Zadar boat tours guide: Detailed overview of day trips, island hopping, Kornati excursions and sea adventures with routes, prices and travel advice
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Sea Tours from Zadar: where people usually sail from here and why it's a convenient and popular starting point for Day Mini-Cruises
Zadar is the fifth-largest city in Croatia, which impresses with the beauty of cozy bays, crystal-clear sea, the grandeur of cliffs, and the incredible aroma of pine forests. It’s a kind of tourist mecca, thanks to its developed tourist infrastructure, proximity to an international airport, and well-established bus connections.
Among all the advantages of Zadar, geographical and infrastructural ones can be highlighted.
- Geographical. From here, it’s easy to reach the 89 most interesting islands of the Kornati archipelago (travel time approximately 30-40 minutes), and this makes Zadar a desirable starting point for sea cruises. For comparison, from the city of Split, you’ll need to spend 1-1.5 hours more on the road.
It should also be mentioned that thanks to the islands, the Zadar channel is protected from strong winds, which improves navigation. This makes sea Tours safer, and tours are canceled less often due to weather conditions.
2. Infrastructural. The city’s port complex is well-developed and can accommodate various types of vessels, which guarantees a variety of Tours. You can choose a trip on a ship or speedboat, boat, or catamaran.
The choice of operators and Tours is also to everyone’s taste. It’s easy to get to Kornati or Telašćica parks, visit deserted bays for swimming, go diving or fishing.
Another advantage is transport connections. Near the port is an international airport and scheduled buses from other places run. It’s also easy to get there by car.
Evening waterfront in Zadar, I highly recommend going on some evening sea Tour to see this beauty with your own eyes
We were interested in comparing Zadar with other cities from which daily departures also take place for day cruises, and here’s what we found out:
- from Split, not only does it take more time to travel, but the cost of the cruise itself will be higher;
- compared to departure from Šibenik, it can definitely be said that Zadar has better developed infrastructure and a greater choice of tourist tours;
- Zadar’s advantage over Dubrovnik is the city’s central location between famous tourist locations and more affordable cruise prices.
Therefore, we chose Zadar as the starting point for our day trips, as an optimal combination of efficient use of time, a wide variety of tourist destinations, and the opportunity to explore this ancient city.
And we had long dreamed of seeing the local wonder – the sea organ, designed by an architect in such a way that the melody on it is created by sea wind and waves. It’s truly impressive, almost as much as watching the bright sunset, which colors everything around in incredible orange colors.
What types of Sea Tours are there (group and private)
The offerings of Tour tours in Zadar are so diverse that they can satisfy the most demanding tourist.
There are quite unusual (specialized) tours, such as:
- Photo tours (4-8 people) – offer to visit the most picturesque places of the Adriatic coast and take incredible photos at unique locations, the likes of which are hard to find (cost 120-250 euros per person).
- Evening cruises (10-30 people) – create a special romantic atmosphere. This is an unforgettable journey with sunset viewing, accompanied by light live music and beverage tasting (cost 50-100 euros per person).
- Multi-day tours (6-12 people) – for lovers of longer Tours with the opportunity to visit many more interesting places, enjoy swimming, water activities, and exploring local attractions. Includes overnight stay on a yacht and full board (cost 200-400 euros per person per day).
- Fishing tours (2-6 people) with the possibility of underwater fishing – combine exploring the sea depths and the opportunity to catch prey. The tour includes equipment and appropriate licenses (cost 150-300 euros per person).
- Diving tours (4-8 people) – an incredible chance to explore the reefs of Kornati, see mysterious sunken ships, admire corals, and explore aquatic diversity (cost 100-200 euros per person).
Standard tours
- Group tours (12-50 people) – cover such popular locations as Kornati and Telašćica national parks, Pag island with the opportunity to listen to a guide’s story, taste local wines and visit national cuisine dishes. Usually, lunch and drinks are included in the price (40-80 euros per person);
- Tours for small groups (6-12 people) – are organized to such popular destinations as Dugi Otok island with the opportunity to see the famous caves, Croatia’s Kornati National Park with Tour and snorkeling. All necessary equipment is provided (cost 80-150 euros per person);
- Private tours (2-6 people) – Journey on a private yacht with the opportunity to independently select the route and explore the most remote bays and beaches (cost 200-500 euros per boat).
