REVIEW · CROATIA
Elegant Day-Sailing Tour-Lunch&Drinks included
The best part of this eight-hour outing is that you get a real day on a sailboat, not just a quick boat ride between photo stops. You can help make the day active with a SUP board, snorkeling gear, and towing ropes, or claim a patch of deck and let the Adriatic do the entertaining. I like the two or three island stops and the small-group setup. The main thing to consider is that the route changes with the weather, so you should come for the sailing day rather than one fixed island promise.
I also like the practical comfort: cabins for your belongings, toilets, a kitchen, fridge, cushioned cockpit seating, a sprayhood, and a bimini cover. Skipper Damir has been especially praised for his warm welcome and local stories, while other feedback highlights the well-kept boat and professional skippers. Lunch is included, but you may also bring food or choose a meal at a local island restaurant.
Key points to know before booking

- Two or three island stops: Swim, snorkel, paddle, and relax at calm locations chosen according to the day’s weather.
- A proper sailing yacht: Use the cabins, toilets, kitchen, fridge, cockpit cushions, sprayhood, and bimini cover during the eight-hour trip.
- Water fun included: SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, and towing ropes are available at no extra charge.
- Lunch and drinks included: Expect a light lunch of salad and chicken, plus bottled water, beer, juice, and a welcome drink.
- Skipper-led and bilingual: The crew speaks Croatian and English, with Damir receiving particular praise for his friendly approach.
- Simple marina meeting point: Meet at Gate 2 of Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe. Transfers and towels are not included.
A full day among the Zadar islands

This tour gives you eight hours to settle into the rhythm of a sailing day. That matters in Zadar, where the pleasure is not only reaching an island. It is the quiet movement between islands, the wind filling the sails, and the chance to spend time on the water without rushing from one attraction to another.
You meet at Gate 2 of Marina Tankerkomerc, close to Barka Caffe. From there, you board a comfortable sailing yacht with a professional skipper. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule before booking and plan your morning around the marina departure.
The boat is set up for a full day rather than a short sightseeing cruise. You have access to cabins for your belongings, toilets, a kitchen, and a fridge. In the cockpit, seat cushions make it easier to sit for long stretches, while the sprayhood and bimini cover provide useful shelter from sun or spray.
That setup is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience over a basic speedboat trip. A speedboat can cover more distance, but a yacht gives you a place to slow down. You can sit in the cockpit with a drink, stretch out on deck, or watch the islands pass without feeling that every minute has to be filled.
More Sailing Tours with an Open Bar in Croatia:
- Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
★ 4.5 · 3,812 reviews - Key West Sunset Sail with Open Bar, Live Music and Hors D’oeuvres
★ 4.5 · 3,559 reviews - Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar
★ 4.5 · 2,291 reviews
Sailing into the Zadar archipelago

The route heads into the Zadar archipelago, a group of islands and smaller coastal stops that give the day its character. The crew plans two or three stops for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and lunch. Since the skipper adjusts the route to weather conditions, the day is flexible by design.
That flexibility is useful on the Adriatic. Wind, sun, and sea conditions can change what makes sense from one day to the next. A sheltered cove may be a better choice than an exposed stop, while stronger wind may create a more enjoyable sailing leg. You should see the changing route as part of the experience, not as a failure to follow a strict plan.
The sailing time itself is a major part of the outing. One piece of feedback describes about two hours of sailing, though the exact amount can vary with the route and weather. If you want to experience the yacht under sail, tell the skipper. If you prefer a quiet ride, the crew can also make room for a slower, more relaxed day.
The archipelago views are best enjoyed without a checklist. You may spend one stretch watching open water and low island shores, then turn your attention to a small bay where the boat stops for a swim. This is not a city tour with constant narration. It is a day shaped by wind, water, and the skipper’s choices.
What happens at the swimming stops

The stops are designed around water time. You can swim from the yacht, use the snorkeling gear, paddle on a SUP board, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the sun. Towing ropes are also available for some extra fun, although the supplied details do not specify a particular towing activity or equipment style.
The snorkeling gear is included, which makes the water stops easy to enjoy without arranging a separate rental. Still, you should bring a swimsuit and remember that towels are not provided. A dry bag or small waterproof pouch could also be useful for personal items, but no special equipment beyond the listed water gear is required.
SUP is a good middle ground between swimming and sitting still. You can paddle around the boat and take in the stop from the water, then return to the yacht when you are ready. If you would rather not take part in water activities, the bimini and cushioned cockpit offer a comfortable place to wait.
The number of stops is not fixed beyond two or three planned breaks. That keeps the day from becoming a race. At the same time, it means you should not expect a precise schedule or a long stay at every location. The skipper decides how to use the available time and how to respond to the conditions.
Lunch, drinks, and the food choice

A light lunch of salad and chicken is included, along with bottled water, beer, juice, and a welcome drink. That makes the $141 price easier to assess, since you are paying for a full day on the yacht, a professional skipper, water equipment, lunch, and drinks rather than only transport.
The lunch is described as light, not as a long restaurant meal. If you need a larger meal, have strong dietary preferences, or simply like to carry familiar snacks, bring your own food. You can also choose a menu at a local island restaurant instead. This gives you more control than a fixed onboard meal.
The restaurant option may suit you if you want a longer break on land and a taste of local island dining. The included lunch is more practical if you want to keep the day moving and return to the water quickly. Since the route and stops can change, ask the skipper about the day’s food plan when you board.
Drinks are a useful inclusion on a warm sailing day. Bottled water is available, along with beer and juice. Even so, I would not treat the included drinks as a replacement for personal planning. Bring any preferred refreshments that are allowed and make sure you are comfortable with the available choices.
More Trips with Lunch in Croatia:
- Hvar – Full Day Sail on a yacht – friendly skipper- small group – lunch optional
★ 5.0 · 23 reviews - Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise
★ 5.0 · 3,515 reviews - Adamas: Milos & Polyaigos Full-Day Sailboat Tour with Lunch
★ 4.9 · 1,646 reviews - Heraklion: Sailboat Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks & Lunch
★ 4.8 · 1,405 reviews
Comfort on a sailing yacht

This is not a luxury yacht charter, but the boat has the features that matter most during eight hours at sea. Cabins give you a place for belongings, toilets save you from worrying about facilities during the day, and the kitchen and fridge help with food and drinks.
The cockpit is fitted with cushions and a bimini cover. That is valuable when you want shade, especially during the middle of the day. The sprayhood can also make the seating area more usable if wind or spray picks up.
You should still pack for a boat, not a resort. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a change of clothes if you want one, and your own towel. Transfers are not included, so you are responsible for reaching Marina Tankerkomerc and returning from it at the end of the day.
The boat is described as well maintained and equipped, with professional skippers handling the sailing. That does not mean you should expect unlimited room or private space. A small-group yacht is more personal than a large cruise boat, but you will share the deck, cockpit, water equipment, and facilities with the rest of the group.
The skipper makes the difference
A sailing day depends heavily on the person at the helm. The skipper handles the route, sailing, safety decisions, and timing of the stops. A good skipper also knows when to let the day breathe.
Damir receives special praise for being welcoming, friendly, and generous with stories about Croatia. He also took one group to attractive coves, arranged lunch at a good restaurant in a beautiful setting, and allowed plenty of time under sail. That combination is worth noting. You are not only hiring someone to steer the boat. You are gaining a local host who can help shape the day.
The available guiding languages are Croatian and English. If you want local background, ask questions as you sail. The experience is not presented as a formal history tour, so the amount of commentary may depend on the skipper and the pace of the day.
The strongest feedback consistently points to three things: warm service, a well-kept boat, and a day that matches the description. One short response simply called it a perfect day, while another praised both skippers as professional and pleasant. That suggests the human side of the experience is one of its safest selling points.
Is $141 a good value?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water around Zadar. But the comparison changes when you count what is included: eight hours, a sailing yacht, a professional skipper, two or three water stops, SUP, snorkeling equipment, towing ropes, a welcome drink, bottled water, beer, juice, and a light lunch.
You are also paying for comfort that a simple boat transfer may not provide. The yacht has toilets, cabins, a kitchen, fridge, shaded seating, and cushions. For a full-day outing, these details can make the difference between a pleasant day and a tiring one.
The price makes the most sense for you if you want the sailing itself to be the main event. If you only want to reach an island quickly, a basic ferry or shorter boat trip may cost less and suit you better. If you want a flexible day with active water time and room to relax, the package is more convincing.
The restaurant lunch option may add value for people who prefer eating ashore, but the supplied price details do not state whether that meal costs extra. Ask before ordering so there are no surprises.
Who should book this day?

