Zadar Islands Boat Tour: Small Group Swim & Snorkel Escape

Zadar boat trip to ugljan for swimming snorkeling and village walks

You’ll board a small boat in Zadar with a local skipper, cruise over to Ugljan Island for swims in quiet bays, try out snorkeling gear (if you want), and stroll through peaceful island villages. Expect salty air, relaxed company, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back on shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and island visit

• Start at City Bridge
• View panorama of City Center
• Cruise to island Ugljan
• Stop for swim at beach
• Walk and explore island villages

The Experience

“So you’re not scared of the water?” our skipper asked, grinning as he handed me a slightly faded life vest. I laughed and said I’d be fine — but honestly, the Adriatic looked colder than I expected that morning. We set off from Zadar’s old City Bridge, engine humming, and the city slowly shrank behind us. There was this salty smell mixed with sunscreen and coffee from someone’s thermos. I kept thinking how close everything felt — Ugljan Island was right there across the blue, but it still felt like a different world.

We cruised past a couple of bigger boats (the kind packed with tour groups), and then it got quieter. Our guide — Luka — pointed out little stone houses along Ugljan’s shore and told us about his aunt who still makes olive oil in one of those villages. He let us decide where to stop for swimming, depending on what we wanted and how the wind was acting up. The first beach we tried had pebbles that stuck between my toes (not complaining, just saying), but the water was so clear you could see tiny fish darting around your ankles. Someone tried snorkeling with the gear they gave us; I mostly floated on my back listening to nothing but distant cicadas.

Afterwards we wandered into one of those villages — can’t remember the name now — where an old man waved at us from his garden and Luka joked about how everyone knows everyone here. We didn’t rush; just walked around narrow streets that smelled faintly of rosemary and grilled fish somewhere out of sight. On the way back to Zadar, sunburn starting to sting my shoulders a bit, I realized how easy it is to forget time out there. It wasn’t fancy or anything — just simple, good.

Top questions

How long does the Zadar boat tour last?

The duration isn’t specified exactly but includes cruising to Ugljan Island, swimming stops, and village visits before returning.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Zadar islands tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Where does the boat depart from in Zadar?

The tour starts from the City Bridge in Zadar’s city center.

Are meals or drinks included during the trip?

No meals or drinks are included; only snorkeling gear and life vests are provided.

Is this boat tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, infants under 2 go free but must sit on an adult's lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

What happens if there is bad weather?

The experience will not take place if there is bad weather or a boat malfunction.

How many people are on each tour group?

The maximum group size is 13 people per tour.

Can pets join this Zadar island boat trip?

Only small pets like Pekingese are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment and life vests throughout the trip; you’ll travel by small boat with a local skipper from Zadar’s City Bridge to Ugljan Island for swimming stops and village walks before heading back to town together.