Private Sailing Tours in Zadar Archipelago

The sea is Zadar’s best shortcut. This private sailing trip takes you from the city to Ošljak and Ugljan for swimming, snorkeling, island views, and a slower look at the Adriatic. I like the private boat setting, where your group of up to seven can shape the day, and I like the easy mix of sailing, water time, and island wandering.

The four-hour plan gives you a good taste of the Zadar Archipelago without consuming your whole day. The main consideration is that lunch is extra, and the trip depends on good weather. Also, four hours passes quickly if you want long swims, a proper meal, and plenty of time ashore.

Key points to know before booking

• Private group of up to seven: You do not share the boat with strangers, and the skipper can adjust the pace to your group.
• Two main island stops: Ošljak is the short swimming and snorkeling stop, while Ugljan allows more time for sightseeing, swimming, and lunch.
• Snorkeling gear included: Equipment, fuel, the skipper, and taxes are covered in the listed price.
• Strong local hosting: Guides including Tony, Tonci, and Laura are praised for friendly service, local conversation, flexibility, and help with photos.
• Good value for a small group: At $278.16 per group, the cost works out to about $40 per person for seven people, before lunch and drinks.
• Weather matters: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and poor weather may lead to a new date or refund.

Why a private boat works well around Zadar

Zadar sits beside a scatter of low islands, and the water is the natural route between them. From the boat, you get a view of the city that is hard to find on foot: the coast stretches behind you, the islands sit ahead, and the breeze does most of the entertaining.

I think the private format is the biggest reason to consider this trip. Your party controls the mood. You can spend longer swimming, stop for photos, ask about local life, or move on when everyone has had enough sun. That matters more than it might sound. A fixed group outing can feel rushed when one person wants to snorkel and another wants lunch. Here, the pace can be more personal.

The boat accommodates up to seven people. For a full group, the listed price of $278.16 is roughly $40 per person, a fair rate for a private half-day on the water. A smaller party pays more per person, so the value improves sharply when you fill most of the available places.

The cost includes fuel, all fees and taxes, the skipper, and snorkeling equipment. Food, breakfast, dinner, and alcoholic drinks are not included. Some outings have included soft drinks, snacks, fruit, or a small homemade spirit as a courtesy, but I would not book on the assumption that these extras are guaranteed.

Leaving Zadar from Bregdetti Street

The tour begins at Bregdetti ul. 42 in Zadar, and it returns to the same meeting point. You meet the crew there, board the boat, and begin with about 30 minutes of sailing toward Ošljak.

That first stretch is not dead time. It gives you a chance to settle in and see the Zadar coast from offshore. The city looks different from the water, and the open view makes the short trip feel like part of the outing rather than just transportation.

One especially useful detail comes from the way the crew handles the end of the day. In one case, Tonci dropped the group at its ship, saving the passengers a taxi ride back. Do not assume this is included for every booking, but if you are visiting Zadar during a cruise stop, it is worth asking about your exact pickup and drop-off options before you go.

The tour is offered in English. Laura handles communication for some departures, while Tony and Tonci have also served as captain and guide. Names and crew arrangements may vary, but the experience appears to have a family-run, personal feel rather than a large commercial operation.

Ošljak: a quiet first swim

After roughly half an hour at sea, you reach Ošljak. This small Croatian island lies between Zadar and Ugljan, close to the Dalmatian coast. Its only village has just 29 residents according to the 2011 census, and the island’s highest point rises to about 90 meters.

Ošljak is the trip’s first proper water stop. You have about an hour for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment supplied. The clear water and rocky Adriatic seabed make this a good place to look below the surface, though you should expect a natural sea setting rather than a sandy resort beach.

The island also has an interesting old name, Calugerà, linked to the noble Calogerà family. That family owned the island and built a summer residence and gardens there. You may not spend much time studying its past, but the detail helps explain why this tiny place has more character than its size suggests.

I would treat Ošljak as a pause for water time first and sightseeing second. If your group loves swimming, this is where you can make the most of the hour. If you prefer a long walk or a substantial meal, the later stop on Ugljan is likely to suit you better.

Bring sun protection and wear footwear that works around a boat and rocky shore. The supplied information confirms snorkeling equipment, but it does not promise a particular type of beach entry or extensive shore facilities. Keeping your expectations simple is part of the charm.

Ugljan: pine trees, olive groves, and lunch time

The trip then continues to Ugljan, the larger island in the Zadar Archipelago. You get about two hours here, making it the main stop of the outing.

Ugljan is known as the green island because of its Mediterranean plant life. Pine trees, olive trees, fig trees, vineyards, and thick brush cover much of the island. The scent of those trees is one of the pleasures of arriving by boat, especially after the open air of the crossing.

The northeastern side is home to the island’s main settlements, including Kukljica, Preko, Ugljan, and Kali. The other side is largely steep and uninhabited. That contrast gives the boat ride a sense of space, even though the populated villages are close by.

You can use the two hours for sightseeing, swimming, or lunch. This choice makes the trip work for different kinds of groups. A family might split the time between the water and a meal. Friends celebrating a special occasion might prefer swimming and photos. A couple could use the stop for a relaxed island look rather than trying to pack in every sight.

Kali is a particularly useful lunch option because it is named as a place where the group has eaten during the tour. Lunch is not included, so plan to pay separately. The tour information does not specify a restaurant, menu, or meal price, so ask the crew about the current recommendation if eating well is important to your day.

