Boat excursion to the famous Sakarun beach
Sandy paradise on outer side of Dugi otok
Just three nautical miles south of the iconic Veli Rat lighthouse you’ll find the renowned sandy beach of Sakarun. Often called the "Caribbean of the Adriatic" for its brilliant white sand and turquoise waters, Sakarun consistently ranks among the top five beaches on the Adriatic. Sakarun's natural beauty and family-friendly shallows stretching up to 350 meters from shore.
A boat trip to Sakarun is considered one of the most comprehensive excursions in the region. The journey is as memorable as the destination, with stops at several unique sites along the way. One highlight is the network of old military tunnels—three in total—carved into the northern part of Dugi Otok between Dragove and Božava. Built by the Yugoslav Navy as submarine shelters during the Cold War, these tunnels are now accessible by boat and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s military past. Entering these vast tunnels by boat is an adventure in itself, often described as stepping into a secret lair from a spy film.


The route also includes a visit to Pantera Bay, a tranquil spot famous for its sandy seabed and vibrant sea colors, making it an ideal location for a morning swim. Just half a nautical mile from Pantera Bay lies the wreck of the Italian cargo ship Michelle, which ran aground in 1983. The wreck rests at a shallow depth of about 6 meters, making it easily accessible for snorkeling and beginner divers, with parts of the bow and foremast still visible above the surface.

On the way to Sakarun beach, you pass the Veli Rat lighthouse, the highest lighthouse on the entire Adriatic. The lighthouse itself was built in 1849, and with its imposing height of 42 meters, it is still the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic. Its yellowish and recognizable color from afar is the result of mixing eggs with the concrete from which it was built. According to island legends, there are as many as 100,000 egg yolks. Its light is visible at night even from a distance of 22 n/m.
Arriving at Sakarun beach is a special event, on a clear day the sea shines in all shades of turquoise, and at the bottom of the crystal clear sea you can see white sand. Anchoring in the bay itself is not allowed, but for that there are buoys for which you have to pay. The beach itself is a combination of turquoise sea and white sand and stretches for a length of 800 meters. The three hundred meter shallow sea is ideal for enjoying sports activities and is a safe environment for the youngest swimmers. Around the beach there is a pine forest that provides the necessary shade on very hot summer days. There are also 2 cafes available for refreshments or hot coffee.
Some of the best memories are made in flip flops
- "Kellie Elmore" -