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

The appeal here is simple: in three to four hours, you leave Zadar’s stone harbor behind and spend time in clear Adriatic water, on tiny islands, and aboard a clean boat with room for no more than 12 people. The view of Zadar’s Old Town as you exit Foša is a fine opening scene.

I like the small group and the generous free time at each stop. I also like the easygoing mix of swimming, snorkeling, walking, and sitting with an Aperol Spritz or Prosecco. Skippers including Edi, Mario, and Mate are praised for being friendly, helpful, and good at offering practical island tips.

The main thing to watch is the extra docking charge: €10 in cash for adults and €5 for children under 12. Weather can also change the plan, and the sea may be too cold or visibility too poor for satisfying snorkeling.

Key points to know before you book

• Three island stops in about three to four hours: You get swimming time, an Ošljak walk, and a final stop near Ugljan.
• Maximum 12 people: The boat feels more personal than a large excursion vessel, with enough space to sit, swim, or sunbathe.
• Ošljak is tiny and lightly populated: About 30 people live here, making the short walk feel quite different from Zadar.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: The first Ošljak stop is set aside for swimming and snorkeling in the Adriatic.
• One drink is included: The published package includes one Aperol Spritz or Prosecco, along with bottled water.
• Bring cash for docking: Adults pay €10 and children under 12 pay €5, according to the tour details.

Leaving Zadar through Foša harbor

The trip begins in Zadar’s oldest harbor, Foša. Before the boat points south toward Ugljan, you get a view back toward the Old Town, including the waterfront setting that makes Zadar such a pleasant base for a boat trip.

That departure matters because the tour is not only about getting from one swim stop to another. You see Zadar from the water, then watch the city recede as the islands take over. The transfer time is part of the experience, and the total three to four hours includes the boat rides between stops.

The boat is described as modern, clean, and comfortable. Several passengers appreciated the space even with a group of 10 or 12. You should expect a social outing rather than a private charter, but the small capacity keeps it from feeling like a crowded party boat.

A quick briefing takes place before departure. Pay attention to the safety instructions, where the snorkeling equipment is stored, and how the crew wants you to move around the boat. One useful tip from the trip is to wear or bring water shoes, since rocky island edges can be awkward under bare feet.

Ošljak gives you two different experiences

The first Ošljak stop is for swimming and snorkeling, with about 40 minutes in the water. The Adriatic can be beautifully clear, and several outings had calm, blue water that made swimming easy and pleasant.

The snorkeling is best viewed as a light, casual activity rather than a major underwater expedition. Fish sightings can vary. On one outing, there were only a few small fish, so you should not book this specifically for abundant marine life. The real attraction is the clean water, the chance to cool off, and the freedom to swim, snorkel, or remain aboard and sunbathe.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which saves you from carrying your own mask and fins through Zadar. You still need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The boat offers bottled water, but it is wise to arrive ready for strong sun and reflection off the sea.

The second Ošljak stop lasts about 45 minutes and gives you time on land. Ošljak is described as the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic, with around 30 local residents. That tiny population gives the place a quiet, village-like feel.

Historically, Ošljak served as a quarantine site for Zadar. After the Middle Ages, it became a fishing village, which remains the character you encounter today. Do not expect a long sightseeing program or a packed list of monuments. The pleasure is in walking slowly, seeing the small settlement, and enjoying the natural setting without rushing.

This is also where the tour’s flexible design works well. You can walk, find a shady spot, take photographs, or simply enjoy the water. The skipper may point out where to go, but you are not locked into a formal guided walk.

Ugljan and the final stop near Preko

The last part of the outing takes you toward Ugljan Island, near Školjić. This stop lasts about an hour, making it the longest single break of the tour.

Školjić is used for swimming, sightseeing, and a look at the old church and monastery collection. You can also walk around Preko village or stop for lunch. The exact balance depends on your group and the timing, but the longer pause gives you more choice than the short swim stop.

If you want a proper meal, this is the stop to consider. The tour does not include lunch, so bring money for food and allow enough time if you choose to eat. If you would rather stay active, use the hour for another swim or a walk through Preko.

The final stop also helps the tour feel less repetitive. Ošljak offers a very small island village and a separate swim stop, while Ugljan gives you a broader place to walk and explore. You are not spending the entire half-day in one cove.

What the crew adds to the day

The skipper is responsible for driving, safety, timing, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and general help on the islands. That is a lot for one person, especially when the boat is moving and people are swimming.

