Zadar Sailing Tour: Full-Day Islands, Snorkeling & Fishing

Summary

Sail Zadar’s archipelago, swim Ugljan bays, visit Ošljak villages

You’ll set sail from Zadar with a local skipper and spend your day swimming in quiet Ugljan bays, trying out snorkeling or fishing gear, and wandering through peaceful island villages like Ošljak. There’s time for lunch or coffee wherever you feel like stopping. You might find yourself thinking about that blue water long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the water changed color just outside Zadar — that weird, almost electric blue you only see in Croatia. Our skipper, Luka, handed me a coffee (strong, no sugar) right on the dock at Obala Kneza Branimira 27. I’d barely finished it before we were gliding out into the channel. The wind was soft but steady; you could hear gulls arguing overhead and that low hum from the Sea Organ drifting over from town. I tried to ask Luka how it worked — he grinned and said something about marble steps and pipes under the sea, but honestly I still don’t get it.

By midday we’d dropped anchor off Ugljan island. The bay was so quiet you could actually hear your own splash when you jumped in. Salt on my lips, sun on my shoulders — I forgot about everything else for a bit. There was snorkel gear onboard (I’m not great at it but gave it a shot), and some of us tried fishing too. Luka showed me how to bait the hook; he laughed when I flinched at touching the little worms. The water here smells different — cleaner somehow? Or maybe just less busy than back home.

Lunch was wherever we wanted — we ended up at this tiny café in a village on Ugljan where nobody seemed in a hurry for anything. After that we sailed toward Ošljak, which is apparently Croatia’s smallest inhabited island (Luka told us there are fewer than 30 people living there). We wandered around for a bit; old stone houses with faded shutters, laundry flapping in the breeze. On the way back to Zadar, the light got golden and everyone went quiet for a while just watching the coastline slide by. Funny how sometimes silence feels like part of the trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day sailing tour from Zadar

• Start at Obala Kneza Branimira 27
• Cruise across Zadar Channel
• Arrive at Ugljan Island bays
• Swim, snorkel, fish, explore bays
• Sail to Ošljak Island or visit Ugljan villages
• Take lunch or coffee break
• Sail back enjoying island views
• View Zadar old town panorama
• Return to marina by 5pm

Top questions

What time does the full-day sailing tour from Zadar start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am from Obala Kneza Branimira 27 in Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this sailing trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your day trip.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No, fishing equipment is provided as part of your tour inclusions.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this sailing tour.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The full-day sailing trip lasts until around 5:00 pm when you return to Zadar marina.

Is lunch included during the sailing tour?

Lunch is not included but there’s time to stop at local cafés or restaurants on Ugljan or Ošljak islands.

Can infants join this sailing trip from Zadar?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available for families traveling with young children.

Will we visit any famous landmarks during this day trip?

You’ll pass by Zadar’s Sea Organ and can hear its unique sounds as you depart or return.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes covered up front, fuel for the sailing boat itself, use of both snorkeling and fishing equipment if you want to try them out along the way — plus flexible stops for lunch or coffee wherever your group feels like pausing before heading back to Zadar marina by late afternoon.