Zadar: Original Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is its mix of clear-water swimming and easy island time. You can jump into Blue Bay Otrić, stay aboard under the awning, then spend time in a fishing village or at Preko’s beach, cafés, and shops. It feels more personal than a large ferry outing, with no need to commit to a full day at sea.

I like the small maximum group of 12 and the freedom to choose your pace. You get snorkeling gear, unlimited water and iced tea, music, and a skipper who can point you toward a good place to eat. The main drawback is that the stops can change with weather and sea conditions, and the speedboat has steep steps and no toilet.

Why this four-hour boat trip works so well

• Blue Bay Otrić is the swimming highlight: You anchor in clear water near Ugljan and can snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or stay in the shade.
• The boat keeps the group small: With a maximum of 12 people, the skipper can adjust the day to the group.
• Preko gives you choices: Swim at the sandy beach, walk over to Galevac, browse shops, or sit at a café.
• The price is reasonable for a half-day: At about $36.28 per person, fuel, equipment, drinks, and the guide are included.
• Skippers add a personal touch: Guides named Matej, Enzo, Mario, Simon, Max, Matt, and Mateo have led recent departures.
• You must budget for docking fees: Expect an extra €10 for anyone aged 12 or older, or €5 for children 11 and under.

From Foša to the islands

The tour starts at ParkbankFoša in Zadar, near the Foša area. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. The boat leaves on schedule, and arriving just in time can create needless stress, especially if you are walking from a cruise shuttle.

A manager checks your mobile ticket before departure. If the manager is not at the exact meeting point, the instructions say he may arrive shortly, usually 10 to 15 minutes before the start. Save the operator’s WhatsApp or iMessage contact before you go in case you have trouble finding the spot.

Parking near the meeting point can be difficult, with traffic adding time during busy periods. There is no nearby public toilet, so use one before arriving. These are small details, but they matter on a short tour with no bathroom aboard.

Once everyone is checked in, the speedboat heads toward the islands around Zadar. The ride itself is part of the fun. You get open views of the Adriatic, music aboard, and a quicker way to reach the islands than waiting for a regular ferry. The boat returns to the same meeting point after the final stop.

Blue Bay Otrić: the clear-water stop

The first planned stop is Blue Bay Otrić, a quiet bay near the island of Ugljan. The boat anchors for about 45 minutes, giving you the main chance to swim and snorkel from the boat.

The water is the star here. You receive a mask and snorkel, so you do not need to pack your own basic gear. Some people use the time for a proper swim, while others take photos, float, or sit on the boat with a drink.

You can also skip the water. The boat has an awning, offering shade, and you can relax with music while looking across the coast. This makes the stop workable for a mixed group, especially if some people want to swim and others prefer to stay dry.

Do not expect a major reef or a large range of fish. The appeal is mainly the exceptionally clear water and the simple pleasure of getting into the Adriatic. Bring your own swimming shoes if you want more grip around rocky areas later in the day. Fins are not supplied.

Bad weather changes the plan. If conditions are unsuitable for swimming, the skipper may skip this stop. That is sensible, but it means the tour is at its best on a warm, calm day.

Kali or another island stop for food and local time

The second stop lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Kali is the named example, but the exact place depends on the forecast, wind direction, sea conditions, and how crowded the usual spots are.

That flexibility is useful. Instead of forcing the group into one fixed stop in poor conditions, the skipper can choose a fishing village, a sheltered bay, or another suitable place. You might have time to eat at a local restaurant, order a drink, and walk around a small island town.

Food is not included, so plan to pay for lunch or snacks yourself. Skippers have recommended restaurants serving fresh fish, grilled sardines, bread, and other simple seafood meals. One useful price reference from the tour experience is grilled sardines for around €7, though your final bill will depend on what you order and where the boat stops.

This is the most flexible part of the outing. You can turn it into a relaxed meal, a short walk, or extra time by the water. Ask your skipper what is practical before leaving the boat, since the best use of the stop depends on the town selected that day.

The tradeoff is predictability. If you are booking mainly to see Kali itself, this tour does not promise a fixed Kali visit in every set of conditions. You are booking a small-island day with an adaptable second stop.

Preko and the short swim to Galevac

The final stop is Preko, with about an hour on shore. This is the easiest stop for making your own plan, and it works well for families and mixed-age groups.

Preko has a sandy beach that suits children better than a rocky swimming area. You can swim, rest on the shore, or sit in the shade at a café. Shops give you a chance to buy souvenirs before returning to Zadar.

The most distinctive option is Galevac, a small island only about 50 meters from Preko. You can swim across if conditions and your ability make that sensible, then walk around the island and try more snorkeling. The short distance makes it feel like a small adventure rather than a major excursion.

Do keep the hour in perspective. You cannot do everything slowly at this stop. A swim to Galevac, a walk, a café break, and shopping could easily use the entire time. If you are tired after the first two stops, Preko is also the place to do very little.

One practical point: the boat does not provide towels or swimming fins. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and suitable footwear if you expect to walk around the island. A local rowboat may sometimes offer transport to Galevac for a small fee, but that option is not part of the tour’s included services.

What is included, and what costs extra

The $36.28 price is strong value for a four-hour outing if you want a boat ride plus time in the water. Fuel is included, as are the skipper, tour guidance, snorkeling mask and snorkel, unlimited water, and unlimited iced tea.

The boat also supplies the setting for the day: music, shade under the awning, and a faster ride between the islands. Some skippers keep the mood light with jokes and friendly service. Names associated with recent departures include Matej, Enzo, Mario, Simon, Max, Matt, and Mateo, though you will not necessarily have one specific skipper.

The extra docking fee is the main cost to remember:

• €10 for anyone aged 12 or older
• €5 for children aged 11 and under

The fee is charged before boarding the speedboat and is separate from the advertised tour price. Food, alcoholic drinks, towels, fins, parking, and transport to Foša are also not included. The tour supplies water and iced tea, but you should not assume that lunch is part of the package.

Compared with arranging separate ferry rides, meals, and beach time, the tour gives you a lot in half a day. It is also cheaper and shorter than many full-day boat outings. The value drops if you dislike swimming, do not enjoy speedboat travel, or want a long, unhurried visit to one particular island.

The speedboat pace and group size

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That is large enough to give the ride a social feel, but small enough for the skipper to answer questions and adjust the day within reason.

You will get some speed between stops. That is part of the appeal, but it is not the same as sitting on a slow ferry. Hold onto your belongings and protect anything sensitive from spray. If you are prone to seasickness, the speedboat may suit you better than a rough, slow crossing, but the operator does not promise a seasickness-free ride.

Getting on and off requires mobility. The tour is not physically demanding, but you need to manage the boat’s steps independently. The listed maximum weight is 120 kilograms, or 250 pounds, and anyone with major difficulty moving due to age or health may find the boat unsuitable.

There is no toilet aboard. For a four-hour trip, that is manageable for many people, but it is worth planning around, especially with young children. Use facilities before meeting the group.

Tips for getting more from the four hours

Arrive early rather than aiming for the official start time. The boat leaves on schedule, and one person arriving late can affect the whole group. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow time for the walk or take a taxi. One cruise passenger paid about €20 for a taxi and found that much easier than making a rushed walk from the shuttle drop-off.

Wear swimwear under your clothes. The first stop is built around getting into the water, and you will enjoy the day more if you are not trying to change aboard the boat.

Pack these useful items:

• Towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Swim shoes
• Dry clothes
• Phone protection
• Cash or a payment method for docking fees and food

Bring a light layer if the return ride is breezy. The awning provides shade, but it is not a replacement for sunscreen. Keep your expectations flexible at the second stop, since the captain selects the best location for the day’s conditions.

If you want lunch, ask for a recommendation rather than wandering without a plan. Skippers such as Enzo and Matej have directed people to well-liked local restaurants, and the stop is long enough for a meal when the timing works.

Who should book this Zadar boat trip

I would choose this tour for a first visit to Zadar when I wanted to see the islands without giving up an entire day. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups that want swimming, scenery, food, and a little town time in one outing.

It is especially good for people who like options. You can swim at Otrić, eat in an island village, walk around Preko, or simply stay aboard with a cold drink and music. The format also works for a family group where not everyone has the same energy level.

I would think twice if you need a bathroom nearby, have difficulty with steps, weigh more than the stated limit, or want a fully fixed schedule. People who dislike speed, sun, or open-water swimming may prefer a town-based Zadar activity.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is normally issued at booking. It requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cancel the trip, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a short, social introduction to Zadar’s islands with clear-water swimming and a relaxed stop in Preko. The small boat, included drinks, snorkeling gear, and adaptable route make the price appealing.

Choose another option if your priority is a long stay on one island, a guaranteed visit to Kali, or a full meal and beach day without extra costs. For everyone else, this is a practical half-day way to get out on the Adriatic, see Ugljan-area coastlines from the water, and return to Zadar with the rest of the day still free.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is ParkbankFoša, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point in Zadar.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and snorkel are included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water and unlimited iced tea are included. Food is not included.

Do I need to pay a docking fee?

Yes. The additional fee is €10 for anyone aged 12 or older and €5 for children aged 11 and under.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is also no public toilet nearby at the meeting point.

Can children join the tour?

Most people can participate, including children, but children must be able to get in and out of the boat. Children aged 11 and under pay the lower docking fee.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.