That Adriatic calm is hard to beat. This private Antares sailing outing takes you past Zadar’s waterfront icons and out to quieter corners of the Zadar Archipelago, with guided time on Ošljak, Galevac, and Preko. I like that it’s built around real sea time instead of a rush-and-photos loop.

Two things I really like: first, the skipper set-up is personal, with a father-and-daughter team running the boat and shaping the day around your pace. Second, the stops make sense for both land walkers and water lovers, because you get snorkeling equipment plus time to wander small island areas.

One consideration: it runs only when conditions are right, since the experience requires good weather, and it is not suggested for serious medical conditions.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private group on an Antares sailboat: up to 5 people, so the day feels customized.
• Snorkeling gear included: you’re set up to swim and explore underwater.
• Ošljak’s traditional Mediterranean architecture: a good dose of island life, not just a quick stop.
• Galevac for swimming + church/monastery sights: short hop, clear payoff.
• Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun viewpoints: you see Zadar from the water, not only the promenade.
• Family-run skipper team: friendly, hands-on hosting with a strong maritime feel.

A family-run private sailing day around Zadar’s quieter islands

This is the kind of boat trip that works when you want a break from the usual shoreline grind. You start in Zadar and then move away from the most crowded spots to enjoy clear water, open sea breezes, and small island scenery. The pacing feels intentionally human: sail, pause, swim, and then sail again.

What makes it especially appealing is the blend of nature and place. You aren’t just “on a boat” for four hours. You’re stepping off at island points where there are houses, churches, and local shoreline life. And you’re doing it with a skipper who’s focused on getting the best use out of your time, not checking a rigid box.

If you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a small group, the private format matters. Up to five people means you’re not competing for attention, and it’s easier to tailor the day—more time in the water if that’s your priority, or more time walking if you’d rather keep your feet on land.

Antares skippers: how the father-daughter team shapes the day

The tour is run by a family business with father and daughter as skippers. That matters more than it sounds, because the day has a certain “we know this coast” flow to it. You’re not just given coordinates—you’re guided by people who know how the islands feel in real time.

From what you can expect based on past experiences, the tone is warm and practical. Guides like Laura and Tony show up as standout examples in the feedback, and both are described as friendly and engaged—quick to help you settle in, and focused on making sure everyone has something they’ll enjoy. One especially useful detail: you can often steer the day toward swimming when that’s what your group wants, including placing you at more than one water spot when the timing works out.

Also, the boat setup helps. Past visitors highlight the boat as clean, safe, and comfortable, which is exactly what you want when you’ll be out on open water and planning to spend part of that time in swimwear.

Price and value: what $239.79 per group buys you

At $239.79 per group (up to 5), this tour isn’t priced like a mass-market excursion. You’re paying for privacy, a named skipper, and a route that actually includes multiple stops around Ugljan and nearby islets.

Here’s the value equation I’d use: you’re getting four major components for one rounded trip.

• A private sail format (not shared)
• Guided time at multiple island points
• Snorkeling gear plus time to use it
• Pass-by sea views of Zadar icons from the water

Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll likely want to treat this as a half-day plan. But the tour experience itself includes items that reduce the “what do I do now?” stress. Bottled water is included, and many previous outings note that the skipper provides drinks and small snacks like crackers. That’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re on the sea for hours and you don’t want to ration your energy.

If you’re splitting the cost among 4–5 people, the per-person value can feel surprisingly fair. If you’re traveling as just 1–2 people, the private element is still the reason to book—you’re essentially paying for access and attention.

From the port to Ošljak: where traditional Mediterranean homes meet the sea

You meet near the Bakelitplast area by the water in Zadar, at Bregdetti ul. 42 (23000 Zadar). The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with complicated transportation on either end.

Stop 1: Ošljak is one of the more rewarding first moves because it gives you time to actually arrive and look around. Expect traditional Mediterranean architecture—the kind of homes you notice right away when you step off. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough for a slow wander, a photo round, and a chance to soak up island details without feeling rushed.

Why Ošljak is a smart start: it sets the tone. Before you jump back into the sea highlights, you get a sense of how the coast is built and lived with. It also helps you decide how your group wants to use the next hours. If you’re curious and walkable, you can take your time. If you’re more water-focused, you’ll feel ready to return to swimming.

Admission here is listed as free, which is another plus for keeping the day simple.

Practical note for Ošljak

Island time works best with comfortable shoes and a light layer. The air can feel cooler right near the water, even when the sun is out.

Otok Galevac: a short hop for swimming and the old-church vibe

After Ošljak, the route moves to Otok Galevac (also noted as a small destination opposite Preko). This stop is shorter—about 40 minutes—so treat it like a quick water and sight window.

What’s the payoff? You’ll be in a spot popular for swimming, touring, and sightseeing, including an old church and monastery collection. If your idea of a great sailing day includes a mix—one place to stretch your legs and another to jump in—Galevac delivers that.

One important consideration: admission for this stop is listed as not included, so budget for any entry fees connected to what you want to see on the island.

How to make the most of a shorter stop

With only 40 minutes, plan on doing just two things well: either prioritize the water or prioritize the church/monastery area, then do a quick look at the rest. Trying to do everything usually makes you feel stressed instead of relaxed.

Preko on Ugljan: time for beaches, viewpoints, and island walking

Stop 3: Preko is where the tour gives you about 1 hour on land. This is on island Ugljan, and you get a sense of why Ugljan is such a magnet for people who like beaches and nearby islets. Think mild Mediterranean weather, clear sea, and a mix of rocky and sandy shoreline spots nearby.

Preko also works as a balance stop. It’s long enough for a calm stroll, a chance to take in the water from different angles, and a break from being seated. And since the admission here is listed as free, you can focus on the experience instead of ticket math.

Why I’d choose Preko in particular: it’s a place where island life feels less stage-managed than the biggest tourist strips. Even if you don’t spend the entire hour walking, you’ll get good sea views and a chance to reset before the final water pass.

Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun: seeing Zadar from the water

A big part of why this outing feels different is the way it includes Zadar’s signature sights without turning the day into a city tour. You’ll pass by the Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun, and you’ll get panoramic views of the old town from a moving boat.

This is more than just sightseeing. Being out on the water changes the scale. You notice the coastline, the angles of buildings, and how the city sits along the Adriatic. Even if you’ve walked near the waterfront already, viewing it from the sea adds a layer that’s hard to replicate.

If your group has even one person who loves photos, this section usually earns points fast. It’s also a nice emotional reset—after island stops, you’re back with wide-open water and a calmer rhythm.

Snorkeling gear, drinks, and how to time your swimming right

Snorkeling equipment is included, and that’s a real advantage. You don’t have to pack gear or worry about availability. Just bring your swimsuit and basic swim items, and you’ll be ready when the skipper positions the boat.

One thing to watch: the best swimming spots depend on weather and how conditions look on the day. That’s why a private skipper setup is valuable. The route can adjust to what the sea gives you, and past guests describe the captain choosing strong anchorage points for swimming and snorkeling.

Also, plan on a mix of motions. You might be in sun one moment and shaded by the boat the next. I recommend bringing:

• a light towel or quick-dry layer
• sun protection
• water shoes if you’re the type to like grip on rocky shores

And yes, there are small comfort touches that help. Visitors mention drinks and even snacks like crackers, which are exactly what you want when you’ve been in and out of the water.

Getting the timing and expectations right for a 4-hour cruise

This tour runs about 4 hours. That’s long enough to feel like an actual sailing experience, but short enough that you don’t lose half a day to logistics. Your time is distributed in a way that avoids the trap of long idle periods.

A useful way to think of the day:

• Island landing time is broken up into manageable chunks (Ošljak 1.5 hours, Preko 1 hour, Galevac 40 minutes)
• Sea time is there to keep things moving and scenic (plus the Zadar icon pass-by)
• Swimming/snorkeling slots are planned, not random

The big win is flexibility. You can generally steer between more bathing and more sightseeing. If your group has mixed preferences—like someone with knees that want gentle pacing—this private format helps the skipper match spots to your needs. That kind of small adjustment is hard to get on larger group tours.

Weather fit, medical limits, and what to do if conditions change

This experience requires good weather, so it’s not a book-and-forget plan. If weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s reassuring because Adriatic days can shift quickly.

It’s also not recommended for serious medical conditions. The boat ride and island stepping can involve uneven surfaces and movement on water, so if someone in your party has mobility concerns beyond what you can comfortably manage, it’s worth considering that limit carefully.

Should you book the Antares sailing tour of the Zadar Archipelago?

Book it if you want:

• a private sailing day from Zadar with a real skipper
• a balance of island walking and snorkeling
• to see Zadar icons like Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun from the sea
• a day that can flex toward swim time without losing the sightseeing

Skip it if you need:

• a guaranteed land-heavy itinerary with long museum-style stops
• a plan that works in any weather
• something tailored for serious mobility/medical needs

For most small groups and families, this is a strong value choice because the price covers the skipper, the boat experience, snorkeling gear, and multiple stops that don’t feel like a rushed checklist. Add the family-run feel and the comfort notes about the Antares boat, and it’s exactly the kind of trip that turns a good Zadar trip into a memorable one.

FAQ

How long is the private Antares sailing tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

How many people can the private tour include?

It’s a private tour for your group, up to 5 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bakelitplast in Zadar and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have it available during the tour.

What’s included besides snorkeling gear?

Bottled water and a skipper/guide are included.

Do I need to pay admission at the island stops?

Ošljak and Preko are listed as free admission. Otok Galevac has an admission component listed as not included.

Does the tour pass by Zadar’s main waterfront attractions?

Yes. You’ll pass by the Sea Organs and Greetings to the Sun and see the old town from the water.

Will I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

Most travelers can participate, but it isn’t recommended for serious medical conditions. Service animals are allowed.

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