Visit 2 Islands of Zadar on a traditional wooden boat during half-day trip

Zadar’s best half-day escape is not far away. This traditional wooden boat trip crosses the channel to Preko and Ošljak, giving you a sandy beach, cafés, clear Adriatic water, and a quiet island bay without committing to a full day at sea. I especially like the contrast between lively Preko and wild, uninhabited Ošljak.

I also like the small-group format and the low $26.55 price. About 90 minutes at each stop gives you time to swim instead of simply snapping a photo and rushing back aboard. The main consideration is that this is more of a scenic boat outing than a fully narrated cultural tour, and the skipper’s English and local commentary can vary.

What makes this boat trip worth considering

• Two very different islands: Preko offers a beach, cafés, restaurants, and a little village life, while Ošljak is quiet and uninhabited.
• Ninety minutes per stop: You have enough time for a swim and a short wander, though not enough for a major island exploration.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks are supplied for the swimming stop at Ošljak.
• A small boat experience: The stated maximum is 12 people, with the tour promoted around a small-group limit of 10.
• Friendly skippers can shape the day: Gogo, Bart, Ivan, Joseph, Rocco, and others have been praised for their warm, easygoing service.
• Good value at $26.55: For four hours on the water with two island stops, this is one of the less expensive ways to add an Adriatic outing to a Zadar stay.

Leaving Zadar on a traditional wooden boat

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 and return to the same spot at the end. The departure point is near public transportation, and one cruise-ship passenger reported using a short Uber ride from the port to reach the meeting point.

The boat is the main attraction from the first minute. You are not being shuttled in a large ferry with hundreds of people. The smaller wooden boat keeps the outing personal and lets you see Zadar from the water as the city recedes behind you.

The advertised duration is about four hours. Roughly three of those hours are set aside for the islands, leaving the rest for the crossings. That is a sensible balance for a half-day activity. You get a real taste of island life and swimming without giving up an entire day in Zadar.

The small capacity matters. A maximum of 12 people means you should not expect a private charter, but you also avoid the crowding of a standard sightseeing cruise. Some departures have had only a handful of people, while others have carried around eight. The mood can be social, though couples and families can still find their own space.

Skippers have included Gogo, Bart, Ivan, Joseph, Rocco, Ilja, and Emilio. Several are praised for being friendly, chatty, and attentive. Gogo, in particular, has been singled out for keeping the mood relaxed and offering useful facts about Zadar. That said, you should not book this expecting a guaranteed, formal English-speaking guide. The skipper’s primary job is operating the boat, and the amount of commentary can differ.

Preko gives you a gentle first island stop

Preko is the inhabited stop, and it makes a good opening act. You have about 90 minutes to walk around, find a coffee, sit near the water, or go swimming from the beach.

This is not a stop for a long hike or a packed sightseeing schedule. It works because it gives you choices. You can stay near the shore with an ice cream or cold drink, take a short stroll, or head straight into the Adriatic.

The sandy beach is a plus, especially for families or anyone who does not want to climb over rocks to reach the water. Cafés and restaurants give you a place to pause, but lunch is not included in the tour price. You should plan to bring your own food or pay for anything you order on Preko.

The 90-minute limit is both useful and restrictive. It is long enough to swim, have a drink, and wander a little. It is not long enough to see much beyond the immediate waterfront. One person felt the time on the smaller island was more rewarding and would have preferred less time at Preko. That is a fair point if you prefer quiet coves to cafés.

Still, Preko is a practical stop. You can choose comfort and shade here, then save your snorkeling and more natural surroundings for Ošljak. The two stops feel different enough that the trip does not become two versions of the same beach break.

Ošljak is the quieter swimming stop

Ošljak is a small, uninhabited island with a natural setting and a bay used for swimming and snorkeling. This is where the trip feels most removed from Zadar.

The boat provides snorkeling masks, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. The water is clear, and the bay offers a pleasant place to swim. The snorkeling should be viewed as a simple Adriatic swim with a chance to see sea life, not as a major underwater expedition. One person found the snorkeling itself modest but still enjoyed the swimming, which is the right expectation.

You have around 90 minutes here. That gives you time to put on the mask, swim, float, and explore the shoreline. You might also prefer to skip the mask and simply enjoy the water. The island’s appeal is its quiet setting as much as what you see underwater.

Bring footwear you can wear in the water. Parts of the swimming area are rocky, and bare feet can make getting in and out awkward. Water shoes are especially useful for children and anyone who dislikes sharp stones.

Ošljak can also be the best stop for jumping from the boat into deeper water, depending on the day’s exact anchoring point and conditions. One family found the cove calm and deep enough for the children to enjoy jumping in. Do not assume every departure will use the same swimming spot, though. The skipper chooses based on conditions.

What the skipper adds, and what may be missing

The strongest part of this outing is often the human touch. Skippers such as Gogo, Bart, and Joseph have been described as friendly, attentive, and fun. One skipper offered complimentary drinks, and other departures have included drinks or small refreshments. These extras appear to depend on the crew and should not be treated as part of the guaranteed package.

Some skippers also share facts about Zadar and the islands. Ivan was praised for explaining the stops, while Bart was noted for being accommodating and offering interesting information. That sort of informal conversation can turn a basic transfer into a pleasant local outing.

