Olib from Novalja by Boat: Our Unforgettable KIT-KAT Trip

There are places in Croatia that impress you immediately — and then there are places like Olib, which slowly win you over with their silence, turquoise sea, Mediterranean flowers and wonderfully relaxed island atmosphere.

If you are staying on Pag Island and are searching for a memorable day trip, travelling from Novalja to Olib by boat is an experience we can wholeheartedly recommend.

We made the journey aboard the KIT-KAT excursion boat operated by Dolphin Excursions Novalja, and it turned into one of those holiday days you remember long after returning home.

The combination was almost perfect: sailing across the Adriatic, discovering the peaceful island of Olib, walking among stone houses and Mediterranean gardens, swimming in exceptionally clear water and enjoying an excellent freshly prepared fish lunch aboard the boat.

And what made the experience even better?

The people.

The team at Dolphin Excursions were genuinely friendly, relaxed and welcoming throughout the trip. There was none of the impersonal feeling that sometimes comes with larger tourist excursions. Instead, the atmosphere aboard KIT-KAT felt authentically Adriatic.

And the fish served aboard the boat deserves a special mention. It was beautifully prepared, simple, fresh and full of flavour — quite honestly, one of the best prepared fish meals we have ever eaten on a boat excursion.

For anyone visiting Pag Island, Olib is a wonderful escape from the busier Croatian resorts.

Olib Boat Trip from Novalja at a Glance

Experience	Details
Destination	Olib Island, Croatia
Departure	Novalja main port, Pag Island
Boat	KIT-KAT
Operator	Dolphin Excursions Novalja
Main route	Novalja → Olib → Silba → Novalja
Best for	Couples, families, friends and nature lovers
Highlights	Olib village, Kaštel tower, Mediterranean nature, swimming and island atmosphere
Food	Fish or meat lunch aboard the boat
Our highlight	The exceptionally well-prepared fish and friendly crew

For current sailing days, availability, prices and reservations, visit Dolphin Excursions Novalja.

Why Visit Olib?

Olib belongs to the Zadar archipelago and feels very different from the larger and busier Croatian islands.

There is only one main settlement, and life here still follows a slower rhythm.

You arrive from the sea rather than through busy roads and parking areas. Within minutes of leaving the harbour, you find quiet paths, stone walls, Mediterranean vegetation, colourful flowers and traditional houses.

It is exactly the type of place many people imagine when they dream about an undiscovered Croatian island.

Olib is particularly attractive if you enjoy:

• crystal-clear Adriatic water
• peaceful island villages
• sandy and shallow bays
• Mediterranean vegetation
• authentic Croatian island architecture
• walking instead of driving
• uncrowded surroundings
• photography
• swimming
• slow travel

Olib does not try to entertain you every minute.

That is precisely its charm.

Sailing from Novalja to Olib aboard KIT-KAT

The adventure begins in the main harbour of Novalja on Pag Island.

Novalja is famous internationally for Zrće Beach and summer nightlife, but its harbour is also an excellent starting point for discovering the islands scattered across this part of the Adriatic.

Boarding KIT-KAT immediately changes the rhythm of the day.

Novalja slowly disappears behind you and the Adriatic opens ahead.

Instead of roads, traffic and sightseeing schedules, there is simply the sea, the islands on the horizon and the feeling that you are heading somewhere different.

The crossing toward Olib is part of the experience itself.

For visitors staying on Pag who have already explored the island by car, seeing this part of Croatia from the sea gives an entirely different perspective.

If you are planning several days of exploring Pag, also see our complete guide to things to do on Pag Island.

Arriving on Olib

Approaching Olib Island from the sea is when you begin to understand its appeal.

There are no huge hotels dominating the coastline and no dense tourist development welcoming you to the harbour.

Instead, Olib feels intimate.

You step ashore and very quickly encounter the things that make Mediterranean islands so beautiful: stone, flowers, intense sunlight, old houses and deep blue sky.

One of our favourite things about Olib was simply walking.

You do not need an elaborate itinerary here.

Follow one of the lanes away from the harbour and within minutes you can find yourself surrounded by oleander, bougainvillea, agave, stone walls and peaceful gardens.

Then, just as suddenly, a street opens toward the impossibly blue Adriatic.

That contrast — old village, green Mediterranean vegetation and turquoise water — is pure Olib.

Kaštel: The Historic Symbol of Olib

One landmark you should definitely see while exploring Olib is Kaštel, the impressive stone defensive tower that rises above the settlement.

The massive stone structure immediately stands apart from the smaller houses surrounding it.

Kaštel dates back to the period when island communities needed protection against attacks from the sea, and today it remains one of the most recognizable sights on Olib.

Standing beneath it and looking upward at its thick stone walls gives you a glimpse into an entirely different chapter of Adriatic history.

It is also one of the best places on the island for photography.

The Flowers of Olib

One thing photographs communicate better than words is just how colourful Olib can be in summer.

Large bougainvillea climb across houses and balconies, creating cascades of purple and pink flowers.

Oleander grows against a background of intense blue sky.

Agave lines some of the walking paths.

Against the pale stone and sun-bleached architecture, these colours become even more dramatic.

For us, these small details were an important part of Olib’s character.

They turn an ordinary walk through the village into something exceptionally photogenic.

Olib Beaches and Crystal-Clear Water

Olib is also known for its peaceful coastline and shallow bays.

The island is especially attractive to travellers who prefer swimming in clear water without the atmosphere of a major resort beach.

Among the best-known areas are the shallow bays of Slatina and Slatinica, on the eastern side of the island.

Even if your excursion does not provide enough time to explore every part of the island, the water around Olib immediately shows why sailors and swimmers love this part of Croatia.

The sea can shift from deep Adriatic blue to beautiful shades of turquoise close to shore.

Bring your swimsuit.

You will probably want to use it.

Lunch aboard KIT-KAT: One of the Highlights of the Trip

Some excursion lunches are simply something you eat because it is included in the trip.

This was different.

The fish aboard KIT-KAT was genuinely excellent.

Freshly prepared, beautifully cooked and served in the uncomplicated way that good Adriatic fish should be, it became one of our favourite parts of the entire excursion.

In fact, we would describe it as some of the best fish we have eaten aboard an excursion boat.

There is something especially enjoyable about eating freshly prepared fish while surrounded by the Adriatic Sea after spending the morning exploring Olib.

It is difficult to manufacture that type of experience.

It simply feels like summer in Croatia.

A Special Mention for Dolphin Excursions

The crew can completely change the character of a boat trip.

On our journey, the people from Dolphin Excursions Novalja were exceptionally friendly.

They created a relaxed atmosphere from the beginning of the excursion and made everyone feel welcome rather than simply transported from one island to another.

That personal approach is one of the reasons we would happily recommend the trip to our own guests staying on Pag Island.

You can find their latest excursion information and contact details directly at Dolphin Excursions Novalja – KIT-KAT boat excursions.

Olib and Silba in One Day

The excursion does not have to end with Olib.

The KIT-KAT route also connects Olib with the beautiful island of Silba, creating a full island-hopping day from Novalja.

While Olib has its own quiet, timeless character, Silba offers another interpretation of small-island Adriatic life.

Experiencing two islands during one excursion is one of the biggest advantages of this route.

You return to Pag having seen a completely different side of Croatia without needing to change accommodation or organize complicated ferry connections yourself.

Is Olib Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

This island is especially worth visiting if you already know the more famous parts of Croatia and want to discover something quieter and more authentic.

Do not come expecting large attractions, shopping centres or organised entertainment.

Come for the opposite.

Come for a peaceful village.

Come for the colours of bougainvillea against stone walls.

Come for narrow island paths.

Come for turquoise water.

Come for Kaštel.

Come for a slow walk under the Croatian sun.

And if you travel from Novalja aboard KIT-KAT, come hungry — because the fish alone is worth remembering.

Who Will Love a Novalja to Olib Boat Trip?

Couples

The sea crossing, quiet island streets and beautiful scenery make this island experience a very romantic day trip.

Families

A boat trip breaks up a traditional beach holiday and gives children a real island adventure.

Photographers

Olib offers an almost endless combination of stone architecture, Mediterranean flowers, blue sky and turquoise sea.

Nature lovers

The island’s relatively undeveloped landscape feels refreshingly different from Croatia’s larger resorts.

Guests staying on Pag Island

This may be the perfect group.

You can enjoy everything Pag offers while using Novalja as your gateway to completely different islands for a day.

If you are searching for accommodation in this part of Pag, explore our guide to Novalja apartments and accommodation.

Practical Tips for Visiting Olib from Novalja

Book ahead in high season. Boat excursions can become popular during July and August.

Bring sunscreen and a hat. The Mediterranean sun can be intense both on the boat and while walking around Olib.

Take swimming clothes. You are travelling to one of the clearest parts of the Adriatic.

Wear comfortable shoes. Exploring Olib is best done on foot.

Bring your camera or phone fully charged. Olib is exceptionally photogenic.

Take some water with you while exploring. Summer temperatures can become high.

Confirm the current departure time and itinerary directly with the operator. Boat schedules can change because of weather or operational conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olib

Where is Olib?

Olib is a Croatian island in the Zadar archipelago in northern Dalmatia, located near Silba and within easy reach of this part of the Adriatic by boat.

Can you visit Olib from Novalja?

Yes. One of the easiest ways for visitors staying on Pag Island is a day excursion departing from Novalja. Dolphin Excursions operates its KIT-KAT excursion boat on the Novalja–Olib–Silba route.

Is Olib worth a day trip?

Yes. Olib is particularly suitable for travellers who enjoy quiet islands, beautiful swimming water, Mediterranean scenery, historic architecture and a slower atmosphere.

What should I see on the island?

The historic Kaštel tower, Olib village, Mediterranean gardens, coastline and shallow bays are among the highlights.

Does the excursion include food?

The KIT-KAT excursion offers a lunch option aboard the boat. During our trip we chose the fish, which was exceptionally well prepared and became one of the highlights of the day.

Is Olib good for families?

Yes. A Novalja to Olib boat trip can be an excellent family excursion, particularly for children who enjoy boats, swimming and discovering new islands.

What is the best way to book the Olib excursion?

Check the current itinerary, availability and booking information directly with Dolphin Excursions Novalja.

Olib: A Different Side of Croatia

Pag Island gives you dramatic landscapes, beaches, restaurants, nightlife and centuries of tradition.

But one of the pleasures of staying on Pag is discovering what lies across the water.

Olib is one of those discoveries.

It is quiet without being boring, beautiful without feeling manufactured and memorable without needing spectacular tourist attractions.

Our day aboard KIT-KAT with Dolphin Excursions gave us exactly what we hope for from an Adriatic excursion: beautiful islands, clear sea, genuinely friendly people, excellent food and enough time away from everyday life to remember why we travel in the first place.

If you are spending your holiday on Pag and wondering whether to take the boat from Novalja, our answer is simple:

Go.

Olib may become one of the unexpected highlights of your holiday in Croatia.

Written by Blaž Fabjan | ApartmentPag.com
First-hand travel experience • Visited Olib in August 2026

Blaž Fabjan writes from personal experience about Pag Island, Novalja and the surrounding Croatian islands. His guides on ApartmentPag.com are based on places he has personally visited, with original photography, practical local tips and recommendations for travellers looking to discover the authentic side of Pag and Dalmatia.