Half-day speedboat trip from Zadar with drinks

Zadar’s waterfront quickly gives way to open water on this four-hour speedboat outing. You visit Preko on Ugljan Island, then spend time swimming and snorkeling around Ošljak, a small island stop that keeps the day outdoors and easygoing.

I like the mix of short boat rides and useful shore time, and I like that drinks, fruit, fuel, and snorkeling gear are included. The possible catch is the extra €10 port fee per person, which pushes the real cost above the advertised $30. The schedule also leaves little room for a long visit in either place.

Key points to know before booking

• Preko gives you 75 minutes for coffee, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Ošljak allows about one hour focused on swimming and snorkeling.
• Ice tea, beer, fruit, fuel, and masks are included in the price.
• The €10 port fee per person is extra, so budget for it before you arrive.
• A professional skipper leads the trip in English or Croatian.
• The skipper may adapt the outing to your wishes, depending on the day and conditions.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The meeting point is the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27. That is a practical spot near Zadar’s waterfront, but check the exact pier carefully before setting off, since a marina area can have several nearby access points.

Once aboard, the first speedboat ride lasts about 45 minutes. This is long enough to feel that you have left the city behind, but not so long that the trip becomes a transport exercise. You get a fast look at the water and islands from a low boat rather than from a large ferry.

A speedboat also changes the rhythm of the outing. You spend less of the morning getting from place to place and more time at the two planned stops. The tradeoff is exposure: the ride can feel lively, and you should expect spray or wind rather than a quiet, enclosed cabin.

The trip is designed for relaxation, not a packed sightseeing checklist. You can sit in the Mediterranean sun, take a drink, and watch the water pass. Ice tea and beer are included, and fruit is available during the journey. Since fuel is covered, there are no added fuel charges to worry about.

The skipper speaks English and Croatian. No individual skipper name is supplied, so you should not book this expecting a named guide or a formal history lecture. The value here is the boat access, local routing, swimming time, and a flexible approach on the water.

Preko: coffee, a walk, and time in the water

The first stop is Preko on Ugljan Island, reached after the 45-minute ride. You have about 75 minutes here, with several ways to use it: coffee, a walk, swimming, or snorkeling.

That choice matters. Preko is not treated as a long guided town tour. You are given a compact window to enjoy the village and shoreline at your own pace. If you want a coffee and a short walk, this stop provides a pleasant break from the boat. If you would rather get wet right away, you can use the same time for swimming or snorkeling.

I would think of Preko as the trip’s most balanced stop. It gives you a taste of island life without requiring a full day ashore. You get a little village time, a little water time, and a chance to stretch your legs.

The 75-minute limit is also the main drawback. A coffee, walk, swim, and snorkeling session can quickly consume the entire stop. You will need to choose your priorities instead of trying to do everything at length. If your ideal island visit means lingering over a long café break, this schedule may feel brief.

Snorkeling masks are included, which is useful because you do not need to bring your own equipment for the planned water stops. The supplied information does not specify fins, wetsuits, or other gear, so bring only what you know you need and do not assume a full equipment setup is provided.

Preko is a good place to keep the morning unhurried. Take the walk first if you want to see more of the village, then swim if time allows. Or reverse the order if getting into the water is your main reason for booking.

The 20-minute run to Ošljak

After Preko, the boat heads to Ošljak. This second ride lasts about 20 minutes, so you are not stuck on board for another long crossing. It gives you a short pause between stops and another chance to enjoy the open-water setting.

Ošljak is the more focused stop. You have about one hour for swimming and snorkeling, with no coffee or village walk listed for this part of the route. That makes it easier to settle into the water and enjoy a simple beach break.

I like this structure. Preko supplies variety, while Ošljak keeps the second stop clear and uncomplicated. You do not need to decide among several activities once you arrive. You can concentrate on the water, use the mask provided, and make the most of the final island stop.

At the same time, expectations matter. The description does not promise a particular beach, marine life, beach facilities, or a specific snorkeling site. You should book this for time in the sea and a pleasant island setting, not for a guaranteed wildlife encounter or a highly developed underwater excursion.

The weather and sea conditions may affect how comfortable the stop feels, though no detailed conditions policy is supplied. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything else you personally need for an hour outside. The trip includes drinks, but the information does not state that a full meal is provided, so eat beforehand if you need more than fruit.

Returning to Zadar after four easy hours

The return ride brings you back to Obala kneza Branimira 27, the same place where the activity begins. The total duration is four hours, including both speedboat transfers and the two island stops.

That timing works well if you want a half-day outing rather than a full-day commitment. You can still keep part of the day open for Zadar, another activity, or a slower meal. It also suits people who want a taste of the islands without arranging ferries, taxis, and separate beach stops themselves.

The route has a clear shape:

• About 45 minutes by speedboat from Zadar to Preko
• About 75 minutes at Preko
• About 20 minutes by speedboat to Ošljak
• About one hour at Ošljak
• Return to Zadar, completing the four-hour activity

The supplied timings account for about three hours and 15 minutes, leaving the remaining time for boarding, maneuvering, and the return journey. Do not read the listed swim times as guarantees to the exact minute. Boat schedules depend on the day’s operation and conditions.

What the $30 price really covers

At $30 per person, the advertised rate is low for a four-hour boat outing. The included fuel is important because boat trips can otherwise carry surprise charges. You also get a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, ice tea, beer, and fruit.

The port fee changes the calculation. Add €10 per person, and the mandatory cost is higher than the headline price. The exact final total depends on the booking currency and payment terms, but you should treat the fee as part of the real trip budget rather than an optional extra.

Even with that added charge, the package can offer solid value if you want a fast, organized route to two island stops. You are paying for boat transport, a skipper, refreshments, and access to a short island program. It is less compelling if you only want a cheap ride across the water or plan to spend the whole day on one beach.

There is no stated lunch inclusion. Beer and ice tea are listed, along with fruit, but not a full meal. For most people, that means a light refreshment break rather than food service.

The best value comes when you use both stops. If you skip swimming and snorkeling, the trip becomes a scenic boat ride with a short visit to Preko. If you enjoy being in the water, the included mask and dedicated time at Ošljak make the package more useful.

A flexible skipper can improve the morning

The strongest personal detail available about the operation is the skipper’s approach. The skipper is described as friendly, accommodating, and willing to tailor the outing to the group’s wishes.

That does not mean you can redesign the route or guarantee a particular stop. The published plan remains Preko and Ošljak. It does suggest that the captain may pay attention to what you want from the day, which is valuable on a small speedboat trip where the mood can be more personal than on a large sightseeing boat.

If you care most about swimming, say so early. If you want a coffee and a walk in Preko, make that clear too. A short trip benefits from direct communication because 75 minutes at the first stop and one hour at the second pass quickly.

The outing is guided in English and Croatian. You should expect practical help from the skipper rather than a long, formal presentation about Dalmatian history. That suits a morning built around water, sun, and scenery.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A short boat trip from Zadar
• Swimming and snorkeling without planning your own island transport
• A combination of village time and beach time
• A modest price with drinks and basic snorkeling gear included
• A flexible skipper and a relaxed half-day schedule
• A return to Zadar after four hours rather than a full-day commitment

It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families who want a simple morning on the water. The plan is easy to understand, and there are no long overland transfers between activities.

You may want a different option if you need a full meal, extensive historical guiding, a long stay on one island, or a guaranteed specialist snorkeling experience. The program is compact. Its strength is variety and convenience, not depth at any single stop.

The boat setting may also matter to you. A speedboat offers a quicker, more active ride than a large ferry, but it is not the best match for someone who prefers a slow, sheltered crossing. The information does not provide a group size, boat size, or accessibility details, so ask before booking if those points affect your comfort.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Meet at the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes planning before and after the trip easier.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and any personal water gear you prefer. Masks are included, but the supplied details do not mention fins, lockers, changing rooms, or showers. Plan on a straightforward boat-and-shore outing rather than a fully serviced beach club visit.

The tour runs for four hours, but starting times vary. Check availability for the date you want. The available languages are English and Croatian.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Zadar plans are still shifting. The €10 port fee remains the key extra cost to remember.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with two different island stops, included drinks, and time for swimming and snorkeling. Preko gives you a little coffee and village time, while Ošljak gives you a simpler hour in the sea. The friendly, accommodating skipper adds useful flexibility.

Skip it if you want a long island visit, a full lunch, detailed guiding, or a specialist snorkeling program. Also factor in the €10 port fee per person before comparing prices.

For a four-hour escape from Zadar, this is a sensible choice. You get a quick ride, two stops, and enough freedom to shape the morning around the water.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat trip from Zadar?

The full activity lasts four hours. The listed route includes about 45 minutes by speedboat to Preko and another 20-minute ride to Ošljak, with the remaining time covering the island stops and return to Zadar.

Where does the trip start?

It starts at the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27 in Zadar.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to Obala kneza Branimira 27, the same meeting point used at the start.

How much does the trip cost?

The advertised price is $30 per person. A €10 port fee per person is not included and must be added to the cost.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, ice tea, beer, and fruit are included.

Is a meal included?

No full meal is listed as included. Fruit is provided, along with ice tea and beer.

How long do you stay in Preko?

You have about 75 minutes in Preko. This time can be used for coffee, a walk, swimming, or snorkeling.

How long do you stay at Ošljak?

The stop at Ošljak lasts about one hour and is intended for swimming and snorkeling.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Croatian.