Zadar:Ugljan, Frnaža,Galevac &Ošljak free beer & anchovies

From Zadar’s old harbor, this small six-person boat trip reaches coves and islands that large excursion boats cannot. You swim at Frnaža, walk around the monastery island of Galevac, and finish on quiet Ošljak, home to only 29 residents. Skipper Ilija also shares stories about the Adriatic and his own life at sea.

I like the uncrowded route and the useful extras: snorkeling gear, a cooler, local anchovies, and drinks are included. I also like that you can play your own music and bring food aboard. The main consideration is simple: this is a four-and-a-half-hour outing on a seven-meter boat, so it suits people who enjoy a relaxed, informal trip more than a polished big-boat cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different island stops: A quiet cove, a monastery island with a sandy beach, and a small inhabited island each offer a different pace.
• A genuinely small group: The boat takes no more than six people, which makes swimming stops and conversation easy.
• Drinks and snacks are built in: You receive unlimited water, three beers or three glasses of wine, juice on request, and local anchovies.
• Frnaža is the best swimming stop: This secluded cove on Ugljan has no buildings and is a favorite location of skipper Ilija.
• Ošljak gives you room to wander: You can walk, hike, snorkel, or swim on an island with just 29 residents.
• Bring proper beach gear: Pebbles and sand make water shoes, flip-flops, swimwear, a towel, and a hat useful.

A small boat, three islands, and a slower Adriatic day

The appeal here is not a long list of sights. It is the rhythm of the day. You leave Zadar by boat, spend time in quiet water, stop for a short island walk, then return by sea with a cold drink in hand.

The trip runs from the old city port of Foša, with departures at 10:00 or 15:00. The full outing lasts about 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. That gives you enough time for three stops without turning each one into a rushed photo break.

The seven-meter boat holds up to six people. That matters. You are not sitting among dozens of people waiting for a guide to announce the next stop over a loudspeaker. You can ask Ilija questions, choose your own music through Bluetooth, and settle into the day at a comfortable pace.

The tone is casual and personal. Ilija speaks English, German, and Croatian, and he talks about local life around the Adriatic as well as the places you visit. One recent account names a skipper called Tommy, so it is sensible to confirm who will be guiding your departure when you book. The activity is operated by Galeb Boat Tours, with Ilija listed as the provider.

Leaving from Foša in central Zadar

The meeting point is beside Foša Restaurant at the port of Foša, on Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6. Look for the back side of the restaurant, where there is a balcony and a dock for boats. This detail is worth noting because the main restaurant entrance is not necessarily where you will board.

You begin with roughly 20 minutes of sightseeing from the harbor. Zadar’s old waterfront soon gives way to open sea and views across the nearby islands. The first part is less about a formal city tour and more about getting out on the water and settling into the boat.

There is a toilet aboard, which is useful on a trip of this length. You can also store your own food and drinks in the cooler. A cocktail shaker is available, adding to the informal, make-yourself-at-home feel.

The boat does not have space for bicycles, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. The operator also lists it as unsuitable for people over 95. Those are practical limitations to consider before you commit.

Frnaža Cove, the quiet first stop

After the first cruise, you reach Frnaža Cove on Ugljan. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes after the opening sightseeing section, and you have around 50 minutes at the cove.

This is likely to be the strongest stop for anyone who mainly wants to swim. Frnaža is described as a favorite spot of Ilija, and it is hidden among Ugljan without buildings around it. That gives the stop a more natural feel than a developed beach resort.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy a light local snack. Snorkeling equipment is provided at no extra cost, so you do not need to pack your own mask and tube. Still, bring swimwear and a towel, since the boat trip is not the sort of outing where you can easily dry off between stops.

The cove is a good place to use the boat’s relaxed setup. You can have water, beer, wine, or juice, but remember that the included alcohol is three beers or three glasses of wine, not unlimited beer and wine. Water is unlimited, and juice is available on request.

The main drawback is that 50 minutes passes quickly if you want to swim, snorkel, dry off, and eat. I would put on your swimwear before departure and keep your towel and water shoes close at hand.

Galevac and its monastery island setting

From Frnaža, you cruise for about 15 minutes to Galevac, also called Školji. The stop lasts about 50 minutes and combines a short visit with sightseeing, walking, and swimming.

Galevac is the most cultural stop of the three. The small island has a monastery, while a sandy beach and bars are nearby. That gives you a choice: take a short walk and look around, settle on the beach, or use the time for another swim.

Do not expect a major historic site with a long guided tour. The attraction is the setting and the contrast with Frnaža. You move from a quiet, undeveloped cove to a small island where a monastery, beach, and nearby refreshments share the same compact area.

This is also where the trip’s food and drink element fits naturally. As you sail close to the coast, you can try local anchovies. If you are unsure about anchovies, this is a low-pressure way to sample them, particularly with a cold drink and a view of the coast.

The sandy beach may be easier for some people than the pebbly areas elsewhere, but conditions can vary. Beach sandals or flip-flops are useful, and water shoes are still worth packing if you prefer more foot protection.

Ošljak, a small island with time to wander

The next cruise is shorter, around 10 minutes, before you reach Ošljak. You have the longest stop here, about one hour.

Ošljak is home to only 29 residents. That number tells you what to expect: this is not a major resort or a packed port. It is a small island for a quiet walk, a little exploring, and more time in the sea.

You can use the hour for free time, sightseeing, walking, hiking, swimming, or snorkeling. The stop is also well protected from wind, which makes it a useful place for a comfortable swim if the open water has become choppy.

I would treat Ošljak as the most flexible part of the trip. You do not need to choose one activity for the entire stop. Walk for a while, return to the shore, and then swim or snorkel before boarding again.

The one limitation is that the description does not promise a structured island tour or a long historical explanation. If you want a detailed cultural program, Galevac is the better stop. Ošljak works best if you value quiet time and a chance to move at your own pace.

What is included, and what the $47 price means

At $47 per person, the price is reasonable for a small-group boat trip that lasts four and a half hours. You are paying for the boat, fuel, skipper, three island stops, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. The boat’s capacity of six is especially important when comparing this outing with larger island cruises.

The included refreshments are:

• Unlimited water
• Three beers or three glasses of wine
• Juice on request
• Local anchovies
• Use of the cooler for your own food and drinks

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and make use of the equipment. A person who only wants a boat ride and does not plan to get wet may find the price less compelling than someone who wants several beach stops in one afternoon.

The word free in the title refers to included drinks and snacks, not an unlimited open bar. You receive three beers or three glasses of wine, while water is unlimited. You are welcome to bring additional food and drinks of your own.

There is no separate fuel charge, and there is no need to arrange transport between the islands. The boat handles the route from Foša and returns you to the same place.

Morning or afternoon departure?

You can choose a 10:00 or 15:00 start, subject to availability. The morning departure gives you a full afternoon afterward in Zadar. The 15:00 option creates a more relaxed half-day plan and may suit you if you want to explore the old city first.

The afternoon timing also works well for people who prefer a slower start. You can have lunch in Zadar, walk around the historic center, then meet the boat at Foša.

Because the trip ends back at the starting point, you do not need to plan a complicated return journey. Still, allow a little extra time to locate the dock behind Foša Restaurant rather than arriving at the last minute.

The personal touch, and the limits of a seven-meter boat

The most praised part of this experience is the guide service. The available feedback repeatedly points to a friendly, flexible skipper, good swimming locations, cold drinks, and an easygoing atmosphere. Ilija is described as a proper sailor who is accommodating and pleasant, which fits the activity’s small-group design.

That personal approach can make a big difference. You can ask about the islands, local sea life, and Adriatic customs without competing with a large group. You can also play your own music, which is a small but welcome touch for a private-feeling day.

The boat’s size brings trade-offs. There is room for only six people, but you also have less space than on a large ferry or yacht. If you like plenty of shade, broad seating, or the ability to move around constantly, you should keep that in mind.

The activity is best for adults, couples, families with children, and small groups of friends who are comfortable with a simple boat setup. Pets are welcome. It is not the right match for wheelchair users, people who need extensive mobility support, or anyone seeking a formal luxury cruise.

What to pack for the island stops

Pack lightly, but bring the things that make wet beach stops easier.

• Swimwear and a towel
• A hat for sun protection
• Water shoes or flip-flops
• Cash
• Any extra food or drinks you want
• A dry bag or small waterproof pouch if you have one

The beaches may be sandy or pebbly, so footwear matters more than it might on a city beach. Flip-flops are handy for sand, while water shoes offer better protection on stones.

Cash is listed as something to bring, which may be useful around the island stops. You should also remember that the included drinks have a set limit. Bring your own extras if you want more than three beers or three glasses of wine.

The operator welcomes your own food and drinks, which is helpful for children or anyone with specific dietary needs. The boat has a cooler for storage.

Who should book this Zadar boat trip?

Book it if you want a small, social day on the water rather than a full guided history tour. The route gives you three different stops, and the mix of swimming, snorkeling, walking, island scenery, anchovies, and drinks keeps the day varied.

It is particularly good for couples, families, and groups of friends who like a flexible schedule. The six-person limit also makes it worth considering if you prefer personal contact with a skipper and do not want a crowded excursion boat.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike swimming, need full wheelchair access, or want a long, formal explanation at every stop. The cultural content is present, especially at Galevac, but the main purpose is relaxation on and beside the sea.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 100 reviews, with particularly strong praise for Ilija or the skipper, the choice of swimming spots, the drinks, and the calm small-group setting. The practical advice is to wear your swimwear from the start, bring proper footwear, and confirm the skipper’s name before departure if that matters to you.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if you have one free half-day in Zadar and want to see the nearby islands without committing to a large organized cruise. Frnaža is the best reason to go, while Galevac adds a monastery and beach, and Ošljak gives you the longest, easiest stop.

At $47, the combination of fuel, boat, skipper, snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and four-and-a-half hours on the water is fair. Just understand the product clearly: it is an informal small-boat outing with swimming at its heart, not a luxury yacht charter or a detailed historical tour.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip leave from?

It leaves from the port of Foša in Zadar, beside Foša Restaurant at Kralja Dimitra Zvonimira 6. The boarding point is at the back of the restaurant, near its balcony and boat dock.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours. Departures are offered at 10:00 or 15:00, depending on availability.

Which islands and locations does the boat visit?

The route includes Frnaža Cove on Ugljan, the small historical island of Galevac, and Ošljak. The boat also returns to the same Foša starting point in Zadar.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with unlimited water, three beers or three glasses of wine, and juice on request. Local anchovies are also included.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks and store them in the cooler aboard the boat. A cocktail shaker is also available.

Is the trip suitable for children, pets, and wheelchair users?

Adults and children can join, and pets are welcome. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bikes are not allowed on the boat.