Fast speed, clear water, and island life in four hours. This small-group RIB tour from Zadar hits Ugljan Island bays with time to swim and snorkel, then adds village wandering that feels like you’re in the Adriatic rhythm, not on a checklist. I like the snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) included for the first stop, and I also like that the boat ride itself is part of the fun—fast, stable, and loud enough (with onboard music) to keep everyone in a good mood.
One thing to plan around: there’s no toilet onboard, and the boat is fast—so if you’re sensitive to motion, this isn’t a great fit.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Fast RIB boat days from Molo Branimira (and why it matters)
- The Frnaža Bay stop: snorkel time in clear, fishy water
- Kali on Ugljan Island: village wandering, pier swims, and seafood lunch options
- Otrić Bay: peaceful final swim before heading back
- Drinks, onboard music, and the comfort factor of a 4-hour plan
- Price and what you actually get for $47
- Logistics: where to meet Kokolo Marine and how to avoid parking stress
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
- Weather changes and how flexible the plan is
- Should you book this Zadar to Ugljan RIB tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Zadar RIB boat tour to Ugljan Island?
- Where does the tour start?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Is snorkeling included, and what gear do you get?
- What stops will you visit?
- Is food included?
- What drinks are included during the tour?
- Is there a toilet onboard?
- What should I bring?
- Who is the tour not suitable for?
Key things to know before you go
- Max 11 guests means you get more personal attention from the local skipper/guide.
- Snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel), though fins aren’t.
- Three stops on Ugljan Island: Frnaža Bay, Kali, and Otrić Bay.
- Drinks included from the ice-box: water, soda, juice, and beer.
- RIB speed 22–25 knots with music onboard, so it feels like an active tour, not a slow cruise.
- Not ideal for motion sickness and not suitable for some age/weight groups.
Fast RIB boat days from Molo Branimira (and why it matters)
This tour is built around speed and short, well-timed stops along the Zadar archipelago. You’ll leave from Molo Branimira and hop into a fast RIB (limited to 11 guests), which is exactly why the half-day format works. You get to see multiple places without feeling like you’re spending most of your day on the water just to reach one view.
The ride matters because the Adriatic changes fast—wind, sun, and sea texture can shift even within a few hours. A quick, stable boat at 22–25 knots helps you get to calmer pockets of coastline and back before the day turns into a long, tiring slog. Add onboard music and the vibe stays relaxed: you’re traveling, but you’re not stuck in silence for four hours.
Small group also affects the feel. With fewer people, you’re more likely to move as a unit (when the skipper needs to reposition) and still have room to enjoy the beach and swim breaks at each stop.
Other speedboat tours we've reviewed in Zadar
The Frnaža Bay stop: snorkel time in clear, fishy water
Your first main water break is Frnaža Bay, set up as a swim-and-snorkel session. This stop is where the included gear earns its keep. You’ll have about one hour for swimming and snorkeling (with a mask and snorkel provided). The water is described as crystal-clear, and the area is said to be teeming with fish—so you’re not just getting wet for the photo.
Here’s the practical side: without fins, you’ll likely do a mix of floating, easy kicking, and surface viewing. Bring common-sense swimmer skills and you’ll be fine. If you already own fins, you can still use them, but they aren’t provided.
One extra detail worth noting: at least one person reported that the skipper let them jump off the boat. So if you’re comfortable with that kind of adventure, it may be an option during the water breaks, not just a theory.
How to make the most of it: arrive with sunscreen already on and your snorkel mask ready to go. You’ll spend less time fiddling and more time watching what’s under the surface.
Kali on Ugljan Island: village wandering, pier swims, and seafood lunch options
After the first bay break, the tour lands you in the fishing village of Kali on Ugljan Island. The schedule gives you about 70 minutes there, which is just enough time to do two things well: explore the narrow streets and grab a meal or relax by the sea.
This is where the tour shifts from water time to real island life. You’ll have free time to:
- walk through the village areas and narrow streets,
- enjoy downtime near the pier (including another swim chance),
- and decide what you want to eat.
The itinerary mentions a lunch stop at Srdela Snack, but the price list says food and snacks are not included. Translation: you’ll likely want cash ready for your own meal and any extra snacks. Another nearby option mentioned is Mavra Beach Bar, where you can grab a drink close to the water.
What I like about this stop for value: you’re not just getting a beach break. You also get a chance to slow down and see how people live and work along this coast—fishing village streets, waterfront energy, and the everyday pace that makes the Adriatic feel different from a resort strip.
Possible drawback: with only 70 minutes, you can’t treat Kali like a full-on sightseeing day. If you want museums or long wandering, this still won’t replace a longer visit. But if you want a taste, this pacing hits the sweet spot.
Otrić Bay: peaceful final swim before heading back
The last main “water moment” is Otrić Bay, another pristine spot designed for a calm dip before you return toward Zadar. You’ll spend about 40 minutes at this final hidden-bay-style stop, with time for photos, sightseeing, and free time.
