Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is its mix of speed and freedom. You race across the Adriatic to three nearby islands, then get time to swim, snorkel, walk, take photos, or find a coffee without being marched from one stop to the next. I like the small group of up to 12 people, and I like that guides such as Josip and Luka take photos and offer practical tips about where to eat and what to see.

The main thing to consider is the compact speedboat. It makes the ride lively, but it is not the place for a quiet, spacious cruise. You also pay docking fees separately: €10 per adult and €5 per child for all stops.

Key points at a glance

• Three islands in four hours: See Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third island without giving up a full day.
• Free time at every stop: Swim, snorkel, walk, shop, or simply sit by the water at your own pace.
• A compact group: The boat carries no more than 12 participants, making it easier to speak with the guide.
• Snorkeling gear and a GoPro11: Equipment is provided, and the guide can take underwater or action photos.
• Drinks included: Unlimited water and a local alcoholic drink are available throughout the trip.
• Strong guide presence: Josip, Luka, Josef, and other skippers are praised for clear instructions, good music, restaurant suggestions, and friendly help.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

Meet opposite the Foša restaurant at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Look for the guide in a red hat. The location is central and easy to find, but I would arrive early enough to avoid confusion around the waterfront.

Once everyone is aboard, the boat spends about 15 minutes cruising away from Zadar. This first stretch gives you a quick change of scene: the city slips behind you, and the open water becomes the focus. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, with music and enough speed to create a little adrenaline without turning the tour into a pure thrill ride.

The boat is compact, and the group limit is 12 people. That matters. You are not one face in a large crowd, and it is easier to ask the skipper about the islands, local food, or the best use of your time at each stop. Several guides, including Josip and Luka, are praised for checking that everyone was comfortable and explaining what to do before people went ashore.

This is a social outing rather than a silent yacht trip. Expect music, conversation, splashing, and a skipper who keeps the mood light. If you want a calm boat with lots of room to stretch out, choose carefully. If you like a fast ride and an informal atmosphere, the format works well.

Ošljak: your longest island stop

The first island stop is Ošljak, where you have about 80 minutes. This is the longest break of the day, so it is the best place to settle into the rhythm of the tour.

You can walk, take photos, swim, snorkel, or follow a short route on foot for views. The provided snorkeling equipment saves you from packing your own mask and fins, though you should bring a towel and sun hat. The GoPro11 is an unusual extra for a tour at this price. Ask the guide how the photos will be handled, but the camera gives you a chance to record the clear water and marine life without relying only on your phone.

Ošljak is especially useful as an opening stop because you have enough time to do more than take a quick dip. You can swim first, then walk. Or you can stay close to the shore and use the time for photos. The choice is yours, which is one of the tour’s strongest features.

The sea is a major part of the experience, but do not expect a guided marine biology session. The snorkeling is for enjoying the water and spotting marine life, not for a formal lesson. Conditions can also affect how much you see. The tour provides the equipment and access, but your experience will depend on the day, the water, and how comfortable you are swimming.

The surprise island and its clear water

After around 10 minutes on the boat, you reach the unnamed third stop. Its identity is kept as a surprise, which gives the middle of the tour a small sense of discovery. You get about 45 minutes here for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life.

This is the shortest island stop, so plan your time. If you want underwater photos, get your gear ready quickly. If you prefer to swim, the stop gives you a focused stretch in the water without asking you to spend half the day ashore.

The appeal here is simplicity. There is no long list of sights to check off. You arrive, find a good place by the water, and enjoy the setting. The guide can point out where to swim and when to return to the boat, while you decide how active you want to be.

I would not choose this trip for the surprise island alone, since the exact stop is not specified and conditions may shape the route. Think of it as a flexible bonus, not a guaranteed landmark. Its value comes from having another chance to swim and snorkel in a quieter setting between Ošljak and Preko.

Preko: coffee, shops, and a longer pause

The final island stop is Preko, with about an hour of free time. After the swimming-focused stops, Preko gives you a different kind of break. You can walk, shop, stop for coffee, swim again, or simply explore at your own speed.

This is where the guides’ local suggestions can be useful. Josip and other skippers have offered advice about restaurants and local dishes, helping you decide how to spend the hour. The time is not built around a formal guided walk, so you should listen carefully when the guide explains the meeting point and return time.

Preko suits people who want more than beaches. You can leave the shoreline for a short walk or browse the local shops, then return to the water if the heat calls for it. The one-hour limit is enough for a taste of the place, but not enough for a full island visit. Keep that in mind if you are hoping to see Preko in depth.

