Private Island Hopping Boat tour around Zadar with Drinks

A half-day on a private boat beats the usual Zadar grind fast. What makes this outing special is the no-stress, flexible route and the chance to spend time on two different Adriatic islands, with swimming and snorkeling built in. I especially like the local skipper focus and the way you can shape the day around your group, not a rigid timetable. One thing to plan for: there’s a 20 EUR per-boat docking fee paid in cash when you arrive.

You’ll start in Foša, then cruise out to quieter coastal spots where the water is clear and the pace feels genuinely relaxed. This is a great setup for families and friend groups who want real sea time, plus time on land for walking and photos, without turning it into a checklist hunt. Still, it is not set up for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, you’ll want to think ahead.

Key highlights to look for on this Zadar island hopping boat

• Private skipper + your own pace, with a route that fits your group
• Two islands in 4 hours, mixing swim time with a proper walk and photo breaks
• Snorkeling equipment included onboard, plus life jackets if you need them
• You can jump in with supervision, if the water and mood are right
• Refreshments onboard, so you are not scrambling for drinks mid-cruise
• Docking fee in cash (20 EUR per boat), which you should budget for before you go

Zadar from the water: why this style of outing works

Zadar is one of those places where the coastline does the talking. From shore, it can feel like you are watching the sea pass by. On this tour, you get the opposite. You are on the water long enough to notice changes in the coves, the light, and the feeling of distance from the main tourist lanes.

The private format matters more than you might expect. When you are with your own skipper, you can ask for a swimming stop, a longer photo pause, or an easier pace for family members. The result is a half-day that feels like time with friends, not a factory tour.

Also, this is not a “race from stop to stop” plan. You get short boat rides between moments, which keeps the energy up and makes it easier to enjoy the in-between views.

Getting to Foša and boarding: what to expect before you cruise

Your meeting point is behind the restaurant Fosa, by the Tornado sign, about 10 minutes before departure. I like this because it keeps things simple. You are not hunting across town, and you are ready to go before the group gets impatient.

Once you’re aboard, the tour is set up for comfort and easy water time. Life jackets are available onboard if you need one, and snorkeling equipment is included. That means you can show up without packing your own gear, or you can bring what you prefer if you want.

One practical note: this is not described as wheelchair accessible. If someone in your group uses a wheelchair, you’ll likely be happier with a different tour format that is designed for boarding access.

The 4-hour rhythm: short cruises, two islands, real time on water

This tour runs for about 4 hours, and it is built around two islands of the Adriatic Sea. The flow is simple: you start in Foša, take a short stretch by boat, spend time at a first coastal spot, then continue to the Ugljan area for a longer land and water break, and finally return.

That “two-stage” structure is useful. The first stop lets you get straight into the fun, usually with swimming and snorkeling. The second stop is more balanced, with a guided component and a walk, plus more swimming options.

Even better, the schedule is flexible. There is no strict, minute-by-minute push. Your skipper will fit the pacing to your group, which is a big deal when you have mixed ages or different comfort levels in the water.

Stop 1 near the first island area: break time with snorkeling and swimming

You’ll cruise first, then arrive at a coastal spot where the main focus is water time. Expect swimming, snorkeling, and guided time, plus refreshments onboard. This is the part of the day where you can slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in clear water without worrying about timing your own gear.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you can hop in without hunting for rentals or borrowing stuff. If you want something more active, the tour also allows jumping from the boat into clear water, with skipper supervision. That supervision is worth respecting, especially if some people in your group are new to ocean swimming.

Here’s how to make this stop work for you:

• Bring a towel and something to slip into after swimming (you will be grateful later).
• If you’re not snorkeling, you can still enjoy the water and take in the coast views from the boat.
• If you want a photo, aim for the moments when people are calm, not during full swim chaos.

One caution: even with life jackets available, ocean time is still ocean time. If anyone in your group is not comfortable in the water, make it clear early so the skipper can steer the plan toward safer, more relaxed options.

Ugljan Island time: walking, photo stops, and another swim window

After the first stop, you head to the Ugljan area for about 1.5 hours. This is a stronger mix of land and water than the first coastal break. You get a guided tour component, photo stopping time, and a walk, plus swimming options.

This is where the private format pays off again. A guided walk means you are not just strolling and hoping someone explains what you are looking at. And the photo breaks help you capture the coastline without constantly stopping and restarting like you would on your own.

Some guests have especially liked the feel of small-town Ugljan areas during the walk time. For example, Preko came up as a place that felt authentic and worth slowing down for. If your skipper builds in time around that side of Ugljan, it is a great opportunity to see a version of the coast that is less staged.

If you have kids, this part is often a win because it gives a break from water-only time. If you have adults who prefer land, it also avoids the “all sea, no shore” problem. You get a balance.

