Three islands, one small-boat ride in Zadar. I love how this cruise mixes big views of the Old Town with real time in the water, using a classic Gozzo-style boat and included snorkeling gear. You also get a captain-led tour that keeps the stops from feeling like a checklist.

What I like most is the on-water rhythm: sail, pause, swim, snorkel, repeat—plus a local guide who actually explains what you’re seeing. On my favorite version of this trip, the crew includes guides like Mate and Leo, who balance island history talk with time to relax and take photos from the boat’s sun side.

One thing to consider before you book: there’s no toilet on the boat, so plan your timing and bring a small water bottle mindset. Also, shade covers only about 40% of the boat, so sun protection matters even when you’re out on the sea breeze.

Key things to know on this Zadar 3-island snorkeling cruise

• Foša Harbor meeting point: the green boat labeled Zadar Boat Tours is your target in the Old Town area.
• Small group: limited to 11 participants, so you won’t feel stuck in a big mass of people.
• Snorkeling included: full-face masks, plus safety gear and a dry bag for your phone/wallet.
• Prosecco factor: ice-cold prosecco served by the captain, along with water.
• Three stops with built-in swimming time: Ošljak, then a “secret” stop, with a guided component at Ošljak.
• Cash docking fees: mandatory and paid on board (prices depend on age).

Foša Harbor start: the easiest way to begin your day afloat

This cruise starts in Foša Harbor, inside Zadar’s Old Town zone. The pickup is simple: meet your crew at the boat with Zadar Boat Tours written on the side, in a green, traditional-style gozzo vessel. Arriving a few minutes early helps because the boat starts on time, and there’s no point showing up late for a 3-hour window.

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is exactly what you want for a short cruise: comfortable seating, a boat made for sea-spray days, and a layout where you can choose your mood. The front area is made for sunbathing, while there’s some shade covering (about 40% of the boat), which means you’ll likely rotate between sun and shade depending on how hot it is.

If you’re the type who likes getting oriented fast, this start helps. You sail out with Zadar’s coastline in view early, so the trip doesn’t begin with hours of waiting—your sightseeing starts right away.

The Gozzo ride: Old Town views you can photograph from real angles

The boat ride out along the coast is part of the experience, not just transport. As you move away from Foša Harbor, you get panoramic looks at Zadar’s Old Town and the surrounding seascape, with photo moments that aren’t rushed. This matters more than people think. On short tours, the “between stops” time can either feel wasted—or it can become the best part.

From the boat, you also get a classic Adriatic feel: you’re not stuck behind a window, and you’re not walking up and down viewpoints in heat. You can sit back, watch the coast slide by, and catch those postcard angles while the boat is moving at a relaxed pace.

The skipper/local guide also shares stories about the islands you’ll visit. In multiple versions of this cruise, the crew includes guides with names like Mario, Martin, Antonio, and Julian, and the common thread is practical talking: what you’re seeing, why it’s there, and what to notice once you’re off the boat.

Stop-by-stop breakdown: where the snorkeling time actually goes

This tour has one guided island stop and one longer “free time” style stop, with sail time between. Here’s how the schedule tends to feel in real life.

Stop 1: Ošljak island (about 1 hour of guided sightseeing + swimming)

Ošljak is where you get the most structured island time. You’ll have a photo stop, a guided tour, and time for sightseeing before heading into the water. Expect a mix of looking around and then using that clear sea time for swimming and snorkeling.

The snorkeling here is helped by the fact that you’re not fighting waves for the whole hour. When the sea is calm, the included full-face masks make it easier for many first-timers to relax and actually enjoy the view underwater. When conditions are cooler, you might still get more value from the swimming and scenery than from long snorkeling sessions, but the stop is designed to let you do both.

Practical thought: Ošljak time is your moment to switch modes. If you want photos, do them early. If you want to focus on the water, go for the snorkel time once everyone is set with their gear so you’re not waiting later.

Stop 2 (after a short sail): the “secret stop” with swimming + snorkeling (about 45 minutes)

After another stretch of water transport, the cruise moves to a stop listed as a secret location. This part is more flexible: you’ll have a photo moment, free time, and then chances for swimming and snorkeling. The boat also offers scenic views on the way, which helps this segment feel like a mini intermission rather than a quick drop-and-go.

This is a good stop if you’re hungry for sea time and want less walking and more water. It’s also a nice fit for groups with mixed interests—someone who doesn’t want to snorkel can still enjoy the views while others are in the water.

One note for expectations: snorkeling is never a guaranteed wildlife parade. You’ll get underwater life if conditions line up, but the tour’s main value is the chance to get in, use gear, and enjoy clear water in a way that’s hard to recreate on your own without planning.

The sea transport segments (30 minutes and 20 minutes)

Between stops, you’ll have sailing time: about 30 minutes early on, then 20 minutes between segments. This isn’t wasted. It’s when you’re most likely to enjoy the boat ride views and settle into the trip without feeling like you’re constantly loading and unloading gear.

