Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Wine and Snorkeling

Zadar’s best escape may be just offshore. This four-hour speedboat trip trades the city’s busy waterfront for a clear-water bay, a tiny historic island, and the easy summer pace of Preko. You get three very different stops without spending a whole day at sea.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the mix of swimming, walking, and local island life. I also like that the skippers, including Mario, Tony, Gogo, and Roko on different departures, add personal touches such as food tips, island stories, music, and help for less confident swimmers. The main catch is practical: you must pay a €10 cash docking fee, and finding parking near the meeting point can be difficult in summer.

At a glance: what makes this trip worthwhile

• Kostanj Bay gives you an early swim: Spend about 40 minutes in clear water at a sandy beach, with snorkeling gear available.
• Osljak offers a quiet island walk: See a tiny inhabited island with a ninth-century church, old ruins, Mediterranean houses, and a hilltop view.
• Preko gives you the longest stop: Enjoy about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, coffee, local shops, food, or a walk toward nearby Galevac.
• The boat keeps the day moving: Short rides between stops leave more time for the places themselves.
• Drinks are part of the price: Expect wine, water, soft drinks, and two included glasses of G&T, according to the tour details.
• The real cost is higher than the advertised fare: The $44 price does not include the €10 per-person docking fee.

Leaving Zadar for the islands

The tour starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, near the Tornado sign. You should arrive 10 minutes early and wait by the bench or sign. There is no toilet at the meeting point, and no parking is available there, so plan around both facts before you arrive.

Once aboard, the modern speedboat heads out from Zadar. The ride to the first stop takes about 15 minutes. That is long enough to feel the boat pick up speed, but short enough that you are not giving away much of your swimming time.

A speedboat is a good fit for this route. The islands sit close to Zadar, and a faster boat allows the group to visit three places in four hours. You will feel more wind and movement than on a large sightseeing vessel, so keep a firm grip on loose belongings and expect a lively ride.

The group limit of 12 matters. You are not part of a large boatload being moved from one stop to the next. The guide can speak with people directly, point out places along the way, and keep an eye on swimmers. Different departures have featured skippers such as Mario, Tony, Gogo, Johnny, Fabrizio, Mateo, Lovre, Roko, and Zvone. The exact skipper is not fixed, but the strongest pattern is a friendly, hands-on approach.

Kostanj Bay: a clear-water start

The first stop is Kostanj, a sandy beach in a sheltered bay. You get around 40 minutes here, which is enough for a swim, some sun, and a short look below the surface with the provided mask and snorkel.

This is the most straightforward stop. You do not need to make decisions about shops, restaurants, or a walking route. You simply get into the water and cool off. The bay is described as having very clear water, and the tour is well suited to anyone who wants a quick introduction to swimming along the Zadar coast.

You can also jump from the boat if conditions and the skipper allow it, though the exact swimming setup can vary. Life jackets are available for people who want them, a useful point for families and anyone who is not a strong swimmer.

Forty minutes passes quickly. If you want a long snorkeling session, this will feel brief. The value is in the variety: you swim here, explore Osljak on foot, then have a longer break at Preko.

Osljak: a tiny island with a slower rhythm

After another short boat ride, you reach Osljak. This is the most unusual stop because it feels less like a beach outing and more like a small island visit.

Osljak is described as Croatia’s smallest inhabited island, with about 29 residents. It has traditional Mediterranean architecture, thick trees, and a quiet shoreline. One curious local detail is that many residents share the same last name, a reminder that island communities can be very close-knit.

You have about 40 minutes. Use it for a walk beside the shore, or climb the small hill for a wider view. Tucked among the trees is a ninth-century church. There are also ruins of a hospital connected with people suffering from plague during the Second World War. These details give the stop more substance than a quick photo break.

There is also a bar, so you can choose a drink rather than a walk. The guide may explain the island and point out useful places, but this is not a long formal history tour. The appeal is the atmosphere: quiet paths, old stone, and a small community living at a gentler pace.

Do not expect a full afternoon of exploration. Osljak is small, and the stop is short. It works best if you enjoy a compact walk and a little local context, not if you want a major museum or a long guided tour.

Preko: the longest and most flexible stop

Preko receives about an hour and a half, making it the most useful stop for people who want choices. You can swim, snorkel, stroll through the center, browse small shops, sit with a coffee, or stop for food.

There is a small sandy beach where you can use the snorkeling equipment again. The water gives you another chance to cool down after the boat ride, and you are not limited to the short swim at Kostanj. If you prefer land to water, walk through the village and enjoy the sea view from a café.

Preko feels more active in summer than Osljak. That does not mean you are trapped in a crowded resort experience. It simply has more services and more reasons to wander. Several guides have also suggested local food spots, and one experience included advice about fresh fish and inexpensive sardines. Food is not included, so budget separately if you decide to eat.

