Zadar: 3 Islands SpeedBoat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the change of pace. Within minutes of leaving the waterfront, you are skimming across open Adriatic water toward quiet swimming spots, small island villages, and Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island. The boat carries no more than 10 people, so this feels far more personal than a large sightseeing cruise.

I like the mix of swimming and local island time. You get a proper snorkeling stop in clear water, then an hour on Ošljak and 75 minutes in Preko, where you can walk, have coffee, shop, or cross to the little island of Galevac. I also like the practical touches: cold bottled water, beer, iced tea, fuel, a skipper, and snorkel masks are included.

The main drawback is the boat itself. This is an open speedboat, not a sheltered ferry, and rough weather can mean spray or getting wet. There is no toilet on board, parking near the meeting point is difficult, and the extra €10 docking fee must be paid in cash before departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Three island stops in four hours: See Ošljak, Preko, and the nearby Galevac area without giving up a full day.
• A 50-minute swim and snorkel stop: The first bay is chosen for clear water and a quieter feel away from city crowds.
• Small-group boat: The group is limited to 10 people, with one of three company boats assigned for your departure.
• Strong local guiding: Guides including Jure, Josip, Željko, Gelico, and Matte are praised for friendly service, safety, and flexibility.
• Drinks are already aboard: You receive bottled water, beer, and iced tea, plus snorkel masks and life vests.
• Bring cash and a towel: The €10 docking fee is separate, and you will want dry clothes after the speedboat ride.

Leaving Zadar from the Foša waterfront

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. This is a central location, but it can be easy to miss among the waterfront paths and restaurants. If you are unsure, take a photo of where you are standing and send it to the provider through WhatsApp.

Allow a little extra time to find the boarding spot. The boat may not be obvious from the street, and the company operates three boats, so the exact vessel arriving for you can vary. That is normal, but it means you should not expect one fixed boat model from the photos.

After boarding, you have about 15 minutes of fast cruising before the first swimming stop. The speed is part of the fun, and it lets you reach the islands quickly, but the ride is exposed. On a calm day, you can sit back and enjoy wide views of Zadar’s coast. On a windy day, sea spray may reach the boat, so keep your phone protected and wear clothing that can handle a splash.

The first bay gives you the best water time

The opening stop lasts about 50 minutes and is the strongest part of the outing if swimming is your priority. The boat heads to a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago, known for clear turquoise water and natural surroundings.

You can jump straight from the boat for a swim, or use the provided snorkel mask to look below the surface. Some departures stop in water deep enough for a direct jump, while others may use a shallow shore area. The exact setting can vary with sea conditions and the day’s route, so do not expect a built-up beach with changing rooms or facilities.

I would use this first stop efficiently. Apply sunscreen before departure, keep your towel close, and get into the water early rather than spending most of the 50 minutes deciding. The bay is meant for simple pleasure: swim, snorkel, float, and enjoy the clear sea.

The lack of a toilet on the boat matters here. You will not have a bathroom during the cruise or at this swimming stop. Use the facilities before boarding and plan to wait until Preko, the final island stop, for the next available toilet.

Ošljak offers a quiet island walk

After roughly 10 minutes on the speedboat, you reach Ošljak for about an hour. This tiny inhabited island is known for old Dalmatian houses, peaceful paths, small beaches, and a slower feel than Zadar.

Ošljak is not a place for a long list of sights. Its appeal is its size and quiet character. You can walk among the houses, look for scenic corners, sit by the water, or swim again if the conditions are pleasant. One route takes you uphill toward old mills and views across the surrounding sea, though the amount of walking you do is up to you.

Wear shoes with a decent grip rather than treating this as a flip-flop-only beach stop. The island visit includes walking and sightseeing, and the best views may require a short uphill stroll. If you prefer a relaxed hour, simply stay near the shoreline and enjoy the calm.

This stop also gives the tour some local texture. The first bay is about nature and swimming. Ošljak adds a glimpse of traditional island life, without asking you to spend hours in a museum or on a formal walking tour.

Preko is the most flexible stop

The boat ride from Ošljak to Preko takes about 15 minutes. You have approximately 75 minutes here, making Preko the longest stop and the easiest place to shape the afternoon around your own interests.

Preko is a village on Ugljan Island with a waterfront, narrow streets, cafés, restaurants, shops, and places to buy ice cream or souvenirs. You can take a walk, stop for coffee, eat Croatian food, or swim from the shore. After two short boat rides and a swim, this land-based pause is welcome.

The nearby island of Galevac is another option. You may be able to cross by a small local boat to see its monastery, but this requires separate payment and careful attention to the return schedule. One group lost track of the small boat’s operating hours and needed help getting back to Preko, so I would not treat the crossing as essential. If you go, confirm the return arrangement clearly and leave plenty of time to meet your speedboat guide.

Preko is also where the tour’s lack of a boat toilet becomes less troublesome. Use the facilities here before returning to Zadar. Keep an eye on the meeting time, too. The speedboat cannot wait indefinitely for people still browsing shops or sitting at a café.

Guides make a real difference

The company uses several skippers, and the guide for your departure may be Jure, Josip, Željko, Gelico, Matte, or another member of the team. The most praised qualities are consistent: friendly conversation, clear English, careful boat handling, and regular checks that everyone is comfortable.

The guides also seem willing to adjust the mood of the trip. If the group wants more time swimming, they can help make the stops work for the people aboard, within the fixed four-hour schedule. That personal attention matters on a small boat, where one abrupt or careless skipper could affect the whole outing.

Josip is noted for helping people throughout the trip and handling rougher sea conditions safely. Željko is praised for staying calm and helping a group that ran late after visiting Galevac. Gelico is described as especially attentive, checking comfort and making sure the group was happy with the stops.

These details are useful because a speedboat tour is not only about the route. You are trusting the skipper with transport across open water. A guide who explains the area, watches the sea, and responds sensibly can turn a basic boat ride into a much better half-day.

What is included, and what costs extra

The package includes the boat tour, skipper, English-speaking guide, fuel, life vests, snorkel masks, bottled water, beer, and iced tea. The drinks are a useful touch, particularly after swimming in the sun. You do not need to budget for buying water during the cruise, and a cold beer or iced tea makes the ride back more comfortable.

The €10 per-person docking fee is not included. You pay it in cash before the tour starts, so bring enough euros and do not assume the advertised booking price covers every charge.

The value depends on how you use the four hours. You receive transport between Zadar and three island areas, a dedicated swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, a local guide, and time to explore Preko. Compared with arranging separate ferries, finding a swimming bay, and paying for drinks and equipment yourself, the package is convenient.

It is less compelling if you want a long island visit or a full historical tour. Each stop is short, and the experience is built around moving between places. You are paying for variety, sea time, and a simple organized route rather than deep exploration of one island.

The boat is comfortable, but conditions matter

The boats are described as clean, new, comfortable, and well maintained. A small group of up to 10 people leaves more room to talk with the skipper and see the coastline without the feel of a packed excursion boat.

Still, comfort on a speedboat depends heavily on the sea. The vessel is open, and spray can reach you even when the skipper is operating properly. One guide apologized after a wave wet the group, but this is simply part of traveling by an exposed boat.

Check the forecast before you go and dress for the possibility of spray. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Keep valuables in a waterproof pouch or another protected bag. If the sea is very rough, people who dislike bouncing or getting wet may find the ride tiring.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It also has a stated weight limit of 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Pets and bicycles are not allowed.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a good match for you if you want a compact taste of the Zadar archipelago. Families with children can enjoy the swimming, boat speed, and easy island stops, though children should be comfortable boarding a boat and spending time in open water. A family with a 10-year-old particularly enjoyed the format.

It also suits couples and groups of friends who want something more active than a city afternoon. You can swim, snorkel, walk, eat, and have a drink without committing to a full-day sailing trip.

I would choose it for a first visit to Zadar when you want to see beyond the old town. It works especially well during a short stay because the tour takes four hours and returns to the same waterfront meeting point.

You may want another option if your main goal is a long beach day, serious snorkeling, a private charter, or a detailed cultural tour. The snorkeling is a pleasant part of the trip, but the tour does not promise specialist marine guiding, underwater photography, or extended time in one bay.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive ready to board, with beachwear already under your clothes. There is no toilet on the boat, and changing facilities at the first two stops should not be assumed.

Bring a towel and spare clothes even if the forecast looks calm. The boat can throw spray, and you may also want dry clothing after swimming.

Keep cash handy for the €10 docking fee. You should also bring cash for coffee, food, ice cream, souvenirs, or the separate small boat to Galevac.

If you are driving, do not count on easy parking near the meeting point. Walking or arranging a ride to the waterfront is likely less stressful than searching for a space at the last minute.

If the sea looks rough, ask the guide what to expect before setting off. The skipper can explain the conditions, but you should be prepared for an open-boat ride rather than expecting a dry, sheltered cabin.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

I would book this tour if you want a lively half-day on the water with a strong balance of swimming, scenery, and island time. The clear-water bay, quiet Ošljak, and flexible stop in Preko give you three different experiences in one outing. The small group, included drinks, and attentive skippers add real value.

I would skip it only if rough water, sun exposure, limited facilities, or short stops sound unpleasant. For most active visitors staying in Zadar, it is a practical way to get out of the city and see the coast without losing an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar three-island speedboat tour last?

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

Where does the tour start?

Meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

Where does the tour end?

The speedboat returns to the same meeting point in Zadar.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Ošljak and Preko, with access to the nearby Galevac area. The first swimming stop is in a bay in the Zadar archipelago.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks and life vests are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, beer per person, and iced tea are included.

Is the €10 docking fee included?

No. The €10-per-person docking fee is paid separately in cash before the tour starts.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on board. Toilet access is available at the final island stop, Preko.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It also has a stated maximum weight of 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.