Medulin: Private Boat Tour with Captain

If you’re planning a trip to Istria County in Croatia and love the idea of discovering the coast from the water, this private boat tour in Medulin might be just what you’re looking for. It promises a relaxed, personalized experience with a knowledgeable captain showing you some of the most picturesque spots around the Medulin archipelago. From hidden caves to sandy beaches, it offers a chance to see Croatia’s coastline from a different perspective.

What caught our eye about this tour? First, the customizable nature—you can choose your departure time and enjoy a private adventure tailored to your wishes. Second, the blend of sightseeing and leisure, with stops for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying cocktails on the island. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the trip depends heavily on weather conditions, which could affect your plans.

This tour best suits travelers who want a flexible, intimate experience rather than a crowded group cruise. If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy the water, scenic views, and a laid-back vibe, you’ll likely find plenty to love here. Just keep in mind that it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or seasickness.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your preferred departure time and pace.
• Includes a knowledgeable captain who shares insights about the sights along the route.
• Highlights the Cape Kamenjak cliffs, Golumbera cave, and Porer lighthouse.
• Stops at Levan island for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying drinks—plus optional beach bars.
• Weather-dependent: the route can change or be canceled if conditions aren’t safe.
• Cost covers up to 8 people, with private skippering and fuel included, making it good value for a personalized day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on Your Medulin Boat Tour

When you book this private boat trip in Medulin, you’re signing up for a full 6-hour adventure on the water—though you get to choose your departure time, adding to the flexibility. The experience kicks off at Medulin Harbour, where you’ll meet your captain and crew, ready to set sail on a leisurely cruise around the local islands and coast.

First stop: Cape Kamenjak. This is one of the key highlights. As you glide toward the cliffs of Kamenjak Nature Park, you’ll appreciate the dramatic scenery—craggy cliffs rising from the sea, a landscape that’s both rugged and breathtaking. The captain will take you close to the caves in the cliffs, including Golumbera cave. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hop out for a swim or explore inside the cave itself, which makes for some memorable photos.

What’s great about this part of the tour is the combination of sightseeing and swimming opportunities. The guide or captain usually shares interesting facts about the area, making it more than just a boat ride. As one review mentions, “The guide was very experienced, knew the area well, and spoke good English,” which makes a big difference when you’re curious about the surroundings.

Next, sailing towards the Porer Lighthouse. Built back in 1846 during the Austro-Hungarian era, this lighthouse is a striking maritime landmark. From the boat, you’ll get a good view of its sturdy structure perched on the rocks, a reminder of Croatia’s long-standing maritime history.

Exploring the Islands and Hidden Coves

After passing the lighthouse, your route will take you past smaller islands such as Bodula, Ceja, and Finera, each offering their own slice of nature’s beauty. With a slow sail, you’ll enjoy the calm waters and scenic vistas, often with a few stray dolphins saying hello—something that delights many travelers.

The highlight for many is Levan island, the only sandy island in the area. Here, your group can anchor and enjoy unspoiled, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The island boasts a few beach bars, restaurants, and options to rent umbrellas and lounge chairs, so you can set up your perfect little sunbathing spot.

From reviews, we see that Levan’s beauty can be a mixed bag—some find it idyllic, while others feel it’s overcrowded or littered, especially during peak times. One traveler said, “The island of Levan was beautiful but too crowded at this time,” so if you prefer quiet, it might be best to visit earlier or later in the day.

Onboard amenities are straightforward: a fridge with chilled drinks, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages, making this more flexible and cost-effective than some group tours. The crew takes care of the fuel and skipper, so your main focus can be on relaxing and enjoying.

The Practicalities

The price for this tour is $412 for up to 8 people, which, when split among friends or family, becomes quite reasonable for a private day on the water. It includes the boat, captain, crew, and fuel—no hidden extras. The tour lasts about 6 hours, but you can pick your departure time based on your plans, offering excellent flexibility.

Since the boat is private, it’s perfect if you want to customize the experience—perhaps spend more time at certain stops or skip others. The boat can accommodate your needs, whether you want to snorkel, sunbathe, or just enjoy the scenery.

Keep in mind, this tour isn’t suited for anyone with mobility issues, or those prone to seasickness, as it involves open water sailing. Also, safety is a priority; if weather conditions turn bad, the captain will change routes or cancel the trip for safety reasons.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable captain, emphasizing how much they learned about the area while cruising. One traveler mentioned, “The guide was very friendly and gave us a lot of information,” which adds a layer of enjoyment beyond just the scenery.

The swimming stops are a highlight, especially the cave near Kamenjak, which many found to be a “peaceful” spot before the crowds arrive. However, some found Levan Island less inviting during busy times, describing it as overcrowded with rubbish outside the main beach area. This points to the importance of timing your trip.

Overall, people appreciate the smooth organization and flexibility of the tour, with many describing it as a “very nice day” or “great value for money.” The personal touch of a private tour makes it feel special and tailored—something many travelers value highly.

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Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, customizable day on the water with excellent scenery and your own crew, this private boat trip delivers. It’s best suited for those who value knowing their guide, enjoy swimming and sunbathing, and prefer avoiding crowded group tours. The price point is fair considering the private nature and inclusions.

This experience is particularly appealing if you want a flexible schedule and the chance to explore at your own pace. It’s not designed for people with mobility concerns or those looking for a party atmosphere—more of a peaceful, scenic escape. If you love boats, water, and scenic landmarks, you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy here.

For anyone craving a mix of cultural sights like the lighthouse, natural beauty at Cape Kamenjak, and relaxing island stops, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a good choice for travelers who want an authentic, personal feel to their Croatian coast experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour can be enjoyed by families, keep in mind that it involves open water sailing and swimming. Kids should be comfortable in the water and supervised. It’s best to bring life jackets for children, as standard onboard equipment may not include them.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring along food and beverages. The boat has a fridge with chilled drinks, and there are restaurants and beach bars at Levan island if you prefer to buy something on-site.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Pack swimwear, towels, and perhaps some snorkeling gear if you’d like to explore underwater. Props and toys for the sea are also welcome.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions aren’t safe, the captain can change the route or cancel the trip. In that case, you’ll get a refund or the chance to reschedule.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts about 6 hours, but you can choose your departure time, making it easy to fit into your plans.

What’s included in the price?
You get the private boat, captain, crew, and fuel. The fee covers up to 8 people, making it a good deal for small groups.

Is the tour suitable for those prone to seasickness?
Probably not. The boat takes you out into open water, so if seasickness is a concern, it’s best to consider this before booking.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, but keep in mind the nature of the activity. Those with heart problems or mobility issues may want to consider this carefully.

Is there a hotel pickup service?
No, the meeting point is at Medulin Harbour, so you’ll need to get there on your own.

In summary, this private boat tour offers a personalized peek into Croatia’s stunning coast. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value flexibility, comfort, and a genuinely local experience. With the right timing and weather, it can become a highlight of your trip—offering scenic views, fun swimming spots, and memorable moments with a friendly captain guiding you through Croatia’s waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: