Zadar: 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz & Snorkeling

Zadar’s best half-day escape is not far offshore. This small-group cruise takes you from the old Foša harbor toward Ošljak and Ugljan, where the day shifts between clear Adriatic water, quiet island paths, and easy time aboard a modern boat. You swim, snorkel, walk, and have a drink without giving up a whole day.

I especially like the maximum group of 12, which keeps the boat from feeling crowded, and the useful mix of activities. Ošljak gives you a real village feel, while the stop near Ugljan lets you choose between a swim, a church and monastery visit, or a snack in Preko. The main caution is the extra cash docking fee, which is €10 per adult and €5 for children under 12.

Key points to know before you book

• Three island-area stops in three to four hours: You get a proper half-day on the water, not just a quick scenic cruise.
• Ošljak is the character stop: Around 30 people live on this tiny island, once used as a quarantine site for Zadar and now a small fishing village.
• Swimming time is central to the experience: Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but fish sightings can be modest and water temperature depends on the day.
• Small boat, small group: The maximum is 12 people, with room to sit, sunbathe, or stay aboard while others swim.
• Aperol Spritz or Prosecco is included: Bottled water and snorkeling gear are also supplied, though the advertised allowance should be clarified before departure.
• Budget for the docking charge: Bring cash for the €10 adult or €5 child fee, which is not included in the tour price.

Leaving Zadar through Foša harbor

The tour begins in Zadar’s oldest harbor, Foša. As the boat leaves, you get an appealing view back toward the Old Town, a fine opening scene before the city gives way to open water and island shores.

The ride heads south toward Ugljan. The total outing lasts about three to four hours, including the boat time between stops. That makes this a good choice if you want an island taste without sacrificing the rest of your day in Zadar.

The boat accommodates no more than 12 people. That matters here. You can move between a swim, a walk, and a quiet spell on board without the crowded feeling common on larger coastal excursions. Several skippers, including Edi, Mario, and Mate, are praised for being friendly, helpful, and attentive to safety. The exact skipper depends on the departure.

You should expect a short briefing before setting off. The crew explains the day’s plan, the stops, and the basic arrangements on the boat. One practical point: shoes may need to come off while boarding or on the boat, so wear something easy to remove. Water shoes are also useful for reaching rocky island edges.

Ošljak: a tiny island with a real village feel

The first Ošljak stop is for swimming and snorkeling, with about 40 minutes in the water. The Adriatic here is often wonderfully clear and blue, and the sheltered setting can be ideal for a relaxed swim.

Snorkeling is simple rather than expedition-like. Equipment is provided, and you might see small fish close to shore. Do not book this expecting a major underwater spectacle. On some days, the water has held little more than small sprats, yet the clear shallows still make a pleasant place to cool off.

The water temperature can vary. One departure had water that felt too cold for snorkeling, so you should bring a towel, sun protection, and a light layer for the ride back if you tend to chill. The crew does not control the weather or the sea conditions, and wind can affect how long you want to stay in the water.

After the swim, you get about 45 minutes to walk around Ošljak. This is the most distinctive stop because it is the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic Sea, with roughly 30 residents. It is not a polished resort. That is the point.

Ošljak was once used as a quarantine place for Zadar. Later, it became a fishing village, and you can still sense that modest scale as you walk among the homes and natural areas. Do not expect a long list of sights. Instead, you get a short, quiet wander on an island where daily life is still the main attraction.

The two Ošljak visits work well together. First you see the island from the water and enjoy the swimming area. Then you have enough time to walk ashore, stretch your legs, and see the village at a slower pace.

Školjić and Preko near Ugljan

The final stop is around Školjić, near the island of Ugljan. This area is used for swimming, sightseeing, and a visit to the old church and monastery collection. You have about an hour here, making it the most flexible part of the tour.

You can stay near the water, use the snorkeling equipment, or take a walk around Preko village. You might also stop for lunch or a quick snack, although the time is limited and the tour price does not include food.

This flexibility is a real strength. A mixed group does not have to do the same thing. You can swim while another person walks through Preko, or remain aboard and enjoy the view if the sea feels too cold. The trip is not built around a rushed list of monuments. It gives you a few attractive choices and lets you set your own pace.

The drawback is that the information at the stops can vary with the skipper. Edi, Mario, and Mate have been singled out for local tips, island stories, and help getting on and off the boat. At least one departure had limited explanation, so you should think of this mainly as a scenic island outing with guiding, not a formal history tour.

