Full Day Sailing Tour

If you’re looking for a way to truly enjoy Croatia’s stunning coast without the crowds or the rush, this Full Day Sailing Tour from Zadar might just be your ideal escape. With a top-rated 5.0/5 from 16 enthusiastic reviewers and a consistent 100% recommendation rate, it’s clear this experience resonates with travelers seeking authenticity, relaxation, and a taste of local maritime life.

What we love about this tour: first, it offers an intimate sailing experience led by a friendly local skipper, who knows these waters intimately. Second, it combines the beauty of secluded bays and quaint villages—showcasing the quieter, more authentic side of the Croatian coast.

One possible consideration is the price—at about $74.45 per person, this isn’t a budget outing, but it’s a fair value given the small group size (max 11 travelers) and the inclusion of personalized guidance and snorkeling gear.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed days on the water, are curious about local culture, and want a small-group experience that balances sight-seeing with genuine leisure. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking to escape the hustle, snorkel in clear waters, and explore unspoiled nature.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience with a knowledgeable local skipper
• Secluded bays ideal for swimming and snorkeling
• Charming Ugljan village exploration with free time
• Small-group setting for a more personal experience
• Flexible itinerary with stops for relaxation and cultural discovery
• Cost-effective at around $74 per person for a full day of activities

This isn’t just another boat trip—it’s a carefully curated day blending sailing adventure with authentic local culture and natural beauty. You’ll start your morning at Borik marina, just outside Zadar’s old town, and cruise along the coast, passing the iconic Puntamika Lighthouse. The sight of the red-and-white lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula is a classic Croatian photo-op, promising you some great views even before you set foot on the water.

The real magic begins when you drop anchor in a secluded bay on Ugljan Island. Here, the waters are as clear as they look in travel brochures, and the environment is peaceful enough to forget about your phone for a while. On reviews, travelers mention how relaxing it is to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the boat in this untouched paradise. The snorkeling gear is provided, and the water quality gets high praise. One guest remarked, “Very relaxing, individual boat tour… perfect for bathing, snorkeling, and relaxing.”

Following this, you’ll visit a small, authentic village, where you can stroll quiet streets, discover local life, or just sit by the sea with a coffee. The free time here is a highlight for many; a chance to slow down and absorb the local vibe away from tourist-heavy spots. The guide—Petar—welcomes guests warmly and shares snippets of Croatian culture, along with tips on where to eat, making the experience feel more personal.

The latter part of the day involves raising the sails and cruising back through the Zadar Channel. The sensation of sailing along calm waters, with the wind in your hair, is a highlight in itself. Some reviews mention learning the basics of sailing, which adds an interactive element to the journey—if you’re interested, your skipper is happy to share sailing tips.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Ostri rat – Puntamika Lighthouse

The tour begins at Borik marina, just outside Zadar’s historic core. As you depart, you’ll pass the Puntamika Lighthouse, a local landmark that adds a scenic touch to your morning. This stretch is about an hour, giving you a chance to get comfortable on the boat while enjoying the coastal views.

Stop 2: Ugljan Island – Secluded Bay

After sailing, you’ll anchor in a quiet bay on Ugljan Island, roughly an hour from the start. The highlight here is the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters—many travelers describe this as a peaceful, almost meditative experience. The natural environment is untouched, making it a genuine escape.

Stop 3: Ugljan Village Exploration

Next, you’ll have about four hours to explore a small, local village. Whether you prefer wandering quiet streets, discovering local eateries, or relaxing by the sea with a coffee, this flexible time caters to a variety of preferences. One reviewer appreciated the opportunity to “walk through its quiet streets and discover local life,” emphasizing how this adds an authentic Croatian flavor to the day.

Stop 4: Return via the Zadar Channel

In the late afternoon, you’ll raise the sails again and cruise back toward Zadar. This part of the trip offers breathtaking views of the coastline and a chance for some hands-on sailing experience. If you’re interested, the skipper will teach you the basics, turning the trip into a memorable sailing lesson.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, making it easy to enjoy the underwater scenery without extra cost. However, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or a picnic for the day, or plan to enjoy a meal during your time in the village.

Meeting at D-Marin Borik Marina, the tour starts promptly at 9:00 am and ends back at the same spot, giving you plenty of time to explore Zadar afterward. The tour is limited to 11 travelers, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience that’s often praised in reviews.

What the Reviews Say

Traveler feedback consistently highlights the friendly guidance of the skipper, often named Petar, who shares tips about Croatian culture and local eateries. Many mention how relaxing and peaceful the experience is, with one reviewer stating, “Very relaxing, individual boat tour,” emphasizing the personal touch.

Others appreciate the stunning views and crystal-clear waters, with one describing the bay as “beautiful coves,” perfect for swimming or just soaking up the sun. The small group size means you avoid the crowds, and the intimate setting lets you feel more connected to the environment.

This sailing adventure is ideal for travelers who want to escape the busy tourist spots, enjoy a relaxed day on the water, and learn a bit about local Croatian life. It’s perfect if you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences over scripted tours. Also, if you’re curious about sailing, the chance to learn the basics adds an extra layer of appeal.

Given the price point, it offers good value for a full day of activity, especially with the small-group setting and personalized attention. It’s particularly suited for couples, solo adventurers, or small groups who want a peaceful journey, beautiful scenery, and a touch of cultural exploration.

If you’re after an authentic, relaxing day that combines sailing, swimming, and local culture, this tour from Zadar delivers. It’s a chance to connect with Croatia’s maritime traditions and natural beauty in a small-group setting that feels personal and genuine. The knowledgeable skipper, the untouched bays, and the charming village visits make it a memorable choice for anyone wanting a meaningful, low-key Croatian coastal experience.

While it may not suit travelers seeking a high-energy party boat or a full-service luxury cruise, it shines as a value-packed, authentic adventure for those who prefer a calm, scenic, and educational day on the water. If your ideal Croatia trip involves crystal waters, local villages, and sailing hands-on, this full-day experience could become one of your favorite memories.

What is the meeting point for this tour?
You’ll meet at D-Marin Borik Marina, located at Obala kneza Domagoja 1, just outside Zadar’s old town. It’s accessible and close to public transportation.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, giving you a full day of sailing and exploring.

How long is the entire trip?
The experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from departure to return, including stops for swimming, exploring, and sailing.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks, or plan to enjoy local cuisine during your free time in the village.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for guests to use during the bay stop.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 11, ensuring a small-group atmosphere and more personalized attention.

Can I learn sailing during this trip?
Yes, if you’re interested, your skipper will teach you the basics of sailing during the return cruise.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but non-swimmers should be cautious when swimming or snorkeling. Always inform your guide if you have concerns.

What is the price, and is it good value?
At $74.45 per person, it offers good value considering the full-day itinerary, snorkeling equipment, and the intimate group size that enhances the experience.

This sailing tour balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural authenticity—creating a memorable slice of Croatian life on the sea that many travelers find well worth the modest investment.