Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the balance: you get three chances to swim in clear water, but you also have time to walk ashore. The route takes in Ošljak, a quieter swimming stop, and Preko on Ugljan, where cafés, shops, and village streets give the outing some local character.

I like the small-boat feel and the sensible four-hour length. Guides such as Dino, David, Stella, and Davide have been praised for being friendly, flexible, and generous with drinks. The main drawback is simple: there is no toilet or food on board, so plan ahead before leaving the marina.

Quick points before you book

• Three water stops: Swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quiet second cove, and Preko.
• A real island visit: You get about an hour to walk around Ošljak and another hour in Preko.
• Small-group atmosphere: Past outings have run with as few as seven or eight people, giving everyone room on the boat.
• Good basic extras: Snorkeling equipment, life vests, shade, fuel, and unlimited water are included.
• Friendly guiding: Dino, David, Stella, and Davide are among the guides named for recent departures.
• Four hours, not a full-day commitment: It fits neatly into a Zadar sightseeing schedule and leaves time for an evening in town.

Why this short boat trip works so well from Zadar

Zadar has plenty to see on land, but the nearby islands are where the coast begins to make sense. A speedboat lets you reach open water quickly, without spending most of your day on a ferry or sitting in a coach.

The trip leaves from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, with the boat tied to the walls. From there, you pass through the Bay of Foša and head toward the island stops. The ride is part of the pleasure. You get broad views of the Zadar shoreline, the water around the islands, and the low coastal profile of Dalmatia.

At $49 per person, the price is strong for a four-hour outing. Fuel alone makes a private boat expensive, while this shared trip gives you the boat, skipper, swimming stops, equipment, and drinks without the cost of hiring a vessel for your own group. It is also long enough to feel like a proper coastal excursion, but short enough for a morning or afternoon plan.

Several departures have used boats carrying around seven or eight people. That matters. A smaller group means less crowding when you climb back aboard, more open space for bags and towels, and an easier conversation with the guide. Group size can vary, so do not treat seven or eight as a guarantee, but the format is clearly more intimate than a large excursion boat.

The first run across the Bay of Foša

The first boat ride takes about 20 minutes. That is enough time to settle in, take in the coastline, and let the speedboat do the work before the swimming begins.

You will receive a life vest and have access to a shaded area. Bring a hat anyway, since the open parts of the boat can be very sunny. Comfortable clothes are useful, and a change of clothes is a smart addition if you plan to swim at every stop.

The sea views begin almost at once. Rather than treating the journey as dead time, I would use these first minutes to look back toward Zadar and watch the shoreline change as the boat reaches the islands. The guide also provides information about the places along the route, with English used throughout.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first swim and snorkel

Blue Bay Otrić is scheduled for about 45 minutes. This is your first chance to get into the water, try the supplied snorkeling equipment, and see how comfortable you feel with the boat-based swimming routine.

The stop combines a short break, a visit, guided information, free time, swimming, and snorkeling. You are not being rushed from one photo stop to another. Forty-five minutes is enough for a good swim and a look beneath the surface, though it may feel short if everyone wants to enter the water at different times.

The water is the star here. Past participants have singled out the clear sea, fish, and the pleasure of having goggles available without needing to pack your own. Bring your own mask if you prefer a particular fit, but the included equipment removes one small piece of planning.

This stop is best for getting active quickly. If you are not a confident swimmer, the life vest gives you extra support, though you should still follow the guide’s instructions. Anyone hoping for a long beach session should keep expectations in check. The point is a refreshing swim and snorkel, not several hours on one beach.

Ošljak and the quiet second stop

After another 15-minute speedboat ride, the route reaches a second location described as a quiet island stop. The schedule allows about an hour here, with time for a photo stop, a walk, swimming, snorkeling, and a guided visit.

The wider trip includes Ošljak, and this is the part that gives the outing its most peaceful feel. You are not only jumping off the boat, taking a quick picture, and moving on. You have enough time to walk around at your own pace and choose how to use the hour.

I like this change of rhythm. The first stop is mainly about water, while the second lets you dry off, stretch your legs, and see more of the island setting. If you want another swim, you can take it. If you would rather stay on land, you can explore the area and listen to the guide.

The hour also gives the guide room to adjust the pace. Guides have been praised for checking what the group wants to do rather than forcing everyone into the same activity. That flexibility is useful for mixed groups, especially when some people want to snorkel and others prefer a walk.

Do not expect a major town or a long list of formal sights. The appeal is the small scale, quiet water, and unhurried hour. You might find the stop more appealing for its setting than for traditional sightseeing.

Preko on Ugljan, the most complete island stop

The final land stop is Preko, on Ugljan, reached after another 15-minute ride. The schedule gives you about an hour for a photo stop, a guided visit, shopping, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

For many people, this will be the most satisfying stop because it combines the water with an actual village atmosphere. You can stroll, look around small shops, find a place to buy a souvenir, or return to the shore for another swim. The town gives the trip a useful taste of island life rather than making it only a series of swimming coves.

