A day on a private speedboat beats the usual ferry shuffle. This one is built for big sea views and up-close access to places you can’t reach any other way, including the boat-only Golubinka Cave area on Long Island. I like that the skipper can tailor the swim stops, so the day stays fun even when the coast looks a little different than expected.

Two things I really loved: the mix of photo-worthy stops with real swim time, and having snorkeling gear included without you packing extra. The boat also feels practical—fast enough to hop between coves, but relaxed enough to enjoy anchoring and getting in the water.

One consideration: this experience depends on good weather, and rough seas can mean route tweaks or, in the worst case, a reschedule. If you’re traveling in shoulder season or you hate uncertainty, keep that in mind when planning around it.

Key highlights worth marking on your map

• Private speedboat on the Zadar–Dugi Otok route for a small group (up to 12)
• Golubinka Cave access by boat, plus the Dragon eye shaped cave area
• Swim freedom at anchored stops, not just a quick photo break
• Saharun (Sakarun) Beach time at one of the area’s most popular sand stretches
• Sunken ship stop with time to snorkel around
• Army tunnel area lunch option (lunch not included in the tour price)

Why a private speedboat from Zadar feels different on Dugi Otok

If you’ve done the standard Adriatic day trip before, you know the pattern: bus, crowd, slow boat, quick stops, then everyone scrambles back. A private speedboat flips that. You get more time in the water, more flexibility with where you anchor, and a day that feels like moving through the coast at your own pace.

From Zadar, the route to Dugi Otok and Long Island is the main event. The coast here is all sharp edges and cliff views, and the boat puts you in the right place to enjoy them. You also spend less time waiting and more time actually doing the things this area is famous for: caves, coves, and swimming spots.

Price and what you really get at about $144 per person

At $144.18 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on. But it’s priced like what it is: a private boat day with fuel and a skipper, plus snorkeling equipment rental. For a lot of people, that’s where the value lands. You’re not just paying for transport—you’re paying for access.

“Access” is the key word here. Golubinka Cave and the Dragon eye shaped cave connection on Long Island are boat-only experiences. You can’t replicate that with a land-based tour. The snorkeling stop at the sunken ship also turns the day from scenery into something more hands-on.

The one cost that can catch you is lunch. Lunch isn’t included, though there’s a lunch-time option when you’re at the army tunnel area. If you plan to eat on the water, budget for that add-on.

Meeting at Uvala Dražanica: start on time and stay flexible

The meeting point is Uvala Dražanica, Obala kneza Trpimira 38, 23000 Zadar. You meet about 20 minutes before the boat tour starts, with the departure time listed as 9:00 am.

I like the early start because it tends to keep the trip feeling like a full-day adventure rather than an afternoon sprint. You also get more daylight for cave views and longer swim sessions. And since it’s a private tour, you’re not stuck behind slow-moving group logistics.

Your skipper for this experience is Marko Skoljarev. Even if the day starts a bit cloudy or windy, the value is in how quickly the plan can adjust and where the boat chooses to anchor next.

Stop 1: Golubinka Cave and the Dragon eye cave on Long Island

This is the part most people remember later. You start by heading to Golubinka Cave on Long Island, then continue to the Dragon eye shaped cave area. The key detail is that the attraction access is only possible by boat, which is why the cave feels special instead of like another scenic viewpoint.

What I’d expect you to enjoy most is the switch in scenery. You’re not just driving past cliffs—you’re getting the boat into a setting where the cave and its openings shape the light. On calmer days, the views can feel crisp and dramatic. Even when the weather isn’t perfect, the cave stop tends to be worth the trip because it’s the only way to see it.

A practical note: caves can make the timing feel tighter. If you want photos, do them early before everyone gets the same idea at once. Then settle in for the visual moment and the boat movement after.

Veli Žal natural beach swim: cliffs, blue water, and real time in the sea

After the cave stop, you head to the small natural beach called Veli Žal. This is where the day shifts from sightseeing to swimming. The coast opens up, and you get time for a swim in clearer, more open sea water than you’d typically find if you’re only walking around shorelines.

This stop works well because it’s not just a one-minute dip. You get enough time to cool off, float, and reset before moving on to the bigger, more famous beach. It also helps balance the day: caves can be visually intense, while Veli Žal is all about letting your body catch up with your camera.

One small drawback potential: if it’s windy, anchoring can feel more “busy” than “breezy.” That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s why a good skipper and flexible anchoring matter.

Saharun (Sakarun) Beach: sand time on one of the most Instagrammable shores

Next comes Saharun (often spelled Sakarun), described as the most popular on Instagram. That tells you what to expect: this beach gets a lot of attention for a reason—sand, scenery, and that postcard feel where the water looks unreal from the shore.

