Three islands can feel like a whole vacation. This private tour from Zadar keeps things calm while you hop between Ugljan’s coves and the monastery stillness of Galevac, then finish at the sand at Kostanj for swimming and snorkeling. I especially liked how Captain Goran’s homemade anchovies in olive oil turn lunch into a real local moment, not just a snack break. The main drawback: it is not suited for wheelchair users, and you’ll be getting on and off the boat for swims, so comfortable mobility matters.

With a private group (up to 5), you get more control over the day’s rhythm. You can linger at the water, rush the photo stop, and take snorkeling time in small bursts. English is the live guide language, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than checklist-driven.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Captain Goran’s homemade fish in olive oil: marinated and salted anchovies served with locally based ingredients.
• Snorkeling time built into each anchor stop: short, practical sessions rather than one big swim block.
• Galevac’s St. Paul monastery area: a 15th-century stop that adds real texture beyond beaches.
• Ošljak’s hidden coves: a longer stretch where you can swim, float, and take in the quiet.
• Kostanj sandy beach: the one you can’t reach by car, which helps it feel special.
• Private pacing for your group: fewer people, more say in where you spend time.

Where The Trip Starts: Port Foša and a Simple Set-Off

Your day begins at Port Foša, in Zadar’s waterfront area. The meeting address is listed as Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, which is easy enough to plug into your map app.

What I like about this start is how straightforward it feels. No transfers, no complicated ticket shuffles. You’re on the water quickly, and that matters because the whole point is to spend your time swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the islands.

Galevac (Školji) From Ugljan Waters: Monastery Views and First Swim

The route starts with a short sightseeing cruise, then you head to Galevac (Školji), where the pace shifts from driving views to coastal stillness. The big cultural moment here is the Monastery of St. Paul, dating to the 15th century. Even if you’re not the type to chase old stone, it’s a nice change from only doing beach stops.

This is also your first meaningful water break. You’ll have aperitif time, guided context, then swimming and snorkeling (about 20 minutes). The stop is set up for people who want to get in the water without feeling pressured to maximize every minute.

One practical note: snorkeling time is scheduled, so if you love staying face-down looking for fish, you may wish the session could last longer. The good part is that this tour is structured, so you’ll still get additional water time later.

Preko: A Midday Reset With Food Tasting and Extra Water Time

After Galevac, there’s a cruise segment that brings you to Preko. This part works like a reset. You get break time, a guided tour, and then more free time to swim and snorkel again.

Preko also includes food tasting during the stop. This is where the tour’s local style really shows: you’re not just watching the coast, you’re eating small bites that match what you’re seeing. In reviews, the food component keeps coming up, and it lines up with what the itinerary suggests—treating food as part of the itinerary, not an afterthought.

The stop is listed as about 40 minutes, which is long enough to stretch your legs and still short enough to keep momentum. If you tend to get restless on tours, that pacing is a win.

Ošljak’s Hidden Coves: The Longest Stretch for Swimming and Snorkeling

Next comes Ošljak, and this is the place the tour leans into the most: quiet, coves, and time in the water. You’ll have guided tour plus free time, and you’ll be in the area for about 1 hour—the longest stop on the itinerary.

You’ll get swimming and snorkeling here, plus local snacks. This is the kind of timing that helps you do what most people come for: slow down, float, look around, and stop feeling like you’re sprinting between photo opportunities.

What I appreciate is that Ošljak is framed as a coves-and-beaches island vibe rather than a single viewpoint. You’re set up to find a spot that works for your group, whether you want to snorkel for fish or just cool off without gear.

If you’re the type who loves photos, this is also a good stop. With fewer people around than on big group boats, it’s easier to get clear shots without squeezing past a crowd.

Kostanj Sandy Beach: The Car-Free Finish With Photo Stop Time

Your final beach stop is Kostanj (pješćana plaža u uvali), a sandy beach in a bay. This matters because it is described as a place not reachable by car, so you get that sense of arriving by water.

The stop includes a photo stop, then swimming and snorkeling with about 50 minutes for water time. That’s a lot of time for the last segment of a 4-hour tour. By this point, you usually know whether your group wants to snorkel right away or ease into it.

One thing to keep in mind: since it’s a sand beach rather than a rocky ledge, it can feel different underfoot and in the way you enter the water. That’s a plus for families and mixed groups, but it’s still worth bringing swim shoes if you’re cautious. The tour doesn’t list them as required, but it’s a sensible comfort add-on.

Captain Goran’s Style: Private, Personal, and Adaptable

The biggest reason people rate this tour highly isn’t just the route. It’s the way Captain Goran runs the day.

Across the experience details you’re given, this tour is explicitly private, and the reviews point to the same core theme: Goran keeps things warm and respectful, and the schedule is flexible enough to match your group’s mood. If your crew wants more time in the water, he can adjust the rhythm. If you’d rather linger near the boat and keep it relaxed, that also works.

Because the group is small (up to 5 per booking), you’re not fighting for attention. You can ask questions about the islands and landmarks without feeling like you’re one voice in a loud group. You also get a smoother flow between stops.

And then there’s the comfort side. The boat experience is described as comfortable, and the organization is repeatedly praised. That combination makes a difference on a sea day: you want “easy” when you’re spending hours near open water.

Food and Drinks on Board: Why the Anchovies Are the Whole Point

If I had to pick one signature of this tour, it would be the homemade anchovies in olive oil. The experience highlights it as marinated and salted anchovies prepared with home made olive oil.

This is not the kind of lunch you only eat because it’s included. It’s the kind of meal that changes your expectations of what a boat trip can offer in a few hours. Reviews also mention bread and local pairings like tomatoes, and even people who usually skip anchovies end up enjoying them here.

The tour also includes food and drinks throughout. You should expect an aperitif at the first island stop and ongoing drinks during the journey. In the notes you’re given, there’s also a mention of drinks being available across the day, which is exactly what helps this feel like a proper outing rather than a “swim and go” schedule.

One practical value point: because food and drinks are built into the itinerary, you don’t lose time hunting for snacks afterward. That can be a bigger deal than it sounds, especially when your whole day is scheduled around a short window on the water.

Snorkeling Equipment and Water Time: Built-In, Not an Afterthought

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the itinerary schedules snorkeling as part of each island segment. You’re not left wondering whether gear will show up or whether it’s only for the adventurous.

The pattern is: a guided or introductory moment, then a swim/snorkel window. For example, Galevac includes about 20 minutes of snorkeling time, Ošljak gives you about an hour of that same mix, and Kostanj gives you another long water session.

I like this structure because it fits real bodies. You can do a short snorkel session, then take a break to cool down, grab a drink, and reset. That keeps energy up, and it also makes the experience feel less stressful.

Also, you might see fish. A couple of the written experiences say people spotted fish and even saw dolphins. That’s not something you can count on, but it does suggest the area can be active for marine life.

It’s Private, So You Get Real Control Over Time

A common problem with boat trips is how they feel like a conveyor belt: everyone lines up, everyone jumps when the captain says jump, and nobody gets to decide what matters most.

This tour is built to avoid that. It is explicitly private, and the format lets you manage your own pacing within the stops. That’s why people keep calling it relaxing and easygoing.

In a group of up to five, it is also easier to coordinate with kids, couples with different energy levels, and friends who want to split time between swimming and just sitting on the boat.

So the value question becomes: are you paying extra to avoid crowding and to get a more personal day? In this case, yes. But you’re also getting more than just quiet. You’re getting the included drinks, the local food tastings, and multiple snorkeling sessions. That combination makes the price feel more reasonable than it might at first glance.

What to Pack (So You’re Not Playing Catch-Up)

The essentials are clearly listed, and you’ll want to follow them:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel

I’d also suggest bringing sunscreen even though it isn’t listed, because you’ll be out on open water and stops are designed for swimming. If you tend to get chilled, consider a light layer for the boat ride back.

The tour notes that bikes are not allowed, so don’t plan to roll any wheels with you. You’re on a private boat, and the focus is on island time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Be Frustrated)

This experience suits people who want a small-group sea day with swimming, snorkeling, and local food. It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a romantic, quieter alternative to big group boats
• Families with kids who can handle short water sessions
• Friends who care about food and want a real local taste, not a generic snack

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people with epilepsy. If your group has mobility concerns, plan carefully for the on/off boat moments and for how you’ll manage swimming time.

If you’re looking for a trip that is mostly walking on land for hours, you might find this less aligned. The tour is set up for water time and short guided moments around stops.

Practical Value: How the $282 Price Makes Sense for Up to 5

The price is listed as $282 per group up to 5, for a 4-hour private boat tour. On a per-person basis, it can look like a splurge if you’re traveling solo. But if you’re splitting the cost across a small group, it becomes more about convenience and included extras.

Here’s what you’re buying besides the boat:

• Private guide experience in English
• Food and drinks across the day
• Snorkeling equipment
• Multiple stops, including Kostanj (car-free sandy beach) and Galevac (St. Paul monastery area)

If your alternative is a larger boat where you pay for a seat but still get crowded timing, the private format is where the value lands. You spend fewer moments waiting, and more moments actually doing the point of the trip: swimming, snorkeling, and eating local food while the islands roll by.

Should You Book This Three-Islands Private Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you want a Zadar experience that feels like it was designed for your day, not for someone else’s schedule. The combination of multiple swim stops, included snorkeling gear, and Captain Goran’s homemade anchovies in olive oil is rare to find in one 4-hour outing.

Skip it only if you need step-free access or if your group doesn’t enjoy water-based activities. Also, if you hate the idea of getting in the water without tons of walking and land exploring, choose a different kind of day.

If your plan includes a few days in Zadar and you want one “sea day” that’s genuinely memorable, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Port Foša in Zadar, listed with the address Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

How long is the private boat tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

How many people are in the private group?

The price is for a group up to 5 people.

Which islands and stops are included?

The tour includes three islands: Ugljan, Galevac, and Ošljak, plus a stop at the sandy beach of Kostanj. It also includes a stop at Preko.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes food and drinks, including tasting of local island products such as marinated and salted anchovies in homemade olive oil.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is cancellation flexible?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is also a reserve now & pay later option.