Private Sailing Day Tour

Sailing through the Croatian coast: a detailed look at the Private Sailing Day Tour from Zadar

If you’re dreaming about spending a full day on the water, exploring the Croatian archipelago at your own pace, this Private Sailing Day Tour might just catch your eye. It’s a hands-on, intimate experience designed for those who appreciate a personalized touch, beautiful scenery, and a sprinkle of adventure—all aboard a comfortable 40-foot sailboat.

What we really like about this trip is how flexible it is—you can chat with your skipper beforehand to decide on stops that suit your mood, whether that’s a secluded bay, a quiet beach, or a quaint island village. Plus, the reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating from all who’ve tried it.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the price is around $538 for a group of up to 11 people, which might seem steep if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, but it’s quite competitive considering the personalized nature of the experience. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day and enjoy the idea of a custom itinerary on the water.

Key Points

• Personalized Route: Your skipper is your local guide, so you can tailor the stops to your interests.
• All-Inclusive Feel: The trip includes the sailboat, fuel, and snorkeling gear, making it a hassle-free day.
• Activities galore: Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and even learning a bit about sailing if you’re interested.
• Time on Land & Sea: Multiple stops on Ugljan Island provide a good balance of exploring and relaxing.
• Scenic Highlights: Passing by Puntamika Lighthouse and the stunning Croatian coast delivers picture-perfect moments.
• Great for groups: Up to 11 people makes it ideal for friends, families, or small groups seeking an exclusive experience.

First Impressions: A Day on the Water with a Personal Touch

This private sailing trip offers an inviting way to spend roughly nine hours at sea, based out of Zadar, Croatia. What makes it particularly appealing is its customizable nature. Instead of a cookie-cutter itinerary, your skipper, who’s a local pro, is eager to craft the day around your preferences. Whether you want to anchor in a quiet bay for a swim, explore a charming village, or just soak up the sun while sailing, it’s all up to you.

The boat itself is described as comfortable, and with a crew that’s passionate about sailing, you’re in good hands. The fact that it’s a private tour means you’ll avoid crowded group tours, giving you space to relax, converse, and enjoy the sea in your own way. Plus, the use of snorkeling equipment is included, so if you love a good splash and exploring underwater, you’re covered.

The overall vibe is laid-back but with enough flexibility to make it memorable. We love the idea of having control over the route—this isn’t a rigid schedule, but a day shaped by your interests, guided by someone who knows these waters intimately.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Stop 1: Ostri rat – Puntamika Lighthouse

Starting at Borik marina, just outside Zadar’s old town, your trip kicks off with a scenic cruise past the Puntamika Lighthouse. This landmark is an eye-catching red-and-white beacon perched at the tip of the peninsula, and cruising past it already hints at the stunning views to come. The trip here lasts about an hour, offering a gentle introduction to the coastline.

While this part of the journey is brief, it sets the tone—expect beautiful sea vistas and a relaxed start to your day.

Stop 2: Ugljan Island – Hidden Bay

The next highlight is anchoring in a peaceful, untouched bay on Ugljan Island for about an hour. Here’s where you’ll want to take full advantage of the crystal-clear waters. Whether you prefer to swim, snorkel, or simply float and soak up the sun, this is your moment of calm amid stunning natural beauty. The reviews rave about how unspoiled and pristine these waters are, making it an ideal spot for some quiet downtime.

Stop 3: Exploring Ugljan’s Village

After your swim, you’ll head to a small, authentic village on Ugljan Island. This stop provides about three hours to stretch your legs, explore local streets, or relax by the sea. It’s a chance to experience local life away from tourist crowds, perhaps grab a coffee or just enjoy strolling through traditional streets.

One review highlighted the chance to discover local life at your own pace, emphasizing how this stops adds a genuine flavor to the day.

Stop 4: Sailing & Scenic Cruising Back to Zadar

Post-lunch on the island, it’s time to raise the sails and enjoy the pure freedom of sailing through the Zadar Channel. As you glide through clear waters, you’ll have ample time to relax, take photos, or even chat with your skipper if you’re interested in learning the ropes of sailing. The experience of being at sea, with the wind in your hair and views stretching endlessly, is what makes this trip stand out.

What’s Included & What to Keep in Mind

The trip includes the sailboat, fuel, skipper, and snorkeling equipment, so you won’t need to worry about extras once onboard. However, food and drinks are not included, which means you might want to bring snacks or plan for a picnic-style lunch. Some guests choose to bring their own, but you can also explore local eateries before or after the tour.

Tipping your skipper is not mandatory but appreciated, especially if you enjoyed the day and the personalized service.

Meeting at Borik marina at 9:00 am sets the day in motion, and since it’s a private tour, only your group will be on board—making it perfect for those seeking a more intimate experience. The total duration is about nine hours, giving plenty of time to explore, relax, and soak up the Croatian sun.

The Experience Through the Eyes of Past Travelers

Carmen_L, who gave the tour a perfect 5-star review, recounts how Petar, the skipper, offered a “unique one-day sailing tour” with a suggested itinerary that included swimming, lunch, relaxing, and even fishing. She appreciated the flexibility and the relaxed pace, which made the entire experience memorable.

Other reviewers have highlighted the stunning views and the peacefulness of anchoring in unspoiled bays. The opportunity to enjoy “plenty of time to relax, sail, and snorkel” resonates strongly with travelers looking for a mix of adventure and downtime.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $538 for up to 11 people, this adventure offers good value for a private, customizable day at sea. If you’re traveling with friends or family, the cost per person becomes quite reasonable, especially when you consider the personalized service, all equipment, and the exclusive experience it provides.

Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t a cheap, quick boat ride—it’s a full-day adventure designed to give you a genuine feel for Croatia’s coast and islands. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the trip’s flexibility, scenic stops, and relaxed vibe, so if those are high on your list, you’re likely to find this tour well worth the cost.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This sailing adventure is ideal for small groups, couples, or friends who appreciate a tailored experience at sea. If you love scenic views, swimming, snorkeling, and the idea of a laid-back day with a friendly local skipper, this will suit you perfectly.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for an organized, structured tour with fixed stops or for those who prefer the convenience of included meals and drinks. Also, if you’re traveling solo, the price might seem high unless you can join a group or split costs.

The Sum Up

In the world of Croatian boat tours, this Private Sailing Day Tour from Zadar stands out for its flexibility, personalized service, and the chance to explore at your own pace. The captain’s local expertise ensures you visit the best spots based on your interests, whether that’s swimming in secluded bays or wandering charming villages. It’s a relaxing yet adventure-filled way to see the coast and islands without the crowd.

For anyone who values a more tailored, intimate experience on the water, this trip offers a memorable way to enjoy Croatia’s stunning maritime scenery. It’s best suited for groups or couples who want control over their day, enjoy natural beauty, and are happy to bring their own snacks or plan meals separately.

Overall, if you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and customizable day on the water, this tour is likely to meet or even exceed your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour’s relaxed, scenic nature suggests it could be suitable for older children who enjoy swimming and sailing. However, always check with the provider if you’re traveling with young kids.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the sailboat, fuel, skipper, and snorkeling equipment. Food, drinks, and tips are not included.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the skipper is happy to discuss your interests and tailor the stops accordingly, making it a very flexible experience.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 9 hours, beginning at 9:00 am and ending back at the marina.

Where do we meet for the tour?
At D-Marin Borik Marina, Obala kneza Domagoja 1, Zadar.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will be on the boat.

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

If you’re after a relaxed, personalized day on Croatia’s waters, this sailing tour from Zadar seems like a fantastic way to enjoy some of the best scenery, quiet bays, and local charm the region has to offer.