Private Sailing Tours in Zadar Archipelago

The best part of this private Zadar tour is the freedom to trade city streets for open water within minutes. You sail toward Ošljak, swim and snorkel from the boat, then continue to green Ugljan for more time by the sea, with Laura and Tony shaping the day around your group.

I like the small private setting, which gives you room to ask questions, choose your pace, and spend more time swimming if that is your priority. I also like the simple extras: snorkeling equipment is included, and Tony has sometimes provided drinks and snacks on board.

The main drawback is the four-hour limit. You can see two islands and stop for lunch, but this is not a full-day island cruise. Lunch and drinks are not formally included, and the route depends on good weather.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to seven people: You share the boat only with your own group.
• Two island stops: Ošljak is best for a swim and snorkel, while Ugljan offers more time for sightseeing and lunch.
• Laura and Tony lead the outing: Communication before arrival and friendly, flexible guiding are important parts of the experience.
• Snorkeling gear and fuel are included: You do not need to arrange the basic equipment separately.
• Four hours from Zadar and back: The schedule includes two 30-minute sailing legs and roughly three hours around the islands.
• Good value for a group: At $278.16 for up to seven people, the per-person cost drops sharply when the boat is full.

Leaving Zadar for Ošljak

The tour begins at Bregdetti ul. 42 in Zadar. You meet the boat there, then spend about 30 minutes sailing toward Ošljak. That opening stretch matters because it gives you a different view of Zadar, with the coast seen from the water instead of from a waterfront promenade.

This is not a rushed transfer. The sea breeze, changing views, and open space are part of the outing. You can settle into the boat, watch the shoreline recede, and ask your skipper about the area. Tony has been praised for answering questions about local life and culture, including practical subjects such as housing costs.

The exact boat layout is not described in detail, so you should not expect a large vessel with extensive facilities. This is a private sailing trip, not a big sightseeing ship. That usually means a more personal feel, but it also makes it sensible to bring only what you need: swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a cover-up for the ride back.

The group limit of seven is useful for families, couples traveling with friends, and small celebrations. A group of five adults has fit comfortably, according to the information provided. If your group is close to the maximum, remember that a private boat gives you privacy, not unlimited space.

Ošljak, a small island with a useful first stop

After about half an hour, you reach Ošljak. This tiny island lies between Zadar and Ugljan, just off the Dalmatian coast. Its single village has only 29 permanent residents, and the island’s highest point rises to 90 meters.

Ošljak is a good first stop because the plan is straightforward: get into the water, snorkel, and enjoy the shore. The stop lasts about one hour. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can look along the seabed without packing your own mask and fins.

The water is one of the main reasons to choose this tour. Several details point to clear swimming conditions, and the scheduled stop gives you enough time to swim rather than simply pause for a quick photo. You can also ask the skipper where to enter the water and how to make the most of the stop.

Ošljak has a quieter character than the main island ports. Its history includes the Calogerà family, a noble family that owned the island and built a summer residence and gardens there. You are not signing up for a formal history tour, so the value here is the combination of a small settlement, local scenery, and time in the sea.

One practical point: the itinerary allows one hour, not an entire afternoon. If your group wants a long swim, a leisurely walk, and a full meal, you will need to keep an eye on the clock. The appeal of Ošljak is its calm pause in the route, not a long list of sights.

Ugljan gives you the longest stop

The boat then continues to Ugljan, where you have about two hours. This is the most flexible part of the outing. You can sightsee, swim again, and choose lunch if you wish.

Ugljan is known as the green island because of its pine trees, olive trees, fig trees, vineyards, and other Mediterranean plants. That description tells you what to notice as you move around the island: the scent of pine and fig, the dry stone and coastal vegetation, and the contrast between the inhabited northeastern side and the steeper, mostly uninhabited western side.

The island has a long connection with the sea. Fishing remains part of its character, and olive growing has continued there for about 2,000 years. You will not cover the whole island in two hours, but a local skipper can help you use the stop well.

The better-known places on Ugljan include Preko, Ugljan, Kali, and Kukljica. The tour information specifically mentions lunch on the island, and one outing included a meal at a good place in Kali. Lunch is optional and paid separately, so ask about timing early in the trip if eating locally matters to you.

This stop works well for mixed groups. Swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can focus on a meal or a short walk. If your group has different ideas about a perfect afternoon, the private format gives you a better chance of keeping everyone happy.

There is a tradeoff. A two-hour stop sounds generous, but it includes any time needed for getting ashore, choosing lunch, and returning to the boat. If you want a relaxed meal, leave enough time before ordering. The skipper can help keep the schedule on track.

What the private format changes

A private tour is more than a smaller boat. It gives you control over the mood of the day. You can ask for more swimming, spend less time ashore, or focus on island scenery. The itinerary is set around Ošljak and Ugljan, but the pace within those stops has some flexibility.

That flexibility has been especially useful for families and small groups. Tony has taken photos, helped tailor the day to the group, and even allowed extra time on one occasion. You should treat extra time as a possible courtesy, not a guaranteed feature. The published duration is about four hours.

