First-hand review of 3 Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Beach and Sightseeing by Zadar Archipelago
Sep 01, 2025When I first heard about the 3 Islands Boat Tour by Zadar Archipelago, I imagined a simple boat ride with a few stops for swimming. What I actually experienced was so much more—an unforgettable day filled with speedboat thrills, hidden bays, authentic Adriatic charm, and the kind of landscapes that etch themselves into memory. It was a boat tour through time, culture, and nature, all wrapped in sunshine and sea spray.
Setting Off from Zadar
The adventure begins in Tankerkomerc Marina, in the heart of Zadar. As soon as I stepped onto the sleek speedboat, I felt the excitement bubbling. The skipper welcomed us with a smile, and within minutes we were gliding out into the open Adriatic.
Crossing the Ugljan Channel, the energy shifted instantly. The engine roared to life, wind blew loudly, and the warmth of the sun warmed me. The skipper’s playlist set the perfect tone—upbeat yet soothing, harmonising with the rhythm of the sea. Music and the salty scent of the ocean surrounded the tour group, and I couldn’t help but close my eyes for a moment to take it all in.
By the time the boat slowed, I was so immersed in the ride that I almost forgot there were islands waiting to be discovered.
Stop One: A Classic Adriatic Seaside Village
Our first stop felt like stepping into a postcard. Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and fishing boats bobbing lazily along the shore created a scene straight out of an old Mediterranean tale. I wandered slowly through the village, soaking up the atmosphere of daily life, where locals sipped coffee in small cafés, and children played by the water.
Just a short stroll from where we docked, there was a beach inviting us in with its calm turquoise waters. I couldn’t resist—within minutes, I was floating effortlessly, gazing at the bright blue sky overhead. Others in our group opted for ice cream, which looked too tempting to pass up, so I joined them afterward, savoring the sweet contrast to the salty air.
For the curious, there’s even a chance to hop on a tiny wooden boat for a quick ride to a nearby island crowned with a historic monastery. I loved this detail—it felt like a step back in time. For just a couple of euros, a local boatman ferried us across the short stretch of water.
The wooden dinghy creaked with every stroke of the oar, and the perspective of looking back at the village, with Zadar’s skyline and the dramatic Velebit Mountains in the distance, was breathtaking.
Back on shore, I lingered in a waterfront café, sipping a chilled cocktail while gazing at the mountain range. The peaks rose like stone sentinels, standing guard over the Zadar hinterland. The view alone was worth the trip.
Stop Two: A Secluded Bay
From the charm of the village, our boat whisked us away to a hidden bay. As soon as we arrived, I understood why it was chosen for the 3 Islands Tour. The water here was unbelievably clear—so transparent that I could see every pebble and fish beneath me.
I slipped on a mask and snorkel and was immediately transported into another world. Schools of fish darted in and out of the underwater landscape, and shafts of sunlight illuminated the sandy seabed like spotlights.
Above water, the scene was equally enchanting. Pine trees lined the coast, their branches whispering as the warm wind rustled through. The sound of crickets filled the air, blending into nature’s soundtrack. It was peaceful, timeless, and far removed from the buzz of city life.
I swam, floated, and then stretched out on the rocks, letting the sun dry my skin while I listened to the gentle lap of waves.
Stop Three: A Fisherman’s Haven
By the time we reached our final island, I was both exhilarated and hungry. Luckily, this was the perfect place for food lovers. This small fishing village thrives on traditions tied to the sea, and you can feel it in every corner—from the nets drying in the sun to the smell of fresh fish being grilled nearby.
The highlight here was the food. Restaurants served fish caught only hours earlier, alongside crisp local vegetables and seafood dishes that celebrated the simplicity and richness of Dalmatian cuisine. I chose a plate of sardines, lightly grilled, with a drizzle of olive oil and a wedge of lemon.
It was rustic, honest, and incredibly fresh. After lunch, I indulged in another ice cream while strolling along the waterfront, savouring the simple joy of slowing down.
The Grand Finale: Zadar’s Sea Organ
As the sun began its slow descent, we boarded the boat for the return journey. But the day wasn’t over yet. Before docking back at the marina, we stopped at one of Zadar’s most famous landmarks: the Sea Organ.
The melody was unlike anything I had heard before—sometimes soft and melancholic, other times deep and powerful. It was the perfect conclusion to a day that had been full of sensory wonders.
The 3 islands Boat Tour
By the time we returned to Tankerkomerc Marina, I was sun-kissed, pleasantly tired, and filled with gratitude for the experience. The 3 Islands Tour by Zadar Archipelago had given me speed, serenity, culture, and cuisine all in a single day.
It was the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve left the boat. If you’re visiting Croatia and want to experience the essence of the Adriatic—crystal-clear waters, charming villages, hidden bays, and the unique music of the Sea Organ—don’t miss this unforgettable boat tour.
Ready to experience it yourself? Book your 3 Islands Tour with Zadar Archipelago today and discover the magic of the Adriatic.
