A family-run sail day can feel personal fast, and this one does. You’ll get a private boat with a father-and-daughter skipper team, plus time away from crowded waterfronts. I especially like the custom-feeling guidance on where to swim and what to see, and the snorkeling gear is included so you can jump in without extra fuss. One thing to consider: the tour runs on good weather, and it’s not recommended if you have serious medical limitations.

You’ll pass Zadar’s famous waterfront landmarks from the water, then head to the quieter side of the archipelago—Ošljak, Otok Galevac, and Preko on Ugljan. It’s a simple plan, but it works because the stops are short enough to keep energy up, and long enough to actually enjoy the islands.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private group up to 5: no boat-share vibes, just your crew and your skipper
• Snorkeling included: equipment and onboard help mean you can focus on the water
• Family skippers (father and daughter): expect a guide who treats the day like real time at sea
• Island mix: Ošljak for walking, Galevac for swimming and sightseeing, Preko for island atmosphere
• Zadar waterfront viewpoints: Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun seen from the sea
• Flexible feel: time to stop, swim, snorkel, and still get the main sights

Four hours of private sailing around Zadar’s quieter island world

This is the kind of outing that makes sense if you’re tired of the same beach routine and want to feel like you’re using the Adriatic properly. The day is about gliding between islands, with enough time to swim and snorkel, but not so long that you lose track of what you’re there for. You’re on a private tour with Antares Sailing, for up to five people, for about four hours.

The price—$239.79 per group—works out best when your group is truly up to five. With a private boat, you’re paying for guide time, boat use, and the freedom to choose your pace. And from how the day is run, it’s not only about getting from A to B; it’s about getting you to the right conditions for a swim and the right angles for the views.

What I like most about the setup

First, I like how snorkeling equipment is included. That sounds small until you’re on a boat and you realize you don’t need to hunt down rentals or figure out logistics. Second, I like the private coaching. The skippers are the family team—father and daughter—so the vibe tends to be warm and hands-on, not scripted.

A realistic consideration

This is a sea-based tour, and it’s not positioned for everyone. If you have serious medical conditions, it’s not recommended. And like most sailing days, it depends on good weather, so you should plan it for a day you can be flexible.

Meet your skipper: a father-and-daughter team that runs the day your way

One of the best parts of this experience is that you’re not just getting a boat with a “see you later” guide. The company is described as a family business with father and daughter as skippers, and that shows in the way the trip is paced.

In practice, the day is managed like a small crew sailing together: the skipper helps you decide when to swim, where to go, and how to spend time between the island stops. In multiple accounts, the guides are described as friendly and attentive, with skippers named Laura and Tony showing up in guest experiences. Either way, you’re likely to get the same core promise: maritime knowledge with a personal touch.

You’ll also be on a comfortable, clean boat. People call out the boat’s cleanliness and comfort, and they also mention that drinks are available during the trip. That matters more than you’d think. On a sea day, small comforts keep the energy up between swims.

Stop 1: Ošljak for traditional houses and a relaxed island walk

Ošljak is your first island stop, and it’s a good choice to start with because it’s easier to shift from time on the water to time on land. The visit is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the feel is anchored by traditional Mediterranean construction. You’re looking at houses that reflect how people built and lived along this coast.

This stop is for travelers who enjoy noticing details—stone-and-plaster textures, the way homes sit, and the calm rhythm of a small island settlement. The description also points to two main areas of Ošljak, which suggests you can enjoy the walk without feeling like you have to race through one single point of interest.

Why this stop is worth the time

• It gives you a land break early, so you’re not on the boat the whole day.
• It’s a change from Zadar’s waterfront, which you’ll revisit visually later from the sea.

Possible drawback

Because the stop is a guided visit timed to the overall schedule, you may not have long hours for a slow, deep wandering. If you want an all-day island hike, you’ll likely feel the time limit. But for a half-day sea tour, it’s a smart start.

Stop 2: Otok Galevac for swimming and a church/monastery highlight

Next comes Otok Galevac (also referred to as Školjić in the description). This stop is shorter—about 40 minutes—and the main draw is the water. Galevac is described as a favorite for swimming, touring, and sightseeing, and it’s positioned close to Preko (about 80 meters away).

What you’re likely to notice here is the mix of nature and small-site history. The description mentions an old church and a monastery collection, so even if you’re mainly there for swimming, you’ll get a bit of cultural context during the short visit.

There’s also an important practical note: admission for this stop is listed as not included. That doesn’t mean you’ll definitely pay a big fee, but it does mean you shouldn’t assume everything costs zero. If you’re cost-sensitive, this is the one stop where you may want to double-check details day-of.

Why Galevac works in a half-day format

This is the kind of stop that doesn’t waste time. You get in the water, you see a small slice of place, and you move on—so the day stays fun rather than exhausting.

Possible drawback

Because your time is short, this isn’t the stop for slow meandering. If you want long snorkeling sessions without moving again, you might wish this part lasted longer. That said, the overall tour still includes swim opportunities.

Stop 3: Preko on Ugljan for beaches, coves, and island convenience

Preko is your third scheduled stop, and it’s the one most tied to the island feel of Ugljan. You’ll have about 1 hour here.

The description frames Ugljan as a place people want for the climate, the sea, beaches (rocky and sandy), and the abundance of nearby islands and islets. In plain terms: it’s a base point where you can feel like you’re living inside the archipelago for a little while, even if you’re only there for an hour.

Preko also matters because it sets you up for the “islands-and-water” rhythm of the day. You’re close to little stops like Galevac, and the coast around Ugljan is built for short swims and easy exploration.

What to expect on the ground

You’ll be walking and looking around rather than touring a museum-style site. Think more “island village atmosphere” and less “big-ticket attraction.” If you like seeing the coast from different angles—on foot and then again from the boat—this stop delivers that change of perspective.

A small consideration

One hour is not a lot if you plan to swim here plus explore plus grab food. The tour plan keeps things moving, so if you want a longer land break, you’ll need to build that into your extra time on your own after the sail day.

Passing Zadar’s Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun from the water

Between islands, you’ll also take in Zadar’s waterfront highlights from a different angle. The tour includes a pass by Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun, plus time gliding across the Adriatic waters with panoramic views.

This part is valuable because it shows you a side of Zadar that you miss when you stay strictly on land. You’ll also get a look at the old town from the sea, with sea breezes and an easy “wow” effect when the view opens up.

If you’re the type who likes photographs but also likes not feeling rushed, this is a great segment. You’re not climbing anything. You’re moving slowly by boat while the skyline shifts behind you.

Small practical tip

Have your camera ready before the boat angles out. From a sea viewpoint, getting the best framing takes a moment, and the best “window” tends to be brief.

Snorkeling time that feels practical, not complicated

Snorkeling equipment is included, and that’s a big part of why this tour is good value. You’re not negotiating rentals or trying to figure out what gear fits you. The skipper also helps set the day up so you can use your time where the water is best.

In experiences shared with the guide team, people describe anchoring in a bay and then swimming and snorkeling from there. That’s exactly what you want: stable water, a clear place to get in, and then time to see what’s under the surface without the day turning into a constant “move, swim, move” cycle.

What you’ll probably enjoy most

• The easy switch between sightseeing and water time.
• The fact that you can choose how much you do in-water versus on-island exploration.
• Having drinks available during the ride, so you’re not working up a thirst while you wait for the next stop.

Who should bring what

The tour includes gear, bottled water, and drinks, but you’ll still want your own basics: swimwear, a towel, and whatever sun protection you normally use. If you’re sensitive to sun, plan to protect during the boat segments between stops.

Price and value: $239.79 per group for a private sea day

Let’s talk money without the hand-waving. At $239.79 per group (up to five), the price can feel steep if you think like a ticket buyer. But sailing tours aren’t ticket math. You’re paying for a private boat with a skipper, plus included snorkeling equipment and onboard water.

When the group is full, the per-person cost drops fast, and then it starts making sense for families, couples, or friends who want a day that feels tailored. The private format also affects quality: you’re not sharing swim time, you’re not waiting on strangers, and the skipper can respond to your interests in real time.

And the “hidden” value is flexibility. People describe the day as flexible—choosing whether to swim more or focus on sightseeing. That’s hard to get on crowded group tours.

What’s not included (and how to plan around it)

Lunch, breakfast, and brunch aren’t included. The tour is only about four hours, so you can usually solve this by eating before you go and keeping snacks light for the trip. If you need a full meal on the water, you’ll want to plan your day around that reality.

Where this private tour really fits: families, swimmers, and view-hunters

This is a good match if you want:

• A private boat ride with real guidance
• Time for swimming and snorkeling with equipment supplied
• Island stops that include both short walking and water time
• Views of Zadar’s key waterfront landmarks from the sea

It’s also a strong pick for families because the pace is simple, and the crew can adapt to what your group wants most. People specifically talk about the skipper helping adjust plans for comfort and access, including preferences around swimming spots.

Who should skip it

If you need a medical-tailored experience, the tour is not recommended for serious medical conditions. Also, if you want a full-day island hiking plan, four hours may feel short.

Booking smart: what to know before you go

You’ll get a confirmation within 48 hours of booking, as long as dates are available. The tour uses a mobile ticket, and it ends back at the meeting point—so you’re not stuck figuring out transport at the end.

The meeting point is listed at Bakelitplast on Bregdetti ul. Paolo Bajlo Bregdetti ul. 42, 23000 Zadar, Croatia. Give yourself a little buffer time so you’re not rushing across the port area.

Weather is a real factor. The tour requires good weather, and if poor conditions force a change, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

Should you book Antares Sailing for the Zadar Archipelago?

Book it if you want a private, family-run sea outing with included snorkeling gear and a balanced mix of island time and Zadar waterfront views. The itinerary makes sense for a half-day: Ošljak for a traditional island feel, Galevac for swimming and a church/monastery stop, Preko for island atmosphere, and Zadar’s landmarks from the sea.

Don’t book it if you’re hoping for a long, fully independent island day with lots of free time. This is guided and timed, by design. And if your health needs more than this kind of sea-based plan can safely offer, it’s better to look for a different format.

If you’re flexible with weather and you want your time on the water to feel intentional, this is the kind of sailing day that leaves you with more than photos. It leaves you with a sense of how the coast actually lives.

FAQ

How long is the Antares private sailing tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What’s the price for this private tour?

It’s $239.79 per group (up to 5).

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll visit Ošljak, Otok Galevac, and Preko, and you’ll also pass by Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun in Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and the skipper/guide.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch, breakfast, and brunch are not included.

Do I need to pay admission at the island stops?

Ošljak and Preko are listed as admission free. Otok Galevac is listed as admission not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bakelitplast, Proizvodnja Proizvoda Od Gume i Plastičnih Masa, Vl. Paolo Bajlo Bregdetti ul. 42, 23000 Zadar, Croatia and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour private or shared with others?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When do I get confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

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