Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is its simple plan: three chances to get into the clear Adriatic, with time for a sandy beach, a small island, or a seafood stop. You spend less time on the boat than on the water, which is exactly right for a four-hour outing.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the skipper’s flexible approach. Skipper Bart is praised for splitting the group’s time well, helping people choose between swimming, exploring, and eating. The other strong point is the value: fuel, a captain, masks, snorkels, water, and iced tea are included. The main catch is the extra €10 docking fee per person, plus the lack of a toilet and towels on board.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: You get several chances to swim and snorkel instead of relying on one crowded beach.
• Preko on Ugljan: Spend about 90 minutes at a seaside town with a sandy beach, cafés, restaurants, and nearby Galevac.
• Small speedboat group: The boat carries no more than 12 people, leaving more room to sit and move around.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks and snorkels are supplied for exploring the rocky seabed and coral-filled rocks.
• Flexible final stop: Choose another quiet swimming spot or visit the fishing village of Kali for seafood and cocktails.
• Extra cost to plan for: A €10 docking fee per person is not included in the advertised $25 price.

Why this short trip works well from Zadar

Zadar sits close to a scatter of islands, so you do not need a full-day cruise to get a taste of the Adriatic. This trip uses a speedboat to make the most of that geography. After leaving the meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 27A, you make a short run toward Ugljan and its sheltered bays.

That short transfer matters. On a larger boat, much of a half-day can disappear into boarding, slow cruising, and waiting at the dock. Here, the focus is swimming, snorkeling, and a little island time. You still get views across the water, but the tour is built around being outside rather than sitting through a long sightseeing route.

The small capacity also changes the mood. With no more than 12 people, you are not part of a huge deck crowd. That makes it easier to ask the skipper for help, find a comfortable place to sit, and agree on how to use the stops. The boat crew is described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, while still allowing people to enjoy their own time.

This is not a history tour or a detailed guided visit to several island towns. It is a relaxed water day with a few useful choices along the way. If you want churches, museums, or long walks, use your Zadar sightseeing time elsewhere.

First stop at Pjescana Uvala

The first stop is Pjescana Uvala, a sheltered bay on Ugljan reached after a short speedboat ride. The draw is the water. It is clear enough for swimming and for looking around the coral-filled rocks with the supplied mask and snorkel.

You can spend roughly 45 minutes here. That is enough time to cool off, float, and take a look beneath the surface without feeling rushed. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay on the boat with a drink and enjoy the sun.

This stop is especially useful early in the trip. You get into the water before the longer island visit, so you can decide how much swimming you really want for the rest of the morning or afternoon. The rocky setting also gives the stop a more natural feel than a developed town beach.

Pack water shoes if you have them. The information provided does not promise a sandy entry at this bay, and the description centers on rocky areas. You do not receive towels, so bring your own and have a dry layer ready for the boat ride.

The supplied drinks are water and iced tea. That is a helpful touch, but it is not a meal service. You should eat beforehand if you need a proper breakfast or lunch, especially for a morning departure.

Ninety minutes around Preko and Galevac

After Pjescana Uvala, the boat heads to Preko, a seaside settlement on Ugljan. You get about an hour and a half here, making this the main stop for choosing your own pace.

You can use the time at the sandy beach, walk around, sit at a café, or eat at a restaurant. Local specialties are available, and the stop gives the outing some variety. After clear coves and boat seating, it is good to have a place where you can step ashore and order something substantial.

Just offshore is Galevac, a small island only about 20 meters from the mainland. If you are a confident swimmer, you can swim across and explore it. The short distance makes Galevac an appealing extra, but you should treat the swim according to your own ability. No transfer to the island is listed, so the attraction here is the close water crossing itself.

Preko is also the most practical stop for families. One review describes a three-year-old enjoying the outing, and the longer shore break gives younger children a chance to move around instead of remaining on the boat. Still, the trip includes open water and several swimming stops, so parents should decide if that rhythm suits their child.

I would use this stop for lunch only if you are comfortable with the added expense and available time. Food is not included, and the boat’s low price does not cover restaurant purchases. The benefit is choice: you can eat, have a drink, swim from the sandy beach, or simply take in the waterfront.

The final choice: rocky cove or Kali

The last part of the trip gives you another useful option. If you still want to swim and snorkel, the captain takes you to another rocky beach. It is a chance to make the most of the Adriatic before returning to Zadar.

If you have had enough water, the alternative is Kali, a fishing village on Ugljan. The village offers a restaurant with seafood specialties, along with a beach bar serving music and cocktails. This is where the tour feels less like a basic swimming shuttle and more like a small taste of island life.

The choice depends on your priorities. Swimmers will value the extra time in the sea. People who prefer food and a village setting may enjoy Kali more. The information does not promise that every group will spend the final hour in both places, so you should expect a choice rather than a full visit to both.

The final stop lasts about an hour. That is enough for a swim or a relaxed meal stop, but not enough for a long exploration of Kali. If you choose the restaurant, keep an eye on the time and follow the skipper’s instructions for returning to the boat.

What the $25 price really covers

At $25 per person, the advertised rate is low for a four-hour speedboat outing. Fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, water, and iced tea are included. Those extras matter because fuel and boat crew are normally the main costs behind a short sea excursion.

The important qualification is the €10 docking fee per person, which is not included. Add that to your budget before comparing this trip with other Zadar boat tours. Food, towels, parking, and any drinks or meals purchased on Ugljan are also your responsibility.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and use the equipment. Someone who wants a scenic ride but does not enter the water may find the trip less useful, since the stops are built around swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.

You should also see the price as covering a compact outing, not a private charter. The group can reach 12 people, and the boat is shared. That is still a small group by excursion standards, but you do not control every stop or decide the full schedule yourself.

Comfort, boat limits, and what to pack

The boat is described as clean and comfortable for its size, with enough room for a small group to sit comfortably. A speedboat also means a faster, more exposed ride than a large cruise boat. People who are sensitive to sun, spray, or motion should prepare accordingly.

There is no toilet on board. This is the most important practical limitation. Use facilities before departure and plan your shore time with that in mind.

Towels are not provided. Bring one, along with swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The supplied masks and snorkels cover the basic equipment, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer a particular fit.

There is no car parking provided. The meeting point is near public transportation at Obala kneza Branimira 27A in Zadar. Check the exact meeting details when booking and allow time to reach the dock without rushing.

The tour ends where it begins. Confirmation is issued when you book, and mobile ticketing makes the process simple at the meeting point.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a quick and active break from Zadar, especially if swimming is a major reason for going. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who are comfortable around open water.

It also works well for people who dislike large boats. A maximum of 12 participants gives the captain more room to respond to the group, and the stops can feel more personal than a large organized cruise.

Families may appreciate the mix of beach, town, and boat time. The Preko stop gives children somewhere to stretch their legs, while the swimming choices let adults set the pace. Keep in mind the missing toilet and the fact that towels and food are not supplied.

You may want a different tour if you need a fully narrated sightseeing trip, a long visit to several historic sites, or a guaranteed restaurant meal. This is primarily a water-and-islands outing. The village and food options add flavor, but they do not replace a dedicated cultural tour.

The experience also depends on weather. It requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. That is sensible for a small open speedboat, but leave some flexibility in your Zadar schedule if the trip is important to you.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

This activity is often booked around 12 days ahead, so reserving before your visit is sensible, particularly in the busy season. The group limit is small, and the €25 rate makes it appealing to people looking for a short sea trip.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local time.

If bad weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy gives you useful protection, but it does not remove the need to watch the forecast and keep the day flexible.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want three chances to swim, a small boat, basic snorkeling gear, and a little time in Preko or Kali without giving up an entire day. The skipper’s flexibility is a real advantage, especially when some people want water time and others prefer a café, seafood, or a beach.

Skip it if the no-toilet setup, extra docking charge, or lack of included food and towels will bother you. For most people who pack sensibly and understand that this is a relaxed half-day on the water, the combination of Ugljan, clear coves, Preko, and optional Kali makes the $25 starting price attractive. Just budget for the €10 fee and bring your own towel.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour begin?

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 27A, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Zadar.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of 12 participants.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the skipper, a mask and snorkel, water, and iced tea are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, although you can buy meals at restaurants in Preko or Kali.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on board.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is parking included?

No. The tour provider does not provide car parking. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted or refunded.