Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the mix of fast open-water rides and unhurried island time. In four hours, you visit Ošljak, Preko, and a third stop that changes with the day, giving you a quick taste of the Adriatic without committing to a full-day cruise.

I like the generous free time at each island, especially the 80 minutes on Ošljak and the hour in Preko. I also like the small group of up to 12 people, complimentary water and local alcoholic drinks, and the onboard GoPro11. The main consideration is that the boat is compact and lively, so this suits you better if you enjoy speed, sun, and a bit of spray than if you want a quiet, roomy cruise.

• Three island stops in four hours: Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third island keep the trip varied.
• A proper swim stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life watching, not just a quick photo.
• Small-group setup: The boat carries no more than 12 participants, making it easier to speak with the skipper.
• Drinks included: Unlimited water and a local alcoholic drink help keep the afternoon simple.
• GoPro11 on board: You can use underwater equipment and capture photos of your swim.
• Extra cost to plan for: Docking fees are €10 per adult and €5 per child for all stops.

A Speedboat Start Near Foša

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide in a red hat. That is a useful detail in a busy waterfront area, where a clear landmark saves time and confusion.

Once aboard, you head out for about 15 minutes of sightseeing by boat. This first stretch is not a major sightseeing tour in itself, but it gets you away from the city quickly and sets the tone. You are on a compact speedboat, not a large excursion vessel, so the ride feels direct and energetic.

The small group matters here. With a maximum of 12 people, you are less likely to lose half the afternoon waiting for a large crowd to board or gather. The guides also seem to make a point of checking on everyone, explaining each stop, and helping with photos. Josip and Luka are names that come up often, and both are described as friendly, attentive, and good at keeping the mood light.

Music is part of the atmosphere. This is not a silent nature cruise. Expect a social outing with a skipper who may set a lively pace, offer local drinks, and share suggestions for places to eat or visit around Zadar and the islands.

Ošljak Gives You the Longest Stop

After the opening cruise, you reach Ošljak for about 80 minutes. This is the longest stop and the best chance to shape the outing around your own interests.

You can walk, take photos, swim, snorkel, or go for a short hike. That variety is important because not everyone wants the same island experience. You might spend the whole stop in the water, while someone else in your group may prefer a stroll and a viewpoint.

The snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The water is clear enough for underwater viewing, and the stop is planned around active time rather than simply stepping ashore for ten minutes. The GoPro11 adds a nice touch, especially if you want pictures of the swim or marine life. Ask the guide how the camera is being shared before the boat leaves so you know how much time you have with it.

Bring a towel and sun hat. You should also use the supplied sun cream, since the open boat offers little protection from the midday sun. Water is available without limit, which is especially useful after swimming and walking.

The tradeoff is simple: Ošljak is not presented as a long cultural visit. Your time is mainly for nature, water, and a short walk. If you want museums, formal sightseeing, or a detailed historical tour, this is not the stop that will provide it.

The Third Island Changes the Rhythm

A 10-minute cruise takes you to the surprise third stop. This is the least predictable part of the outing, since the exact island is not specified in advance. That gives the skipper room to choose a suitable place for swimming and snorkeling, but it also means you cannot plan around a named attraction.

You get roughly 45 minutes here for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing. The shorter stop works well after Ošljak. You can get back into the water without feeling that the entire trip has become one long beach session.

This is also where the compact boat is most useful. The point is to reach appealing water quickly, rather than spend hours on a large vessel. The speedboat ride itself is part of the fun, and several people describe the boat as fast, new, and safe.

Still, speed has a price. A small boat can feel bumpy in rougher conditions, and the ride is more exposed than a ferry or big sightseeing boat. The supplied information does not promise calm seas, so anyone sensitive to motion should think carefully before booking. The ride may be exciting for you, but less comfortable for someone seeking a gentle cruise.

Preko Adds Cafés, Walking, and Choice

After another 10-minute cruise, you arrive in Preko for about an hour. This stop gives the tour a different feel because you have time for coffee, shopping, walking, swimming, or snorkeling.

Preko is the most flexible stop of the three. You can stay near the water, browse a little, or ask the guide where to eat and what to see. Josip and Luka are praised for offering restaurant suggestions and practical ideas for exploring the islands. That local advice can be more useful than a long prepared speech, especially when you have only an hour.

