Review · CROATIA

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included

★ 5.0 · 8 reviews 8 hours From $141 Operated by SailingZadar · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Set sail, slow down, and let the islands unfold. This eight-hour trip from Zadar gives you a relaxed taste of life aboard a sailboat, with time for swimming, snorkelling, SUP, lunch, and simple sun-on-deck idling. I especially like the small-group feel and the chance to use real boat facilities, including cabins, toilets, a kitchen, and a fridge.

The other strong point is the skipper-led route. Your skipper chooses two or three stops in the Zadar archipelago based on the weather, rather than forcing every boat into the same fixed schedule. The main consideration is that the route can change, and the included lunch is described as light, so you may want to bring extra food or choose a meal at a local island restaurant.

  • Two or three island stops are planned for swimming, snorkelling, SUP, and lunch.
  • Sailing time depends on the wind and weather, with the route adjusted each day.
  • Skipper Damir has been singled out for his warm welcome, local stories, and thoughtful handling of the day.
  • Lunch, beer, juice, bottled water, and a welcome drink are included in the $141 price.
  • The boat has proper onboard comforts, including toilets, cabins for belongings, a kitchen, fridge, cushions, sprayhood, and bimini cover.
  • The meeting point is Gat 2 at Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe in Zadar.

What This Zadar Sailing Day Is Really About

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - What This Zadar Sailing Day Is Really About

This is not a high-speed boat excursion built around ticking off famous sights. It is a full day on the water, with the boat itself serving as the main experience. You can join in with the sailing, take a turn on a SUP board, snorkel near a swimming stop, or stretch out on deck and do very little at all.

That last option matters. Eight hours is a long time for any water activity, and the yacht gives you room to change pace. The cockpit has seat cushions, a sprayhood, and a bimini cover, so you have some shelter when the sun gets strong or the wind picks up.

The small-group format should feel more personal than a large excursion boat. You are not simply transported from one swimming spot to another. You spend the day with a skipper who handles the sailing, watches the conditions, and shapes the route around the group and the weather.

The experience has received a 5.0 rating from eight submitted ratings, with praise focused on the professional skippers, well-kept boat, attractive coves, and the sense of having a perfect day on the water. That praise lines up with what the trip promises: comfort, friendly service, and plenty of time to enjoy the sea without a packed sightseeing schedule.

Meeting at Marina Tankerkomerc

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Meeting at Marina Tankerkomerc

You meet at Gat 2, Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe. This is useful to know because marinas can have several piers and gates, and the correct meeting point saves you from wandering around with beach bags and sun cream.

Transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to the marina. The activity information does not give a pickup service or a specific starting time. Check availability for the departure time when booking and allow enough time to find Gat 2.

Wear clothes that are comfortable for sitting on deck and getting wet. Towels are not included, so pack your own. You should also bring food if you prefer more than a light lunch, or plan to order from a local island restaurant if that option is offered during the day.

Pets are not allowed.

More Sailing Tours with an Open Bar in Croatia:

Leaving Zadar and Finding the Sailing Rhythm

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Leaving Zadar and Finding the Sailing Rhythm

Once aboard, the day begins with a welcome drink and an introduction to the yacht. The boat has cabins where you can keep your belongings, toilets, a kitchen, and a fridge. These are not flashy extras. They make a real difference during an eight-hour outing.

The cockpit is set up for comfort, with cushions, a sprayhood, and a bimini cover. You can sit there while the skipper handles the boat, use the shaded area during the hotter part of the day, or move out onto the deck when you want more sun.

The skipper is the key to the experience. The listed languages are Croatian and English, so English-speaking visitors can follow the practical information and ask questions. Damir was especially praised for being friendly, welcoming, and generous with stories about Croatia. Another booking praised both skippers for their professionalism and pleasant manner.

Do not expect a formal lecture about every island you pass. The value is more personal and informal. You get a local skipper who can tell you about the area while keeping an eye on the sea and the weather.

