Daysailing & SUP experience

Discovering the Zadar Daysailing & SUP Experience: A Practical Review

If you’re headed to Zadar and love the idea of spending a day on the water, this Daysailing & SUP experience might just be worth considering. From what we’ve seen, it’s a solid choice for travelers craving a mix of relaxing sailing, some water-based fun, and a chance to see Croatia’s coast from a different angle. While it’s not a full-on sailing course—more of a scenic, enjoyable excursion—it offers enough to keep water enthusiasts content.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines a personal sailing experience with opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, all on a well-equipped yacht with a skipper who seems committed to making it memorable. Plus, a light lunch and drinks are included, making it feel like good value for a day out. On the flip side, it’s not a trip for those who want in-depth sailing lessons or a more adventurous itinerary—you’re more passenger than sailor.

This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed, picturesque day on the Croatian coast, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family and enjoy water sports. It’s also a great option if you’re after a low-stress way to see parts of Zadar’s coastline without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Personalized sailing with a friendly skipper makes for a relaxed, intimate experience.
• Includes water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, perfect for active water lovers.
• Light lunch and drinks are included, adding value and convenience.
• Stops at scenic spots, including Ugljan Island and Osljak Island, offer swimming and exploration.
• The tour runs about 8 hours and is booked around 3 weeks in advance on average.
• Ideal for those who enjoy water-based activities and want a flexible, scenic cruise.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at 10:00 am, beginning with a scenic cruise passing by the famous Greeting to the Sun—a must-see landmark in Zadar. The boat is a cruiser sail yacht, which suggests a comfortable, stable ride, suitable for most travelers. With a skipper on board, you’re in safe hands, and the focus is on enjoying the scenery and water.

Stop 1: Ugljan Island and Frnaza Bay

After sailing across the channel, the first stop is at Frnaza Bay on Ugljan Island. Here, you’ll have about an hour or so to unwind—whether that’s enjoying a coffee break, swimming, or trying out the included SUP and snorkeling equipment. The reviews mention this as a highlight, with travelers appreciating the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to get in the water.

Stop 2: Olive Island Marina for Lunch

Next, the yacht heads to Olive Island Marina, where a light lunch is served, typically at a local restaurant. The food quality isn’t detailed extensively, but the inclusion of alcoholic beverages—beer and Maraska liquor—adds a celebratory touch. The lunch break also offers a chance to relax, chat, and take in more views.

Final Stop: Osljak Island

Later, the boat makes its way to Osljak Island for swimming, another great spot to cool off and soak up the sun. This flexibility to stop at different islands makes the experience feel personalized and spontaneous, which many reviewers appreciate.

The Water Sports and Additional Activities

You’ll find snorkeling gear and SUP boards included, which is a big plus. If you’re someone who loves floating around, exploring underwater, or paddling along the coast, this setup encourages a bit of independence and fun. Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the equipment and the ease of use, even for beginners, highlighting how accessible these activities are.

Some travelers noted that sailing itself is a highlight, especially with a knowledgeable skipper who can navigate scenic routes and suggest alternative spots. A review mentions that their skipper took them to less crowded places, which is a definite bonus if you prefer to avoid touristy spots.

The Crew and Overall Experience

Several reviews praise the skippers’ friendliness and expertise. One reviewer called their captain a “great host, tour guide, chef, and captain,” which hints at a more personalized service. Others appreciated how the skipper was proactive about fixing issues on the boat or suggesting different routes based on weather or group preferences.

It’s worth mentioning that the tours are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and manageable. This small group size is perfect if you prefer having a bit of space and personal attention.

Price and Value Analysis

At $143.87 per person, this tour positions itself as a mid-range option. Considering that it includes a boat, a skipper, water sports equipment, light lunch, and drinks, it seems to offer a fair amount of value. You’re paying for a curated day of sailing, swimming, and sightseeing, rather than just a boat ride.

Some reviews point out that the food and drinks are good, and the included equipment adds a lot to the overall experience. While not a cheap option, the value is enhanced if you’re looking to combine relaxing scenery with active water fun without extra costs or logistics.

Drawbacks and Considerations

One potential downside is that the water might still be cold in early June, as one reviewer noted. If you’re sensitive to chilly water, you might want to plan for later in the summer. Also, the trip doesn’t include in-depth sailing lessons—if that’s what you’re after, this might not meet your expectations.

Another point to keep in mind is that lunch isn’t provided at the start of the trip, so you might want to bring snacks or plan accordingly. The included drinks are a nice touch but might not satisfy all preferences (e.g., no white wine was mentioned as included).

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This cruise is ideal for water lovers who want a day filled with sailing, swimming, and paddling in a beautiful setting. It suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and prefer not to be tied to a rigid schedule. The small group size, friendly skipper, and included water sports equipment make it especially appealing for couples, friends, or small families seeking a flexible day on the coast.

If you’re interested in seeing lesser-known spots, enjoying local food and drinks, and getting some active water time, this tour fits the bill. It’s less about intense sailing or adventure and more about enjoying the scenery and having fun in the water.

The Bottom Line

In summary, the Daysailing & SUP experience in Zadar offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day for those wanting to combine leisure, water sports, and scenic cruising. The inclusion of drinks and a light lunch, along with a knowledgeable skipper, makes it good value. The small group size and flexibility at stops mean a more personalized outing.

While it might not fulfill the needs of someone looking for serious sailing lessons or a full-day adventure with intense activity, it’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and activity-rich day on Croatia’s beautiful coast.

This tour is especially suitable if you prefer a comfortable, intimate environment with plenty of opportunities for water-based fun, good company, and stunning views. Just keep in mind the water temperature and the fact that it’s more about relaxation than rigorous sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed nature and water activities make it suitable for children comfortable in the water. Always check with the provider about age restrictions or safety considerations.

What should I bring with me?
It’s recommended to bring hats, SPF cream, and bathing gear, as these aren’t included. Snacks or extra drinks if desired, especially since lunch isn’t served at the start.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning at the end of the day.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Most travelers book about 21 days in advance, but last-minute bookings might be possible depending on availability.

What’s included in the price?
A cruiser sail yacht, skipper, snorkeling and SUP equipment, and alcoholic drinks (beer and Maraska liquor) are included. Lunch is not, so plan accordingly.

What’s the group size?
Up to 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personal.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you love the idea of a leisurely, scenic day on the water with opportunities for swimming and paddling, this Zadar sailing adventure could be just right. It’s not overly wild, but enough to give you a taste of Croatia’s coast from a cozy boat with friendly guides and beautiful views.