From Zadar: Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar outing is the mix of fast open-water cruising and easy island time. You leave the waterfront, stop for a swim in Blue Bay Otrić, pause at a quieter island spot, then finish in Preko, where you can swim, eat, browse, or walk over to Galevac Island.

I like the small group of 12, the included drinks, and the way the schedule leaves room for swimming and a little town wandering. Guides such as Mateo, Simon, Tom, and Antonio are often praised for keeping the mood friendly, playing music, helping with photos, and looking after families. The tradeoff is a fully open speedboat: wind, sun, noise, and sea spray are part of the package, and Preko may feel too short if you want a long beach day.

At a glance

• Blue Bay Otrić: Spend about 45 minutes swimming and snorkeling in water roughly 2 to 3 meters deep.
• A flexible island stop: Weather, wind, sea conditions, and crowds determine the middle location.
• Preko finale: Enjoy about an hour for the beach, cafés, restaurants, ice cream, or a short swim to Galevac Island.
• Drinks included: Water and iced tea are available throughout, plus three beers per person.
• Small boat: The speedboat carries up to 12 people, with a canopy over the rear seats.
• Extra cost: Pay the docking fee in cash before departure, 10 euros for people aged 12 and up, or 5 euros for children 11 and younger.

Leaving Zadar by open speedboat

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, near the Nautica Zadar sign. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The dock can be busy, and a late arrival could hold up a small boat with a fixed schedule.

Once aboard, you will cruise at about 20 to 25 knots. That speed gives you a fresh view of the coast quickly, but it also means you should dress for motion. The front is uncovered, while the rear has an awning. The canopy helps with strong sun, though it does not turn the boat into a shaded cabin.

I would choose a seat based on the weather. The front offers the most open view and the strongest sense of speed. The rear gives you some cover, but you may still feel wind and spray. On a rough day, nobody stays perfectly dry.

This is not a quiet sightseeing launch. The engine is part of the experience, and music may be played during the ride. The atmosphere can be social, with couples, families, solo visitors, and groups sharing a compact boat. Guides including Mateo, Simon, Tom, and Antonio have received especially warm praise for their humor, music choices, friendly manner, and attention to safety.

Blue Bay Otrić sets the tone

After roughly 15 minutes by boat, the first stop is Blue Bay Otrić. You get about 45 minutes here, with time to swim or use the supplied mask and snorkel.

The water is described as 2 to 3 meters deep, so this is a proper open-water swim rather than a shallow beach paddle. Life vests are provided, and you can remain aboard if you prefer not to swim. The water may feel cold outside the main summer season. One family found it tolerable in late May, especially with bright sun afterward.

This stop works well as an early introduction to the Adriatic. You can cool off, look below the surface, and get comfortable with the boat before the longer island break. The only limitation is the clock. Forty-five minutes passes quickly once you account for getting ready, swimming, snorkeling, and climbing back aboard.

Bring your own towel, since none is provided. A change of clothes is useful, particularly if the wind picks up. You should also pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear that will stay secure while boarding and swimming.

The middle stop changes with the sea

The next location is not fixed. The skipper chooses it according to the forecast, wind direction, sea conditions, and how crowded particular places are that day.

You might stop at a small fishing settlement, a quiet cove, or another attractive island location. The available hour may be used for a walk, swimming, snorkeling, or simply sitting by the water. This flexible approach is useful because the best stop on a windy day may not be the best stop on a calm day.

It also means you should not book this trip expecting one exact beach or town. The middle stop is part of the discovery, but it is also the least predictable part of the plan. If a particular island is essential to your schedule, this tour is not the right way to guarantee it.

Some people may find this hour is better spent at Preko, especially if they want a sandy beach and time for lunch or ice cream. Others will appreciate the quieter feel of a less developed stop. Your skipper’s choice matters here, and conditions can make one location far better than another.

Preko gives you the most choice

The final island stop is Preko, reached after about 10 minutes from the middle location. You have roughly one hour here, and this is where the trip becomes more flexible and town-based.

You can swim from the sandy beach, sit onshore, or walk around the small town. Restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores give you options beyond the boat. A short swim of about 20 meters takes you to Galevac Island, adding a simple extra outing for confident swimmers.

Preko is also the most practical stop for families. The beach is described as child-friendly, and there are places to buy food and cool drinks. Showers near the beach can be useful if you plan to return to Zadar and continue sightseeing in dry clothes.

The drawback is time. One hour allows you to sample Preko, not settle into a full beach afternoon. If your main goal is to relax on a sandy shore, you may wish the schedule gave Preko more time. The boat must still return to Zadar, and the earlier swimming and island stops use much of the four-hour window.

After Preko, the ride back takes about 15 minutes. You return to the same waterfront meeting point, with no hotel or cruise ship transfer included.

What the $38 price really covers

At $38 per person, this is a strong-value way to get onto the water for half a day. The price includes the skipper, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, life vests, unlimited water and iced tea, and three beers per person.

The drinks matter because you are exposed to the sun for four hours. Water and iced tea are available onboard, and the beer is a pleasant extra for adults. Expect chilled drinks rather than a full bar service, and ask the skipper if you need something. The crew may be busy handling the boat and not offer a drink at every moment.

You will need to add the docking fee in cash before departure. It is 10 euros for anyone aged 12 or older and 5 euros for children 11 and younger. Food is not included, so use Preko for snacks or lunch, or bring only what the operator permits. The supplied information does not list a food service onboard.

The value is best if you want a taste of several places without arranging separate ferries, taxis, beach visits, and snorkeling equipment. It is less compelling if you want long, unhurried time at one beach. You are paying for movement, scenery, equipment, and a social boat ride as much as for time onshore.

The practical limits of the boat

This is a four-hour outing on an open vessel. There is no indoor cabin, no toilet onboard, and no toilet at the departure point. You should use a bathroom before meeting the boat. Toilet access is available at the final stop, but you should not plan to wait until then if you are uncomfortable at sea.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with serious mobility limitations. You need enough mobility to board the speedboat and move around safely. The stated weight limit is 120 kilograms, or about 250 pounds, so check this before booking if it applies to you.

There is no hotel pickup, cruise ship pickup, or parking solution. If you arrive by car, parking near the waterfront can be very difficult. Public transport, a taxi, or a walk from your accommodation may be easier, but the activity information only confirms that you must make your own way to Nautica Zadar.

Pets are not allowed. Babies under one year are not considered suitable for this activity. Families with older children can enjoy it, and several guides have been praised for taking good care of children, but parents should be ready for noise, wind, sun, and a wet ride.

Weather can change the whole experience

Check the forecast before you go, but remember that a warm day can still be windy on the water. Rough seas mean more bouncing and occasional spray. You may get wet even if you never enter the sea.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing, pack a towel and a dry change of clothes, and protect your phone. A hat with a secure strap is better than a loose one. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential because shade is limited.

The trip may be exhilarating in calm weather and tiring in strong wind. If you dislike motion, sea spray, or direct sun, an enclosed boat or land-based beach day will suit you better. If you enjoy speed and do not mind a little disorder, the open design is exactly what makes this outing fun.

Who will enjoy this four-hour island trip

I would recommend it most to people who want a lively half-day rather than a formal history tour. The guide speaks English, but the main appeal is the coast, swimming, music, drinks, and easy conversation with people from different countries.

It suits:

• Families with children who can handle a boat ride and open-water swimming
• Couples who want scenery and a simple island escape
• Solo visitors who like small-group activities
• Friends looking for music, swimming, and a relaxed social mood
• Anyone with only half a day in Zadar

It is less suited to anyone seeking a long stay at one beach, a silent nature trip, or extensive historical commentary. The guides can answer questions and share information about the area, but the schedule is built around the sea, not museums or monuments.

The small group is an advantage. With up to 12 people, the skipper can check on passengers, help with photos, and keep the atmosphere personal. It also means the boat has limited space. Keep your belongings compact and expect to share every stop and swim break with the group.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to see several pieces of the Zadar archipelago in one easy outing, with snorkeling gear, drinks, and a lively skipper included. The combination of Blue Bay Otrić, a flexible island stop, and Preko gives you variety without taking a full day.

I would book it on a calm, sunny day and arrive prepared to get splashed. Choose it for speed, scenery, swimming, and friendly guides such as Mateo, Simon, Tom, or Antonio. Skip it if you need a toilet onboard, cannot board a small boat easily, dislike rough water, or want to spend most of your day at Preko.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve without paying immediately. That flexibility is helpful when the Adriatic forecast is uncertain, but the final decision should come down to one question: are you happy for the sea conditions to shape the day?

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The activity lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stops, island time, and the return to Zadar. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, near the Nautica Zadar photo shown with the activity information. The tour finishes back at the same meeting point.

What drinks are included?

Water and iced tea are available without limit. Each person also receives three beers. Drinks are chilled, but this is not a bar service.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included, along with life vests. Swimming fins are not provided.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet onboard or at the pickup point. You should use a bathroom before departure, with toilet access available at the final stop.

How much is the docking fee?

The docking fee is paid separately in cash before departure. It is 10 euros for people aged 12 and older, and 5 euros for children aged 11 and younger.