Free beer makes Zadar boat trips better. On this small 7m cruise from Foša, I love the Zadar archipelago panoramas over Velebit and island Ugljan, plus three swim-and-snorkel stops.

You’ll also get a very laid-back vibe with unlimited drinks and local anchovies while you sail close to the coast, and snorkeling equipment is provided. One thing to plan for: you pay separate port docking fees before departure.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small-group 7m boat time: limited to 6 participants, with plenty of space to spread out
• Three real stops: Frnaža cove (Ugljan), Galevac (Školji), and Ošljak (wind-protected)
• Snorkeling gear included for each guest at no extra cost
• Unlimited drinks plus local touches like anchovies and homemade liqueur
• Bluetooth-friendly cruising so you can play your own music while sailing

Zadar Archipelago by 7m Boat: Why This Trip Works

This isn’t a big sightseeing bus with a bottle of water and a sad phone selfie. This is a smaller boat day where the sea is the main character. From the old city port area in Foša, you get the sense that you’re moving at the speed of the coastline—short cruises, then real breaks for swimming and snorkeling.

I especially like how the trip connects you to the geography. You’re not just “going to islands.” You’re seeing how Zadar sits in front of Velebit, with Ugljan out on the water, and smaller islands tucked into coves where ferries and large boats don’t quite make sense. It’s the kind of route that feels personal, not packaged.

There’s also a social edge in a good way. With a cap of 6 people per tour, the atmosphere stays relaxed. And if you’re the type who likes to ask questions about what you’re seeing, you’re set up for that—your skipper is there to explain the history, culture, and sea life along the way.

Meeting at Foša and Getting Oriented Fast

You meet at Foša restoran, on the back side of the building. The clue is the balcony and the dock for boats—so you’re looking for that dock area, not the main street entrance.

The day runs about 4.5 hours total, with starting times shown as 10:00 or 15:00 (you’ll want to pick based on the light and the water vibe). Once you depart, there are a couple short sightseeing cruises before the first true swim stop. Think of it like warming up your eyes before you warm up your body in the sea.

You’ll return to the same meeting point. That matters more than it sounds. It keeps things simple, especially if you’re pairing this with other Zadar plans the same day.

The Route: From Ugljan’s Frnaža to Galevac and Ošljak

The itinerary is built around three stops, each with a different feel:

• Frnaža (Ugljan): a cove where you can enjoy the coastline without buildings getting in the way.
• Galevac (Školji): a small, historical island with a monastery nearby, plus a sandy beach and bars in the area.
• Ošljak: a tiny island with about 29 residents, known for good protection from wind.

Between stops, you’ll cruise close enough to the coast that it feels like you’re sailing alongside the islands, not just around them. That close-to-shore approach also sets you up for the snack-and-drink moments while you watch the water change color with the light.

One practical note: the tour is not described as wheelchair-friendly, and it’s also not suitable for people over 95 years. If you’re in either of those categories, it’s best to plan a different day on land.

Stop 1: Frnaža Cove on Ugljan for Quiet Water Time

First up is Frnaža cove, on island Ugljan. The standout here is the feeling—this is described as hidden in the middle of Ugljan, with no buildings around. That matters, because it changes what you notice. Instead of looking at structures, you tend to notice the water texture, the coastline shape, and the way the light hits the sea surface.

This is where the swimming-and-snorkeling rhythm begins. You’ll have time to soak up the sun and jump in, and snorkeling equipment is provided. If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is a friendly way to try it, since the gear is included and the skipper is on hand.

A small, real-life consideration: the beaches are described as either pebbly or sandy. That means water shoes can save your feet. And if you don’t already have a swim setup, plan around wearing swimwear you can move comfortably in.

Stop 2: Sailing Close to Coast, Trying Anchovies and Liqueur

Before the next main stop, the cruise continues with a bit of sightseeing. This is also where the tour starts leaning into the food-and-fun side of Adriatic coastal life.

You can try local anchovy while the boat sails close to the coast. You’ll also be able to enjoy homemade liqueur, plus the other included drinks. The tour’s vibe here is basically: you don’t need to rush anywhere. You can relax, look out at the shoreline, and snack without turning it into a formal meal schedule.

There’s also an easy entertainment angle. If you want music, you can play it on the boat via Bluetooth. And if you like mixing something simple, a cocktail shaker is available.

If you prefer to bring your own food and drinks, you can store it in a cooler on the boat. That’s handy if you’re traveling with kids, picky eaters, or just want a snack that’s familiar.

Stop 3: Galevac (Školji) and Its Historical Island Break

Galevac, also referred to as Školji, is the trip’s history-and-beach stop. It’s described as a small island with a monastery nearby. And nearby you’ll find a sandy beach and even bars, which adds options depending on what you want to do during your break.

Time matters here: this stop is listed as 50 minutes. That’s long enough to do the basics without feeling like you’re on a strict schedule. You can take a walk and look around, then return to the water if you want another swim session.

The best use of this stop is probably switching gears. Early on, you focus on swimming and snorkeling. Here, you can mix it up: short sightseeing, then back into the sea.

A balanced note: if you’re hoping for a stop with zero people and zero activity, this isn’t the one. It’s an island setting with a monastery and nearby amenities. That’s not bad—it just means it will feel more lively than a totally secluded cove.

