Zadar: Sakarun Beach and Dugi Island Boat Tour with Lunch

Discovering the Beauty of Dugi Island: A Practical Guide to the Sakarun Beach and Boat Tour from Zadar

If you’re looking for a way to combine stunning scenery, intriguing history, and a relaxing day on the water, this Zadar: Sakarun Beach and Dugi Island Boat Tour with Lunch might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken the tour, reviewing the glowing feedback and detailed itinerary gives us a solid picture of what to expect.

One of the things I love about this experience is the chance to visit Sakarun Beach, often praised for its breathtaking beauty—think crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Alongside that, exploring the sunken shipwreck and snorkeling around it adds an element of adventure. A hearty lunch in a family-friendly restaurant, combined with visits to historic sites like the military tunnel and a 2000-year-old oil mill, balances nature with history in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

A potential consideration is the longer boat ride at the start—some reviews mention that the trip to the first stop can be a bit rough, especially if you’re sensitive to speedboat motion. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drinks, so you’ll want to plan for those extras. This tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, mild adventure, and cultural stops, and who appreciate a well-organized day with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing.

If you’re into discovering some of the Dalmatian coast’s most beautiful spots without the hassle of planning every detail, this trip offers a really solid option.

Key Points

• Beautiful beaches and clear waters make for excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Historical sites like the sunken ship and military tunnel add an intriguing layer to your day.
• Lunch included at a family restaurant provides good value, with options for meat, fish, or vegetarian.
• Guides and skippers are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and professionalism.
• Flexible stops allow you to explore or relax at your own pace.
• Comfortable boats equipped with safety gear make for a safe, enjoyable ride.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

This boat trip is a nicely balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and leisure. It starts with a boat ride that takes you to some renowned spots on Dugi Island. Expect to see Sakarun Beach, often lauded for its stunning scenery, with around two hours of free time to swim, relax, or snap photos. You’ll also visit the sunken ship, a favorite for snorkelers eager to explore underwater chambers and see marine life in the crystal-clear waters.

The boat tour includes stops at the lighthouse, which offers panoramic views—and plenty of photo opportunities—and a visit to a military tunnel that hides stories of the island’s past. The guides do a good job of sharing insights, which guests mention as friendly and informative. For example, one reviewer appreciated their guide’s attentiveness and kindness, making the experience memorable.

A highlight for many is the lunch at a family restaurant in Bozava, with a choice between meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Reviewers have raved about the quality of the food, calling it “excellent” and “delicious”, which makes sense given the value for the inclusive price of $93 per person. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the charming village of Muline and a swim in a hidden cove shaded by pine trees—an ideal spot to unwind.

The day wraps up with a scenic ride to Ugljan before returning to Zadar around 5:30 PM. The entire experience lasts roughly a full day, so it’s worth planning for a comfortable day out.

The Itinerary in Detail

Saharun Beach: Known for its soft sand and shallow waters, Sakarun Beach is a major draw. It’s perfect if you want to relax, swim, or take stunning photos. Guests mention about two hours of free time, which is ample for a leisurely dip or a walk along the coast.

Sunken Ship and Snorkeling: The shipwreck of St. Michaele is a highlight. Many reviewers say snorkeling here is a must-do, with the water so clear you can see underwater chambers and marine life easily. One guest shared, “Dolphins, including a baby dolphin, were spotted, which was a special moment,” highlighting how memorable the wildlife encounters can be.

Lighthouse and Military Tunnel: Climbing to the top of the lighthouse provides sweeping views of the Adriatic, great for photos and soaking in the scenery. The military tunnel offers a peek into the island’s strategic history, adding some intrigue and depth to the trip.

Lunch in Bozava: The included meal is a nice touch, with options tailored to different tastes. Reviewers praised the quality and the relaxed setting, often mentioning how much they appreciated the local, family-run atmosphere.

Swimming in a Natural Cove: Post-lunch, there’s time to swim in a peaceful cove where pine trees meet the sea—a scene that many find picture-perfect and calming.

Visit to Ugljan and Muline: Ending the day with a visit to these spots offers more natural scenery and historical interest, such as the old oil mill, which is over 2000 years old and adds a unique historical flavor.

The Value and Practicalities

For $93, this tour offers quite a lot. The price covers transportation, snorkeling masks, lunch, and visits to several attractions, making it a convenient all-in-one package. Guests often mention that the guides and skippers are experienced and attentive, which makes a difference in creating a smooth, enjoyable day.

While the boat is described as large and well-equipped with safety gear, some reviews note that the ride to the first stop can be a little rough due to the high speed. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer waters, bringing medication or discussing options beforehand might be worth considering.

The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drinks, so you’ll need to arrange for those separately. Also, docking fees and marina charges are paid on-site, roughly €10 per adult.

The flexibility of the schedule—being able to cancel up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind. If weather conditions change, the operators are also experienced at adjusting plans, which is reassuring for travelers.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxing beaches, historical exploration, and snorkeling. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on speedboats and want to see some of the Dalmatian coast’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. Families with older children, couples, or small groups looking for a full-day adventure will find plenty to love here.

However, if you prefer very calm waters or have mobility challenges, some aspects—like getting on and off the boat or walking on uneven terrain—might require extra planning. The tour is casual and friendly, suited for anyone wanting a fun, scenic, and well-organized day out.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at a designated meeting point, usually at the big gate in Zadar. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation there.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Since drinks are not included, you may want to carry some along.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, lunch offers vegetarian choices, along with meat and fish options.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire day lasts roughly from morning until around 5:30 PM, including stops and free time for swimming and exploring.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks are included and provided for your use during the stops at the shipwreck and other swimming spots.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this good for families?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the experience is suitable for those comfortable on speedboats and with older children who enjoy swimming and exploring.

In summary, this tour offers an excellent balance of natural beauty, history, and leisure, backed by consistently positive reviews. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, you’ll likely find this full-day trip from Zadar engaging and worthwhile. The combination of stunning beaches, intriguing sites, and delicious local food makes it a well-rounded way to experience Dugi Island and its surroundings without the stress of planning every detail yourself. Just be prepared for a lively boat ride and bring along your essentials for a comfortable, memorable day by the sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: