—and plenty of photos.