Private Island Hopping Boat tour around Zadar with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar outing is its freedom. You leave Foša in a private boat with your own skipper, then shape the four hours around swimming, snorkeling, island walks, photos, or simply sitting back with a drink. The route includes two island stops, with Ugljan and its pleasant little town of Preko providing the most local-feeling part of the day.

I like the private format, which means you are not tied to a large group or a rigid timetable. I also like the easygoing mix of activities: one stop for clear-water swimming and snorkeling, another for exploring Ugljan. The main consideration is the extra €20 docking fee per boat, payable in cash before departure, and food is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to seven people: The $235 price covers the group, so the value improves sharply when shared by family or friends.
• Two island stops: Expect time for swimming and snorkeling, followed by a visit to Ugljan, including the town of Preko.
• Flexible route: You can bring food, swimming gear, and other personal items, and ask the skipper about jumping from the boat.
• A local skipper makes the difference: Marino is named in the feedback as a friendly, talkative skipper who explained the islands well. Your assigned skipper may differ.
• Four hours on the water: The trip includes several boat rides, roughly 30 minutes each, plus about 80 minutes at the first stop and 90 minutes on Ugljan.
• Bring cash for the fee: The €20 docking charge is separate from the tour price and must be paid on arrival.

Leaving Foša for a quieter side of Zadar

The meeting point is behind Restaurant Foša, by the Tornado sign. Arrive 10 minutes before departure so you can find the right spot without rushing. From there, the boat takes you away from Zadar’s waterfront and into the island setting that makes this part of Dalmatia so appealing.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fixed script and a long list of stops. You have a private group, an English-speaking skipper, and room to adjust the outing to your mood. If your group wants a calm swim, you can keep the pace slow. If everyone is keen to snorkel, jump from the boat, and walk around Ugljan, the skipper can build the time around that.

The boat ride itself takes up a good portion of the excursion. The published route allows roughly 30 minutes of water transport at the start, another 30 minutes before Ugljan, and another 30 minutes for the return to Foša. That leaves about 2 hours and 50 minutes for stops, swimming, walking, and photos.

That timing matters. You are not spending four hours at one beach, but you are also not being hurried from one photo stop to the next. The boat rides give you a chance to watch the coast pass by, while the stops provide enough time to do more than step ashore, take a picture, and leave.

The first island stop: swimming and snorkeling time

The first stop is described as a quieter island location away from the main tourist areas. You will have about 80 minutes here for a break, swimming, snorkeling, and a guided look around the area. Welcome refreshments are available onboard, giving this part of the trip a relaxed picnic-on-the-water feel, though food itself is not included.

This is likely the most useful stop for anyone who wants time in the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard, and life jackets are available if you need one. You can also bring your own swimming equipment, food, or anything else you want for the four-hour outing.

The water activities are flexible rather than formal. You are not signing up for a technical snorkeling session or a lesson. Instead, you can use the equipment, swim at your own pace, and ask the skipper about jumping from the boat. Jumping is possible with the skipper’s supervision, which makes it a fun option for confident swimmers but not an obligation for the whole group.

I would treat this stop as the day’s best chance to get wet. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, keep a towel handy, and pack sun protection. The tour information does not specify changing facilities, so it is sensible to arrive ready for the water.

The quiet setting is part of the appeal, but do not expect a developed beach with a full range of services. The point is to get away from the busy waterfront and enjoy a simple island pause. If you need a café, shade, or a wide choice of facilities, you will be better served by the later stop in Preko.

Ugljan and Preko: the walking part of the day

After the first water stop, the boat continues to Ugljan. You have about 90 minutes here for a photo stop, a guided visit, a walk, and possibly another swim. This is the part of the tour that gives the outing some connection to island life, rather than making it only a boat-and-beach trip.

The small town of Preko is a particularly useful focus for your time on Ugljan. It is described as authentic and pleasant, with a more lived-in feel than a purpose-built resort. You can walk around, take photos, and see a little of the island at ground level before returning to the boat.

Ninety minutes is enough for a compact visit, but not enough for a long island tour. Keep your expectations in check. You will not cover all of Ugljan, and the skipper cannot turn this into a full-day island exploration. What you get is a taste of the island, with time to stroll and enjoy the setting without sacrificing the swimming stop.

The skipper’s local input can be useful here. Marino, named in one of the comments about the experience, was praised for being talkative and for explaining the islands in an interesting way. Another person singled out the skipper for finding good photo spots and scenic viewpoints, even timing the outing to catch sunset. Sunset timing will depend on your departure time and the day of your trip, so do not book the tour assuming it will always include one.

Preko is also the more practical stop for anyone in your group who prefers walking to swimming. Children, older family members, or anyone who does not want to jump into the water can still enjoy the island visit and the boat ride. The tour is not wheelchair suitable, however, so the access needs of your group deserve attention before booking.

