Zadar: Private Island Hopping & Wine Tasting with Canapés

Zadar: Private Island Hopping & Wine Tasting with Canapés — An Authentic Croatian Escape

If you’re dreaming of a day spent cruising through Croatia’s shimmering Dalmatian archipelago, this private island hopping experience in Zadar offers a wonderful mix of scenic views, cultural touches, and delicious local flavors. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a highly enjoyable and authentic outing.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the intimate private setting means you’ll avoid crowded group tours and enjoy a personalized experience. Second, the vintage boat exudes charm and comfort, blending tradition with modern amenities. Lastly, the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and visit historic sites makes it a well-rounded adventure. A single possible consideration? The tour’s duration is only about half a day, so if you’re craving a longer exploration, you might want to combine it with other activities.

This experience seems perfect for small groups, couples, or families who want to enjoy the calm waters, eat well, and see some of Croatia’s beautiful islands without feeling rushed. If you value scenic beauty, authentic local tastings, and personalized service, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Private, intimate experience with a maximum of six guests
• Beautiful vintage boat with modern comforts and ample shade
• Visit multiple islands including Galevac, Ugljan, and Oljak for varied scenery and activities
• Includes wine, olive oil tastings, and canapés that showcase Dalmatian flavors
• Swim, snorkel, and relax in crystal-clear waters
• Expert local skipper and guide providing insights and a friendly touch

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The journey begins aboard a beautifully renewed vintage boat, merging classic style with the safety and comfort of modern features. This vessel features plenty of shade and a spacious sundeck, ideal for lounging or taking in the views. The trip is designed to be flexible and private, making it perfect for small groups seeking exclusivity.

Scenic Cruise Past Zadar’s Landmarks

Your first experience might be the most visually striking — a panoramic cruise along Zadar’s Old Town, passing iconic sights such as the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. These structures are not only beautiful but also add a musical and visual dimension to your journey, setting the tone for a relaxing and memorable day.

Galevac and the Franciscan Monastery

Next, the boat glides toward Galevac, a serene islet near Preko. Here, you’ll find a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, surrounded by pine trees and untouched nature. This quiet spot invites you to unwind, take photos, or enjoy a swim in the clear waters. Based on reviews, many visitors love the peaceful vibe, with one mentioning it as a “peaceful hideaway” to relax after some swimming or wandering.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ugljan Island and Kali Village

The trip continues to Ugljan, where the charming fishing village of Kali awaits. Here, the highlight is a local tasting of wine and olive oil, paired with fresh fish and traditional canapés. Guests often mention how much they appreciated the opportunity to sample authentic Dalmatian flavors in a relaxed setting, with one reviewer calling the oil and wine tasting “high-quality and delicious.” The experience isn’t just about tasting; it’s about connecting with the local culinary heritage in a cozy, inviting environment.

Oljak: Croatia’s Smallest Inhabited Island

The final stop is Oljak, renowned for its stone houses, lush greenery, and tranquility. It’s a perfect place to swim, explore at leisure, or simply soak up the quiet charm of what might be Croatia’s most peaceful island. The reviews frequently highlight how special it felt to have the boat all to ourselves, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Many travelers comment on the beautiful scenery and the peacefulness that makes Oljak a highlight.

What to Expect on the Day

The tour usually lasts around half a day—enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed. It kicks off with the cruise past iconic landmarks, then moves to the peaceful Galevac, followed by a delicious tasting experience at Kali, and wraps up at Oljak with swimming and exploring. The flexibility of the schedule means you can tailor the experience slightly, perhaps spending more time swimming or relaxing.

Onboard Comfort & Extras

The boat’s design focuses on comfort, with ample shade and a spacious deck to relax during the cruise. Included are welcome drinks, water, snacks, safety gear, and Wi-Fi, which helps keep everyone connected and refreshed. You’re encouraged to bring your own food and drinks if desired, although the tour offers a tasting for €10 per person that includes high-quality olive oil, sardine bread, and red wine—a delightful way to indulge in local flavors.

Guides and Service

The reviews highlight a friendly and knowledgeable crew, with one guest praising David as the host for being “very knowledgable” and attentive. The crew’s professionalism and warmth seem to add a layer of comfort, making it easy to relax and enjoy the tour.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $412 for a group of up to six, this experience offers good value considering the exclusivity and personalized touches. Compared to larger group tours, the private aspect means you set the pace and enjoy more intimate interactions. The inclusion of wine and olive oil tastings, along with the peaceful stops, make it more than just a boat ride — it’s an authentic taste of Dalmatian life.

What You’re Paying For

• Private, luxury-style boat with comfort features
• Multiple island visits for swimming, exploring, and relaxing
• Local tastings of wine, olive oil, and canapés
• Expert local skipper guiding and explaining along the way
• Scenic cruise with iconic landmarks

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and want a relaxed, authentic day in nature. It’s ideal for those keen on sampling local cuisine, enjoying beautiful scenery, and avoiding crowded tours. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends looking for a memorable Dalmatian adventure.

Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying

• Bring your own towels if you plan to swim and relax on the islands.
• Consider the weather — the boat offers shade, but sunny days are best for swimming and sunbathing.
• Book early especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and ensure a private experience.
• You may want to bring snacks or additional drinks if you have specific preferences, since you’re welcome to supply your own.
• Reserve and pay later option adds flexibility, with cancellation possible up to 24 hours in advance.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Tour

How many people can join this tour?
Up to six guests per booking, making it ideal for small groups or families seeking privacy.

What’s included in the price?
You get the private boat, experienced skipper, Wi-Fi, safety gear, water, snacks, and a visit to the Franciscan monastery. Wine and olive oil tastings are optional at €10 per person.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own if you wish, especially for additional snacks or beverages.

Is swimming and snorkeling available?
Absolutely. The stops at Galevac and Oljak are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters.

How long is the tour?
Approximately half a day — enough to enjoy multiple islands, relax, and take photos without feeling rushed.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s features make it ideal in warmer months when swimming is most enjoyable.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children can walk and swim, this tour is family-friendly and offers a peaceful environment.

Final Thoughts

This private island hopping trip in Zadar provides a rare chance to explore Croatia’s stunning islands in comfort and style. It couples scenic cruising with cultural touches — like visiting a centuries-old monastery — and authentic tastings that highlight Dalmatian traditions. The small-group setting and attentive crew make this a more personalized alternative to larger tours, perfect for those seeking tranquility and genuine local flavor.

For travelers craving a peaceful, scenic escape with opportunities to swim, indulge in good wine, and discover untouched islands, this experience delivers. It’s especially suited for small groups, couples, or families who want a private, relaxing day to soak up Croatia’s natural beauty and culinary delights.

Whether you’re after a leisurely day with stunning views or a chance to taste Dalmatian specialties in an authentic setting, this tour offers a wonderful slice of Croatia’s coast — all in a cozy, private package that feels just right.

You can check if your dates are available here: