Zadar:Ugljan, Frnaža,Galevac &Ošljak free beer & anchovies

Three islands, one relaxed boat ride. This Zadar archipelago trip is built for calm water, easy swimming, and hands-on time on the Adriatic, run from Foša by skipper Ilija. I love the small group size, and I also love that you get unlimited drinks while you’re out there, with snorkeling gear included so you can actually use it.

The main thing to plan for is footing and access. Beaches at the stops are pebbly or sandy, so you’ll want water shoes, and the boat tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group sailing limited to 6 people, so the captain can actually keep an easy pace
• Free drinks on a 7 m boat, including unlimited water plus 3 beers or 3 glasses of wine
• Snorkeling setup included for every guest, with time to swim at each stop
• Off-ferry island access, including Frnaža cove, Galevac with a monastery, and the tiny island of Ošljak
• Bluetooth-friendly relaxation, plus the option to bring your own food and store it in the cooler

Zadar Archipelago, but make it small-boat simple

This is the kind of Zadar day I like: fewer people, fewer logistics, and more time actually in the water. You’re on a spacious 7 m boat, which matters here. Big boats can have limits on where they can go, and ferries follow routes that miss the best coves. With a smaller craft, the plan focuses on sheltered spots around the islands and coast, where swimming is practical and the day feels unhurried.

The tour is guided by a professional skipper, Ilija, and it runs in English, German, and Croatian. That’s a nice bonus because you can ask quick questions about what you’re seeing, and not just nod along while the boat moves on.

Where you meet at Foša, then head out right away

You start at Foša restoran, at the port of Foša, on Stret Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6. It’s the back side of the restaurant, with a balcony and the dock for boats, so check the exact spot when you arrive. The tour starts from there either at 10:00 or 15:00, depending on the day.

There’s a short sightseeing cruise first, so you ease into the route before you’re deciding what to do with your towel and swim gear. The whole experience runs about 270 minutes, so you get a full half-day on the water without turning it into an all-day grind.

Stop 1: Frnaža cove on Ugljan, the calm swim start

First up is Zaljev Juz Frnaža, on Ugljan. This is described as an area with no buildings in the middle, which is exactly the kind of detail that changes the feel. You’re not looking at a strip of rooftops. You’re getting that open-water cove vibe, the one where you can get settled fast.

You get a longer break here, with time for swimming and snorkeling, plus welcome refreshments and local snacks. That combination is practical. If you’re the type who wants to get the first swim over with, you can. If you want to ease in, you can still enjoy the sea time without rushing.

A couple of small but important notes for this stop:

• Plan for pebbly or sandy entry, so water shoes help a lot.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, so you only need your swimwear, towel, and something to cover up if you burn easily.

Stop 2: Galevac island and its monastery walk

Next you head toward Galevac (Školji), a small historical island with a monastery. This stop isn’t only about the water. There’s also a short window for visiting, sightseeing, and taking a walk.

One of the practical reasons Galevac works on a half-day boat trip is that there’s a nearby sandy beach and bars. That means after you’ve had your swim and a look around, you’re not stuck thinking, Now what. You can keep things easy: sit in the sun, rinse off, and wander at a relaxed pace.

You’ll also sail close to the coast, and there’s a chance to try local anchovy. It’s not a big meal situation, more like a local taste while the boat is gliding. If you like food you can nibble while you’re also enjoying the sea, this fits the day well.

Stop 3: Ošljak island, tiny population, protected water

The final island stop is Ošljak, a small place with just 29 residents. For me, that’s the kind of number that signals how low-key it will feel. You’re not walking through a town. You’re stepping onto a quiet island where nature does most of the work.

You get a full hour here, with free time, sightseeing, walking, and even hiking depending on what you want to do. The water is described as well protected from wind, which is a big deal on the Adriatic. If you’re the least bit sensitive to chop, this kind of shelter helps the whole day feel smoother.

Snorkeling also makes sense at Ošljak because you’re given the time to actually use it. If you want to hop in for short looks at the underwater life and then come back to rest, this is the stop that fits that rhythm best.

The drinks, water, and snorkeling gear that make it easy

Let’s talk about the part that most people care about: getting value while you’re on the boat.

