Zadar: 3 Islands SpeedBoat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

Trade city streets for clear water. This four-hour speedboat trip gives you a lively half-day on the Adriatic, with a secluded swim stop, time on Ošljak, and a relaxed visit to Preko. I especially like the mix of swimming and island time, plus the small group of no more than 10 people. The free water, beer, and iced tea are useful touches, too. The main drawback is that the open boat can get wet and bumpy when the wind picks up.

I also like that the trip does not reduce the islands to a quick photo stop. You get about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, an hour on Ošljak, and 75 minutes in Preko. Keep in mind that there is a €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash before departure, and there is no toilet on the boat.

Key points at a glance

• The first swim stop is the star: You get about 50 minutes in clear water for swimming and snorkeling, often away from the city crowds.
• Ošljak is small but rewarding: The island is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, with old Dalmatian houses, quiet paths, and time to walk or swim.
• Preko adds local life: You can stroll the waterfront, stop for coffee or ice cream, shop, swim, or buy a Croatian meal.
• The guides make a real difference: Jure, Josip, Željko, Gelico, Matte, and other skippers are praised for being friendly, careful, and flexible.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person are provided, with cold drinks available during the outing.
• This is an active boat trip: You need to climb on and off the speedboat, and rough weather can mean sea spray.

Leaving Zadar from the Foša waterfront

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, with boarding behind Restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. This is a handy location if you are staying in the old town, but it can be confusing if you arrive from another direction. If you cannot spot the boat, the operator asks you to take a photo of your location and send it through WhatsApp.

The outing begins with about 15 minutes on the speedboat. That first ride gives you a quick change of scene: Zadar slips behind you, the coastline opens up, and the city noise gives way to wind and engine sound.

This is a small-group trip, limited to 10 people, though the company operates three boats. You will not necessarily know in advance which boat or skipper comes for you. That arrangement gives the operator some flexibility, but it also means the exact feel of the trip may depend on your assigned guide.

The boat itself receives repeated praise for being clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Still, this is an open speedboat rather than a covered cruise vessel. Wear swim clothes under something light, secure your hat, and accept that a passing wave may spray the boat.

Stop one: a quiet bay for swimming and snorkeling

The first major stop is a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago. The exact bay can vary, but the purpose is clear: this is your water time. You have around 50 minutes to swim, snorkel, float, or simply sit in the sun.

Snorkel masks are provided, along with life vests. The clear water is the main attraction, and several people describe this as the best swim of the day. One particularly enthusiastic account mentions seeing plenty of fish and even a sea turtle, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This stop works well because it comes early. You can cool off before the walking portions of the trip, and you are not left waiting for a beach visit at the very end. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the skipper about the safest way to enter the water and use the life vest provided.

The bay is not a full-service beach. Do not expect changing rooms, sun loungers, or a snack bar. Bring your towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. You should also take care of bathroom needs before departure because the boat has no toilet.

Stop two: Ošljak and its quiet island paths

After roughly 10 minutes on the water, the boat reaches Ošljak. This small island is the calmest part of the outing. Its old Dalmatian houses and peaceful setting offer a pleasant contrast to the excitement of the speedboat.

You have about an hour here for walking, sightseeing, and swimming. The island is compact enough for a short wander rather than a demanding hike. One account describes walking uphill to see old mills and the views from higher ground. That walk may be the best use of your time if you want more than a beach stop.

Ošljak is not a place for a long list of major sights. Its appeal is its scale. You can slow down, look at the traditional homes, follow the paths, and enjoy a less developed corner of the archipelago. If your ideal island visit involves cafés, shops, and a long waterfront promenade, Ošljak may feel too quiet. If you like small places with a local feel, the hour is well judged.

Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and getting on and off the speedboat requires some balance and agility.

Stop three: Preko, coffee, shops, and a longer break

The final island stop is Preko, reached after about 15 minutes of cruising. Preko is on Ugljan, and it offers a more complete village visit than Ošljak. You get 75 minutes here, the longest stop of the tour.

That extra time matters. You can walk along the waterfront, browse small shops, stop for coffee, enjoy ice cream, or look for a Croatian meal. You can also swim if you prefer the sea to shopping. The village gives the trip a welcome bit of everyday island life, rather than making the entire outing about scenery and speed.