Preko has also been singled out as a favorite stop because of its relaxed feel. You should not expect a long cultural tour in one hour, but you can get your bearings, walk through part of the village, and pause for a drink or a small purchase if you choose.

This is the place where cash matters. Cash is listed among the items to bring, and it is sensible for small purchases. Food is not included in the tour, so if you want something to eat, Preko may be your best chance during the scheduled stops. The exact options and opening hours can vary, so do not count on a full meal unless you have confirmed it for your departure.

The hour can pass fast. If you want to walk around, shop, and swim, keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat cannot leave until everyone is back, but you should not make the group wait.

The ride back with water and coastal views

After Preko, the boat takes about 20 minutes to return to Zadar. There is another scenic swimming spot in the overall route, and the trip description places a final idyllic swim before the return to the marina. The schedule gives the route three main water locations, so the exact order may feel more fluid than a strict list of stops suggests.

Drinks are part of the relaxed finish. Unlimited water is included, and past outings have also included beer and juice being offered on board. I would still bring a drink of your own, as the practical information asks you to bring drinks and food is not supplied.

The return is a good time to sit back under the sunshade and watch the coastline. If you take the 4 p.m. departure, the ride back can catch the lowering sun, creating a particularly pleasant end to the outing. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What the small boat changes

A speedboat is not as stable or spacious as a large sightseeing vessel. You may feel more movement, and you will have less room to spread out towels and bags. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly beforehand and choose a seat where you feel comfortable.

The tradeoff is worthwhile for many people. You spend less time getting between stops, and the boat can offer a more personal atmosphere. A group of seven or eight feels social without being noisy, and the guide can offer help with snorkeling gear, swimming, and local information.

The boat has a sunshade, but shade is not the same as full cover. Bring a hat and use sun protection. You will want swimwear, a towel, comfortable walking clothes, and a dry change for the ride home.

There is no onboard toilet. Use one before departure, and keep that fact in mind if you are traveling with young children or anyone who needs frequent facilities. Babies under one year old are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Guides and the feel of the outing

The guide can make or break a small boat tour. Here, the named guides include Dino, David, Stella, and Davide, though your guide will depend on the departure. The useful pattern is that the guide handles the practical details while leaving you space to enjoy the islands.

Dino has been associated with a flexible, relaxed style. David has been praised for sharing island information and checking if people wanted more drinks. Stella has been noted for explaining the Zadar islands, while Davide has been described as helpful and attentive during the trip.

The key point is not memorizing a guide’s name. It is knowing that the experience depends on a local skipper who is both driving the boat and shaping the pace. If you want a formal lecture, this may feel informal. If you want a friendly host who can explain the route and help you settle in, that is what this trip aims to provide.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this trip if you want to see more than Zadar’s old town but do not want to give up an entire day. Four hours gives you three water stops, two island visits, and a scenic boat ride without exhausting your schedule.

It suits couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy small groups, and families with older children. Teenagers are likely to appreciate the speedboat, swimming, and snorkeling, while adults can enjoy the island walks and easy pace. One past family group included teenagers and a non-swimming parent, so the outing can work even when not everyone wants to enter the water.

It is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, a toilet on board, a full meal, or a highly structured sightseeing program. It is also not the right pick if you want to spend most of the day on one beach. This route keeps moving, even though it allows useful free time.

The free-cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available. Those terms are helpful when your Zadar schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

Is the $49 price good value?

Yes, provided you want a mix of swimming and island time. The price includes the speedboat, guide, fuel, life vests, snorkeling gear, sunshade, and unlimited water. It also gives you around two hours of land time, which is more useful than a trip that only stops for quick swims.

The strongest value comes from the small-group format and the number of separate stops. A private boat would cost far more, while a large boat might carry more people but give you a slower and less personal day.

The limits are clear. Food is not included, and there is no toilet. Drinks beyond the included water may vary by departure, although beer and juice have been offered on past trips. Bring some cash, a snack if needed, and a change of clothes.

Should you book the Zadar island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a compact taste of the Zadar archipelago with real swimming time, basic snorkeling equipment, and enough shore time to see Preko and Ošljak. The $49 price is especially fair for a small group and a four-hour route.

Skip it if you need full accessibility, a toilet on the boat, or a meal included in the price. Also skip it if you dislike speedboats or prefer a slow ferry ride.

For most active visitors with half a day free, I would choose this over a purely scenic cruise. You get clear water, island walks, a friendly guide, and a practical mix of sea and village life. Just use the toilet before departure, pack a hat and dry clothes, and keep cash handy for Preko.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Ošljak and Ugljan. Preko is the main village stop on Ugljan.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are three swimming locations, including Blue Bay Otrić, a second quiet cove, and a final swimming spot near the island route.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Is water included?

Yes. Unlimited water is included on the boat.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Bring a snack or use your free time in Preko if you want to buy something.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The activity information specifically states that a toilet is not included.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.