Sunken Ship And Tunnel Route

Sail a half-day boat route that takes in Dugi Otok, a sunken ship and a tunnel, part of the four jewels of Zadar. The tour runs about 4.5 hours in total.

Overview

A speedboat leaves Zadar's waterfront at Obala kneza Branimira 20 and spends four and a half hours working through the islands around the city. The route packs in four stops: the village of Muline on Ugljan with its Južna luka beach, a Cold War military tunnel on Dugi otok, a swimming and snorkeling bay on Molat, and finally a dive over a sunken merchant ship called the Ledenik. Snorkeling gear is on board, and the skipper doubles as guide, telling the story behind the wreck.

The mix of stops gives the trip range beyond straight swimming. You get snorkeling in clear water, but also a walk into a tunnel built during the Cold War and a look at a wreck that has accumulated its own marine life over the years. Non-swimmers are catered for at Muline, where the village itself is an option for a walk or a coffee instead of a swim.

It suits travellers who want a fast, varied half-day on the water rather than a slow cruise. Reviewers regularly describe the ride itself as a highlight, though a few warn the boat travels fast and gets bouncy in chop.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Zadar waterfrontMeet the skipper at Obala kneza Branimira 20 in Zadar. Pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to the dock.
2. Speedboat to Muline, UgljanThe first stop is the village of Muline and the beach at Južna luka, two bays where pine trees reach down to the water. Swim and snorkel here, or spend the time walking around the village or having a coffee.
3. Military tunnel on Dugi otokThe boat continues to Dugi otok, where the group explores military tunnels built during the Cold War.
4. Bay of Sabuša, MolatA quiet bay that is part sandy, part rocky. Depending on the weather, this stop is sometimes swapped for the village of Bozava on Dugi otok, which has its own coves and beaches.
5. Snorkel the sunken shipThe final stop is a dive over the sunken merchant ship Ledenik. The skipper explains its story and points out the flora and fauna that have settled on the wreck over the years.
6. Return by speedboatThe whole trip lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day go more smoothly, from the extra anchorage fee to what the sea conditions can do to the itinerary.

• Bring your own food. Drinks, lunch and snacks are not included, so bring food if you expect to get hungry. The listing notes there are bars at some stops.
• Budget the anchorage fee. There is a fee for the protected area and anchorage under concession, paid on top of the tour price. Several reviewers said this extra charge should be clearer up front, so plan for it before you board.
• Expect a fast ride. The boat travels fast, and reviewers describe the speed as part of the fun. One or two caution that it is not for the faint hearted, and a reviewer noted lots of bouncing and spray in rougher water.
• Weather can reroute you. The listing states the itinerary is adjusted when weather demands it. Reviewers confirm this happens in practice: rough seas kept some groups from the sunken ship, and wind pushed another boat onto a different plan entirely.
• Mobility on board. Getting on and off the boat at each stop takes some agility. One reviewer said anyone who is not very flexible might struggle with the transfers, so consider this before booking.
• Gear and extras included. Snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, fuel, insurance and a Bluetooth music speaker are all included. There is also a fridge on board, useful for keeping drinks cold on a hot day.

Common issues. Weather genuinely changes the plan: several travellers reported missing the sunken ship or other stops because of wind or chop, though most still enjoyed the day. One reviewer found their guide hard to understand at times.

Common Questions