The value of coming by boat is that you’re not only seeing the beach. You’re also part of the water scene. You can swim near the sand area, then spend time actually enjoying the shoreline instead of rushing through it. If you’re the type who likes a proper beach break—no standing, no sprinting—this is your stop.

What to watch: on the busiest days, you’ll feel how popular it is. The way to enjoy it is to treat it as your long rest window, not as a quick photo chore.

Sunken ship stop plus snorkeling time: where the day gets hands-on

After Saharun, the tour includes a stop at a sunken ship, with time for snorkeling around it. This is a smart pairing: you already had beach and swim time, but now you get something a bit more interactive.

Because snorkeling equipment rental is included, you don’t have to guess what to pack. The gear isn’t the focus of the trip, though, so the real win is that you get a structured opportunity to see underwater features. If your priority is beach relaxation, you’ll still enjoy it. If your priority is water time with something to look at, this is where you’ll feel most satisfied.

One review note worth keeping in mind: some guests felt there wasn’t quite enough snorkeling material. That doesn’t mean you won’t get what you need, but if you’re very particular about fit or gear type, plan to be a little flexible.

Army tunnel area lunch-time option and the bonus scenic breaks

There’s a stop at the army tunnel with a lunch-time option. Lunch itself isn’t included, but this is the moment in the schedule where you can add it.

Even if you skip lunch, the tunnel stop is interesting because it adds a different flavor to the day. Instead of only focusing on sea caves and beaches, you get a bit of local structure and history-adjacent scenery—still outside, still tied to the coastline experience, but not purely nature and water.

I also liked the pacing of this part of the day. It gives you a controlled break so you don’t burn all your energy on nonstop swimming and boat time. Some people use this stop to refuel with seafood; at minimum, it’s a natural point to eat if you want a full-day meal.

How to get the most from a 7–8 hour day without feeling rushed

A 7 to 8 hour outing is long enough to feel complete, but short enough that you don’t feel stuck. That balance matters. You’re not spending your whole day traveling, and you still get multiple sea environments: cave, natural beach, major sand beach, and sunken-ship snorkeling time.

To enjoy it best:

• Pack light and wear swim-ready clothes you can change in and out of.
• Bring a towel, since you’ll likely want one when you’re done in the sea.
• Consider reef-safe sunscreen habits, since you’ll be in the water and snorkeling gear is part of the day.

If you’re with family or you want a smooth day, the small group size (up to 12) helps. You’ll hear the skipper’s instructions clearly, and you won’t feel like you’re on a cattle boat. That small-group feel also makes it easier to match your pace.

Weather, anchoring flexibility, and why the skipper’s judgment matters

This experience requires good weather. That’s not just fine print. On a speedboat day, wind and sea conditions directly affect how comfortable the ride feels and which anchor points work best.

The good news: the tour is set up to be flexible. You get the ability to choose where you want to anchor and go for a swim, which is exactly the kind of freedom that helps when nature changes the plan. One thing you should take from the reviews and the tour design is that the skipper plays an active role in making the day work, not just following a rigid script.

If your day starts a little cloudy or windy, try to stay optimistic. The coast is dramatic even when the sky isn’t perfect, and the boat gives you options. The photos might look even more cinematic when the light shifts.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match for you if:

• You want a private day boat instead of a crowded group transfer
• You care about boat-only access like Golubinka Cave
• You want real swimming time at multiple stops, including Saharun
• Snorkeling is a priority but you don’t want to bring gear

You might think twice if:

• You dislike weather-dependent plans
• You prefer long, slow scenic walks over sea time
• You’re expecting lunch to be included in the price

Because it’s private and small-group friendly, it’s also a great choice for couples and families who want control without the stress of planning the route yourself.

Should you book this private speedboat tour to Golubinka and Sakarun?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a high-value day that combines cave access, beach time, and snorkeling—without the friction of big-group logistics. The best part is the mix: cave-only access early, swim breaks built into the schedule, and a sunken-ship stop that turns the day into more than just pretty water.

Also, the fact that snorkeling equipment is included saves hassle. And with Marko Skoljarev as skipper, the trip is clearly designed around using the boat and conditions to maximize your time.

Just be honest with yourself about the weather. If you’re booking right in the part of the trip where rain or rough seas would ruin the rest of your plans, leave a buffer day if you can.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

Fuel and skipper are included, and you’ll also have use of snorkeling equipment. Private transportation by boat is part of the experience as well.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included.

Where do we meet in Zadar?

You meet at Uvala Dražanica, Obala kneza Trpimira 38, 23000 Zadar. You should arrive about 20 minutes before the start of the boat tour.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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