Zadar: Island Hopping Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks

If you’re exploring Zadar and craving a day out on the water, the Island Hopping Tour with swimming, snorkeling, and drinks from Zadar Sea Adventures might just tick your boxes. This tour promises a blend of adventure and chill vibes, taking you to three stunning islands in the Croatian coast. Whether you prefer the thrill of a speedboat or the laid-back charm of a traditional wooden boat, there’s an option for everyone.

What we really love about this experience is its small group vibe—limiting to just 14 people, it feels more like a private trip than a crush of travelers. Plus, the guides are locals who know the best spots—every stop feels thoughtfully chosen and personalized. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the additional docking fee payable in cash, which can catch some people off guard if they’re not prepared. Still, this tour is well-suited for anyone wanting a balanced mix of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing drinks under the sun.

If you’re after a day that combines adventure and calm, and you want to experience Croatia’s coast from a different angle, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially great if you enjoy snorkeling, exploring small islands, and savoring local drinks on a boat. Families with older children or groups of friends looking for fun, scenic time together will find it hits the spot.

Key Points

• Flexible boat options: Choose between a speedboat for thrills or a traditional wooden boat for relaxing.
• Small group size: Limited to 14 participants, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
• Multiple stops: Visit three different islands, each with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Guided by locals: Skippers are knowledgeable about the best spots and local insights.
• Drinks included: Two Aperol Spritz on the speedboat or two glasses of wine on the traditional boat.
• Value for money: At just $28 per person, it offers a lot of experiences packed into four hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

This tour offers a straightforward but well-thought-out day on the water, with enough variety to keep it interesting. The adventure starts at Zadar Harbour, where your friendly guide or skipper greets you and takes you onboard. From there, the journey unfolds either at a quick clip on the speedboat or at a more relaxed pace on the traditional wooden vessel.

Starting Point and Duration

You’ll meet at one of two options in Zadar—either Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira or Ul. Jurja Barakovia. The tour runs for about four hours, a perfect half-day if you want to experience some of the best Croatian coast without spending an entire day on it.

The Speedboat Option: For the Action Seekers

If you’re after thrills and speed, the speedboat is your best bet. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the first stop, where you’ll spend around an hour swimming and snorkeling. The fast ride feels exciting, with waves splashing you and the wind in your hair. This option is perfect for those who love adventure, want to explore hidden coves, or simply enjoy a quick, energetic trip.

The Traditional Wooden Boat: For the Relaxers

For a more laid-back experience, the classic Dalmatian wooden boat offers a gentle cruise. It’s slower and more spacious, allowing plenty of time to relax, take in the views, and unwind. It might not cover as many remote spots as the speedboat, but it’s ideal if your priority is chilling out, enjoying scenic vistas, and soaking up the authentic sailing vibe.

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Island Stops and Highlights

No matter the boat choice, you’ll visit three stunning islands with different character and scenery. The stops are carefully chosen to offer diverse experiences—crystal-clear waters, rocky bays, small villages, and scenic spots perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun.

One review mentions a “small island with a monastery,” which sounds like a peaceful, cultural stop. Others highlight the “beautiful beaches” and “lovely spots for snorkeling,” even if the latter sometimes is more about the fun of floating in the water than pure underwater wildlife.

Swimming and Snorkeling Experiences

Reviews consistently praise the quality of the swimming—the water is described as “crystal-clear,” perfect for snorkeling (equipment included). One reviewer shared that they “had the chance to swim, jump in from the boat, and do some snorkeling,” even mentioning seeing some fish, which shows it’s a decent spot for underwater exploration.

However, some mention that the snorkeling might not offer spectacular marine life everywhere, but the act of swimming in those beautiful bays is enjoyable enough. The stops are well spaced, giving plenty of time to cool off and relax in the water.

Drinks and Atmosphere

One of the most praised aspects is the drinks—with two Aperol Spritz served on the speedboat and two glasses of wine on the traditional boat, plus unlimited water. The drinks add a chilled vibe to the trip, and the onboard music helps set a friendly, easygoing tone. Many reviews mention the good vibes, fun music, and friendly guides, making the whole experience more enjoyable.

Guides and Small Group Atmosphere

Every review highlights how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are. They share interesting tidbits about the islands and make everyone feel comfortable. The limited group size creates a more personal experience, which many travelers appreciate.

Practicalities and Tips

• The tour is just four hours, so it’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary.
• Price-wise, $28 per person is quite reasonable considering all the swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and scenery.
• Remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, a sun hat, and cash for the docking fee (around 10 EUR per adult). There’s no toilet on the boat, so plan accordingly.
• Meeting points can vary, so double-check your reservation details.
• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or babies under 1 year, mainly due to boat safety and comfort.

What Reviews Say About the Tour

The feedback from travelers is overwhelmingly positive. Sophia from the UK calls it a “really great guide” and loved the fish sightings. Viktoria from Bulgaria mentions “great value for money,” and Ioana from Italy highlights how much she enjoyed swimming, jumping, and snorkeling.

Many rave about the friendly skipper and his dog Vicky, who seems to be a delightful mascot of the trip. The scenery and water clarity are recurrent themes, with travelers often mentioning how beautiful and peaceful the stops are. The drinks are seen as a nice bonus, helping relax the group and create a convivial atmosphere.

Some reviews also note minor inconveniences, like unclear waiting areas or shorter time at some stops, but overall, these are overshadowed by the positive moments and the trustworthy guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a well-rounded, friendly, and scenic day on the Croatian coast. It suits people who enjoy swimming and snorkeling, appreciate a casual boat trip, and want to sample local drinks amid beautiful scenery. The small group setting makes it perfect for those who dislike overly crowded tours.

If you prefer a high-energy, nonstop adventure, the speedboat might be better; if you’re after more leisure and scenic lounging, the traditional boat fits better. Families with older children will enjoy it, especially those comfortable in water and on boats.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It’s a 4-hour experience, including multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring.

What are the starting points?
You can meet either at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira or Ul. Jurja Barakovia, depending on your booking choice.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly designed for young children or wheelchair users. Older kids who are comfortable around water and boats will enjoy it.

Are drinks included?
Yes. On the speedboat, you’ll get two Aperol Spritz; on the traditional boat, two glasses of wine. Unlimited water is also provided.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a sun hat, towels, change of clothes, and cash for the docking fee.

Is there snorkeling equipment?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, allowing you to explore underwater during the stops.

Can I buy additional food or drinks?
The tour includes standard drinks, but for anything extra, you might need cash or plan ahead.

Is there any restroom on board?
No, there’s no toilet on the boat, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This island hopping tour from Zadar offers a good blend of scenic beauty, fun water activities, and friendly vibes. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to see some of Croatia’s most charming islands without spending a fortune, and who enjoy a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. The combination of small group size, local guides, and well-chosen stops makes this experience stand out from more generic boat trips.

It’s especially suited for those who value snorkeling, local drinks, and authentic Croatian scenery. If you’re after a personalized, friendly, and beautiful sea day, this trip might just be what you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: