Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Wine and Snorkeling

Leave Zadar’s shore behind fast. This four-hour boat trip combines clear-water swimming with easy island exploring, making it a good use of a half-day in Dalmatia. I especially like the mix of Kostanj Bay, quiet Osljak, and livelier Preko, plus the friendly local skippers such as Mario, Tony, Gogo, and Roko. You also get snorkeling gear, drinks, fuel, and a small group for $44. The catch is the extra €10 docking fee, paid in cash, and the meeting point has no toilet or parking.

I like that this is not just a boat ride with a quick photo stop. You get time to swim, walk, visit a village, and sit by the sea with wine or a soft drink. The trip also offers a pleasant human touch: music, local tips, and guides who often help nervous swimmers or suggest places to eat. Still, the speedboat is not the best choice if you want a long, quiet beach day or a full guided history tour.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: Kostanj is for swimming, Osljak is for a peaceful walk, and Preko offers the longest break with shops, food, and another chance to swim.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: You can use masks and snorkels at Kostanj and Preko, though towels are not provided.
• A small boat keeps the trip social: The group is limited to 12 people, with a local English-speaking skipper at the helm.
• Drinks are part of the price: You get two glasses of G&T, unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks, depending on what you choose.
• Budget for the docking charge: The advertised $44 price does not include the €10 cash fee per person for the island stops.
• Arrive early: Be at the bench or by the Tornado sign 10 minutes before departure, and use a toilet before you arrive.

Why this four-hour trip works well from Zadar

Zadar is easy to enjoy on foot, but the old town can feel busy in summer. This excursion gives you a quick change of pace. Within about 15 minutes, you are out on the water, looking back toward the city and heading for the islands across the channel.

The speedboat matters here. You cover several locations in a short time without spending most of the day in transit. The ride is part of the fun, with open views of the coast and enough movement to make the trip feel like an outing rather than a ferry transfer.

The group size, limited to 12, is another plus. You are not joining a large excursion boat with a microphone and fixed rows of seats. The skipper can talk with you, point out places along the way, and keep an eye on swimmers. Guides named Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, Fabrizio, Johnny, and others have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful.

The style of guiding varies by skipper. Some explain the islands and local history in detail. Others keep the mood light with music, drinks, and jokes. That is worth knowing if you want a formal history lesson. This is better understood as a relaxed coastal outing with useful local commentary.

Kostanj Bay: your first swim in clear water

The first stop is Kostanj, a sheltered bay with a sandy beach and clear water. The boat ride from Zadar takes about 15 minutes, followed by roughly 40 minutes of free time.

This is the most direct swimming stop. You can cool off, snorkel, or stay on the boat and sunbathe. The water is the main attraction, and several people have singled out the blue lagoon-like setting as one of the best parts of the trip.

Snorkeling here is simple rather than a major wildlife excursion. You are given the basic equipment, and the aim is to look around in the clear shallows and enjoy the water. If you do not swim confidently, tell the skipper. One guide, Mario, was especially praised for taking care of less confident swimmers, and another guide made sure people had life jackets when they wanted them.

The 40-minute stop is enough for a swim and a little sun, but it is not an all-day beach break. Bring sunscreen and a towel, since neither is supplied. You may also want water shoes if you prefer extra protection around the shore, though the tour information does not state that they are required.

A drink is available during the stops. The included package lists two glasses of G&T, one at each stop, as well as unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks. Since swimming and alcohol do not mix well, I would save the alcoholic drink for after you are out of the water.

Osljak: a quiet island with an unusual story

After Kostanj, the boat continues for about 15 minutes to Osljak. The stop lasts around 40 minutes and gives you time to walk, take photos, or climb the small hill.

Osljak is described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. It has about 29 residents and a slow, village-like feel. One unusual local detail is that many residents share the same surname, which gives the island a strong sense of an extended community.

The island is also a good contrast to the swimming stop. Instead of staying beside the boat, you can follow the shoreline, look at traditional Mediterranean buildings, and search among the trees for a small ninth-century church. You can also see the remains of a hospital connected with people suffering from plague during the Second World War.

Do not expect a large settlement or a long list of attractions. Osljak’s appeal is its quiet scale. The 40-minute pause is enough to walk around at an easy pace and climb for a view, but not enough for a serious hike or a full historical tour.

There is also a bar, which gives you an alternative to walking. A drink here may cost extra, and coffee is not part of the tour, so bring some cash if you want to stop. The guide can point out where to go, but you are largely free to use the time as you wish.

Preko: the longest stop and the most choice

From Osljak, it is another short boat ride to Preko. This is the main stop, with about 90 minutes to spend on the island.

Preko feels more active than Osljak, especially in summer. You can browse small shops, buy a souvenir, sit with a coffee overlooking the water, or walk toward the center. The island also has a small sandy beach where you can use the snorkeling gear again.

This longer stop gives you room to choose your own pace. You might spend the first half-hour swimming, then walk through the village. Or you can make the visit more food-focused. One skipper recommended traditional food to a group, and another person enjoyed fresh fish and sardines at an island restaurant. Those details can change with the season and the particular place open that day, so lunch is not included and restaurant visits are optional.

Preko is also the jumping-off point for a small extra adventure. The nearby island of Galevac can be reached by swimming from Preko, and it has an old monastery among the trees. The tour information presents this as a hint rather than a formal part of the excursion. Treat it carefully: only attempt the swim if conditions and your ability make it sensible, and ask the skipper for current guidance.

The 90-minute stop is the strongest reason to choose this tour over a simple sunset cruise. You get enough time to do more than take a photo. The tradeoff is that Preko can feel busier and more developed than Osljak, so the experience shifts from quiet island life to a small summer resort atmosphere.

The ride back gives you a different view of Zadar

After Preko, the boat returns to Zadar in about 15 minutes. The final approach offers another look at the coast and the old city from the water.

That last view is a nice finish, especially if you have spent the rest of your visit exploring Zadar from land. One skipper, Gogo, even went out of his way to show a group the Sea Organ at night, though that should be treated as a kind extra rather than a guaranteed part of the tour.

The boat ride back is also a chance to dry off, talk with the people in your group, and finish your drink. The atmosphere seems to depend partly on your skipper. Tony is often praised for music, explanations, and a cheerful attitude, while guides such as Fabrizio, Lovre, Matteo, Zvone, and Marco have also been described as warm and helpful.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, this is good value for a four-hour coastal trip, especially because fuel and snorkeling equipment are included. You are paying for transport to three places, a local skipper, the boat, drinks, and time to use the islands rather than simply viewing them from offshore.

The extra €10 docking fee changes the calculation. It is paid in cash on arrival and covers all the stops, so your basic outing costs the advertised fare plus this charge. Check the exchange rate and carry the fee with you.

There is no lunch, coffee, towel, hotel pickup, or hotel drop-off. That is not a problem if you are already staying near central Zadar, but it is important to plan around it. Bring your own towel, water-friendly clothing, sunscreen, and money for food or a café.

The tour is especially good value for people who want variety. A private boat would offer more control, but it would normally cost far more. A public ferry would be cheaper for reaching an island, but it would not include the swimming stop, skipper, snorkeling gear, or drinks.

Meeting point, timing, and small practical traps

The starting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Wait at the bench or near the Tornado sign, arriving 10 minutes before departure.

There is no toilet at the meeting point. Use one before you arrive, since the supplied information does not mention a toilet on the speedboat either.

Parking is not available at the meeting point, and summer parking in Zadar can be difficult. If you are driving, allow extra time to find a space. If you are staying in the center, walking or arranging a local transfer may be less stressful.

The tour runs for four hours, but starting times vary. Check the available departure when booking. The activity is conducted in English, and the group is limited to 12 participants.

The boat ride can be lively, and the trip includes swimming from or near the boat. If you get motion sick, eat lightly beforehand and keep your attention on the horizon during the faster sections. This is practical caution rather than a criticism of the tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Zadar plans depend on weather or cruise timing.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would choose this trip if you want to see more than Zadar’s waterfront but do not want to spend a full day on an island excursion. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who enjoy swimming and a bit of speed.

It is also a good fit for social travelers. The small group makes it easy to meet people from different countries, and the wine, music, and informal guiding create a friendly mood.

Families should note that the tour includes open-water swimming, a speedboat, and time on beaches and islands. Children need to be comfortable around water, and parents should discuss life jackets with the skipper if needed.

I would think twice if your priority is a detailed archaeological tour, a long beach stay, or a fully private experience. Osljak has interesting historic remains, but the guide time is limited. Preko offers food and local life, but you have only 90 minutes. The tour is about variety and atmosphere, not exhaustive sightseeing.

Should you book the Zadar three-island tour?

Book it if you want a practical half-day escape with three distinct moods: a clear-water swim at Kostanj, a quiet walk on Osljak, and a longer island break at Preko. The combination is hard to match at this price once the boat, fuel, drinks, skipper, and snorkeling equipment are counted.

Before paying, remember the €10 cash docking fee, lack of parking, missing towels, and no toilet at the meeting point. If you arrive prepared, this is an easy way to trade Zadar’s crowded summer streets for open water, small island villages, and a few hours of good company.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Kostanj, Osljak, and Preko.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Osljak and Preko, along with a swimming stop at Kostanj Bay. Galevac is nearby Preko and may be reached by swimming, but it is presented as an optional hint rather than a scheduled stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and can be used at the swimming locations, including Kostanj and Preko.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. The package includes two glasses of G&T, unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks. Coffee is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can use your free time on Preko to find food, and additional purchases are paid separately.

How much is the docking fee?

The docking fee is €10 per person. It is paid in cash on arrival and covers all stops.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. Wait at the bench or by the Tornado sign and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

No. Parking is not available at the meeting point, and summer parking in Zadar can be difficult.

Is there a toilet at the meeting point?

No. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so plan ahead and use one before you arrive.