From Zadar: Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar speedboat tour is the mix of fast open-water rides and real time on the islands. You will swim in a bay, snorkel in 2 to 3 meters of water, stroll through a small island town, and finish at Preko, where you can choose between a sandy beach, cafes, ice cream, and a short swim to Galevac Island.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which keeps the boat social without turning it into a floating crowd. I also like the simple extras: snorkeling masks, life vests, unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person. The main drawback is that the four hours move quickly, and some people will want more than the roughly one hour at Preko.

This is an open speedboat, not a covered sightseeing boat. You get sun, wind, engine noise, and occasional sea spray, with an awning covering only the back. On a rough day, you may get wet, so bring a change of clothes and accept that the ride itself is part of the adventure.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay Otrić gives you a proper swimming stop: You get about 45 minutes to swim and snorkel in water around 2 to 3 meters deep.
• The middle stop can change: Your skipper chooses between a small island village, a quiet bay, or another attractive spot based on weather, wind, sea conditions, and local crowds.
• Preko is the strongest stop for most people: You have a sandy beach, food and ice cream, cafes, showers, and access to Galevac Island by a short swim.
• The boat is open and fast: It cruises at about 20 to 25 knots, with shade only at the rear and no indoor cabin.
• Drinks are included, but food is not: Expect water, iced tea, and three beers per person. Bring money for snacks or a meal in Preko.
• There is no toilet until the final island stop: Use a bathroom before departure and plan carefully if you are uncomfortable going several hours without one.

A fast start from Zadar’s waterfront

You meet at Nautica Zadar on the waterfront opposite the city walls. The meeting point is near the water, but arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The operator advises taking a photo of your location and sending it by WhatsApp if you are unsure, a useful tip because waterfront meeting points can be easy to confuse.

Parking near the departure point is a poor choice. If you come by car, allow extra time or use another way to reach the waterfront. Late arrival is especially risky here because the boat has a fixed route and cannot wait indefinitely.

The boat carries no more than 12 passengers. That is a good size for a half-day outing. You can usually hear the skipper, ask questions, and get help boarding without the long lines and distant commentary common on larger boats.

English is the tour language. The skippers are friendly hosts as much as formal guides, and the experience often includes music. Mateo, Matteo, Simon, Tom, Antonio, Don, and Luka are among the skippers named in recent feedback, though the person guiding your trip depends on the day.

The 15-minute ride across the water

After leaving Zadar, the first boat ride lasts about 15 minutes. At 20 to 25 knots, you get a quick sense of the coast rather than a slow cruise. The open bow gives you the clearest view, but it also takes the most wind and spray.

The rear seats sit beneath an awning and are the better choice if you want shade. If the sea is calm, the ride can feel breezy and exhilarating. If the wind picks up, the front seats may get wet. Sunglasses, a hat that fits securely, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes are not optional luxuries here.

The boat is well suited to people who enjoy movement and fresh air. It is less suited to anyone seeking a quiet, climate-controlled ride. The speed is part of the appeal, but it also means you should hold onto loose belongings and protect phones and cameras.

Blue Bay Otrić: 45 minutes for a swim

The first stop is Blue Bay Otrić, where the boat anchors for roughly 45 minutes. This is the most focused water stop of the morning or afternoon. Masks and snorkels are supplied, and the water is around 2 to 3 meters deep.

That depth works well for confident swimmers who want to look below the surface without heading into very deep water. You can also simply swim, float, or stay on the boat and enjoy the view. Life vests are available, and the skipper gives instructions before people enter the water.

The water can feel cold outside the height of summer. One family found it tolerable at the end of May, especially on a sunny day, but you should not expect warm water in every season. Bring a towel and dry clothes because towels are not provided.

Drinks are available onboard here. You receive unlimited water and iced tea, along with three beers per person for the trip. The drinks may be chilled rather than extremely cold, and the boat is not a full bar. If the skipper is busy handling the boat and does not immediately offer one, simply ask.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a good swim, but not enough for a long snorkel session or a relaxed beach afternoon. If you want extended time in one cove, this tour may feel rushed.

The changing middle stop

After another short ride of about 10 minutes, the boat reaches a second location. The exact place is flexible. Your skipper chooses according to the forecast, wind direction, sea conditions, and how busy different spots are.

You might stop at a small fishing village and walk through its traditional streets. You might anchor in a quiet bay for more swimming and snorkeling. You may also find a short walk or hike, depending on the chosen location.

This flexibility is sensible in Dalmatia. A beautiful place can be unpleasant when exposed to a strong wind, while a less famous bay may be perfect on a particular afternoon. The tradeoff is that you cannot plan your day around a named village or beach with complete certainty.

Allow about an hour at this stop. Bring comfortable footwear if you want to walk, but keep expectations modest. This is a taste of island life, not a long village visit or a serious hike. Some people may prefer to skip extra stops and spend more time at Preko, which has the most facilities and the easiest beach access.

Why Preko is the tour’s biggest draw

The final island stop is Preko, reached after another 10-minute boat ride. You have about an hour here, and this is where the tour becomes especially flexible.

You can swim from the sandy beach, take a short walk, or sit at a cafe with something to eat. Restaurants, ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and beach showers give you more choice than the earlier stops. The showers are useful if you plan to return to Zadar and continue sightseeing in salty swimwear.

Galevac Island sits about 20 meters from shore. Strong swimmers can make the short crossing, conditions permitting, while others can stay on the beach or enjoy Preko itself. The stop works well for families because children can play in a more approachable setting, though you remain responsible for supervising them in the water.

The limitation is time. One hour allows a swim and a quick snack, but it does not allow you to explore every corner of Preko. Several people have wished the tour spent longer here, and I understand why. If you value a relaxed beach stop more than variety, you may find the schedule too compressed.

The boat then returns to Nautica Zadar in about 15 minutes. Since the tour ends where it starts, you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

What the $38 price really covers

At $38 per person, this is a strong-value way to reach several coastal spots in half a day. A private boat would cost far more, while a larger excursion boat would usually give you less speed and a different atmosphere.

You receive a skipper, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling mask and snorkel, life vest, water, iced tea, and three beers per person. The included drinks matter because you will be in the sun and moving between islands, though you should still bring a bottle if you prefer more than the supplied amount.

The cost does not include food, towels, hotel or cruise-ship pickup, or the combined docking fee. The docking fee is paid in cash before departure: €10 for people aged 12 and older, and €5 for children aged 11 and younger. That extra charge is small, but include it when comparing the total cost.

Preko is your best chance to buy lunch, a snack, or ice cream. There is no meal included, so do not board expecting a catered trip.

The current rating is 4.9 from 1,247 ratings, and the most consistent praise goes to the skippers. Mateo and Matteo are often singled out for their humor, music, kindness, and attention to families. Simon is praised for being helpful and easygoing, while Tom receives praise for his hosting and recommendations. Your own experience will depend partly on who is driving that day, but the small group format gives the guide a real chance to shape the mood.

Is this comfortable for families and solo passengers?

The tour welcomes families, couples, friends, and solo passengers. Children have enjoyed the speedboat, swimming, and Preko, including children around six, ten, and thirteen years old. The water may be cold, and the open boat requires close supervision, but the format is lively and easy to join as a solo passenger.

The social side is part of the fun. Music may be played onboard, and some skippers allow the group to choose songs. You can expect conversation and a friendly atmosphere rather than a silent sightseeing trip.

Boarding requires reasonable mobility. The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility impairments, and the operator gives a maximum weight of 120 kilograms, or about 264 pounds. Babies under one year are not recommended.

If you suffer from motion sensitivity, consider the boat’s speed and open design carefully. The tour description is clear that rough water can mean spray during the ride. A calm forecast will improve comfort, but sea conditions can change.

What to pack for four hours on the water

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a complete change of clothes. You should also pack:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Water-resistant protection for your phone
• Comfortable clothes for the ride home

Beachwear is fine during the water stops, but a cover-up is useful in Preko if you enter a cafe or restaurant. Swimming fins are not supplied, so bring your own only if you particularly want them. The snorkeling masks and snorkels provided are enough for a basic look beneath the surface.

There is no toilet on the boat or at the pickup point. The only planned toilet access is at the final stop, Preko. Use a bathroom before arriving and avoid boarding with a full bladder. This is one of the most important practical details for a four-hour open-boat trip.

Pets are not allowed.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see several pieces of the Zadar archipelago without giving up a full day. It is particularly good for swimmers, families with older children, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who likes a little speed and music with their coastal scenery.

You should also book it if you value variety. In four hours, you get an open-water ride, a snorkel stop, a flexible island visit, and time in Preko. The tour gives you enough of each place to decide where you might return for a longer visit.

I would choose another option if you want a slow beach day, a long lunch, a private boat, or detailed cultural commentary. The English-speaking skipper provides guidance and local suggestions, but this is primarily an active coastal outing, not a formal history tour.

Should you book it?

Book this Zadar island-hopping speedboat tour if the idea of fast rides, cold-water swimming, and short island stops sounds better than sitting on a large boat all day. The price is fair once you add the small docking fee, and the included drinks and snorkeling gear make it easy to enjoy without many extra costs.

Go in with the right expectations: there is no toilet onboard, food is extra, Preko may feel too short, and rough weather can leave you wet. Arrive early, bring a towel and dry clothes, and treat the flexible route as an advantage rather than a promise of one exact beach. For an energetic half-day from Zadar, it is a practical and enjoyable choice.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Blue Bay Otrić, a variable island location, and Preko.

Where does the boat leave from?

You meet at Nautica Zadar on the waterfront opposite the city walls. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

What drinks are included?

You receive unlimited iced tea and water, plus three beers per person. Food is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and snorkel are provided, and life vests are available. Swimming fins are not included.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat or at the departure point. You can use a toilet at Preko, the final stop, so plan ahead.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility impairments. You need to be mobile enough to board the speedboat, and the stated maximum weight is 120 kilograms, or about 264 pounds.