8.5-Hour Shipwreck And Sea Cave

Sail from Zadar to Dugi Otok on a boat trip that visits a shipwreck, a sandy beach and a sea cave. The outing runs 8.5 hours.

Overview

A speedboat leaves Zadar at 10:00 and spends 8.5 hours working its way around Dugi Otok. The first big stop is the wreck of the Michele, a 76-metre ship lying just off Veli Rat, where you can snorkel over the hull among fish. From there the boat moves to the Golubinka sea cave, where light comes through the ceiling and the Dragon's Eye saltwater lake sits above the sea in the cliffs.

The middle of the day is given to beaches: Veli Žal, a white pebble stretch, then Sakarun, a sandy lagoon that is one of the best known in Dalmatia. Lunch is a roughly two hour stop at a local restaurant, paid separately. Afterward comes a short look at a Cold War submarine tunnel and some free time in Božava before the run back to Zadar, ending with a slow pass by the Sea Organ.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 adults with an English-speaking local skipper and guide, and the listing describes the route as designed to dodge the busiest times at each spot. Travellers consistently describe a fast ride and generous time in the water. Snorkeling gear, bottled water and fuel are included; a cash docking and anchoring fee is not.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check-in in ZadarMeet at the Zadar Archipelago office on Obala kneza Trpimira 2, arriving an hour before departure. Bring your voucher and ID.
2. Speedboat to the wreckA 50 minute crossing to Dugi Otok.
3. Shipwreck of the MicheleAbout 20 minutes to swim and snorkel around the 76-metre sunken ship off Veli Rat. Optional.
4. Golubinka cave and Dragon's EyeAfter a 30 minute ride, swim into the sea cave and optionally visit the Dragon's Eye saltwater lake in the cliffs above.
5. Veli Žal and SakarunTwo beach stops, roughly 30 minutes at Veli Žal, with free time to swim and snorkel at the sandy Sakarun lagoon. Optional.
6. Lunch stopAround 2 hours at a local restaurant on the island. Optional and at extra cost.
7. Military tunnel and BožavaA brief 10 minute look at the old submarine tunnel, then free time in the village of Božava, both optional.
8. Return to ZadarA 50 minute cruise back with a pass by the Sea Organ, finishing at Obala kneza Trpimira 2.

What To Expect From The Tour

This is a full day on a speedboat with several swims, so what you wear and carry matters more than usual.

• Cash for fees. Docking and anchoring fees are 30 euros per person, payable in cash at check-in, and the office only takes cash in euros. Bring enough to cover them plus anything you want at the restaurant or shops.
• Swim to the cave. Reaching the inside of Golubinka means swimming in, and reviewers who wanted photos there recommended a waterproof phone case. Snorkeling masks are provided on board.
• Sea shoes. One reviewer advised sea shoes for the walk to Dragon's Eye and the stony beaches. If you have them, they make those parts of the day easier.
• A fast ride. The review summary describes a fast ride, and travellers say the boat covers a lot in one day without the trip feeling dominated by travel time. One reviewer described the speedboat ride as bumpy and thoroughly enjoyed it, so be prepared for that.
• Family friendly pace. Reviewers with children aged around 10 to 13 reported the crew kept watch on kids and the day worked for mixed-age groups. Time at each stop is generous relative to travel time.
• Lunch is extra. Food and drinks at the restaurant stop are not included. Bottled water is provided on board, and there are shops and bars at some stops.

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum number of participants to run; if it is not met it is cancelled with a full refund or an offer to rebook. Weather can force changes, and in that case the captain adjusts the route on the spot with no refund offered, as one reviewer experienced when the caves were closed. The docking and anchoring fee is a real extra on top of the booking price, and at least one reviewer felt the day was slightly expensive overall. There is no pickup, no reserved parking nearby, and the boat itself is a speedboat rather than a shaded cruiser, so comfort depends on conditions.

Common Questions