Zadar: Preko, Osljak, and Kali Island Boat Tour with Drinks

Zadar’s best escape may be just offshore: this small-group boat trip trades the city’s stone streets for clear Adriatic water, a village waterfront, and the quiet island of Ošljak. I like the easy mix of swimming and free time, plus the chance to see Zadar from the water without committing to a full-day cruise.

I especially like the friendly local captains, including Gogo, Mario, Fabrizio, Roko, and Lovre, and the useful stop at Preko, where you can choose between coffee, lunch, a walk, or another swim. The main caution is practical: the advertised route and timing appear to vary, and the tour information lists four hours while the detailed stop schedule adds up to longer. Confirm the exact plan before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Swim from the boat in a clear lagoon: You get time for snorkeling, jumping from the boat with the captain’s supervision, and cooling off in the Adriatic.
• Meet Agnieszka by the Tornado sign: The meeting point is behind Restaurant Fosa, and you should arrive 10 minutes early.
• Preko gives you real free time: Stop for a coffee, seafood meal, small shops, a sandy beach, or a second swim.
• Ošljak is the quietest stop: This small island is especially appealing if you prefer a slower, less commercial setting.
• Budget €10 in cash per person: This docking fee is not included in the $35 tour price.
• Expect a relaxed rather than luxurious boat day: Snorkel equipment, life vests, fuel, and drinks are included, but there is no toilet onboard.

Why this four-hour trip works well from Zadar

I like this excursion because it gives you a proper taste of the Zadar Archipelago without taking up an entire day. From the waterfront near Restaurant Fosa, you are soon out on open water, looking back toward Zadar and across the low islands that shelter the coast.

The boat ride itself is part of the point. This is not a fast transfer where you simply endure the journey between stops. The pace is meant to be easy, with time for conversation, music on some departures, drinks, and views from the water. Several captains are praised for being relaxed and attentive, with Gogo, also called Gordon, appearing especially often in the feedback. Mario, Fabrizio, Roko, Bart, Lovre, and others also lead departures, so your exact guide will depend on the date.

At $35 per person, the basic price is attractive for a four-hour outing that includes fuel, a captain, snorkeling gear, life vests if needed, and refreshments. But the real cost is higher because you must add the €10 cash docking fee per person. Food at Preko is also extra. Even so, the total can be good value if you use the swim stop and spend enough time enjoying the islands rather than treating the boat as simple transport.

This experience suits families with older children, couples, friends, and cruise passengers with a free half-day. It is less suitable if you need a toilet onboard, cannot easily climb into a boat, or want a formal sightseeing tour packed with historical explanation.

Finding the boat at Restaurant Fosa

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, behind Restaurant Fosa, on the terrace side by the Tornado sign. This detail matters because the boats do not remain parked there all day. Arriving 30 minutes early will not necessarily help you identify the right boat.

Arrive about 10 minutes before departure. Agnieszka meets the group at the meeting point and directs you to the correct boat. Say Alice Travel when you arrive so the agent can identify you quickly. The crew can wait only five minutes for late arrivals, which is a firm limit in a busy summer port.

There is no parking at the meeting point, and no toilet there or on the boat. Plan to use facilities before you arrive. Wear shoes that are easy to remove, keep your belongings in a small soft bag, and bring a towel, since towels are not supplied.

The operator offers private or small-group departures. The atmosphere described by the supplied information is intimate and social rather than formal. You may share the boat with other holidaymakers, although the exact group size is not specified.

The first 30 minutes: leaving Zadar by boat

Once everyone is aboard, the captain gives a safety welcome and heads away from the city. The first ride takes roughly 30 minutes according to the route description. This is when you get the broadest view of Zadar from the sea, with the waterfront receding behind you.

The captains are a major part of the experience. Gogo is often praised for being lively without becoming intrusive, while other guides are noted for giving restaurant tips, explaining the stops, taking photos, and looking after the group. One departure even paused after a dolphin was spotted, although wildlife sightings are never promised.

Do not expect a full lecture on Dalmatian history. You get local conversation and practical help rather than a museum-style tour. That suits this outing. The appeal is the water, the swimming, and the slower island rhythm.

If you are prone to sunburn, take protection seriously. One participant found the heat intense even while enjoying the trip. There is little shade in the water, and four hours on a boat can catch you out.

The lagoon: snorkeling, swimming, and boat jumps

The first stop is a clear lagoon or sheltered swimming area. You get about an hour in the detailed schedule for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and welcome drinks, though the captain controls the exact timing.

Snorkel masks and tubes are supplied and disinfected. Life vests are onboard for anyone who wants one, so ask the captain before entering the water. The tour is described as safe without a life jacket for confident swimmers, but you should use one if you are not fully comfortable in open water.

The sea may look wonderfully clear, but keep expectations sensible. You may see small Adriatic fish and other sea life, yet no particular species is guaranteed. Snorkeling here is more about enjoying clean water and a glimpse below the surface than about a guided marine program.

There is also an option to jump from the boat under the captain’s supervision. That is a fun extra for confident swimmers, not a required part of the tour. Children should follow the captain’s instructions closely, and anyone unsure about the depth should use the ladder and enter slowly.

Refreshments include water, juice, and wine. These are offered during the stops, and the drinks help make the first hour feel like a proper break rather than a rushed swim call. Food is not included, so do not count on snacks replacing lunch.

One useful warning comes from the equipment supply: a booking reported that there was not enough snorkeling gear for everyone at one point. The standard information says gear is onboard, but if snorkeling is a priority, ask the crew at the start and be prepared for shared use.

Preko on Ugljan Island: coffee, lunch, and a sandy beach

The second main stop is Preko, a village on Ugljan Island. This is the most useful stop if you want choices. You can walk along the waterfront, sit at a coffee shop, browse small souvenir stores, eat lunch, or swim from the small sandy beach.

Preko feels more like a lived-in island village than a sightseeing monument. In summer, it has restaurants and activity along the shore. The beach is a good feature for families with small children because sand is easier for them than a rocky Adriatic entry.

You usually get free time here, with the skipper telling you when to return. Be punctual. The boat cannot wait indefinitely, and the tour has a fixed return to Zadar. Bring cash if you want to eat or buy something, since one practical tip from the trip information is that island businesses may accept cash more readily than cards.

Seafood is a strong choice if you want a local meal, and the captains can recommend places. Several departures included praise for the food at the island stop, but remember that lunch is not part of the tour price. Check menus and prices before ordering if you are watching your budget.

The season makes a real difference. In July and August, Preko is lively and most useful for a meal or coffee. In October, many bars and restaurants may be closed, leaving you with a quieter walk and a swim if the weather allows. That is not necessarily a flaw, but you should book the season you actually want.

The route information gives roughly two hours for the traditional village stop. That would allow a relaxed meal and walk. However, the overall activity is sold as four hours, so the exact length may be shorter on some departures. Ask the operator how long you will have in Preko on your date.

Ošljak: the quiet island finish

Ošljak is described as the prettiest and most peaceful part of the outing by several people who enjoyed the scenery. It is a small island stop with a slower feel than Preko, and it gives the trip a second island character rather than simply repeating the lagoon.

The published schedule allows about an hour here for a visit, photos, and a guided walk. Details about the walk are limited, so do not expect a major attraction or a long historical tour. Ošljak works best as a calm final stop where you can look around, take photographs, and enjoy the contrast with Zadar.

This is also where the route information becomes a little unclear. The tour title refers to Preko, Ošljak, and Kali Island, while the detailed stop information specifically describes Preko and Ošljak. Kali is not explained as a separate stop in the supplied details. If visiting Kali matters to you, confirm the route before paying.

After the island stops, the boat returns toward Zadar. The ride back gives you another chance to see the city from offshore. Some evening departures also offered sunset views, and one captain added a look at the Sea Organ as a bonus, but neither should be treated as guaranteed on every departure.

What the $35 price really includes

The $35 price is a fair starting point for a half-day boat outing, especially when you compare it with the cost of arranging separate transport to the islands. You are paying for the captain, fuel, basic snorkel gear, life vests if requested, and drinks.

You should add these likely expenses:

• €10 cash docking fee per person
• Lunch, coffee, or snacks at Preko
• Towels
• Transport to the meeting point
• Any purchases on the islands

The docking fee is not a small hidden detail. For two people, it adds €20 to the cost, before food. Still, if you swim, snorkel, use the island free time, and enjoy the boat ride, the package remains reasonably priced.

The trip is strongest for people who value time in the water and an easygoing crew. It is weaker for anyone seeking a polished luxury yacht, a guaranteed private experience, or a tightly scripted cultural tour.

Timing, comfort, and who should skip it

The official duration is four hours, but the detailed route lists several boat legs and stops that appear to total more than four hours. This may reflect approximate timings, alternate routes, or different departure formats. Confirm the start and return time if you have a flight, cruise departure, or dinner reservation.

There is no toilet onboard. That alone may rule out the tour for some people, especially families with very young children. The boat is also not suitable for wheelchair users, pets are not allowed, and the experience is not suitable for people over 95 according to the activity information.

For a comfortable outing, bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection and a hat
• Cash for the docking fee and island purchases
• A small bag that can stay secure on the boat
• Water-resistant protection for phones and cameras

The tour can work well for children, but the swimming stops require ordinary water confidence and adult supervision. Life vests are available if needed. The captain remains with the group and supervises boat jumping, but this is still an open-water activity.

Should you book the Alice Travel boat tour?

Book it if you want an affordable half-day on the Adriatic with plenty of swimming, a taste of island life, and a captain who takes a personal interest in the group. The strongest parts are the clear lagoon, the relaxed crew, the choice of lunch or beach time at Preko, and the peaceful stop at Ošljak.

I would be more cautious if your schedule depends on a precise four-hour return, if you require a bathroom onboard, or if you want a guaranteed visit to Kali. Ask about the exact route, group size, stop lengths, and snorkeling equipment before departure.

For most people staying in Zadar, this is a good way to get beyond the city without spending a full day at sea. Just arrive early, carry cash, bring a towel, and treat the timetable as flexible.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour meet in Zadar?

The meeting point is behind Restaurant Fosa, on the terrace side by the Tornado sign, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Arrive 10 minutes before departure and say Alice Travel when you arrive.

How long does the tour last?

The activity is advertised as four hours. The detailed route includes several approximate boat rides and stops, so confirm the exact timing with the operator if you have a fixed onward schedule.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and tube are included, and the equipment is disinfected and kept onboard. One trip had limited gear for the whole group, so ask the crew early if snorkeling is important to you.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life vests are onboard. Ask the captain if you want to use one.

Is the €10 docking fee included in the price?

No. You must pay a €10 docking fee per person in cash on arrival for the island stops.

Is food included?

No. Drinks such as juice, wine, and water are offered during the stops, but meals and other food are not included. You can buy lunch or refreshments at Preko.

Is there a toilet or parking at the meeting point?

There is no toilet onboard and no parking at the meeting point. Plan ahead before arriving.