Private Island Hopping Boat tour around Zadar with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar outing is its freedom. Instead of following a packed timetable, you have a private boat, a local skipper, and up to four hours to shape the trip around swimming, snorkeling, island views, and time in the small town of Preko on Ugljan. The relaxed pace suits families and friends who want the sea without a crowd or a rigid script.

I like two things in particular: the skipper can adjust the route to your wishes, and you can bring your own food and swimming gear. The included drinks and snorkeling equipment make the boat easy to enjoy, too. The main consideration is the extra 20 euro docking fee per boat, payable in cash before departure, plus the fact that the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to seven: Your group does not share the ride with strangers.
• Two island stops: One focuses on swimming and snorkeling, while Ugljan offers a walk, photos, and time in Preko.
• Flexible four-hour route: The skipper can adjust the plan and may allow supervised jumping from the boat.
• Drinks and snorkeling gear onboard: You can pack food, towels, and any personal swimming equipment you prefer.
• Friendly local guidance: Marino is praised for his easy conversation and interesting information about the islands.
• Simple meeting point: Meet behind Restaurant Foša, by the Tornado sign, 10 minutes before departure.

Leaving Foša for the Zadar islands

Your trip begins at Foša, a handy starting point in Zadar. Look for the back of Restaurant Foša and the Tornado sign, then arrive about 10 minutes before departure. This is not a large group excursion with a guide holding a flag. It is a private outing, so the meeting point matters and you should make sure everyone in your group knows exactly where to wait.

Once aboard, the boat heads out from the city and into the island waters. The ride from one stop to another takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the open water and talk with your skipper. The route covers two island areas, with around 80 minutes at the first stop and about 90 minutes on Ugljan.

The exact route has room to change. That is useful if your group has mixed interests. One person may want to swim, another may prefer photographs, and someone else may simply want to sit in the sun with a drink. A private boat lets the skipper balance those wishes better than a fixed group cruise can.

English is the tour language. Marino, named in the feedback about this experience, is praised for being friendly, talkative, and interesting when explaining the islands. That sort of personal contact can make the ride feel less like transport and more like a local introduction to the Zadar coast.

The first island stop: swimming, snorkeling, and quiet water

The first major stop is described as a quieter island spot away from the busiest tourist areas. You have about 80 minutes here for a guided introduction, swimming, snorkeling, refreshments, and free time. The appeal is simple: this is your chance to get into the water rather than spend the entire trip looking at it from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is available onboard, so you do not have to rent a mask and fins before setting out. Life jackets are also available if you need one. Ask the skipper rather than waiting until you are in the water, especially if younger swimmers are in your group.

The boat can also serve as your launch point. If you like a little action, you may be able to jump from the boat into the clear water under the skipper’s supervision. This is a nice option for confident swimmers, but it is not the heart of the trip. You can skip it and simply swim from a more comfortable position.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes. You are allowed to bring food and any extra swimming gear you want. Since food is not included, a packed lunch or simple snacks make sense, especially if your group prefers a longer break in the water.

The first stop is also where the private format earns its keep. On a shared cruise, you may get only a short swim before the boat has to move on. Here, the timing can fit your group more closely, within the overall four-hour limit. If everyone is eager to snorkel, you can make that the main event. If the water is not appealing that day, the skipper can give you more time to take photos or continue toward Ugljan.

Ugljan and the small town of Preko

After another stretch on the water, the boat reaches Ugljan, one of the best-known islands near Zadar. You have about an hour and a half here for a guided walk, photos, swimming, and free time. This stop adds a little more variety to the trip. You are not just stopping for a quick swim, you are also getting a chance to see island life on foot.

The town of Preko is a particular highlight. It is described as a small, authentic place, and that is exactly the kind of stop that can make a short boat tour feel more personal. You can walk around, take photographs, and enjoy a change from the boat deck. The town gives you a glimpse of the inhabited side of the island rather than only its shoreline.

Ugljan also works well for groups that do not all want the same activity. Swimmers can use the water, photographers can look for viewpoints, and anyone who prefers dry ground can take a walk. The 90-minute stop is long enough to avoid feeling rushed, although you will not have time for a full island tour.

One useful point is that the route can include scenic photo stops. The skipper has been praised for showing excellent places for photographs and viewpoints. If that matters to you, say so early in the trip. A private excursion is at its best when you tell the skipper what you want to see instead of waiting for every stop to be chosen for you.

The tour may also work well late in the day. One booking included a sunset view, with the guide helping the group catch the right timing. That is not guaranteed, since departure times and conditions vary, but it shows how the flexible schedule can add something special when the timing lines up.

Four hours that feel more personal

This tour is built around a compact four-hour window. A typical plan includes about 30 minutes of travel to the first stop, 80 minutes there, roughly 30 minutes onward to Ugljan, 90 minutes on the island, and about 30 minutes back to Foša. Those segments add up to four hours.

That timing gives you a proper outing without consuming a full day in Zadar. You still have time for the city before or after the boat ride. At the same time, four hours is long enough for swimming, snorkeling, an island walk, and a relaxed ride between stops.

The private format is more important than the headline duration. With up to seven people in your group, you can keep the day social and easy. Families can avoid the noise of a large excursion, and friends can share food and drinks without coordinating with strangers.

The tradeoff is that you are paying for the whole boat, not individual seats. The advertised price is $235 for a group of up to seven. If seven people share the cost, that is about $34 per person before the docking fee. For four people, it is about $59 per person, and for two people the per-person cost is much higher.

I see good value here for a full group that wants privacy and control. It is less compelling if you are alone or traveling as a couple and do not care about having a private boat. In that case, a shared cruise may cost less, though it will not offer the same ability to adjust the route.

Remember to add the 20 euro docking fee per boat. It is paid in cash upon arrival before the tour. This is a small cost for a full group, but it is easy to overlook when comparing prices.

Drinks, food, and what to bring

Refreshments are available onboard, which keeps the outing simple. You do not need to plan every drink in advance, though the supplied information does not give a full list of what is provided. Food is not included, but you are welcome to bring your own.

I would pack light, practical food that is easy to eat on a boat: sandwiches, fruit, and small snacks. Keep everything in a secure bag, since boat movement and water spray are part of the setting. You should also bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry layer for the ride back.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are onboard. If you have personal equipment that fits better or feels more familiar, you can bring it. The important point is that you do not need to arrange basic snorkeling gear separately.

The tour description specifically allows you to bring anything you need for the day. Use that freedom sensibly. A waterproof phone case can help with photographs, while a small dry bag protects wallets and electronics. These are practical suggestions rather than required equipment, but they can make a water-based outing easier.

The skipper makes the difference

A private boat trip depends heavily on the person at the helm. The strongest praise here centers on the skippers being friendly, flexible, and informative. Marino is specifically noted for interesting conversation about the islands, while another booking praised the captain for adjusting the plan to the group’s wishes.

That flexibility should guide how you use the tour. Tell the skipper if swimming is your main goal. Ask for photo stops if you want memorable views. Mention if your group includes children, less confident swimmers, or anyone who would rather walk than spend all day in the water.

The skipper also supervises boat jumping, which adds a safety-minded touch. Still, you remain responsible for judging your own comfort in the water. Life jackets are available, and you should ask for one if needed.

Do not expect a formal lecture covering every part of Dalmatian history. This is a small, personal trip, not a museum tour at sea. The value is in the local conversation, the flexible route, and the chance to ask questions as you go.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

This outing fits families, couples traveling with friends, and groups of up to seven who want a private day on the water. It is especially useful when people in your group have different ideas about a perfect boat trip. Swimmers can get water time, walkers can explore Preko, and photographers can ask for scenic stops.

It also suits anyone who prefers a quieter alternative to a large organized cruise. You have more say over the pace, and the two island stops offer a good mix of water and dry land.

It may not be right for wheelchair users, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair access. It is also not the best choice if you want a full meal, a long guided history tour, or a whole-day island exploration. Food is not included, the tour lasts four hours, and the route stays focused on two island stops.

The trip can work for active groups, but it is not limited to them. You can swim and jump from the boat, or you can simply enjoy the ride, drinks, views, and walk around Preko.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour is offered in English and is available as a private group. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Zadar plans. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Check the available starting times before booking, especially if you hope to catch a particular afternoon or sunset mood. The sunset timing noted in the feedback was a happy result of good planning, not a fixed promise for every departure.

Arrive 10 minutes early at the back of Restaurant Foša, by the Tornado sign. Bring cash for the 20 euro docking charge. Since the meeting point is specific and the tour leaves by boat, arriving late could create an avoidable problem.

Should you book this private Zadar boat trip?

I would book this tour if you have four to seven people, want a private boat, and value freedom more than a formal sightseeing program. The strongest features are the relaxed route, the chance to swim and snorkel, and the stop in Preko on Ugljan. The skipper’s friendly style and willingness to adjust the outing add real value.

Think twice if you are traveling alone, need wheelchair access, or want food included. Also budget for the 20 euro cash docking fee. For the right group, though, $235 buys a full four-hour outing with two islands, drinks, equipment, and room to make the day your own.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including travel between Foša, the island stops, and the return to Zadar.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to seven people.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Foša, behind the restaurant, by the Tornado sign. You should arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Which islands will the tour visit?

The experience includes two different islands in the Adriatic. One stop is used for swimming and snorkeling, and the second stop is on Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available onboard, and life jackets are also available if you need one.

Are drinks and food included?

Refreshments are available onboard, but food is not included. You may bring your own food and any swimming gear you need.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. A 20 euro docking fee is charged per boat. It must be paid in cash before the tour.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.