Visit 2 Islands of Zadar on a traditional wooden boat during half-day trip

Two islands, two very different moods: Preko is inhabited and easygoing, while Ošljak is a tiny, uninhabited stop where the main attractions are clear water, quiet coves, and time in the sea. This four-hour wooden-boat outing gives you a quick taste of the Zadar Archipelago without taking up a full day.

I like the small-group feel, with the boat usually limited to 10 people and an official maximum of 12. I also like the simple plan: around 90 minutes at Preko, then around 90 minutes at Ošljak, with snorkeling equipment provided for the second stop.

The main consideration is that this is more of a scenic island and swimming trip than a formal guided tour. Some skippers, including Gogo, Bart, Ivan, and Joseph, have been praised for being friendly and informative, but English commentary is not guaranteed every time. The sea can also turn choppy, especially outside the main summer season.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in four hours: Visit sociable Preko and quiet, uninhabited Ošljak in one half-day.
• A traditional wooden boat: Enjoy the journey itself, with open views across the water from Zadar.
• Swimming and snorkeling time: Use the supplied mask at Ošljak, where the water is clear and the bay is suited to a leisurely swim.
• Small-group atmosphere: The usual limit is 10 people, with a stated maximum of 12.
• Bring water shoes: Several swimming areas are rocky, so bare feet may be uncomfortable.
• Good value at $26.55: The price is low for a four-hour boat outing, though food, taxes, and any paid purchases are not included.

From Zadar to the islands by wooden boat

The trip begins at Zadar Boat Tours on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, close to public transportation. You return to this same meeting point after the island stops, which keeps the outing simple if you are fitting it between other plans in Zadar.

The traditional wooden boat is part of the appeal. You are not simply being delivered to two islands in a closed vehicle. The crossing gives you changing views of Zadar, the open Adriatic, and the nearby islands. On a calm day, the ride feels relaxed and scenic. On a windier day, expect some rocking and spray, particularly on the return to town.

The boat usually carries a small group. That matters here because the experience is built around swimming, wandering, and informal time with the skipper rather than a large organized crowd. The stated limit is 10 people in the main tour description, while the additional booking information gives a maximum of 12. Either way, this is a much more personal setup than a large sightseeing boat.

Skippers named in the feedback include Gogo, Bart, Ivan, Joseph, Rocco, Ilja, and Emilio. Their style can shape the day. Gogo was repeatedly praised for being friendly and attentive, while Bart was described as accommodating and willing to share facts about Zadar. Ivan and Joseph were also singled out for friendly conversation and a good atmosphere.

Still, I would not book this expecting a fixed lecture about Croatian islands, local ecology, or Zadar’s past. The advertised language is English, but one outing had a skipper who did not speak English, and the operator explains that the skipper’s main duty is running the boat. If learning about the region is your main goal, you may want a separate walking tour or a more formal guided excursion.

Preko gives you 90 minutes to choose your own pace

Preko is the more developed of the two stops. It is an inhabited island in the Zadar Archipelago, with a sandy beach, cafés, restaurants, and places to pause with a drink or ice cream.

You get roughly 90 minutes here. That is enough time for a swim, a short wander, or a relaxed break by the water. It is not enough for an ambitious island expedition, so think of Preko as a pleasant taste rather than a full tour of the island.

I like the flexibility. You are not pushed into one activity. You can swim from the beach, sit at a café, look around the village, or simply enjoy the view back toward the mainland. Families may appreciate the easy mix of water, food, and places to sit. One account also noted a sea inflatable for children, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed feature of every visit.

Preko is also the practical stop if you want food. The tour does not provide lunch or food, but restaurants and cafés are available on the island. You may find enough time for a meal if service is quick, though a full restaurant visit could reduce your time for wandering or swimming.

Some people may find 90 minutes too short. The stop works best if you decide in advance what you want to do. I would choose one main activity, such as swimming or a walk, rather than trying to cover everything.

Ošljak is the quieter stop for swimming and snorkeling

Ošljak changes the mood completely. It is a small, uninhabited island with a more natural, untouched setting than Preko. There are no cafés or restaurants listed for this stop, so bring your own water and do not expect a meal there.

The boat allows about 90 minutes around the island. Snorkeling masks are provided, and you can explore the water around the bay before swimming or relaxing on shore. The clear Adriatic water is the main attraction, not a long list of organized activities.

The snorkeling itself is best approached with modest expectations. You may see fish and enjoy a clear view below the surface, but this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling tour or a major marine-life excursion. One account found the snorkeling less impressive than the swimming, while still enjoying the peaceful setting and clean water.

I would bring water shoes. The swimming areas can be rocky, and one account specifically warned that footwear suitable for wearing in the water makes the stop more comfortable. Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a bottle of water as well. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but not food or a complete beach kit.

Ošljak is arguably the more memorable stop for anyone who likes quiet places. You have room to swim, sit, and look across the water without the café-lined feel of Preko. A possible drawback is that the time can pass quickly. One person felt the smaller island deserved more time than Preko, so if you prefer wild scenery to restaurants, Ošljak may be the part you most want to savor.