Edi is mentioned often as a friendly skipper who offered directions and suggestions at each island. Mario is praised for keeping passengers comfortable and for preparing the boat carefully. Mate provided destination information and local fruit on one outing. Other trips had two young crew members who were friendly and informative.

The level of narration can vary. Some outings include island history and useful suggestions, while one less positive experience felt short on information. I would treat the commentary as a helpful extra, not as a full historical tour.

You may also receive fresh local fruit, such as cherries or peaches, though the official inclusions specifically list bottled water and one alcoholic drink. Fruit is not guaranteed, so do not book this expecting a food service.

The drink is usually an Aperol Spritz or Prosecco. It is a pleasant touch during the boat rides, but read the inclusion carefully: the package lists one drink per person. One outing reported a limit of two drinks, so the exact serving arrangement may vary. The €10 adult docking charge should also be budgeted separately and paid in cash.

Comfort, timing, and the weather question

This is a weather-dependent boat trip. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That is useful protection, but weather can also affect a trip that still operates.

One outing started late because of weather, leaving less time for a relaxed return. The sea was too cold for snorkeling, and the fast ride back created spray that left some passengers cold and wet. If conditions turn rough, bring an extra layer or light cover-up, even in summer.

The boat usually offers a choice between sitting, sunbathing, swimming, and walking. That flexibility is one of its strengths. You do not have to snorkel, and you can stay aboard during a swim stop if the water is too cold.

The tour is not a good fit if you need a guaranteed start-to-finish schedule with no changes. It is also important to arrive on time. The operator may leave after waiting only a few minutes, and this is especially important if you are coming from a cruise ship. A meeting point near the harbor is not automatically next to your ship, so allow enough time to get there.

The tour is offered in English and is near public transportation. Confirmation arrives when you book, and most people can participate. The boat holds a maximum of 12 people, which keeps the outing manageable but does not make it private.

Is $36.30 good value?

At about $36.30 per person, the tour offers a good amount for a short boat outing. You get transport between Zadar and the islands, three stops, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and one Aperol Spritz or Prosecco.

The strongest value comes from the combination of transport and free time. You do not need to arrange separate boat connections to Ošljak and Ugljan, and the skipper handles the route while you enjoy the views. The small group size also gives this more appeal than a large sightseeing cruise.

The price is less attractive once you add the docking charge of €10 per adult or €5 for children under 12. That fee should be clear before you arrive, and you need cash. Lunch is also extra.

I would call the tour good value for someone who wants a half-day on the water without paying for a private boat. It is not the best choice if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a long guided history lesson, or a full meal included in the price.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, families with older children, and cruise passengers who can reach the meeting point on time. The pace is relaxed, and the mix of water time and island walks gives different people room to choose their own style.

Children can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, but the tour still requires comfort around a boat and the sea. A parent should also plan for sun, rocky shorelines, and the possibility of spray.

It works well for people who want a short island escape from Zadar rather than a full-day sailing trip. Three to four hours leaves time before and after the outing for the Old Town, a meal, or another activity.

You may want a different experience if you dislike fixed departure times, cannot handle boat spray, or expect rich underwater viewing. The snorkeling can be lovely, but fish sightings are not guaranteed. The trip is at its best when you value clear water, open views, simple island walks, and a friendly skipper more than a packed program.

Cancellation and practical details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date, another experience, or a refund.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, cash for the docking charge, and water shoes. If you want lunch at Preko, bring money for that too. Arrive early, particularly if you are visiting from a cruise ship, since the boat may not wait long for late arrivals.

Should you book the Ošljak and Ugljan tour?

I would book this tour if you want a reasonably priced, small-group outing with clear swimming water, two kinds of island time, and a little drink service on the boat. The friendly skippers, modern vessel, and generous stops make it a pleasant way to see more than Zadar’s waterfront in half a day.

I would skip it if you need guaranteed snorkeling conditions, extensive historical guiding, or a schedule that can absorb a late arrival. For most visitors who pack sensibly and budget for the docking fee, this is a well-balanced introduction to the islands south of Zadar.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour last?

The total experience lasts approximately three to four hours, including the boat rides between Zadar and the islands.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 participants.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes two stops on Ošljak, one for swimming and snorkeling and another for exploring the island, followed by a stop near Školjić and Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water.

Is a drink included in the price?

Yes. The package includes one alcoholic drink, either an Aperol Spritz or Prosecco.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. The docking fee is €10 in cash per adult and €5 in cash for children under 12.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.