Two or Three Stops in the Zadar Archipelago

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Two or Three Stops in the Zadar Archipelago

The route includes two or three stops, but their exact locations are not fixed. This is one of the most important details to understand before booking. The skipper adjusts the itinerary daily according to weather conditions, so you should think of the trip as a flexible sailing day rather than a guaranteed list of islands.

At the first stop, you can get into the water for swimming and snorkelling, or use one of the SUP boards. Snorkelling equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own mask and fins. The information does not promise a particular reef, marine animal, or underwater site, so go for the pleasure of being in clear coastal water rather than a specialized snorkelling expedition.

The SUP boards give the day a little more action. You can paddle away from the boat for a short outing, then return to the yacht. Towing ropes are also available for some fun on the water, though the exact activity depends on the skipper and the day’s conditions.

A second stop may be used for another swim, a relaxed period on deck, or lunch. A third stop can add more water time if the weather and schedule allow. Since the trip is weather-led, the number and character of the stops can vary.

That flexibility is a strength, but it also means you should not book this expecting a tightly scripted sightseeing tour. If strong wind, rougher water, or other conditions affect the route, the skipper may choose a different location or alter the timing.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Practical Value of $141

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Lunch, Drinks, and the Practical Value of $141

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water around Zadar. The price makes more sense when you count the full package: eight hours aboard a comfortable yacht, a professional skipper, use of SUP and snorkelling equipment, a welcome drink, beer, juice, bottled water, and a light lunch.

The included meal is described as salad and chicken. That should be enough to keep the day moving, but it is not presented as a large multi-course lunch. If you have a big appetite, bring your own food. You can also choose from a menu at a local island restaurant, according to the activity information.

Drinks are a useful inclusion. Bottled water is especially welcome after swimming and sitting in the sun, while beer and juice give you a few choices during the day. The yacht has a fridge, so the onboard setup is designed for a relaxed day rather than a bare-bones transfer.

For me, the value comes from the combination of time and comfort. A short boat trip can be inexpensive, but it often gives you only a brief taste of the coast. Here, you have a full day, space to rest, several water activities, and a skipper who manages the route. If you plan to swim and spend hours on deck, the price is easier to justify.

A Yacht That Lets You Take the Day Slowly

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - A Yacht That Lets You Take the Day Slowly

The boat is central to the experience. You are not expected to remain in one seat or stay active all day. The cabins offer somewhere to store your belongings, while the toilets mean you do not need to cut the day short for a return to shore.

The kitchen and fridge add a practical touch. They support the included drinks and lunch and make it easier to bring your own snacks. The cockpit cover is useful if the sun becomes intense, while the open deck gives you a place to stretch out and work on your tan.

The yacht is described as well maintained and well equipped. That does not mean you should expect a luxury charter with a private crew and elaborate catering. It means the boat is arranged for comfort and ordinary day-to-day needs, with room for both activity and rest.

You should be comfortable sharing the boat with the rest of the small group. The appeal is the social, shared nature of sailing, not complete privacy. If you want a private yacht all to yourself, check the booking details carefully before paying.

Sailing Time and the Best Part of the Day

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Sailing Time and the Best Part of the Day

A particularly memorable part of the outing can be the sailing itself. One booking described about two hours of sailing under sail, along with visits to beautiful coves and lunch at a well-located restaurant. The exact amount of sailing time is not guaranteed, since wind and route conditions shape the day.

That uncertainty is part of the charm. You may motor at times, sail when the wind allows, and stop for water activities when the skipper finds a suitable place. The trip is called a sailing experience, but it is not a promise that the yacht will sail continuously for eight hours.

If you have never sailed before, you can simply watch and enjoy the movement of the boat. If you are curious, ask the skipper questions and pay attention to how the yacht responds to wind and direction. The experience is accessible to beginners because the skipper handles the boat, while you choose how active you want to be.

