Half-day speedboat trip from Zadar with drinks

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is its simple island-hopping plan: leave Zadar, swim near Preko, then spend more time in the clear water around tiny Ošljak. You get a taste of island life without giving up a full day.

I like the combination of free time and guided transport, since you can choose between coffee, a walk, swimming, or snorkeling at Preko. I also like that beer, iced tea, fuel, a professional skipper, and masks are included, which keeps the outing easy once you reach the pier.

The main point to watch is the extra 10-euro port fee per person. The $30 listed price looks attractive, but you should add that fee when working out your true cost. The speedboat ride may also feel brisk for anyone who prefers a slow, shaded ferry crossing.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different island stops: Preko offers coffee and a village walk, while Ošljak is mainly about swimming and snorkeling.
• Short travel times: The first boat ride takes about 45 minutes, followed by a 20-minute ride between the islands.
• Drinks are included: You can expect beer and iced tea, with fruit also available during the trip.
• Flexible time at Preko: The 75-minute stop allows room for a drink, a stroll, or time in the water.
• A quiet final stop: Ošljak gives you one hour for swimming and snorkeling before returning to Zadar.
• Important extra cost: The 10-euro port fee is not included in the advertised $30 price.

Leaving Zadar from the INA pier

Your meeting point is the pier at Obala kneza Branimira 27, in front of the INA gas station. That is a useful landmark, but do not treat the gas station itself as the departure point. You need to find the pier in front of it.

The trip begins in the morning, although the exact start time depends on availability. Check the schedule before booking, then arrive with enough time to locate the meeting point without a last-minute dash along the waterfront.

From here, the speedboat heads out from Zadar toward the islands. The first ride lasts about 45 minutes. That is long enough to enjoy the open-water views, but short enough that the journey does not swallow the day.

I like this opening because it gets you away from the city quickly. You are not spending half the excursion sitting on a large ferry while engines warm up. The tradeoff is that a speedboat gives you less room to wander around, and the ride can feel more exposed to sun and wind.

Bring the basics for a water day: swimwear, sun protection, and something dry to wear afterward. The supplied details confirm drinks and snorkeling masks, but do not state that towels, food, or hotel pickup are provided. Plan accordingly.

The 45-minute ride to the islands

The first stretch is a proper boat journey rather than a short transfer. You will be on the water for roughly three quarters of an hour before reaching the first island stop.

The skipper is described as professional and speaks English and Croatian. That matters because the day is built around timed stops. You will want clear instructions about when and where to meet before getting back aboard.

Drinks help make the ride more comfortable. Beer and iced tea are included, and fruit is available during the trip according to the activity description. This is not a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need more than a light refreshment.

The speedboat format is best for people who want to cover two island stops in a limited window. It gives you more time at the destinations than a route that lingers between several small bays. At the same time, you should not expect a long, leisurely cruise with extensive sightseeing commentary. The focus is getting you to the swimming and village stops.

Preko: 75 minutes for coffee, walking, or a swim

Preko is the first main stop, and you get about 75 minutes there. The schedule leaves enough room to make your own choice instead of forcing everyone into one activity.

You can have coffee, walk through the village, swim, or snorkel. That mix is useful for a group with different interests. One person can sit with a drink, another can explore on foot, and others can head for the water.

Preko is on Ugljan Island, directly across the water from Zadar. Its appeal here is not a long cultural tour. It is the chance to see a small island settlement and enjoy a short break from the boat.

I would use the first part of the stop to get your bearings. Take a short walk, then decide how much time you want in the water. Seventy-five minutes passes quickly once you include getting off the boat, choosing an activity, and returning to the meeting point.

The village stop also gives the outing some variety. If the trip offered only beaches, the day might feel repetitive. Preko gives you a place to stretch your legs and see a little everyday island atmosphere before the next boat ride.

Still, keep your expectations in check. The schedule does not promise a lengthy historical tour, museum visit, or extended time in the village. If your priority is cultural sightseeing, this is a brief introduction rather than a full exploration of Ugljan.

The 20-minute hop to Ošljak

After Preko, the boat continues for about 20 minutes to Ošljak. This shorter ride breaks up the day nicely and leaves about an hour for the final stop.

Ošljak is presented as the quieter, more water-focused part of the route. The planned activities are swimming and snorkeling, with about 60 minutes available.

This is where the included masks become practical rather than decorative. You do not need to arrange separate snorkeling equipment for the stop. The information does not specify underwater sights or marine life, so go for the pleasure of being in the water rather than expecting a dedicated wildlife excursion.

An hour is a sensible length for a final swim. You have time to get wet, float, snorkel, and dry off a little before boarding. It is long enough to feel worthwhile, but not so long that you are stuck on a beach after your interest fades.

