Snorkeling in Zadar

Make the most of your time in Croatia’s beautiful islands with an unforgettable Zadar snorkeling tour. The Adriatic Sea is a water wonderland – teeming with colorful exotic fish, rich marine life and breathtaking landscapes.

Zadar’s warm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling year-round, as it offers excellent visibility. You’ll be able to see seahorses, barracuda, octopus and numerous types of crustaceans.

Hop on a speedboat and skim over the waves to a snorkeler’s paradise and explore the lush Zadar archipelago.

Here's all you need to know about snorkeling tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Zadar.

What are the best snorkeling tours in Zadar?

Snorkeling excursion to Kornati Islands from Zadar

Take time out to feel the sun on your face and breathe in the refreshing salty air with a full-day snorkeling trip at the Kornati Islands. The Kornati Islands are located to the south of Zadar and are made up of 89 different islands.

This 8-hour long tour starts at 8 AM at Špire Brusine 8 in Zadar’s Old Town. Here you can meet your tour group and pick up your snorkeling gear. If you’re staying close to Old Town a round trip or single transfer can be added on.

Once your equipment is sorted, take a stroll to the port to catch the ferry. Bask in the sunshine and soak up the views as you enjoy a breakfast sandwich.

The adventure begins at Island Lavdara, which is at the entrance to Kornati National Park. Cool off with some swimming or you can opt to snorkel straight away. To ensure you make lasting memories, you can use the tour guide’s waterproof action camera for fun photos and videos. After all that swimming you’re certain to have built up an appetite. Once you’re back on board you can enjoy a delectable lunch of grilled meat, salad, and wine.

Speedboat snorkeling trip to Molat, Ugljan and Galevac Islands from Zadar

This thrilling half-day snorkeling trip to Molat, Ugljan and Galevac Islands via speedboat offers a wonderful and comprehensive tour experience. Not only will you get a chance to snorkel, but you’re also island hopping and doing a little sightseeing.

Choose between a morning tour or an afternoon one. Then hold on to your hat as you skim over the waves in a speedboat, and take in the stunning vistas including the Rivanj lighthouse.

At the first stop, you can enjoy snorkeling above a sunken ship and get an up-close look at the diverse marine life. Then it’s off to Molat island to relax in the sandy lagoons and take a dip in the pristine bays.

The island of Ugljan, which is also known as the Green Garden of Zadar, is your next stop. Get a glimpse into island life as you take a leisurely walk around the scenic Mediterranean village of Preko.

You'll also be able to visit Galevac, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Zadar archipelago, and see a Franciscan monastery complete with a secret library.

And on your way back to Zadar, you have a chance to see the incredible Sea Organ, an amazing art installation that converts the waves into music.

Zadar snorkeling tour plus Sakarun Beach visit

Experience Mother Nature’s splendor with a snorkeling tour and a visit to Sakarun Beach. You can choose a morning or afternoon tour for this 4.5-hour-long snorkeling experience. Meet the captain and the tour group at Marina Tankerkomerc in Zadar.

Enjoy a relaxing scenic cruise to a nearby shipwreck, then slip on your snorkeling gear and hit the water. Explore the shipwreck and get a closer look at the sea life. You’ll be mesmerized by the turquoise water and gorgeous coastal landscapes.

After snorkeling, relax at the beautiful Sakarun Beach. Brilliant blue water, warm white sands and lush pine trees make this a picture-perfect setting. Soak up some sunshine and enjoy this slice of paradise.

While this tour offers a host of extras like a snack and beverage, berthing fees and conservation fees, as this is a protected marine area, are charged separately.

Are there any combos available with snorkeling tours in Zadar?

Half-day sailing trip with snorkeling and standup paddleboarding from Zadar

Live your best life with this snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding tour. This excursion is ideal for couples or a group of up to 8 people, but a minimum booking of two people is required. A friendly, professional skipper will show you various natural bays so you’ll get to see more of the region’s islands. Choose between a 10 AM morning tour or a 2.30 PM start.

At the idyllic Galevac Island, you'll able to indulge in some snorkeling and stand-up paddelboarding. The islet Galevac, or Školjić as it’s known locally, has a circumference of 650 meters and is a popular island for swimming and snorkeling.

How much do snorkeling tours in Zadar cost?

The various snorkeling tour options in Zadar start from €60 to €80 per person. If you opt for a longer tour with more activities, you can expect to pay more.

A snorkeling excursion to Kornati islands starts from around €60 per adult or €30 per child aged between 4-12 years old. There are various pricing options available for this tour, depending on if you opt for a transfer.

Taking a speedboat and island hopping to Ugljan, Molat and Galevac with snorkeling starts from €70 per adult and children between the ages of 3-5 are charged €40 each.

Snorkeling around the shipwreck and visiting Sakarun beach costs around €80 per person. Children aged 3-6 have a discounted rate of €40.

Taking a yacht for snorkeling and standup paddleboarding costs €80 per person. There are no discounts on child fees.

Note most tour options don’t include the conservation fees, taxes, or berthing fees in the price. You can expect to pay around €15 per person in cash. When necessary ferry tickets are also an added extra, budget of around €30 per adult and €15 per child.

What is included?

Snorkeling tours in Zadar offer a range of added extras, including all snorkeling equipment, safety gear, windproof jackets, motion sickness pills, sunscreen, water, soda, or an alcoholic drink as well as a snack.

The snorkeling trip to Kornati Island also includes two meals, consisting of a breakfast sandwich and lunch with grilled meat and salads.

The yacht excursion includes local taxes, fuel surcharge, snorkeling and paddle board equipment.

Where does it start?

Snorkeling tours have different starting points; however, several tours start at the Zadar Archipelago Office, which is a convenient and easy-to-find spot.

The Kornati Island snorkeling trip starts at Špire Brusine 8, travelers meet here to pick up their snorkeling gear and then walk to the pier.

The snorkeling and SUP tour with yacht transportation starts at Obala Kneza Trpimira 4.

Check your tour booking to find out exactly where the trip starts. Make sure you get there early so you can get your snorkeling equipment.

How long does it last?

Snorkeling tours tend to run for between 4 to 10 hours. Some half-day excursions offer an option of a morning or afternoon experience. If you want to spend the day on the water or visit numerous islands opt for a longer full-day experience.

When is the best time for a snorkeling tour in Zadar?

The best time for a snorkeling tour in Zadar is in the summer (June to August). Sea temperatures are warm, often between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for snorkeling. The weather is usually sunny and calm, leading to good visibility underwater.

Is it safe?

Zadar snorkeling tours are safe and are led by qualified guides. However, they are not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with serious medical conditions. In order to snorkel, you must be a competent swimmer.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed on snorkeling tours but must be accompanied by an adult. There may also be age restrictions according to the tour operator.

What happens in the case of bad weather?

In the case of bad weather, your snorkeling tour may be postponed to another date, or you will be offered a full refund.

Which other water activities can be done in Zadar?

• Boat tours in Zadar
• Canoeing tours in Zadar
• Kayaking tours in Zadar
• Rafting tours in Zadar

Travel tips

• The sun can be stronger than you realize, especially when reflected off the water. Wear a rash guard or a T-shirt to protect against sunburn, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Bring a towel, beachwear and change of clothes in case.
• Avoid touching or standing on coral reefs. They are delicate and can be easily damaged.
• Drink water before and after snorkeling to stay hydrated.