If there’s one excursion almost everyone in Rabac recommends, it’s the Fish Picnic to Cres. At first, it doesn’t sound particularly exciting.
A boat trip, lunch and a walk around Cres? It almost sounds like one of those classic tourist excursions that look better in the brochure than they do in real life. The reality is quite different. This isn’t about ticking another island off the list. It’s about spending an entire day on the Adriatic, slowing down, enjoying good food, swimming in crystal-clear water and discovering Cres without feeling like you’re following a schedule.
The boat leaves Rabac at 10 AM, which is one of the first things to appreciate. There’s no early alarm or rushing through breakfast. Just enough time for a coffee by the harbour before stepping aboard and watching Rabac slowly disappear behind the boat.
Seeing the coastline from the sea is a completely different experience. The hotels become tiny against the green hills, the beaches look even more inviting, and before long, it’s easy to forget what time it is.
The Swim Stop Might End Up Being Your Favourite Part
Before reaching Cres, the boat anchors near the beautiful bay of Dragozetići. Honestly, this will be one of the biggest surprises of the day. Photos really don’t do the water justice.
It’s incredibly clear, calm and almost unbelievably blue. The kind of water where you can see every rock beneath your feet and watch fish swimming around without even needing goggles—although bringing a snorkel mask is definitely a good idea if you have one.
There’s no rush to get back on board. Some people swim. Others simply float in the sea. Some stay on the boat, enjoying the sunshine with a cold drink. It’s one of those moments that reminds you holidays don’t always need a packed itinerary. Sometimes an hour spent in beautiful water is enough.
P.S. If you’re visiting outside the peak summer months, the experience changes slightly. Instead of stopping at Dragozetići, the boat heads to the small fishing village of Valun. Quieter beaches, a slower pace and an authentic waterfront make it feel like discovering a different side of Cres—one that’s just as rewarding, only with fewer people around.
Lunch Tastes Better on a Boat
While leaving Rabac, lunch probably isn’t something you’ll be thinking about. That changes quite quickly. Somewhere between the swim stop and Cres, the smell of freshly grilled fish starts drifting across the deck, and suddenly everyone begins wondering how much longer until lunch.
The menu is simple, exactly as Mediterranean food should be. Freshly grilled fish, a meat option or a vegetarian meal, served with simple sides while the boat gently cruises across the Adriatic. No fancy presentation. No unnecessary extras. Just fresh, honest food prepared on board. And somehow, everything tastes better at sea. Maybe it’s the salty air. Maybe it’s the gentle movement of the boat. Or maybe it’s simply because there isn’t anywhere else to be. Lunch isn’t just another stop during the excursion—it becomes part of the whole experience.
Cres Is Best Explored Without a Plan
After lunch, the boat arrives in Cres. The first instinct is usually to walk as much as possible and “see everything.” Don’t. Cres isn’t that kind of place. It’s a town best enjoyed without Google Maps telling you where to go next. Take one of the small stone streets that catches your eye. Stop for an espresso by the harbour. Browse a local shop. Sit on a bench for a few minutes and watch fishing boats come and go. The best memories usually aren’t found on a checklist. They’re found in the moments between attractions.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. If you enjoy snorkelling, pack a mask—the water around Dragozetići is perfect for it. Comfortable shoes are also worth bringing. Flip-flops are ideal for the boat, but if you’d like to wander around Cres, trainers or sandals will make exploring much easier.
And don’t forget your camera or phone.Not because you’ll spend the whole day taking photos, but because you’ll probably regret not capturing a few of the views once you’re back home.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Not because it’s packed with activities every hour. Quite the opposite. Nobody is trying to entertain you every five minutes. There’s no pressure to rush from one place to another. It’s simply a well-spent summer day. A scenic cruise across Kvarner Bay. A swim in crystal-clear water. Freshly grilled fish enjoyed out at sea. An afternoon exploring one of Croatia’s most beautiful island towns. And a relaxed boat ride back to Rabac as the afternoon sun slowly begins to soften.
Sometimes, the best excursions aren’t the ones where the most happens. They’re the ones where everything simply feels… easy. And that’s exactly what makes this fish picnic one of the best day trips you can take from Rabac.
Little Book Notes
If you’re deciding between several boat trips during your stay, this is the one to choose if you’re looking for a genuinely relaxing day, but fun day rather than an adrenaline-filled adventure. Go for the swim stop. Stay for the freshly grilled fish. And don’t rush through Cres—some of the nicest moments happen when you simply wander without a destination.