What the four-hour schedule really gives you

The advertised duration is about four hours, split between the two islands. In a perfect run, you spend about 90 minutes at Preko and 90 minutes at Ošljak, with the remaining time used for the boat crossings.

That is a sensible length for a morning or afternoon. You get a proper taste of island life and swimming without committing an entire day. If you are in Zadar for a short stay, this trip can fill a half-day while leaving time for the Old Town, the Sea Organ, or an evening meal.

The schedule is not completely immune to sea conditions and delays. One outing left Zadar late, which cut the second stop to less than an hour and returned earlier than expected. Another had a rough and wet ride back after the weather changed. The company may operate in October, but conditions are less settled outside summer.

If the forecast looks poor, pay attention before you go. The activity requires good weather, and the operator can cancel for weather or insufficient numbers, offering another date or a full refund. Captains make the operating decision, but you should still dress for the sea and understand that a boat trip can feel rougher than it looks from shore.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the small details that matter

This is a water-based outing, so your enjoyment depends partly on arriving prepared. I would pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Water shoes for rocky entries
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A bottle of water
• A light layer for the boat ride back
• A small amount of cash or a card for cafés and restaurants at Preko

Snorkeling masks are included, but the listing does not promise fins. If you normally rely on fins, ask before departure rather than assuming they are supplied.

Some people received complimentary drinks on board, and one account described regular offers of drinks. These extras are not listed as an included feature, so I would treat them as a possible courtesy rather than part of the price. Food is not provided, and you should plan to buy it at Preko or eat before leaving.

The water can be deep enough for jumping from the boat in suitable spots, but do not assume every departure offers the same setup. The exact swimming location depends on the skipper and sea conditions. Always follow the skipper’s instructions around the boat and shore.

Is $26.55 good value?

At $26.55 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to get on the water from Zadar. The price covers about four hours of boat time, two island stops, and the use of snorkeling equipment. For a small group, that is a strong value if your priority is scenery and swimming.

The low price also explains what is not included. You do not receive lunch, food, or stated taxes and fees, and the trip is not designed as a polished, all-inclusive cruise. You are paying for transport between Zadar and the islands, time to explore on your own, and access to a mask at Ošljak.

I see the value most clearly for couples, friends, and families who are comfortable making their own plans once ashore. You can spend very little beyond the ticket if you bring water and use your time for swimming. If you want restaurant food at Preko, drinks, or other purchases, budget separately.

A full-day trip would make more sense if you want longer island visits, a slow lunch, or several swimming locations. This half-day version is better for a first taste or a short stay.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this trip if you want:

• A short escape from Zadar’s streets and heat
• A traditional boat rather than a large cruise vessel
• Time to swim in clear Adriatic water
• A mix of an inhabited island and a quiet natural stop
• A low-cost activity that does not consume the whole day
• A relaxed outing with a small number of people

It suits families because Preko offers cafés, restaurants, a sandy beach, and room for different ages to choose different activities. It also suits couples and friends who want a scenic boat ride without a packed schedule.

I would hesitate if you need a detailed English-speaking guide, guaranteed commentary, a full meal, or a highly fixed timetable. The skippers can be warm and informative, but the guiding level varies. The crossing can also become choppy, and the schedule may shift with weather or departure delays.

The activity is listed as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation. Still, anyone with concerns about rocky swimming areas or rough boat conditions should consider those points before booking.

Booking, meeting point, and cancellation details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour begins and ends at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The experience is commonly booked in advance, with an average booking lead time of 19 days. That does not guarantee every date will sell out, but it is a useful reason to reserve ahead during busy periods.

Should you book the Preko and Ošljak boat trip?

I would book it if you want a well-priced half-day on the Adriatic, especially if swimming and simple island time matter more to you than formal guiding. The strongest features are the small boat, the contrast between Preko and Ošljak, and the chance to spend real time in the water rather than just passing the islands.

Go prepared for a basic outing. Bring water shoes, pack your own drinks and snacks, and do not count on a detailed English commentary or complimentary refreshments. If you accept those limits, $26.55 buys a pleasant change of pace from Zadar, with enough time to swim, wander, and enjoy the sea without giving up your entire day.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours. You have about 90 minutes at Preko and about 90 minutes at Ošljak, with the remaining time spent traveling between Zadar and the islands.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Preko and Ošljak in the Zadar Archipelago. Preko is inhabited, while Ošljak is a small, uninhabited island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, including masks, is provided for use near Ošljak.

Is food or lunch included?

No. Lunch and food are not provided. Preko has cafés and restaurants where you may be able to buy food during the stop.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar, Croatia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour is described as having a limit of 10 people, while the additional booking information gives a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

The activity is offered in English, but the level of English commentary can vary by skipper. Some outings have included informative English-speaking skippers, while another had a skipper who did not speak English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings may also lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.