Private Island Hopping Boat tour around Zadar with Drinks

Zadar’s coast is best seen from the water, and this private four-hour trip keeps the plan loose. You can swim, snorkel, jump from the boat with the skipper’s supervision, or spend more time walking around Ugljan. The first stop is a quiet island spot, followed by Ugljan and its small town of Preko.

I like the private boat and the chance to shape the outing around your group. I also like the friendly, talkative guiding style associated with skipper Marino, plus the useful mix of swimming, photo stops, and local island time. The main drawback is the extra €20 docking fee, paid in cash, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points to know

• Private boat for up to seven: The $235 price covers the group, making it strongest value when shared by family or friends.
• Two island stops: Plan on one swimming and snorkeling stop, then time on Ugljan, including the town of Preko.
• A flexible four hours: Your skipper can adjust the route and make time for swimming, walking, photos, or a jump from the boat.
• Snorkeling gear is onboard: Life jackets are available, and you can bring your own food and swimming equipment.
• Meet at Foša: Wait behind the restaurant by the Tornado sign, arriving 10 minutes before departure.
• Bring cash for the fee: The €20 docking charge applies per boat for all stops and is paid before departure.

Why this private Zadar boat trip works so well

This is not a fast checklist of beaches. It is a small, private outing where the skipper can respond to your mood. If your group wants a quiet swim, you can linger. If everyone is ready to walk, the boat can take you onward to Ugljan. That freedom is the main reason to choose this trip over a larger scheduled cruise.

The setting helps. From Foša, you leave Zadar by boat and trade the city’s streets for open water and views across the Dalmatian coast. The boat ride itself takes about 30 minutes between major parts of the trip, so you get plenty of time on the water without losing the whole afternoon to transport.

You also get a local skipper rather than a large tour crew. Marino is described as friendly, talkative, and able to explain the islands in an interesting way. Since the tour is in English, you can ask questions and request help with photo spots, swimming areas, or the amount of time spent at each stop.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Refreshments are available onboard, but food is not included, so you should bring sandwiches, fruit, or anything else your group wants to eat. The operator allows you to bring food and swimming gear, which makes this feel more like a private day out than a tightly managed excursion.

Leaving Foša and settling into the boat

The meeting point is behind Restaurant Foša, by the Tornado sign. Arrive 10 minutes before departure, since finding the correct side of the restaurant may take a moment. This is a simple but useful tip: do not wait at the restaurant’s main entrance.

Once everyone is aboard, the first part of the trip is a roughly 30-minute ride. This gives you time to settle in, take in the coast, and discuss your preferences with the skipper. Tell the skipper early if swimming is your priority, if you want a longer walk on Ugljan, or if you would like to jump from the boat.

The group limit is seven people, which matters. A private boat gives you space to talk without a crowd and avoids the fixed pace of a large excursion. It is also a good fit for families and friends who want to spend time together without arranging separate activities.

Still, private does not mean luxurious or all-inclusive. The supplied information describes a private boat, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets, but it does not promise a full meal, a particular boat model, or a shaded lounge area. Pack with a practical boat day in mind.

The first island stop: swimming and snorkeling time

The first stop lasts about 80 minutes and is built around the water. You can swim, snorkel, take a guided look around, and enjoy welcome refreshments. This is the most active section of the trip, but you can also simply stay aboard or relax by the water if that suits you better.

Snorkeling equipment is included onboard, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. Life jackets are also available. Ask the skipper if you want one, especially if you are not a confident swimmer or you are supervising children.

The clear water is a major part of the appeal. One booking account specifically highlights good snorkeling opportunities, and the tour also allows you to jump from the boat under the skipper’s supervision. That gives active members of your group something fun to do without forcing everyone else into the water.

The phrase under supervision matters here. Follow the skipper’s instructions, check where you are jumping, and use the available safety equipment when needed. The information does not promise a dedicated swimming platform, lifeguard service, or a specific depth, so treat the skipper as your safety point of contact.

You will want to bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones or cameras. Those items are not listed as included. You can bring your own swimming gear, but the tour already provides snorkeling equipment onboard.

Ugljan and Preko: a slower island visit

After another roughly 30-minute boat ride, you reach Ugljan for about 90 minutes. This stop includes a break, a photo stop, a guided visit, a walk, and another chance to swim. It is the part of the trip that adds a little island life to the outing.

Ugljan offers a different pace from the first stop. Instead of focusing only on the water, you can step ashore, walk around, and look for good views. The exact route is flexible, so ask the skipper what makes the most sense during your visit.

The nearby town of Preko receives particular praise as a pleasant and authentic-looking place. That makes it worth treating this stop as more than a quick photo break. You have time to walk, take pictures, and get a feel for the island before returning to the boat.

Do not expect a long cultural tour with museums or major monuments. The experience is centered on the coast, a short guided walk, swimming, and the atmosphere of a small island town. If you want a deep historical tour of Ugljan, this is not the right format. If you want a taste of island life combined with time in the water, the balance is much better.

The timing also gives you room to adapt. One group may want to walk around Preko, while another may prefer to swim longer. You should tell the skipper what you want rather than waiting for a rigid announcement. The tour is designed around that conversation.

Flexible timing, with a few limits

The schedule is described as flexible, but you should read that as flexible within four hours. You can shape the stops, not turn the trip into a full-day cruise. With about 30-minute boat rides and two main stops, the time passes quickly.

A possible pattern looks like this:

• About 30 minutes from Foša to the first island stop
• About 80 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, refreshments, and a guided visit
• About 30 minutes to Ugljan
• About 90 minutes for walking, photos, swimming, and exploring
• About 30 minutes back to Foša

The times are useful for planning, but the skipper may adjust the order or length of activities. Weather, swimming preferences, and your group’s energy can affect the rhythm. If you are hoping to catch a particular view or sunset, mention it at the start. One departure was able to include sunset views, though sunset timing will depend on your chosen start time and season.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can snorkel or jump from the boat, while others can enjoy the scenery and refreshments. Families should still supervise children closely, since the activity takes place around open water.

What is included, and what you should bring

The essentials for a simple boat day are covered. You receive a private tour with a local English-speaking skipper, access to refreshments, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets. The skipper can also adjust the route and accommodate a request to jump from the boat.

Food is not included. Bring your own lunch or snacks, along with plenty of personal water if you prefer a particular drink. The available refreshments are useful, but the details and quantity are not specified, so do not count on a full meal.

I would pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water and food
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• A light cover-up for the boat ride
• Cash for the €20 docking fee

The docking fee is easy to miss when comparing prices. It is €20 per boat for all stops, paid in cash upon arrival before the tour. For a full group of seven, that is a small extra per person. For two or three people, it has more impact on the total cost.

Is $235 good value for up to seven people?

The listed price is $235 per group of up to seven, before the €20 docking fee. At full capacity, the base price works out to about $34 per person, making this a strong option for a family or group of friends. Add the docking charge, and the total still remains reasonable for four hours of private boat time.

The value drops if only one or two people book, since you pay the group price rather than a per-seat fare. In that case, compare the total with a shared boat trip. The private format is what you are paying for: your own skipper, a route that can respond to your group, and no need to match a boatload of strangers.

I consider the price fair for groups that will use the flexibility. If you only want a short ride and one swim, a cheaper shared trip may do the job. If you want swimming, snorkeling, an island walk, and the ability to change the pace, the private setup earns its cost.

The small details that affect your choice

This tour is best for people who enjoy being outside and are comfortable around a boat. It suits couples, families, and friends who want a shared activity with both water time and a short island visit.

It is less suitable if you need wheelchair access. The activity is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also disappoint anyone looking for a large sightseeing vessel, a full lunch, or a formal history tour.

The English-language guiding is useful, and the skipper’s personality can shape the day. Marino is described as especially talkative and interesting when explaining the islands, while another booking praised a friendly captain who listened to requests and planned the route well. The operator is Alice Travel, and the exact skipper may depend on the departure.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Zadar plans are still moving around. Check the available starting times before booking, since the four-hour duration alone does not tell you whether the tour fits your preferred part of the day.

My verdict: book it for a private water day

I would book this tour if I had a group of four to seven people and wanted a relaxed way to see the Zadar coast. The combination of two island stops, clear-water swimming, snorkeling, Ugljan, and a flexible skipper gives you more variety than a simple boat transfer.

Choose it especially if your group values privacy and does not want every minute fixed in advance. Tell the skipper what matters to you, bring food and sun protection, and keep €20 in cash for the docking fee.

I would choose another activity if you need wheelchair access, want a full meal included, or prefer a detailed sightseeing tour with extensive historical commentary. For everyone else, this is a practical four-hour outing with a good mix of water, island time, and easygoing local guidance.

FAQ

How long is the private Zadar island-hopping tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming and snorkeling stop, time on Ugljan, and the return to Foša.

Where do I meet the skipper?

Meet behind Restaurant Foša, by the Tornado sign. Arrive 10 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to seven people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available onboard, and life jackets are also available if you need one.

Do I need to bring food?

Food is not included, but you may bring your own food and swimming gear. Refreshments are available onboard.

What extra fee must I pay?

There is a €20 docking fee per boat for all stops. It must be paid in cash upon arrival before the tour.