And if the timing lines up, this is also the kind of part of the day where sunset can happen. In one group experience with skipper Marino, the planning helped them catch the sunset with views that made the whole outing feel extra memorable. Sunset is not guaranteed, but the fact that the skipper thinks about timing tells you they care about more than just moving you to the next location.

Drinks onboard: small comfort that keeps the vibe calm

Refreshments are available onboard, which is more useful than it sounds. On many boat trips, you end up rationing water or buying drinks at the last second. Here, you have something available during the outing, which makes it easier to stay relaxed through both swimming breaks.

Also, because this tour is designed for your pace, drinks help you keep energy steady between the water moments. You are not “on the clock” hunting down a café while everyone else is already excited to jump in.

Since food is not included, this is one area where you may want to plan your own snacks. The tour states you can bring anything with you, including food. If your group likes to eat between stops, that flexibility can make the experience smoother.

What you can bring, and how to pack like a pro

One of the most helpful details is that you can bring items with you on the trip, including food and swimming gear. That turns this into a more personalized day.

A smart packing list for this kind of half-day:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch (so your photos stay stress-free)
• Something easy to wear after the swim
• If you want it, your own snorkeling mask, especially if you prefer a particular fit

You can also bring your own food if that fits your group style. This is especially good for families with kids who get hungry on their own schedule. If you prefer to travel light, you can still rely on onboard refreshments, then eat later on shore.

Price and value: $235 per group up to 7, plus the docking fee

The price is $235 per group, up to 7 people, for a 4-hour private tour. That sounds like a lot until you do the math and compare it to the cost of separate tickets plus the hassle of mixing with strangers.

Split among 7, you’re basically paying around $34 per person for a private skipper and a structured outing built around two islands and water time. If your group is smaller, it costs more per person, but you still get the private pacing and the skipper’s focus, which is the real value here.

One more cost to keep in mind: there is a docking fee of 20 EUR per boat for all stops, paid in cash upon arrival. This is not optional, so I recommend budgeting for it rather than assuming it is included.

If you’re deciding whether it is worth it, I’d judge it by your priorities:

• If you want private time, swimming flexibility, and snorkeling gear without planning logistics, it is strong value.
• If your group only wants a quick photo ride and zero water time, it may feel pricier than you expected.

Private skipper style: what your guide does during the day

Your skipper is central to the experience. The tour is described as traditional and relaxing, with the skipper making the best effort to keep the day unforgettable. That means you are not just renting a boat. You are getting a local guide who helps shape the route based on requests.

English live guidance is available, and several guests highlighted a friendly, talkative skipper style. One name that came up was Marino, who was described as talkative and genuinely engaging, sharing interesting information about the islands and helping a group find top photo spots and scenic viewpoints.

This matters because Zadar’s coastline can look similar if you’re just watching from the road. With a local skipper, you start noticing what changes between coves and what is worth stepping out for.

Who this is best for, and who might prefer a different plan

This tour is a great fit for:

• Families who want a mix of swimming and calm pacing
• Couples who want a private, romantic-feeling sea outing without long ferry schedules
• Friend groups who want time together, not a crowded itinerary
• Anyone who likes flexible plans and a skipper who adjusts to your requests

It might be less ideal if:

• You have mobility needs that require wheelchair-friendly boarding
• You want a very structured, fixed schedule with guaranteed land timings, rain or shine
• You are not interested in water time at all, since swimming and snorkeling are key parts of the experience

Should you book this private Zadar island hopping boat tour?

I’d book it if you want a half-day that feels personal, calm, and genuinely sea-focused. The private format, the snorkeling gear included, and the chance for a second island walk and photo break make it more than a “sit on a boat” activity.

If you decide to go, do two things to make it smoother. First, be ready to ask for what you want early, like whether you want more swimming time or more land time. Second, budget the docking fee in cash so there is no last-minute stress.

Overall, this is the kind of Zadar experience that sticks, because it turns the coastline into your playground for a few hours. You get real water time, you see more than one island, and you come back with photos that actually look like you were somewhere special, not just where everyone else queued up.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the boat tour?

You meet behind the restaurant Fosa, by the Tornado sign, about 10 minutes before departure.

How long is the private island hopping boat tour around Zadar?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

How many people is the private tour for?

The price is per group up to 7 people.

What is included in the tour price?

Included features are a private tour with your own local skipper, exploring two different islands, refreshments available onboard, snorkeling equipment onboard, and life jackets available if you need one.

Is there a docking fee?

Yes. There is a docking fee of 20 EUR per boat for all stops, paid upon arrival in cash.

Can I bring food or swimming gear?

Yes, you can bring anything you want, including food and swimming gear.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.