The sea feels bigger when you’re in charge. This 8-hour rental lets you drive a 5m boat with a Suzuki 6hp engine along Medulin’s Istrian coastline, aiming for Kamenjak’s bays and caves and nearby islands like Levan, Ceja, and Bodulaš. I love the sense of freedom that comes from choosing your own pace, and I also like how the team walks you through how to operate the boat so you’re not guessing.

One thing to keep in mind: this is not a ride for everyone. If you’re a non-swimmer or you get seasick easily, this setup may not be the right fit.

A private boat day that stays practical

You’re not joining a crowded group tour where you follow the loudest voice in the boat. Instead, you and your crew get the controls, the gear, and a clear starting point—then you can steer the day toward the kind of coastline you want: rocky edges, small coves, and the calmer corners where you can pause and enjoy the water.

In my mind, the real value is that the boat is small enough to feel personal, but equipped enough that you can actually relax while you figure out the route.

Key things I’d plan around

• No boat license required: you get a clear operation briefing before you head out
• Gasoline included: fewer add-ons mean less decision fatigue
• You choose the route: Kamenjak’s bays and caves plus islands like Levan, Ceja, and Bodulaš
• Safety gear is included: life vests, anchor, ropes, and a ladder are on board
• A shaded break helps: the sunroof gives you an escape from the sun when you stop

Captaining a 5m boat along Medulin’s coast

Medulin is one of those places where the coastline does a lot of the work for you. The water, the cliffs, and the gaps between the shorelines make it easy to understand why people come back for repeat boat days. What makes this rental different is that you’re not watching—you’re doing.

The boat itself is a 5-meter model powered by a Suzuki 6hp engine. That matters because it’s small and manageable for a private group, but it’s still capable of getting you to the broader area around Kamenjak and the nearby island stops mentioned (Levan, Ceja, and Bodulaš). For me, the sweet spot is that size: big enough for a real day out, small enough that you don’t feel like you’re crewing a floating apartment.

And since you don’t need a boat license, the day has a calmer vibe. You’re not spending your vacation studying rules. You’re learning how to drive your boat, then enjoying the sea the way you want to.

The briefing that gets you confident fast

Before you set off, the team provides a detailed explanation on how to operate the boat. That isn’t just a quick handshake moment—it’s the difference between renting a tool and feeling like you actually understand the tool.

In the communication people describe, Luca is the name that comes up again and again. One reviewer noted super clear instructions and easy access with questions, and another said Luca reached out via WhatsApp the day before and stayed flexible on timing. That lines up with what you want from a boat rental: quick clarity, and a real person you can ask when something doesn’t click.

Here’s how to use that briefing to your advantage. Before you even start exploring, pay attention to:

• how to handle basic maneuvering
• how stopping and anchoring works in practice
• where the included safety gear is stored
• what the team recommends for first-time comfort

If you go in with a couple of questions ready—How does the boat behave at low speed? When should we anchor?—you’ll get more out of that briefing and you’ll feel safer sooner.

Where you can steer: Kamenjak bays, cliffs, caves, and islands

This is the part that makes the rental feel like more than transportation. The plan points you toward Kamenjak’s hidden bays, cliffs, and caves, plus nearby islands like Levan and Ceja, and also Bodulaš.

Even without getting technical, you can picture the kind of day you’ll have. You’re looking for places where the coastline breaks into smaller sections—coves where the water looks calmer, areas near cliffs where you can see the shape of the rock up close, and spots that work well for stopping, photos, and a swim break.

Why those targets matter:

• Bays let you pause without feeling like you’re constantly relocating.
• Cliffs add drama to the view, especially when you’re not limited to one single stop.
• Caves and rocky inlets (the ones the team flags) give you that “we found this ourselves” feeling—because you’ll time the stop and angle the approach.

And then there are the islands mentioned: Levan, Ceja, and Bodulaš. Islands change the feel of the day because you’re switching from “coastline watching” to “approach and explore.” It’s still a casual boat day—you’re not hiking for hours—but the island presence gives you a natural milestone.

A practical note: this day is about exploring at your own pace. That means your best route will depend on when you want to swim, when you want shade, and how quickly your group wants to move.

Your rhythm on the water: 8 hours of flexible stops

The duration is 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability. That’s long enough to do several stops without turning the day into a sprint. It’s also short enough that you can keep things simple: motoring out, enjoying the coast, and choosing 1–3 anchor-and-relax moments.

The boat comes with gear that supports that rhythm. You’ve got:

• an anchor and ropes (so you can pause)
• a ladder (so getting back on board is easier)
• life vests (for safety)
• a sunroof for shade (which is more important than people think on a sunny coast)

When I’m planning a day like this, I think in “cycles”: move, stop, enjoy. If you treat it like that, you don’t end up with the classic mistake—spending the whole day in transit and only getting a short moment at each place.

