Zadar: Boat Tour to the Ugljan, Preko, and Ošljak Islands

Swim three times in Zadar’s island loop. This half-day boat tour connects the Zadar archipelago with quick island exploring plus three swimming stops in the Adriatic. It is a simple day at sea with enough time to actually cool off.

I especially like the mix of water types, from pebbly, snorkeling-friendly coves to a sandy beach in Preko. I also appreciate the practical inclusions: life vests, snorkeling masks, and drinks on board, so you do not waste your time hunting for essentials.

One possible drawback is that the island time is short, so if you want long, detailed sightseeing, you might feel more time is spent swimming than wandering.

Key things that make this tour worth considering

• Three swim stops in different bays and beaches so your water time never feels repetitive
• Ošljak Island’s small-inhabited-island vibe, with standout photo spots like the Church of St. Mary and a 16th-century windmill
• Galevac (Školjić) near Preko, with an old church and a 15th-century monastery you can see without traveling far
• Snorkeling masks and life vests included, which makes getting in the water easy
• On-board drinks and a toilet, a small thing that makes a 4-hour trip much more comfortable
• A friendly skipper and punctual operation, which keeps the whole day feeling relaxed

Zadar-to-the-archipelago basics: what $47 buys in a 4-hour sea day

For $47 per person, you are paying for a half-day boat outing that packs in island walking and three separate swimming chances. The value is strongest if you actually want sea time, because the tour includes the boat, fuel, skipper, life vests, snorkeling masks, and drinks (juice, water, beer), plus a toilet.

What is not included is also clear, and that matters for planning. There is no food, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. So you should plan on using the included drinks while you are out there, and bring snacks if you tend to get hungry mid-day.

This is also a tour where the logistics are part of the experience. You are starting from Zadar’s Foša port area and doing short transfers between islands and bays, so you are not spending the whole day moving on foot. It is the right kind of pace for a relaxed Adriatic afternoon.

Meeting at Foša port and settling into the boat routine

You meet at Zadar Foša port, behind restaurant Foša, on a pier. The starting address is also listed as Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 8, which helps if you are using navigation in Zadar.

The tour runs about 4 hours total. In that time, you will do a sequence of island stops and swimming breaks, with transfers between them. Since you only have a half-day, it helps to show up ready. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat, and bring a camera if you care about island architecture and coastline photos. If you like snacking while you wait between swims, pack snacks too.

I like that it is suitable for all ages, and it is wheelchair accessible. That means the plan is designed to be doable without hardcore hiking. You will still want to be comfortable stepping in and out near the water, but the overall structure is practical.

Otrić Bay near Ugljan: rocky pebbles, sandy bottoms, and easy snorkeling time

The day begins with a stop at Otrić Bay. This is the kind of Adriatic cove that makes you understand why people come to the islands just to swim. Expect mostly rocky shores, pebble beaches, and sandy bottoms. That combo is often ideal for snorkeling because the bottom is not all tangled rock, and you can look for marine life in clear water.

This is also one of those stops that works for different moods. If you want action, you can go snorkeling. If you want calm, you can just swim and float and let the sea do its thing. The bay is described as suitable for snorkeling, fishing, and swimming, so it is not only a pretty spot from above.

Timing is part of the appeal here. You do not get stuck in one place for hours, but you do get enough time for a real swim break. For me, that is the sweet spot on a half-day tour: enough time to enjoy the water, without the whole plan turning into one long waiting game.

Preko and Jaz Beach: sandy time, shade trees, and kid-friendly beach features

Next up is Preko, with a swim and free time stop at Jaz Beach. This beach is categorized as sandy, which changes the feel immediately. Rocky coves are great for snorkeling, but sand beaches are better for stretching out, walking in, and relaxing between swims.

Jaz Beach also comes with practical comforts. Trees nearby provide natural shade, and there are beach facilities like restaurants, sun umbrellas, sun loungers, and even a water slide for children. Even if you are traveling as adults, a beach setup like this often means it is easier to stay comfortable for the whole break.

The stop time here is about 50 minutes. That is long enough to get into the water, change your pace, and still have time to explore a bit on land. It is not a full beach day, so if you want an entire day of lounging with a long meal, you will still need a separate plan. But for a tour that is built around island hopping, this beach stop gives you variety and comfort.

Ošljak Island: the smallest inhabited island and a village worth slowing down for

Ošljak is the smallest inhabited island on the Adriatic Sea along the Croatian coast. That alone tells you what to expect: fewer people, quieter streets, and more of that intimate island feeling. This is not a big resort island. It is a lived-in place with the Mediterranean village look.

Your time here is about 50 minutes, split between break time, free time, sightseeing, and swimming and snorkeling. In other words, you get a chance to do both: enjoy the water, and also walk around to see what makes Ošljak different.

The village includes traditional Mediterranean architecture, including the Church of St. Mary (6th century) and a windmill from the 16th century. Those are specific landmarks, and they are the kind you can spot even on a short walk. If you like photos of old stone, small streets, and simple island structures, you will probably enjoy this portion more than you might expect from a quick stop.

One more practical detail matters here: Ošljak is described as a place for fishing and underwater exploring, and you also have the provided masks and life vests. So you are not forced into only one style of activity. You can fish with the time you have, or you can use the water time to look around below the surface.

