Three islands, one calm boat ride. I love how this private day can be shaped around your pace, not a rigid schedule, and I love that the snorkel gear is handled for you. With swim time on Ugljan, a quiet walk on Ošljak, and island-life atmosphere in Preko, it feels like a local day out more than a checklist tour.

One catch: the base price covers your group, but there’s an extra €80 fuel surcharge per booking, and the plan depends on good weather. If the sea turns rough, you may need to adjust expectations for swimming or switch dates.

Quick hits before you book

• Snorkel equipment and sun protection cream included, so you don’t need to haul extras.
• A local skipper who customizes your stops, including whether you swim or walk.
• Ugljan’s Kostanj sandy beach gives an easy first swim, often away from crowds.
• Ošljak is tiny and calm, with a 2 km walking route, plus lighthouse and windmill remains.
• Preko is olive country, with bays, fishing ports, and time to grab lunch on your own.

Zadar’s islands day feels personal when the skipper drives

This is a private boat tour out of Zadar for up to 8 people, and that matters. You’re not trying to work around other groups, and you can actually ask for changes on the fly—more swimming, more shade, a calmer anchorage, or a quicker walk.

The vibe is also more practical than touristy. You’ll have bottled water aboard, plus sun protection cream and motion-sickness tablets for comfort. And because the skipper is local, the day tends to run like you’re borrowing someone’s island knowledge rather than following a scripted route.

The best part for most people: the swimming is built in, not tacked on. You get crystal-clear Adriatic water time at a sandy beach on Ugljan, then another chance to hop in around Ošljak and Preko.

Ugljan Island and Kostanj: your first swim spot is built for relaxing

Ugljan is a favorite for a reason: it’s close to Zadar, but it still feels like you’ve escaped. Your first stop is on Ugljan’s coast at Kostanj, a sandy beach where you can swim and sunbathe from the boat.

Because you’re starting with a sandier setup, it’s an easy win. If you’re traveling with kids, or you just want a low-effort first swim, this is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not planning to snorkel for hours.

You’ll have about an hour here, which is enough to cool off, take a breather, and decide whether you want to snorkel next or just enjoy the water. If you’re hoping for a laid-back start, this opening stop does that well.

Ošljak: tiny island, big calm, and a walk with old details

Ošljak is small—officially listed as the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Adriatic, with 29 inhabitants and an area of 0.39 km². It sits just half a nautical mile from Preko, so the timing feels tight and efficient: you get that secluded feeling without losing the day.

What you’ll do here depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you prefer land time, there’s a hiking trail of about 2 km that loops through the island’s highlights. There are windmills from the 16th century in the remains, plus a lighthouse, and you’ll also pass by the old fishing-port feel of the place.

Ošljak also has a religious landmark worth noting: the Church of St. Mary dating to the 6th century. And the island’s natural side matters too—it was declared a forest park in 1985. That mix is why Ošljak works for different travel styles: some people focus on the walk, while others return fast to the water.

One practical note: with only around an hour, you’ll want to move at a comfortable pace if you’re doing the full loop. In past experiences, people have timed the perimeter walk in about 30 minutes when they keep it casual, leaving room for a quick swim and photos.

Preko on Ugljan: olive groves, fishing ports, and real island downtime

Preko is your third stop, and it feels like the island that holds the daily rhythm together. Ugljan is described as an evergreen island covered with olive groves, and Preko is one of the best-known bays and settlements on the eastern side.

You’ll get around an hour here, which is perfect for two things: another swim or just hanging out by the water, and then lunch on your own. Lunch isn’t included, but this is also where a local skipper’s advice can be clutch. On this kind of day, I like having time to let the skipper point you toward a place that makes sense for where you are, not where you were yesterday.

Preko’s background runs deep in the most everyday way—over 2000 years of olive cultivation. That translates into the atmosphere: lots of olive trees, natural bays, and fishing ports that don’t feel staged. It’s the kind of setting that makes your photos look like they came from a slow travel day, not a rushed boat hop.

Snorkeling at the pace you want (and comfort touches that reduce hassle)

This tour doesn’t treat snorkeling like a test you either pass or fail. Snorkel equipment is included, and the skipper works with you based on what you want to do that day—snorkeling, walking, or a mix.

That flexibility is one reason the experience gets top marks. People have reported swimming at two different spots and choosing a calmer, sandy-feeling beach setting first. If you’re not sure what you’ll like, the ability to pivot helps.

You also get small comfort items that make a difference when you’re out on the water. Bottled water is included, and sun protection cream is included too—helpful on a bright Adriatic day. Motion-sickness tablets are provided as well, which is a thoughtful touch if you’re sensitive to boat movement or you’re traveling with someone who is.

If you tend to bring your own gear, you can still do that, but most people will appreciate not having to pack snorkel basics for a short 4-hour outing.

A look at the 4-hour timing: enough for three stops without feeling rushed

The whole tour runs about 4 hours. Each stop is roughly an hour, so you’re moving often enough to see multiple islands, but not so often that you feel like you’re just passing through.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

• Start from Zadar and head to Ugljan for the sandy beach swim time.
• Move to Ošljak for either a short island walk and/or another swim.
• Finish in Preko where you can relax and handle lunch on your own.

This timing works best when you plan to do a little of everything: swim, stretch your legs, and then finish with an easy meal. If you only want one kind of activity (all snorkeling, no walking), you can ask your skipper to adjust the balance while still keeping the day’s structure.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is listed at $409.63 per group for up to 8 people, for about 4 hours, with English offered. On paper, that can look like a lot—until you break down what’s included and what you avoid paying separately.

Included value you can feel:

• Snorkel equipment, so you don’t buy or rent gear.
• Bottled water and sun protection cream.
• Motion-sickness tablets for comfort.
• A local, experienced skipper who helps tailor the day.

Then there’s the one extra cost you should plan for: a €80 fuel surcharge per booking. That’s not small, but it’s also common for private boat days. The smart move is to add it in when you’re deciding if this is worth it for your group.

For families and small groups, this is often a strong value play, because private boat time can quickly become expensive when you’re splitting costs. If you’re traveling as two or three people, it can still be a good buy if you truly want a tailored day with real swimming time and not just a quick photo stop.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different style)

This private islands boat tour is a great fit if you want a mix of water time and light exploration. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who needs an easier pace, because you’re not committed to long hikes—Ošljak’s walk is short enough to do comfortably, and swimming options are always there.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You want snorkeling without the hassle of bringing gear.
• You like quieter islands like Ošljak, where time feels slower.
• You want a skipper who adjusts the day to your preferences.

It might be less ideal if you’re expecting a full-day cultural tour with lots of guided facts and museum-style stops. This is a water-and-bay experience first. You’re there for swimming, short walks, and the feel of island life from the sea.

Boat day logistics that matter in real life

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. The operator uses a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

It’s good to know the tour requires decent conditions. The experience is weather-dependent—if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. When you’re booking around your Zadar schedule, I’d treat this like a flexible block of time, not a hard promise.

Also, since it’s a private tour, you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers. That adds comfort and makes it easier to keep kids settled, or to keep the day calm and conversational.

Should you book this Zadar islands boat tour?

If you want a short, high-reward day—real swimming time, optional snorkeling, and two quieter island stops—this is a strong book. The included snorkel gear and comfort items (water, sun cream, motion-sickness tablets) remove common travel friction. And because the skipper works with your preferences, you’re not stuck doing something you don’t enjoy.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a long, land-based itinerary or if you know you’ll refuse any boat movement at all. Since the plan depends on weather and the day is tightly timed, it’s best for travelers who are excited to be on the water for a few hours and flexible enough to enjoy the islands at that pace.

FAQ

How long is the private tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

How many people can be on the tour?

The tour is for up to 8 people per group.

Which islands are included?

You’ll visit Ugljan Island, Ošljak, and Preko.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are bottled water and sun protection included?

Yes. Bottled water and sun protection cream are included, along with motion-sickness tablets for comfort.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there an extra fuel surcharge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of €80.00 per booking is not included in the listed price.

Where do we meet in Zadar?

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.