Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the balance: you get three sea stops for swimming and snorkeling, plus enough time ashore to walk around Ošljak and Preko. It feels more like a small coastal outing than a long transfer between islands.

I like the small-group boat and the easygoing guides, especially Dino, David, Davide, and Stella, who are repeatedly praised for keeping the trip friendly and flexible. I also like the value: at $49 for four hours, the boat, fuel, snorkeling gear, life vests, sunshade, and unlimited water are all covered.

The main drawback is simple: this is not a full island tour. You get a taste of each stop, not hours for serious sightseeing, and there is no toilet or meal included. Bring a hat, dry clothes, cash, and anything you want to eat.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: Swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter second stop, and another spot on the return journey.
• One hour on Ošljak: Walk around the small island at your own pace after the first swim.
• Preko adds village life: Use the final hour ashore for shops, restaurants, a walk, or another swim.
• Small speedboat setting: Past departures have carried as few as seven or eight people, leaving more room than many larger excursions.
• Useful inclusions: Snorkeling equipment, life vests, fuel, sunshade, and unlimited water come with the fare.
• Strong value at $49: You receive both boat time and land time, rather than paying for a short transfer with little time to explore.

Why this four-hour trip works well from Zadar

Zadar is one of Croatia’s easiest bases for a quick trip onto the Adriatic. The islands sit close enough that you can leave the city, swim in clear water, walk through a small coastal settlement, and return before the day becomes too demanding.

This outing begins at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. The trip then moves through the Bay of Foša before the first stop. From there, the schedule mixes short speedboat rides with longer breaks: about 20 minutes to the first swimming area, 15 minutes to the next stop, 15 minutes onward to Preko, and 20 minutes back to Zadar.

That pattern matters. You are not spending four hours sitting in a boat while an escort points at distant islands. The longest rides are short, and the breaks give you time to get in the water, dry off, walk around, and take photos.

The boat size is another reason this trip has appeal. Several departures have had about seven or eight people, and the boat has been described as roomy for its size. Exact group numbers can vary, but this is clearly aimed at a smaller, more personal outing rather than a crowded excursion vessel.

The ride through the Bay of Foša

Once you leave the Zadar waterfront, the speedboat gives you a quick change of scene. The city recedes, and you get open views along the coast and across the nearby islands.

The ride itself is part of the experience, but it is not the main event. If you want a quiet sightseeing cruise with long explanations, this may feel too active. The boat is designed to get you efficiently between coves and villages, with the wind, sun, and water providing much of the entertainment.

A sunshade is included, which is useful during the slower sections and while the boat is stopped. You should still bring a hat and comfortable clothing. A change of clothes is especially sensible because the program includes several swims, and there is no promise of a formal changing area.

The guides speak English. Names connected with different departures include Dino, David, Davide, and Stella. The useful thing is not memorizing a particular name, but knowing what sort of guidance to expect: basic information about the islands, help with the snorkeling equipment, and practical attention to drinks and comfort.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first swim and snorkel

The first major stop is Blue Bay Otrić, reached after roughly 20 minutes by speedboat. You have about 45 minutes here for a break, a visit, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is a good opening stop because it gets you into the water early. The clear sea is the reason to book this excursion, and the first bay gives you time to test the temperature, use the provided mask and snorkel, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

Do not expect a long beach day at this point. Forty-five minutes passes quickly once you have listened to the guide, collected equipment, entered the water, and dried off. If you want to swim, make that your first priority. You can take photos afterward.

Snorkeling gear and life vests are included. That saves you from packing equipment, though you may bring your own if you prefer a particular fit. The water is repeatedly described as clear, with fish visible in some areas, making this stop more about the sea than about buildings or shopping.

The boat then travels for about 15 minutes to the second stop. That short ride gives you a chance to dry in the sun and enjoy the coastline without losing much of your available time.

Ošljak and the quieter second stop

The second stop is presented as a quieter place, with time for photos, a guided introduction, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. You get about an hour here, which is long enough to do more than simply jump into the water.

Ošljak is the island stop that gives the tour its slower side. You can leave the boat, listen to some local information, and wander at your own pace. The appeal is the contrast with Zadar: instead of streets and city sights, you get a small island setting where the main pleasure is moving slowly and choosing your own view.

Use this hour according to your priorities. If you love swimming, make time for the water. If you prefer dry land, walk and look around before returning to the boat. You may find that the island atmosphere is more memorable than any formal sightseeing point, especially if you want a break from Croatia’s busier coastal towns.

The second stop has been described as especially impressive, but the supplied details do not identify every sight you will see there. That is useful to keep in mind. Book it for the setting, swimming, and freedom to explore, not for a fixed list of monuments.

