Zadar boat tour with swimming and snorkeling: Hidden islands

Swim and snorkel at three islands only small boats can reach

A half-day boat tour from Zadar visits the hidden cove of Frnaza on Ugljan, St Paul Monastery on Galevac, and the circular footpath of Osljak, with time to swim and snorkel at each stop. The boat holds up to six guests, includes snorkel equipment and welcome refreshments, and is guided by a professional skipper who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages. Docking fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zadar Archipelagos boat tour

• Receive welcome refreshments
• Depart from Zadar Fosa harbour
• Travel to Frnaza cove on Ugljan island
• Swim and snorkel at Frnaza cove
• Travel to Galevac island
• Visit St Paul Monestery on Galevac
• Swim and snorkel near Galevac
• Travel to Osljak island
• Explore Osljak island on footpath
• Swim and snorkel at Osljak
• Return to Zadar harbour

The experience

You board at Zadar Fosa harbour and head toward Ugljan, a 20-minute crossing that opens up panoramic views of Velebit mountain and the city receding behind you. The first stop is Frnaza, a hidden cove where you have about an hour to swim or snorkel in clear water: snorkel gear is provided for everyone. The boat carries a large cooler stocked with welcome refreshments, beer, wine and unlimited water, so you can rest between swims without leaving the water's edge.

From Frnaza, a 15-minute boat ride takes you to Galevac, where St Paul Monastery sits on the island's edge. You get roughly an hour to explore: some visitors walk to the monastery while others stay in the shallows to snorkel around the island's perimeter. The sandy beach at Jaz nearby has a bar if you want a cold drink on land. After Galevac, the boat makes a short 10-minute hop to Osljak, the tour's final stop.

Osljak is built for two kinds of travelers. If you want to move, a circular footpath rings the entire island with views back across the archipelago. If you want to stay in the water, the marine life around Osljak makes it the best snorkeling of the day. You have about an hour here before the 15-minute return to Zadar, which gives you time to photograph the city's outline as you approach the harbour. The whole tour runs four hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment for each guest.
• welcome refreshments including beer, wine, juice and unlimited water.
• use of the boat's cooler and refrigerator.
• Bluetooth stereo system.
• electrical outlets for charging devices.
• fuel.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 12:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Croatian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 11.36

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ilija

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Zadar Fosa harbour, so if you're staying in the city without a car, you walk to the waterfront and board directly, no transfer needed. The skipper handles all navigation and timing, which means you spend the afternoon swimming and exploring instead of figuring out which ferry goes where or whether the water is safe to enter.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Croatian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the boat tour from Zadar take?

The tour is four hours long, including travel time between islands and roughly one hour at each of the three stops to swim, snorkel or explore on foot.

What's included in the Zadar boat tour price?

Snorkel equipment, welcome refreshments, beer, wine, juice and unlimited water are included. Fuel and the boat's use are covered. Docking fees (€10 for adults, €5 for children up to 11) are paid separately.

What can you do at each island stop?

At Frnaza on Ugljan, you swim and snorkel in a hidden cove. At Galevac, you can visit St Paul Monastery or snorkel around the island. There's also a beach bar nearby. At Osljak, you either walk the circular footpath for archipelago views or snorkel in the marine reserve.

Can you arrange a barbecue on the boat?

The boat has a barbecue, but it's reserved for private groups and must be arranged in advance when you book.