Zadar: Boat Tour with Snorkeling Gear and Drinks

Zadar’s best swim may start at a gas station. This four-hour speedboat outing takes you from the city to Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko for swimming, snorkeling, island views, and time ashore. I like the excellent value at $29 and the easygoing skippers, especially Luka, Lovre, and Tomislav, who add local stories and a friendly feel. The main catch is that the boat can feel tight when the group reaches 12 people.

The tour is simple rather than fancy: climb aboard, choose some music, take a fast ride across the water, then stop for clear-water swims and island exploring. I also like the choice between a morning departure for calmer water and an afternoon trip that can finish with a sunset over the Adriatic.

Five details that make this tour worth a closer look

• Three island-area stops: You visit Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with time for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a walk.
• Snorkel gear is supplied: Masks and snorkels are ready on board, along with life jackets.
• Drinks are included: Water, ice tea, beer, and homemade liqueurs are part of the relaxed atmosphere.
• Small groups are possible: Some departures have had only five or six people, though one larger group of 12 found the boat cramped.
• Sunset is the best afternoon bonus: A late tour can give you golden views on the ride back to Zadar.
• Weather flexibility helps: The operator has allowed schedule changes when bad weather made a trip impractical.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The meeting point is near a gas station, so do not expect a grand marina entrance or a historic waterfront meeting spot. It is a practical place to find the boat, but you should allow a little time to get your bearings before departure.

Once on board, the first ride takes about 20 minutes. That opening run is part of the fun. A speedboat gives you a livelier trip than a slow sightseeing boat, with open views across the water and a quick sense of leaving the city behind.

The boat has different places to sit, according to one detailed account, so you can look for a position that suits you. Still, space matters. Groups of five, six, and nine have enjoyed a comfortable atmosphere, and one group of five even had the boat to themselves. A group of 12 felt crowded and suggested that around eight people, including the two skippers, would be more comfortable.

That is useful information when you book. If the departure is lightly filled, this can feel almost like a private outing without the private-boat price. If it is full, expect a social group ride rather than plenty of personal space.

Ošljak: your first hour in clear water

Ošljak is the first main stop, reached after the initial speedboat ride. You have about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is where the tour settles into its rhythm. You can put on the supplied mask and snorkel, swim from the boat, or simply enjoy the Adriatic from the surface. Several accounts describe clear water and visible fish, while one person even spotted a seahorse on a previous outing. Marine life will vary, but the water is the star here.

The life jackets are included, which matters if you are not a confident swimmer. Still, I would not treat this as a learn-to-swim activity. The best fit is someone comfortable getting into open water and moving around without constant assistance. Water shoes are worth packing because they make entering the water and walking around rocky edges easier.

The skipper may also point out local sea life or take pictures while you swim. That personal touch has been part of the experience for some groups, with photos sent afterward. It is not listed as a guaranteed service, so think of it as a welcome extra rather than something to count on.

Ugljan: a scenic cruise and a second swim

After Ošljak, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes toward Ugljan. The short transfer gives you time to dry off, take in the islands, and settle back into your seat.

The next Ugljan stop lasts about an hour and combines a photo stop, sightseeing, an aperitif, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a good point in the outing for a second water session because you already know how the boat works and can choose between active time and a slower break.

The water is usually the main attraction, but do not overlook the view from the boat. The route lets you see the islands from offshore, where small coves and low coastal buildings take on a different character than they do from a road. The tour is not just a transfer between beaches. Its value comes from seeing several spots without arranging ferries, local buses, rental equipment, and separate swim locations.

The included refreshments help keep the mood casual. Water and ice tea are available, and the tour description also includes beer and homemade liqueurs. Some departures have included two small pours of homemade liquor. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, the nonalcoholic choices are already part of the offering.

Preko: one hour for a walk, food, or another swim

The next 15-minute cruise takes you to Preko, where you have about 70 minutes. This is the most flexible stop of the day.

You can walk around, take photographs, swim, snorkel, or find something to eat. Several outings have included time at a small fish restaurant or a coffee place by the sea, but food is not included in the price. Bring cash, as specifically advised, if you want to buy lunch, coffee, or another drink ashore.

Preko works well because it breaks up the water time. Four hours of repeated swimming can be tiring, especially in strong sun. A walk gives you a chance to stretch your legs and see a little more of island life before returning to the boat.

The free time also makes this stop useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can keep snorkeling, while someone who prefers dry land can stroll or sit by the water. Parents should note that the activity is not suitable for children under two, and pregnant women are advised not to participate.

The final ride back to Zadar is scheduled at about 30 minutes. On an afternoon departure, this may be the visual high point. The sun can drop toward the horizon as the boat crosses open water, and several outings have finished with striking sunset views. One group even saw dolphins, though that is a lucky sighting, not part of the standard plan.

