Wild Bays and Plavnik Island: A whole day private boat tour

This experience made our article of Punat’s 5 Top Cruises And Boat Tours.

Wild Bays and Plavnik Island: A Whole Day Private Boat Tour

Imagine a day exploring Croatia’s coast by boat, with options to visit unspoiled islands, secluded bays, and ancient ruins. This private tour from Punat offers a chance to see some of the region’s most captivating sights, all tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re craving the thrill of spotting rare griffon vultures, lounging on sandy beaches, or exploring historic prison ruins, this experience promises a personalized adventure on the water.

What we especially like about this tour is its versatility. You get to choose your route before setting sail, allowing you to customize your day to match your interests—whether that’s wildlife, beaches, or history. Plus, the private nature of the trip means plenty of flexibility, comfort, and time to really soak in the scenery without the rush of large groups. The only potential drawback? The price, which might seem steep for some travelers, but considering it’s a fully private experience with excellent guides, it offers solid value for a special day out.

This tour suits travelers who love natural beauty and authentic experiences. It’s perfect for those who want a flexible, intimate day on the water—families, couples, or friends looking for a memorable day of exploration, swimming, and scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: You can choose among three different routes, tailoring your day to your interests.
• Flexibility: The captain helps select beaches and stops for swimming or snorkeling.
• Wildlife & Nature: Spot rare griffons on Plavnik, enjoy unspoiled bays, and explore pristine beaches.
• Cultural & Historical Touches: Visit former prison ruins on Grgur Island or enjoy the historic charm of Rab.
• Healthy Balance: Combine relaxing beach time with active hikes and sightseeing.
• Good Value: Private tours offer intimacy and flexibility, making them worth the investment for a special trip.

Discovering the Hidden Treasures of the Croatian Coast

When it comes to enjoying Croatia’s stunning islands and coastlines, a boat tour like this offers a rare chance to see the islands from a local’s perspective. Unlike crowded ferry routes or group excursions, this private boat experience delivers personalized service, relaxed pacing, and the chance to visit lesser-known spots that larger tours might overlook.

The tour is based in Punat harbor, a convenient starting point connected to Krk Island, one of Croatia’s most accessible and beautiful islands. From there, your captain will guide you through options that best suit your mood for the day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Punat Harbour

Your adventure begins here, with a brief introduction and your captain helping you choose your route. The boat itself is private, which means you’re only with your group and the captain—no strangers to share your scenic day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Option 1: Wild Bays & Plavnik Island

This route immerses you in nature’s secluded marvels. You’ll enjoy a 30-minute panoramic ride past iconic rock formations, taking in views of Krk Island, Krk city, and nearby islets. The focus here is on exploring the wild bays, where you can snorkel, sunbathe, or simply relax on the boat.

The highlight is Plavnik Island, where a dedicated guide will take you for about four hours. You can explore the Love Cave, admire rare griffon vultures, and take a short hike to a vantage point offering panoramic views. The small bays around the island are perfect for swimming, and this option is ideal for nature lovers.

Option 2: Northern Rab & the Wild Bays

Starting again with the wild bays, this route adds a cultural twist by including a visit to Rab Island’s northern shores. Rab is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and charming old town, which has attracted artists for centuries. Here, you can stroll through cobbled streets, relax on beaches, or simply enjoy the island’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Option 3: Prvi & Grgur Islands

This option is for those interested in history and solitude. The uninhabited islands of Prvi and Grgur feature pristine beaches, with Grgur also offering a glimpse into its past as a prison island. You can explore ruins, enjoy peaceful beaches, and perhaps grab a snack at the island’s restaurant.

Lunch and Flexibility

You have the choice to bring your own picnic or stop at a local restaurant in Stara Baska or Northern Rab. This flexibility allows you to enjoy authentic Croatian cuisine and relax at your pace.

What Travelers Can Expect

From the moment you step aboard, the experience feels intimate and relaxed. The boat ride itself is part of the fun; during the 30-minute panoramic cruise, you’ll see spectacular rock formations and crystal-clear waters that make this coastline so famous.