If you get prone to motion discomfort, this pacing is one reason to book: the “activity” parts are short enough that you can manage breaks, and the ride time isn’t a never-ending grind.

Return to Foša Harbor

At the end, you sail back to Foša Harbor in the Old Town. That return matters because you end where you started, without extra transfers. It’s also a good time to refocus on your pictures—sun conditions can change fast, and the way the coastline looks on the way back can be different from the morning look.

Snorkeling kit, dry bag, and the little comfort details that matter

This cruise includes snorkeling equipment with full-face masks, plus water, safety equipment, and a dry bag for your phone and wallet. That’s a big deal for a snorkeling day that’s only 3 hours long. You don’t have to hunt for a waterproof phone case or pack extra gear.

The dry bag is especially useful because even on a boat, splashes happen and you’re likely taking photos while you’re seated or leaning in. Having a place to stow your phone without worrying takes stress out of the day.

For clothing and gear: bring swimwear and sunscreen, plus a sun hat. If you want comfort, also pack a towel since towels aren’t included. And remember this important limit: there’s no toilet onboard, so you’ll want to handle that before boarding.

One more detail I pay attention to: the boat only has shade on part of the deck. Even if you’re in the water, sun exposure adds up, especially if you’ll be photographing. A hat and sunscreen aren’t optional extras—they’re the difference between enjoying the day and getting burned while you’re sitting on the sun side.

Prosecco on the water: best used like a bonus, not the mission

Yes, there’s prosecco. It’s served by the captain, ice-cold, and paired with water. In the best versions of the tour, there’s also fruit served on board, and the overall vibe becomes: sightseeing by boat, then a cool drink during a stop or after you get back.

The smart way to think about it: treat it as a nice perk that makes the experience feel more festive, not as the reason to choose the trip. The reason you book is the combination of small-group boat time, real sea breaks, and included snorkeling gear.

If you’re watching your intake, you’ll probably still enjoy it because it’s not pushed as a party scene. The cruise is relaxed, more “friendly coastal afternoon” than “event.”

Who this Zadar snorkeling cruise fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want:

• A short, easy 3-hour outing in Zadar
• Included snorkeling equipment so you don’t have to manage rentals
• Scenic Old Town views from the water
• A small group experience (11 participants max)

It’s also a good first snorkeling option because full-face masks reduce some of the usual beginner frustration. The crew often helps people with gear and getting in and out of the boat at the stops, and the tone feels welcoming.

It might be less ideal if:

• You need onboard restroom access (there isn’t one)
• You hate sun with little shade coverage
• You want a long snorkel session—this is built around multiple shorter stops

There are also clear limits: the tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year, and it also isn’t suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg) or for people over 80 years. Strollers and baby carriages aren’t allowed.

Price and value: why $31 can feel like a bargain here

At about $31 per person, this cruise can be a very good value if you actually use the included snorkeling setup and get the full stop time. The core value stack is strong for a short outing:

• Traditional boat experience (not just a quick speed run)
• Full-face snorkeling masks included
• Prosecco plus water
• A local skipper acting as a guide
• Dry bag and safety gear

The one “gotcha” on value is the mandatory docking fee, paid in cash on board. It’s 10€ for ages 12 and older and 5€ for ages 11 and younger. Still, even with that add-on, the tour often holds up as a solid deal because you’re buying a full package: transport by boat, multiple sea breaks, and gear.

Also, the small-group size matters for value. When you’re only with up to 11 people, you tend to get more personal attention during gear changes and water entry, and the day feels less like a conveyor belt.

If you’re comparing this to DIY snorkeling from shore, the difference is time. A guided cruise gets you to the sea spots without you having to plan transport and charting on your own.

What to bring (so your day runs smooth)

Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

If you want a “small bag” approach, keep it simple:

• Phone in the dry bag
• Water bottle only if allowed/needed (water is provided)
• A quick towel for drying after snorkeling

And do yourself a favor: plan to arrive early enough to settle before departure. This tour starts without delay if you’re not there on time.

Should you book the Zadar 3-island snorkeling cruise with prosecco?

I think you should book if you want a fast, high-reward Zadar experience: boat views of the Old Town, included snorkeling with full-face masks, and a small crew running a relaxed itinerary. The combination of short stops, included gear, and that captain-served prosecco perk makes it feel like more than just transportation.

Don’t book if you can’t handle:

• Limited shade and strong sun exposure
• No onboard toilet
• Cooler water days, when snorkeling may be shorter or less comfortable

If you’re flexible and you pack for sun and water, this is one of those Zadar activities that turns “a few hours free” into a memorable sea day.

You Might Also Enjoy

Kleftiko Full Day Sailing Cruise with Snorkeling & LunchPunta Cana Parasailing & Snorkeling Cruise ExperienceCagliari Gulf Boat tour : 5 stops, snorkeling & local aperitifCabo Escape Snorkel Fun Cruise