What the boat experience is really like

The boat is described as modern, clean, comfortable, and well kept. You get bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and one alcoholic drink listed as Aperol Spritz or Prosecco. The drink is a pleasant extra during the short rides between islands rather than the main reason to book.

Some departures have also included fresh fruit, such as cherries or peaches. That appears to be an occasional courtesy rather than a guaranteed inclusion, so do not count on it when planning your food.

The crew usually serves the drink during the cruise, and the small group makes it easier to ask for water or help. The boat can also be a good place to simply sit and watch the coastline if you do not want to swim.

There are two points to clarify before paying. First, the listed inclusion says one drink, while one account described an allowance of two per person. Second, the docking fee is separate and payable in cash: €10 per adult and €5 per child under 12. With a listed price of $36.30 per person, an adult’s practical cost is closer to the tour price plus roughly €10, before any food or other spending.

That is still a fair deal for a small-group cruise lasting up to four hours, especially with snorkeling equipment and a drink included. It is less attractive if you are comparing it with a simple public boat ride and do not care about organized swimming stops.

Timing, weather, and cruise-ship planning

The boat leaves on time, and you should treat the stated start time seriously. The meeting point may be close to public transportation, but it is not necessarily beside the cruise terminal. One booking party needed a taxi from the ship and found the meeting point about two miles away.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, allow a generous margin for disembarking, finding transport, and reaching the dock. A late ship arrival can create a real problem. The operator has waited a few extra minutes on some occasions, but you should not depend on that. Contact the company in advance if your ship schedule is tight, and keep all start-time instructions in one place.

The experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and you should be offered another date or a full refund. A late start caused by weather can also reduce the time available for swimming or make the return ride feel rushed.

That is worth keeping in mind before booking. A calm, sunny day can produce beautiful water and easy island walks. A windy or cool day may turn the outing into mostly sightseeing from the boat. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this for couples, friends, and families who want a compact taste of island life. It suits people who like a loose plan: swim for a while, walk a little, stop for a drink, and move on before the afternoon disappears.

Families can benefit from the short duration and the choice to swim or stay aboard. The crew has been praised for putting safety first and helping with boarding. Still, children should be comfortable around water and on a moving boat, and parents should bring suitable sun protection and towels.

This is also a good fit for a first visit to Zadar. You get a view of the Old Town from the harbor, a small inhabited island, a second island area, and time for a drink on the Adriatic. It gives you more variety than a simple beach stop.

I would hesitate if you want a serious snorkeling trip, a long guided history program, or a guaranteed lunch stop. Fish can be sparse, the water may be cold, and the historical information is not the central focus. You should also be comfortable with a weather-dependent plan and an extra docking payment.

Practical packing advice

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. Sun on the water can feel strong even when Zadar itself seems comfortable.

Water shoes are a smart addition for rocky access points. Wear footwear that is easy to remove for boarding, since shoes may not be worn throughout the boat ride.

Pack a little cash for the docking charge. If you want lunch at Preko, bring additional money and remember that the stop is only about an hour.

Keep your expectations flexible. You might snorkel in clear, calm water, or you might decide that a walk and a drink are better on the day. The best feature of this outing is that it allows both choices.

Should you book the Ošljak and Ugljan boat tour?

For most people, yes, if you want an easy half-day on the water at a reasonable price. The strongest points are the small group, clean modern boat, attractive island stops, and the balance between free time and simple guidance. A 4.9 rating from 387 ratings and a 99 percent recommendation rate also point to consistently strong satisfaction.

Book it for the scenery, swimming, and relaxed island time, not for a major snorkeling adventure or a detailed lecture. Confirm the meeting point, ask about the drink allowance, bring cash for the docking fee, and leave plenty of time if you are coming from a cruise ship.

If the weather is good and you like a flexible day with room to swim or wander, this is one of the better-value ways to get beyond Zadar without committing to a full-day excursion.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar island boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three to four hours, including the time spent traveling between Zadar and the island stops.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The tour includes Ošljak and a stop near Ugljan Island at Školjić, with time to walk around Preko village. Ošljak appears in the itinerary as both the swimming stop and the later walking stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Is a drink included in the price?

Yes. The listed inclusion is one alcoholic drink, either an Aperol Spritz or Prosecco. Some departures have offered more, so clarify the allowance before setting out.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you should be offered another date or a full refund.