Private tour to Islands Ugljan, Ošljak and Preko from Zadar

Find your quiet corner of the Adriatic. This private four-hour boat trip from Zadar combines clear-water swimming with small-island exploring, and I especially like the freedom to shape the day around your group. The friendly skippers, including Luka, Christian, and Kristijan, are praised for choosing good swim spots and sharing local food tips. One thing to watch is the extra €80 fuel surcharge, which affects the final value.

You can swim at a sandy beach, walk around a tiny inhabited island, and finish in Preko or another nearby village, depending on your plan. The boat holds up to eight people, so this feels far more personal than a large group cruise. It is still a short outing, though, and lunch is not included.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip special

• Three very different stops: Swim at Kostanj Beach, walk around historic Ošljak, and explore Preko on Ugljan.
• A private boat for up to eight: Your group does not have to follow strangers or a fixed set of interests.
• Local skippers shape the day: Luka, Christian, and Kristijan are praised for their safety, flexibility, and island advice.
• Swimming equipment is supplied: Snorkels, bottled water, sunscreen, and motion sickness tablets are available.
• A realistic extra cost: The advertised group price is $409.63, plus an €80 fuel surcharge per booking.
• A good short escape from Zadar: You get island time without giving up most of your day.

Leaving Zadar for the island channel

The meeting point is Zadar Boat Tours at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, close to public transportation. From there, you head out by boat into the Zadar Channel, the narrow stretch of water separating the city from Ugljan and the nearby islands.

The private format is the main reason to choose this trip. With room for a group of up to eight, you can ask for more swimming, more walking, or more time in a village. The skipper can also adjust the pace if your group includes young children. One family traveling with a two-year-old found the captain especially thoughtful, which suggests that the flexible setup works well for families.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and fast. That matters on a four-hour trip. You are not spending most of your time getting from one stop to the next, and the boat gives you a pleasant place to sit between swims. Still, this is a boat outing, not a luxury yacht charter. Ask about the exact boat if seating, shade, or space matters to you.

The price is $409.63 per group, not per person, for as many as eight people. Split among eight, that is a reasonable way to see several islands privately. For two people, it becomes a much bigger expense. Add the €80 fuel surcharge, and you should compare the total cost with other private boat options before booking.

Kostanj Beach on Ugljan: one hour for sand and swimming

The first stop is Kostanj, a sandy beach on Ugljan. You get about an hour here to swim and sunbathe from the boat.

Sandy beaches are not always the easiest thing to find along the Croatian coast, where rocky shores are common. If you want a softer place to enter the water, this stop has a clear advantage. The water is described as crystal clear, and snorkeling equipment is included, so you can look beneath the surface without bringing your own mask and snorkel.

The stop is also a good test of the tour’s flexibility. You may prefer to swim right away, stay on the boat, or simply sit in the sun. Tell the skipper what suits your group. The crew has a reputation for taking visitors to quieter swimming spots, including a sandy beach with very few people around.

One hour passes quickly. If your group wants a long beach stay, this tour may feel rushed because the route includes two more stops. The point is variety, not a full beach day. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and any personal snacks you need, since lunch is not included.

Sun protection cream and bottled water are supplied. That is useful, but I would still bring a hat and extra water if you spend much of the hour in direct sun. Motion sickness tablets are also available, a thoughtful touch for anyone unsure how they will feel on a small boat.

Ošljak: a tiny island with a short walk

Ošljak is the most distinctive stop on the route. With an area of only 0.39 square kilometers and 29 permanent residents, it is described as the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Adriatic.

You can walk around much of the island in roughly 30 minutes, while the marked hiking route is about two kilometers long. That makes Ošljak a good break from the boat. You get a little shade, a little history, and a chance to see an island community rather than just another swimming cove.

The island has a traditional Mediterranean feel, with an old fishing port and the Church of St. Mary, said to date from the sixth century. A path also leads toward a lighthouse and the remains of sixteenth-century windmills. Ošljak was declared a forest park in 1985.

Do not expect a major sightseeing town. Ošljak is small, quiet, and best appreciated at walking pace. The attraction is its scale. You can see much of it in an hour without needing a long hike or a detailed plan.

The route may include time for another swim near the island. One reported plan combined a walk around the island with a brief swim and then lunch elsewhere. That is a smart use of the stop if you want both land and water time.

Wear shoes with a firm sole rather than flip-flops if you plan to walk the full route. This is practical advice for any island path, though the provided tour information does not specify the surface. Also keep an eye on the clock. The skipper can guide the timing, but a leisurely walk and a swim can use the entire hour.

Preko and Ugljan: island life across the channel

The final stop is Preko, on Ugljan Island. The island lies opposite Zadar and is only a few nautical miles from the city. It is known for olive groves, small fishing settlements, sheltered bays, and a long connection with the sea.

Preko is a better place than Ošljak for a meal or a longer look at island life. The tour does not include lunch, but the skippers can point you toward local places. Christian recommended a restaurant that one group enjoyed, while Luka took a group to Srdela Snack in Kali, a fishing village on Ugljan, and helped them try several fish dishes.