A popular extra is Galevac, a small nearby island with an ancient monastery. From Preko, you can swim toward it, but you should only do that if you are a capable swimmer and conditions are suitable. The supplied tour information presents it as a hint, not a formal guided activity or guaranteed part of the schedule.

The 90-minute stop is the tour’s strongest feature for mixed groups. A confident swimmer can spend time in the water, someone else can shop or drink coffee, and another person can simply sit by the shore. You are less likely to feel pushed into one activity.

The boat ride back to Zadar

The return journey gives you another look at the islands and the Zadar waterfront from the water. The listed boat sections are about 15 minutes each, and the full experience is planned around four hours.

Music is part of the mood on some departures. Guides such as Tony and Mario have been praised for creating a relaxed atmosphere, while Gogo has been especially noted for personal touches and local recommendations. This is not a silent nature cruise. Expect conversation, drinks, sea air, and a social group made up of people from different countries.

The small boat also lets you see Zadar from a different angle. You will get a final look at the old city as you approach the starting point. If you are staying in Zadar for several days, this makes a pleasant break from stone streets and city sightseeing.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, the base price is attractive for a four-hour trip that includes transport, fuel, a skipper, three stops, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. The price becomes even more useful if you value time. You do not need to arrange separate transport to three island locations, hire equipment, or work out a boat route yourself.

But add the €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival. That fee covers the stops, but it is not included in the advertised price. The final amount will also depend on the exchange rate used for the dollar price.

Included drinks are wine, water, and soft drinks, plus two glasses of G&T. The supplied details describe the G&T as one at each stop, though there are three stops, so ask the crew how the drinks will be handled on your departure. Coffee, lunch, and towels are not included.

For value, I would judge this tour as a good half-day choice rather than a luxury charter. You share the boat with other people, and the route follows a set schedule. In return, you get a modern boat, a local skipper, fuel, gear, and a compact island itinerary at a relatively low base price.

Who will enjoy it most

This trip suits you if you want a mix of sea time and island time. It works particularly well for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who can manage swimming and boat movement.

It is also a smart choice for a cruise stop or a short stay in Zadar. You get a clear taste of the coast without committing a full day. The 90-minute Preko stop gives you room to choose your own pace, while the shorter stops keep the outing varied.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, private boat day. With up to 12 people, you will share the space and the schedule. You should also be comfortable with getting on and off a boat for swimming, walking on uneven island paths, and spending time in the sun.

The experience is not built around serious snorkeling. The equipment is supplied, but the stops focus on casual swimming and seeing the coast rather than a long underwater session. If your main goal is a dedicated snorkeling trip, a specialist excursion may suit you better.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Towels are not supplied. Cash is essential for the €10 docking fee, and you should arrange a toilet stop before meeting the group.

Arrive early, especially in summer. Parking is not available at the meeting point, and finding a space nearby can take time. The meeting instructions ask you to wait by the bench or Tornado sign 10 minutes before departure.

The tour is conducted in English. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later, which helps if your Zadar schedule is still changing. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 246 ratings, with 94 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The most consistent praise concerns the skippers, the beautiful swimming spots, the relaxed mood, and the chance to see several places without rushing. A smaller but useful warning is that the pre-departure process can sometimes feel confusing while people are assigned to boats. That issue is separate from the skipper once you are underway.

Should you book the Zadar island tour?

I would book this if you want an easy, social half-day on the water with enough variety to keep the outing interesting. Kostanj is for swimming, Osljak is for a short island walk, and Preko is for choice, which is a sensible structure for four hours.

The best reason to go is the balance. You are not stuck on a boat all day, but you also do not spend the whole excursion in one beach stop. Add the friendly skipper style, included drinks, and a small group, and the trip offers solid value after you account for the €10 fee.

Skip it if you want privacy, a long historical tour, or serious snorkeling. Otherwise, pack a towel, bring cash, arrive early, and enjoy a breezy look at the islands just beyond Zadar.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about four hours, including the boat rides and three island or coastal stops.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. Wait by the bench or the Tornado sign and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

How many people are in the group?

The experience is limited to 12 participants.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Kostanj Bay, Osljak Island, and Preko Island, followed by the boat ride back to Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and can be used at the swimming stops, including Kostanj and Preko.

What drinks are included?

Wine, water, soft drinks, and two glasses of G&T are included. Coffee and lunch are not included.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. You must pay a €10 docking fee per person in cash on arrival. This covers all stops.

Is parking or a toilet available at the meeting point?

Parking is not available at the meeting point, and toilets are not available there. Plan ahead, especially during summer.