This final timing is smart. By the time you reach Otrić Bay, you’ve already done the snorkeling work at Frnaža and village time at Kali. So the last stop doesn’t need to be a big schedule. It’s more about recharging—swimming, taking a few photos from the shore, and enjoying the quiet.
One practical note: because it’s shorter, you’ll want to be ready to change quickly and get into the water early if you care about snorkeling. If you only want a quick swim, 40 minutes is still plenty.
Drinks, onboard music, and the comfort factor of a 4-hour plan
The boat ride is more than transportation here. You get an ice-box with water, soda, juice, and beer, plus onboard music. That combo does two things: it keeps energy up on a day that involves speed and sun, and it makes the time between stops feel like a fun part of the outing instead of downtime you’d rather skip.
Also, because the tour is only four hours total, the drinks help you stay comfortable without turning it into an all-day party. Still, there’s a clear rule: no alcohol or drugs before and during the tour. So even though beer is included, plan to treat this as a daytime outing with responsible use.
You’ll also want to understand the included vs not included items. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and all safety equipment, but not:
- swimming fins,
- food/snacks,
- and importantly, toilet facilities.
If you’re the type who needs a bathroom break on a tour, you should plan accordingly before boarding and keep the timing tight.
Other snorkeling and swim tours we've reviewed in Zadar
Price and what you actually get for $47
At around $47 per person for roughly 4 hours, the real value comes from the blend of three different things:
1) Transport that’s part of the experience
A fast RIB and quick hops across the archipelago mean you can hit multiple spots in one morning/afternoon window.
2) Snorkeling support
You get the mask and snorkel, so you don’t need to rent or bring gear just to try snorkeling at Frnaža Bay.
3) Time + refreshment
You get structured water time, village wandering, and drinks from the ice-box.
If you compare it to renting a boat or paying for snorkeling add-ons separately, it’s a straightforward deal. The main thing to watch is that food isn’t included, even though there’s time for lunch in Kali. Bring cash for meals and any snacks you want.
Logistics: where to meet Kokolo Marine and how to avoid parking stress
Meeting point details can make or break the start of any boat tour, and this one has a common issue: parking near the seafront can be hard.
You meet at the Porat bar area, right across from it along the sea, where you’ll see a banner for Kokolo Marine. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you can find the right spot without rushing.
If you’re trying to keep stress low, I’d follow the recommendation and use a taxi or public transportation. Once you’re there, you’ll see the guide and the boat.
Also: if you’re late or have trouble finding the meeting point, contact them in time.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
This is a strong fit if you want a short, active day with water time, light snorkeling, and a village stop that isn’t staged.
You’ll likely enjoy it if you:
- like speedboat rides and don’t mind wind and sun,
- want a ready-to-use snorkeling setup (mask and snorkel included),
- enjoy free time where you can choose how to spend your minutes in Kali.
You should think twice or skip it if you:
- have motion sickness (this is explicitly not suitable),
- need a wheelchair-accessible route (it’s not suitable),
- are under 5 years old (kids under 5 aren’t suitable),
- are over 70 years or over the weight limit (120 kg / 264 lbs).
It’s also not suitable for certain group types, including bachelor and bachelorette party groups, and you must avoid being intoxicated before or during the tour.
Weather changes and how flexible the plan is
The Adriatic can be unpredictable. If weather is not ideal, the operator can modify the itinerary for safety reasons. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
That flexibility is worth considering if you’re visiting in shoulder season or you hate gambling with tight schedules.
Should you book this Zadar to Ugljan RIB tour?
Book it if your goal is to get multiple Ugljan Island highlights in one short trip: Frnaža Bay snorkeling, a Kali village break with time to wander and swim, and Otrić Bay for a final dip, all while cruising on a fast RIB with drinks onboard.
I’d skip it if you need a toilet onboard, struggle with motion sickness, or want a slow-paced, deep cultural day. This is a good match for sun-and-sea travelers who like a bit of speed and a practical schedule.
If you do book, pack the basics: sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and some cash for meals in Kali. And aim to be early for the meeting point so you start with a calm head, not a sprint.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Zadar RIB boat tour to Ugljan Island?
The tour is listed as 4 hours total.
Where does the tour start?
The starting location is Molo Branimira. The meeting point is right across Porat bar along the sea, where you’ll see a Kokolo Marine banner.
How many people are on the boat?
The RIB is limited to a maximum of 11 guests.
Is snorkeling included, and what gear do you get?
Yes. The tour includes snorkelling equipment: a mask and snorkel. Swimming fins are not included.
What stops will you visit?
You’ll visit Frnaža Bay, the fishing village of Kali on Ugljan Island, and Otrić Bay.
Is food included?
Food and snacks are not included. The schedule includes free time in Kali where lunch is possible, but you’d pay on your own.
What drinks are included during the tour?
An ice-box on board includes water, soda, juice, and beer.
Is there a toilet onboard?
No. A toilet is not included.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen and comfortable clothes. Cash is also recommended.
Who is the tour not suitable for?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, children under 5, people with motion sickness, people over 120 kg (264 lbs), and people over 70 years.
