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

Small boats reveal the best side of Zadar. This half-day cruise takes you from Foša port toward Frnaža Cove, Galevac, and Ošljak, with time for swimming, snorkeling, island walks, homemade liqueur, beer, soft drinks, and local anchovies. I like the intimate six-person limit and the chance to reach quiet coves that large boats cannot enter.

I also like the relaxed, personal setup. You can play your own music through Bluetooth, bring food for the cooler, and use the supplied snorkeling gear without paying extra. The main consideration is the added docking charge, €10 for each person aged 12 and older and €5 for children 11 and younger. At $43 per person, the trip is good value, but the final cost is higher than the headline price.

Key points to know before booking

• A six-person boat keeps the trip personal: This is better suited to people who prefer a small group than to anyone looking for a large party cruise.
• Frnaža Cove is the quiet first stop: The cove sits on Ugljan without buildings, making it the most nature-focused swim stop.
• Galevac adds history and a sandy beach: You can see the monastery, walk nearby, and find bars close to the shore.
• Ošljak offers a protected final stop: With only 29 residents, this small island gives you time for a walk, swim, or snorkeling session.
• Drinks and simple local food are included: Water, beer, soft drinks, homemade liqueur, and anchovies are part of the easygoing boat experience.
• Budget for the docking fee: The extra €10 or €5 charge is collected before departure and should be included in your price comparison.

Leaving Zadar from Foša port

The meeting point is at the back side of Foša restaurant, at Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6. Look for the balcony and dock behind the restaurant rather than the main dining entrance. The boat returns to this same place, which makes the tour easy to fit into a day in Zadar.

Departures are listed at 10:00 and 15:00, though you should check the available time when booking. The morning departure gives you a longer afternoon afterward, while the later trip brings softer light toward the end of the cruise. The activity is described as 4.5 hours, with the guided boat portion also described as four hours, so allow roughly half a day.

The boat is seven meters long and carries no more than six participants. That size matters. You get room to sit, sunbathe, and move around without the crowded feel common on larger excursion boats. It also lets the skipper approach smaller coastal spots and coves that are not practical for ferries.

The tradeoff is that a small boat gives you less space than a full-size day cruiser. If the sea becomes choppy, you may feel the motion more clearly. Still, the limited group size is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing.

The first cruise brings Zadar’s wider view

Once you leave the old city port, the first part of the ride is a sightseeing cruise of about 20 minutes. This is your chance to see Zadar from the water, with the mountain Velebit forming the background and Ugljan spreading across the channel.

Skipper Ilija is presented as the host and guide, with English, German, and Croatian available. His role is not limited to steering. The tour is meant to include stories about Adriatic sea life, local culture, island history, and his own experience on the water.

The atmosphere is informal. You can have water, beer, or a soft drink while the boat moves between stops. Homemade liqueur is also offered, and a cooler is available for food and drinks you bring yourself. A cocktail shaker is on board, which tells you something about the mood: this is a casual social outing, not a formal sightseeing lecture.

The feedback connected with the tour repeatedly praises the hosts as friendly, calm, and welcoming. Names mentioned include Tommy and Tomislav, while the booking information identifies Ilija as the skipper. If having a particular guide matters to you, confirm who will be operating your departure.

Frnaža Cove is the quietest stop

The first destination is Frnaža Cove on Ugljan, described as the skipper’s favorite place. It is tucked away among the island’s natural surroundings, with no buildings at the cove. That makes it a good opening stop for a swim, a little sun, and a break from the town.

You can use the snorkeling equipment provided for each person. The water is described as clear, and the cove is intended for swimming and snorkeling rather than sightseeing on land. Bring water shoes or beach sandals because the shorelines on this tour may be pebbly or sandy.

This stop should appeal to you if you want quiet surroundings and time in the sea. It is less suitable if you need a long walking visit or a developed beach with many facilities. The attraction here is the lack of construction and the simple pleasure of getting into the water.

The exact stop order can vary slightly with conditions, but Frnaža is described as the first destination in the tour details. The timed route also lists two short sightseeing cruise sections before the longer island breaks, adding up to an easy transition from Zadar to the archipelago.

Galevac mixes a monastery with beach time

The next major stop is Galevac, also called Školji in the route details. This small historic island has a monastery, a nearby sandy beach, and bars close to the shore. You get about 50 minutes here for a visit, a walk, sightseeing, and swimming.

Galevac gives the tour more variety. Frnaža is mainly about nature and the sea, while Galevac lets you step ashore and look around. The monastery adds a cultural point of interest, but the stop remains relaxed rather than highly structured.

The sandy beach is useful if you dislike rocky entries into the water. Still, beaches and facilities can be busy at popular times, and 50 minutes passes quickly if you want to walk, swim, and stop for a drink. Think of this as a compact island visit, not a full historical tour.

As you sail near the coast, local anchovies are available. This is a small detail, but it gives the trip a stronger local flavor than a cruise offering only packaged snacks. You can also play music from your phone through Bluetooth, provided the group is happy with your selection. On a small boat, shared music works best when everyone gets a say.

Ošljak gives you the longest island break

Ošljak is the final major stop and the most substantial break, with about one hour set aside for free time. The island has only 29 residents, giving it a much smaller and quieter feel than the developed parts of the Zadar coast.

You can walk, hike, look around, swim, or snorkel. Ošljak is also described as well protected from the wind, which makes it a useful swimming stop when exposed parts of the coast are less comfortable. The sheltered position may be especially welcome after several hours on the water.

