Zadar: 3 Islands Luxury Boat Tour with Aperol Spritz & Snorkeling

Three islands, one easy half-day escape. This Zadar boat trip pairs clear Adriatic water with quiet island stops, a clean modern boat, and a small group capped at 12 people. I like the relaxed pace and the chance to see Ošljak, a tiny inhabited island with only around 30 residents. I also like that snorkeling gear, bottled water, and one Aperol Spritz or Prosecco are included.

The main catch is that the €10 adult docking fee, payable in cash, is extra. Weather can also change the day quickly, and one delayed departure led to a rushed, wet ride home. Still, with a 4.9 rating from 387 bookings and 99 percent recommending it, MOLO TOURS is a strong choice for a short escape from Zadar.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip worthwhile

• Ošljak is the star stop: Walk a very small former quarantine island where fishing still shapes daily life.
• The group stays small: The boat takes no more than 12 people, making the outing calmer than a large excursion boat.
• You get real swim time: One stop gives about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in the Adriatic.
• The boat is part of the appeal: It is described as modern, clean, comfortable, and well kept.
• Aperol or Prosecco adds a holiday touch: One alcoholic drink is included, along with water and snorkeling equipment.
• Bring cash and sun protection: Adults pay a €10 docking fee, and sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water shoes are useful.

Leaving Zadar through Foša Harbor

The meeting point is in or near central Zadar, and the trip begins with a short briefing before the boat heads south toward Ugljan. As you leave Foša, Zadar’s oldest harbor, you get a fine view back toward the Old Town.

That opening ride gives you a useful change of scene. The stone streets and Roman-era center are suddenly behind you, replaced by open water, low islands, and the bright coastline. The ride between stops is not dead time either. It gives you a chance to sit back, sip your drink, and let the skipper handle the route.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 people. That number matters. You are not being moved around in a large crowd, and you should have enough room to sit comfortably, take photos, or watch the water. Several reports describe the boat as spotless, modern, and comfortable. Guests are asked to remove their shoes before boarding, so wear footwear that is easy to slip on and off.

The English-language tour is fairly informal. Skippers such as Edi, Mario, Mate, and Eddy have been praised for helping people on and off the boat, offering island suggestions, and taking photos. The quality of the commentary may depend on the skipper and the day. One unhappy account found the information limited, while most descriptions point to friendly guidance and useful local tips rather than a formal history lecture.

Ošljak: a swim first, then a tiny island walk

The first Ošljak stop is set aside for swimming and snorkeling, with about 40 minutes in the water. The Adriatic can be remarkably clear here, and the calm blue water is the main reason to book this trip.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which keeps the outing simple. You can get in, look around, and return to the boat without renting extra gear. The fish life is not guaranteed to be spectacular. One day produced little more than small fish, while other outings offered easy snorkeling in clear water. Think of this as a pleasant look beneath the surface, not a serious wildlife expedition.

The water temperature also varies. In warm summer weather, swimming sounds easy. On a cooler day, or after a late start, the water may feel too cold for a long swim. You can stay aboard and sunbathe or enjoy the view if you do not want to get wet.

The second Ošljak stop gives you roughly 45 minutes to walk around. This is the more distinctive part of the visit. Ošljak is the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic, with around 30 people living there. Its tiny scale makes it feel very different from a standard beach stop.

Ošljak once served as a quarantine place for Zadar. After the Middle Ages, it became a fishing village, which remains its character today. Do not expect a long list of major sights. The appeal is the quiet walk, the greenery, the simple homes, and the sense of seeing a place where daily life moves at a slower pace.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a gentle circuit and some photographs. It is not enough for a long hike, nor does it need to be. This stop works best if you enjoy small places and local atmosphere more than shopping or grand monuments.

A practical point: water shoes are useful. The island access and swimming areas may involve rough or stony footing, and one especially helpful suggestion was to bring footwear made for entering the water. Flip-flops are less secure than shoes that stay on your feet.

Ugljan, Skoljic, and time near Preko

The final part of the outing takes you toward Skoljic, near Ugljan Island. This area is used for swimming, sightseeing, and a walk around Preko village. You have about an hour, which is the longest stop of the day.

Skoljic is associated with an old church and a monastery collection. The description of the stop leaves some flexibility, so your time may be shaped by the weather, the group, and the skipper’s plan. You might swim again, look around the religious site, or walk into Preko for a drink or a quick lunch.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s strengths. You are not forced into a tightly packed series of guided visits. You can spend the hour in the way that suits you. If you have already had enough sun, use the time for a shaded walk. If the water is inviting, swim again. If you want food, this is the stop where a quick meal may be possible.

It is also the least predictable part of the day. The tour lasts only three to four hours, including the boat rides, so an hour on Ugljan is not a full island visit. You will get a taste of Preko and the nearby sites, not a detailed exploration of Ugljan.