You may also have the option to visit Galevac, the small nearby island with a monastery. This involves a separate small boat from Preko, and it is important to manage your time carefully. One incident shows why: a group paid for a two-way ride but encountered confusion about the return schedule and nearly missed the speedboat back to Zadar. The guide came to help, but you should still confirm the return arrangement and leave plenty of time to get back to the meeting point.

In practical terms, Preko is where you can spend money, so bring cash. The tour includes drinks, but food, coffee, ice cream, souvenirs, and any separate ride to Galevac are not included.

The speedboat rides and the guides

Between stops, you spend about 15 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 15 minutes on the boat. These rides are not just transportation. They are part of the experience, with open views of the coast and the fun of moving quickly across the Adriatic.

The tradeoff is comfort. On a calm day, the speedboat feels exciting and breezy. On a windy day, the sea can be rough, and spray may reach you during the ride. One account specifically praises Josip for handling rough water safely. That is reassuring, but it does not turn a choppy day into a smooth one.

The strongest thread running through the feedback is the skippers. Jure is praised for a comfortable boat, clear English, and a considerate approach. Josip is described as helpful and attentive, while Željko receives praise for keeping the group informed and helping when an unexpected problem arose. Gelico is repeatedly described as kind, flexible, and careful about checking that everyone was comfortable. Matte is also praised for making the coastal views enjoyable.

Guides have some freedom to adjust the pace. You may be asked how long you want to stay at a location, though the overall schedule still needs to keep the group together. That personal touch is valuable on a small boat. It also means your exact experience can vary slightly by skipper, weather, and group preferences.

What is included, and what you still pay for

The tour includes the boat, skipper, English-speaking guide, fuel, snorkel masks, life vests, bottled water, beer, and iced tea. Cold drinks are especially welcome after swimming or walking in the sun.

The €10 docking fee per person is extra and must be paid in cash before the trip. This is not a huge amount, but it changes the real cost of the outing, so add it to the advertised price when comparing tours.

Food is not included. Preko is your best chance to buy a meal, coffee, or ice cream, but 75 minutes is still a limited window. If you need a substantial lunch, plan around the tour rather than assuming the village stop will cover it.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one half-day: fast boat travel, snorkeling, two island visits, drinks, and a guide. A simple beach visit may cost less, but it will not give you the same variety. A larger sightseeing cruise may offer more space, but it will not have the same small-group feel or quick access to swimming spots.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this tour if you want an active break from Zadar and enjoy moving between several places rather than spending all day at one beach. It suits couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who like meeting people, and families with older children. A 10-year-old had a particularly good time, according to one family account.

It is also a good choice for a first look at the Zadar archipelago. In four hours, you get a taste of the water, a tiny inhabited island, and a more developed village. You will not become an expert on every island, but you will see enough to decide where you might want to return.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, sea spray, or climbing on and off a boat. It is also a poor fit for anyone over 120 kilograms, people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users. Pets and bicycles are not allowed.

Practical packing advice for the four hours

Bring a sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A lightweight cover-up is useful for the boat ride, especially after swimming.

Pack cash for the €10 docking fee and any food, coffee, shopping, or optional transport at Preko. Keep valuables secure and bring only what you are comfortable carrying between the boat and the shore.

The most important preparation is weather awareness. On a very windy day, the open boat may get wet, and rough water can make the ride less comfortable. If the forecast looks unsettled, ask the operator about conditions before setting out.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book the Zadar three-island tour?

Book it if you want the most variety possible in four hours and your priority is swimming, snorkeling, and easy island visits. The excellent guide feedback, small group, comfortable boat, and included drinks make this a strong-value choice, especially for a first visit to Zadar.

Skip it if you want a quiet, dry, fully shaded cruise or a long, unhurried day on one island. For everyone else, bring cash, expect some spray, and keep your schedule flexible at Preko. The first bay and the friendly skippers are the main reasons this trip earns its place on a Zadar itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind Restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The tour returns to the same location.

How long does the tour last?

The speedboat tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The operator has three boats, so one of them will be assigned to your group.

What islands or stops does the tour visit?

The trip includes a swimming and snorkeling stop in a secluded bay, Ošljak, and Preko on Ugljan. You may also have the option to visit Galevac from Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks and life vests are included. You should bring your own towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person are included.

Is the docking fee included?

No. You must pay an additional €10 per person in cash before the tour begins.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The boat has no toilet. Toilet access is available at the final stop, so use the facilities before departure.