Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

The best part of this Zadar trip is the balance: you get three excellent water stops without spending the whole day on a boat, plus enough time ashore to see Ošljak and Preko. The short speedboat rides keep the outing moving, while the clear Adriatic water gives you a good reason to stay put at each stop.

I like the small-group feel and the simple extras that make a difference: snorkeling gear, life vests, shade, fuel, and unlimited water are included. Guides such as Dino, David, Davide, and Stella have been praised for being friendly, flexible, and generous with drinks. The main drawback is that four hours goes quickly, and there is no toilet or food provided.

Key points to know before booking

• Three water stops: You have time to swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter island stop, and near Preko.
• Ošljak gives you an hour ashore: Walk around this small island at your own pace after your first swim.
• Preko is the most developed stop: You can stroll, shop, eat on your own, or swim, but it feels less secluded.
• Small speedboat, small group: Past departures have had about seven or eight people, with room to move around.
• Drinks are part of the relaxed feel: Unlimited water is included, and guides have offered beer, juice, and other drinks during the ride.
• Bring practical items: Pack a hat, comfortable clothes, a change of clothes, cash, and your own food or extra drinks.

Why this four-hour trip works so well

This is a compact introduction to the islands near Zadar. You leave from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied along the walls, then head through the Bay of Foša and out toward the open water.

The format suits you if you want more than a standard city tour but do not want to give up an entire day. The scheduled boat rides take about 20 minutes at the start, then 15 minutes between the first and second stops, another 15 minutes before Preko, and about 20 minutes on the way back.

That leaves most of the four hours for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and sitting in the sun. I especially like that the trip is not padded with long transport stretches. The speedboat is the means of reaching the islands, not the whole point of the outing.

The small scale also matters. One past departure had only seven people, and another had eight. That makes it easier to hear the guide, ask for help with the snorkeling equipment, and settle into a relaxed pace. It also means the boat may feel more personal than a large excursion vessel.

Leaving Zadar through the Bay of Foša

At the start, you board at the marked address in central Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls, so arrive ready to identify the vessel at the meeting point rather than expecting a large pier or terminal setup.

The first ride lasts about 20 minutes. As you move through the Bay of Foša, you get wide views back toward Zadar and along the coast. This opening ride is short enough to be enjoyable, with enough time to settle in, listen to the guide, and take photographs.

A sunshade is included, which is useful on bright summer departures. Still, bring a hat and comfortable clothes. A change of clothes is one of the smartest items to pack, since the day includes several opportunities to get wet.

The tour is conducted in English. Guides named in past departures include Dino, David, Davide, and Stella. You should not expect one particular person every time, but the guiding style is clearly part of the experience. The best guides have shared information about the islands, checked that everyone was comfortable, and adjusted the pace when possible.

Blue Bay Otrić: start with water time

The first major stop is Blue Bay Otrić, reached after the opening speedboat ride. You have about 45 minutes here for a break, a short guided introduction, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is the most direct part of the outing. You do not need to walk far or plan an activity. Put on the provided snorkeling equipment, enter the water, and enjoy the clear Adriatic setting. Several departures have been especially appreciated for giving people enough time to swim, look for fish, and enjoy the water instead of rushing through a quick photo stop.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. That saves you from carrying your own mask and snorkel through Zadar, though you may bring personal equipment if you prefer. The crew can help you get set up, but you should still be comfortable entering the water from the boat or shoreline, depending on the exact stop.

Forty-five minutes is a good opening session, though confident swimmers may wish it lasted longer. Remember that this is one of three water opportunities, not the only chance to swim. The trip spreads its water time across the day so you can cool off again after walking on land.

Ošljak gives you a quiet hour ashore

After the first swim, the boat continues for around 15 minutes to Ošljak. Here you have about one hour of free time.

This is where the tour shifts from water to island life. You can walk around, take photographs, look at the small settlement, and enjoy a slower hour away from the boat. The guide provides information about the area, then gives you room to choose how you spend the stop.

Ošljak is a good counterpoint to the swimming bay. The first stop is about getting into the water; this one lets you stretch your legs and see a quieter side of the islands. You might find the walking more appealing than trying to pack every minute with sightseeing.

There is a practical tradeoff. One hour is enough for a pleasant look around, but it is not a long island visit. You will need to keep an eye on the meeting time and avoid wandering too far from the boat. This is a guided group outing, not a full day for independent exploration.

The smaller boat helps here. You are not waiting for a large crowd to file ashore or reboard. When the group is ready, the tour moves on toward Ugljan.

Ugljan and Preko: the most flexible stop

The next ride takes about 15 minutes and brings you to the Ugljan area, with the scheduled stop at Preko. You get another hour of free time for walking, shopping, photos, swimming, and snorkeling.

Preko is likely to be the most useful stop if you want a little choice. You can explore the charming village, browse for souvenirs, sit near the water, or use the remaining time for another swim. The stop has more of a visitor-friendly feel than the quieter island pause, with restaurants and shops available.

