Foša feels like your own private beach. On this private island hopping boat tour around Zadar, I love the way the local skipper builds the day around your pace and the chance to plan real swim-and-snorkel breaks. The two best parts for me are the friendly, flexible guiding (captains are said to be very accommodating) and the onboard snorkeling setup that makes the water time easy. One thing to factor in: there’s an extra €20 docking fee per boat you pay in cash on arrival.

If you want Croatia’s coast without feeling herded, this 4-hour outing is built for that. You’ll meet behind the restaurant at Foša (by the Tornado sign), and you get an English live guide with life jackets available on request. The only real downside for some people is that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private skipper and flexible route around Zadar’s coast, not a rigid timetable
• Two island stops across the session, with swimming options at both
• Snorkeling equipment onboard, plus life jackets if you need one
• Refreshments included, so you’re not rationing your water all day
• Boat-friendly swimming including jumping in with skipper supervision if you want
• Docking fee €20 per boat (cash), paid before the tour for stops

Foša Departure and That First Look at Zadar’s Coast

The tour starts from Foša, with a simple meet-up: wait behind the restaurant, by the Tornado sign, about 10 minutes before departure. From the water, Zadar looks different fast—less postcard, more real coastline—because you’re moving along the edges where the towns and islands actually sit.

Right away you get that feeling that this isn’t a “stand here, take photo, move on” day. There’s a short ride out to the first stop (about 30 minutes), and the pace stays relaxed. For families and friends, that matters: nobody’s sprinting to catch a bus, and the skipper can tweak timing as the day goes on.

80 Minutes at the First Stop: Swimming, Snorkeling, and a Guided Break

The first main stop runs about 80 minutes and is where the water time usually begins. You’ll get a guided moment to orient you, then you’ll have a real break for swimming and snorkeling with the gear provided onboard. If you like simple plans—get in the water, see what’s near the surface, then grab a breather—this is your slot.

There’s also a welcome refreshment onboard, which sounds small until you’re out on the sea and grateful for something cold or easy to grab. And because the schedule is flexible, the skipper can help you decide how to use your time here—some people want a longer snorkel session, others just want a calm swim.

One extra option: if you feel confident, you may be able to jump from the boat into clear water with the skipper supervising. That’s not for everyone, but it’s a nice way to turn “swimming time” into an actual memory.

Practical tip from the vibe of the trip: if you bring your own swimming gear (or just your favorite comfort items), you’ll feel more prepared. The tour explicitly allows you to bring anything you want, including food and swim items, so you’re not stuck with whatever you packed that day.

Ugljan Island Time: Walk, Photos, Swimming, and Preko’s Local Feel

After another short transfer by boat (about 30 minutes), the itinerary shifts to Ugljan Island. This is your longer land-and-water window: about 1.5 hours including a guided walk, a photo stop, and more time to swim.

What I like about this part is the balance. You get water time, but you also get enough walk time to experience the island’s rhythm—plus the skipper can point out scenic angles for photos. In one trip experience shared with me, the captain was especially good at finding photo spots and viewpoints, and that attention to timing even helped the group catch sunset. Sunset isn’t guaranteed, but it tells you the skipper is paying attention to the light and the route.

Ugljan also includes the small town of Preko, which has a reputation for feeling more authentic than the busiest tourist strips. If you like seeing how people actually live on the coast—short strolls, local corners, and less “everyone posing at once”—this stop delivers.

Possible drawback to consider: if you’re the type who wants nonstop time at sea, the walk portion can feel like a change of pace. It’s not long, but it’s real walking, not just a quick photo and back to the boat. If you want more water time, you can ask the skipper and build your day around that.

How Flexible Is It, Really? (The Best Part of the Day)

The biggest strength here is how the skipper treats the route as adjustable. There’s no strict schedule in the way you might fear—this is fitted around your needs. Practically, that means you can aim for up to two stops: one typically centered on swimming/snorkeling, and another for exploring Ugljan.

Flexibility also works the other way. If you want something more active, the boat setup makes that possible—swimming breaks and the option to jump in are both part of the experience. If you’re traveling with family members who prefer gentler activity, you can slow down and keep the day comfortable.

I also appreciate that the tour allows you to bring your own food. That matters on a private outing because you’re not forced into a one-size meal plan. Even if you plan to buy something later, having the option to bring snacks or water keeps your energy steady.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and What You’ll Want to Pack

Refreshments are available onboard, and snorkeling equipment is included. So the essentials for water time are covered—especially useful if you don’t want to hunt down gear after you arrive in Zadar.

Life jackets are available too. If you need one, you just ask the skipper. That’s a simple, reassuring touch for anyone who’s not a strong swimmer or who’s traveling with kids who want extra confidence.

Food is not included, so you’ll want to think ahead:

• If you tend to get hungry, consider bringing snacks (the tour allows it).
• If you want a full meal, plan that outside the boat time, because this is a 4-hour excursion.

For swim comfort, I’d personally pack the basics you always want for sea time: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes or something with grip if the boat landing is rocky. The water part is the point of the tour, so being comfortable makes the whole day better.

Price and Value: $235 for Up to 7, Plus the €20 Docking Fee

The price is $235 per group up to 7 for a 4-hour private outing. On paper, that sounds like a “splurge,” but it often works out better than people expect once you compare it to per-person boat tours.

Here’s why the value can be strong:

• You’re hiring a private local skipper for the whole time.
• You get included snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• You get refreshments onboard.
• You’re not locked into one rigid stop pattern; the skipper adapts to your pace.

The one extra cost that matters is the docking fee: €20 per boat, paid in cash on arrival before the tour. That fee is for the stops, so it’s not a small surprise—you can treat it as part of the real trip budget.

If you’re traveling as a group of 4–7, you’re paying for privacy without paying premium per head. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it’s still a great experience, but it’s more of a lifestyle choice than a budget move.

Who Should Book This Zadar Private Island Hopping Tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• A relaxed private day on the water with your own skipper
• Real swimming and snorkeling time, not just a quick stop
• Guided moments plus freedom to choose how active you want to be
• A coastal route that feels more local than mass-group touring

It’s also ideal for families and friend groups who want time together. One of the consistent themes from skipper-style feedback is that planning and attention make it feel smooth—like the captain is actively shaping the day around the group, not just driving from A to B.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, since the tour involves getting around by boat and handling water access.

Should You Book This One?

I’d book this tour if you’re excited by the mix of sea time and small-island walking, and you want a skipper who’s willing to adjust the day. The combo of included snorkeling gear, the chance for supervised boat jumps, refreshments onboard, and a route that can focus on two islands makes it a strong all-round choice for a 4-hour window.

Book it especially if:

• You’re with a group (up to 7) and want private pacing.
• You care about photo angles and scenic viewpoints, and you’d enjoy a talkative, engaged guide.
• You like the idea of Ugljan and Preko feeling more authentic than the busiest waterfront strips.

Skip it (or choose something else) if:

• You hate swimming/water access and only want land sightseeing.
• You need wheelchair accessibility.

FAQ

How many people can join this private boat tour?

The tour is priced for a private group up to 7 people.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where do we meet the skipper?

Meet behind the restaurant Fosa, by the Tornado sign, about 10 minutes before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included onboard.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available onboard, and you can ask the skipper if you need one.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. There is a docking fee of 20 EUR per boat for all stops, paid in cash upon arrival before the tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You Might Also Enjoy

National Park Krka Private Return Day Transfer by MinivanFrom Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour with TicketsFull-Day Tour in Dugi Otok with Stand-Up Paddle ExperienceKornati National Park and Nature Park Telašćica Full-Day Trip from Zadar