The drawback is that the schedule gives no detail about shade, beach surfaces, changing facilities, or the exact swimming area. Those details can affect comfort, especially if you are traveling with young children or need easy access in and out of the water. Ask the skipper on the day if you need specific information.

Returning to Zadar after the final swim

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 27. Since the activity lasts four hours, you still have much of the day left for Zadar sightseeing, lunch, or another outing.

That timing is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip. A full-day island cruise can be enjoyable, but it also takes over your schedule. This shorter version lets you combine a morning on the water with an afternoon in the old city or a later dinner.

The return route is part of the transport rather than a separate sightseeing stop. You should not expect another island visit on the way back. The value comes from the two planned stops and the efficient return to town.

The tour ends at the meeting point, which makes the logistics straightforward. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back to Zadar after leaving the boat.

What the $30 price really covers

At $30 per person, this is an appealing price for a four-hour boat outing, especially since fuel, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, beer, and iced tea are included. Fruit is also described as available during the ride.

But the advertised price is not the final amount. Add the 10-euro port fee per person. That is a meaningful extra, particularly for couples, families, or anyone comparing this with a standard ferry ticket.

The price makes the most sense if you value the speedboat and the structured island stops. You are paying for a compact experience that links Zadar, Preko, and Ošljak without requiring you to plan separate transport.

It is less compelling if you only want transportation to Ugljan. A public ferry may suit you better for a simple island crossing, though the supplied information does not provide ferry prices or schedules for comparison.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is useful if your plans are still moving. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the exact booking conditions at the time you reserve, since the activity page controls the final terms.

The skipper and the feel of the trip

The skipper is central to this outing. The supplied feedback gives the strongest praise to the skipper’s friendly, accommodating approach and ability to adjust the trip to the group’s wishes.

That is worth emphasizing because a small speedboat outing depends heavily on the person at the helm. A rigid schedule can make a short tour feel hurried. A flexible skipper can help you make better use of the 75 minutes at Preko and the one-hour swim at Ošljak.

No skipper name is provided, so I would not book this expecting a particular named guide. What you can count on is an English- and Croatian-speaking professional skipper, with the possibility of a more personal feel than you get on a large sightseeing boat.

The phrase tailored to your wishes should not be read as a promise that every part of the schedule can change. The route and stop lengths are set out clearly. It suggests that the skipper may respond to reasonable preferences within the day’s plan.

That makes the tour a good fit for couples, friends, and small groups who want some freedom. It may be less suitable if you want a formal lecture, a detailed cultural program, or a tightly scripted sightseeing route.

Who will enjoy this four-hour outing

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a quick taste of the Zadar islands without giving away a full day. The route offers enough variety to keep the morning moving: an open-water ride, a village stop, a second island, and two chances to get in the sea.

It also suits mixed groups. Non-swimmers can use the Preko stop for coffee and walking, while swimmers and snorkelers have two water-focused opportunities. The included drinks add a little comfort without turning the outing into a meal-based cruise.

Families may appreciate the short duration, but the missing details about shade, facilities, and the swimming areas mean you should ask questions if those factors are important. The boat format may also be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes fast rides or extended sun exposure.

This is not the right pick if you want a long visit on Ugljan, a serious cultural tour, or a full-day beach escape. The stops are measured in minutes, not hours. You will see and sample the islands rather than settle into one of them.

It also may not suit you if you expect every cost to be included. The port fee is clearly separate, so include it in your budget from the start.

Practical details to settle before departure

The activity runs for four hours, with starting times shown according to availability. Morning departure is part of the planned experience, so confirm the exact time before you make other arrangements.

The meeting and return point is the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27. The trip does not include hotel pickup in the supplied information.

Fuel, a professional skipper, snorkeling masks, beer, and iced tea are included. Fruit is also available according to the description. The port fee costs 10 euros per person and is not included.

The available tour languages are English and Croatian. Cancellation up to 24 hours before departure qualifies for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately.

Since no group size is given, you should not assume a private charter or a particular level of space aboard. If boat capacity is important to you, ask before booking.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a short, active island escape with swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and a little time in Preko. The route is well balanced for a half-day, and the skipper’s friendly, flexible approach is a real plus.

Before you commit, add the 10-euro port fee to the $30 price and consider how you feel about a speedboat ride. If you want a relaxed morning with two island stops and no need to arrange your own boat transport, this is good value. If you want long beach time, extensive cultural sightseeing, or a slow ferry journey, choose a different style of outing.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat trip start?

The trip starts at the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27 in Zadar.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 27.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts four hours. You need to check availability for the exact starting times.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Preko on Ugljan Island and Ošljak. The boat also travels from Zadar to the islands and back.

How much is the port fee?

The port fee is 10 euros per person. It is not included in the advertised price.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Fuel, a professional skipper, snorkeling masks, iced tea, and beer are included. Fruit is also available during the trip according to the activity description.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Croatian.