Ugljan also has a long connection with the sea, fishing, and olive growing. Olive cultivation here reaches back about 2,000 years, and the island was inhabited as far back as the Stone Age. You will not get a full archaeological tour in this four-hour outing, but those facts add context to the villages and groves you see.

The return sail brings the day together

The final 30 minutes take you from Ugljan back to Zadar. This is a good time to relax rather than chase another activity. You can watch the islands recede, feel the sea breeze, and look back toward the coast you saw at the beginning.

One memorable detail from the hosting is a sail past Zadar’s Sea Organ near the end of the trip. The Sea Organ uses the movement of the water to create sound, so passing it by boat adds a nice final link between the city and the sea. It is a small touch, but it makes the return feel like part of the experience.

The schedule says four hours, though one private outing ran an extra hour. That flexibility is appealing, but I would not count on extra time unless the crew agrees to it. If you have a cruise departure, dinner reservation, or another booked activity, keep a sensible time cushion.

What the crew adds to the experience

The strongest part of this outing is not a monument. It is the way the crew handles a private day on the water.

Tony has taken groups out as captain and guide, answering questions about the area, local culture, and even housing costs. That kind of informal conversation can be more useful than a rehearsed speech, especially if you want a feel for present-day life around Zadar.

Laura has also received praise for clear communication, local suggestions, and a warm welcome. She and Tony have been described as friendly hosts who adjust the outing to the group. One captain also helped a passenger who needed assistance getting on and off the boat, a valuable sign of attentive service.

The crew has taken photos for groups, provided drinks or snacks on some occasions, and helped shape the day around swimming, lunch, and island time. A bachelorette group received especially personal attention, including photos and additional time. These touches are not contractual features, but they help explain why the private setup receives such strong approval.

I would still ask practical questions before departure. Tell the crew if your group wants more swimming, a longer lunch, or extra sightseeing. Mention mobility concerns in advance. The available information says service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the boat itself requires boarding and exiting at the water.

The snorkeling and swimming are the real stars

If you want a museum-heavy or history-focused excursion, this is not the right choice. The history of Ošljak and Ugljan provides background, but the main event is the water.

You can expect at least one stop at Ošljak for swimming and snorkeling, followed by a longer Ugljan stop where you can swim again. Some outings have visited five or six spots, while the planned schedule names the two islands and the sailing sections. That suggests the skipper may adjust the exact route, but you should view additional stops as possible rather than promised.

The seabed is described as beautiful and the water as crystal clear in the feedback supplied for this experience. Still, conditions can change with weather and sea state. Snorkeling in the Adriatic is often about spotting the shape and color of the underwater world rather than expecting a formal marine-life tour.

The boat’s equipment removes one packing problem. You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer your own gear. You will still want a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag or other way to protect phones and valuables.

Timing, weather, and who should book

This is a good choice for a small family, a group of friends, couples traveling together, or cruise passengers with a half-day available. It suits people who want freedom more than a packed program, and it works especially well if swimming is high on your list.

You will probably enjoy it less if you dislike boat movement, want a guaranteed restaurant meal, or prefer a strict sightseeing schedule. There is no included breakfast, lunch, dinner, or alcohol, and the four-hour duration leaves limited time for both a long meal and extensive island exploration.

Weather is a real factor. The experience requires good conditions, and a cancellation caused by poor weather comes with the choice of another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The fact that the outing is often booked about 51 days ahead is useful planning information. If your dates are fixed, particularly during the busy summer period, I would reserve early. The private capacity is limited to seven people, and replacing a canceled booking may not be easy at short notice.

Is the $278.16 price worth it?

For seven people, yes, the price is appealing. You receive a private boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, and snorkeling equipment for about $40 per person. That is a sensible way to turn a few hours in Zadar into a personal sea outing without paying for a full-day charter.

For two people, the price is less of a bargain, but privacy still has value. You are paying for control over the pace, direct contact with the skipper, and the ability to focus on swimming, lunch, or sightseeing instead of following a large group.

The extra cost to remember is lunch and any drinks you buy. The crew may offer some refreshments, but the formal inclusions do not cover meals or alcoholic beverages. Ask about the day’s plan for lunch so you can budget and avoid spending your Ugljan stop searching for a place to eat.

Should you book this Zadar sailing tour?

Book it if you want a relaxed private half-day, clear water, two island stops, and a friendly crew that can adapt to your group. It is particularly good for seven people sharing the cost, families that want a flexible pace, and cruise passengers seeking a memorable outing close to Zadar.

Skip it if you need guaranteed sunshine, a fully included meal, or a long cultural tour on land. For most small groups that value swimming, fresh air, island scenery, and personal service, Antares Sailing offers very good value. Just reserve ahead, confirm the meeting details, ask about lunch and any requested drop-off, and leave room in your schedule for the sea to set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The planned route includes 30 minutes sailing from Zadar to Ošljak, one hour at Ošljak, two hours at Ugljan, and a final 30-minute sail back to Zadar.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Bregdetti ul. 42, 23000, Zadar, Croatia. The tour also ends back at this meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private activity is for your group only, with up to seven people included in the group price.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the skipper, fuel costs, and all fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Breakfast, dinner, and alcoholic drinks are also excluded from the price.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned route visits Ošljak and Ugljan. Ošljak is the first stop for swimming and snorkeling, while Ugljan allows time for sightseeing, swimming, and an optional lunch.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Can service animals join the tour?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.