But the level of guiding is not consistent. At least one departure had a skipper who did not speak English, and the experience then became almost entirely visual. Another complaint centered on a skipper who did not provide the expected information about Croatia or sea life.

That distinction matters. If you want a structured history lesson, marine explanations, or a guide leading you around each island, this is not the safest choice. If you mainly want transport, scenery, swimming, and a friendly boat captain, it is a better fit.

The tour description identifies English as the operating language, but that does not guarantee a full commentary in English on every departure. I would book it for the setting and the swimming first, then regard the guiding as a welcome extra.

The water and weather set the tone

A boat trip in the Adriatic depends heavily on the day. Calm weather can make the crossing smooth and relaxing, with broad views of Zadar and the islands. Wind can change the return journey quickly.

One departure had a choppier ride back to Zadar, while another became wet and bumpy when the weather turned windy. The skipper decided it was still within safety limits, but the ride was uncomfortable. This is an important tradeoff with a small open-water excursion: the boat cannot control the sea.

The operator may cancel if conditions are poor, and a canceled trip due to weather brings the choice of another date or a full refund. If the trip runs, you should still prepare for some movement on the water. Bring a light layer, protect your phone, and do not wear anything you cannot afford to get splashed.

The operator has also noted that trips can be affected by delays. One departure left late and shortened the second island stop, then returned to Zadar earlier than planned. Most of the time, the schedule should follow the stated plan, but a sea trip has less control over timing than a city walking tour.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual precaution before leaving. There is no need to make a dramatic issue of it, but the return can be rougher than the outward crossing.

What to bring for a useful four hours

You do not need much, but a few small choices will improve the outing.

• Water shoes: The swimming areas can be rocky.
• Swimsuit and towel: Both islands offer time for swimming.
• Sun protection: You will spend several hours exposed to sun and reflected glare from the sea.
• Water and snacks: Lunch and food are not included.
• Dry bag or waterproof phone case: Spray is possible, especially if the sea becomes choppy.
• A light layer: The ride back can feel cooler or wetter than the island stops.

Snorkeling masks are provided, so you can leave your own mask at the hotel unless you strongly prefer using familiar equipment. Fins are not listed as included, and food is not supplied.

Preko is your best chance to buy a drink or food during the stop, though you should not treat the island visit as a scheduled restaurant meal. One account describes a food stop and excellent fried calamari and prawns, but the fixed half-day plan specifically lists Preko and Ošljak, so dining options should be considered optional rather than guaranteed.

Is $26.55 good value?

At $26.55 per person, I consider this strong value if you want time on the water and two short island stops. The price includes the boat ride and snorkeling equipment, and the four-hour schedule is long enough to feel like a proper excursion rather than a quick harbor loop.

The value is less impressive if your main goal is detailed sightseeing. You are not paying for a long guided tour, a meal, private transport, or a full day on the islands. You are paying for access to the sea, a traditional boat setting, and a simple island-hopping plan.

The small group improves the deal. You are getting a more personal outing than a large cruise, and the skippers often make the boat feel welcoming. Complimentary drinks have appeared on some departures, but food and drinks are not guaranteed inclusions, so budget separately for anything you want at Preko.

The tour is generally a good choice for couples, families, friends, and anyone with only half a day in Zadar. It is less suitable for someone who wants long walks, serious snorkeling, or a detailed lesson on local history.

Who should book this island outing?

I would choose it if you want a low-cost change of pace from Zadar’s old town. The contrast works well: a traditional boat ride, a practical island village, then a quieter bay for swimming.

Families may appreciate the flexible pace and the beach at Preko. The swimming areas can be rocky, so children may need water shoes and close supervision. The boat ride also becomes more exciting, and sometimes more uncomfortable, when the sea picks up.

Couples and friends can make good use of the free time. One person can swim while another sits with a drink at Preko, and Ošljak offers a quieter setting for floating and snorkeling.

I would hesitate if your priority is cultural interpretation. Skipper quality varies, and English commentary is not assured on every departure. You should also think twice if you dislike boats that can bounce in wind or if you need a fully fixed schedule.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The tour can also be canceled if the minimum number is not reached, with another date, another experience, or a full refund offered.

Should you book the Preko and Ošljak boat trip?

Book it if you want clear water, two contrasting islands, and a relaxed four-hour boat ride at a modest price. The strongest reasons are the small group, the generous 90-minute stops, the included snorkeling masks, and the chance to swim without organizing a full-day charter.

Go in with the right expectations. This is not a polished lecture on Croatia, and the skipper’s English and personality can vary. It is a visual, sea-focused outing, with the best moments likely to be the ride itself, a swim at Ošljak, and an easy hour at Preko with time for a drink or short walk.

For a half-day escape from Zadar, I think the balance is right. You get enough island time to feel the change, but you still return with most of the afternoon or evening available in town.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Preko and Ošljak in the Zadar Archipelago.

How much time do I have on each island?

You have about 90 minutes at Preko and about 90 minutes at Ošljak.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are provided for use during the trip.

Is food included?

No. Lunch and food are not provided.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity is promoted as a small-group trip, with a stated maximum of 12 people. Some trip information also describes a limit of 10 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

The tour is offered in English, but the amount of English commentary can vary by skipper.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Weather or minimum-number cancellations may also result in another date or a full refund.