Go south, then swim clear water. This private wooden-boat trip sends you from Medulin toward Kamenjak National Park and the island of Ceja, with a warm welcome drink and a real change of pace from a fixed group itinerary. I love the built-in swim stops, especially the Golumbera underwater cave option with crew guidance, and I love that lunch on board is included (fish, meat, or vegetarian) with drinks. The main drawback to plan around: the cave time is short, and so is island time, so if you want to linger on rock faces and inlets, you may wish for more.

You’re also buying into the “do it your way” feeling of a private mini cruise. The crew runs the day with names like Ilia, Ricardo, Vitali, and Diana showing up across many sailings, and the vibe stays practical and friendly—help with getting settled, quick answers, and smooth transitions between stops.

Key highlights at a glance

• Kamenjak National Park swims with included admission and a southern-Istria route along Premantura
• Golumbera underwater cave swim option (you can also stay on board) with crew support
• Lunch on board with fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus drinks including wine and soft drinks
• Porer Lighthouse photo stop around the Austro-Hungarian landmark
• Two-hour beach break at Ceja Island with swimming, snorkeling, sun time, and toilets
• Private format for up to 1 group, so the schedule feels less crowded

Why this private Medulin boat day beats the usual group cruise

This is one of those tours where the private setup actually matters. Instead of being glued to a set group rhythm, you get a smooth mini-cruise format: you leave Medulin, work your way down the coast toward Kamenjak, and then pivot to Ceja for a beach-style stop. It feels like you’re shaping the day around water time, not around waiting your turn.

That also means the crew can respond to what your group needs. You’ll see a pattern in the feedback about staff being kind and professional, with names like Ilia, Vitali, and Ricardo coming up again and again. Even small details matter on the water: help with getting into swim areas, quick checks that everyone is set, and staff who stay attentive without hovering.

The tour is also designed for comfort during a warm day. You’ve got a restroom on board and WiFi, which sounds minor until you realize how handy it is when the sun is intense and you want quick shade and messaging control.

Price and what you truly get for it

The price is listed as $1,628.02 per group (up to 1), for about 5 hours. Yes, it’s not a cheap “see-the-view” boat ride. But you’re paying for a package that stacks a lot of costs into one day.

Here’s what’s included, based on the tour info:

• Lunch onboard: fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus drinks
• Welcome drink
• Wine, water, juices, and soft drinks
• Restroom on board and WiFi
• Tickets for key water stops (Kamenjak National Park and the Golumbera cave experience)
• Ceja Island stop with included admission

There’s also a small extra cost you should know: transportation by shuttle is €7 per person round trip (0–4 free). Pickup is offered, but you’ll want to confirm whether you need the shuttle or you plan to meet at the port yourself.

So the “value” angle is simple: you’re not just renting a boat and then buying everything else. You’re buying the day as a turnkey swim-and-eat experience.

From Port Authority Medulin to the southern-Istria route

Your starting point is the Port authority Medulin at Riva 18, Medulin. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a half-day of extra transfers.

Once you’re on board, the day starts with a panoramic view of the Medulin archipelago. The route then continues along the coast toward Premantura and into Kamenjak National Park waters. This matters because the cruise time isn’t just filler. You’re seeing the coastline in motion, with enough visual variety to keep things interesting even before the first swim.

Typical timing puts you at about 45 minutes for the first main stop area (with admission included). That’s a solid chunk of time in a prime stretch, especially when you remember you’re doing this from the water, not from a parking lot.

Practical tip: bring swim shoes if you have them. The tour involves water access and rocky shore zones, and you’ll feel better if your feet are stable when you step around near swim points.

Kamenjak National Park swim stop: a first taste of the wild coast

The first water stop is built around Kamenjak National Park. You’ll start with panoramic views over the Medulin archipelago, then cruise past the coast of Premantura and into the park area.

After about 45 minutes, you reach the most southern point of Istria by an underwater cave. That phrasing is important: this stop is about getting to a striking location from the sea and having time to swim where the water and rock meet in a dramatic way.

What I like about this first stop is how it sets the tone. You’re not immediately committing to the most intense cave swim. Instead, you get a “warm-up” swim experience: water clarity, coastal caves, and a sense of how Kamenjak feels from the boat.

Potential drawback: you’re still on a schedule. This is not a slow, lingering, land-and-water exploration day. If you love hanging out for long periods in one location, plan to treat this as a set of short, high-impact moments.

Golumbera cave: swim with the crew or just enjoy the view

The second major stop is the Cave Golumbera area, with about a 30-minute stop planned. Here’s the key detail: the crew accompanies you if you want to swim into the underwater cave.

If you’d rather not go inside, you can also stay on board and enjoy the view. That flexibility makes the tour easier to fit into real-life comfort levels. Some people want the full experience. Others prefer to watch, relax, and just enjoy the scenery.

There’s also a fun option mentioned: it’s possible to stay onboard and feed fishes. That turns a short stop into a small “moment” rather than just another anchor-and-go.

