Molat Island Dolphin Watching Boat Tour 6hours TOUR

Exploring the Dolphin Watching Tour in Molat Island, Croatia: A Detailed Look

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Dalmatia, the Molat Island Dolphin Watching Boat Tour offers a pretty appealing mix of wildlife viewing, swimming, and relaxation. Although we haven’t personally hopped on this specific trip, a collection of reviews and the detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of what you can expect. It’s designed for those who want a fun, memorable day with a decent chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, plus enjoy some time on beautiful Molat Island.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines wildlife encounters with leisure—you’re not just watching dolphins from afar; you get to go swimming in crystal-clear waters, and the included lunch with drinks makes it feel like a proper, relaxed affair. On the flip side, one important consideration is the weather dependency: if rain or strong winds hit, the trip might be canceled, which can be frustrating if you’re counting on it. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of nature and comfort, and who are happy to spend around six hours out on the water.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunity: High chance (85-90%) to see dolphins in their natural environment, which is a rare and exciting experience.
• Includes Swimming and Lunch: You get free time to swim in stunning waters and enjoy a meal, making it a well-rounded day.
• Weather-Dependent: The trip relies on good weather; rain or wind could mean cancellation.
• Cost & Value: At about $59 per person, with some additional fees payable on the boat, the price reflects the full experience—transport, insurance, lunch, and dolphin spotting.
• Family-Friendly (with considerations): Babies are free, but the trip isn’t suitable for those with back problems, mobility issues, or seasickness.
• Booking & Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, and full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Molat Island Dolphin Watching Tour

Setting Sail from Privlaka

The tour kicks off from Privlaka, close to Zadar, making it accessible if you’re based in that area. The meeting point is in a familiar spot, Crkva Roenja Blaene Djevice Marije, and it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in comfortably. The boat is a speedboat, which promises a quick, smooth ride—ideal for those who dislike long, sluggish boat trips.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The main highlight here is the cruise towards Molat, a small island famous for its natural dolphin reserve. The boat ride itself is not just transportation; it’s part of the adventure. As you cruise through the waters, your guide will be on the lookout for dolphins—these creatures tend to travel in groups, like family units—and, based on reviews, you’ve got around an 85-90% chance of spotting them.

While dolphins are wild animals, travelers consistently report impressive sightings, with reviews like Renata’s noting, “Super Delfine gesehen.” The chance to see these intelligent mammals swimming freely is a big draw, and it seems the guides do a good job of trying to locate them. One reviewer mentioned that the captain “really tried to show us the dolphins,” which is reassuring if you’re excited about that part of the trip.

Time on Molat Island

The stop on Molat offers a chance to stretch your legs, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy the scenery. The island itself is a peaceful spot, with unspoiled nature, and it’s a nice change of pace from the boat ride. The free time here is enough for a swim, and the waters are described as “crystal-clear,” perfect for cooling off or just relaxing on the beach.

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Lunch and Drinks

A highlight for many participants is the included lunch with drinks. The meal is described as delicious, with at least one reviewer mentioning vegetarian options that were “excellent.” The fact that drinks are included adds to the value, especially since lunch on a boat tour is often an extras-only affair.

The Return Journey

After some downtime on Molat, the boat heads back to Privlaka. The route and duration—about 6 hours total—allow for a relaxed day without feeling rushed. The boat comfortably fits the group, and the captain keeps everyone entertained and informed.

Pricing and What You’re Paying For

The listed price is $59 per person, which covers the boat, gasoline, insurance, the skipper, and the meal and drinks. However, there are additional costs—specifically mandatory marine protected area and berthing fees—which are payable on the boat: 45 euros per adult and 25 euros per child (1-10 years).

One review pointed out some confusion over costs, with the initial offer listed at a lower price, but then additional fees applied upon boarding. This highlights the importance of being aware of added expenses so there are no surprises.

Is the Price Worth It?

Considering the included factors—transport, insurance, guided dolphin search, a good-sized meal, and the chance to swim—most would agree that it’s reasonable for a day trip in Dalmatia. The experience of seeing dolphins in the wild, coupled with the scenic waters, makes this a decent value, especially as an all-in package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best for those who want a relaxed day out on the water with guaranteed scenic views and wildlife excitement. It’s suitable for most travelers, but not for those sensitive to seasickness or with mobility issues, given the boat’s nature and weather dependency.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

A few reviews help us understand what others got out of this tour. Renata’s enthusiastic account—“Super Delfine gesehen bei hin und zurück Fahrt mit Boot bei Molat Wasser herrlich essen sehr gut”—speaks to the anticipation and joy of dolphin sightings. Bianca’s review highlights how the trip left her with lasting memories, especially the kids’ reactions to spotting dolphins, describing it as “incredible.”

However, not everyone was completely satisfied. One traveler felt the trip was overpriced, citing the total cost of 168 euros plus an extra 140 euros, which was not clearly communicated in advance. This underlines the importance of knowing all costs upfront and being prepared for additional charges.

Guides and Service

Multiple reviewers commented positively on the guides and captains, noting their attentiveness and efforts to maximize dolphin sightings. The trip’s safety and insurance coverage also seem to be well-managed, which is reassuring.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection. The boat has biminis, but sun hats and sunscreen are advisable.
• Pack a change of clothes, towel, and water. Even if you plan to swim, it’s good to have options.
• Consider seasickness remedies if you’re prone to motion sickness, as the trip can be choppy depending on weather.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start.
• Be aware of additional fees—cash in euros is needed for the marine protected area and berthing fees.
• Check the weather forecast before your planned date, and be flexible if the trip gets canceled.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to see dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy some time swimming in clear waters, this trip offers a solid chance to do both without breaking the bank. The included lunch and drinks, along with the scenic boat ride, make it a worthwhile package, especially if you’re staying near Zadar or Privlaka.

However, keep in mind that weather conditions can impact the trip, and additional fees are unavoidable. It’s also best suited for travelers who are comfortable on boats and don’t have mobility restrictions or seasickness concerns.

For those who love wildlife, scenic cruising, and a relaxed day on the water, this tour checks many boxes. It’s not a high-adrenaline adventure, but rather a peaceful, wildlife-focused outing that many find unforgettable.

FAQs

What is the main highlight of this tour? The chance to see dolphins in their natural environment while cruising towards Molat Island is the main draw, with a high likelihood of sightings.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately 6 hours, including cruising, swimming, and the stop on Molat Island.

Are meals included? Yes, a lunch with drinks is included in the price, and reviews say it’s quite good, with vegetarian options available.

Are there additional costs? Yes. You’ll need to pay for the marine protected area and berthing fees, totaling about 45 euros for adults and 25 euros for children, payable on the boat in cash.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, children up to 10 years old are welcome, and babies can go free. But the trip isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues or seasickness.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, a change of clothes, towel, drinks, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear.

In all, if a peaceful day out with a good shot at dolphin sightings, swimming in beautiful waters, and enjoying tasty local fare appeals to you, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for the weather and additional costs, and you’re likely to have a memorable Croatian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: