Ošljak Island near Zadar: crystal-clear coves, rich marine life, and peaceful walks on one of Croatia's smallest inhabited islands. Only reachable by boat.
Just a 10-minute boat ride from Zadar's old town harbour, Ošljak Island is one of the Adriatic's most peaceful and rewarding day-trip destinations. With a permanent population of fewer than 20 residents, no cars, no tourist infrastructure, and no noise — only crystal-clear waters, stone paths, and that unmistakable scent of salt and pine — Ošljak offers something increasingly rare: genuine Adriatic solitude.
Where is Ošljak Island?
Ošljak lies in the Zadar Archipelago, just 1.5 km from the old town of Zadar. At roughly 800 metres long and 300 metres wide, it is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Croatia. The only way to reach it is by boat — there is no regular ferry service, so a private transfer or an organised boat tour from Zadar is the most practical option.
The Underwater World of Ošljak
Beneath the surface of the sea at Ošljak lies a world that rivals anything you'll see in the Mediterranean. The seabed is a vivid tapestry of posidonia sea grass meadows, rock formations draped in algae, and thriving colonies of sea urchins and starfish. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres, making it one of the most rewarding snorkelling spots near Zadar.
Marine life regularly spotted around Ošljak includes:
- Sea breams, wrasse, and mullet schooling in the shallow coves
- Octopus hiding under flat rocks along the shoreline
- Sea urchins carpeting the rocky seabed in the deeper sections
- Occasional sightings of cuttlefish and moray eels
The west-facing coves offer the calmest water for snorkelling, while the deeper shelf on the island's eastern side is popular with experienced divers.
Swimming Coves
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Ošljak has no sandy beaches, but its rocky coves more than compensate. The most popular swimming spots are on the western and southern shores, where the water is a deep, vivid turquoise and the flat rocks provide natural sunbathing terraces. The north-facing tip of the island offers a sheltered anchorage frequently used by sailboats and tour boats.
The Village of Ošljak
The island's tiny settlement — a cluster of stone houses, a small chapel, and a handful of gardens — sits near the highest point of the island, overlooking the channel between Ošljak and Ugljan. Walking up from the landing, you pass dry-stone walls, centuries-old olive trees, and fig trees heavily laden in late summer. It takes about 10 minutes to walk across the entire island.
The residents, mostly older locals who have lived here their entire lives, tend their gardens, fish in the traditional way, and welcome the occasional visitor with the warmth typical of small Dalmatian island communities. On Ošljak, you feel like you have stepped back in time — far from the noise and pace of modern life.
What to Do on Ošljak
- Snorkelling — The coves directly below the village are ideal for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike
- Swimming — Clean, clear water and flat rock terraces make for perfect hours in the sun
- Island walking — The coastal path around the perimeter of the island takes about 30 minutes
- Photography — The channel between Ošljak and Ugljan glows a different shade of blue at every hour of the day
When to Visit Ošljak
Ošljak can be visited from May through October. June and September offer the best conditions: warm water (22–25°C), long days, and fewer visitors than in peak July and August. The sea is at its absolute clearest in May and early June, before summer boat traffic disturbs the sediment near the shore.
Book a Half-Day Boat Tour to Ošljak from Zadar
Ošljak is a regular stop on our popular half-day boat tours from Zadar. Both tours depart from Zadar harbour, include swimming and snorkelling time at Ošljak, and continue to several other nearby islands and coves.
- Half-Day Group Boat Tour from Zadar to the Nearby Islands — join a small group for a morning or afternoon tour that stops at Ošljak, Lukoran, and Frnaža cove
- Half-Day Private Boat Tour from Zadar — book the boat for your group and customise the stops, with Ošljak as a highlight
Both tours include snorkelling equipment, refreshments on board, and an experienced local skipper who knows the best swimming spots around the island. For an even longer adventure on the water, our full-day boat tour to Dugi Otok and Sakarun Beach takes you further into the archipelago — the ideal choice if you want a complete day at sea. For a detailed overview of the morning and afternoon options, see our half-day boat tour guide from Zadar.