A day on the Adriatic here feels purpose-built. You get clear-water swim stops plus island history that’s more than postcard scenery, from Zavratnica’s WWII wreck remnants to prison islands like Goli otok and Sveti Grgur. One thing to consider: the ride can feel long if you want constant narration at every stop.

I especially like the way this itinerary stacks different moods in one 9-hour window: bay time at Zavratnica, lunch on Goli otok, deer-and-swim freedom on Grgur, then a final crystal-bay sprint at Valsika. The lunch is also a real plus—fish or meat with a Dalmatian salad, included in the price.

The main drawback is communication. Some people found the stops under-explained once you’re already there, so if you need step-by-step guidance (especially with kids), plan to ask questions early and be ready for a more self-directed day on deck.

Key points before you go

• Zavratnica bay (900 meters long) in the Velebit area, with visible WWII sunken-ship remnants
• Goli otok: former Yugoslav prison for men, plus lunch preparation right on the island stop
• Sveti Grgur (Sveti Grgur): former women’s prison, with deer you can feed and time to swim
• Valsika bay: another crystal-clear swim spot, with dolphins possible if you’re lucky
• Lunch included (fish or meat + Dalmatian salad), but drinks are extra

A Rab-to-islands boat day that mixes sea time with real place

This tour starts from the port of Rab, then turns your day into a string of swim-friendly stops around the Velebit coast. If your ideal boat trip includes more than just watching coastlines blur past, this one makes a good case for itself: you’ll actually spend time on islands and bays, not only cruise between views.

I like that the route isn’t random. It threads together Zavratnica, Goli otok, Sveti Grgur, and Valsika, and each stop has a specific reason to exist on the itinerary: a famous bay for bathing, prison islands with clearly marked context, and a final swim-and-jump bay where you’ll likely want extra time in the water.

Still, don’t expect a tightly scripted, constant narration throughout. Based on what I’ve seen described, the crew gives an initial explanation, then you have stretches where you’re mostly on your own to decide when to hop in and where to go.

Zavratnica on the Velebit side: 900 meters of swim-and-wreck views

First stop is Zavratnica, a bay about 900 meters long and part of the broader Natural Park area around Velebit. This is the kind of place where you get that clean, bright sea you want for photos, and you also get enough shoreline to feel like you’re arriving somewhere real, not just stopping for a quick paddle.

The other draw is the WWII layer. At Zavratnica, you’ll see the remains of a sunken ship from the Second World War that are described as clearly visible. Even if you’re not a deep-history person, it’s the rare boat stop where there’s an actual tangible object to look for, not just general scenery.

What to watch: if you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the stops that can work well because it’s made for swimming and floating around. But if your family needs constant direction, be prepared that explanations may be brief and then stop once you reach the water.

Goli otok + lunch: the prison island stop that becomes your break

Next comes Goli otok, a small island in the Velebit channel area. It’s known as a former prison island for men from the ex-Yugoslav period, and the stop gives you that sharper, more sobering side of Adriatic island life. The point here isn’t to make the day heavy. It’s to connect the geography to what happened there.

Then you’re not just touring—you’re also getting fed. Lunch is prepared during this segment, so you get the practical benefit of eating while the group is gathered on an island stop rather than only relying on a mid-ride meal back on deck.

Lunch choice is simple and classic:

• fish, or
• meat

with a Dalmatian salad included.

Value-wise, this matters. Many boat tours try to sell you food on top of the ticket price. Here, the lunch is built into the $58 price, which lowers the “surprise cost” you can run into later. The tradeoff is that drinks aren’t included, so you’ll likely want to have a plan for water or anything else you prefer.

Sveti Grgur (Grgur): deer you can feed, plus time to swim

Your third stop is Island Grgur (Sveti Grgur). Like Goli otok, it’s tied to the prison history of the region—this one was a former prison for women. It’s another stop that can feel both unusual and instructive because you’re standing on a place with a specific story, and the sea around it still looks like a vacation postcard.

The fun factor here is the deer. You can see deer on the island, and you can even feed them. That’s a big “kids and adults alike” moment, and it turns an otherwise historical stop into something interactive.

You also have the option to keep it purely recreational. If feeding deer isn’t your thing, you can spend your time swimming instead. In other words, this stop gives you a choice between “look and learn” and “cool off in the water,” and that flexibility is part of why the itinerary works.

