Full-Day Dugi Otok Tour from Zadar: Stand-Up Paddle & Lighthouse
Ten hours paddling a military tunnel, climbing the Adriatic's tallest lighthouse, and swimming at Sakarun
A full-day activity from Zadar combining stand-up paddling, sightseeing and island games on Dugi Otok. You paddle into a submarine military tunnel, climb Veli Rat lighthouse (42 meters high, built in 1849), paddle to Sakarun beach on the northwest coast, and play traditional balote on an outdoor court with complimentary drinks. A certified English-speaking guide, all paddle gear, and entrance fees are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Dugi Otok island highlights
- Visit submarine military tunnel by paddle
- Paddle to nearby small beach
- View from Veli Rat lighthouse
- Paddle from Lopata cape to Sakarun beach
- Play traditional balote game
What’s included
- Certified local guide in English.
- full stand-up paddle gear including dry bag and waterproof phone pouch.
- entrance fee for Veli Rat lighthouse.
- air-conditioned vehicle for land transfers.
- complimentary drinks during the traditional balote game.
Times
Next departure: 1 Jun 2027
11 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by Vala Tours
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day runs 10 to 11 hours and starts with a boat from Zadar. If you take the early 5:45 departure, you'll also visit Brbišćica bay and Golubinka cave before reaching Dugi Otok. Once on the island, you paddle into a unique submarine military tunnel, learning its history while paddling through, then continue to a small beach accessible only from the sea. The paddle gear, dry bag and waterproof phone pouch are all provided, so you arrive ready to move.
Veli Rat lighthouse dominates the northwest part of the island at 42 meters, the highest in the Adriatic, and the climb gives you views across the water. From there, you paddle from Lopata cape to Sakarun, one of the most famous beaches in Zadar County, where white sand and pine trees line the shore. The beach sits on the northwest coast and the paddle route itself is part of the experience, not just transport to it.
The afternoon includes a traditional Mediterranean balote game (Italian boccie) played on one of the island's outdoor courts, with complimentary drinks included. Sali, the most popular settlement on Dugi Otok, rounds out the stops. A certified local guide leads the whole day in English, and an air-conditioned vehicle handles transfers on land. Children from age 10 are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to paddle and swim as much as sightsee: the stand-up paddle gear and access to the submarine tunnel and Sakarun beach make it an activity day, not a bus tour. The 10-hour commitment and early start (5:45 or later) suit travelers with a full day to spend and the fitness to paddle and climb. Children from 10 onward are welcome.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (17 to 20 years); Child (10 to 16 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is the submarine military tunnel like to paddle through?
The tunnel is a unique underwater passage you enter by stand-up paddle, learning about its history as you move through it. After paddling the tunnel, you continue to a small nearby beach that is only reachable from the sea.
How high is Veli Rat lighthouse and what can you see from it?
Veli Rat lighthouse stands 42 meters tall, making it the highest lighthouse in the Adriatic. It was built in 1849 and sits on the northwestern part of Dugi Otok, offering views across the water and the island.
What makes Sakarun beach different from other beaches on the island?
Sakarun is one of the most famous beaches in Zadar County, known for its white sand and clean sea. Pine trees surround the beach and provide shade in summer, and you reach it by paddling from Lopata cape.
What is balote and how does it work on this tour?
Balote is a traditional Mediterranean game (Italian boccie) played on outdoor courts. On this tour you play it on one of the island's courts, and complimentary drinks are included during the game.
If I take the early 5:45 boat from Zadar, what extra stops do I get?
The early departure adds Brbišćica bay and Golubinka cave to the itinerary before you reach the main island stops, extending the full island experience.
Full-Day Dugi Otok Tour from Zadar: Stand-Up Paddle & Lighthouse
10h–11h · EN
from US$ 121 per person
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