Small islands, big day on the Adriatic. This private boat trip makes it easy to hop between Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko with snorkel time built in, plus a local skipper who adjusts the plan. You get snorkel gear on board, so you can focus on swimming, not shopping.

I especially like that the pace is genuinely adjustable. You can mix beach time with a short walk, and the stops are long enough to enjoy the water or the views, not just pass by.

One possible drawback: with about an hour per island, you’ll need to pick what matters most to you. If you’re the type who wants a full beach day or a long hike, this quick-hitting style might feel a little short.

Key points to know before you go

• Up to 8 people, truly private: you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers.
• Snorkel gear and comfort basics are included, including bottled water and sun protection.
• Ošljak is tiny and walkable with a short 2 km route, plus a lighthouse and windmill remains.
• Kostanj on Ugljan is a sandy beach stop with a swim-and-sun plan.
• Your skipper can steer the day, including snorkel vs. walking choices and local lunch recommendations.

Why this Zadar islands boat day feels special

This is one of those Croatian archipelago trips that avoids the usual rush. You’re based around Zadar, but the islands you visit (Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko) feel like their own small world—quiet coves, fishing ports, and a few strong landmarks instead of big-city sightseeing.

Ošljak is the standout if you like “small, real, and lived-in.” It’s the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Adriatic (29 people) and only about half a nautical mile from Preko. That scale matters: the vibe is more about wandering and looking than ticking boxes.

Then there’s the sea element. One stop is built around a sandy swim at Kostanj on Ugljan, and you’ll have time at Ošljak and Preko where you can get back in the water. If you like your vacation days to include both movement and stillness, this mix tends to work well.

The 4-hour game plan: swim and walk on a flexible schedule

This is about four hours on the water, give or take, and it’s set up for an easy, low-stress flow. You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour runs in English. Because it’s private for your group, the skipper can tailor the order and choices in a practical way—especially around whether you want to snorkel or take a walk at a given stop.

Here’s how the day is structured in a straightforward way:

• Stop 1: Ugljan (Kostanj) for swimming and relaxing on a sandy beach.
• Stop 2: Ošljak for a short island feel, including a walk option.
• Stop 3: Preko on the Ugljan side of the archipelago, known for olive country and waterfront villages.

What helps is that the stops are around one hour each. That’s not a lot of time, but it’s usually the right amount for a swim break, a quick walk, and then being ready for the next island without getting tired.

Stop 1: Kostanj beach on Ugljan for a simple swim-first start

Ugljan is one of the most popular islands in the Zadar area, but the Kostanj beach stop keeps things grounded. The plan here is to swim and sunbathe by the water, with a sandy shoreline that’s friendly when you just want to get in fast and settle.

Why I like this start: it’s an easy on-ramp. If you show up ready to swim, you’ll get that right away. If you’re with kids or someone who prefers short activities, it also works because you can choose how involved you want to be.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and wear something you’re comfortable getting sandy or wet. Sun protection cream is included, but you’ll still want a little personal control over how often you reapply.

Stop 2: Ošljak’s tiny island loop, St. Mary, and old coastal details

Ošljak is where the trip turns from “beach day” into “island day.” It’s so small that you can feel the place quickly—29 residents, about 0.39 km², and that half-nautical-mile distance from Preko makes it feel like part of a connected coastline rather than a far-off destination.

The island has a couple of specific anchors:

• An old fishing port and the Church of St. Mary from the 6th century.
• A 2 km hiking trail that passes a lighthouse and the remains of 16th-century windmills.

In practice, this is a walk you can scale. If you go at an easy pace, you can cover the perimeter in about 30 minutes and still have time to look around and take photos. That timing matters because it keeps you from feeling like the day turns into a long hike.

If your group prefers water over walking, you’ll still have time to get back in for a swim. Either way, Ošljak’s small size makes the experience feel personal, not rushed or crowded.

Stop 3: Preko and the olive-and-bays feel of the Ugljan side

Preko is all about bays, fishing ports, and the softer island life across from Zadar. It’s on the same general island area as Ugljan, separated from Zadar by only a few nautical miles wide stretch of the Zadar canal—close enough that you feel the connection, far enough that the atmosphere changes.