One practical consideration: feeding animals usually means being mindful of how you approach and what you do with your hands and snacks. The key thing is to follow the crew’s cues once you arrive on the island.

Valsika bay for swimming and jumping, with dolphins if luck is on your side

The final station is Valsika, described as a beautiful bay with crystal-clear sea. This is your closing act, and it’s set up for what boat-tour days do best: swimming, hopping in and out, and enjoying the water without worrying about the clock too much.

Jumping from the boat is mentioned, which tells you the crew likely allows more active water time at this stop. If you packed a swimsuit only for “maybe,” this is the stop where you’ll use it.

Dolphins are another possibility. The plan says you might see them if you’re lucky. Don’t count on it, but do keep an eye out when the boat is moving slowly—dolphins tend to show when there’s something to notice, not when you’re busy staring at your phone.

Price ($58) and whether the lunch makes it worth it

At $58 per person for a 9-hour outing, you’re paying for a full-day boat experience with multiple swim stops and included meal. The biggest “value lever” is lunch: fish or meat with Dalmatian salad is included.

The part to budget for is drinks. Drinks are not included, and people who want soda, juice, or anything beyond water will feel that cost during the day. If you’re traveling with picky drink preferences, you might want to bring cash/card for purchases once you’re on board.

Also consider the pace. If you’re hoping for constant activity—like a stop-by-stop guided lecture the whole time—this isn’t advertised as that kind of experience. Based on feedback, some travelers wanted more on-the-spot explanation, especially regarding where to walk at stops and how long you’d be there. If you’re the type who likes a strict agenda, make a point to clarify timing at the start of the day.

What I’d pack and plan for a smoother day on this boat

This tour heavily rewards people who come ready to swim and comfortable with being flexible.

Bring:

• Swimsuit (you’ll use it more than once)
• a towel or quick-dry option
• sun protection (hat + sunscreen)
• a light layer if you get chilly on open water
• a way to pay for drinks on board (since they’re not included)

Plan your mindset:

• Expect a mix of swimming time and island time.
• Assume some stops will feel more self-directed after the initial overview.
• If you’re traveling with children, ask the crew early about where kids should go and how to handle the island segments so the day doesn’t feel confusing.

If you care most about the water, aim to arrive ready to jump in quickly—Valsika is the place you’ll probably want to linger. If you care more about stories, lean into Zavratnica’s WWII remnants and the prison context on Goli otok and Sveti Grgur.

Who this boat tour suits best

This is a good fit if you want:

• swim-focused stops across multiple bays and islands
• included lunch (fish or meat + Dalmatian salad)
• a day that mixes sea views with place-based history, like the WWII ship remnants at Zavratnica and the prison-island background of Goli otok and Sveti Grgur
• a relaxed day where you can alternate between shore time and water time

It may be less ideal if you:

• need very detailed directions at every stop
• want a nonstop explanation program for kids
• hate time on a boat when the itinerary shifts to swimming and free choice

Should you book the Rab, Zavratnica, Goli otok & Sveti Grgur boat tour?

I’d book this if you’re chasing a classic Adriatic day with multiple swim chances and you don’t mind that history may be explained in short bursts rather than a full narrated tour. The included lunch is the kind of cost control that makes the $58 feel fair, and the stops hit the “sea + story” sweet spot.

You should think twice if you’re the type who gets restless without constant guidance, because some people found the on-site explanations limited. If that’s you, go anyway—but arrive with questions ready, and don’t assume every stop will come with a detailed walk-through.

If you want one straightforward decision rule: book it for the swimming at Zavratnica, Grgur, and Valsika, then treat the prison-island and WWII elements as an added bonus, not the only reason you’re there.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is 9 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in the port of Rab.

What stops are included during the day?

The itinerary includes Zavratnica, Goli otok, Island Grgur (Sveti Grgur), and Valsika.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the price, and you can choose fish or meat with Dalmatian salad.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, and you can buy them on the boat.

Is swimming allowed during the tour?

Yes. There are swimming stops, including Valsika and opportunities at Grgur.

Can you feed the deer?

Yes. On Island Grgur, you can feed the deer.

What languages is the host or greeter available in?

The host or greeter is available in Croatian, English, German, and Italian.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.