Rab: Zavratnica, Goli Otok and Sveti Grgur Boat Tour

If you’re considering a day out on the water around Rab and the surrounding islands, this boat tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of scenic views, historical sites, and swimming stops—a good way to see some of the best bits of the Croatian coast without too much fuss.

What we like about this tour? First, the crystal-clear waters and the chance to relax on multiple islands with varied scenery. Second, the included lunch—a real highlight, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood or traditional Dalmatian flavors.

However, a heads-up: some travelers find the experience a bit lacking in detailed information and overall engagement from the crew. If you’re after a well-guided, lively tour, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re comfortable with a more relaxed, less structured trip, it could still be worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love sun, sea, and a touch of history—and who aren’t expecting a highly interactive commentary along the way. If you’re okay with a laid-back vibe and spontaneous moments, you’ll enjoy this day out.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and crystal-clear sea make for a relaxing day.
• Includes a tasty lunch, with options for fish or meat.
• Multiple stops for swimming, sightseeing, and exploring islands.
• Some reviews highlight lack of detailed commentary or guidance during stops.
• The tour’s price offers good value for a full-day experience, considering the lunch included.
• Dolphins are a possibility if luck is on your side.
• The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere.
• Not ideal for travelers wanting a highly guided or narrated experience.
• Good for those who just want to enjoy the scenery and local atmosphere at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting from the port of Rab, your day begins with anticipation. The boat is a friendly, casual setting—ideal if you’re looking to relax rather than be in a crowd. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, giving you plenty of time to savor the sights and sounds of the coast.

First Stop: Zavratnica Bay

The trip kicks off with a visit to Zavratnica, a 900-meter-long bay known as one of the most beautiful in the Adriatic. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, Zavratnica is a natural spectacle. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of a sunken WWII ship, whose remains make for an interesting sight underwater—visible and accessible during your swim or snorkel.

Travelers often comment on Zavratnica’s stunning scenery, though some note the lack of detailed explanation during the stop. One review mentions, “There was no explanation about the individual stops,” which left some feeling a bit in the dark about what they were seeing.

Second Stop: Goli Otok

Next, you’ll visit Goli Otok, a small island with a poignant past as a former Yugoslavian prison. The island’s rugged landscape is striking, and it offers a unique historical context—though you won’t get a detailed guided tour here, just the chance to walk around or relax on the boat. Some travelers appreciate the chance to see the island’s stark terrain, but others wish for more historical insights.

Lunch is served here, with guests choosing between fish or meat dishes accompanied by Dalmatian salad. The food is described as fresh and tasty, which adds value to the overall experience—especially in a setting that feels simple and genuine rather than overly touristy.

Third Stop: Sveti Grgur

The next island, Sveti Grgur, was once a prison for women. Today, it’s a quieter spot where you can feed the local deer or go for a swim. The island features a more laid-back vibe, ideal for those who want to relax or explore at their leisure.

Reviews note that the stop here can be a bit uneventful if you’re expecting guided commentary, but wandering around the island or feeding the deer offers a peaceful break.

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Final Stop: Valsika Bay

The last highlight is Valsika, a beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, jumping off the boat, or just floating around. Keep an eye out for dolphins—some lucky travelers report seeing them. The calm, inviting waters make for a perfect end to a busy day.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Positives

• Stunning scenery at each stop, especially Zavratnica and Valsika.
• The lunch is a highlight—simple, fresh, and satisfying.
• The variety of stops makes the day feel diverse—mixing history, nature, and relaxation.
• The boat ride itself is comfortable, with enough space for everyone to unwind.
• If you’re lucky, dolphins might make an appearance, adding a magical touch.

The Downsides

• Multiple reviews mention a lack of detailed explanations or guidance—this can leave some feeling a bit disconnected, especially when traveling with children or if you’re curious about the sites.
• The lack of included drinks might be a downside for those needing hydration or wanting to toast during the day; drinks are available for purchase onboard.
• Some travelers describe the overall experience as somewhat boring or unstructured, especially if expecting a lively crew or engaging commentary.
• The timing of stops and the amount of free time might feel too long or too short depending on your interests and patience.

Value for Money

At $59 per person, this tour offers a lot—several hours of cruising, multiple stops, and a hearty lunch. While some find the organization lacking, most agree that the scenery and food make up for it. It’s a budget-friendly way to see some of the coast’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.

Compared to other boat trips, the price includes lunch but not drinks, which you’ll need to purchase separately. The full-day duration gives plenty of time to swim, explore, and relax.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re someone who appreciates natural beauty and historical sites at a leisurely pace. It suits travelers who are happy with a relaxed, unstructured day and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. If you’re traveling with children, be prepared for some periods of waiting or downtime, as reviews indicate the experience may lack continuous guided commentary.

Those looking for a lively, highly guided tour with lots of storytelling might find this less satisfying. But if your priority is beautiful views, fresh food, and the chance to swim in inviting waters, this day trip can be a good choice.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, the tour price includes a lunch with options for fish or meat and Dalmatian salad.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard.

How long is the tour?
The overall experience lasts around 9 hours, from departure to return, giving ample time for each stop.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimming gear, towel, sunscreen, and a hat—there’s plenty of swimming and sun exposure.

Will I get guided during the stops?
Not really. Some reviews mention a lack of explanations, so you might want to bring your curiosity or do some reading beforehand.

Is it suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the stops include swimming and relaxing at scenic spots, so it could work for families comfortable with a relaxed boat tour.

What if I don’t want to swim?
You can stay on the boat or explore the islands at a slow pace. The stops are flexible enough for you to choose your preferred activity.

Are the islands crowded?
Since it’s a small group experience and visits are limited to a few key spots, it’s not usually crowded, but it depends on the time of year.

Is there a possibility of seeing dolphins?
Yes, some travelers report seeing dolphins if they’re lucky, which adds a magical moment to the day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a laid-back day on the water with scenic views, a tasty meal, and some swimming, this boat tour offers a decent way to spend your day around Rab. The combination of nature, history, and leisure makes it suitable for those who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability and prefer to go with the flow.

While the lack of detailed commentary and structured guidance may disappoint some, the stunning vistas and peaceful stops can make this a memorable outing. Just go with relaxed expectations, bring your swim gear, and enjoy the Croatian coast at your own pace.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value scenic beauty and a simple, stress-free experience over detailed storytelling or lively interactions. If you’re okay with a more independent, freeform day, it might just meet your expectations—and give you some lovely moments to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: