Zadar: Private Island-Hopping Cruise with Snacks & Wine

Exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian coast often means wandering through historic cities or relaxing on pebble beaches, but a private island-hopping cruise in Zadar offers a different kind of magic. This four-hour adventure promises sun, sea, and a taste of local life — all aboard a beautifully restored traditional boat.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the chance to swim at some of Ugljan’s most gorgeous beaches like Otri or Kostanj, with clear waters perfect for cooling off. Second, the visit to the serene Franciscan Monastery on Galevac Islet delivers a peaceful break from the busy coast. Lastly, the optional wine and canapé tasting in Kali offers a delicious glimpse into island flavors, complemented by stunning sea views. A possible snag? The tour’s reliance on weather conditions means some beach visits might be less ideal during, say, a rainy day or choppy seas. Still, if you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized experience with a small group, this private cruise could be your perfect escape.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value authentic coastal scenery, local cuisine, and a relaxed pace. Those wanting a customizable experience that avoids large crowds will appreciate the intimate, private group setting. It’s also a good fit if you’re keen on combining sightseeing with leisure — think swimming, tasting, and taking in panoramic views.

Good To Know

• Private, small-group experience with personalized attention
• Includes scenic stops at beaches, monastery, and fishing village
• Optional wine tasting enhances local flavor
• Ideal for swimmers and those who enjoy relaxing on the water
• Flexible itinerary depending on weather and preferences
• Value-packed with snacks, wine, snorkeling gear, and scenic cruise

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience: A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This cruise begins at Bregdetti Ulica in Zadar, a convenient meeting point with free parking nearby. From there, your journey unfolds with an impressive scenic cruise past Zadar’s Sea Organ and the city walls. Even just passing by these landmarks offers fantastic photo opportunities — especially the Sea Organ, which is one of Croatia’s most iconic attractions. The boat ride to Galevac Islet takes around 25 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy a welcome drink as the coastline slips past.

Visiting Galevac Islet and Beaches

The first highlight? Swim at Ugljan’s most beautiful beaches, Otri or Kostanj, weather permitting. These spots are praised for their crystal-clear waters and peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding after some sightseeing. Reviewers often mention the soothing feeling of floating in such pristine waters, making this a favorite part of the trip. The boat is equipped with snorkeling gear, so you can also explore underwater life if you’re inclined.

The Franciscan Monastery

Next, the tour stops at the Franciscan Monastery on Galevac Islet. This peaceful spot offers a quiet break amid stunning scenery, with many noting the charm of its simple architecture and tranquil vibe. It’s a quick visit, but enough to appreciate a slice of local religious history and enjoy some serene views.

Oljak and Scenic Cruise Past Islands

Cruising past Oljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island, is another highlight. Your skipper shares tales about island life, adding layers of local flavor to the experience. The boat then heads toward Kukljica, a lively fishing village. Here, you’ll have about 105 minutes to grab a traditional lunch at a local konoba. Reviewers describe the dishes as fresh, homemade, and full of local character, especially the seafood options.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Wine and Canape Tasting in Kali

One of the optional highlights — wine tasting in Kali — costs €10 per person but delivers a memorable tasting of regional wines paired with delicious canapés. Travelers mention that the wines are well-chosen, and the setting offers a true taste of island life, away from tourist crowds. If you’re a wine lover, this is an experience worth considering.

Final Stops and Panoramic Views

The cruise wraps up with visits to Oltar, another scenic stop, and concludes with a panoramic cruise along the Sea Organ and the city walls. These iconic landmarks allow you to take in the full splendor of Zadar’s coastline, perfect for photos and soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a full-day adventure condensed into four hours, which means you’ll get plenty of highlights without feeling rushed. Included are snacks, local wine, snorkeling gear, a welcome drink, and a panoramic cruise past the city’s most famous sights. Plus, the boat comfortably seats up to six people, ensuring a cozy yet unrushed experience.

Not included are the lunch at the konoba, which you might find to be a worthwhile expense given the delicious local fare, and the wine tasting fee (€10). The tour’s price of $331 per group is quite reasonable, considering the personalized nature, private boat, and extensive itinerary. When you divide that cost among six, it’s a fair value for a bespoke Croatian coastal experience.

The Boat and Logistics

The traditional boat used for this tour has been beautifully restored, blending classic charm with modern comfort. Padded seating and adjustable shade mean you can relax comfortably in the sun or seek shelter during warmer hours. Your English-speaking skipper is knowledgeable about local history and the islands, sharing stories and tips that enrich the experience.

The tour’s duration of four hours is generally enough to cover all major stops without feeling overly rushed. Starting from Bregdetti Ulica, the schedule is flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions — for instance, if the beaches are less appealing on a particular day, the skipper may suggest more scenic cruising instead.

Practical Tips

Bring along sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towels, a camera, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Towels are not provided, so pack accordingly. Non-swimmers and those prone to seasickness should consider their comfort, as the tour involves some time on the water and swimming.

Parking is free at the meeting point, and small groups mean you’ll get personalized attention and the flexibility to customize stops if desired. The tour operates in English, with a full cancellation policy allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re seeking a relaxed, intimate experience that blends scenic beauty, local culture, and delicious food and wine, this cruise fits the bill. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to escape crowds, enjoy swimming and scenic vistas, and taste authentic Croatian flavors. The private nature makes it ideal for couples, small groups, or families looking for a personalized day on the water.

However, if you’re a non-swimmer or highly sensitive to seasickness, you might want to consider your comfort level beforehand. Also, if you prefer extensive historical tours or active hiking, this trip leans more toward leisure and coastal charm than cultural deep-dives.

Final Thoughts

This private island-hopping cruise in Zadar offers a well-rounded taste of Dalmatia’s natural beauty and local life. It combines the joy of swimming in turquoise waters, the tranquility of a monastery visit, and the flavors of Croatian wine and homemade dishes—all in a small-group setting that feels personal and relaxed.

The experience’s value lies in its blend of scenic stops, authentic cuisine, and the chance to enjoy Croatia’s stunning coast away from crowded tour buses. It’s perfect for those who want a laid-back, scenic adventure with opportunities for swimming, snapping photos, and sampling local wines.

If you’re after a flexible, intimate way to explore the islands around Zadar with a touch of luxury and local flavor, this cruise ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers might find limited opportunities for swimming, but they can still enjoy the scenic cruise, the views, and the cultural stops. Seasickness may be a concern for some, so pack accordingly.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towels, a camera, sunscreen, and water. Towels are not provided, so pack your own.

Are the beaches weather-dependent?
Yes, swimming and beach visits depend on weather conditions. If the weather isn’t ideal, the skipper might suggest more time cruising or alternative stops.

How much does the wine tasting cost?
The wine tasting in Kali costs €10 per person and is optional. Reviewers say it’s well worth trying for a taste of local wines.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch at a local konoba is not included in the tour price but is available at Kukljica, where you’ll have about 1 hour to enjoy a traditional meal.

What’s the group size?
The tour is for private groups of up to 6 people, making it intimate and ideal for personalized attention.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, allowing you to explore underwater during your swimming stops.

When can I cancel the tour?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable swimming and boating, this is a family-friendly activity.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While available year-round, the best months are late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and beaches are most inviting.

This private cruise in Zadar offers a delightful mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation—perfect for travelers who want to experience Croatia’s coast in a personal, authentic way. Whether it’s your first time in Dalmatia or a return visit, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of island life, lovely waters, and local flavors.

You can check if your dates are available here: