Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is its mix of Adriatic swimming and real island time. You jump from the speedboat into clear water, then trade the sea for Ošljak’s quiet lanes and Preko’s waterfront cafés. It gives you a quick taste of the archipelago without using up a whole day.

I like the small group, limited to 10, and the friendly guides, including Jure, Joseph, Josip, and Željko. I also like the useful balance of stops: a proper swim, a tiny inhabited island, and a larger village where you can buy food or coffee. The catch is that fuel costs extra, there is no toilet on the boat, and rough weather can mean sea spray.

The trip in a nutshell

• A 50-minute Blue Bay swim stop: Bring a towel and expect time for swimming and basic snorkeling with a provided mask.
• Ošljak in one hour: Walk among old Dalmatian houses, see a quieter side of island life, or swim from shore.
• Preko for 75 minutes: Take a waterfront break, browse, eat, or walk toward Galevac if time allows.
• Small speedboat group: The boat holds no more than 10 people, though one of three company boats may collect you.
• Cold drinks included: You receive bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person.
• A four-hour coastal sampler: It works well when you want the sea but still want most of your day in Zadar.

Why this half-day trip works so well from Zadar

Zadar is an easy place to spend several days, but the city alone does not show you the full character of the Dalmatian coast. The islands begin just offshore, and a speedboat lets you reach them without committing to a long ferry day or a full-day cruise.

This outing is built around short rides and useful stops. The scheduled boat runs are about 15 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, followed by another 15-minute ride back to Zadar. That means you are not trapped on the water for hours at a time.

I especially like that the trip does not try to cram in too many islands. Three stops are enough to give the day shape. You get a swim when the light and water are likely to be at their best, time on a very small island, and a longer stop in a proper village.

The group limit matters. With up to 10 people, boarding and getting off the boat should be simpler than on a large sightseeing vessel. Guides such as Jure, Joseph, Josip, and Željko are repeatedly praised for being friendly, helpful, funny, and attentive. The exact guide depends on the boat assigned that day, since Aveta Speedboat Tours operates three boats.

Meeting the boat behind Foša

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls. Boarding is behind the restaurant Foša, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

This area can be confusing because several companies use nearby parts of the waterfront. One useful trick is to take a photo of where you are and send it to the provider through WhatsApp if you are unsure. That is more practical than wandering around the dock looking for a boat with the right name.

If you plan to arrive by car, think twice. Parking can be difficult near the meeting point. I would get there on foot from the old town if possible and keep your meeting instructions handy.

The boat is an open speedboat, not a covered ferry. That is part of the fun, since you get clear views of the coast and a fast ride across the water. It also means you should expect wind and occasional spray, especially if the sea is rough. Wear beach clothes, protect your phone, and bring a change of clothes.

The first 50 minutes at the swimming bay

The first stop is a secluded bay somewhere in the Zadar archipelago. The water is the main event: clear, turquoise, and suited to a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop.

You have about 50 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. A mask is provided, but no snorkel tube is included, so bring your own if you want to spend more time looking beneath the surface. The stop is also a good chance to jump from the boat, something that younger children and teenagers often enjoy.

There may not be much to do on land, because the appeal is the water and the quiet setting. That is fine if you came for a swim, but less ideal if you prefer historic sights or a long beach walk.

Use this stop wisely. Put on sunscreen before leaving Zadar, keep a towel within reach, and do not assume you will have a toilet nearby. There is no restroom on the boat, and toilet access is only available at the final island stop.

The boat carries water, iced tea, and beer, so you can cool off after swimming. The beer is one per person, while the description indicates drinks are available during the trip. If you want a full meal, bring cash and plan to buy food later in Preko, since food is not included.

Ošljak, an hour on Croatia’s smallest inhabited island

After the swim, the boat takes about 10 minutes to Ošljak. This is the most distinctive stop for anyone who wants a glimpse of everyday island life rather than only a seaside swim.

Ošljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. Its appeal is its scale. You can walk without needing a plan, look at old Dalmatian houses, and find quiet corners close to the water. The hour here gives you enough time for a short walk and some sightseeing without turning the stop into a rushed dash.

You can also swim from Ošljak or relax by the shore. The island is not presented as a major museum site, so keep your expectations sensible. This is a small, peaceful place for atmosphere, photographs, and a slower pace.

I would use the stop in two parts. Walk first while you are dry, then find a place to sit or swim if the heat is strong. Comfortable sandals or shoes with a secure strap are better than loose flip-flops if you plan to wander on uneven paths.

This is also where the guide can add value. Guides such as Jure, Joseph, and Josip are praised for explaining the area while keeping the mood relaxed. The best version of this stop is not a formal history lecture. It is a friendly introduction to a small piece of the Zadar archipelago.

Preko and the 75-minute village break

The final island stop is Preko, reached after another 15-minute speedboat ride. You get about 75 minutes here, the longest land stop of the outing.

Preko gives you a more developed place to stretch your legs. You can walk along the waterfront, explore narrow streets, stop for coffee, buy food, or browse for a small souvenir. Croatian dishes are available to purchase, but the cost is your own.

You can also visit Galevac, a small nearby island connected with Preko. The time allowance makes this possible, but do not assume you can see every corner of the village, eat a long meal, shop, and visit Galevac at a leisurely pace. Families with young children may need most of the stop simply to get settled and move around.

This longer break is valuable for anyone who gets restless on a boat. One part of the trip is active and wet, one is quiet and village-like, and Preko gives you a chance to use a restroom before the return ride. That last point matters because there is no toilet aboard.

If you have a sensitive stomach, Preko also gives you a little relief from the motion of the open boat. One useful feature of this tour is that much of the day is spent ashore, not just cruising.

The ride back to Zadar

The return ride takes about 15 minutes. By this point, you will probably be dry, sun-warmed, and ready for the city, but the boat still gives you a final look at the coast from the water.

Speedboats are noisier and bumpier than large boats. That is the tradeoff for reaching the islands quickly. On a calm day, the ride feels lively and smooth. On a windy day, spray can reach the seats, so keep electronics protected and do not wear anything you would hate to get wet.

The open design also limits shade. A sun hat, sunscreen, and water are not optional extras here. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the ride feels most comfortable and avoid arriving hungry. The tour information does not promise a particular seating position, so bring what helps you manage the boat ride.

Dolphin sightings are possible, but they are not part of the guaranteed program. Keep your eyes open during the crossings, while remembering that the swimming bays and island stops are the reliable highlights.

What the $35 price really gives you

At $35 per person, this is a strong-value way to add island time to a Zadar visit. The price includes the boat, an English-speaking guide, life vests, a mask without a snorkel tube, bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person.

The value comes from the combination. A simple boat ride would be less useful, while a full-day island cruise would take more time and usually cost more. Here, you get about four hours of transport, swimming, two island visits, and local guidance.

There are two extra costs or limits to keep in mind. Fuel is not included and is paid before departure, so check the final total when booking. Food is also separate, and you will need cash for purchases at Preko.

The boat has no toilet, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 120 kilograms. It is also not suitable for pets or bikes.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your date.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

This is a good match for you if you want:

• A short sea trip that leaves room for exploring Zadar afterward
• Swimming in clear water without booking a full-day cruise
• A small group and a conversational guide
• A family-friendly outing with an exciting boat ride
• A mix of water time, island walking, coffee, and food
• A reasonably priced introduction to the Zadar islands

It may not suit you if you need a toilet close by, dislike open boats, or want a formal historical tour. You should also reconsider on a day with strong wind and rough sea, especially if you are uncomfortable with spray or boat movement.

The excursion is active but not extreme. You need to step on and off a boat, walk around the islands, and manage swimming access from the boat or shore. Bring a hat, sunscreen, beachwear, towel, spare clothes, and cash.

My verdict: book it for a compact taste of the islands

I would book this tour if I had four hours free in Zadar and wanted a mix of swimming and local scenery. The strongest features are the small group, the warm and attentive guide style, the generous 75 minutes in Preko, and the fact that the trip does not leave you on the boat all day.

The decision is less clear if fuel charges push the final cost above your budget or if you need shade and a restroom onboard. Check the sea forecast, arrive ready for spray, and use the bathroom before boarding.

For a first taste of the Zadar archipelago, this is a sensible choice. You get the memorable part of a speedboat trip, clear water and wide coastal views, without giving up most of your day.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar island tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stop, island visits, and return to Zadar.

Where does the speedboat leave from?

Meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Ošljak and the island area around Preko, with an optional visit to Galevac. It also stops at a secluded swimming bay in the Zadar archipelago.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A mask is included, but a snorkel tube is not. You should bring your own tube if you want one.

Are drinks included?

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

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you can purchase Croatian food in Preko.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, towel, change of clothes, and cash. Protect phones and other electronics because sea spray is possible.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 120 kilograms.