The guides are another important part of the outing. Laura has handled communication before arrival and has also guided groups on the water. Tony, also referred to as Tonci, serves as skipper and guide. The information describes both as friendly and accommodating, with a personal approach rather than a scripted talk.

Small touches may vary. Drinks and snacks have been provided on some trips, along with fresh fruit and a homemade spirit. These are not listed inclusions, so do not book on the assumption that they will be supplied. Bring water and any food you know you will need.

The private setup can also help anyone who needs extra support getting on or off the boat. One captain assisted a person who needed help entering and leaving the vessel. Still, the general accessibility of the boat is not specified, so contact Antares Sailing before booking if mobility is a concern.

A useful four-hour rhythm

The scheduled timing is easy to understand:

• About 30 minutes sailing from Zadar to Ošljak
• About one hour at Ošljak for swimming and snorkeling
• About two hours at Ugljan for sightseeing, swimming, and optional lunch
• About 30 minutes sailing back to Zadar

That adds up to roughly four hours. In practice, the feel is not purely divided into four neat blocks. Boarding, anchoring, swimming, walking ashore, and returning to the boat all take time.

The final sailing leg gives you another look at the islands and the sea. One particularly appealing detail is the chance to pass the Zadar Sea Organ near the end of the trip. The Sea Organ is one of the city’s most distinctive waterfront sights, and seeing it from the water gives the return a pleasant finish.

If you are arriving in Zadar on a cruise ship for only one day, the timing can work well, but you should allow a safe margin before your ship’s departure. The tour ends back at the meeting point, and one outing included a drop-off at the ship. That was a helpful personal arrangement, not a stated standard transfer service, so confirm it in advance rather than relying on it.

Price and what you get for $278.16

The listed price is $278.16 per group of up to seven people. That is the key number to use when judging value. For seven people, the cost works out to about $40 per person. For four people, it is about $70 each. For two people, the same boat costs about $139 per person.

That makes the tour particularly attractive for a full family group or a group of friends. A couple may still value the privacy, but a shared boat or larger group cruise could cost less if price is your main concern.

The price includes the skipper, fuel, all fees and taxes, and snorkeling equipment. Those inclusions matter because fuel can add an unpleasant surprise to private boat trips. Here, the core boating costs are already covered.

Meals, breakfast, dinner, and alcoholic drinks are not included. Lunch on Ugljan is an option, but budget separately for it. Drinks and snacks have occasionally appeared on board, yet they are not part of the formal package.

You are paying for control as much as transport. There is no large group schedule to follow, and you can spend your limited island time in a way that suits your group. The value is strongest when seven people share the boat and when swimming, local scenery, and a relaxed pace matter more than a long list of formal sights.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing for a family that wants a manageable half-day on the water. The route has enough variety for children and adults, with swimming, snorkeling, island scenery, and a possible meal. The private setting also avoids joining strangers for a day built around someone else’s pace.

It suits friends celebrating a special occasion, too. A bachelorette group used the trip for swimming, photos, and island time, and the flexible format helped make the day feel personal. Keep in mind that the boat is still a working vessel, not a party platform, and alcohol is not included.

It is also a good match for people who want local contact without a formal lecture. Tony has shared information about the area and answered practical questions. Laura’s local input can help you make better use of the island stops.

I would hesitate to recommend it to someone who wants a full-day sailing adventure, extensive historical touring, or a detailed guided walk on each island. Four hours gives you a pleasant sample, not a complete exploration of the Zadar archipelago.

You should also think carefully about weather. The trip requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. That is sensible for a sea outing, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is offered in English. The meeting point is Bregdetti ul. 42, 23000 Zadar, Croatia, and the tour returns there.

The tour is private, so only your own group participates. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but the boat’s accessibility details are limited, so ask ahead if you need specific assistance.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Weather cancellations can result in a different date or a full refund.

The trip is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 51 days. That is worth noting if you are visiting during the busy summer season or need a particular date. A private boat with a seven-person limit has less spare capacity than a large cruise.

Pack lightly and bring the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• Water and any snacks you need
• A light layer for the boat ride
• Cash or a payment method for lunch, since food is not included

Should you book Antares Sailing?

Book this tour if you want a private half-day on the sea, two island stops, good swimming time, and the freedom to set the pace. The strongest reasons are the personal service from Laura and Tony, the included snorkeling gear and fuel, and the chance to see Ošljak and Ugljan without joining a large group.

Skip it if you need a full-day route, a formal historical tour, or a low per-person price for a very small party. For a group of five to seven, the $278.16 price is quite reasonable. For two people, privacy comes at a much higher cost.

For most small groups with a free four-hour window in Zadar, this is a smart way to add the Adriatic to your visit. Just confirm the meeting details, ask about any special transfer needs, and remember that lunch, drinks, and extra time are not guaranteed parts of the package.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Bregdetti ul. 42, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Zadar.

How long is the sailing tour?

The scheduled duration is approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The boat accommodates one private group of up to seven people.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Ugljan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, the skipper, fuel, and all fees and taxes are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although you can choose to have lunch during the two-hour stop on Ugljan.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.