If you’re considering a day on the sea exploring some of Croatia’s most intriguing spots around Rab, this boat tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, history, and relaxation. While it might not be a polished, professionally narrated cruise, it does give you a chance to enjoy crystal-clear waters, visit historic islands, and grab a tasty meal—all for a reasonable price.
Two things we particularly like are the stunning views at Zavratnica Bay—arguably one of the most beautiful bays in the Adriatic—and the chance to enjoy a good, freshly prepared lunch of fish or meat. The tour’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a good choice for families or groups looking for a casual day on the water. However, a possible drawback is the limited information provided during stops, which some travelers found frustrating.
This tour is best suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, are interested in Croatian island history, and want a laid-back experience with good food. If you’re mainly looking for detailed commentary or a highly structured itinerary, this might not be your ideal choice. Still, for an affordable day of sun, sea, and local flavor, it’s worth considering.
This experience made our article of 5 Must-Try Tours & Experiences In Rab.
Key Points
- Stunning scenery at Zavratnica Bay, a highlight for lovers of natural beauty
- Historical sites including Goli Otok and Sveti Grgur islands, former Yugoslav prisons
- Fresh, delicious lunch with options of fish or meat, plus Dalmatian salad
- Casual, relaxed atmosphere suitable for families and laid-back travelers
- Limited narration during stops, which may leave some wanting more context
- Potential dolphin sightings add a touch of magic to the day
- Good value at $59 per person, including lunch, but drinks are extra
The Itinerary: What to Expect
The adventure begins in the port of Rab, where you’ll board the Vojka boat—an intimate vessel that sets the tone for a friendly, unhurried day on the water. From there, the first stop is Zavratnica, a bay often described as one of the most beautiful in all of Croatia. Spanning around 900 meters, Zavratnica is part of the Velebit Nature Park and offers a scenic backdrop with steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Here, you can admire the remains of a sunken WWII ship, making the visit both visually striking and historically interesting. But beware: the tour lacks detailed commentary, so if you’re hoping for in-depth stories about the wreck or the bay, you might be disappointed. As one reviewer noted, “there was no explanation about the individual stops,” which could be a downside for those craving educational insight. Still, the natural beauty speaks for itself, and dipping into the water for a swim is a highlight for many.
Next, the boat heads to Goli Otok, a tiny island with a haunting past. This was once a Yugoslavian political prison and remains a fascinating, if sobering, site. While most visitors won’t have a guided historical tour, you’ll have time to walk around and absorb the quiet, stark landscape. The boat crew prepares lunch here, offering a choice between fish or meat, both served with a Dalmatian salad. The meal is generally fresh and tasty, and being included in the price makes this a good value.
After lunch, the route takes you to Sveti Grgur, another former prison island, but this one for women. The island is now a quieter spot where you might see deer—feeding them if you like—or simply enjoy a swim and some sun. Again, here there’s little in the way of guided commentary, so you’re left to explore at your own pace.
The final stop is Valsika Bay, celebrated for its clear waters. You’ll love the chance to swim, jump from the boat, and maybe spot dolphins—a rare but delightful possibility. The bay’s natural beauty makes it a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
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The Experience: What’s It Like on the Water?
The boat itself is described as a friendly, laid-back vessel, perfect for small groups. The duration is roughly six hours, which includes all stops, swimming, and the meal. During reviews, some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of detailed information during the stops—”there was no further explanation,” one noted. If you’re used to guided tours with rich commentary, this might feel a bit sparse.
However, the scenic stops speak for themselves, and the boat’s relaxed pace allows plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing, and socializing. The potential for dolphin sightings adds a dash of excitement, though it’s not guaranteed.
Pricing at $59 per person includes the lunch, which is a fair deal considering the location and the included meal. Drinks, however, aren’t included, so be prepared to buy water, soda, or alcoholic beverages on board.
Authentic Experiences and Authenticity
While the tour’s natural stops are beautiful, the reviews suggest that the experience lacks in-depth storytelling or context. One traveler mentioned, “Unfortunately, there was no explanation about the individual stops,” which might be disappointing if you’re hoping to learn about the history or ecology of the islands and bay.
The food, however, receives some praise for its freshness and taste, especially considering it’s part of the package. The scenic variety—from cliffs and wrecks to deer and dolphins—ensures that even without extensive narration, you’ll enjoy a visually engaging day.
Value and Practical Details
At $59 per person, including lunch, this tour offers reasonable value for those eager to see multiple sites without the hassle of planning individual trips. Keep in mind that drinks are extra, so budget accordingly. The tour is flexible with the booking policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—adding to its convenience for spontaneous travelers or those with uncertain plans.
The tour operates in several languages—Croatian, English, German, and Italian—making it accessible to a broad range of visitors. Group size is likely modest, fostering a friendly, conversational atmosphere.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Should Consider This Tour?
This boat trip is well-suited for travelers who:
– Want a relaxed day combining scenic views with historical sites
– Appreciate good, inclusive local food
– Are happy to explore without a detailed guide or commentary
– Seek a reasonably priced outing with swimming, sunbathing, and possible dolphin sightings
– Don’t mind a somewhat unstructured schedule and limited informational narration
It might be less appealing for those looking for a highly educational experience, detailed historical insights, or a tour with a more guided approach.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This boat tour around Rab provides a pleasant, if somewhat simple, way to enjoy Croatian coastal scenery and history. The highlight for many is the stunning Zavratnica Bay, a perfect spot for photos and swimming. The inclusion of a fresh lunch adds solid value, especially for travelers eager to indulge in local flavors without extra expense.
However, the lack of detailed narration and information during the stops is a notable downside, especially if history or ecology are important to you. The reviews remind us that this tour is more about the scenery and relaxation than about storytelling.
If you’re looking for an affordable, laid-back day on the water with great views, good food, and some historical interest, this trip can work well. Just temper expectations about the depth of guidance and focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the chance for a peaceful day at sea.
FAQ
Is the lunch included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes a freshly prepared lunch with options of fish or meat, along with Dalmatian salad.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased on the boat.
How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about six hours, including stops for swimming and sightseeing.
Will I see dolphins?
There’s a chance to see dolphins, but it’s not guaranteed. Keep your eyes peeled during the bay stops.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimming dress, sunscreen, and perhaps a towel. Since the boat doesn’t seem to offer much shade, hats can be helpful.
Is there a guided commentary during the stops?
No, reviews indicate there is little to no detailed narration during the stops, which might be disappointing if you expect stories or explanations.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
What languages are spoken?
The tour is offered in Croatian, English, German, and Italian.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed pace and swimming stops make it suitable for families, but keep in mind the limited narration might limit engagement for some kids.
📍 This experience made our list of the 5 best Tours & Experiences in Rab