The details that make Preko worth your attention:

• Olive groves and the sense of a place shaped by the sea and farming.
• A long olive tradition: more than 2000 years of olive cultivation.
• Thousands of olive trees producing oil known for aroma and quality.

Even without a museum stop, this is the kind of place where the setting tells the story. Bays and little settlements like Preko, Ugljan, Kali, and Kukljica are part of the same coastline rhythm—boats, water access, and daily island routines.

Lunch note: lunch is not included, but your skipper can help point you to a local place. On similar days, captains have suggested a favorite seafood stop in the Preko/Kali area such as Srdela Snack, and people have had great luck ordering fish and local specialties there. If you want a more “island lives here” meal, ask your skipper what they’d eat today.

What you really get for the price from Zadar Boat Tours

The price is $409.63 per group (up to 8) for about four hours. That sounds like a lot until you compare it with what private boating usually costs in Croatia, and then you look at what’s included.

Here’s where the value shows up:

• Private boat time: you’re not competing for attention with other groups.
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you’re not paying extra for gear or scrambling for rentals.
• Bottled water and sun protection cream included.
• An experienced local skipper who handles the driving and helps you choose where to swim or walk.

One item to watch: there’s a fuel surcharge of €80 per booking that’s not included in the base price. If you’re budgeting, treat that €80 as part of the real total.

Bottom line on value: this makes the most sense when you have 4–8 people sharing the cost and you actually plan to use the snorkeling and swim time. If your group would rather do a casual walk and skip the water, you might find a different style of tour better. But if your idea of a great day includes being on the water with a guide, this setup typically pays off.

Comfort and safety details that make the day easier

Boat comfort is a big deal on island days, and this one is set up so you can stay relaxed. A clean, comfortable boat is part of the experience, and the skipper is focused on keeping you safe and supported.

You’ll also be dealing with sun and salt water, so the included extras matter:

• Bottled water so you don’t ration drinks.
• Sun protection cream on board.
• Motion sickness tablets are listed as part of the comfort plan, which is helpful if you get even mild nausea on the water.
• Snorkel equipment so you can get in without bringing your own gear.

From the way people describe their time, the guide approach is also practical. Skippers like Christian, Luka, and Kristijan (names you may see assigned on this kind of day) are described as friendly, accommodating, and willing to adjust based on your comfort level. People also note the skipper may bring local items like fruit from a garden depending on the timing, which is a small touch, but it makes the day feel less like a generic excursion.

Who should book this private islands tour (and who should skip it)

This tour is a good fit if:

• You want a private boat with your group, not a crowded day on a set schedule.
• You’re interested in snorkeling but want the gear handled for you.
• You like short, meaningful island stops: swim, quick walk, then move on.
• You’re traveling with family, including young kids, and want a skipper who can adapt to a slower pace.

You might reconsider if:

• You want long, unbroken time on one beach. The stops are about an hour each.
• You’re expecting big, formal “tourist attractions” at each stop. This is more about water access, small island life, and viewpoints than structured sightseeing.
• Weather is a serious concern for your trip dates. Good weather is required, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this private Ugljan, Ošljak, Preko tour?

Yes, if your group wants a compact island day with real time in the water and a guide who can shift between swim and walk. The combination of snorkel gear, comfortable handling by the skipper, and small-island variety (Kostanj sand, Ošljak’s 2 km walk, Preko’s olive-and-bay setting) is a strong match for a four-hour outing.

But book with the right expectations. This is not a half-day of nonstop sightseeing. It’s a well-paced mix where you choose what to do during each one-hour stop, and the real win is how relaxed it feels once you’re out on the Adriatic.

If you’re budgeting, also factor in the €80 fuel surcharge so there are no surprises at checkout.

FAQ

How long is the private tour?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.).

How many people are in a group?

The tour is for a group of up to 8 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which islands and areas do you visit?

You visit Ugljan (Kostanj beach), Ošljak, and Preko.

Are there any entrance tickets or fees for the stops?

Admission tickets for the listed stops are free.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also have the option to walk instead of snorkeling.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a local experienced skipper, and sun protection cream.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there an extra fuel surcharge?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of €80.00 per booking is not included.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Cancellation and refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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