REVIEW · CROATIA
Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by SailingZadar · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Cutting through the islands is the point. This 8-hour day-sailing tour turns the Zadar archipelago into your playground, with time to sail, swim, snorkel, and even try SUP—or just hang out on deck with a sun-and-sea mindset. I especially like that the boat is built for comfort (cabins, toilets, a proper kitchen, and fridge), and that you get structured fun with SUP and snorkeling gear rather than just “look at the view.” The main consideration: there’s no towel provided and no transfer, so you’ll want to plan your arrival and pack light essentials.
Onboard, you’re not stuck in a crowded group. It’s a small-group setup on comfortable sailboat yachts, and your skipper runs the day at sea with stops timed to the weather. The route and the number of swim moments can shift day to day, so the experience stays relaxed instead of rushed.
If you’re hoping for a guaranteed restaurant-style lunch every time, keep it flexible. You do get a light lunch included, and you can also opt for a local island restaurant menu, depending on what your skipper recommends that day.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Bookmark Before You Go
- A Comfortable Sailboat Day in the Zadar Archipelago
- What 8 Hours Actually Feels Like (Not Rushed, Not Empty)
- The “Sail Into the Islands” Part: More Than Just Moving
- Water Stops: Swimming, Snorkeling, and SUP Time
- Swimming and anchoring breaks
- Snorkeling gear included
- SUP boards and fun extras
- Lunch and Drinks: A Practical Feed, Not a Complicated Meal Plan
- Onboard Setup: Cabins, Toilets, and the Kitchen Advantage
- Who Should Book This (And Who Might Want Something Else)
- Price and Value: Why $141 Can Make Sense Here
- A Note on Skippers and the Tone of the Day
- What to Bring (So You Don’t Lose Time)
- Meeting Point and Getting Oriented Near Zadar Marina
- Should You Book This Day-Sailing Tour?
- FAQ
- What’s included in the day-sailing tour?
- How many swimming or activity stops will we have?
- How long is the tour?
- Are towels included?
- Do we get transfer from a hotel?
- Where do we meet?
- Are pets allowed onboard?
Key Things I’d Bookmark Before You Go

- Small-group sailing on a comfortable yacht, not a big party boat
- Zadar archipelago stops timed daily for swimming and water play
- SUP and snorkeling gear included, so you’re not hunting rentals
- Real onboard comfort: cabins, toilets, kitchen, and fridge
- Drinks included (welcome drink, bottled water, beer, juice) for an easy day
- Skipper-led pacing, so you can swim hard or do nothing at all
A Comfortable Sailboat Day in the Zadar Archipelago

This is the kind of tour that makes sense if you want “water time” more than “checklist sightseeing.” You’re in Dalmatia, sailing near the islands around Zadar, and the day is designed around being on the water and using the stop-and-swim rhythm.
What makes it feel genuinely comfortable is the boat itself. You can use cabins for your stuff, toilets are onboard, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen plus a fridge. Translation: you’re not just borrowing a seat. You can stay organized, rinse off if you get salty, and keep things simple for an entire sailing day.
And even if you’re not the sporty type, the deck setup helps. The cockpit comes with seat cushions, a sprayhood, and a bimini cover—so you can be out in the fresh air without baking in direct sun. You can also choose your style: active (SUP, snorkeling) or passive (lie back, watch the coast slide by, and let the day slow down).
What 8 Hours Actually Feels Like (Not Rushed, Not Empty)

An 8-hour duration is the sweet spot for a sailing day. It gives enough time for sail time plus multiple swimming stops, without turning into an all-day marathon that drains energy before you even get to dinner.
Here’s the vibe of how your time usually breaks down:
- Sail out toward the islands in the Zadar archipelago
- Enjoy two to three water/activity stops (your skipper adjusts daily)
- Eat a light lunch and keep the day rolling
- Finish the sailing portion with more chances to cool off
A key detail I appreciate: the stops are not set in stone. They’re adjusted based on weather conditions. That means if the sea state changes, you’re more likely to get good swim conditions rather than forcing it.
The “Sail Into the Islands” Part: More Than Just Moving

Sailing isn’t only transportation here. It’s the main event. You’ll spend time cruising into the islands, and because this is done on a small-group sailboat yacht, you tend to feel the motion as part of the experience instead of being jostled like you’re on a ferry.
If you’ve ever been on a boat where everyone is crammed and the crew seems overwhelmed, this is a different tone. The tour is built around a professional skipper, and the day runs with a calm plan: when to head out, when to anchor, when to switch from sailing to water play.
And if you’re thinking about what to do with your body during sailing time: you can simply relax. There’s room to settle into the cockpit area, plus open deck space for sitting or lounging when conditions are comfortable.
Water Stops: Swimming, Snorkeling, and SUP Time

Most of the fun comes in pieces, and that’s on purpose. With two or three stops throughout the day, you’re not stuck waiting a long time to get in the water.
Swimming and anchoring breaks
At each stop, the basic idea is straightforward: you get time to swim and refresh. The day’s pacing makes it easy to go in when you feel like it—no pressure to “do everything” before the boat moves again.
Snorkeling gear included
Snorkeling gear is part of the package, so you don’t need to figure out rentals or last-minute gear questions. If you like seeing sea life close up, this is where you’ll likely spend the most time.
Do note one practical thing: snorkeling is only as enjoyable as your comfort level in the water. Bring your confidence, and if you’re new, take it slow. Your best plan is to start with a short session and see how your breathing and buoyancy feel.
SUP boards and fun extras
SUP boards are included too, which changes the day from “sit and swim” into “actually play on the water.” It’s also a nice option if you want something active without full-on swimming effort.
There are also towing ropes for some fun. That’s for the people who want a little extra action and laughs, and it can add a playful edge to the stops.
Lunch and Drinks: A Practical Feed, Not a Complicated Meal Plan

You get light lunch included: salata and chicken. It’s a simple, sea-friendly meal that keeps you fueled without turning lunch into a long pause.
On top of that, drinks are included: bottled water, beer, juice, and a welcome drink. I like this approach because it removes the usual “what do we do about drinks?” stress. You can focus on the day, not on counting sips or tracking where the group is heading next.
One more useful planning note: you can bring your own food or opt from a menu of a local island restaurant. That option matters if you’re the type who wants a heavier lunch or wants to try island flavors beyond the onboard meal. It also helps if you have dietary preferences that don’t match the included lunch.
Onboard Setup: Cabins, Toilets, and the Kitchen Advantage

This tour quietly wins with onboard practicality.
- Cabins: you can store your stuff without turning it into a pile on the deck.
- Toilets onboard: you won’t have to time your day around bathroom access.
- Fully equipped kitchen and fridge: this makes the boat feel more like a real floating base than a minimal sailboat.
The cockpit comfort matters too. Seat cushions, sprayhood, and bimini cover mean you can stay comfortable across different light and weather conditions. That’s especially nice in Croatia, where sun can flip from pleasant to intense fast.
Who Should Book This (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This day-sail fits best if you want a mix of comfort and freedom. It’s great for:
- Couples or friends who like water time and want a small group
- People who want to try SUP and snorkeling without organizing rentals
- Travelers who like having the option to relax as much as to swim
It may feel less ideal if:
- You’re expecting a strict, sightseeing-heavy itinerary with long land stops
- You want included towels and transfer pickup (both are not included)
Price and Value: Why $141 Can Make Sense Here
At $141 per person for an 8-hour day, you’re paying for more than “sailing as transportation.” You’re paying for:
- A professional skipper
- A comfortable sailboat yacht with onboard amenities
- SUP and snorkeling gear
- Drinks (including beer) plus a light lunch
If you’ve ever priced out a boat day separately, plus rentals for water gear, and added drinks on top, this kind of bundled day often ends up being a better deal than cobbling it together yourself.
The bigger value question is your travel style. If you’ll actually use SUP and snorkeling and you’ll enjoy the multiple water stops, this price aligns well with the time you get. If you’re mostly looking for a view from a dock, you might find other tours more efficient.
A Note on Skippers and the Tone of the Day

The experience is skipper-driven. You’ll be sailing with a professional captain, and the overall vibe tends to be friendly and capable.
From what’s been shared by previous guests, a skipper named Damir has been described as especially welcoming and skilled at shaping the day around the group. There are also mentions of more than one skipper handling the sailing, which usually means you get smooth coordination and a calm rhythm during stops.
That matters because the Zadar archipelago day depends on the sea and the weather. A good skipper keeps things safe and makes the day feel easy.
What to Bring (So You Don’t Lose Time)
A few practical items will make your day smoother:
- Sunscreen and sun protection (you’ll be out for hours)
- Your swim gear and any reef-safe essentials you prefer
- A lightweight layer for boat breeze
- No towels are included, so bring one
- A plan for getting to the meeting point, since transfers aren’t included
If you have specific food needs, remember you can bring your own food or consider the local island restaurant menu option.
Meeting Point and Getting Oriented Near Zadar Marina
You’ll meet at Gat 2, Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe. That’s the kind of meeting point that works best if you arrive a little early, scan for the marina area, and get yourself settled before boarding.
The tour runs with a live guide in Croatian and English, so you’ll have help and clarity on what’s happening as you set off and reach each stop.
Should You Book This Day-Sailing Tour?
Book it if you want an actual sailing day—on a real yacht—with time to swim, snorkel, and play with SUP in the Zadar archipelago. The included drinks, light lunch, and water gear are what make it feel complete rather than patchwork.
Skip or consider alternatives if you need a tour that centers on long land sightseeing, or if you strongly rely on transfers and included towels. This one rewards people who can handle a marina start and pack the small essentials.
Overall, this is a strong choice for value: you’re paying for time on the water plus the gear and comfort that make that time enjoyable.
FAQ
What’s included in the day-sailing tour?
You’ll get a comfortable sailboat yacht and professional skipper, SUP and snorkelling gear, towing ropes for some fun, a welcome drink, beer, bottled water, juice, and a light lunch (salata and chicken).
How many swimming or activity stops will we have?
The skipper sails into the Zadar islands with two or three stops for swimming, snorkelling, SUP, and lunch time. The exact stops can change based on weather.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours.
Are towels included?
No. Towels are not included.
Do we get transfer from a hotel?
No. Transfer is not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Gat 2, Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe.
Are pets allowed onboard?
No. Pets are not allowed.




