Boat Tour to the Zadar Islands

Quiet coves beat cruise crowds. This 4-hour Zadar boat tour takes you to Ugljan and Galovac, with a flexible plan and a small group that keeps the ride from feeling like a shuttle. Two things I like are the seven-passenger pace and the included snorkel mask and snorkel.

One heads-up: docking fees are extra, charged before departure (10 EUR for ages 12+, 5 EUR for ages 11 and younger), and the skipper only runs if weather looks good.

Key things you’ll like on this Zadar islands boat tour

• Small group energy, not a floating crowd
• Snorkel kit included (mask and snorkel) so you can get in the water fast
• Frnaža Bay swim stop with crystal-clear water and short, relaxed time limits
• Galovac by the monastery area with forest walking and calm anchoring near the islet
• Flexible time to spend longer where you like it most
• Watch for docking fees before you board

From Zadar meeting point to first cove in about 4 hours

This tour is built for a half-day feeling, not a big all-day saga. You start at Obala kneza Branimira 20, 23000 Zadar, and you come back to the same place when you’re done. It’s also convenient if you’re relying on public transport, since the meeting area is described as near public transportation.

The vibe is small and practical. You’re capped at 16 travelers, but the experience is designed as an intimate boat ride, often with around seven passengers. That matters because you get more real captain attention, less waiting around, and fewer times where you lose the group in a crowd.

Also, you can choose an English-language option, and you’ll have a mobile ticket. That sounds basic, but on a boat tour it really helps. No printing, no scrambling.

Stop 1 in Preko on Ugljan: town time plus swim-friendly beaches

Your first stop is Preko, on the island of Ugljan. It’s a small place, and it’s exactly the kind of island town you can actually use for a break: you’ll find restaurants, coffee bars, and souvenir shops, plus beach areas where you can swim and sunbathe.

You get about two hours here, which is long enough to do more than just stand around on a pier. If you want something simple, Preko is the right rhythm. Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and then head back toward the water when you’re ready.

Why Preko works as the opening stop: after boarding, it gives you a chance to settle in and reset before the boat anchors in quieter coves. It also reduces stress if you’re traveling with kids, since there’s normal “town life” to fill the time, not just a single swim moment.

Possible drawback: if you’re mainly chasing nonstop swimming, this is the stop that feels more like an island pause. Two hours is great, but it’s not a pure water-only segment.

Frnaža Bay on Ugljan: crystal-clear swim time without the hassle

Next up is Ugljan Island with time at Frnaža Bay. This is the kind of stop that rewards simple expectations: you’re there for the water. The plan gives you about one hour to enjoy the clear, bright sea, with time to swim and use your snorkel kit.

I like this stop because it’s short and focused. You don’t feel trapped in a schedule. You can do a calm swim, then spend the last minutes looking around underwater with the gear you already have.

One practical point: since the tour includes snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), you don’t need to rent or hunt for gear on the spot. Just bring yourself, sunscreen if you use it, and a swimsuit ready to go.

Possible drawback: the timing is compact. If you get caught chatting or you’re slow to gear up, that one hour disappears fast. You’ll have the most fun if you treat this like your main swim window.

Galovac and the Galevac islet: monastery walking plus calm anchoring

The last stop is Galovac, where the boat anchors close to the islet of Galevac. This is where the experience turns from “swim and go” into “swim, then explore a bit.”

You get about one hour here, and the options are straightforward:

• Snorkel and swim in the clear water around the anchor area
• Swim over to the islet if conditions feel right
• Take a walk through the forest
• Visit the monastery dedicated to Saint Paul the Hermit

There’s also time to relax on the more untouched beaches and enjoy a quieter, slower atmosphere than you’d get on larger cruise routes.

Why Galovac is such good value: it adds variety. You’re not just repeating one water spot. You get a small nature walk and a specific cultural site, then you can return to the sea whenever you feel like it.

Possible drawback: if you don’t like walking, this stop can feel like a forced add-on. It’s only an hour, but the monastery and forest stretch the time beyond swimming.

