Zadar Archipelago: Sailing Tour with Family Skipper & Island Stops

Sail Zadar’s islands with a local family skipper, swim Ošljak’s bays, taste Kali seafood, and catch sea breezes by the Sea Organ

You’ll sail out of Zadar with a local family skipper, pass by singing Sea Organs, anchor in Ošljak’s quiet bay for swimming or snorkeling, then taste fresh seafood in Kali village. Alongside stories from your guide and glimpses of island life, you’ll see Zadar’s old town from a new angle—the kind of day that stays with you long after you’re back on land.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and island exploration in Zadar

• Pass by Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun
• Visit fishing village of Kali
• Swim and relax at Kali beach
• Explore islet Galevac and monastery
• Anchor near Ošljak Island for swimming
• Swim, snorkel, and relax in Adriatic Sea

The Experience

I nearly lost my hat to the wind as we left Zadar harbor—didn’t expect it to be that gusty, but our skipper (the daughter, Ana) just grinned and said it was “good luck for sailors.” The city faded behind us and suddenly the water felt like its own world. I could smell sunscreen and salt, plus something herbal I couldn’t place—maybe sage from the islands? We passed right by the Sea Organ; you actually hear these weird musical sighs coming up from under the promenade. Never thought concrete could sing.

We anchored off Ošljak, which is tiny but somehow feels like a secret. The bay was so quiet except for someone’s radio drifting over from another boat. I tried snorkeling—water clearer than my shower at home—and Ana pointed out these little silvery fish darting around my toes. She handed out bottled water and told us how her dad used to fish here before tourists ever came. The sun got hot fast but there’s shade on deck if you need it. I sort of lost track of time here.

Later we stopped at Kali, which Ana called “the heart of fishing in Zadar.” You can actually watch guys mending nets on the dock, not just for show. There’s this snack place called Srdela where they serve fish straight from the boats—I got grilled sardines and probably ate too many. Some folks went for a swim or just sat at the beach bar watching locals argue (nicely) about football. On the way back we drifted past Greetings to the Sun—those glass panels that light up at night—and I caught myself thinking I’d never seen Zadar look so peaceful from the water. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Top questions

Is this Zadar sailing tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the boat allows prams or strollers and has specialized infant seats available.

Does the sailing tour include swimming stops?

Yes, you’ll have time to swim or snorkel in Ošljak’s bay and near Kali village beaches during the day trip.

Are meals included on this Zadar archipelago sailing tour?

No meals are included but you can buy fresh seafood at Srdela Snack in Kali during free time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Will there be a guide or skipper on board?

Yes, your boat is skippered by a local family member who also acts as your guide throughout.

How long does it take to reach Ošljak island from Zadar by boat?

The journey is short—Ošljak is one of the closest islands to Zadar and easily reached within an hour depending on conditions.

Can service animals join this sailing trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed onboard according to tour info.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional family skipper as your guide, bottled water throughout the trip, use of snorkeling equipment for swimming stops around Ošljak and Ugljan islands, plus plenty of stories about local life before returning to Zadar harbor in the afternoon.