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5 best snorkeling spots in Zadar Archipelago

calendar iconMay 08, 2023

The Zadar archipelago is a combination of 300 or so islands and islets, presenting a very condensed area, rich with natural beauty, an avid variety of plant and animal life, as well as historic sites. But, exploring the sea somehow always becomes a priority for guests on boat excursions.

Because the Croatian Adriatic Sea is so rich in life, the combination of the best snorkeling spots in Zadar and speedboating presents a unique way to explore the local sea region and all of its wonderful riches.

Truly, it would be a shame not to take full advantage of the expertise and experience of Zadar Archipelago speedboat tours, a local tour guide who stands in a perfect position to introduce guests and travellers to the wonders of the sea.

So, hop on our top-of-the-line speedboats, strap yourselves in, because you will be able to embark on a journey like no other.

For those who enjoy snorkeling, the Zadar archipelago is a destination that is truly like no other. This region is an absolute must-see destination for anyone who loves the sea and immerses in underwater adventures because of its crystal clear waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking landscapes.

There is something for everyone to enjoy in the Zadar Archipelago, from the hidden caves and colourful coral reefs to the vibrant sea life and clear waters.

Check out our boat tour destinations & their unique snorkeling spots:

Telašćica Nature Park

Telašćica is a beautiful nature park located on the island of Dugi Otok in Croatia, known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Zadar archipelago and it is popular among visitors, as the area offers a diverse underwater world with many species of marine life and interesting rock formations.

Some of the most popular spots for snorkelling in Telašćica include Mir Bay and the nearby cliffs, where you can observe many different schools of fish, as well as octopuses, sea stars, and other sea creatures. The water in this area is usually calm and clear, which makes it perfect for snorkeling.

Another great spot for snorkeling in Telašćica is Salt Lake, which is actually a shallow and warm-water bay connected to the sea. This unique ecosystem provides a habitat for many different species of plants and animals, including colourful fish and sea sponges. The water in Salt Lake is slightly salty, which makes it easier to float and observe the underwater world.

Remember, snorkeling in Telašćica is a great way to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea and explore the diverse marine life of Croatia. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of spots in Telašćica that will leave you amazed and inspired.

snorkeling-sea-urching-on-a-boat-trip
Discover Vivid Marine Life in the Zadar archipelago

Kornati National Park

Kornati National Park is a group of stunning islands and islets located in the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.

Snorkeling in Kornati National Park is a unique experience, as the park boasts a diverse and thriving underwater world that is home to many species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even Mediterranean monk seals. The water in the park is always calm and clear, which makes it easy to observe the underwater world.

Some of the best snorkeling spots in Kornati National Park include the islands of Mana, Levrnaka, and Klobučar, as well as the reefs and cliffs surrounding the islands. This area is amazing for snorkeling and exploring, but also fishing and you will also have the opportunity to eat freshly caught fish in every restaurant in this national park, amazing right?

snorkeling with fish on a boat tour
Discover Rich Marine Life in Kornati National Park – one of the best snorkeling spots in Zadar archipelago

Ugljan Island

Snorkeling near Ugljan island is a unique experience, as the island offers a variety of snorkeling spots that are suitable for all levels of snorkelers. One of the best snorkeling spots on Ugljan Island is the beach of Jaz, located on the western side of the island. Jaz beach is known for its calm and clear waters, which makes it perfect for observing a variety of marine life, including octopuses, sea urchins, and schools of colourful fish.

Another great spot for snorkeling on Ugljan Island is the area surrounding the island of Ošljak, located just a short boat ride from the town of Preko. Ošljak Island is known for its rocky shoreline and underwater caves, which provide a unique habitat for many different species of marine life, including starfish, sea sponges, and sea urchins.

For those who are looking for a more adventurous snorkeling experience, the area around the island of Galevac offers deeper waters and a variety of underwater terrain, including rocky reefs and underwater cliffs. This spot is home to a variety of larger marine life, including groupers, barracudas, and even sea turtles.

girls swimming underwater on a molat and ugljan boat tour
The Island of Ugljan is one of the most attractive snorkeling spots in Zadar archipelago

Silba Island

The island of Silba is a small island in the Adriatic Sea that is located off the coast of Croatia. The island does not allow cars and it is well-known for its stunning beaches and incredibly clear waters, both of which contribute to its status as a favourite destination for snorkeling and other water activities.

Snorkeling on the island of Silba is a one-of-a-kind experience due to the fact that the island features a wide array of snorkeling places that are appropriate for snorkelers of varying skill levels.

One of the best spots for snorkeling on the island of Silba is the beach of Sutorišće, located on the southeastern side of the island. The beach is famous for its shallow water waters, which are home to a wide variety of marine life, such as sea urchins, starfish, and schools of brightly coloured fish.

Furthermore, the sea around Greben near Silba is full of shipwrecks from various periods. The ancient ship, which has been researched for decades, is probably one of the largest discovered in the Adriatic, but apparently hiding more surprises.

Southwest of the island of Silba, there are three islets, Zapadni, Srednji and Juzni Reef, and around them, there are a few more shipwrecks below the surface. So this is a perfect area for snorkeling during your vacation in Croatia.

guy and girl snorkeling on silba island, best snorkeling spots in Zadar
Snorkel with sunken sarcophagi on one of the best snorkeling spots in the Zadar archipelago

Premuda island

The island of Premuda is located southwest of Silba and is the westernmost island of the Zadar archipelago, but it is one of the most satisfactory snorkeling spots in the Zadar Archipelago.

If you are an avid snorkeller, you must swim in these waters. Among the best locations for diving in Croatia is Široka Bay: a cave known as the “Cathedral”. These caves are home to a variety of marine life, including octopuses, lobsters, and sea urchins. Exploring these caves can be an unforgettable experience.

Discover the best snorkeling spots in Zadar with Zadar Archipelago boat tours

The sea around the Zadar archipelago is absolutely teeming with marine life of all shapes and sizes, which preset the perfect opportunity for enthusiastic snorkelers. Thanks to our local knowledge, we will be able to bring you to the best snorkeling spots in the entire archipelago.

If you have an underwater camera we strongly suggest that you take it with you on this one-of-a-kind trip, which will bring you face-to-face with some of the most beautiful and unique specimens of underwater life in the entire Croatian Adriatic Sea.

Prepare to witness exotic fish schools, crustaceans of all kinds, including crabs, lobsters and prawns, but also starfish, corals, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, octopi, squids and many many more. All of this abundance is just around the corner if you do decide to book a boat tour with Zadar Archipelago.

Choosing us will be the right thing to do, seeing that we know all the best snorkeling spots in the entire Zadar archipelago. This includes places like Dugi Otok, Kornati National Park, Telaščica Nature Park and many more. You can rely on our local know-how to show you the best available snorkeling locations.

from 84.6 €

National Park Kornati Islands Boat Tour

from 77.4 €

Zadar to Sakarun Beach Boat Tour & Shipwreck

from 72 €

Molat & Ugljan Boat Tour: Best Zadar Islands

from 126 €

Kornati Islands & Telašćica Boat Tour

from 118.8 €

Dugi Otok Boat Tour: Ultimate Boat Adventure

from 113.4 €

Silba, Olib & Ist Boat Tour 3 Islands & 6 Unique Spots

from 85.5 €

NEW! Super Snorkeling Tour & Sandy Beach Bays, 7 Stops

Kornati National ParkNature Park Telašćicapremuda islandSilba Islandsnorkeling spots in zadarUgljan Island