Zadar: RIB boat Tour to Hidden Bays with Snorkeling & Drinks

Leave Zadar’s waterfront behind for island water. This four-hour RIB boat trip gives you a lively look at Ugljan Island, with time to swim at Frnaža Bay, walk around Kali, and stop again at Otrić Bay. I like the small group of up to 11 people and the mix of sea time, village life, and quiet coves. I also like that water, soft drinks, juice, and beer are included rather than sold one by one on board.

The main drawback is the boat itself. It travels at 22 to 25 knots, which is part of the fun but may not suit anyone prone to motion sickness. There is no toilet on board, and you need to be comfortable climbing into the water from a small, open boat.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different stops: Swim and snorkel at Frnaža Bay, spend 70 minutes in Kali, then pause at Otrić Bay.
• A genuinely small boat: The RIB carries no more than 11 people, giving the skipper room to adjust the pace and answer questions.
• Fast transport with a playful feel: The boat cruises at 22 to 25 knots, with music and wide views across the Adriatic.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You get a mask and snorkel, though swimming fins are not included.
• Drinks stay cold: Water, soda, juice, and beer are kept in an ice box for the ride.
• Good value at $47: The price covers the guide, boat, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and drinks, but not lunch or snacks.

Why this half-day trip works well from Zadar

Zadar is a fine base for seeing the nearby islands, but planning an island day on your own can mean checking boat schedules, arranging transport, and guessing where to swim. This trip keeps the plan simple. You meet at Molo Branimira, climb aboard, and let the local skipper handle the route.

The short duration is one of the strongest points. At four hours, you can fit the excursion into a morning or afternoon without giving up your full day in Zadar. You get a proper taste of the archipelago rather than spending most of the day in transit.

The boat also changes the feel of the outing. A larger ferry would get you to Ugljan, but this RIB reaches the island quickly and can stop at smaller bays. It moves at 22 to 25 knots, so the ride is brisk, breezy, and a little exciting. Music plays on board, and drinks are available from the ice box.

That speed has a practical benefit. The first boat ride lasts about 15 minutes, and the next is also around 15 minutes. The return legs are short too, including a five-minute run after Kali and a 20-minute ride back to Zadar. Most of your four hours are spent swimming, walking, and looking around rather than sitting in transit.

Meeting the boat at Molo Branimira

The meeting point is along the waterfront, directly across from Porat bar. Look for a Kokolo Marine banner, the guide, and the boat. You are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure, which is sensible because the waterfront parking situation can be difficult.

I would not plan to arrive by rental car and hope for an easy space nearby. Use a taxi or public transportation if that works for your schedule. If you are delayed, contact the operator promptly rather than arriving late and hoping the group is still there.

This is an open-air activity, so wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen. Cash is also recommended, especially because lunch and snacks in Kali are not included. Pack lightly. The boat has limited space, and there is no toilet on board.

Frnaža Bay: your first swim and snorkel

After roughly 15 minutes on the water, the first stop is Frnaža Bay. The stop lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply sit in the sun.

The bay is described as a quiet sandy cove with clear water and fish close to shore. That makes it a useful first stop because you can get comfortable with the water before the village visit. Snorkeling equipment is provided, specifically a mask and snorkel. Fins are not included, so bring your own if you prefer to swim with them.

The bay is also a good example of what this tour does best. You are not only being transported to Ugljan. You are being taken to a quieter swimming place that would be harder to reach without a boat. The stop is long enough to feel worthwhile, but not so long that the day becomes only a beach outing.

One detail to keep in mind is the lack of a toilet. If you need one, use facilities before departure and again when you reach Kali. Also, anyone with motion sickness should think carefully about the fast ride before booking. The boat is stable for its type, but it is still a quick open RIB rather than a slow sightseeing vessel.

Kali: 70 minutes of real island time

From Frnaža Bay, the boat heads to Kali, a fishing village on Ugljan Island. You have about 70 minutes here, which is the longest stop and gives you freedom to choose your own pace.

You can walk through the narrow streets, look around the village, swim near the pier, or stop for a drink at Mavra Beach Bar. If you want lunch, Srdela Snack is suggested for fresh seafood. Food is not included, so carry cash and allow enough time if you plan to eat.

Kali matters because it breaks up the swimming with a dose of everyday island life. You get to see a lived-in village rather than only a pretty cove. The stop is not structured as a long guided walk, so you can decide whether you want a quick stroll, a relaxed meal, or another swim.

I like this part of the route because it gives you choices. Some people will want seafood and a cold drink. Others will want to explore the streets or stay beside the water. A 70-minute stop is long enough for one main activity and perhaps a second small one, but not long enough for a leisurely restaurant meal if service is slow.

