Zadar is one of the best bases on the entire Adriatic coast for day trips and boat excursions. The sea here is exceptional, the islands are numerous, and the national parks are world-class. But with several different tours on offer, many visitors ask the same question: which boat tour from Zadar is right for me?
This guide breaks down all the options so you can choose with confidence.
People who want the full Dalmatian sea experience — open water, untouched islands, dramatic scenery, and excellent food on board.
The Kornati archipelago is one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. Combined with Telašćica Bay and its famous Salt Lake, this is our most popular full-day excursion and the one we most often recommend to first-time visitors.
Included: Two entrance tickets, guide, welcome drink, breakfast, lunch, water, and wine.
Ideal if you: Love nature, don’t need a sandy beach, enjoy swimming off rocks and in crystal-clear bays, and want a relaxed but memorable full day on the water.
Families with children, anyone who loves white sand and shallow turquoise water.
Sakarun is consistently ranked among the ten most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia — and for good reason. Located on the northwestern tip of Dugi Otok island, it stretches over 800 metres of white sand with water so clear and so shallow (maximum 3 metres deep) that it feels almost Caribbean.
Included: Boat and bus transfer, guide, welcome drink, meals, and water.
Ideal if you: Are travelling with children, prefer a sandy beach to rocky coves, want a laid-back day with minimal walking, or simply want to spend hours in the most beautiful water in the region.
Travellers with limited time, families with younger children, or anyone who wants a taste of the Zadar archipelago without committing to a full day.
Our half-day tours are mostly private and custom-made. The typical route takes in island Ošljak, the village of Preko on Ugljan island, and the small islet of Školjić — but the itinerary is flexible and largely up to you. Tours run on small traditional wooden boats, which adds to the authentic, unhurried feel.
Included: Boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkelling equipment. Shared group departures at set times are also available.
Ideal if you: Only have half a day free, want a quieter and more personal experience, or are visiting Zadar for just one night.
Active travellers, couples looking for something exciting, groups who want speed and variety.
If a relaxed wooden boat is not your style, the Royal Tour is for you. This full-day excursion uses a RIB speedboat to cover more ground — visiting Sakarun Beach, a shipwreck off Dugi Otok, the dramatic Golubinka cave, the remote Lojena Beach, and Mana Island in Kornati National Park.
Included: Skipper, fuel, snacks, water, NP Kornati entrance ticket, and snorkelling equipment.
Ideal if you: Want action and variety over pure relaxation, enjoy snorkelling, or want to see more of the coast in a single day.
Groups, families with specific needs, special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, proposals), and anyone who simply wants the boat to themselves.
Private tours run from 9:00 to 18:00 and can go to NP Kornati, Sakarun Beach, Ugljan and Pašman islands, or a combination you design yourself. You choose between a traditional wooden boat or a speedboat, and the maximum capacity is 12 people — larger groups can also be arranged.
Ideal if you: Are celebrating something special, travelling with a group, want to swim and stop wherever you like, or simply prefer not sharing a boat with strangers.
First-time visitors to Croatia who want to see the country’s most famous natural landmark.
Not all Zadar excursions are by boat. Our Plitvice Lakes day trip takes you by bus to Croatia’s most visited national park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 16 cascading turquoise lakes and nearly 100 waterfalls. You get 4.5 hours of free time to explore the park at your own pace.
Included: Guide, bus transport, electric boat ride, park train, and entrance ticket.
Ideal if you: Have not yet seen Plitvice, prefer land to sea, or are travelling with people who do not want a full day on a boat.
Still not sure? Just ask us.
We are a small, local Zadar team — two language professors with over ten years of experience in Dalmatian tourism. We are happy to help you choose the right option, answer any questions by phone or WhatsApp, or put together something completely custom.
Spots fill quickly in peak season — don’t leave it to the last minute.