What the private format really gives you

A private tour sounds appealing, but its value depends on how your group uses it. Here, the benefit is clear: up to seven people share one boat, and the skipper can respond to your wishes rather than following a large group schedule.

If you are traveling as a family, you can split the day between active and quiet moments. Some people can snorkel while others relax onboard. If you are with friends, you can ask for more time in the water or make the island walk the main focus. The skipper will make the route fit your group as far as the four-hour limit allows.

The flexible format also helps with photographs. You can ask to pause at attractive viewpoints, and the skipper may point out good places for pictures. The exact route is not fixed in the information provided, so you should discuss your priorities at the start. Say clearly if swimming, Preko, snorkeling, or sunset matters most.

There is also a social advantage. On a shared cruise, you may spend much of the day waiting for strangers to finish swimming or walking. Here, the group is your family or friends, which makes the pace more natural. The boat becomes your base for the afternoon rather than just transport between scheduled stops.

Still, private does not mean luxury. Refreshments are available, but food is not included. The activity is built around the boat, the water, and simple island stops rather than a catered meal or a polished onboard service.

Drinks, equipment, and what to pack

Refreshments are available onboard for your convenience. The information does not specify exactly which drinks are provided, so I would not rely on this as your only supply for four hours. Bring any food you want, especially if children or hungry swimmers are in the group.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Life jackets are onboard too, and you can ask the skipper for one. You can bring your own mask, fins, water shoes, towel, sunscreen, hat, and dry clothing if you prefer to use personal gear.

A practical packing list would include:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Food or snacks
• Extra drinking water if needed
• Dry clothes for the ride back
• Cash for the €20 docking fee
• Personal snorkeling gear, if you have it

Keep loose items secure during the boat rides. The supplied information does not give details about storage, so small bags are easier than bulky luggage. You should also ask the skipper where to leave anything that must stay dry.

How much value do you get for $235?

The price is $235 per group of up to seven people. That works out to about $34 per person if the boat is full, before the separate docking charge. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy, route flexibility, and a boat that is not shared with a large group.

For seven people, this is a strong value if you want a half-day on the water. You receive a private skipper, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, two island stops, and the ability to request changes to the route. You are also buying time, since the group does not need to fit into someone else’s schedule.

For two people, the price deserves closer thought. A shared boat trip may cost less, though it would not offer the same control over the pace. If privacy and flexibility matter more than the lowest price, the private setup can still make sense.

Remember to add the €20 docking fee per boat. It is paid in cash upon arrival before the tour, not folded into the advertised price. Food is another extra, since you are welcome to bring it but it is not supplied.

Who will enjoy this four-hour outing?

This tour fits families, couples, and groups of friends who want a relaxed coastal day without committing to a full-day cruise. It is especially good for people who like a mixture of activities. You can swim, snorkel, walk through Preko, take photos, or simply enjoy the boat.

It is also a good choice if your group has different energy levels. Active swimmers can jump from the boat under the skipper’s supervision, while others can stay onboard or explore Ugljan at an easy pace. The private format gives you more room to make those choices without holding up strangers.

I would be less likely to recommend it to someone seeking a detailed historical tour, a full island circuit, or a formal snorkeling excursion. The English-speaking skipper provides guidance, but the central experience is time on the water and informal local orientation.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users. The tour also requires comfort with getting in and out of a boat and moving around during island stops. If that may be difficult for anyone in your party, ask the provider about the exact boat and boarding conditions before paying.

Practical timing and cancellation details

Check the available departure times when booking. The four-hour length is fixed, but the best departure time depends on what you want from the day. A daytime start gives you plenty of light for swimming and photos. A later departure may offer softer light and, if timing works, a chance at sunset.

The meeting point is at the back of Restaurant Foša, beside the Tornado sign. Arrive 10 minutes early. Since the docking fee is paid before departure, bring €20 in cash for the boat.

The booking can be canceled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Zadar plans are still shifting. English is the listed tour language, and the group remains private.

Should you book the Zadar island boat tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, flexible half-day with your own group, especially if swimming, snorkeling, and a short visit to Preko sound better than a fixed sightseeing cruise. The strongest features are the private boat, the two contrasting stops, and the skipper’s ability to adjust the pace.

Think twice if you want meals included, a long guided history tour, or a fully accessible activity. Also budget for the €20 cash docking fee and bring your own food.

For a group of five to seven, the price makes good sense. For a couple, it is a more personal splurge. Either way, this is a practical way to see more of the Zadar coast while keeping the day simple and pleasantly unhurried.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and time on the islands.

How many people can join the private boat?

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

Which islands does the tour visit?

The experience includes two island stops. One is used mainly for swimming and snorkeling, and the other is Ugljan, including time to explore the area around Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included onboard.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available onboard, and you can ask the skipper for one.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you may bring your own food on the trip. Refreshments are available onboard.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. A €20 docking fee per boat must be paid in cash upon arrival before the tour.