Also, plan your snack and water breaks like part of the trip. Meals aren’t included, and it’s on you to bring food and drinks. That nudges you toward a more picnic-style day, which I actually like. You can keep it casual, and you’re not stuck buying food at the wrong time or paying tourist pricing for a tiny sandwich.

Price and value: $235 for up to 6 people

The price is $235 per group for up to 6 people. On paper, that’s the headline. The better question is what you get for that money, because value on a boat day comes from two things: what’s included, and whether you can use the time well.

Here’s the value logic:

• You’re not paying per person for a guided tour experience with fixed stops.
• Gasoline is included, so your “total cost” stays predictable.
• Safety equipment is included, plus insurance while on the boat.
• You get private use of the boat, not a mixed group.

If you divide it out, $235 for 6 is about $39 per person for an entire day on the water. Even if you’re a smaller group, the per-person cost stays relatively reasonable because the price is group-based, not ticket-based.

The one trade-off is that you’re your own captain. That’s not “bad,” but it is different. You gain freedom; you also gain responsibility. If you’re comfortable with basic operation after the briefing, this format is hard to beat.

What’s included (and why it makes a difference mid-day)

The included items go beyond just handing you a boat. The rental includes:

• the boat rental and a Suzuki 6hp engine
• gasoline
• life vests, an anchor, ropes, and a ladder
• a sunroof for shade
• insurance while on the boat

Those last two points are quietly important. Shade matters because boat days can start bright and end blistering, even if the water looks inviting. And insurance matters because you’re learning the boat during your rental day—not after—so it helps to have that extra safety net in the background.

What’s not included is also clear:

• meals and beverages
• transfer to/from Medulin

That means you should plan your own food strategy and make sure you’re set for getting to the meeting area. The good news is the location is easy once you arrive.

Meeting area, parking, and the small rules that matter

Paid parking is available on the spot, and from there it’s a 10-minute walk to the meeting point. After your reservation, you get detailed instructions.

Once you’re onboard, follow the basic rules: no smoking and no littering. It sounds obvious, but on a sea day, the easiest way to keep things relaxed is to treat the boat like a clean shared space. Bring a small bag for trash and keep water bottles secured so nothing spills during a stop.

What to bring for a smooth day (no last-minute stress)

You’ll have a much easier time if you pack like you’re doing a relaxed beach-and-coast day combined. The essentials listed are:

• hat
• swimwear
• camera
• food and drinks
• snacks
• sunscreen
• water

My practical advice: if you think you’ll buy a snack later, don’t. Build your menu around what’s easy to eat while you’re stopped—things that don’t make you carry messy containers. Also bring sunscreen even if you plan to stay in the sunroof shade. Shade is for breaks, not for forgetting the sun.

And if your group includes kids or anyone who’s borderline comfortable around open water, make sure you’re honest about swimming ability first. The rental isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, and children under 3 years aren’t recommended.

Who this boat day suits best (and who should choose another plan)

This works best for groups that want freedom and a “we’re doing this ourselves” day.

It’s a strong match if:

• you’re with family or friends and want your own schedule
• you’re comfortable swimming and spending time in the water
• you like the idea of steering toward bays and caves rather than following a fixed route

It’s not suitable if:

• anyone in your group is a non-swimmer
• anyone is prone to seasickness
• you’re traveling with children under 3 years

A quick gut-check question for you: do you want a relaxing day where you stop often to swim and look around, or do you want a totally hands-off experience? If you want full hand-holding, you may prefer a different style of tour. If you want autonomy with a safety briefing, this is the format.

Should you book Medulin: Rent a Boat and Be Your Own Captain?

Book it if you’re aiming for a private, flexible day on the Istrian coast and you’re happy to learn the basics of boating before you go. The combination of gasoline included, safety gear onboard, and the chance to target Kamenjak bays and caves (plus islands like Levan and Ceja) makes it feel like more than just renting a boat—it feels like getting a day of sea access tailored to your group.

Skip it if you know you’ll struggle with boats, swimming, or motion. If seasickness is an issue, or you’re traveling with non-swimmers, the plan won’t match your needs.

If you do book, I’d focus on two things: listen carefully during the operation briefing (Luca’s communication style comes through clearly in feedback), and pack like you’ll spend hours in sun and water.

FAQ

Do I need a boat license to captain this boat?

No boat license is required. The team gives you a detailed explanation of how to operate the boat before you set off.

What boat and engine are included?

You rent a 5m boat with a reliable Suzuki 6hp engine.

How much does it cost and how many people can go?

The price is $235 per group up to 6 people.

How long is the rental?

The duration is 8 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where is the meeting point, and is transfer included?

You’ll find paid parking on the spot. From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the meeting point. Transfer to/from Medulin is not included.

What’s included in the price?

Boat rental, the Suzuki 6hp engine, gasoline, life vests, an anchor, ropes, a ladder, a sunroof for shade, and insurance while on the boat.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring a hat, swimwear, camera, food and drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Smoking and littering are not allowed.

Can I cancel, and can I reserve without paying now?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.