I would use this hour according to your energy. If you want activity, take a walk and then swim. If the boat ride has already supplied enough movement, stay near the shore and enjoy the break. The tour does not force you into a tightly packed schedule, which is a major benefit for a small private-style group.

Do not expect a large island settlement or a long list of attractions. Ošljak’s appeal comes from its scale, quiet setting, and protected water. The 29-resident figure is a useful clue: this is a place for a gentle visit, not a major port excursion.

Swimming and snorkeling are central, not extra

This is not mainly a sightseeing cruise where swimming is an afterthought. Each of the three stops gives you a chance to get into the water, sunbathe, or use a mask and snorkel. Equipment is supplied at no extra charge.

Pack swimwear, a towel, a hat, and water shoes. Flip-flops can help on sandy or pebbly beaches, but secure water shoes are likely more comfortable if you plan to walk into the sea. You may also want a dry bag for small personal items, although one is not listed as included.

The tour provides water, beer, and soft drinks without an additional charge. Homemade liqueur and anchovies add to the offering. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks and store them in the cooler, so you can make the outing as simple or as substantial as you like.

Alcohol and swimming require common sense. If you plan to snorkel at several stops, pace yourself and drink water as well. The equipment is a practical inclusion, but the trip does not promise a dedicated marine biology session or guided underwater tour. You are being given the chance to explore at your own pace.

What $43 buys you, and what it does not

The advertised price is $43 per person. It includes the boat trip, fuel, skipper, port fees, unlimited water, beer, and soft drinks. Snorkeling equipment is also supplied, and the small group size gives you more personal space than a typical large excursion.

The extra docking fee changes the calculation. Before departure, participants aged 12 and older pay €10, while children aged 11 and younger pay €5. That fee is not included in the headline price, so check the current exchange rate and add it before comparing this outing with other Zadar cruises.

For a four to four-and-a-half-hour trip, the value is strongest if you plan to swim, snorkel, and use the drinks and equipment. A private boat for only six people would normally be a more expensive arrangement, so the capped group size helps justify the price.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a formal history tour or a long island walk. The cultural content is present through Galevac’s monastery and the skipper’s stories, but the heart of the experience is the water, scenery, and relaxed boat time.

The mood is laid-back and personal

The most consistent praise attached to this experience concerns the hosts. The guide is described as friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic about swimming and snorkeling, and easygoing. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than polished or formal.

That can be a real advantage. A small group allows the skipper to answer questions, adjust the rhythm of the stops, and keep the outing social. You can ask about the islands, local sea life, and Adriatic customs while moving between destinations.

It can also mean a less standardized experience. Much depends on the person guiding your boat and on the group’s mood. One group may want music and drinks; another may prefer quiet views. The experience is best for you if you enjoy flexible pacing and do not need every minute planned like a museum visit.

Pets are welcome, which is unusual and useful if you are traveling with an animal. Bikes are not allowed. The boat has a toilet, an important comfort on a half-day outing.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend this tour to couples, families with children, and small groups of friends who want a social day on the water without filling a large boat. It also suits independent visitors who prefer swimming and island time to a scripted sightseeing program.

Children can join, though the route includes swimming, snorkeling, boat movement, and pebbly or sandy shorelines. Adults should be comfortable supervising children around the water. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95 years old.

You should also like the sea itself. The experience includes several swims, sunbathing, and time outdoors, so it is not a good match if you want to stay dry or avoid direct sun. Bring a hat and towel, and remember that a boat offers limited shade compared with a beach facility.

The trip is also a good choice if you want to reach places that ferries and large boats cannot access. You will not see every island in the Zadar Archipelago, but you get three distinct settings: a quiet cove, a monastery island with a sandy beach, and a tiny protected island community.

Booking tips for a smoother outing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check the exact departure time and confirm the extra docking fee before you go.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to enter the water quickly. Bring a towel, hat, water shoes or sandals, and cash for the docking charge. You may bring your own food and drinks, though the boat already supplies water, beer, and soft drinks.

The boat departs from the back of Foša restaurant, not from an obvious main entrance. Arrive with enough time to find the balcony and dock. Since the group is limited to six, ask about availability early if you are traveling with a private group.

Should you book the Zadar island cruise?

Book it if your ideal Zadar day includes clear water, three island stops, a small boat, simple local food, and an unhurried host. Frnaža supplies the quiet cove, Galevac brings a monastery and sandy beach, and Ošljak offers a protected final swim with a tiny island community nearby.

Skip it if you want a large, highly organized boat with extensive historical commentary, guaranteed shade, or a full meal. Also factor in the €10 adult or €5 child docking fee. For the right kind of outing, though, the capped group size, free snorkeling equipment, drinks, and friendly hosting make this a strong half-day choice.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Foša restaurant, at Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat dock is on the back side of the restaurant, near the balcony.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour ends back at the same Foša meeting point in Zadar.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts about 4.5 hours. The boat trip is also described as four hours, so allow roughly half a day.

What departure times are available?

Departures are listed at 10:00 and 15:00. Check availability for the exact starting times on your chosen date.

Which islands and locations does the tour visit?

The tour visits Frnaža Cove on Ugljan, Galevac, and Ošljak in the Zadar Archipelago.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, beer, and soft drinks are included. Homemade liqueur is also available during the cruise.

Is food included?

Local anchovies are offered during the trip. You may also bring your own food and drinks and store them in the cooler on the boat.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat can accommodate up to six participants per tour. Adults and children can join, and pets are welcome.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. A docking fee is charged before departure. It is €10 for participants aged 12 and older and €5 for children aged 11 and younger.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, water shoes or beach sandals, and cash. The beaches may be sandy or pebbly.

Is the boat accessible to wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.