Private tour to Islands Ugljan, Ošljak and Preko from Zadar

Zadar islands are better when you control the clock. This private tour to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko mixes sandy beach time, short island walking, and guided swimming with snorkel equipment already sorted. I especially like the feel of a small, flexible day on the water and the way the skipper adjusts based on what you want to do. One thing to factor in is that lunch is not included and there’s an extra fuel surcharge.

For a half-day, you get a smart mix: one swim-focused stop, one calm-walk stop, and one island-side town stop where you can eat and reset. The best part is the pacing, because 4 hours goes fast when you are only grabbing one beach and calling it a day. The only real drawback is weather, since this kind of sea time needs good conditions.

Key highlights to look for

• Private group up to 8, so you are not squeezed into a crowded boat mood
• Snorkeling gear included, plus sun protection and bottled water
• Three distinct island vibes: sandy swimming, tiny Ošljak walking, then Preko’s bays
• Skipper-led customization, with options to walk or snorkel
• Local touches can happen, including captain-sourced snacks like figs from a garden

How the half-day island hop really plays out from Zadar

This is a true private boat experience from the Zadar area, for up to 8 people, running about 4 hours. You start at Zadar Boat Tours (Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6) and you finish back at the same meeting point. That round-trip convenience matters, because with island days you usually lose time just getting back to wherever you parked.

The flow is built around three stops, and each one is about an hour. In practice, that means you get time to actually enjoy the place, not just look at it from the boat and move on. Also, because the tour is private, you can usually choose between swimming and walking depending on energy levels.

What I like most here is that the skipper is not treating this like a script. The guides give choices, and they can steer you toward quieter water and calmer corners of the islands. If you want sun time and photos, they can lean that way. If your crew prefers a short stroll and a view, they can shift the balance.

Price and value, plus the one extra charge to plan for

The price is listed as $409.63 per group for up to 8 people, for about 4 hours on the water. If you split it across a full group, that is roughly $51 per person, which is solid considering you are paying for a private skipper, a boat, and included snorkeling gear. If you are traveling as only 2 or 3 people, you’ll feel it more, because it is not priced per seat.

There is also a fuel surcharge of €80 per booking that is not included. So when you estimate total cost, think of the tour price plus that fuel add-on. The good news is that you are getting a lot inside that half-day: bottled water, sun protection cream, and snorkel equipment, plus a local and experienced skipper.

If your goal is to see the islands but still get personal attention, this is the type of trip that often ends up being better value than joining a large group. You are also less likely to spend your day waiting your turn at the best swim spots.

Boat comfort, safety, and why the skipper matters more than you think

A private skipper can make or break a half-day boat trip, and this one gets praise for being professional and safety-minded. Multiple guides are mentioned by name in the feedback, including Christian and Kristijan, and the experience also features a skipper named Luka. Across the comments, the consistent theme is that the captain looks after you and keeps things comfortable and organized.

Comfort matters on smaller boats. People noted the boat felt clean and well kept, and that snorkeling equipment plus drinks were handled without you having to bring anything extra. If you get motion sickness, you will appreciate the practical support mentioned in the highlights, including motion sickness tablets.

The other big advantage is customization. You should expect the day to flex based on what you want, not based on what the clock forces. If your group wants to snorkel, you can. If your group would rather walk and take photos, that works too. For families, that flexibility is especially helpful because a 2-year-old does not follow a perfect itinerary.

Stop 1, Ugljan Island near Kostanj, where swimming is the point

Your first island stop is Ugljan, with a sandy beach at Kostanj. This is the stop built for relaxing and water time, since the plan includes swimming and sunbathing from the boat in that area. A sandy beach is a practical choice, because it is easier for getting in and out of the water compared to rocky shorelines.

You get about an hour here, which is enough for a swim session plus a bit of hanging out, but not enough for a full day. So show up ready to enjoy the water, not just to decide later. Bring a towel, and if you are prone to sunburn, reapply as needed, even though sun protection cream is included.

If you like quieter swim spots, pay attention to the way the skipper chooses locations. In the feedback, guides talk about heading to calmer, less crowded areas, so your first stop may feel more peaceful than you expect for an easy-to-reach island.

Stop 2, Ošljak, the tiny inhabited island and its 2 km trail

Ošljak is small enough to feel like you stepped into a different pace. It is the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Adriatic with about 29 inhabitants and an area of roughly 0.39 km². It sits about half a nautical mile from Preko, so it is close enough to reach quickly, but far enough to feel separated.

You get about an hour on Ošljak, which is perfect for a short walk and a quick look around. The island has traditional Mediterranean architecture, including an old fishing port. There’s also the Church of St. Mary, dating back to the 6th century, which adds a real sense of depth even if you are only there briefly.

