Adriatic water, plus quiet island time. This private boat outing from Zadar mixes easy swimming with a small-island walk on Ošljak, plus snorkeling gear for calmer water views off Ugljan and Preko. You get a local skipper who adjusts the day to your pace, whether that means more time in the shallows or a bit more exploring on foot.

My only caution is the schedule is tight: each stop is about one hour, so you will need to pick what matters most and go with the flow.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private group means the pace is yours: you can lean toward swimming, snorkeling, or walking
• Snorkeling equipment is handled for you, so you just show up with a towel and sense of fun
• Ošljak is tiny but packed with stops, from a lighthouse view to windmill remains
• The Ugljan side starts with a sandy beach swim, the kind that feels simple and sunny
• Preko is a real island town, with the olive-cultivation story woven into daily life
• Comfort touches matter on the water, including bottled water, sun protection, and motion-sickness tablets

Private Boat Access to Ugljan, Ošljak and Preko

This is a true private outing (your group only), running about 4 hours. You’ll start and finish at Zadar Boat Tours on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and the meeting spot is close to public transportation, which helps if you’re mixing the boat day with other Zadar plans.

The best part of a private setup here is control. If your group wants swimming first, you can do that. If you want a shorter walk and more water time, the skipper can work with it. From what I saw in the way captains talk about the day, you’re not stuck in a one-size-fits-all rhythm.

Since you’re only on the water for a half-day, it helps to know what you’re signing up for: a focused taste of the Zadar archipelago rather than a marathon island-hopping day. If you like “see a few things well,” you’re in the right place.

Kostanj on Ugljan: Sandy Beach Swimming First

Ugljan kicks things off with Kostanj beach, described as a beautiful sandy spot. Expect about one hour here, mainly for swimming and sunbathing from the boat area. This is the part of the day that feels easiest for most people: no long transfers, no complicated route, just water time.

The sandy setup is a good match if you’re bringing kids or if you just want to get in the Adriatic without wrestling with rocky entry points. It’s also a nice warm-up before you head to smaller islands where you might do a short walk and then hop back into the water.

A small practical tip: bring whatever you use for sun protection even if you’re getting sun protection cream included. On a day like this, you’ll move from boat to water to shore, and reapplying is what keeps you comfortable.

Ošljak Island: A 2 km Trail, Lighthouse Views, and St. Mary’s

After Ugljan, you’ll reach Ošljak, one of the smallest permanently inhabited islands in the Adriatic. It’s only about half a nautical mile away from Preko, and it has roughly 29 inhabitants in an area of 0.39 km². That scale is the point: you get a real feeling for tiny island life without long travel.

You’ll have about one hour on Ošljak. If you choose the walk, the island hiking trail is about 2 kilometers, and it’s set up to pass by a lighthouse and remains of windmills dating to the 16th century. You’ll also see the Church of St. Mary from the 6th century, which is a big deal on a small island.

There’s also a neat nature angle: Ošljak was declared a forest park in 1985. So even if you’re mostly there for the views, the walk can feel like a quick reset from city heat.

The main thing to consider is time. One hour is enough to do the loop at a relaxed pace or do it in shorter bursts, but it won’t cover every corner for lingering photographers. If your group loves walking, choose comfortable shoes and be ready to trade a bit of beach time for a cleaner island feel.

Preko on Ugljan: Olive Groves, Fishing Ports, and Lunch Stops

Preko is where the scenery turns more “lived-in.” It sits on the eastern side of Ugljan, across the Zadar canal from the city, separated by only a few nautical miles. This is an island built around sea work and olive growing, and the story is not just marketing: over 2000 years of olive cultivation are part of what shapes the place, with thousands of olive trees producing oil known for quality and aroma.

You’ll spend about one hour in Preko. This is typically your chance to slow down on land: you can take in the small fishing ports and natural bays, and it’s also where lunch often becomes the highlight.

Lunch is not included, but the experience often includes a big assist from the skipper. In past days, captains have guided people to local favorites and even shared personal touches like bringing food connected to their own garden. You might hear names like Christian, Luka, or Kristijan depending on who leads your trip, and that local connection is part of why the last stop tends to feel more memorable than a generic tourist stop.

If you’re going to add a meal here, choose something you can finish without racing back to the boat. You don’t want your group locked into a long sit-down when the clock is driving the day.

The Captain Factor: Tailored Choices, Snorkeling Gear, and Safety Feel

This tour earns a strong reputation because the day feels personal. The skipper is local, and you can steer the plan with simple requests. Options commonly offered include snorkeling versus walking, and the boat time can flex around what your group wants to see.

Snorkeling is set up for you with snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t need to find rentals or pack your own gear. That lowers stress and makes it easier to get in the water for a short swim. If you’ve ever spent time on a vacation arguing about masks, this is a welcome change.

Comfort perks are practical here, not gimmicks. You’ll get bottled water and sun protection cream, plus motion sickness tablets for anyone who’s sensitive on the boat. Those little details matter more than you’d think on a half-day where you’ll be switching between water and shade.

Safety also shows up in how captains talk and operate. The tone in the guidance is clear: you’re not left figuring things out alone. The boat itself is described as comfortable and well kept, which helps if you’re traveling with a stroller or if you just want a smooth ride.

One more piece of advice: when you meet the skipper, be specific. Say if you want the best sandy swim, the quietest cove, or the most interesting shoreline walk. The tour works best when you give them a target.

Price and Value for Groups Up to 8

The price is $409.63 per group for up to 8 people, for about 4 hours. That means cost per person drops fast if you fill the boat. It’s usually not the cheapest option if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, but it often becomes a strong deal once you split the group cost across friends or family.

Two cost notes matter for real budgeting:

• A fuel surcharge of €80 per booking is not included, so add it to your total plan.
• Lunch is not included, so you’ll likely spend extra for food at or near Preko.

So is it worth it? I’d say yes if you want a private, flexible island day with snorkeling gear included and a skipper who handles the moving parts. It’s less worth it if you only want one quick beach stop and zero walking, because the schedule packs in multiple island changes.

For families, this kind of private format can be efficient. You’re not waiting on other groups or fighting for a seat at the wrong time. For couples or small groups, it’s a better way to get out beyond the Zadar shoreline without committing to a long day trip.

Should You Book This Zadar Island Boat Tour?

Book it if you want snorkeling without gear stress, a sand-and-swim start, and a short, meaningful island walk on Ošljak. This is also a good match if you like quiet places and the feel of islands that don’t feel crowded.

Skip it or reconsider if your group only wants one stop and hates timing. With about one hour at each location, you need to be the type who’s happy moving through experiences rather than staying put.

If you do book, I suggest you plan around your priorities. Decide in advance how much walking you want (the Ošljak trail is about 2 km if you choose to do it), and tell the skipper early if you’re focused on swimming, snorkeling, or lunch in Preko. That small conversation is what turns a good boat ride into the right boat ride for your group.

FAQ

How long is the private tour to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko?

The tour runs for about 4 hours.

What stops are included on the tour?

You’ll visit Kostanj on Ugljan (for swimming and sun time), Ošljak (for an island walk and sights), and Preko (for island-town time).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, and you’ll have to plan meals on your own while you’re at the island stops.

What is the price, and is there an extra fuel charge?

The price is $409.63 per group (up to 8). A fuel surcharge of €80 per booking is not included.

Is the tour private, and is it offered in English?

Yes, it’s private for your group only, and it’s offered in English.

What if weather is bad, or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.