Zadar Islands: Half-Day Boat Tour with Swimming & Snorkel

Swim off the boat explore Ugljan’s coves and tiny towns

You’ll leave Zadar behind for a half-day boat trip through quiet coves and island villages. Swim straight from the boat, snorkel with gear provided, and stroll through Ugljan’s historic streets with a local skipper guiding you along the way. Expect laughter, salty hair, and moments that linger longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day boat tour to Ugljan Island

• Depart from Zadar city
• Cruise towards Ugljan Island
• Stop for swim in beautiful cove
• Visit historical small towns on island

The Experience

We’d barely left Zadar’s harbor when the city faded behind us — just a blur of old stone and red roofs. Our skipper, Luka, grinned as he steered us toward Ugljan. The engine hummed under my feet and I caught a whiff of salt and sunscreen (someone overdid it, not naming names). The water was that glassy blue you see in postcards but never quite believe until you’re there. I kept thinking: is this really just a half day?

Luka dropped anchor in a cove so quiet you could hear the splash of every dive. I hesitated at first — cold! — but then it felt like silk. Fish darted around my toes while someone tried (and failed) to do a graceful cannonball. We passed around snorkels, laughing at how ridiculous we looked with foggy goggles. There was this moment where the sun hit the water just right and everything went silent except for distant gulls. I still think about that.

After drying off (sort of), we headed for one of Ugljan’s little towns — can’t remember the name, but there were old men playing cards under fig trees and kids chasing each other past faded shutters. Luka pointed out some church from the 15th century; honestly, I was more focused on the smell of grilled fish drifting from somewhere nearby. We wandered cobbled lanes until it was time to head back, hair full of salt and skin warm from the sun. The ride home felt slower somehow — maybe nobody wanted it to end yet.

What’s included

• Your outing comes with a friendly local skipper who doubles as your guide, plus all snorkeling equipment for swimming stops along Ugljan’s coast.
• Service animals are welcome onboard; infants can come too if they sit on an adult’s lap or stay in a stroller.
• No meals included — just sun, sea air, and plenty of time to swim before heading back to Zadar.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zadar Boat Excursions

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Top questions

How long does the Zadar islands half day boat tour last?

The tour is designed as a half-day experience departing from Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Zadar boat tour?

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

Are children allowed on the Zadar islands boat trip?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can infants join this boat tour around Zadar?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; prams or strollers are allowed.

Does the tour visit any specific islands near Zadar?

The main stop is at Island Ugljan with visits to its coves and small towns.

Is lunch provided during the half day boat tour?

No lunch is included; only snorkeling equipment and guidance are provided.

Are service animals permitted on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available near departure point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Zadar.