That local advice is one of the strongest reasons to book a private trip rather than simply taking a public ferry and wandering on your own. You can ask where the skipper would eat, which village fits your mood, or where to find a quiet swim. The answer may change with the day and the group, but that is part of the appeal.

Ugljan has more than 2,000 years of olive cultivation behind it. You will not get a formal food tour, but the setting gives context to the island’s olive oil and fishing traditions. The skipper may also share local products. One captain brought figs from his garden, and another owner shared food from his garden with a family group. These small touches are not guaranteed, but they show the personal character of the operation.

Preko is not just a photo stop. Give yourself time to look at the harbor, notice the olive-growing culture, and enjoy a meal if the schedule allows. Since the full excursion lasts about four hours and includes three stops, lunch could reduce your swimming or walking time. Decide in advance what matters most to you.

What the skipper adds to the experience

The boat operators are central to the quality of this trip. Luka is praised for finding good swimming places and taking visitors to a local fishing village. Christian is described as careful, welcoming, and attentive to safety. Kristijan is praised for running a comfortable boat and adapting the route to the group’s wishes.

That pattern matters more than any single name. You are not booking a rigid sightseeing circuit. You are paying for a skipper who can help turn a short boat ride into the kind of outing you want.

You can ask for:

• More swimming and less walking
• More time on Ošljak
• A local lunch recommendation
• Quiet bays and less crowded spots
• Snorkeling time
• A route suited to children
• A balance of swimming, food, and island visits

The crew speaks English, and confirmation is provided when you book. The activity is private, so only your own group participates. That is useful for couples, families, and small celebrations such as a bachelorette party.

The boat crew is not a substitute for a formal historian or food guide. If you want detailed archaeological commentary, a long walking tour, or a set tasting menu, choose a more specialized experience. Here, the value comes from personal attention, boat access, and local judgment.

Swimming, snorkeling, and comfort on board

Swimming is the heart of the trip. Each stop offers a different setting, from sandy Kostanj Beach to the waters near Ošljak and the bays around Ugljan.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing bulky gear or renting it elsewhere. The tour also supplies bottled water and sunscreen. Motion sickness tablets are available, although you should not rely on a tour operator for any medication you personally need.

A comfortable boat makes a real difference during the ride between islands. The boat has been described as clean and in good condition, with enough comfort for a private half-day outing. The supplied information does not give exact seating, shade, toilet, or storage details, so ask before booking if any of those are important.

The Adriatic can look calm from the quay and still feel different once you are moving. If you are sensitive to motion, take sensible precautions and tell the skipper. The availability of motion sickness tablets is helpful, but you should check that they are suitable for you.

Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, secure footwear, and a dry bag for phones. Bring your own lunch or plan to buy one in Preko or another village if the skipper recommends it. These are simple preparations, but they make a short boat trip much easier.

How to judge the four-hour schedule

The stated duration is approximately four hours, with about one hour planned at each stop. The remaining time is used for boat travel between Zadar and the islands.

That schedule is well judged for a morning or afternoon outing. You get three separate experiences without losing an entire day. It also works well if you are staying in Zadar and want to combine island time with the city’s old town later.

The tradeoff is clear. You cannot fully explore Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko in four hours. This route gives you a taste of each place, with enough time for a swim and a short walk, not an extensive island tour.

Ask yourself what you want most. If you want a quick Adriatic escape with several stops, the timing is strong. If you want a long lunch, a serious hike, and hours in the water, book a longer private charter if available.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who gets the best value from this tour

I would recommend this trip most strongly to small groups that care about flexibility. A family can set a gentle pace. A couple can focus on swimming and a good meal. Friends can split the time between snorkeling, walking, and local food.

It also suits people who do not want to organize several ferry departures. The boat handles the movement between stops, and the skipper can make practical decisions for you. You spend your limited holiday time on the water instead of studying transport schedules.

The value is weaker for solo visitors or pairs on a tight budget. The $409.63 group price becomes more attractive as your group grows, but the €80 fuel surcharge must be added to your calculation. Lunch is also extra.

This is not the right choice if you dislike boats, want a structured lecture, or need a full-day island stay. It is also not a beach resort transfer. You will spend time moving, boarding, swimming, and walking in a compact schedule.

Should you book the Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible introduction to the islands near Zadar, especially if you have four to eight people to share the cost. The strongest features are the comfortable boat, swimming time, included snorkeling gear, and skippers who can point you toward quieter water and local food.

Before paying, confirm the €80 fuel surcharge and ask about the boat’s shade and seating. Decide if lunch matters more to you than an extra swim, since four hours does not allow unlimited time.

For a small group that values personal service over a fixed sightseeing script, this is a very good choice. You get three island settings, useful equipment, and a skipper who can make the outing feel local rather than packaged.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Zadar.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although the skipper may recommend local places to eat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of €80 per booking is not included in the advertised price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.