half day group speedboat tour of the islands around Zadar

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is the quick escape from Zadar’s waterfront into clear Adriatic water. You visit Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with time to swim, snorkel, walk, and relax instead of spending the whole day in transit. Skippers Sara and Lovro lead the listed departures, while some trips have been guided by Tomislav or Dubravko.

I like the three separate swimming areas, which give you more than one chance to find calm water and interesting sea life. I also like the friendly extras: cold water, iced tea, homemade liqueur, music, and sometimes photos taken in the water. The main drawback is the extra docking fee, $10 for adults and $5 for children up to age 11, which is not included in the advertised $31 price.

Quick take: three islands, three swim stops, one afternoon

• Ošljak begins the island-hopping route, with about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Ugljan offers clear water and quiet coves, plus time for photos, drinks, and another swim.
• Preko gives you the longest shore break, about 70 minutes for walking, free time, and water activities.
• The afternoon departure can end at sunset, making the ride back to Zadar especially appealing.
• Snorkeling gear, drinks, a life jacket, and a skipper are included, but docking costs extra.
• The $31 base price is strong value if you want several swim stops without paying for a full-day cruise.

Why this short Zadar cruise works so well

Zadar is a fine base for the northern Dalmatian coast, but its old town can feel busy in summer. This trip gives you a simple way to trade stone streets for open water without committing a full day. You leave from Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station, and head out by speedboat.

I like the balance here. You are not locked into a single beach for four hours, and you are not spending most of the day on a large ferry. The boat moves quickly between stops, while the schedule still leaves room for swimming and sitting in the sun.

The experience is also more personal than a basic transport cruise. Skippers have offered soft drinks, homemade liqueurs, snacks, fresh wild peaches, and local suggestions for restaurants and things to do in Zadar. Tomislav has been praised for taking photos in the water and sending them afterward. Dubravko has also received warm comments for his relaxed manner and useful suggestions at the final stop.

The crew can vary, so do not assume that every departure will have the same guide. The booking information identifies Sara and Lovro as the skippers, while past guests have also described trips with Tomislav and Dubravko. Whichever guide operates your boat, the activity is conducted in English.

Leaving Zadar for Ošljak

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. You should arrive ready to board, with a hat, towel, water shoes, and some cash. Bikes are not allowed on the activity.

The first ride lasts about 20 minutes. That short run matters because you reach the first island quickly, rather than burning an hour before the actual swimming begins. On a speedboat, you also get the pleasure of the trip itself: wind, open views, and a much closer feel for the water than you get from a standard ferry.

Your first island stop is Ošljak. The schedule allows about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a good opening stop because you can settle into the boat routine before the longer island break later.

Bring water shoes if you have them. The information provided does not describe the exact shore surface at every stop, so sturdy footwear is useful when moving between boat, beach, and shallow water. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, including masks and snorkels, and life jackets are available.

Underwater, you might see small fish, rocks, and other marine life. The water is described as crystal clear, and several people have singled out the visibility and variety of fish as a highlight. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a casual coastal snorkel, not a specialist marine excursion, though one captain has been described as a maritime biologist and has shared details about sea life.

Ugljan brings a second chance to swim

From Ošljak, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Ugljan, in Zadar County. The schedule includes sightseeing, a photo stop, an aperitif, and another hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This is where the trip feels less like a transfer and more like a relaxed day on the water. You can choose your own pace. Swim if the sea is calling, use the mask and snorkel to look below the surface, take photos, or simply sit with a cold drink while the boat rests in a quiet spot.

The supplied drinks include water and iced tea. Homemade liqueur is also offered, which adds a distinctly local touch. Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol, since the soft drink choices make the trip suitable for people who want to stay refreshed in the sun.

Several guides have also taken photos of people in the water. That is a useful extra because phones and cameras are awkward to manage while swimming. Still, I would not count on professional photography at every departure. Treat it as a pleasant possibility, not a guaranteed service.

Ugljan is especially good for people who want a mix of activity and downtime. The swim stops are long enough to feel worthwhile, but the boat keeps moving before the outing becomes repetitive.

Preko gives you the longest island break

A 15-minute cruise brings you to Preko. This is the most substantial stop, with about 70 minutes listed for free time, photos, walking, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and a visit.

That extra time gives you a chance to get off the boat and see more than a patch of water. You can stroll, take photographs, return to the sea, or sit and enjoy the island setting. The exact balance depends on the group and the skipper, but the plan allows more breathing room here than at Ošljak or Ugljan.

One guide has been praised for offering a good suggestion at the final stop, which hints at the value of asking questions rather than treating the schedule as fixed. If you want more swimming, say so. If you would rather walk or look around, ask what makes sense during the available break.

The stop is not a full island tour. Seventy minutes is enough for a short visit, not for a serious exploration of Preko. You should think of it as a useful pause between water activities and the ride back to Zadar.

Morning calm or afternoon sunset?

The morning tour heads out early and returns around midday. This is the practical choice if you want the rest of the day for Zadar’s old town, a meal, or another activity. It can also suit families and anyone who prefers to finish outdoor plans before the afternoon heat.

The afternoon departure has a different mood. It ends with the return to Zadar around sunset, and one departure had a sunset ride back with a chance sighting of dolphins. Dolphins are never guaranteed, but the late light alone can make the final cruise more memorable.

A late trip also lets you cool off in the sea during the warmer part of the day. One guest specifically preferred the afternoon timing for this reason. You should check the available start times before booking, since the exact schedule can change.

If you are choosing between the two, I would pick the morning for convenience and the afternoon for atmosphere. The afternoon option is particularly appealing for couples, friends, and anyone who wants the boat ride to become part of the evening rather than simply a way to get home.

What is included for $31

At $31 per person, this is a good-value outing if you plan to swim and snorkel. The price includes the boat tour, skipper, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur. You are getting transport to several islands plus equipment and refreshments, not just a seat on a boat.

The extra docking fee changes the final calculation. Adults pay $10, while children up to age 11 pay $5. That still keeps the total reasonable for a half-day on the water, but you should carry cash and remember that the advertised price is not the complete cost.

The trip is also flexible at booking. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Those terms are useful if your Zadar plans depend on the weather or if you want to wait before committing.

The four-hour duration is long enough for several stops but short enough to fit into a busy itinerary. Keep in mind that the listed timings add up to a little more than four hours when all cruise and stop estimates are counted, so allow some flexibility around the return.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• Several chances to swim in clear water
• A casual snorkeling experience with equipment supplied
• A short island outing from Zadar
• A smaller, more personal atmosphere than a large sightseeing vessel
• A choice between morning swimming and an afternoon sunset return
• A mix of boat time, beach time, and a short island visit

It suits couples, friend groups, solo visitors, and families with older children. Children under two are not accepted, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 95. Anyone with limited comfort on a moving boat should think carefully before booking, since this is a speedboat activity rather than a slow harbor cruise.

This is less suitable if you want a full cultural tour of the islands, a long beach day in one place, or a specialist snorkeling program. The focus is easygoing exploration, not detailed history or advanced water sports.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear swimwear under your clothes. With several water stops, you will not want to waste time changing between each one.

Pack a towel, hat, water shoes, and cash. Water and iced tea are supplied, but your own reusable bottle can still be handy during a sunny half-day. Sun protection is also sensible, since much of the outing takes place on or near the water.

Ask the skipper about the best use of each stop. Some people will want to snorkel at every opportunity, while others may prefer to walk at Preko or sit in the shade. The schedule has enough variety to support both styles.

If you want photos, ask early. Guides have taken pictures during swims and sent them afterward on some trips, but this is not listed as a formal inclusion. Also, keep your phone secure on the boat and use a waterproof case if you plan to bring it into the water.

Finally, do not treat the homemade liqueur as the main event. It is a nice Croatian touch, but the real value is the access to several swimming areas and the chance to see the coast from the water.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a reasonably priced half-day away from Zadar, with three island stops, supplied snorkeling gear, and a friendly skipper who can shape the outing around the group. The afternoon option is the better pick if you like sunset views and a cooler swim.

Skip it if you need a fully predictable schedule, dislike speedboats, or want serious sightseeing on the islands. For most visitors looking for clear water, easy snorkeling, and a relaxed Adriatic outing without giving up an entire day, the $31 base price offers a lot, even after the docking fee.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Obala kneza Branimira 16 in Zadar, near a gas station.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is four hours. You should allow some flexibility because the individual cruise and stop estimates can make the outing run slightly longer.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, followed by the return to Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included in the activity.

What drinks are provided?

The tour includes water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live tour guide service is provided in English.

Is the docking fee included in the price?

No. The docking fee is extra: $10 for adults and $5 for children up to 11 years old.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Swimwear and sun protection are also practical choices for a water-based outing.

Can children join the tour?

Children under two years old cannot join. Children up to age 11 pay a reduced docking fee of $5.