Zadar island hopping tour with snorkeling: 3 islands

Swim and snorkel at three islands, then cruise back past Zadar's old town at sunset

A 4-hour island hopping tour from Zadar visits Otrić Bay, the fishing village of Kali, and Galevac island with a skipper, snorkeling mask, life vest and sunscreen included. You swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water, wander stone-paved village alleys, and explore a 15th-century Franciscan monastery on foot. A 2-hour Swim & Sunset Tour option replaces the island stops with one swimming cove and a scenic return cruise around Zadar's waterfront at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island hopping and swimming tour

• Visit Otrić Bay for swimming
• Cruise to Kali village
• Explore Kali and swim
• Swim and snorkel at Galevac island
• Explore Galevac monastery

The Experience

Four hours takes you through three islands that feel removed from the usual tourist circuit. The boat leaves Zadar and heads first to Otrić Bay, a secluded anchorage with sandy bottom and water clear enough to see the seabed. You swim and snorkel there, or stay on deck listening to the water and the quiet. The skipper provides the mask and life vest; sunscreen and fresh water are on board.

From the bay, you cruise the coastline to Kali, a fishing village on Ugljan island where traditional stone houses line quiet alleys and the pace feels slower than the mainland. Time there is yours—grab a coffee, order fresh fish at a waterside restaurant, or swim in a nearby cove. The third stop is Galevac, a small pine-covered islet with turquoise shallows perfect for snorkeling. You can wade ashore and walk to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery in the island's center, surrounded by nothing but trees and silence.

The Swim & Sunset Tour condenses the itinerary to two hours: one swimming stop on a nearby island, then a scenic cruise back toward Zadar as the sun drops. You see the old town's walls and waterfront lit by the colors of dusk from the water. Both versions suit all fitness levels, and public transport reaches the departure point.

What’s included

• Skipper and boat.
• snorkeling mask, life vest, sunscreen and drinking water.
• swimming and snorkeling at Otrić Bay and Galevac.
• time to explore Kali village's stone alleys and waterfront.
• access to Galevac's 15th-century Franciscan monastery on foot.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Hop On Luxury Speedboat tour

Is this one for you?The 4-hour island hopping tour suits anyone who wants to swim and snorkel at multiple stops without arranging a boat or planning the route—the skipper handles navigation and timing. The 2-hour Swim & Sunset Tour works better if you have limited time or prefer one relaxed swimming stop paired with a scenic return cruise at dusk.

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Top questions

What's the water like for swimming and snorkeling around Zadar's islands?

Otrić Bay has crystal-clear water with a sandy bottom visible from the surface, ideal for both swimming and snorkeling. Galevac's shallow turquoise waters are also calm and clear. The skipper provides snorkeling masks, and the water temperature and conditions are suitable for all fitness levels year-round.

Can I visit the monastery on Galevac, and what else is there to do on the islands?

Galevac's 15th-century Franciscan monastery sits in the island's center and you can swim ashore and walk to it on foot. At Kali village, you can stroll the stone alleys, eat at waterside restaurants, or swim in a nearby cove. Otrić Bay is quieter—mostly for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat.

How long do we spend at each island, and what's included in the tour price?

The 4-hour tour visits all three islands with time to swim, snorkel, and explore each stop. Included are the skipper, snorkeling mask, life vest, sunscreen, and drinking water. The 2-hour Swim & Sunset Tour includes one swimming stop and a sunset cruise back to Zadar.

What's the difference between the island hopping tour and the Swim & Sunset Tour?

The 4-hour Island Hopping Tour visits three islands—Otrić Bay, Kali village, and Galevac—with time to swim, snorkel, and explore each. The 2-hour Swim & Sunset Tour replaces the island stops with one swimming cove and a scenic cruise around Zadar's old town as the sun sets.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling masks are provided on the tour. You'll also receive a life vest, sunscreen, and fresh water. Bring your own gear if you prefer, but it's not necessary.