Zadar: Speedboat Escapade 3 stops & Snorkeling & Local Wine

Kostanj bay is the big early treat here: a quiet, clear-water stop where you can jump from the speedboat, snorkel, sunbathe, and cool off before the island visits begin. I like the mix of sea time and local life, and I like that the boat carries no more than 12 people, so the outing feels social without becoming a floating bus.

The two islands also give the trip some character. Osljak is tiny and sleepy, while Preko offers a sandy beach, cafés, small shops, and time to wander. My main caution is practical: the advertised price is $33, but you must bring €10 in cash for docking fees, and there is no toilet at the meeting point.

Key points to know before you book

• Kostanj bay comes first: You get about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in clear water.
• Osljak is the quiet island stop: Walk the shore, climb the small hill, find a ninth-century church, or stop at a local bar.
• Preko gets the longest visit: You have about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, coffee, shopping, and a possible look toward Galevac.
• The group is limited to 12 people: That makes it easier to chat with the skipper and fellow passengers.
• The extra cost is clear but easy to miss: Bring €10 in cash per person for all docking fees.
• The guides make a real difference: Skippers including Mario, Joseph, Josip, and Roko are praised for friendly conversation, local stories, and good photo stops.

Why this four-hour boat trip works

This is a short, active taste of the Zadar Archipelago rather than a full-day island expedition. In four hours, you get a fast ride, one proper swim stop, two very different island visits, and a view back toward Zadar from the water.

That variety is the main reason I like the trip. Many coastal excursions offer either swimming or sightseeing. This one gives you both, with enough free time to choose your own pace. You can spend the whole Kostanj stop in the water, walk across Osljak, or use Preko for a coffee and a relaxed stroll.

The speedboat matters, too. The ride between stops takes about 15 minutes, so you are not spending half the morning getting from one place to another. You get the fun of an open-water ride without committing to a long cruise.

The small group size, capped at 12, is another plus. You can ask questions, get help with snorkeling gear, and hear the skipper without fighting a crowd. The guides are English-speaking, and the names associated with these departures include Mario, Joseph, Josip, and Roko. The exact skipper depends on the day, but the most praised qualities are consistent: friendly conversation, practical help, island stories, and a willingness to pause for photographs.

There is a small trade-off. A speedboat can feel lively, especially when the skipper opens the throttle. One passenger described the ride as a little wild, while another found the boat smooth and enjoyable. If you prefer very calm transport, sit where the movement feels easiest for you and tell the skipper if you need a gentler pace.

Meeting in Zadar without a last-minute scramble

The departure point is on Ulica kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Look for the bench or the Tornado sign and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Plan ahead for the bathroom. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so use one before you arrive. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The docking fee deserves special attention. You pay €10 per person in cash on arrival, and this covers the stops. Add that to the advertised $33 price when deciding if the trip fits your budget. At roughly four hours, the total remains reasonable for a modern speedboat outing with a skipper, snorkeling equipment, wine, and three stops, but the extra cash requirement should not surprise you.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel. Towels are not supplied. You may also want a dry bag for your phone, since the first stop is built around getting wet.

Stop one: Kostanj bay and 40 minutes in the water

After leaving Zadar, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach Kostanj bay. The stop lasts around 40 minutes, giving you enough time to swim without turning the morning into a rushed photo pause.

This is the most direct water experience of the day. The bay has clear water, and the visit is suited to swimming, snorkeling, cooling off, and sunbathing. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and gear.

You can jump from the boat or stay closer to the shore, depending on your comfort. The setting is described as a sandy beach in a bay, with scenic views and small islands nearby. It is a good first stop because you can get into the water while your energy is high, then dry off during the next boat ride.

The limitation is time. Forty minutes passes quickly if you need to change, gather your things, and help children into the water. If snorkeling is your main goal, get ready before the boat stops and use the full break.

Stop two: Osljak, Croatia’s tiny inhabited island

The second stop takes you to Osljak, a traditional island village a short ride from Kostanj. Osljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, with about 29 residents. Its small scale is the attraction. You are not visiting a major resort. You are seeing a quiet place with traditional Mediterranean buildings, trees, a shoreline path, and a slow local rhythm.

You have about 40 minutes here. That is enough for a short walk, a photo stop, or a quick climb up the small hill for a view. You can also follow the shore and look for the little ninth-century church hidden among the trees.

The island has a few unusual historical details. Most local families share the same last name, and the island contains ruins of a hospital connected with people suffering from plague during the Second World War. These details give the walk more interest than a simple beach stop, though you should not expect a formal museum or a long guided history talk.

There is also a bar, which gives you an easy option if you would rather sit than walk. The short visit forces a choice: hill, shore, church, ruins, or drink. You probably will not manage every corner of Osljak in 40 minutes.

That is both the charm and the drawback. Osljak feels personal because it is small and quiet, but anyone hoping for extensive sightseeing may find the stop brief. I would use it for a quick walk and photos, not try to turn it into a serious historical tour.

Stop three: Preko and 90 minutes at your own pace

Preko is the longest stop, with about an hour and a half to explore. Compared with Osljak, it feels much more active in summer. You will find small local shops, souvenir stalls, places to get coffee, and a seafront setting suited to an unhurried break.

You can spend the time in several ways:

• Walk toward the center and browse the small shops.
• Sit with a coffee and a sea view.
• Swim from the small sandy beach.
• Use the provided snorkeling gear to look beneath the water.
• Take photographs along the shore.
• Search for views toward Galevac, the nearby island with a small ancient monastery.

The suggestion of swimming to Galevac is best treated carefully. It is close to Preko, but the provided details do not give a distance, swimming conditions, or supervision arrangements. Ask the skipper before considering it, and do not assume it is suitable for everyone. For most people, the safer and simpler choice is to enjoy Preko itself.

The 90-minute stop is a strong part of the schedule. You have enough time to swim and still get coffee or walk through the village. Families and mixed-age groups can split up without forcing everyone into the same activity.

Still, this is not a fully guided island tour. Once you arrive, much of the time is free. That is ideal if you like choosing your own pace, but less useful if you expect continuous commentary or a planned walking route.

The ride back gives you a different view of Zadar

After Preko, the boat returns to Zadar in about 15 minutes. The final approach gives you a last look at the old city from the water, a fitting end to a trip built around seeing the coast from a different angle.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You are not simply using the boat as a transfer between stops. The modern speedboat provides open-water views and a sense of movement that a larger, slower vessel would not offer.

Some skippers are especially good at making the return ride feel like part of the outing. Mario is praised for offering stories, pointing out photo opportunities, and keeping conversation going. Joseph and Josip are also singled out for friendly, helpful service, while Roko is noted for attentive guiding. The skipper on your departure may be different, but you can expect an English-speaking local guide rather than an audio recording.

What is included, and what you should bring

The price includes the modern speedboat ride, local skipper and guide, wine, snorkeling equipment, and three stops. A glass of local wine adds a pleasant Croatian touch, although you should not confuse this with a meal or a full drinks package.

Lunch is not included. Coffee is not included. Towels are not included. The €10 docking fee is also separate and must be paid in cash on arrival.

I would bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection
• Water for personal use
• Cash for the docking fee and any coffee or food
• Phone protection for the swimming stops
• Comfortable shoes for Osljak’s paths and hill

The itinerary does not include hotel transportation, so allow time to reach the departure point independently. The return is to the same place in Zadar.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this tour if you want to see several sides of the Zadar area in half a day. It suits you especially well if you enjoy swimming, short walks, scenic boat rides, and meeting people from different countries.

It is also a good choice for anyone with limited time in Zadar. Four hours leaves room for another activity, a meal, or time in the old city later in the day.

The tour is less suitable if you want a quiet, slow boat ride with no speed. It may also disappoint you if your main goal is serious snorkeling. You get clear water and equipment, but the first stop lasts about 40 minutes, and the Preko swim is one part of a broader island visit.

Families can benefit from the mix of swimming and free time, though adults should keep an eye on children around the boat and water. The activity is not described as wheelchair accessible, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm suitability before booking.

Is the $33 price good value?

At $33 per person, the starting price is attractive for a four-hour small-group excursion. You are paying for a modern boat, a local skipper, snorkeling equipment, wine, and three separate stops. The boat ride alone is only part of the value. The schedule gives you time for actual swimming and island exploration rather than rushing from one photo point to another.

Once you add the €10 docking charge, the real cost is higher. Even so, the package remains good value if you would otherwise book separate transport to the islands and pay for a boat ride. It is less compelling if you plan to spend the day at one beach or want a full meal included.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option gives you some flexibility, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check availability before building the rest of your Zadar day around it.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a lively half-day with three distinct stops, clear swimming water, a small group, and enough free time to make the day your own. Kostanj supplies the swim, Osljak supplies the quiet island character, and Preko gives you a longer break with cafés, shops, and a sandy beach.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, need a guaranteed gentle ride, or want a full historical tour with extensive guiding. Also remember the cash docking fee, the lack of towels, and the absence of a toilet at the meeting point.

For most people spending a few days in Zadar, this is a strong coastal add-on. Bring €10 in cash, arrive early, pack a towel, and treat the outing as a blend of swimming, island wandering, and boat time rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ulica kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. Wait by the bench or the Tornado sign.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Is there a toilet at the meeting point?

No. Plan ahead and use a toilet before arriving.

How many people can join the small group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

Which languages are available?

The tour is conducted in English with a live English-speaking guide.

What stops are included?

The route includes Kostanj bay, Osljak, and Preko, followed by the return to Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to pay anything extra?

Yes. You must pay a €10 docking fee per person in cash on arrival. Lunch, coffee, towels, and hotel transportation are not included.

Is wine included?

Yes. Wine is included in the activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now-and-pay-later booking is also available.