Discovering Ugljan with Zadar Sailing
As a captain and a sea lover my whole life, I've been to many seriously epic destinations worldwide. That's why I am lucky enough to say that the island of Ugljan, right by Zadar is one of the best locations I've visited. It is inherently coastal Croatia at its core.
And you know what I say? Why fix something that ain't broken? You can hop aboard many Zadar boat tours come summer, and speed off to any hot spots in Dalmatia.
But that's not what we do at Zadar Sailing.
Because there is no need to.
Because it isn't authentic Dalmatia.
And because you deserve to experience your vacation like any one of our locals.
You'll instantly feel that exact energy when you step aboard San Luca. Did you know she's travelled the world twice over?
San Luca's seen things.
But today, she's traded the open seas for the crystal-clear tranquillity of the Zadar Achipelago, specifically, the Island of Ugljan. Or, as we lovingly call it, "Olive island."
Here, you will find some of the best bays in the entire region. The epitome of the word escape.
While the mainland buzzed with modern life, Ugljan remained a sanctuary of silver-green olive groves and ancient stone. When you book a private boat tour from Zadar to Ugljan, you aren't just buying a ticket; you're gaining entry to a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Preko: Where the Old World Meets the Adriatic Blue
As the San Luca glides toward the shoreline of Preko, the first thing you'll notice is the perfect harmony of red-tiled roofs against the turquoise sea.
The Islet of Galevac (Školjić): Just 80 meters from the centre of Preko lies this emerald gem. It is home to the 15th-century Monastery of St. Paul the Hermit. We often drop anchor here, allowing guests to swim in the crystal-clear shallows or explore the monastery's hidden library.
The View of Zadar: There is no better place to see the Zadar skyline than from the heights of Preko, St. Michael Fortress (Sveti Mihovil). The 13th-century walls offer a panoramic view of over 200 islands in the Zadar archipelago.
The Jaz Beach: A natural sandy lagoon that defines "Mediterranean relaxation." It's the ideal spot for snorkeling in Zadar, where the sandy bottom creates a glowing turquoise light found nowhere else.
Kali: The Pulse of the Adriatic
If Preko is the beauty, Kali is the soul. Known globally as the "Fishing Capital of the Adriatic," Kali is a place of grit, tradition, and world-class seamanship.
A Living Heritage: Unlike many "tourist" villages, Kali is a working town. Sailing into the harbor on the San Luca, you'll see the massive tuna boats that supply the world's best sushi markets.
Art in the Alleys: Walk through the narrow, steep streets of the old town. You'll find fishermen mending nets by hand and the scent of grilled sardines drifting from stone taverns (konobas).
The Gastronomy: Kali is the place for the "real" taste of the sea. Whether it's dried octopus or the famous Kualjski brudet (fish stew), I can point you to the local spots that don't appear in the guidebooks.
Planning your 2026 Zadar sailing trip? For peak beach weather and sun-drenched days in Kali, visit between June and August.
If you are looking for a private boat tour with a more tranquil, 'locals-only' feel, the late spring and early autumn offer warm seas and significantly fewer crowds, making it the perfect time for a peaceful escape to Ugljan.
Let's have the "Shark" Talk: Safety in the Zadar Channel
"And now, I bet you're thinking: 'Sure, Damir, I've seen the pictures. I've seen those turquoise bays where the San Luca drops anchor... but are there sharks in that water?'"
It's a fair question.
When you're staring into the deep blue of the Adriatic from the deck of a boat that has seen the world's biggest oceans, your imagination can run a bit wild. But here is the truth from the helm:
Is it Safe to Swim?
Firstly, it is important to know that while sharks do inhabit the Adriatic, they are rarely ever seen near the coastline where we stop to swim. You can safely enjoy the best beaches in Croatia without a second thought.
While the Adriatic is home to several species, the "scary" types you see in movies, like the Blue Shark or the Shortfin Mako, simply aren't the neighbours we run into here. The most common locals are the spiny dogfish and the smoothhound shark. They are relatively small, completely harmless, and actually play a vital role in keeping our marine ecosystem healthy.
The "Zadar Shield": Why Our Waters Stay Peaceful
There's a geographical reason why our swimming spots are so secure. If you look at a map, Ugljan sits right next to Zadar, but behind it lies a massive wall of other islands like Iž, Dugi Otok, and the Kornati archipelago.
These islands act like a natural barrier. For any "curious" open-ocean sharks to reach us, they would have to navigate a complex maze of land and narrow channels. Most large marine life prefers the deep, open water. When they encounter the barrier of the Zadar Archipelago, they simply turn back around. We are tucked away in a protected "inner sanctum" where the water is calm, shallow, and safe.
"Is That a Fin?"
We know it's not exactly a pleasant thought to see a dorsal fin while you're floating in the sea, but here's a tip from a local: It's almost always a dolphin. We are lucky to have a very healthy dolphin population around Ugljan and Kali, and they love to play in the wake of the San Luca.
The Great White Myth
Does the Great White exist? Technically, yes; they have been known to venture into the Adriatic on extremely rare occasions. But sightings are infrequent, and attacks are even rarer. Other giants like Bull or Tiger sharks are practically unheard of in these waters.
Long story short: Even for professional divers who spend thousands of hours underwater, seeing a shark in the Adriatic is a "once-in-a-lifetime" rarity. Shark attacks in beautiful Dalmatia are incredibly rare, so there is absolutely no need to delay your vacation.
The only thing you'll be "attacking" on this trip is the local seafood in Preko and Kali.
The world has plenty of tourist boats, but only one San Luca.
Book your private escape to the hidden heart of Ugljan today and discover why some secrets are best found under sail.
Written by: Word Nerd