Zadar is a fantastic place for photography lovers. Its mix of historic sites, stunning coastal landscapes, and nearby islands provides endless photo opportunities. What sets Zadar apart are tours that combine the region’s natural beauty with professional guidance, ensuring you capture perfect moments. We especially like the Velebit Mountains & Zrmanja Canyon Photo Tour, because it offers rugged terrain, striking mountain scenery, and a chance to shoot with a local guide who’s also a professional photographer. It’s a great way to combine adventure and photography in one trip.
If you’re after a more iconic experience, the Plitvice Lakes Transfer Tour with a pro photographer stands out. It’s perfect for travelers wanting stunning waterfalls and lake vistas with personalized photo souvenirs. Meanwhile, island lovers will appreciate the Ugljan and Pašman Islands tour, which offers a ferry ride, panoramic fortress views, and charming villages—all captured by a professional. Each of these options offers a different way to see and photograph the beauty of Zadar and beyond.
1. Zadar: Private Velebit Mountains & Zrmanja Canyon Photo Tour
For around $353 per group (up to 4 people), this private SUV tour takes you into Dalmatia’s rugged Velebit Mountains and the Zrmanja Canyon, one of the most photogenic gorges in Croatia. The tour is led by a guide who also serves as a professional photographer, so you’ll get tips on composition and lighting along the way. The journey starts in Zadar and includes visits to scenic spots like Maslenica Bridge, the Zrmanja River, and the birthplace of football legend Luka Modrić in Modrići.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of adventure and photography. You’ll feel the thrill of bouncing along mountain roads, then have plenty of opportunities to capture dramatic landscapes and rushing waterways. The highlight is Tulove Grede, a surreal limestone formation that looks like something from another planet. Plus, you can opt for a traditional Dalmatian tasting with local wine and cheese, making it both a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Guests praise the tour for its personalized experience and “stunning scenery,” with the guide sharing 25 years of experience. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers who want to go beyond the usual sights and get some exceptional photos of Croatia’s wild side.
Bottom Line: Perfect for outdoor lovers and those wanting rugged mountain scenery combined with insider tips on photo composition. Expect a full day of stunning vistas and the chance to learn from a local pro.
2. Zadar: Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer
This upscale, private transfer tour costs about $588 for up to 4 people and offers a luxurious, personalized day exploring Plitvice Lakes with a professional photographer by your side. The tour includes transportation from Zadar to the famous national park, where you’ll have plenty of time to wander and photograph the park’s cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests.
What makes this experience special is not only the exclusive access but also the customized photo package. You’ll receive 50 high-quality digital photos and 3 video reels after the tour, perfect for sharing or printing. The photographer guides you through the best angles and settings, so even if you’re not an expert, you’ll come away with professional-looking images. The flexibility to stop at various viewpoints and the relaxed pace are added bonuses.
Reviews point out that this trip offers “an unforgettable, comfortable experience,” and the photos are “truly stunning.” It’s best suited for travelers who want the best of Croatia’s lakes without rushing and are eager to take home professional-quality souvenirs.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want a luxurious, tailored photography day at one of Croatia’s top natural wonders, with all the editing and editing done for you. Ideal for photography enthusiasts and those seeking comfort.
3. Zadar: Ugljan and Pašman Islands tour with pro photographer
At about $353 per group, this private tour explores the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and charming villages. The tour begins with a ferry ride from Zadar to Ugljan, known as the “Green Island,” where you’ll photograph olive groves, coastal coves, and traditional villages. The guide, a professional photographer, helps you capture the panoramic views from St. Michael’s Fortress, which offers sweeping vistas of the Zadar Channel.
On Pašman, you’ll stroll through quiet villages, explore olive groves, and relax on calm beaches. The guide provides 50 professionally edited photos and 3 reels of video footage, so you leave with a full digital portfolio of your island adventures. Guests rave about the personalized approach and the chance to photograph authentic local scenes rather than tourist-heavy spots.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of island scenery, cultural charm, and professional guidance. It’s a flexible, laid-back way to see some of Croatia’s most photogenic islands and learn how to shoot them effectively.
Bottom Line: Great for island lovers and those wanting a relaxed, intimate experience with plenty of photographic opportunities in a peaceful setting.
$353 per group up to 4
How to Choose the Best Photography Experience in Zadar
When deciding, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If rugged landscapes and mountain scenery are your passion, the Velebit Mountains & Zrmanja Canyon is unbeatable. For a luxury, all-inclusive day with professional editing, the Plitvice Lakes transfer is ideal. And if island charm, relaxed pace, and authentic scenes appeal, the Ugljan and Pašman Islands offers a perfect mix.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months. Think about what scenery excites you — mountain, waterfall, or island — and match it to your travel style. Each tour offers a different perspective on Croatia’s natural and cultural beauty, so choose the one that speaks most to your photography goals.
Final Thoughts
Zadar provides a fantastic backdrop for photography, whether you’re after dramatic mountains, waterfalls, or island vistas. The options listed here cover a broad range of interests and skill levels, from rugged landscapes to luxury photo safaris. For travelers eager to learn from experts and come home with high-quality images, these tours are worth considering.
If you’re serious about capturing Croatia’s natural beauty, I recommend booking your preferred tour early in the season. Whichever experience you choose, you’ll leave with more than just photos — you’ll have memories of some of Croatia’s most stunning scenery.