One more realistic note: 30 minutes goes quickly when the water is inviting. So if cave time is your top priority, be ready to move fast once you’re in the swim routine.

Porer Lighthouse: the quick photo and story break

Between swim stops, you’ll cruise around the Austro-Hungarian lighthouse Porer. This is positioned as a privileged spot for photos, and the staff helps with the lighthouse history as well as how it’s used now.

This portion is less about swimming and more about atmosphere and context. The point is to get a visual memory that feels separate from the pure-water segments. It also gives you a break from sun and movement when you’re ready.

If you’re traveling with a phone camera, this is the moment to slow down a bit. Lighthouse views tend to look best when you stand still, wait for the right angle, and let the boat settle.

Lunch on board while heading back: grilled food plus drinks

Lunch is served on board while cruising back along the Kamenjak coast. The timing is about 45 minutes, with the return shaped as a calm bay near the national park.

The menu is simple and practical: grilled fish, meat, or vegetables. You’re not stuck waiting for a specific dish, and you get a real break from the “just swim, then swim again” cycle.

Drinks are included, including wine and soft drinks. Several people also point out that drinks were included beyond just wine and water, with options like Coke and Fanta mentioned, plus beer in at least some onboard drink routines. Either way, the big advantage is you don’t need cash-on-hand to keep the thirst under control.

What makes this lunch setup work is that it’s not separate from the sailing. You eat with sea views and keep the day flowing. The onboard restroom also helps you stay comfortable, which is underrated when you’re in full sun.

Ceja Island: the best payoff for swimming and relaxing

Then comes Ceja Island, the “beach break” portion that many people remember most. You’ll have around 2 hours (sometimes described as two to three hours in planning language), and the activities are the classic summer mix:

• swim
• snorkel
• sunbath
• relax

Ceja is a private-island style stop. There’s a bar and restaurant for refreshments, plus toilets. That’s a big deal for comfort and convenience, especially if you’ve been in the sun for a while and want options besides saltwater and sunscreen.

Why I think Ceja works so well: it gives you an unhurried finish after the more structured cave moments. You get time to choose your pace—quick swims, long sun time, or just drifting in and out of the water.

Potential drawback to note: if you were hoping for a full day on land, this isn’t it. Ceja is a two-hour reset, not an all-day island stay. But as a finale, it’s a strong one.

Back to Medulin: short ride, clean end of day

After Ceja, the boat trip slowly finishes with a return to Medulin Harbour. The final segment is short—about 20 minutes—so you end the tour without a long, dragging wrap-up.

This is helpful if you want the rest of your day back on your schedule. Many people like having dinner plans later, and a short return keeps you from feeling stranded in “tour limbo.”

What to bring for the smoothest experience:

• swimwear and a towel (you’ll want quick-dry options)
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a light cover-up for transitions on deck
• if you’re sensitive to sun, consider a hat

Also, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation—handy if you’re mixing boat time with the rest of your Medulin visit.

Who should book this boat trip, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a sun-and-water day with real stops, not just a scenic cruise. I especially think it works for:

• people who want both cave scenery and beach time in one outing
• families—there’s strong mention of kid-friendly enjoyment tied to the swimming and island break
• vegetarians, since a vegetarian lunch option is offered
• anyone who likes staying out on the water with included drinks and a proper onboard meal

It might not be the right match if:

• you hate swimming or you don’t want water access at multiple stops
• you prefer long, slow exploring on land (this is timed and water-focused)
• you’re the type who needs long cave downtime; cave and island windows are short by design

If your goal is to maximize time in clear water and get a memorable mix of coastline, caves, lighthouse views, and an island beach, this is a strong bet.

Should you book Private Boat Trip with Sandra Boat Medulin, Kamenjak, Ceja?

I’d book it if you want a high-comfort private-format day that includes lunch, drinks, and admission for key stops, and you’re excited about swimming around Kamenjak and spending real time at Ceja Island. The value comes from how much is bundled: food, drinks, restroom access, WiFi, and paid-entry moments.

I’d think twice if you know you want more time at the cave areas and cliffs. The tour is built for variety and momentum, not for long lingering sessions. Also, this experience requires good weather, so you’ll want flexibility in your schedule.

If your dates line up and you’re a water person, this is the kind of day that makes Istria feel special fast.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Port authority Medulin, Riva 18, Medulin, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this really a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What’s included with the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is included (fish, meat, or vegetarian) with drinks included as well, including wine, water, juices, and a welcome drink. Alcohol is included for people 18 and older.

Do you include admission tickets for the stops?

Admission tickets are included for Kamenjak National Park and the Golumbera cave experience, and included for Ceja Island as well. The lighthouse Porer stop is a photo and history point during the cruise.

Can I swim inside Golumbera cave?

There is a possibility to swim inside the Golumbera underwater cave with the crew. If you prefer not to go inside, you can stay on board and enjoy the view.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance; within 24 hours of the start time, it isn’t refunded.