Island Adventure – Ugljan by Speedboat

The best part of this trip is the mix of speed and freedom. You leave Zadar by small speedboat, reach Ugljan quickly, and still have time for swimming, snorkeling, village walks, and a look at Ošljak. I like the two swimming stops and the relaxed pace, plus the chance to shape the outing instead of following a rigid sightseeing script. The main thing to consider is the ride itself: a fast boat can be bumpy, so this is not a good pick if you have back problems.

I also like the human touch. When Mario is your skipper, he brings a friendly, careful style, offers water or a local beer, and explains what you are seeing without turning the trip into a lecture. At $45 per person, fuel, port fees, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included, making this a strong value for a four-hour taste of the Zadar islands.

Key points

• Two swimming stops: Expect time in clear coves where you can swim and use the included snorkeling equipment.
• Preko and Ugljan: Walk through an island port village, stop for food or ice cream, and see traditional stone homes.
• Ošljak included: The route reaches the small island of Ošljak as well as Ugljan.
• Small group of up to 10: The skipper can adjust the outing more easily than a large boat operator.
• Mario’s careful guiding: When Mario leads, he is known for a warm manner, local explanations, and close attention to safety.
• Good value at $45: Fuel, port charges, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are covered.

Leaving Zadar by Speedboat

The tour begins at Zadar’s harbor, close to the old town and behind the Mala Posta bus stop near the gas station. That location matters because you can reach it without a long transfer, and it is easy to combine with time in central Zadar.

Once aboard, you head across the water toward Ugljan. The speedboat gives you a much wider view than a short harbor cruise. You see Zadar recede behind you, then watch the nearby islands and mainland coast shift into the distance. The crossing is part of the experience, not just transport between stops.

The boat carries no more than 10 people. That is small enough for direct conversation with the skipper and enough flexibility to adjust the timing. If one group member wants more swimming time and another prefers a walk in Preko, the skipper has more room to balance those wishes than a large excursion boat would.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat moves quickly, and the ride may feel lively when the water is not perfectly calm. Sit where the skipper directs you, hold on when needed, and think twice if you have a back condition. This is an active boat outing, not a quiet cruise with padded seats and a fixed view.

First Island Stop: Preko Across from Zadar

Preko is the main port village on Ugljan’s northern side, directly across from Zadar. Its position gives you an immediate sense of how close the islands are to the city, while the stone houses, narrow streets, waterfront, and beaches feel far removed from urban Zadar.

The stop is flexible. You can take a short walk, swim, eat, or simply sit with an ice cream and watch the water. Some people use the time for a meal, while others prefer to keep it simple and cool off in the sea.

I like Preko because it gives the trip a needed change of rhythm. The speedboat ride is exciting, but an island visit should include time on land. A brief walk through the village lets you notice the traditional Dalmatian architecture and the everyday port setting. You are not only racing from one photo stop to the next.

Do not expect a full town tour here. The duration is only four hours, and Preko works best as a short pause rather than a long historical visit. If you want a slow lunch, a serious shopping session, and several hours at the beach, this excursion may feel too compressed. If you want a taste of island life without giving up half a day, the timing works well.

Ugljan’s Beaches, Olive Groves, and Stone Villages

Ugljan is the main island focus, and the town of Ugljan offers a quieter setting than Zadar. The coast combines pebble and sandy beaches with clear water, while stone houses and seafront views give the town a traditional Dalmatian feel.

The exact balance between swimming and walking can change with the group and the skipper. That flexibility is useful. You may want to spend more time in the water, or you may prefer to see more of the island on foot. The trip is designed to adapt rather than force every person through the same fixed schedule.

Popular beach areas named for the island include Jadrtovac and Lučišće. The key appeal is simple: you get time to swim in the Adriatic instead of only looking at it from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The rocky underwater areas can be interesting for a short look below the surface, though this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling tour.

Ugljan is also known for its olive groves. These groves are part of the island’s daily character, not just a pretty backdrop. The Mediterranean climate supports olive growing, and local producers make olive oil. An olive oil tasting may be possible as part of a broader island visit, but it is not listed as a guaranteed feature, so do not book this trip mainly for a tasting.

Swimming in Clear Adriatic Coves

Swimming is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. The trip includes stops in coves where you can get into the water, and the available trip details describe two swimming stops. The coves may still have other boats nearby during the summer, so you should not picture a private bay with no one else around.

Even with that summer traffic, the boat lets you reach places beyond the most obvious city beaches. The water is clear enough for snorkeling over rocky sections, and the setting gives you a better sense of the islands than a straight ride to a single beach.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up for the boat ride. Drinks are included, with water and local beer specifically provided on some trips. The supplied information does not list food, so plan to buy something in Preko if you need lunch or a snack.

Families can fit this outing well. A seven-year-old and a one-and-a-half-year-old were accommodated on one trip, with the children able to take part and the adults feeling supported. Still, you know your own child best. A speedboat, open sun, swimming, and a four-hour schedule demand more attention than a calm ferry ride.

