Boat Helena excursion – Novigrad Sea and Zrmanja
Novigrad Sea and the Zrmanja River canyon
Duration
6 h 30 minExcursion availability
April – OctoberExcursion type
Swimming and relaxationDetailed Information
Imagine a day without crowds, without waves and without rush. A day when the sea gently carries the boat through one of the most scenic areas of the Zadar archipelago.
The excursion starts at 9:00 from the port of Maslenica. As boat Helena quietly leaves the harbour, a welcome drink and breakfast on board await you. The cruise through the Novigrad Sea offers views of Velebit mountain, the karst landscape and the calm sea.
Entering the Zrmanja River canyon is a special experience. The emerald colour of the river, the high cliffs and the unspoilt nature create scenery that is hard to put into words. It is precisely because of its beauty that this area has often served as a film location.
During the excursion there are swimming breaks, including a swim in the cove in front of the centuries-old olive grove and later in the Adriatic Sea. Guests can swim, snorkel, use masks and swimming accessories, or simply enjoy sunbathing and relaxing on the deck.
At around 12:00 the boat arrives in Novigrad, where lunch awaits you. Available are a fish menu and a meat menu as well as a children's menu, with wine, water and juice. After lunch there is free time for a walk, swimming or visiting the museum.
On the return journey we sail under the Maslenica bridges towards the open Adriatic Sea, where another swimming break is scheduled before returning to the port of Maslenica at around 15:30.
The family crew takes care of boat Helena and every guest.
Helena, a sailor and preschool children's entertainer with experience working with young children, looks after the youngest guests during the cruise through activities and creative tasks, making the excursion especially enjoyable for families.
Captain Hrvoje has many years of experience sailing these waters. He took his first tourists back in 1988, and over the years has been involved in rescues and operations at sea. His life is bound to the Novigrad Sea and the Zrmanja River.
Other members of the Vulić family are also part of the crew, and together they ensure that every cruise passes safely and in a relaxed atmosphere.
Helena is a traditional wooden fishing vessel – a trawler, sturdy and stable, built for the sea and reliable sailing. She was built in 1988 at the renowned Betina shipyard on the island of Murter, originally named Račić, and served the Jerat family as a fishing vessel. She is one of the last boats built with 5 cm thick planking. The vessel Račić was the first boat that, in addition to fishing, served tourist purposes during the summer season, transporting passengers (it received dual registration from the CRS).
The boat is 16 m long and 4.44 m wide. It is powered by a heavy-duty Iveco engine with a displacement of 13.8 l.
The construction, engine and equipment are primarily intended for fishing and in rougher weather conditions on the Adriatic Sea, so the Novigrad Sea and the Zrmanja River are a sheltered and protected area in which it sails peacefully.
The boat has a capacity of 70 passengers, but on full-day excursions we typically have groups of 30–50 people so there is plenty of room. Passengers are accommodated at the stern, the bow and on the upper deck. During the cruise they can move freely and enjoy the beauty of nature, and groups of 10–20 people can also find their own private space on the boat.
The boat also has a small saloon, which is mostly used by children while they take turns steering the boat with the captain's help. Children are also entertained by a crew member of Helena who, through various creative and social activities, is also a trained educator with experience working in a kindergarten.
Boat Helena has two toilets for passengers and crew, and the saloon has a refrigerator so passengers have cold drinks throughout the journey. All passengers on board have sun protection, life jackets; the boat also has an inflatable and a rigid life raft, along with all other equipment meeting CRS requirements. In addition to sailing, swimming breaks and jumping from the boat are a great source of joy for our dear guests.
Full-day excursion
- Adults: 65 euros
- Children (3-10 years): 40 euros
- Children under 3 years: free
Short excursion lasting up to max 3.5 hours
- Adults: 40 euros
- Children (3-10 years): 20 euros
- Children under 3 years: free
Note: Drinks included in the price (iced tea, juices, water)
Daily boat rental for 7 hours
2000 euros
Note: Drinks included in the price (iced tea, juices, water)
VAT is included in the prices
Shorter boat rentals are possible by arrangement upon inquiry, for birthday parties, hen parties and similar events.
We offer a discount for large groups, families and returning guests.
Highlights
- Cruise through the Zrmanja River canyon
- Breakfast and lunch included in the price
- Swimming at three locations
- Traditional wooden boat Helena
- Free time in Novigrad
- Family atmosphere and crew
- Children's entertainment during the cruise
- Snorkelling equipment included
- Protected area without waves
- Experienced crew with years of expertise
What is included in the price?
- Breakfast on board (croissants, bakery products, fruit)
- Welcome drink (local drinks, brandy or liquēur)
- Drinks during the excursion (water, iced tea, juices)
- Lunch in Novigrad (fish/meat/children's menu)
- Wine, water and juice with lunch
- Chart for sailing through the Zrmanja River canyon
- Children's entertainment
- Snorkelling masks and snorkels
- Swimming accessories (inflatables, aids)
What is not included in the price?
- Beer and soft drinks on board
- Museum entry ticket in Novigrad
- Coffee and ice cream
- Personal souvenirs and accessories
- Transfer to/from Maslenica port
Excursion itinerary
09:00
Departure from the port of Maslenica
Our sea adventure begins! Boat Helena departs from the port of Maslenica. A chilled drink and a delicious breakfast on deck await you right after departure – croissants, fresh bakery products and fresh fruit, along with a welcome drink. While you enjoy breakfast, a relaxing cruise through the crystal-clear Novigrad Sea with beautiful views of Velebit begins.
09:30 - 10:30
Sailing through the Zrmanja River canyon
We enter the spectacular Zrmanja River canyon! The emerald green colour of the river, the high cliffs and unspoilt nature create an unforgettable scene. This area has often served as a film location thanks to its authentic beauty. During the cruise through the canyon enjoy cold juices, iced tea and water.
10:30 - 11:30
First swim – Cove of the ancient olive grove
The first swimming break in the crystal-clear Novigrad Sea, in a peaceful cove beneath a centuries-old olive grove. The perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling (free of charge) or simply relaxing in the sun. Inflatables and swimming aids are available for children, while the crew looks after entertainment for the youngest guests.
12:00 - 13:30
Lunch and free time in Novigrad
We moor in picturesque Novigrad where a hearty lunch awaits – a fish menu (fresh fish with potatoes and seasonal salad), a meat menu or a children's menu (chicken nuggets), with local wine, water and juices. After lunch there is free time to walk the narrow streets of the old town, swim on the local beaches or visit the museum that tells the rich history of this area.
13:30 - 14:30
Return – Sailing under the Maslenica bridges
The return voyage begins! We sail under the imposing Maslenica bridges – the old and the new – towards the open Adriatic Sea. This is a unique opportunity to see these monumental structures from the sea and enjoy the spectacular view.
14:30 - 15:15
Second swim – Adriatic Sea
The last swimming break in one of the hidden coves of the Adriatic Sea. Another opportunity to dive into crystal-clear water, jump from the boat or simply enjoy the sun and the tranquillity of the Dalmatian coast. Refreshing drinks are still available.
15:30
Return to the port of Maslenica
We return to the port of Maslenica, filled with wonderful experiences, memories and photographs. The end of an unforgettable day spent in one of the most beautiful areas of the Adriatic Sea, in the warm family atmosphere of the crew of boat Helena.