That variety is valuable because not everyone in a group wants the same thing. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while non-swimmers can stay on land. Families with older children and teenagers may appreciate having several options, though babies under one year old are not suitable for this activity.

The hour can pass quickly if you want to eat, shop, and swim. Food is not included, so plan ahead. You can bring snacks, or use the available local places if your timing allows. Carry some cash, since cash is specifically recommended for the trip.

Preko is also a good place to take a break from the speedboat. The repeated pattern of ride, swim, ride, walk, and swim keeps the day active, but an hour on land gives you a chance to slow down.

The ride back includes one last swim

After Preko, you return to the boat for another 20-minute ride toward Zadar. Before reaching the marina, the boat stops at a final idyllic swimming location.

This last water session is a welcome finish. By this point, you know how the boat works and can choose whether to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit under the shade. If the first two stops have been your main focus, this final pause gives you one more chance to enjoy the clear water without having to hurry straight back to the city.

Drinks are served aboard during the return portion. Unlimited water is included, and past departures have also had beer and juice offered by the guide. The exact drink selection is not presented as a full meal service, so bring anything specific you want and do not count on lunch.

This is also the time to enjoy the coastal views. The trip is not only a transfer between stops. You are out on the water with open views toward the islands and shoreline, and the return ride gives you a final look before arriving at the original meeting point.

What the $49 price really covers

At $49 per person, this is strong value if you want swimming, transport, equipment, and island time in one short outing.

You are paying for a speedboat with fuel, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, life vests, sunshade, and unlimited water. You also get several hours of access to places that would take more planning to reach independently. The value improves if you would otherwise rent a boat or arrange separate transport to the islands.

The trip does not include food, and a toilet is not available on the boat. Those are the two points most likely to affect your comfort. Use facilities before departure, and bring a snack if you need regular food.

The price also reflects the short duration. This is not an all-day island cruise with a meal or a large sightseeing program. It is a focused half-day outing built around three swimming opportunities and two substantial periods ashore.

I would consider it especially good value for a couple, solo visitor, or small group that wants a local-feeling boat ride without committing to a full-day charter. The smaller group size has another benefit: you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and the guide can make the experience more personal.

Practical details that affect your day

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, with the boat tied to the walls. Check the starting time when booking, since departure times vary by availability. A four-hour trip can fit neatly around other Zadar plans, including an afternoon or early evening departure.

One past departure started at 4 p.m., returning as the sun was going down. That timing can give you softer light on the water and a cooler feel than midday, though the available start time depends on the schedule.

Wear comfortable clothing that can handle spray and swimming. Pack:

• A hat
• A change of clothes
• Cash
• Food or snacks
• Any extra drinks you want
• Comfortable footwear and clothing

The operator supplies life vests and snorkeling gear, but you should still bring sun protection. There is a sunshade aboard, yet you will spend time outdoors in strong Croatian summer light.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for babies under one year old. Anyone joining should be prepared for a small speedboat, time in the water, and movement between the boat and island stops.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Zadar plans may change, but check the current departure details before booking.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want the following combination:

• Clear water and repeated swimming stops
• A small group rather than a large cruise boat
• Short rides between points
• Some walking and free time on land
• A guide who can share local information
• A reasonable price for a half-day activity

It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with older children. The past trips have included non-swimmers as well as teenagers, so you do not need every person in your group to spend the whole outing in the water.

You may want a different trip if you need a toilet aboard, expect lunch to be included, use a wheelchair, or want a long, independent visit on each island. You should also avoid packing the schedule too tightly afterward. Four hours is the stated duration, but water conditions and group timing can affect the exact return.

Should you book the Zadar island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an easy way to reach several nearby island spots without giving up a full day. The strongest reasons are the small boat, the repeated swimming time, the included snorkeling gear, and the hour at Preko, where you can choose between walking, shopping, eating, and more water time.

The main compromises are simple: no toilet, no included food, and limited time for a deep visit to any one island. Bring a change of clothes and cash, use facilities before boarding, and treat the trip as an active half-day rather than a formal sightseeing cruise.

At $49, it is a particularly sensible choice for first-time visitors to Zadar who want to see more of Dalmatia than the old town. If clear water, friendly guiding, and a relaxed boat ride matter more to you than a long historical tour, this is an easy one to recommend.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar speedboat tour last?

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

Where does the tour start?

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

Which islands and stops are included?

The route includes Blue Bay Otrić, Ošljak, and the Ugljan area with a stop at Preko. The schedule includes swimming, snorkeling, walking, and free time ashore.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are drinks or food included?

Unlimited water is included. Guides have also offered drinks such as beer and juice on past departures, but food is not included. Bring snacks and any extra drinks you want.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. You should also be prepared for a small speedboat and several opportunities to swim.