Reaching Ošljak by Boat

Ošljak is included alongside Ugljan, adding another island setting to the route. The stop helps make this more than a simple visit to Preko. You get the contrast between a port village on Ugljan and the smaller island atmosphere of Ošljak.

The provided details do not set out a fixed list of sights or a guaranteed amount of time on Ošljak. That is important. Think of it as part of a flexible island route, where the skipper chooses suitable stops based on the day, the sea, and the group.

This uncertainty is a benefit if you like an outing that feels personal. It is less helpful if you want a strict timetable with exact arrival and departure times for every stop. Ask the skipper at the start how the four hours are likely to be divided if seeing both islands is your top priority.

The route is especially appealing for people who have already spent time in Zadar and want to see what lies just offshore. You are close enough to return quickly, but the boat gives the day a clear sense of getting away from the city.

What Mario Adds to the Experience

Mario is the skipper named most often in the available trip details. When he is leading your departure, expect an outgoing guide who likes to explain the places along the route and keep the mood easy.

His approach seems particularly good for mixed groups. He has helped families feel safe, allowed children a brief turn at the wheel under supervision, and kept the day calm rather than rushed. That does not mean every departure will have the same exact style, but it gives you a useful picture of the guiding approach associated with the experience.

Safety is another strong point. Mario is described as careful about conditions and unwilling to take needless risks. That may mean a stop changes or a route is adjusted. I would consider that a fair trade for a skipper who puts the group’s comfort before a promised photo opportunity.

The tour is offered in Croatian and English. That is enough for most international visitors who want basic explanations about the islands, the stops, and the local setting. The focus is on a friendly boat outing, not a formal history presentation.

What the $45 Price Covers

At $45 per person, this is inexpensive for a four-hour speedboat outing in the Zadar area. The price includes the professional skipper, fuel, port fees, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. Those inclusions matter because boat tours can look cheap at first, then add fuel charges, equipment rental, or harbor fees later.

You are paying for movement between islands as well as time in the water. A ferry may cost less, but it will not give you the same access to small coves or the same ability to combine Preko, Ugljan, and Ošljak in one short outing. A private speedboat would offer more control, but would cost much more once divided among only a few people.

The value is strongest for a small group that wants several elements in one package. You get transportation, a guide, swimming, snorkeling gear, and a drink without needing to organize separate tickets.

The price is less compelling if you want a full day at one beach. In that case, a public ferry and a self-planned beach visit could give you more time on land. You also need to accept that the trip is short. Four hours is enough for a lively half-day, not a thorough survey of Ugljan Island.

Who Should Book This Island Trip

I would recommend it most to people staying in Zadar who want an active break with minimal planning. It suits couples, small friend groups, and families who enjoy swimming and a bit of speed. The small capacity also works well if you dislike large organized excursions.

It is a good match for you if you want:

• A half-day on the water rather than a full-day commitment
• Several island stops in one outing
• Swimming and snorkeling without bringing your own equipment
• A friendly skipper and a more personal boat setting
• A low price with fuel and port costs included
• A flexible route that can respond to the group

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, dislike fast boat rides, or need a detailed historical tour. The itinerary has cultural interest, including St. Michael’s Church and the Fortress of St. Michael, but the experience is primarily about the sea, scenery, swimming, and island atmosphere. A visit to the church or fortress is not clearly promised as a scheduled stop.

The same advice applies to anyone seeking total solitude. Ugljan’s coves can feel peaceful, but summer boats may be present. The trip offers a quieter setting than Zadar, not a private island.

Practical Details Before You Go

The tour lasts four hours, so keep your plans around it fairly light. You will want time to change after swimming, and the boat ride back to Zadar brings you close to the old town for an afternoon or evening meal.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want. The live guide service is offered in Croatian and English, and the group is limited to 10 people.

The trip includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Zadar schedule depends on weather or another booking.

Wear secure footwear for moving around the boat and island shore, though specific footwear requirements are not provided. Bring sun protection and a towel. Since food is not listed among the inclusions, use the stop in Preko to buy something if you need more than the supplied drinks.

Is Ugljan by Speedboat Worth Booking?

Yes, if you want a short, affordable island outing with real time for swimming. The combination of Ugljan, Preko, and Ošljak gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer, while the 10-person limit keeps the trip personal.

Book it if the idea of clear water, rocky snorkeling areas, a quick village walk, and a fast ride from Zadar sounds right. Skip it if your back cannot handle a speedboat, or if you want a long, slow day focused on one island.

At $45, the package is hard to fault on value. Just keep your expectations in the right place: this is a lively four-hour taste of the Zadar archipelago, guided by the conditions and the group, not a full island tour.

FAQ

How long is the Ugljan speedboat tour?

The experience lasts four hours, including the speedboat ride from Zadar, island stops, swimming time, and the return journey.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Zadar’s harbor. The meeting point is directly behind the gas station near the old town and can be reached by bus using the Mala Posta stop.

Which islands and places does the trip visit?

The route includes Ugljan and Ošljak, with a stop in Preko, the main port village on Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fuel, port fees, the professional skipper, and drinks are included in the price.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Is the trip suitable for someone with back problems?

No. People with back problems are advised not to join because the speedboat ride can be demanding.