Zadar Islands: Small Group Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks

Summary

Swim, sip & wander quiet islands near Zadar by boat

You’ll cruise from Zadar to peaceful islands with a small group, swimming in clear bays and wandering quiet villages most tourists miss. Homemade drinks and snorkeling gear are included—and you’ll share stories with your local guide as you soak up Adriatic sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to islands with swimming

• Depart from Zadar
• Panoramic cruise to Ošljak island
• Stop on Ošljak for walk and swim
• Cruise to Lukoran village
• Stop in Lukoran for swim and explore
• Boat ride to Frnaža bay for snorkeling
• Relaxing cruise back to Zadar

Top questions

How long is the Zadar small group boat tour?

The tour lasts several hours with stops at Ošljak, Lukoran on Ugljan island, and Frnaža bay before returning to Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this boat tour?

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

Are drinks included on the boat tour near Zadar?

Yes, cold drinks such as bottled water, soda/pop, ice tea, and homemade local liqueurs are provided onboard.

What islands do you visit on this day trip from Zadar?

The usual stops are Ošljak island, Lukoran village on Ugljan island, and Frnaža bay depending on sea conditions.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included; however, drinks and light refreshments are provided during the trip.

How many people are in each group?

The tour operates as a small group experience for a more personal atmosphere compared to larger boats.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Zadar harbor or marina area.

Is this boat tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes cold drinks like bottled water and ice tea plus homemade local liqueurs served onboard; use of snorkeling equipment; stops at Ošljak island, Lukoran village on Ugljan island, and Frnaža bay; plenty of time for swimming or relaxing by the sea before cruising back toward Zadar in late afternoon sun.

What’s the experience like?

There was this soft clinking of glasses as we pushed off from Zadar’s harbor—nothing fancy, just the sound of bottles in a cooler and someone laughing about sunscreen. The Adriatic looked almost too blue. Our guide, Marko, had that easy way Croatians sometimes do—he pointed out Ošljak ahead, saying it’s one of the tiniest inhabited islands around here. I’d never heard of it before. The breeze smelled faintly salty but also like pine needles, which I didn’t expect at all.

We docked at Ošljak after maybe half an hour (I lost track), and everyone kind of drifted off to do their own thing. Some went straight for the water—cold but sharp in a good way—while I wandered the path lined with wildflowers and old stone houses. There was this woman hanging laundry who smiled at me when I tried to say “dobar dan.” I think she understood me? Anyway, you could see Zadar across the channel, all hazy and golden in the late morning light.

Lukoran was next—a tiny village on Ugljan island where it felt like time moved slower. We had an hour there; some folks swam again (the bay is calm, almost glassy), others just sat by the sea wall with homemade ice tea from Marko’s cooler. He passed around a bottle of something herbal—homemade liqueur—and warned us not to drink too fast unless we wanted to nap on deck. I took a sip; it burned slightly but tasted like rosemary and citrus peel.

The last stop was Frnaža bay for snorkeling. The water was so clear you could see silvery fish darting between rocks, and even if you’re not much of a swimmer (like me), just floating there felt oddly peaceful. On the ride back, nobody talked much—just that quiet tiredness after saltwater and sun. Marko pointed out little islands as we passed; honestly, I still think about that view sometimes.