A heads-up: one review highlighted that island time can feel focused more on swimming and quiet downtime than on major sightseeing. So if you are hunting for lots of attractions, plan your expectations around short walks and photo stops.

Galevac (Školjić): a short trip from Preko with an old monastery

Galevac is also known as Školjić, and it sits opposite Preko. It is only about 80 meters away from Preko, so this portion feels close and easy. That distance matters because it keeps you from turning the day into a long crossing. You are close enough to treat it like a nearby island adventure.

Galevac is a favorite destination for swimming, touring, and sightseeing. You can also see an old church and monastery, including a monastery from the 15th century. When a place is described this way, it usually means you are not just swimming next to rocks. You have a reason to look around on land too.

Compared with Ošljak’s village feel, Galevac feels more like an island you visit for views and a look at the historic structures before heading back into the water. If you like “see it, then swim” days, this fits well.

The tradeoff is that the sightseeing is limited by time. You are not going to do an in-depth heritage tour. You are going to see key buildings and soak up the atmosphere, then get back on the boat when it is time.

Blue Bay Otrić: your third swim stop, and how to make the most of it

The tour ends with another stop at Blue Bay Otrić. This is one of those names that sounds like a color in a postcard, but the real reason it matters is what you can do there: break time, visiting, and free time that includes swimming and snorkeling.

You already learned what Otrić Bay is like earlier, with rocky shores, pebble beaches, and sandy bottoms. Blue Bay Otrić is more about giving you a final chance at clear water and easy access for getting in and out.

This final swim stop is about 50 minutes. That timing is important because it gives you one last window to do what you came for. If the first water stop felt perfect, you can repeat that routine. If you want to try snorkeling again with a fresh perspective, this is the moment.

Practical tip: by the third swim, you will probably be happier if you pace yourself. Your day already includes multiple transfers, and you do not want to spend the whole last stop rushing between towel changes and camera breaks. Keep it simple, swim, breathe, and enjoy the final coastal views.

What’s included (and why it improves the day)

Here is what the tour includes, and why it helps your comfort and value:

• Boat tour with skipper and fuel: you are not arranging your own water transportation
• Life vests and snorkeling masks: you are ready to swim without packing extra gear
• Drinks (juice, water, beer): you stay hydrated during transfers and water time
• Toilet onboard: huge for a 4-hour outing, especially if you want fewer stress moments
• Live tour guide in Croatian and English: you get context while you move between stops

The items not included are just as important:

• No food
• No hotel pickup or drop-off

So if you want the day to run smoothly, bring snacks and plan to buy anything you need at beach facilities during stops that offer restaurants (Jaz Beach is one of them). Also plan on getting to the pier on your own.

The real-world feel: pacing, friendliness, and what to expect from the islands

The strongest repeated praise is how easygoing the whole trip feels. The skipper is described as very friendly, and the boat ride runs on time. That combination matters. When a tour is punctual, you stop worrying about the schedule and can focus on the water and the small island sights.

Another positive theme is the views and the sense that each stop has its own personality. The third island stop is often described as the best. That lines up with the tour structure: by the time you reach the later part of the day, you have already warmed up to the rhythm, and the island is more meaningful because you have context for the coastline.

Now for the balanced side. One review specifically noted that some stops may not feel like they have much to see, and that the trip can be more relaxing than sightseeing. That is not a problem if you booked for swimming and peace. It can be frustrating if you expected a museum-style day with lots of walking and big sights.

So I’d frame it like this: this tour is a sea day you can break into swimming breaks, not a deep cultural tour where every island is packed with stops.

Who should book this Zadar boat tour, and who might pass

This is a great choice if you:

• want a half-day on the water without committing to a full day tour
• like snorkeling and swimming, especially with provided masks and a clear plan
• enjoy small island villages and simple historic landmarks like a church and windmill
• prefer a relaxing pace, with time to sit, swim, and reset

You might consider passing if you:

• want long, detailed sightseeing and lots of guided walking
• dislike the idea that island time is split, with swimming as a major part of the schedule
• are hoping for a full beach day with meals and long lounging for hours

Should you book this tour to Ugljan, Preko, Ošljak, and Galevac?

If you are choosing between an easy boat day and a packed sightseeing day, this one is a strong pick. The value is in the mix: three swim stops, included gear, drinks, and short transfers that keep the day comfortable. The islands are small enough to feel authentic, and the later stops give you landmarks to look for without turning your day into a hike.

I would book it if your top priority is the Adriatic. If your top priority is walking-heavy sightseeing, plan a different kind of day in Zadar or the mainland instead.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

It lasts 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $47 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Zadar Foša port, behind restaurant Foša on a pier. The starting location is also listed as Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 8.

What islands and stops are included?

The tour visits Ugljan, Preko, Ošljak, and Galevac, with swimming time at Preko (Jaz Beach), Ošljak, and Otrić Bay (including Blue Bay Otrić).

What swimming or snorkeling equipment is provided?

Life vests and snorkeling masks are included.

Are drinks and restrooms included?

Yes. Drinks (juice, water, beer) and a toilet are included.

Is food included in the price?

No, food is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, snacks, and sunscreen.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible, and is there a guide?

It is wheelchair accessible, and there is a live tour guide in Croatian and English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.