Stop 4: More Cruising Views Over Velebit and the Islands

Between stops, you get additional short sightseeing cruises. These segments—like the 20 minutes and 15 minutes noted in the schedule—are your chance to sit back and really watch the coastline from a moving perspective.

When you’re on open water, Zadar’s location becomes obvious. You see Velebit’s presence in the background, and the islands look like they belong to the sea, not like they were dropped in afterward. It’s the kind of view that makes a 4.5-hour trip feel more than just a swim break.

It’s also during these stretches that the drinks can feel extra enjoyable. Unlimited drinks are included, so you can stay comfortable without keeping track of every purchase.

Stop 5: Ošljak for a Wind-Sheltered Swim and a Full Hour

Ošljak is the stop many people will love if they care about water calm. The island is described as having around 29 residents and as being well protected from wind. That detail matters because it affects how the sea feels when you’re actually in it.

This is where you get a longer break: 1 hour at Ošljak. You can explore, take a walk, and enjoy free time. There’s also time for swimming and snorkeling right here.

If you like the idea of snorkeling with less boat motion, this kind of wind protection is a big plus. It can make the experience more comfortable and less “where do I put my balance?” and more “okay, let’s watch what’s under the surface.”

This is also the stop where you can just enjoy the island atmosphere. Even if you don’t do any hiking, you can still take in the views and relax—because the whole tour is built around a relaxed pace.

Drinks, Food, and the Simple Fun Details

The included drink setup is one of the big reasons this trip feels like good value. You get unlimited water, beer, and soft drinks during the tour, plus fuel and skipper time are included in the quoted price.

On top of that, there are those local touches:

• Homemade liqueur
• Local anchovies
• A chance to play music via Bluetooth
• Optional flexibility to bring your own food, stored in the boat cooler

One small detail that’s easy to forget until you need it: there is a toilet on the boat. When you’re out for 4.5 hours with swim stops, that’s not a luxury—it’s just smart.

I also like the way the tour keeps the mood casual. The reviews for this trip consistently highlight how welcoming and enthusiastic the crew can be. Names that come up include Ilija as the skipper, and also Tommy and Tomislav as guides from past departures. So if you’re hoping for a friendly, human guide who actually talks to you, you’re in the right place.

Snorkeling Gear and What to Pack (So You Don’t Regret It)

Snorkeling gear is provided to each guest, and that’s a real time-saver. You don’t need to rent equipment or hunt down a mask. The trip is set up so you can just show up and get in the water.

But you still need the basics. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Hat
• Water shoes (because beaches can be pebbly or sandy)
• Cash (since docking fees are paid before departure)
• Sunscreen if you’re the kind of person who burns easily

Also, you’re not allowed to bring bikes, but that’s really the least of your planning worries.

Flip-flops can be useful, especially for moving between boat and beach. Still, water shoes are the move if the shoreline is pebbly.

Price and Value: $43 Plus Docking Fees

The price shown is $43 per person, and at that level you’re getting a lot in exchange for your time:

• boat trip
• skipper
• fuel
• port fees listed as included
• unlimited water/beer/soft drinks
• snorkeling equipment included

The one added cost to know about: docking fees are not included in the listed price. Those are charged before departure:

• €10 for participants 12 years and older
• €5 for participants 11 years and younger

That means your real total depends on who’s in your group by age. Still, this doesn’t automatically make it bad value. You’re paying for a small-group day on a boat with multiple swim stops. If you want a day like this where you don’t have to figure out transportation between islands and you’re not buying drinks separately, the pricing structure makes sense.

It’s also a good fit if snorkeling is on your wishlist. You’re not paying for gear rentals on top.

Who Should Book This Zadar Boat Trip

This cruise fits best if you want:

• a small-group boat day (max 6 people)
• multiple swim stops instead of one quick photo stop
• snorkeling with provided gear
• an easy social vibe with drinks included
• an authentic coastline route that’s hard to reach on larger boats

It might be less ideal if you hate water temperatures, dislike boats, or need wheelchair access. Also, if you’re traveling with someone very senior, the tour lists it as not suitable for people over 95 years.

If you’re doing Zadar as a base city and want one activity that feels like you escaped the normal tourist loop, this is a strong choice.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this if you want a relaxed, sea-first afternoon with real time to swim and snorkel at Frnaža, Galevac, and Ošljak, plus unlimited drinks and local anchovies thrown in. The small-group setup makes it feel easier to enjoy and less crowded, and the snorkeling gear included means fewer logistics for you.

I would hesitate only if the added docking fees would be a hassle for your budget, or if mobility limits make boat transport tough. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of Zadar experience that turns a few hours on the water into a day you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The tour duration is listed as 4.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is at Foša restoran (Foša port, Stret Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What islands are visited?

The itinerary includes stops at Frnaža (Ugljan), Galevac (Školji), and Ošljak.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided to each guest at no extra cost.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited water, beer, and soft drinks. Local anchovies and homemade liqueur are part of the experience during the cruise.

Are docking fees included in the $43 price?

Docking fees are not included. They are charged before departure: €10 for ages 12+ and €5 for ages 11 and younger.