The hiking route is described as about 2 km in total, passing a lighthouse and remnants of windmills from the 16th century. If you do the full walk at an easy pace, you can do it in around 30 minutes based on the kind of pacing people report, with time left over for photos and a short swim.

One smart detail here is that Ošljak was declared a forest park in 1985. That helps explain why the island feels calmer and more sheltered, especially compared with more developed bays.

Stop 3, Preko, olive country, bays, and an optional local lunch break

Preko is on the island of Ugljan, and it’s the part of the day where the scenery turns into village-life views. The islands of Ugljan and Preko sit opposite Zadar, separated by a canal that is only a few nautical miles wide. That close relationship to the mainland shows in how easy it feels to reach this island world while still being near the city.

Preko itself is known for its evergreen setting, olive groves, and small fishing ports in natural bays. The area is tied to the sea and fishing, and the olive tradition runs deep, with more than 2000 years of cultivation. Even if you do not buy olive oil, the landscape makes sense, because you can feel how farming and sailing belong together here.

You get about an hour at this stop as well. This is usually where lunch happens, but lunch is not included in the tour price, so you will pay for your meal. In the feedback, a lunch recommendation comes up for Srdela Snack in Kali, and people describe it as a local, fish-forward kind of meal. The practical takeaway: if lunch matters to you, tell your skipper you want a local place, not a touristy shortcut.

This stop also gives you a chance to cool down after swimming and walking. Think of it as the reset button of the trip, with bays and ports in view and an easy rhythm to follow.

Snorkeling gear, sun protection, and the little comfort details that help

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the highlights specifically say you do not have to worry about it. That is a big deal, because snorkel gear can be the first thing you forget when you pack fast. Instead of hunting for rentals, you just show up and go.

You also get sun protection cream and bottled water. On an island boat day, those small included items add up, because you are already spending time outside and on the move. Add the motion sickness tablets mentioned in the highlights, and you get a calmer day even if the sea has a bit of chop.

If you are deciding between snorkel time and land time, remember this tour gives options. Your skipper can work with you so you do not feel stuck in one mode. That is ideal for mixed-age groups or mixed preferences, like a parent who wants to swim and a partner who wants shade and photos.

Who this private tour suits best

This is a great choice for small groups who want a flexible, water-focused day without the stress of big-group logistics. You’ll probably love it if you want:

• Swimming and snorkel time without renting gear
• A private skipper who can tailor the day to your pace
• A mix of beach time, short walking, and a village stop

Families can do well here too, since the trip is private and the skipper can accommodate what works for younger kids. One review highlights a thoughtful approach for traveling with a 2-year-old, which tells you the guide is paying attention to real-life needs, not just adult schedules.

It is also a nice pick for couples who want a romantic boat day with a real sense of place, not just a drive-by tour. The islands are close enough to explore in hours, but different enough to keep the day interesting.

Practical tips so you enjoy every stop

First, plan to bring swim essentials even though snorkeling gear is provided. You’ll still want your own towel, and if you have preferences for fit, bring your own mask if you use one. Also pack a change of clothes for the ride back, because salty swims can leave you feeling chilled when you move from sun to shade.

Second, be honest with your skipper about what you want. The tour is flexible, and the best days happen when you share your priorities early, like sandy beach time versus a longer walk on Ošljak. If you have any mobility concerns, mention them before you choose the walk, since Ošljak includes a trail.

Third, if lunch is important to you, ask early what local option they recommend. Lunch is not included, and the day moves quickly, so having a plan helps. People mention local meals in nearby island towns, so you’ll likely do best by asking for something local rather than guessing.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather. This experience requires good weather, because sea time is the whole point.

Should you book this Ugljan, Ošljak and Preko private boat tour?

Book it if you want a private, skipper-led half-day that actually gives you time to swim, walk a bit, and eat on an island. The included snorkeling equipment, sun cream, bottled water, and motion sickness help make it feel easy to manage. Also, the biggest praise is not just the scenery, it is the way the skipper tailors the day to your choices, with safety and comfort clearly taken seriously.

Skip it or reconsider if you are traveling on a tight food budget, since lunch is not included and you may want to pay for a local meal at the last stop. Also, if your schedule is extremely inflexible and weather is unpredictable, build in backup time, because this tour is weather-dependent.

If you like authentic island life over tourist checklists, this is an easy yes. Three different islands in about four hours is a smart use of time, and private boat time around Zadar is one of those experiences that can still feel personal, not packaged.

FAQ

How long is the private tour to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko?

It runs for about 4 hours.

What is the group size limit?

It is a private tour for your group, up to 8 people.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What extra cost should I plan for?

A fuel surcharge of €80 per booking is not included.

Where do we meet and where do we finish?

You start at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.