The guide provides information about the area, but this is not a major historical tour. The focus is on the sea, the islands, and a relaxed day outdoors.

Ugljan and one hour in Preko

After another 15-minute speedboat ride, you reach Preko, on Ugljan, for about an hour. This is the most developed and visitor-friendly stop, with time for a photo stop, a walk, shopping, swimming, and snorkeling.

Preko gives the trip a different flavor. The earlier stops are mainly about quiet water and open scenery. Here, you can see a charming village setting and take a break from the boat. You might walk around, browse for a souvenir, sit down for something at your own expense, or use the remaining time for another swim.

Many people consider Preko the highlight because it offers a relaxed taste of local island life without requiring a whole day on Ugljan. An hour is enough to get your bearings and enjoy the waterfront, but not enough for a full exploration of the island. Keep your watch in mind, especially if you stop to shop or eat.

This is also the stop most likely to suit people who do not want a swimming-only excursion. A non-swimmer can walk around and enjoy the village atmosphere while other people use the water. The itinerary includes snorkeling here too, so you have options.

Food is not included. If you want something to eat in Preko, bring cash and allow enough time to return to the boat. The activity information specifically recommends carrying cash, which is sensible for small purchases and souvenirs.

The final swim and return to Zadar

Once you leave Preko, the boat heads to another idyllic swimming area before returning to the marina. The ride back takes about 20 minutes, and drinks are available on board during the return.

The final water stop is a good design choice. After your hour on land, you get one more chance to swim or snorkel rather than ending the trip immediately. It also lets you choose your own pace. You can get back into the water, sit under the sunshade, or simply enjoy the coastline from the boat.

Unlimited water is included. Several departures have also offered beer, juice, or other drinks, but food is not part of the fare. If you are counting on a particular beverage, bring it with you rather than assuming the selection will be the same on every departure.

Expect to return to the same starting point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Because the tour lasts four hours, it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon in Zadar. One past departure began at 4 p.m., giving the group a pleasant return with the sun lower in the sky. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

What the $49 price really buys you

At $49 per person, this is strong value if you want a mixture of boat travel, swimming, snorkeling, and island time. A simple boat ride can feel expensive when it only includes transport. Here, you receive four hours with several water stops and two meaningful land breaks.

The included snorkeling gear is useful because you do not need to rent equipment separately. Life vests and fuel are also covered, while the sunshade adds comfort on a bright Croatian day. Unlimited water is a practical extra, especially after several swims.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long visit on one island. You will not have enough time for a full tour of Ošljak or Ugljan. You are paying for variety, movement, and the chance to sample three coastal settings in one half-day.

The small-group format improves the value further. You spend less time organizing a large crowd and more time making use of each stop. Still, group size and exact onboard drinks may differ by departure, so treat the smaller setting as likely rather than guaranteed.

Who should book this speedboat tour

I would suggest this trip to couples, friends, and families with older children who want an active half-day outside Zadar. It suits people who enjoy swimming but also want a village stop and a little freedom to walk around.

It is particularly good for:

• First-time visitors who want a quick taste of the nearby islands
• People who prefer small boats to large sightseeing vessels
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want several chances to get in the sea
• Couples looking for an easy coastal outing
• Families with teenagers who may enjoy the speedboat and water stops
• Non-swimmers who are comfortable sharing a boat with people who will swim

It is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year. You should also think twice if you need a toilet on board, since none is provided. The tour is active, and wet clothes, sun, and boat movement are part of the deal.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring a hat, comfortable clothes, a change of clothes, cash, and your own snacks if you want more than drinks. The activity information also suggests bringing drinks, though water is included and drinks have been offered on board.

Put your phone in a waterproof pouch if you plan to photograph the swimming stops. The clear water is one of the main attractions, and you will have several chances to capture it.

Do not spend the whole first stop taking pictures. The 45-minute break is the shortest of the main stops, so swim and snorkel first. Save longer walks and shopping for Preko, where you have about an hour.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Zadar schedule depends on weather or changing plans, though you should still check the available start time before booking.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a lively half-day on the water, several swims, and a quick look at Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko without arranging transport yourself. At $49, the combination of a small speedboat, equipment, fuel, water, and four hours of stops is hard to fault.

Skip it if you want a long, unhurried stay on one island, a full meal, or guaranteed bathroom access. For most active visitors with limited time in Zadar, though, this is a practical and enjoyable way to reach the nearby islands and make the sea the center of your day.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming and snorkeling stops, time on Ošljak, and time in Preko.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat will be tied to the walls there.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, along with swimming stops such as Blue Bay Otrić and another quieter coastal location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included in the price.

Are drinks or food included?

Unlimited water is included. Drinks may also be available on board, but food is not included. You should bring snacks or money for food in Preko.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.