Morning calm or afternoon sunset?

Your choice of departure time changes the mood more than the route.

The morning tour is recommended for calmer water. Choose it if you are sensitive to motion, want bright conditions for snorkeling, or prefer to spend the rest of the day in Zadar. The light can also make it easier to see fish and the sea floor.

The afternoon tour has a slower, more social feel. You can swim during the warmest part of the day, then ride back as the light softens. The music, drinks, and sunset combine well, and this timing has been especially popular with couples and small groups.

The skipper may give you some say over the music and, depending on the day, the time spent at each place. That flexibility has helped make the trip feel personal. At the same time, you should remember that the stated route has set stops, so this is not a fully custom private charter.

Bad weather can affect the plan. The operator has shown flexibility with cancellations caused by poor conditions, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That policy is useful on the Adriatic, where a perfect forecast is never a promise of calm water.

The skippers are a big part of the experience

The boat itself gets you from place to place, but the skipper shapes the day. Luka, Lovre, Tomislav, Dubravko, and other team members have each been praised for being warm, attentive, and good company.

Luka appears often in the strongest feedback. He has been described as kind with children, careful about comfort and safety, and good at explaining the islands. Lovre has received similar praise for local information and a relaxed approach. Tomislav has added restaurant suggestions, soft drinks, snacks, and homemade liquor to different outings.

The best skippers do not fill every minute with a lecture. They tell stories, answer questions, explain the places you pass, and then let you enjoy the sea. That balance is important on a half-day trip. You get some local context without feeling trapped in a formal sightseeing program.

There are also small acts of hospitality that make a difference. A skipper might take photographs, offer a towel after a splash, extend the trip when timing allows, or suggest a good place to eat. These extras are not guaranteed, but they help explain why the trip has earned a 4.9 rating from 215 bookings.

What the $29 price really buys you

At $29 per person, this is a strong value for a four-hour island outing. The price includes the speedboat ride, skipper, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, water, ice tea, and homemade liqueur. You are also paying for access to several swimming areas without having to organize transport between them.

The value improves if you planned to rent snorkel gear separately or book a private boat. One small group felt the shared outing was better than hiring a private boat because they had the boat to themselves and still received personal attention.

You should budget extra money for food or drinks at Preko. Cash is specifically recommended, and the price does not include a meal. Beer and homemade liqueur are included in the tour offering, but do not assume that every drink or purchase on land is covered.

The main compromise is space. The boat may be wonderfully intimate with a small group and less comfortable when full. If elbow room is your top priority, ask about the expected group size before paying. If price, swimming, and a friendly atmosphere matter most, the trade-off is easier to accept.

What to bring for a better half-day

Pack lightly. There is no reason to carry a large beach bag onto a small speedboat.

• Hat and sunscreen for the open water
• Towel
• Water shoes
• A swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Cash for food or drinks in Preko
• A phone or camera in a waterproof pouch

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask unless you prefer a personal fit. Bikes are not allowed on the activity.

The boat has music, so you can expect a more relaxed soundtrack than on a silent nature cruise. The atmosphere may suit you if you like a swim, a cold drink, and conversation between stops. It may not suit you if you want a quiet wildlife trip with no music or social element.

Who should book this Zadar boat trip?

I would choose this tour for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a simple introduction to the Zadar islands. It is especially good for people who want both water time and a little island walking, rather than four straight hours on a beach.

It also suits visitors with only a few days in Zadar. You can see Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko in one outing, then return to the city with the evening still available, depending on your start time.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, crowded seating, or open-water swimming. The life jackets help, but the experience is built around getting into the sea. Children under two, pregnant women, and people over 95 are not considered suitable for the activity.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want clear-water swimming, basic snorkeling, island scenery, and a personable skipper at a low price. The afternoon departure is my pick for couples and photographers because the return ride can finish at sunset. Choose the morning if calm water and cooler conditions matter more.

Before booking, check the expected group size and starting time. A small group can make this feel remarkably personal, while a full boat will be tighter. With that one limitation in mind, the combination of three stops, supplied gear, drinks, local stories, and four hours on the Adriatic makes this one of Zadar’s better-value sea outings.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar boat tour last?

The activity is advertised as four hours. The route includes boat rides and stops at Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan in Zadar County, and Preko, before returning to Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included in the tour price.

What drinks are included?

Water, ice tea, and homemade liqueur are included. The tour information also mentions beer on board.

Is the tour available in the morning and afternoon?

Yes. Morning trips are recommended for calmer water, while afternoon trips can offer sunset views on the ride back.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Bikes are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to availability.