You get unlimited water, plus either 3 beers or 3 glasses of wine during the trip. If you want juice, it’s available on request. This isn’t a vague promise. It’s built into the plan, so you’re not stuck wondering what you’re allowed to buy or when.

Snorkeling gear is provided to each guest at no extra cost. That matters because snorkeling is one of those activities where bringing the right equipment can be annoying. Here, you can show up with swimwear and be ready.

There’s also a toilet on the boat. It’s a small detail, but on a half-day sailing trip it removes a lot of tension. You can focus on swimming, sunbathing, and the island walks instead of timing everything around facilities.

How the boat ride stays relaxed, not rushed

This tour keeps a gentle tempo on purpose. You’re not being bounced between stops at high speed. There are short sightseeing cruise segments between breaks, which gives you time to enjoy the coast views without feeling like your schedule is being chopped up into tiny pieces.

The smaller group size, capped at 6 participants, is where the relaxed vibe comes from. On a bigger boat, you end up waiting your turn. Here, it’s simpler to get in, swim, snorkel, and regroup.

A fun detail that adds to the “vacation” feel: you can play music on Bluetooth while you relax. If you’re traveling with friends or family, that can turn the ride into your own floating living room. Just be mindful of volume and shared space.

Price and time, what $47 actually buys you

At $47 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly boat day, not a luxury charter. The value comes from what’s included:

• Boat trip with fuel and skipper
• Unlimited water
• Either 3 beers or 3 glasses of wine
• Snorkeling equipment provided
• Time at three island stops with real swimming moments
• Local snacks at the first stop, plus a local anchovy taste while cruising close to the coast

When you add those up, you’re essentially paying for access: to islands and coves that aren’t typical ferry stops, plus the basic setup to enjoy the sea without renting gear. If you would otherwise pay for a boat and then separately pay for drinks and snorkeling, the package starts looking pretty fair.

Also, the day length fits the goal. 270 minutes means you’re out long enough to do a real swim and walk, but not so long that you lose the entire day to transit and waiting.

What to pack so you enjoy every stop

You’ll have a better time if you treat this like a small water adventure, not a sightseeing-only outing. Here’s what to bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• A hat
• Water shoes (the stops can be pebbly or sandy)
• Cash
• If you want, your own food and beverage, stored in the cooler on the boat

Flip-flops can help too, especially for quick sandy segments. If you plan to do any walking or hiking on Ošljak, make sure your footwear is stable enough for uneven ground.

One more note: bikes aren’t allowed. That’s not usually a concern for most people, but it’s good to know so you don’t show up expecting to bring one.

Who this tour suits best in real life

This boat trip is a great match if you:

• Want island time without the ferry hassle
• Like snorkeling and want gear provided
• Prefer a small group atmosphere
• Enjoy your day with simple comforts like included drinks and a toilet onboard

It also works for families and mixed ages because it’s described as open to adults and children, and even pets are welcome. That said, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and people over 95, so if anyone in your group needs mobility support, you’ll want another option.

If you’re visiting Zadar and you keep hearing about the islands but you don’t want a rigid day schedule, this style of tour makes sense. It’s flexible, it stays relaxed, and it focuses on water time plus a few well-chosen island walks.

Should you book this Zadar archipelago boat tour?

Book it if you want a real Adriatic swim day with three island stops and you value convenience: small group, snorkeling gear included, drinks handled, and a skipper who keeps things easy. The best sign you’re in the right place is if you care more about time in the water and short island walks than about ticking off big-city sights.

Skip it only if your group needs wheelchair access or if you’re expecting a large-boat party atmosphere. This is calm, practical sailing. It’s built for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying coves and islands like Frnaža, Galevac, and Ošljak, with Ilija guiding you around spots you likely won’t reach any other way.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour duration is about 270 minutes.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Foša restoran, the port of Foša (Stret Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6), on the back side of the restaurant with the balcony and dock.

What time does the tour run?

The tour departs at 10:00 or 15:00, depending on the selected starting time.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the boat trip, unlimited water, 3 beers or 3 glasses of wine, juice on request, fuel, and the skipper.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided to each guest at no extra cost.

What drinks are available?

Unlimited water is included. You also get either 3 beers or 3 glasses of wine, and juice is available on request.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are welcome.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, water shoes, and cash. Beach sandals or flip-flops can also help, since some beaches are pebbly or sandy.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people over 95 years.