For many people, that is exactly right. You can return to Zadar with time left for the Old Town, a meal, or another activity. A cruise passenger also described the timing as useful because the excursion left room before and after the boat trip. Still, you should not book this outing expecting a full-day island tour.

Aperol, Prosecco, and the small details on board

The included refreshments help give the trip a social, easygoing feel. You receive bottled water and one alcoholic drink, either Aperol Spritz or Prosecco. Fresh fruit has also been served on some departures, including cherries and peaches, although fruit is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion.

The drink is a nice touch after swimming, especially during the short rides between islands. Skippers have been praised for preparing good Aperol Spritz and looking after people on board. One account said the drink allowance appeared limited to two per person, but the stated inclusion is one drink, so I would treat one as the amount you can count on.

This is not a party boat in the usual sense. It can feel lively if the group is in the mood, but the main draw is the water and the islands. You can swim, snorkel, walk, or stay aboard and enjoy the ride.

Bring your own sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. The boat offers little escape from strong midday sun, and the bright water makes eye protection useful. A small towel and a dry change of clothes are also sensible, particularly if the sea is choppy or the return ride is fast.

What the price really includes

At $36.30 per person, this is good value for a three to four-hour outing, especially when you consider the boat size and included equipment. A private boat experience would normally cost far more, while a large group excursion can feel less personal.

The price covers:

• Boat transportation between Zadar and the islands
• Bottled water
• One Aperol Spritz or Prosecco
• Snorkeling equipment
• A group of no more than 12 people

The extra docking charge needs attention. Adults pay €10 in cash, while children under 12 pay €5. This is a meaningful addition to a $36.30 tour, and it should be included in your budget before you book. The fee is not a surprise you want to discover at the dock.

The value is strongest for people who want several activities in one short outing. You get a boat ride, two kinds of time on Ošljak, a stop near Ugljan, swimming, snorkeling, and a drink. If you only want a long swim from one quiet beach, a beach day may suit you better. If you want to see more than one island without arranging transport yourself, the price is attractive.

Weather, timing, and the one serious caution

This experience depends heavily on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is reassuring, but a weather delay can still affect the quality of the day.

One departure began late because of conditions. The group eventually visited all three planned areas, but the return became rushed. The boat traveled quickly, spray soaked some passengers, and the cold made the ride uncomfortable. The operator cannot control the weather, but you can prepare by bringing a cover-up, a towel, and a dry layer.

Punctuality is just as important. The boat leaves from a set meeting point, and the operator has not always been willing to wait for late arrivals. This matters especially if you are arriving from a cruise ship. A meeting point that appears close on a map may still require a taxi or a longer walk from the port.

If your ship arrival is tight, allow extra time for disembarking and getting across Zadar. Do not plan to reach the boat at the last possible minute. The operator has offered a later departure or a refund in at least one disputed case, but you should not count on a delayed start.

The tour requires a minimum number of participants. If that number is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Who will enjoy this best

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who want a relaxed taste of the islands. The small boat and flexible stops make it easy to mix swimming with sightseeing.

Families should note that the sea may be cool and island access may be rocky. Children under 12 pay the lower docking fee, but the supplied information does not give a specific minimum age or child flotation policy. If your child is not a confident swimmer, ask the operator about safety arrangements before booking.

This trip also suits cruise passengers, but only if your schedule leaves a generous margin. A late ship arrival, taxi delay, or slow disembarkation could cause trouble. Independent visitors staying in Zadar have more flexibility and are the safest match.

You may want a different experience if you expect a detailed guided tour, extensive snorkeling, or a full day on Ugljan. Commentary can be brief, fish sightings vary, and the third stop is more of a short introduction than a full island visit.

Should you book the Zadar three-island boat tour?

I would book it if you want a small-group day on the water with several light activities and a fair price. The modern boat, clear swimming areas, Ošljak’s unusual village character, and helpful skippers such as Edi and Mario give the outing real appeal.

Before paying, remember the €10 adult docking fee, bring cash, and leave plenty of time to reach the meeting point. Pack sun protection, water shoes, a towel, and something warm in case the return ride is windy.

The best reason to choose this tour is its balance. You get more than a swim boat but less than a full island expedition. For three to four hours from Zadar, that is a sensible trade.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three to four hours, including the time spent traveling between Zadar and the islands.

How many islands does the tour visit?

The tour is described as visiting three islands or island areas: Ošljak and the Ugljan area, including Skoljic near Ugljan. The itinerary includes a swimming stop at Ošljak, a walking stop on Ošljak, and a final stop near Ugljan.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $36.30 per person.

Is the docking fee included?

No. Adults pay a €10 docking fee in cash, and children under 12 pay €5 in cash.

What drink is included?

One alcoholic drink is included, either an Aperol Spritz or Prosecco.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled water is provided.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.