You should keep an eye on the meeting time. An hour sounds generous, but it passes quickly if you stop for coffee, walk away from the waterfront, and still want to swim. The guide gives instructions at each stop, so listen closely before setting off.

The visit to Preko also keeps the tour from feeling like a series of anonymous swimming spots. You get a little everyday island life alongside the sea time. Shopping and coffee are optional, not forced, which is good for a mixed group.

After Preko, the return sightseeing cruise takes about 20 minutes. You arrive back at the same meeting point on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

What the Four Hours Really Include

The advertised four hours contain about 55 minutes of boat travel and roughly three hours and 25 minutes at the three stops. That is a strong balance for a half-day outing.

You are not paying for four straight hours of cruising. You are paying for transport between three places, guided timing, swimming access, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a skipper who manages the route. The schedule gives you enough time to enjoy each island without turning the trip into an exhausting full-day commitment.

The exact starting time depends on availability. That makes it worth checking the schedule against your plans in Zadar. A morning departure may suit you if you want the rest of the day in town. An afternoon trip may be better if you prefer a swim and sunset-adjacent atmosphere, though the supplied information does not promise a particular sunset schedule.

The tour ends where it begins, which simplifies your day. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another island.

Drinks, Photos, and the Practical Extras

Unlimited water is included, along with an unlimited local alcoholic drink. This is a useful benefit, but you should treat it as a comfort feature rather than the main reason to book. The value is in not having to buy drinks during every stop.

The drink offer also means you should pace yourself, especially in strong sun and on a moving boat. Water is the sensible default between swims. The local drink can add to the Croatian feel, but you can enjoy the tour perfectly well without making it central to your afternoon.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and sun cream is included. You still need to bring a towel and sun hat. The information does not state that meals are included, so plan to eat before or after the tour, or use your free time in Preko for coffee or food. Guides can suggest local restaurants, but any meal should be treated as your own expense.

The GoPro11 is a worthwhile extra for an activity built around water. It can help you leave with more than phone pictures from the boat. Since one camera may be shared among the group, do not assume it will be available to you for the entire tour.

The Value of $34, Plus the Docking Fee

At $34 per person, this is a competitively priced way to get from Zadar to several nearby islands. The price includes the speedboat, skipper, guide, snorkeling equipment, GoPro11, unlimited water, a local alcoholic drink, and sun cream.

You should add the docking charge to your budget: €10 per adult and €5 per child in total for all stops. That is not a fee at each island, but a combined amount for the outing. Even after adding it, the package offers solid value if you want swimming, island access, and a small-group boat ride in one half-day.

The value is strongest for active visitors who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, beach time, and snorkeling gear. It is less compelling if you only want a sightseeing cruise from the city or if you dislike paying extra for a required port charge.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Check the available departure time before committing, since the tour lasts four hours and the starting schedule can vary.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I would recommend this experience to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who want a social half-day on the water. Solo travelers can fit in easily because the small group and active format make it natural to talk with others.

It is also a good choice if you want variety. You can swim at Ošljak, look for marine life at the third stop, and then have coffee or shop in Preko. The trip avoids the problem of a beach day where every stop feels the same.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95. The supplied information does not give an exact minimum age beyond the baby restriction, so families with young children should confirm before booking.

You should also consider your comfort on a fast boat. The boat ride is repeatedly praised for its energy and music, but a compact craft offers less room and less shelter than a larger boat. Bring only what you need, protect your valuables, and expect to get wet around the swim stops.

Final Call: Book It for Active Island Time

I would book this tour if you want to see several islands near Zadar without giving up most of your day. The route is well balanced, the group is small, and the long stop at Ošljak gives you genuine time to swim, walk, and snorkel. Preko adds a useful change of pace, while the third stop keeps the outing fresh.

The strongest part is the combination of free time and helpful guides. Josip, Luka, and the other skippers are praised for clear instructions, restaurant tips, interesting local stories, good music, and taking photos. That personal touch can make a short tour feel much more relaxed.

I would skip it if you want a quiet, formal cruise, guaranteed calm water, or a full meal included. For everyone else, $34 plus the docking fee buys a lively and practical introduction to the islands just off Zadar.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is 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. Check availability for the specific starting time.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Preko, and a third surprise island selected as a swimming and snorkeling stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Unlimited water and an unlimited local alcoholic drink are included.

Are there extra fees?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat and towel. Sun cream is included, but you may also bring any personal sun protection you prefer.