I like that the day does not treat sailing as a backdrop for a hurried checklist. The boat, the wind, the coves, and the pauses are the point.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This trip suits you if you want a slower day away from Zadar’s streets and you enjoy mixing activity with rest. It works well for couples, friends, and small groups who want a shared yacht outing without booking a private charter.

You will likely enjoy it most if you:

  • Like swimming, snorkelling, or paddleboarding.
  • Want a full day on the water rather than a short cruise.
  • Appreciate a friendly skipper and informal local conversation.
  • Are happy for the route to change with the weather.
  • Prefer a small yacht to a large sightseeing boat.
  • Do not mind bringing extra food if a light lunch will not be enough.

It may be less suitable if you need a fixed itinerary, dislike boat travel, or want a major cultural tour with scheduled island sightseeing. The activity is centered on the sea and the sailing lifestyle, not museums, monuments, or guided walks.

The water activities are also optional. You can use the SUP and snorkelling gear, but you can just as easily sit in the cockpit, lie on deck, or enjoy the views from the boat. That makes the trip workable for a mixed group where some people want action and others prefer to relax.

Helpful Booking Advice Before You Go

Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included - Helpful Booking Advice Before You Go

Reserve ahead if your schedule is tight, particularly during the summer season. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility if your plans are still moving around.

Check the departure time and meeting instructions carefully. Go to Gat 2 at Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe, and remember that no transfer is included.

Bring:

  • A towel
  • Extra food or snacks if you want more than a light lunch
  • Swimwear and sun protection
  • Comfortable clothes for sitting on deck
  • Any personal items you need during an eight-hour outing

You should also keep your expectations flexible. The route and swimming stops depend on the weather, and the skipper may alter the plan for safety and comfort. That is a sensible arrangement on the Adriatic, even if it means your day will not follow a precise map.

Should You Book This Zadar Sailing Tour?

I would book this if you want a comfortable, friendly day on the water with real time for swimming, SUP, snorkelling, lunch, and sailing. The strongest reasons are the small-group setting, the well-equipped yacht, the included drinks and gear, and the personal touch associated with skippers such as Damir.

At $141, it is best viewed as a full-day experience rather than a simple boat ride. You are paying for eight hours, onboard facilities, equipment, food, drinks, and a skipper who adapts the plan to the sea.

Skip it if you need a strict itinerary, a large meal included, or a private boat. Book it if you are happy to let the wind help shape the day and you want to experience the Zadar archipelago at water level, with plenty of time to pause.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour meet?

The meeting point is Gat 2 at Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe in Zadar.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing experience lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Croatian and English.

What activities can I do during the day?

You can sail, swim, snorkel, use the SUP boards, enjoy towing ropes, or relax on the yacht’s deck.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a welcome drink, beer, juice, bottled water, and a light lunch of salad and chicken.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear and SUP boards are included.

Are towels and transfers included?

No. Transfers and towels are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to the marina and bring a towel.

More like this

Sailing Tours with an Open Bar, compared.

The full Sailing Tours with an Open Bar list →
Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,812 reviews· from $59

Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

Read our review →
Key West Sunset Sail with Open Bar, Live Music and Hors D’oeuvres
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,559 reviews· from $79

Key West Sunset Sail with Open Bar, Live Music and Hors D’oeuvres

Read our review →
Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,291 reviews· from $69

Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

Read our review →
Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,267 reviews· from $109

Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar

Read our review →
Oahu’s Waikiki Coast: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,205 reviews· from $89

Oahu’s Waikiki Coast: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail

Read our review →
Midday or Sunset Sailing with Open Bar and Snacks
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 2,044 reviews· from $33

Midday or Sunset Sailing with Open Bar and Snacks

Read our review →
Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,036 reviews· from $85

Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch

Read our review →
Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,024 reviews· from $92

Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Every kind of day on the water

Pick a rig, a coast or an afternoon.