Kali is also where you can make the tour feel more personal. Ask the skipper for suggestions about the village, food, or nearby swimming areas. The guide is available for local stories and practical tips throughout the trip, and the small group makes questions easier than on a large excursion boat.

Otrić Bay: one last quiet swim

After only about five minutes on the boat, you reach Otrić Bay for the final stop. You have roughly 40 minutes here for a swim, photos, sightseeing, and free time.

This stop gives the trip a calm finish. After the faster ride and the activity at Kali, Otrić Bay lets you take one last peaceful dip before returning to Zadar. The shorter stop is enough for a swim without making the final stretch feel drawn out.

The exact feel of the bay can depend on weather and sea conditions. The operator may change the route for safety if conditions are poor. That is worth accepting as part of a boat trip. The appeal is not a fixed list of sights at any cost, but getting out on the water safely.

After Otrić Bay, the boat takes about 20 minutes to return to Molo Branimira. You should arrive back refreshed, sun-soaked, and ready for the rest of your day in Zadar.

What the RIB ride is really like

The RIB is fast, compact, and designed for movement rather than comfort in the traditional ferry sense. You will feel the speed, the wind, and the motion of the sea. For many people, that is the highlight. The trip feels more active and playful than a standard island transfer.

The maximum group size is 11. That number matters because it keeps the boat from feeling crowded and allows the skipper to communicate with everyone. It also means you should not expect the privacy of a private charter. You are sharing the boat with a small group, and music plays during the ride.

Safety equipment is included. The boat also carries snorkeling gear and refreshments, which keeps the packing list short. Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and perhaps a towel if you plan to swim. Swimming fins, food, and snacks are your responsibility.

A practical point: alcohol is available in the ice box, but you must not arrive intoxicated or become intoxicated during the tour. Anyone who arrives under the influence can be refused boarding. The rule is strict and reasonable for a fast boat on open water.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this is a strong value if you want several elements in one outing. The price includes the RIB ride, a local skipper and guide, snorkeling mask and snorkel, safety equipment, onboard music, and water, soda, juice, and beer.

It does not include lunch or snacks, so the actual cost may be slightly higher if you eat in Kali. Still, the included drinks and equipment reduce the small expenses that can add up on a boat trip. You are also paying for a route that visits two swimming areas and a village in four hours.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book separate transport to Ugljan and arrange their own swimming spots. It is less compelling if you want a slow, quiet cruise, a private boat, or a full day on one beach.

The trip has earned a 4.8 rating from 129 reviews, with 87 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The most consistent praise centers on the fast boat, friendly guides, music, well-timed schedule, snorkeling, and cold drinks. Those are exactly the features that define the experience.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it to active adults, couples, friends, and families with older children who want a short island outing without spending a full day away from Zadar. It is especially good for you if you like variety: one swimming cove, one village, one final bay.

You should be comfortable with a fast open boat and getting in and out of the sea. Children under five are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people over 120 kilograms, or people over 70. It is also not recommended for anyone with motion sickness.

The tour is not designed for bachelor or bachelorette groups. It also is not a good fit if your main goal is a long seafood lunch, extensive sightseeing, or a quiet luxury cruise. The schedule is active, and the boat is central to the experience.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive 30 minutes early at the Molo Branimira meeting point. The guide and boat should be visible near the Kokolo Marine banner across from Porat bar.

Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing, cash, and anything you need for swimming. Fins are not provided, and food is not included. Keep your belongings compact, since a small RIB has less storage space than a ferry.

If swimming is important to you, wear a swimsuit under your clothes. You have one hour at Frnaža Bay and another 40 minutes at Otrić Bay, so changing on the boat may be awkward.

Check the forecast before you go. If weather makes the route unsafe, the itinerary can be changed. If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a fast, social half-day on the water with three distinct stops and very little planning. The combination of Frnaža Bay, Kali, and Otrić Bay gives you more range than a simple beach transfer, while the small boat keeps the outing personal.

Skip it if you get seasick, need a toilet on board, dislike speed, or want a private and unhurried boat day. For the right person, $47 buys a lively taste of Ugljan Island, complete with snorkeling, village time, music, and cold drinks. That is a lot of Dalmatian sea for four hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Molo Branimira in Zadar, across from Porat bar. Look for the Kokolo Marine banner, the guide, and the boat.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the activity starts.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The RIB boat accepts a maximum of 11 guests.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Frnaža Bay, the fishing village of Kali on Ugljan Island, and Otrić Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included. Swimming fins are not provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soda, juice, and beer are available from an ice box on board.

Is food included?

No. Food and snacks are not included. You can buy food in Kali, including fresh seafood at Srdela Snack.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The boat does not have a toilet.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The itinerary can be modified for safety if weather conditions are not ideal. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.