I would choose this tour for couples, friends, and small groups who want an easy day at sea with a mix of activity and rest. It suits confident swimmers and people who are happy to sit on deck just as much as it suits anyone keen to use a SUP board or snorkeling gear.
It is also a good fit if you prefer a flexible day. The changing route means you are not locked into one set of stops, and the skipper can respond to conditions. That is a benefit for people who value comfort and good sailing over ticking off a specific island.
You may want to choose another option if you need a fixed destination, guaranteed restaurant meal, private transport from your accommodation, or towels supplied. Pets are not allowed, so this outing is not suitable if you plan to bring an animal.
The experience has received a five out of five rating from eight submitted ratings, with especially strong praise for Damir, the boat, the scenery, and the balance between sailing and stops. That is a small sample, but the praise is specific rather than vague, which gives it useful weight.
Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at Gate 2 of Marina Tankerkomerc near Barka Caffe with enough time to find the boat. The meeting point is specific, but transfers are not included, so arrange your own way to the marina.
Pack a towel, since none is provided. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and any personal food you may need. You can use the included lunch or consider the local island restaurant option, but the choice may depend on the route and the day’s plan.
Keep your expectations flexible. The skipper may alter the stops because of weather, and the sailing time may vary. That flexibility is central to the experience, so it is best suited to you if you care more about a good day on the water than a fixed sequence of events.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Zadar schedule is still shifting, but check the current availability and conditions when you book.
Should you book SailingZadar?
Book it if you want a full sailing day in the Zadar archipelago, with lunch, drinks, water equipment, and a skipper who can adjust the route to the weather. The yacht’s toilets, cabins, fridge, shaded cockpit, and cushions make the eight-hour format practical, while the stops keep the day from becoming a long sit on deck.
I would especially recommend it if you like having choices. Swim, snorkel, paddle, try the towing ropes, or do very little. Just remember to bring a towel, arrange your own transport, and accept that the final route is decided on the day. For a relaxed small-group experience with real sailing time, $141 is a fair price.
FAQ
How long is the sailing tour?
The experience lasts eight hours.
Where does the tour meet?
Meet at Gate 2 of Marina Tankerkomerc, near Barka Caffe in Zadar.
What languages does the skipper speak?
The tour is available in Croatian and English.
How many swimming stops are planned?
The skipper usually makes two or three stops for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and lunch.
Can the route change?
Yes. The route and stops are adjusted each day according to weather conditions.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A light lunch of salad and chicken is included. You may also bring your own food or choose from a menu at a local island restaurant.
What drinks are included?
The package includes bottled water, beer, juice, and a welcome drink.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and towing ropes are included.
Are towels provided?
No. You need to bring your own towel.
Are transfers included?
No. Transportation to and from Marina Tankerkomerc is not included.
Can I bring a pet?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can I reserve now and pay later?
Yes. The reserve now and pay later option lets you hold your plans without paying immediately.
Just added around Croatia
- Sailing Korcula: Learn to Sail and Relax on the Water★ 5.0 · 17 reviews
- Sail Away – Korčula Archipelago Cruise, Swim and Snorkel★ 5.0 · 31 reviews
- Private – Romantic Sunset Sailing on a 36ft yacht from Hvar (up to 8 travellers)★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Sail and escape to Pakleni islands | Half day sailing on a modern 36ft yacht★ 4.5 · 4 reviews
- Sailing and Snorkeling Tour in the Islands of Pakleni★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Private – Full day sailing from Hvar to Pakleni islands (up to 8 travellers)★ 4.5 · 6 reviews
- Private Sailing Tour with Snorkeling in Hvar Pakleni Islands★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Private – Half Day Sailing from Hvar on a modern sail yacht (up to 8 travellers)★ 5.0 · 5 reviews
Sailing Tours with an Open Bar, side by side.

Key West Sunset Sail with Open Bar, Live Music and Hors D’oeuvres
Read our review →
Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar
Read our review →
Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Sail with Light Appetizers and Open Bar
Read our review →
Oahu’s Waikiki Coast: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail
Read our review →
Midday or Sunset Sailing with Open Bar and Snacks
Read our review →
Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch
Read our review →
Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar
Read our review →This sailing also appears in