The skipper makes this tour feel personal (and it shows)

The boat ride is only as good as the skipper’s timing and attention. This tour leans hard into that. The captain is described as friendly and informative, and the boat experience is set up so the itinerary can flex.

That flexibility is one of the most praised parts. The plan is designed so you can spend longer where you enjoy most, instead of rushing through every stop on a fixed script. In real terms, that means if one cove is outperforming expectations, you’re more likely to get extra minutes there.

It also helps that the boats and crew are described as comfortable and well cared for. One review called out a clean, comfortable boat with plenty of shade, which is big in warm months. Shade means you can cool down between swim sessions without feeling like you’re baking on deck.

Skipper names that came up include Marti, Marin, and Igor. Across those experiences, the pattern is consistent: the captain handles the day smoothly, provides snorkel gear, and keeps things human, not robotic.

Small bonus note from Zadar lore: on at least some departures, the captain may also show you Zadar’s Sea Organ while you’re out on the water. Even if it’s just a brief moment, it’s a fun local touch for anyone who wants a little extra beyond the islands.

What’s included in the price, and what costs extra

Here’s where the value math gets real.

You pay $42.05 per person, and the tour includes:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
• Fuel and the boat trip
• Skipper
• A cold drink

That’s not nothing. Many tours charge separately for snorkel gear or leave you scrambling on arrival. Here, you’re set up to use the water time immediately, and you’re not stuck on “show up and figure it out” mode.

What is not included:

• Docking fees, charged before departure
• 10 EUR for participants 12 years and older
• 5 EUR for participants 11 years and younger

How to think about the total cost: the base price is attractive for a half-day boat with multiple coves plus gear. The docking fee is a predictable add-on, not a surprise. Still, if you’re budgeting tightly, count it in before you book so you don’t get that last-minute sticker shock.

Morning or afternoon cruise: picking the slot that matches your day

You can choose a morning or afternoon cruise. That’s genuinely useful in Zadar, because the rest of your day might include walking the Old Town, catching a museum, or just taking it slow near the waterfront.

For planning, think like this:

• If you prefer being on the water earlier, go morning.
• If you want a late-day reset and a more relaxed start, pick afternoon.

The tour is still about three swim/explore points, so your choice is mostly about how you want to pace the rest of your trip.

Who this boat tour fits best

This one is built for people who want an island day without the big-ship feel. It’s a strong fit if you:

• Want quiet coves that feel more local than cruise-ship busy
• Like a plan that can adjust based on what you enjoy
• Care about having snorkel gear provided
• Prefer a small-group boat ride with a real captain, not a scripted assembly line

It can also work well for families. One mention specifically said it’s suitable with children, and the docking fee structure also signals that kids are considered in the pricing.

Who might want something else: if you’re chasing a long, multi-hour hike or a full-day island circuit with lots of land time, the one-hour segments and half-day structure might feel short.

Should you book the Boat Tour Zadar islands route?

I’d book it if your priority is swimming in good water spots plus a little island exploring, without spending your day in traffic or on a huge ship. The best reasons to choose it are the small-group format, included snorkel gear, and the chance to linger where the sea is best that day.

Skip it or price-check carefully if you’re sensitive to extra fees, since docking costs add a clear layer to the base price. Also, if you hate short time windows, remember that you have only a few hours total, with swim and walking segments that are timed.

If your travel style is practical, flexible, and you want a memorable half-day on the Zadar islands, this is the kind of tour that can quietly outperform your expectations. It’s not trying to be a huge production. It’s trying to get you to the right water at the right times.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $42.05 per person.

How big is the group?

It’s designed as a small group experience, with seven passengers noted in the highlights, and a maximum size of 16 travelers.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 20, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

What stops are included?

The tour stops at Preko (on Ugljan), Frnaža Bay (Ugljan island), and Galovac (by the islet of Galevac).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You get snorkeling equipment, including a mask and snorkel.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon cruise?

Yes, you can choose either a morning or afternoon cruise.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. Docking fees are not included and are charged before departure: 10 EUR for ages 12 and older, and 5 EUR for ages 11 and younger.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.