Most of the time is spent swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on beaches accessible only by boat. The captain is attentive, helping you choose beaches that suit your mood—whether you want to sunbathe, snorkel, or explore on foot.

The wildlife sightings, especially of griffon vultures on Plavnik, add a unique element to the tour. The island’s rugged beauty, combined with the chance to hike for views, makes it a highlight for nature enthusiasts.

Authentic Experiences and Customer Feedback

A review from Tímea captures the tour well: “Legjobb választás volt! Nagyon megörültünk mert arra mentünk ahol volt delfin is a legszebb öblökben voltunk! Sokszor voltam már hajós kiránduláson de ez volt messzemenleg a legjobb!” (It was the best choice! We were delighted because we saw dolphins and visited the most beautiful bays. I’ve been on boat trips before, but this was by far the best!)

This personal touch highlights the tour’s potential for memorable encounters with Croatia’s marine life and scenery.

Pricing and Value

At $753 for a group up to 9 people, this private tour offers a level of exclusivity and comfort that might seem costly but reflects personalized service, flexibility, and a tailored itinerary. For groups, this cost is shared, making it more affordable per person than many guided excursions.

The value lies in the ability to customize your route, avoid crowds, and enjoy the tranquility of the Croatian coast with a knowledgeable captain at your side. The option to bring your own food or dine locally adds to the appeal, allowing you to enjoy a true Croatian meal amid stunning scenery.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance to secure your preferred route, especially during peak season when spots fill quickly.
• Bring sun protection, swimsuits, and snorkel gear if you want to maximize beach and water time.
• Consider bringing snacks or drinks if you prefer not to rely on local restaurants, though stopping for lunch is an option.
• Meet at Punat harbor, where the boat is usually docked near the Post Office, with easy parking nearby.
• Communicate your preferences early on so the captain can tailor the experience, whether you want more beaches, wildlife, or cultural sites.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for anyone seeking a personalized, relaxed day on the water. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends who appreciate natural beauty and wish to avoid the crowds. If you’re interested in wildlife, scenic vistas, and authentic Croatian coastlines, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Those who value flexibility in their itinerary and want to incorporate swimming, snorkeling, or short hikes will particularly enjoy this experience. It’s also a great way to discover lesser-visited islands and bays that most travelers never see.

The Sum Up

This private boat tour from Punat provides a truly tailored exploration of Croatia’s stunning islands and bays. The ability to choose your route, combined with the exclusivity of a private vessel, makes it a worthwhile experience for travelers craving authentic natural beauty and personal attention.

While the price might be a consideration, the value lies in the flexibility, comfort, and memorable scenery you’ll encounter—whether it’s spotting rare birds on Plavnik, relaxing on pristine beaches, or wandering through historic ruins on Grgur Island.

Ideal for those who cherish a blend of adventure, tranquility, and spontaneous discovery, this tour offers a perfect day out in Croatia’s enchanting waters.

FAQ

Can I choose my route before the tour?
Yes, you select one of three options—Plavnik Island, Rab Island, or Prvi & Grgur Islands—before your trip, with guidance from the captain.

Is there a chance to see wildlife during the tour?
Absolutely. On the Plavnik route, you may see griffon vultures, and the scenic bays are a haven for marine life, snorkelers, and swimmers.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own supplies or stop at a local restaurant for lunch, giving you flexibility and a taste of local cuisine.

What is included in the cost?
The private boat, captain, and the route choice are included. The tour begins and ends in Punat harbor, with no extra charges for the route you select.

How long is the total trip?
The full day trip lasts about 7 hours, including stops for swimming, sightseeing, and optional hikes.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for people over 95 years old, but otherwise, it’s suitable for most ages, especially active travelers.

What language is the guide available in?
Guides speak English, Croatian, German, and Hungarian, making communication easy for many travelers.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a fully private tour, so you’ll be alone with your party and the captain—no mixed groups.

What if the weather turns bad?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast.

This private boat tour offers a fantastic way to enjoy Croatia’s coast at your own pace, with stunning views, exclusive access, and diverse options tailored to your interests. Whether it’s wildlife, beaches, or historic ruins, you’ll leave with memorable stories and spectacular photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: