Private Sailing Tours in Zadar Archipelago

Zadar looks best from the water. This four-hour private boat trip gives you a calm way to see the coast, swim in clear Adriatic water, and spend time on Ošljak and Ugljan. I especially like the small private format, with your own group of up to seven, and the freedom to shape the day around swimming, sightseeing, or lunch.

I also like the human touch. Laura handles communication and welcomes some groups, while Tony or Tonci may captain the boat and share local insight. The main consideration is timing: four hours goes quickly, and lunch on Ugljan, while possible, takes time away from swimming or exploring.

Key points to know before booking

• Two island stops: Swim and snorkel at Ošljak, then spend longer on Ugljan for sightseeing, swimming, and an optional meal.
• Private boat for up to seven: You are not sharing the outing with a large crowd or following a fixed group schedule.
• One hour at Ošljak: This is the dedicated stop for snorkeling and swimming after the first 30-minute sail from Zadar.
• Two hours at Ugljan: You have the most time here, with the option to walk around, swim, or stop for lunch.
• Local hosts Laura and Tony: Communication and guiding are repeatedly praised, along with their flexibility and friendly manner.
• Weather matters: The tour can be moved or refunded if poor conditions make sailing unsafe or impractical.

Why this private Zadar boat trip works

The Zadar Archipelago is made for a half-day on the water. From the boat, you get a different view of the Croatian coast, with the city behind you and the islands opening ahead. The fresh breeze, pine and fig trees, vineyards, olive groves, and low Mediterranean scrub give the outing a pleasant sense of place.

This is not a packed sightseeing cruise with a microphone and a rigid route. Your group gets a private experience, and the captain can respond to what you want from the day. You might spend more time swimming, stop for a relaxed lunch, or ask questions about local life, housing, culture, and the islands.

That flexibility is the main reason I see value here. A four-hour trip can feel short if you want a full island tour, but it is long enough to leave Zadar, reach the islands, swim twice or more, and return without using an entire day.

The price is $278.16 per group, not per person, for up to seven people. For two people, that is a fairly large outlay. For six or seven people, the cost becomes much more attractive, especially since the price includes the skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, and all fees.

Starting at Bregdetti Street in Zadar

The tour begins at Bregdetti ul. 42 in Zadar and ends back at the same meeting point. You should allow time to reach the departure spot without rushing, since the boat leaves for the first island soon after meeting your hosts.

The first leg takes about 30 minutes. This is not wasted transport. It gives you a chance to see the Zadar coast from offshore and settle into the rhythm of the trip. The city’s waterfront feels different when viewed from the sea, and the boat ride itself becomes part of the sightseeing.

One useful detail comes from the personal service offered by the hosts. Tony has dropped guests at their cruise ship after the tour, saving them a taxi ride. That is not listed as a standard promise, so you should arrange it in advance rather than assume it is included. Still, it shows the kind of flexible help that can make this a good choice for a short port visit.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is near public transportation. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part, though you should ask about your specific mobility needs before booking if boarding or stepping off a boat may be difficult.

Ošljak: one quiet hour for swimming and snorkeling

After about 30 minutes, the boat reaches Ošljak, a small island between Zadar and Ugljan. Its single village has only 29 residents, according to the 2011 census, and its highest point reaches 90 meters. That scale gives Ošljak a peaceful feel compared with the larger coastal towns.

The island was once associated with the Calogerà family, which owned it and built a summer residence and gardens there. You do not come here for a long list of major sights. The pleasure is the small size, the shoreline, and the chance to get into the water.

You have about one hour at Ošljak for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. The water and seabed are the main attraction, and the stop gives you a clear reason to pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and dry clothes.

This is likely the best stop for anyone who wants a simple Adriatic swim without spending half the day walking. The tradeoff is that one hour passes quickly. If you swim, snorkel, and want to look around the island, you may need to keep an eye on the time.

The private format helps here. You are not waiting for a large group to return from the water, and your captain can keep the stop suited to your pace within the limits of the schedule.

Ugljan: two hours for swimming, walking, or lunch

The longer stop comes on Ugljan, the green island of the Zadar Archipelago. Its vegetation includes pine trees, olive trees, fig trees, vineyards, and dense Mediterranean bush. The fragrant air is one of the simple pleasures of being here, especially after the open-water ride.

Ugljan also has an old connection with fishing and olive growing. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and two caves contain even older remains. You do not get an archaeological tour as part of this outing, but that background adds depth to a stop that might otherwise seem like only a place for lunch and swimming.

The northeastern side is home to places including Kukljica, Preko, Ugljan, and Kali. The other side is largely steep and uninhabited. Your two hours can be used in different ways:

• Swim from a suitable spot.
• Walk around and see some of the island.
• Stop for lunch in Kali or another local place.
• Ask your captain about island life and local customs.
• Split the time between food, sightseeing, and the water.

Lunch is not included, and neither are breakfast, dinner, or alcoholic drinks. That matters when you compare the price with a standard sightseeing cruise. You are paying for the private boat, skipper, fuel, equipment, and flexibility, while your meal remains your responsibility.

A stop for lunch can be a very good use of time if you want a relaxed day rather than constant activity. Several outings have included a pleasant meal on Kali, but you should remember that every minute at the table is a minute you are not swimming or exploring. Tell the captain what matters most to your group.

A captain who adapts to your group

The strongest part of this experience is the personal service. Laura has been praised for clear communication before arrival and for making people feel comfortable on the boat. Tony has been described as an easygoing captain who answers questions about the area, culture, and everyday subjects such as housing costs.

That local conversation can make the trip feel less like a transfer between swimming spots. You can ask questions as you go, rather than listening to a fixed speech about the islands. The guides also take photos for groups when asked, which is useful if you want a record of the day without handing your phone to a stranger.

Some outings have included drinks, snacks, fresh fruit, or a homemade spirit. These touches are pleasant surprises, but they are not part of the stated inclusions. I would bring water and any snacks you consider important, and I would not plan on alcoholic drinks being supplied.

The captains have also shown patience with boarding assistance. One group specifically appreciated help given to a person who needed support getting on and off the boat. Still, the available information does not describe a fully accessible boat, ramp, or adapted toilet, so ask Antares Sailing directly if anyone in your group has mobility concerns.

What the four-hour schedule feels like

The basic timing is easy to understand:

• 30 minutes from Zadar to Ošljak
• About one hour at Ošljak
• About two hours at Ugljan
• 30 minutes back to Zadar

That leaves little room for major delays. The trip is best viewed as a compact island escape, not a full exploration of the archipelago. You will see several places from the water, but you will not have time to thoroughly tour every village or coastline.

Some groups have visited two islands, while others have moved among five or six swimming and walking spots during the day. That difference likely reflects the captain’s choices, sea conditions, and the group’s wishes. If a particular place matters to you, ask about it before departure.

The return sail gives you another view of the islands and the sea breeze. One especially nice detail is the chance to pass the Zadar Sea Organ from the water near the end. That adds a memorable finish to an outing that began with the coast and ends back in the city.

Price, group size, and overall value

At $278.16 for up to seven people, the arithmetic changes depending on your group. Seven people pay about $40 each. Four people pay about $70 each. Two people pay about $139 each.

For a couple, a shared boat trip may be cheaper if one is available and if you do not care about privacy. For a family or group of friends, this private tour can make good sense. You get a skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, all fees, two island stops, and control over how you use the time.

The value is less about luxury and more about control. You do not have to match the mood of a large group. You can ask for a swim, a lunch stop, a walk, or a slower ride along the coast. That is especially useful for families and groups with different energy levels.

The 51-day average advance booking figure suggests that planning ahead is wise, especially in the busy summer season. The tour is popular, and a private boat with a seven-person limit has less spare capacity than a large cruise vessel.

Weather and cancellation details

This is a sea outing, so weather is part of the deal. The activity requires good conditions. If Antares Sailing cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local Zadar time.

Bring sun protection and clothing suitable for a boat, but keep a light layer available since the breeze can feel cooler on the water. A swimsuit and towel are essential if you want to use the swimming stops, and a waterproof bag is sensible for phones and other small items.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this trip for a family, a group of friends, or cruise passengers with a day in Zadar who want more than a city walk. It is also a good fit if you care about swimming and island scenery more than visiting formal museums or checking off many landmarks.

The tour suits people who enjoy a flexible pace. You can make it active with snorkeling and walking, or easygoing with a swim, lunch, and a gentle ride along the coast. The captain’s willingness to answer questions and adjust the day adds real value.

I would think twice if you want a large sailing yacht, a full meal, a long guided history tour, or guaranteed onboard drinks. Those features are not included. I would also avoid booking it as your only plan if the forecast is uncertain and you have no flexibility, since poor weather can affect the outing.

Should you book the Zadar Archipelago sailing tour?

Book it if you want a private, friendly half-day on the Adriatic, especially if you can share the cost among four to seven people. Ošljak provides the focused swim and snorkeling stop, while Ugljan gives you more time for food, walking, and island scenery.

The best reason to choose Antares Sailing is the personal approach from Laura, Tony, and the other hosts. The boat trip is not simply about reaching two islands. It is about having local people shape the day around your group.

For a short Zadar visit, I think this is a strong choice. Just confirm your preferred balance of swimming, sightseeing, and lunch before setting off, and bring your own water and sun protection.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Bregdetti ul. 42, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point in Zadar.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private group can include up to seven people.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Ugljan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you can choose to have lunch during the Ugljan stop.

Are drinks or alcoholic beverages included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. Breakfast and dinner are also not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.