The stop also breaks up the physical side of the day. Four hours of sun, swimming, and boat movement can be tiring, so a coffee or shaded walk may be more sensible than another swim. You do not have to use every minute in the water to get value from the outing.

What is included for $34

At $34 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day activity rather than a private boat charter. You receive the boat ride, guide, skipper, snorkeling equipment, unlimited water, unlimited local alcoholic drinks, sun cream, and use of the GoPro11.

The value comes from the amount packed into four hours. You visit three islands, get multiple chances to swim, and have both active and relaxed options. A standard boat transfer would not give you the same freedom at each stop, while a private speedboat would normally cost far more.

There is one extra cost to plan for. Docking fees are €10 per adult and €5 per child in total for all stops. That means the advertised price is not the complete cash outlay. Even with the fee, the tour remains good value for someone who wants transport, equipment, drinks, and a guide in one package.

The included drinks deserve a closer look. Unlimited water is practical in the summer sun. The local alcoholic drink adds a Croatian touch, but it does not make this a drinking cruise. You can enjoy the boat and islands without treating the alcohol as the main event. Sun cream is supplied, though I would still bring your preferred sunscreen if you have sensitive skin or specific needs.

The guide can shape the day

The route is straightforward, but the guide makes a real difference. Josip is repeatedly praised for his energy, clear explanations, restaurant tips, and ability to take photos for the group. Luka is also singled out for his friendly manner, local advice, good music, and careful attention when someone needed help with a finger injury.

Guides such as Josef and Lukas have also been praised for explaining each island, giving clear instructions, and making solo participants feel included. The languages offered are English, Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian.

You should still listen closely at every stop. Free time does not mean you can ignore the schedule. Ask where and when to meet before you head off to swim or shop. On a small boat, a late return affects everyone.

The experience has a relaxed tone, but it is organized. That combination is useful. You get room to make your own choices, while the skipper handles the route and timing. It also means the precise feel of the trip may vary slightly with the guide, the weather, and the group on your departure.

The final ride back to Zadar

After Preko, the return cruise takes about 20 minutes. This is longer than some of the short transfers between stops, giving you time to enjoy the water, listen to music, and look back toward the islands.

The tour ends where it began, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. That makes the outing easy to fit around other plans in Zadar. You are not dropped at a different harbor, and the total duration stays close to four hours.

The return ride is also a good reminder of what this activity is designed to be. It is not a detailed cultural tour of each island. It is a fast, social way to combine swimming, short walks, small-island scenery, and local advice in one morning or afternoon.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want to get on the water without committing to a full-day cruise. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and active families with older children who can manage a compact boat and time around the water.

It is a particularly good choice if you value flexibility. At Ošljak, the surprise island, and Preko, you are free to choose between swimming, snorkeling, walking, shopping, coffee, and photos. You are not required to join a long guided walk at every stop.

You should think twice if you need step-free access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for babies under one year or people over 95 years. The boat’s small size and speed may be uncomfortable for anyone who dislikes fast rides or has trouble moving around on a boat.

Bring a towel and sun hat. Comfortable swimwear is essential, and a phone pouch would be sensible if you plan to carry your phone near the water. Sun cream is supplied, but your own supply may be preferable. Since there is snorkeling, swimming ability and confidence in open water matter more here than they would on a sightseeing cruise.

Booking and cancellation details

The tour lasts four hours, but starting times vary, so check the available departure before booking. The group is limited to 12 participants, which is one reason to reserve ahead during busy periods.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. That flexibility is useful if your Zadar plans depend on weather or changing ferry arrangements.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a short, active Adriatic outing with three island stops, several chances to swim, and enough free time to avoid feeling herded around. The small group, included snorkeling gear, GoPro11, drinks, and helpful guides make the $34 price attractive, even after the separate docking fee.

Skip it if you want a slow historic tour, a large luxury boat, or a full day on one island. For most visitors with four free hours in Zadar, though, this is a practical way to see more of the coast, cool off in the sea, and leave with a few good island photos.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a red hat.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the departure options.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Preko, and a third island that is presented as a surprise stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with access to a GoPro11 underwater camera.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water and unlimited local alcoholic drinks are included. Sun cream is also provided.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. Docking fees are €10 per adult and €5 per child in total for all stops.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95 years. The group is limited to 12 participants.