Zadar: Full-Day BYOB Sailing Tour with Water Activities

Exploring Zadar’s coastline by boat is a classic way to soak up the stunning Dalmatian scenery, and this full-day sailing tour offers a relaxed, flexible experience ideal for those craving a break from crowds. It’s promoted as a small-group adventure on a modern 36-ft yacht, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and even trying your hand at sailing. While we haven’t done it ourselves, a glance at honest reviews and the tour’s features paints a clear picture of what you might expect.

What makes this trip stand out is the personalized feel — you’re not just a passenger on an overcrowded boat, but part of a small group with a dedicated skipper who’s happy to share stories, help you learn a bit about sailing, or just let you unwind on deck. Two aspects we really appreciate are its flexibility (you can choose private or shared options) and the water activities that keep everyone engaged.

On the flip side, it’s important to note that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to bring some snacks or plan to buy local fare during the day. Also, since weather can be unpredictable, checking the forecast or having a backup plan is wise—although the tour does offer full refunds or rescheduling if weather turns sour.

This tour is well suited for couples, friends, or families who want a laid-back, customizable day on the water. If you enjoy a mixture of relaxation, a touch of activity, and authentic Croatian scenery, this adventure could be just right.

Key Points

• Flexible booking options: Private or shared groups available to suit your preferences.
• All ages and experience levels: No sailing experience necessary; the skipper guides you through the day.
• Water activities galore: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), jumping off the yacht, and swimming at crystal-clear bays.
• Relaxing onboard amenities: Kitchen, hot shower, toilet, and Bluetooth speaker for a comfortable day on the water.
• Ideal for small groups: Typically up to 8 people, making it intimate and personalized.
• Cost-effective: The price covers fuel, equipment, and a professional skipper—just bring your own lunch and drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Sailing Experience in Detail

Imagine stepping onto a sleek, modern 36-ft sail yacht that’s equipped with everything needed for a day at sea. The vessel features a kitchen, hot shower, and a toilet, which help make the journey comfortable, especially during those long hours under the Croatian sun. The boat’s size strikes the perfect balance — ample space for lounging but still intimate enough to foster a friendly vibe.

Starting the Day: Meet at the Meeting Point

Your adventure begins at a small INA petrol station in Zadar, where you’ll meet your skipper and the yacht, Isabella. Arriving 15 minutes early ensures you’re ready to set sail promptly at your scheduled start time. The skipper is described as friendly and helpful—a key ingredient for an enjoyable experience, especially if you’re new to sailing.

The Route and Anchor Spots

While the exact itinerary varies based on weather and your preferences, the main highlight is spending the day in beautiful, crystal-clear bays around Zadar. The boat will anchor several times, giving you plenty of chances to jump into the water, snorkel, or paddleboard. Think of it like a floating resort with multiple stops, each offering a different scenic backdrop.

Water Activities and Free Time

The tour provides snorkel masks and a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), both of which open up a world of exploration in the calm, transparent waters. One reviewer praised the day as “very chilled,” emphasizing how relaxing and stress-free it was — perfect for those seeking a break from busy city life.

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Participating in Sailing

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete novice, you’ll find value here. The skipper invites you to try steering the yacht, making the experience interactive rather than passive. As one review notes, “any time!!!” is the response to the chance to get involved in sailing — a real plus for those curious to learn a new skill.

Onboard Comfort and Atmosphere

The yacht’s amenities contribute to a comfortable experience. With a kitchen for snacks, a shower for rinsing off after swims, and a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood, you’ll feel at ease. The vessel is designed for relaxation and fun, whether you want to soak up the sun or read a good book.

Lunch and Refreshments

Though lunch isn’t included in the tour, you’re welcome to bring your own food or drinks, which can be stored in the yacht’s fridge. Given the Croatian climate, packing some local snacks or tapas can enhance your day. One traveler mentioned enjoying delicious local food, which hints at the culinary opportunities nearby.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

The price includes the yacht, fuel, snorkel masks, SUP, and a professional skipper. For 8 hours on a private or semi-private vessel, this delivers a lot of value, especially considering the personalized attention and water activities. You won’t be crammed onto a crowded boat with strangers; instead, you have the flexibility to customize your experience.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

• Diana called the skipper “friendly and helpful,” highlighting the sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and the “little stories” shared during the day.
• Another traveler described the day as “very chilled,” emphasizing how comfortable and relaxing the experience was, with “delicious local” food and a “nice skipper.”

These comments underscore that the tour isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating a memorable, authentic experience that balances activity with relaxation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sailing trip is ideal for couples, friends, or families who want to enjoy the essence of Zadar’s coast without a rushed schedule or large crowds. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a personalized, laid-back day with water adventures and scenic beauty. It also suits those eager to learn basic sailing skills in a supportive environment.

Because it’s easygoing and no experience is required, it’s accessible for first-timers, but still engaging enough for seasoned sailors looking for a relaxing day on the water. If you appreciate authentic, intimate experiences over cookie-cutter tours, this could be a great choice.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: 8 hours, with flexible start times (check availability).
• Meeting Point: Petrol station INA, Obala kneza Branimira 20, Zadar.
• What to bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and perhaps some snacks or drinks.
• Not allowed: High-heeled shoes for safety reasons.
• Weather considerations: Tours are weather-dependent; if conditions are unfavorable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Group size: Up to 8 people, ensuring individual attention.
• Cost: Covers the yacht, fuel, snorkel gear, SUP, and skipper—lunch is optional and not included.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour is designed as a relaxed, family-friendly experience. With easygoing water activities and a small group, it’s suitable for children, especially with adult supervision.

Do I need sailing experience?
Not at all. The skipper guides you through the day, and you’re free to participate in sailing or simply relax. The focus is on fun and enjoying the scenery.

What should I pack?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and possibly some snacks or soft drinks. There’s a fridge onboard if you want to keep drinks cool.

Can I bring my own alcohol or drinks?
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to bring your own alcohol or soft drinks at no extra charge.

How flexible is the schedule?
You can check the availability for different start times, and the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to adjust plans if needed.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If the weather turns unsuitable, the tour offers an alternative date or a full refund, giving you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

This full-day BYOB sailing tour from Zadar offers an excellent mix of relaxed water activities, scenic beauty, and personal attention. It’s a great option for those who want a less structured, more authentic experience on the Croatian coast — especially if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and learning a bit about sailing in a supportive environment.

The small group size and friendly skipper create an inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for travelers who value intimacy and genuine experiences. Although lunch isn’t provided, the flexibility to bring your own food and drinks keeps things simple and tailored to your tastes.

If you’re after a fun, laid-back day on the water with chances to explore Croatia’s stunning coast and learn some sailing, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate a touch of adventure without the pressure of a large, busy tour.

In essence, this trip is about enjoying the sea in a meaningful, personal way. Whether you’re sailing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun, you’ll leave with a good story and a tan to match.

You can check availability for your dates here: