Question 1

What is the "Jet Ski Damage Scam" scam in Zadar?

Accepted Answer

Jet ski rental operators at Zadars Borik beach resort and Diklo beach demand large cash deposits then allege damage to the watercraft upon return. Pre-existing marks on the hull are not documented before rental begins, and operators use the lack of paperwork to justify demands of 200–500 EUR in cash. Police involvement is threatened when tourists refuse. Insist on a written and signed condition checklist with photos before renting any jet ski or watercraft. If the operator will not provide documentation, do not proceed. Use a credit card for the deposit where possible to retain chargeback rights.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Island Tour Company" scam in Zadar?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed individuals in Zadar old town sell boat trips to the Kornati Islands and Telašćica Nature Park using photocopied flyers and social media pages that mimic licensed operators. Tickets are pre-paid in cash, and on the day of departure either the boat fails to arrive or a seriously substandard vessel appears. Complaints are unresolvable as the seller has no registered business address. Book Kornati island tours only through the Zadar tourist office at Mihovila Klaića 1 or through accommodation provided by your hotel. Verify the operators boat licence number before paying. Never pay cash to a street tout for any multi-day excursion.

Question 3

What is the "Catamaran Day Trip Overbooking" scam in Zadar?

Accepted Answer

Day trip catamaran operators departing from the Zadar ferry quay sometimes oversell their island-hopping tours. Passengers who paid in full online may arrive to find the vessel full or significantly different from what was advertised, including fewer stops, shorter time on each island, or a smaller boat. Operators pressure disappointed passengers to accept partial refunds or credit toward future trips rather than full cash reimbursement. Book only through operators with verifiable reviews on TripAdvisor or Google. Pay by credit card to enable a chargeback if the trip is materially different from the advertised description. Confirm the vessel type, number of stops, and lunch inclusion in writing before paying.

Tour & Activity Scams in Zadar

Jet Ski Damage Scam

Fake Island Tour Company

Catamaran Day Trip Overbooking

Experienced a scam here?