Advice from us – it’s advisable to book selected tours in advance, and when choosing, you should consider that for some entertainment you need to pay extra. Some operators offer discounts for groups and children’s tickets. It’s also worth asking if insurance is included in the price.
Prices for Sea Tours from Zadar in 2025
The tourist season in Croatia lasts throughout the year, so cruise offerings are tailored to any expectations and cover the most diverse destinations. The range of sea Tours is so large that you can get confused when choosing. After analyzing tour operators’ offers and prices for this year, we selected the most attractive options.
Budget options:
- Tours for large groups (12-50 people) are the most budget option – Mainly visits to national parks such as “Kornati” (cost 60-80 euros per person) and “Telašćica” (cost 70-90 euros per person). The parks are unique in their natural beauty, turquoise-clear sea, small cozy bays, and convenient beaches. Tours are one-day, lasting on average 9-10 hours, the price includes lunch, drinks, the opportunity to bask in the warm Adriatic sun and swim plenty.
- Tours for small groups (6-12 people) are a bit more expensive, but they offer more comfort, if only due to the absence of crowds. Two tours are offered: The most popular destinations: visiting Dugi Otok island, which impresses with its incredible landscapes. This tour is an opportunity to relax on the famous Croatian beach Sakarun and dive in charming blue caves (cost 85-100 euros per person). The second option is the evening Sunset sailing tour. An incredibly romantic and exciting cruise that will allow you to enjoy an impressive sunset while tasting craft wines with delicious local snacks (cost 70-90 euros per person).
VIP options with higher prices:
- Private tours (2-6 people) include personal yacht rental and the opportunity to create an individual exciting sea route together with an experienced captain to visit the most remote bays and little-known beaches (cost 350-500 euros per boat for the whole day). In private tours, tourists pay for the opportunity to relax to their liking, with their own company, and receive premium service on a luxurious boat.
For those wishing to get unusual impressions, specialized tours are offered. They cost more due to visiting unique locations and expensive entertainment.
- Fishing – this is an exceptional opportunity to fish in the Mediterranean with professional gear and advice from an experienced guide (cost 120-150 euros per person).
- Diving tours will be appreciated by water sports enthusiasts – include diving in the most attractive places of the Adriatic Sea with appropriate equipment accompanied by an experienced instructor (cost 100-130 euros per person).
- Speed boat tour (8-12 people) – a cruise on a speedboat will allow you to visit the maximum number of interesting places on the islands in a short time. An ideal choice for active holiday enthusiasts (cost 90-120 euros per person).
In our opinion, tours for small groups offer the best price/quality ratio, where a comfortable atmosphere is maintained at a moderate cost. Group tours are more for those wishing to socialize, make friends, and learn about the region’s history. Private tours, although the most expensive, give maximum freedom in choosing the route and pace of travel. If there’s financial opportunity – this is the most comfortable option.
Sea Tour destinations
When planning a trip, we expect to get real relaxation and enjoyment from the holiday. In Croatia, the tourism industry is constantly developing in this direction and offers the best conditions for pleasant leisure activities. Tour tours cover the most popular destinations to the most beautiful places in the country. From Zadar, as a starting point, it’s most convenient to go on such cruises:
- To Kornati National Park, which is located on 89 islands and impresses with incredible 100-meter limestone cliffs, perfectly clear water, ancient architectural monuments from the Roman Empire era, and unsurpassed local cuisine.
Views that open up to tourists in Kornati National Park
- To Telašćica National Park, which is famous for its salt lake with healing effects, amazing Mediterranean flora and fauna, majestic cliffs, and the opportunity to see dolphins playing among the sea waves. The park impresses with a unique combination of quiet cozy bays and corners of wild untouched nature, here you can also visit the famous Sakarun beach and ancient fishing settlements.
In Telašćica Nature Park, we were greeted by calm bays and majestic cliffs, I recommend visiting here at least once
- To Pag Island, which is famous for impressive evergreen olive groves, wonderful beaches with incredibly clear water, and renowned cheeses from local dairies.
St. Vitus Peak on Pag Island, unreal views open from here
- To Dugi Otok Island, which, in addition to stunning landscapes and turquoise beaches, is rich in landmarks such as an ancient lighthouse and the mysterious Golubinka cave with an underground lake.
Dugi Otok Island is part of Telašćica National Park, so you can see the park’s landscapes from here
We’ll tell you in more detail about Tours there, namely I’ll share those tours that I liked when we were looking for something for our trip.
- Zadar: one-day Tour to Dugi Otok island with snorkeling – a journey along the picturesque coast, relaxation on Sakarun beach, the opportunity to explore underwater caves and see a sunken ship. Included: equipment, drinks. Duration – 8 hours. Cost: 98 euros per person at the beginning and end of the season (June, September) and 108 at peak season (July, August).
- From Zadar: Kornati National Park and boat Tour to Telašćica – the opportunity to explore the attractions of Kornati Park and the Zadar archipelago, swim and sunbathe plenty at the famous Lake Mir and taste traditional Mediterranean cuisine dishes. Included: two meals, drinks, equipment. Duration – 9 hours. Cost: 59 euros per person, regardless of season month.
- From Zadar/Bibinje: cruise through Kornati National Park with lunch – the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauties of Kornati Park, relax on wonderful sandy beaches, swim, dive, and witness a charming sunset. Included: two meals, drinks, equipment. Duration – 9 hours. Cost: 52.99 euros per person.
The first option is for more active tourists, and the second and third for lovers of peaceful recreation. I like that for a low price you can get a full day of relaxation, admire nature, swim and dive, and also get two meals, drinks, and equipment. Not all operators offer such conditions.
Our opinion: which Sea Tour destinations are worth paying attention to
We analyzed a wide selection of Tour destinations and tour operators’ offers and identified those for which it’s worth purchasing an Tour tour. Additionally, we identified locations that can be visited by planning the trip independently.
Better to go with an Tour
- To the popular and most visited place – Kornati National Park – it’s better to order a cruise tour. This will be the optimal solution, considering that getting to the destination independently will be quite difficult. Direct connection is irregular, and visiting the park requires special permission. The choice of tours in this direction is considerable, both as part of large groups and small ones. It will be easy to find something to your liking.
- You should definitely choose an Tour tour if you plan to go diving, because only local professional divers know not only the best diving spots but also the most dangerous ones. An additional plus will be the provision of all necessary equipment.
- We recommend going as an organized group on an evening cruise to capture an unforgettable sunset in memory and fully enjoy the harmony of nature with light musical accompaniment. It will be difficult to create such a unique atmosphere independently, especially since drinks and snacks are served right on board.
We recommend going independently
Despite the optimal conditions of organized tours, sometimes you want more free time to explore interesting ancient monuments and move at a comfortable pace for yourself. In this case, you should consider the option of independent travel. We analyzed various ferry route options from Zadar to popular islands (they run regularly, with a frequency of 1-2 hours):
- To Pag Island, the ferry will cost 3 euros per person, if traveling by rented car – an additional 15-20 euros must be paid. Cheese tasting can be ordered on-site.
- A ferry runs to Dugi Otok Island from Zadar-Brbinj. Cost – 2.5 euros per person, for transporting a car additionally – 15 euros. Tours to ancient monuments can be ordered with a local guide.
Advice from us – when planning a trip, it’s worth paying attention to organized Tour tours if it concerns remote locations and choosing independent travel organization to islands with well-developed infrastructure.
Tours to Dugi Otok Island
The name of Dugi Otok island translates as “long island,” which fully corresponds to reality – the island’s coast stretches for 100 km, along which convenient beaches, numerous bays, and mighty cliffs are located. The island’s highlight is Telašćica Nature Park. Among the Tours organized to the island from Zadar, several types can be distinguished:
- Group Tours “Classic Dugi Otok” (12-30 people). For 8-9 hours of walking with a multilingual guide and swimming at Sakarun beach and in Telašćica bay, you’ll have to pay 45-65 euros. Lunch is usually included in the price.
- “Caves and Bays” tours (6-12 people). Exploring the Golubinka cave and snorkeling at several locations for 7 hours will cost 80-120 euros. Equipment is included in the price. Getting acquainted with the underwater world is also offered by “Active Snorkeling” tours with approximately the same conditions.
- Combined tours “Dugi Otok + Kornati” (8-15 people). An extended full-day program (12 hours) will allow you to see the main charms of the locations. Tourists are expected to have two meals and drinks. Cost: 90-140 euros.
- Sunset tours are also common. “Sunset at Dugi Otok” (10-20 people) includes all the typical highlights of this type: music, drinks, dinner, great photos (cost: 40-60 euros).
Natural landscapes on Dugi Otok Island. Since the island is part of Telašćica National Park, the nature here is accordingly just as beautiful
Each tour operator includes something of their own in the program of typical Tours. We reviewed many options before finding the best offers. So I want to share my finds and leave a few tours that I liked most of all:
- Speedboat Tour “4 jewels of the Zadar archipelago” – the journey includes many activities: swimming in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, relaxing on the beach, an Tour to the legendary military tunnel, and the opportunity to go snorkeling and see a sunken ship. The route includes a stop in the village of Muline, where you can walk through ancient streets and see the surroundings. Included: equipment, insurance, music, cooler. Duration: 4.5 hours. Cost: 59 euros per person (doesn’t change throughout the season).
- Zadar: Sakarun beach and boat Tour to Dugi Otok island with lunch – an opportunity to enjoy picturesque landscapes during the journey, relax on the most beautiful Sakarun beach, dive to explore a sunken ship. In addition, the program includes visiting an ancient lighthouse with an incredible panorama opening from above. Tourists have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit Ugljan Island, which enchants with its pristine beauty. Included: snorkeling masks, lunch (menu can be chosen independently). Duration – 8 hours. Cost: 90 euros per person throughout the season.
- Zadar: Kornati sailing for the whole day (up to 7 people) – a one-day trip to Telašćica Nature Park. Gives an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the Kornati archipelago, enjoy swimming and diving, admire attractive bays, and visit the salt Lake Mir. A pleasant bonus will be the opportunity to feed cute donkeys in the reserve and enjoy the park’s unique flora. Included: insurance, fishing equipment, and snorkeling equipment. Duration – 9 hours. Cost gradually increases to peak season: 69 euros in April-May, 75 euros in June, and 88 in July-August.
Our opinion: in which cases it's worth taking Tours to Dugi Otok Island from Zadar, and in which cases it's worth going independently by ferry
Croatia is our long-standing passion. This country never gets boring, you want to return here again and again. The mild climate, warm clear sea, amazing landscape attract to themselves.
- We recommend organized Tours:
Having been to various places in this hospitable country, we want to share our own experience in choosing routes. One of the Tour tours that left pleasant memories is the “Caves and Bays” tour – guaranteed incredible impressions from swimming in the Golubinka cave and in cozy bays, relaxing on the beach, and snorkeling with provided equipment.
We also recommend watching the sunset by taking advantage of the “Evening Cruise” tour offer – it’s an incredible spectacle that evokes pleasant emotions that will remain in memory for a long time. I recommend taking a camera to take unique photos.
- Better to visit independently:
However, there are tours that we didn’t like at all. First of all, these are tours designed for a large number of people, for example, “Classic Dugi Otok” (12-30 people). Firstly, it’s inconvenient, secondly, everything happens in a hurry, and thirdly, you don’t have time to get full enjoyment from the Tour. The program is interesting, but so oversaturated that at the end of the tour you feel only fatigue, not the desired pleasure. In this particular case, the better option would be to organize an independent trip.
How to get there independently by ferry
You can get to Dugi Otok from Zadar independently on the Zadar-Brbinj ferry (cost 3 euros per person, with a rented car – 15-18 euros). The ferry runs 4-5 times a day, and the travel time takes about 1 hour.
Advice from us – it’s better to rent a car and have the opportunity to move freely around the island. This way you can visit more interesting places and be on different beaches, if vacationing with a group of 4-6 people, it’s appropriate to consider organizing a private tour with an individual program.
Bay of Telašćica National Park on Dugi Otok Island
Kornati Park
Kornati is one of the most famous and most visited parks in Croatia. We definitely recommend visiting this location by taking advantage of Tour tours. Cruises are designed for different levels of expectations from the route and tourists’ willingness in certain cases to pay more for additional conveniences.
As in other locations, for tourists there are the group tours on ships already described above, tours on speedboats (small groups), and premium tours. The latter provide more varied food and stops at the best locations for photography. Premium tours also have a more comfortable boat and a naturalist guide who knows many interesting facts about the park, and lunch differs in exquisite dishes. As in other locations, private, combined (Kornati + Telašćica), and photo tours are offered.
Advice from us – when choosing tours, consider such features:
- prices for tours from July to August are higher than in other periods;
- children up to 7 years travel free;
- for children up to 14 years, usually a 50 percent discount applies;
- groups of 8 people or more can count on discounts;
- for all routes, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance.
By the way, Telašćica Nature Park belongs to the large Kornati National Park reserve (89 islands), so the nature here is relatively similar. Although these lakes on the islands impressed me very much
Our opinion: in which cases it's worth taking Tours to Kornati Park from Zadar, and in which cases it's worth going independently
Kornati National Park is an incredible and atmospheric place for recreation in the very heart of Croatia. The park captivates with the majestic beauty of landscapes, monumental cliffs, azure sea, and convenient beaches. This place definitely needs to be visited to be inspired by the beauty of nature, relax, and recharge with incredible energy.
Planning an independent trip will be difficult because there is no direct connection between Zadar and Kornati. There are two options – either rent a boat (cost from 150 to 200 euros, by the way, you’ll have to refuel it yourself), or use a boat-taxi service (cost 300-400 euros both ways). Due to the difficulty and high price, we don’t recommend this option unless you’re really drawn to independent travel.
The optimal right decision would be to choose an Tour tour – the offers are quite diverse and each is interesting in its own way:
- Standard group tour (50-70 euros per person) – a good option for a first introductory trip. The only inconvenience is a large group of tourists and limited time to view the park.
- Speedboat tour (90-130 euros per person) – suitable for activity enthusiasts. More time for swimming and snorkeling, but accordingly the price is higher.
- Private tour (400-600 euros per boat) – if the high tour price doesn’t stop you, this is an ideal option for a comfortable journey and independent planning.
- Combined tour “Kornati + Telašćica” (80-120 euros per person) – a maximally successfully built and rich one-day Tour. The only minus is less time for swimming;
- Photo tour (140-180 euros per person) – suitable for photo shoot lovers. A professional photographer-guide will help with correct framing, but the price is a bit high.
Advice from us – the optimal solution in this case would be to choose an Tour tour. For most tourists, the most acceptable will be either a standard group tour or a speedboat tour. A private tour is justified only for special occasions or large groups that can split the cost.
Tours to Telašćica Park from Zadar
Telašćica Nature Park takes your breath away with its wild untouched beauty, crystal-clear sea, mighty cliffs, climbing which you can watch playful dolphins, see a unique salt lake. The water around the island enchants with an incredibly rich underwater world that hides rare red corals.
And this is the famous salt Lake Mir in Telašćica Nature Park
No tourist will remain indifferent after the beauties seen. From Zadar to the park, various Tour tours run. This is an opportunity to sail to the island by boat, visiting the park itself and the salt Lake Mir, swim plenty and have a delicious lunch (cruise duration 8-9 hours), or choose a private yacht tour and determine yourself how much time to devote to each location in the park (small groups of 8-12 people).
Another option is to take advantage of the offer to additionally see Kornati Park, which will also impress with its incredible landscapes (tour duration 10-12 hours). The best option, in my opinion, to get to know these natural parks in detail is a 9-hour sightseeing tour. It includes a cruise around all the islands, and then stops for walks and photos in the most interesting parts.
You can also choose a tour with sea activities and explore the underwater life of the Adriatic Sea, admire incredible corals, and touch history by examining the remains of sunken ships (equipment is included in the tour price).
So the choice is up to vacationers because each Tour is attractive and unique in its own way.
Advice from us – selected tours need to be booked in advance as well as clarifying current prices.
One of my favorite photos of Telašćica Nature Park. I’m enchanted by these cliffs. And most importantly, unique views open from them that you won’t find anywhere else
Our opinion: in which cases it's worth taking Tours to Telašćica from Zadar, and in which cases it's worth going independently
Telašćica Park is located on Dugi Otok Island. It’s a highlight of Croatia and one of the largest natural harbors of the Adriatic Sea. Impressive vertical cliffs, azure bays, special flora and fauna of the park have made this place popular among tourists.
In one part of the park is the unique Lake Mir, where the water is saltier than seawater. In summer, the water temperature in the lake warms up to +30 degrees, which attracts lovers of basking in warm water. The lake is also famous for its healing mud.
You can get from Zadar to Telašćica Park both independently and by choosing an Tour tour. Let’s consider both options:
- Independently you can get to the park by ferry. We recommend renting a car. This option is justified if there is a desire to spend more time in the park, perhaps several days. A car allows you to independently explore interesting places. The main thing is to understand logistics well and be able to independently form a route. At the same time, it’s necessary to consider the costs – car rental (from 40 euros per day), ferry from Zadar to Dugi Otok (20 euros with a car + passenger fee), entrance ticket to the park (10 euros per person), also added are costs for fuel, food, and accommodation. If you rent a car on the island or travel without a car, you can take the Zadar-Sali catamaran (the closest town to the park).
- Tour tours to Telašćica Park should be chosen depending on your own expectations from the trip. The optimal option is an organized one-day sea Tour that combines viewing all the park’s attractions and has an affordable price. A good option is a private yacht tour (better suited for a group of 6-8 people), in which case tourists get the opportunity to adjust the route at their own discretion. The combined tour “Kornati + Telašćica” – for those wishing to see the maximum number of interesting places in a short time. For lovers of water sports, the optimal solution would be to choose diving tours or tours with the opportunity to go snorkeling.
Boat Trips from Zadar to 3-4 Islands
From Zadar, you can go to islands, each of which is unique.
The basic tour in the direction of the islands is “Ugljan-Ošljak” (4-5 hours). It includes visiting the fishing village Preko and climbing St. Michael’s tower on Ugljan, and then swimming near Ošljak. Together with snacks and water, the tour cost will be about 40 euros per person.
Lovers of architectural and historical attractions will like the “Galovac and Monastery” tour with a visit to the Franciscan monastery. A leisurely walk with lunch at Preko will end with swimming in the bay of Galevac Island. The journey lasts up to 6 hours and costs up to 50 euros.
Beautiful views are promised by the evening “Ugljan-Preko” tour (45 euros). Four hours during sunset, romantic dinner, and then night swimming will create a special atmosphere and allow you to relax as much as possible.
If you order any of these trips privately, the boat will cost 280 euros.
Among the variety of Tour tour offers, it’s worth considering those that offer exploring the beauties of 3 or more islands in one day. In our opinion, they are the most interesting and will deliver many impressions.
- Speedboat tour of Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko islands – a small Tour group. A speedboat with an experienced captain will allow you to fully enjoy the journey and have time to enjoy water entertainment, bask on the sandy beach Kostandž, and swim in the sea. The tour includes visiting the hospitable village of Preko and photo stops. Included: snorkeling equipment, beer, and water. Duration: 4 hours. Cost: changes throughout the season. In June – 39 euros, at peak (July-August) 67 euros, and from September – 57 euros.
- Private tour to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Galevac islands by speedboat – a comfortable tour at a comfortable pace, with the opportunity to visit the most beautiful Croatian islands and walk around them. View interesting ancient monuments and take photos at the most attractive locations. The tour program includes stops for swimming at little-known beaches and snorkeling. Included: snorkeling equipment, drinks, port fees. Duration: 4 hours. Cost: 280 euros per boat (group up to 9 people).
- Private boat tour to Ugljan, Galevac, Ošljak islands – an Tour that will give incredible impressions of beauty. The cruise includes visiting bays with pebble beaches for swimming and diving, the sandy beach Jaz in Preko – with the opportunity to swim and relax in the natural shade of mighty trees. For divers, there is an opportunity to dive underwater near Ošljak Island. On Ugljan Island, tourists are awaited by swimming in the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea and a warm sandy beach. Included: drinks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets. Duration: 4 hours. Cost: 300 euros per boat (up to 5 people).
- Half-day Tour to Ošljak, Galevac (Školjić), Ugljan, Preko islands – the opportunity to see several islands in one day, walk along the picturesque coast, swim and go diving, exploring underwater caves and examining underwater inhabitants. Included: snorkeling equipment, port fees, insurance. Duration: 4 hours. Cost: 48 euros per person at peak season, and 38 euros in other warm months (minimum 3 people required for the Tour).
Our opinion: when it's worth taking Tours to 3-4 Islands from Zadar, and In which cases it's worth thinking carefully
Near Zadar there are tempting islands for travel, where you can relax, explore unique nature, and study architectural monuments. These are Galevac, Ošljak, Ugljan, and Iž, which impress with their pristine beauty, turquoise shimmering water, luxurious beaches, and explosive charm of Mediterranean plants. And although they are all located not far from Zadar, it’s simply impossible to get to some of them independently. We’ve structured the collected information and are sharing it with you:
*discounts for children and pensioners apply, ferry schedule depends on the season.
Advice from us – it’s worth traveling to the islands independently if you want to spend more time there in a comfortable mode, paying attention to chosen places for recreation. Also, such a choice will be appropriate when traveling with a large group or with small children. You should choose an Tour tour to islands where there is no ferry connection, and if there is a desire to visit several islands in one day. You should definitely choose an Tour to admire the sunset, because usually the tour price includes dinner and drinks, which is convenient.
Types of Sea Kayaking Tours
Kayaking is suitable for active recreation enthusiasts. This exciting activity has gained popularity worldwide. In Croatia, there are many options for those wishing to go snorkeling or try kayaking. Tour tours are of varying difficulty: half-day (4-5 hours), full day (8-9 hours), and even multi-day trips. All routes without exception are accompanied by a professional guide, include safety technique instruction, and a paddling master class.
The most popular routes are to:
- Ugljan Island. The most interesting locations: Sabuša Bay with crystal-clear waters, the Sveti Ante cave system, Muline beach with white pebbles, and the opportunity to stop for snorkeling. A pleasant bonus is a picnic on one of the beaches. The walk is usually combined with Pašman Island and is designed for a full day, so it requires an average level of physical fitness.
- Pašman Island. When visiting, we recommend looking at Ždrelac Bay between the islands, wild Tramontana beach with camping opportunity, and an incredible natural wonder – the Blue Lagoon with turquoise water. During the Tour, there is usually snorkeling and a picnic.
- Kornati National Park. The park has 89 islands, which are offered to see during an Tour cruise. There is an opportunity to visit fishing sea settlements and even set up tents and spend the night on the islands. We recommend paying attention to Žut Island – the largest inhabited island of the park, paddling through the Mala Provlaka strait, and visiting Telašćica Bay, where you can see the salt lake. A special feature of Kornati is vertical cliffs up to 80 meters high. The route is quite difficult, designed for several days, and recommended for experienced kayakers.
The beaches of Ugljan Island are incredibly beautiful. No wonder it’s one of the popular places for kayaking
Simpler tours for several hours are a morning walk in the vicinity of Zadar with a view of the sea organ and evening kayaking at sunset with snacks and drinks. Such walks are suitable for beginner kayakers.
If you plan Tours independently, you can include visiting fishing settlements and tasting local seafood. We especially recommend swimming in the salt Lake Mir, stopping for snorkeling in Sakaran Bay, and taking photos near heart-shaped Galešnjak Island.
We’ve selected the most interesting tours with different difficulty levels:
- 3-hour kayaking tour offers paddling along the Zadar coast, the path passes by the famous sea organ and provides an opportunity to see the sunset while paddling on the water. The Tour includes a stop for swimming in the sea. This tour is ideal for beginners. Included: equipment. Cost: 45 euros per person throughout the season (minimum number of participants – 4), duration: 3 hours.
- Sea kayaking on Iž Island with barbecue – a sea kayaking tour that allows you, cruising the azure sea, to admire the beauty of the Zadar archipelago, visit a local fish farm, and enjoy delicacies. Included: kayaking equipment, visiting a local farm, fish barbecue, drinks. Cost: 50 euros per person (minimum 2 participants). Duration: 3 hours.
- Full-day paddleboard Tour – the opportunity to explore hidden bays while admiring beauty, explore underwater caves, bask on the famous Sakarun beach, and see the entire island by climbing the ancient lighthouse. Included: equipment, lighthouse entrance fee, drinks, professional guide, transfer to departure point. Cost: 105 euros per person (minimum 2 people). Duration: full day.
Advice from us – when choosing a tour, consider seasonal features, for example, in May-June there is a high probability of seeing dolphins, and in July-August, night tours are organized with the opportunity to see such a natural wonder as bioluminescence.
Where it's best to snorkel and where to scuba dive
Croatia is a discovery for underwater swimming and diving enthusiasts. Clear water and an underwater world stunning in its diversity attract tourists from everywhere. Exploring the amazing depths of the Adriatic Sea was our long-standing dream, so we studied in detail and chose the best options for diving and snorkeling.
Best places for snorkeling
- Ugljan Island – the largest island in Zadar with incredible luxury of olive trees. There are many attractive places for snorkeling here. For beginners, Sabuša Bay and sandy Borík beach with a convenient and gentle descent into the sea and a depth of no more than 5 meters are suitable.
- Sakarun Bay on Dugi Otok Island – attracts with the pristinely white color of the sandy bottom under bright blue sea waves. An ideal place to try diving for the first time, watching playful schools of shiny fish.
Best places for diving
- On Mana Island in Kornati National Park, for experienced divers there is an opportunity to dive with scuba gear to 40 meters, examining incredible underwater cliffs framed by bright corals and schools of tuna at depth.
- The underwater Cathedral caves on Premuda Island will amaze with charming light effects and won’t leave any scuba diver indifferent (a diver certificate is required).
- On Pag Island, for divers of intermediate level, there is a unique opportunity at a depth of 25 meters to explore the sunken ship “Michele”, decorated with colorful corals and surrounded by whimsical schools of colorful fish.
Advice and recommendations from us – for underwater adventures, it’s better to choose time from May to October for diving and from June to September (for snorkeling). All necessary equipment can be rented and you can use professional accompaniment during diving. Also, there is an opportunity to take several diving lessons from experienced instructors.
Overview of prices for Diving and Snorkeling Tours in Zadar
Diving and snorkeling give an incredible opportunity to explore the underwater world and look at its sea inhabitants, see bright coral reefs, and have the opportunity to touch sunken ships. Here are several common types of Tours with diving and snorkeling.
Snorkeling
- Ugljan Island – Sabuša Bay. Duration: 3-4 hours. Price: 35-45 euros per person (group discounts from 4 people: -10%). Includes: boat transfer, equipment, instruction.
- Borík Beach. Duration: 2-3 hours. Price: 25-30 euros per person (family package 2 adults + 2 children: 80 euros). Includes: equipment and basic instruction.
- Dugi Otok – Sakarun Bay. Duration: 5-6 hours. Price: 50-60 euros per person (for children up to 12 years 30% discount). Includes: boat transfer, lunch, equipment.
Diving tours
- Kornati National Park (Mana underwater walls). Duration: full day (8-9 hours). Price: 120-150 euros per person (minimum 4 people in group). Includes: 2 dives, lunch, all equipment. Advanced Open Water certificate required.
- Premuda Island (Cathedral cave). Duration: 6-7 hours. Price: 140-160 euros per person (minimum 4 people in group). Includes: 1 dive, transfer, equipment. Cave Diving certificate required.
- Pag Island (sunken ship “Michele”). Duration: 5-6 hours. Price: 90-110 euros per person (group up to 6 people). Includes: 2 dives, light lunch, equipment. Open Water certificate sufficient.
Cost of training with certificate
- Basic Open Water course: 350-400 euros (4-5 days).
- Advanced Open Water: 300-350 euros (2-3 days).
- Deep Diving specialization: 250 euros (2 days).
Diving tours we liked:
- Southern boat trip from Zadar – an ideal opportunity to combine a walk along the picturesque coast to Ošljak Island and treat yourself to perfect beach recreation. Snorkeling enthusiasts will get real pleasure from observing underwater inhabitants. The route doesn’t end here, but includes another stop in the colorful village of Preko on Ugljan Island. Included: drinks, fruits, and snorkeling equipment. Duration: 4 hours. Cost: from 33 to 50 euros per person.
- Zadar: Sea walk with 3 stops and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon – for active recreation lovers, an ideal opportunity to explore Preko, Ošljak islands, and the incredible Blue Lagoon in one Tour. A speedboat will instantly deliver you to the first destination – Ošljak Island, where travelers are awaited by swimming, diving underwater, and the opportunity to compare different beaches and snorkeling spots. A plus of this cruise is a small tourist group. Included: snorkeling equipment. Duration: 4 hours. Cost: 32 euros per person.
Useful information from us: if there is a desire to dive with an instructor outside the Tour, a full snorkeling kit will cost 15 euros/day, and a full diving kit – 45 euros/day. In addition to basic insurance, which is usually included in the kit price, you can purchase extended insurance (10 euros per day) or annual insurance (65 euros) if frequent dives are planned.