Zadar: 3 Islands SpeedBoat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the variety packed into four hours. You get an open-water swim and snorkel stop, a walk on tiny Ošljak, and free time in the lively little village of Preko. It feels like a proper taste of the archipelago rather than a quick ride past it.

I like the quiet swimming bay, where you can jump straight into clear water, and I like the easy island time in Preko, with coffee, ice cream, shops, and the option to see Galevac. Cold bottled water, iced tea, and beer are included, which is a welcome touch in the Dalmatian sun.

The main drawback is the open speedboat itself. On a windy day, the ride can be wet and bumpy, and there is no toilet on board. You also pay a €10 docking fee in cash, so this is not a completely all-inclusive outing.

At a glance

• Three distinct stops: Swim and snorkel in a quiet bay, walk around Ošljak, then explore Preko.
• Small-group setting: The boat holds no more than 10 participants, with one of three boats assigned to your group.
• Strong guiding: Jure, Josip, Željko, Gelico, and other English-speaking skippers are praised for being friendly, careful, and flexible.
• Drinks included: You receive bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person.
• Short but active: The four-hour schedule gives you a solid coastal outing without taking a full day.
• Bring cash: The €10 docking charge is paid separately before departure.

Leaving Zadar from the Foša waterfront

You meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. This is close to the old town, but the exact boarding point can be a little confusing among the waterfront paths and boats.

If you are unsure, take a photo of where you are standing and send it to the operator on WhatsApp. That simple tip could save you a last-minute scramble. If you arrive by car, allow extra time because parking near the meeting point can be difficult.

The operator uses three boats, so do not worry if the vessel you expected is not immediately visible. One of the company’s boats will come for your group. The maximum group size is 10, which is small enough for direct contact with the skipper without pretending this is a private charter.

The first ride takes about 15 minutes. That is just enough time to settle in, enjoy the view back toward Zadar, and get a feel for the boat. You are riding in an open speedboat, not a covered ferry, so sun, wind, and sea spray are part of the deal.

The first swim in a quiet Zadar bay

The first stop is a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago, reached after the opening cruise. You have about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear turquoise water.

This is the strongest stop for anyone who wants time in the sea rather than just a scenic boat ride. You can jump from the boat and swim, and snorkel masks are provided. Some outings stop in deeper water, so you may be entering directly from the boat rather than walking in from a sandy beach.

That matters if you are not a confident swimmer. Life vests are included, and the skipper is there to help, but this is still a boat-based swim stop. There is no promise of a broad beach, shallow water, or a full snorkel excursion with specialist equipment.

The water is the attraction. Several people singled out this first swim as the best part of the trip, and one particularly enthusiastic account described seeing fish and even a sea turtle. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the clear water and quiet setting give you a good chance to notice more than you would from a crowded city beach.

Use the 50 minutes well. Put on sunscreen before departure, keep your towel and change of clothes easy to reach, and take the chance to cool off properly. You can expect wet swimwear for much of the rest of the outing, so a dry layer is not optional comfort.

Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island

After roughly 10 minutes on the speedboat, you reach Ošljak for about an hour. This is the most intimate stop, with old Dalmatian houses, quiet paths, small beaches, and a slower rhythm than you find in Zadar.

Ošljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. The point is not a long list of sights. Instead, you get a chance to walk, look around, and enjoy the scale of a place where the setting does most of the talking.

The stop can include sightseeing, free time, swimming, and a walk. One detailed account described a hike to old mills near the top, with views that made the climb worthwhile. The information does not promise a formal hike or a fixed route, so think of this as a casual island walk rather than a guided trek.

Wear shoes you can walk in, even if you plan to spend much of the hour by the water. You may prefer to stay near the shore, while other people in your group head up the paths. That flexibility is useful, though it also means the experience depends partly on how you choose to use the free time.

Ošljak is a good counterpoint to the first stop. The bay gives you open water and snorkeling. Ošljak gives you houses, paths, and a sense of island life. You are not simply ticking off three beaches.

Preko and the short trip to Galevac

The final major stop is Preko, reached after another 15-minute ride. You have about 75 minutes here, the longest land-based stop of the day.

Preko is more developed than Ošljak and gives you the easiest chance to eat, drink, shop, or sit by the water. The plan allows time for coffee, free exploration, sightseeing, a walk, swimming, and shopping. You might use the hour for Croatian food, a coffee on the promenade, or ice cream while looking across the water.

This is also where you can visit Galevac, a small island with a monastery, by taking a separate little boat from Preko. The boat ride is not part of the listed inclusions, and the supplied information does not give a fixed fare or schedule for it. Treat it as an optional extra, not a guaranteed part of the core tour.

Keep an eye on the meeting time if you make the trip to Galevac. One difficult incident involved a group being delayed after the small boat operator gave unclear information about return times. The main guide came back to help, but you should not rely on a rescue. Confirm the return arrangement before leaving Preko and leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the speedboat.

Preko is where the tour feels most like a taste of local coastal life. You have enough time to slow down, but not enough to explore the whole island. That is a fair trade for a half-day outing from Zadar.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat is comfortable and described as clean, new, and well maintained. It also gives you panoramic views of the coastline that you would miss from land. The speed adds a little excitement and lets the tour connect three stops within four hours.

The tradeoff is exposure. On rough or windy days, spray can come over the side, and you may get wet during the transfers. One skipper apologized after a wave hit the boat, even though it was not his fault. That is a useful reminder that sea conditions, not just the crew, shape the experience.

I would choose this tour on a calm day if possible, especially if you want a smooth ride or are taking children. Families can enjoy it, and one 10-year-old was reported to have loved the outing, but children should be ready for sun, spray, and boat movement.

There is no toilet on the speedboat. You can use facilities at the final stop, Preko, but you should take care of this before leaving Zadar. This is a small point that can make a big difference during a four-hour trip.

Guides, drinks, and the small-group feel

The operator provides an English-speaking guide and skipper. Names associated with the boats include Jure, Josip, Željko, Gelico, Matte, and Zienko. The strongest pattern in the feedback is not one particular guide, but the crew’s friendly and attentive approach.

Jure is described as considerate and good at checking that people are comfortable. Josip is praised for safe handling in rougher water and for explaining what you need to know. Željko is noted for giving people the right amount of time at each stop, while Gelico is praised for flexibility and for checking whether the group was enjoying each location.

That personal attention is one reason the small group matters. With no more than 10 people, the skipper can ask about swimming time, answer questions, and respond if someone needs help. Do not expect a formal lecture at every stop. This is more of a relaxed local boat outing than a history-heavy tour.

The included drinks help with the value. You get bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person, with drinks kept cold on board. Food is not included, so use the time in Preko if you want a meal or snack. Bring cash for the €10 docking fee, and for anything you buy on the island.

Who should book this four-hour outing

I would recommend it to you if you want several kinds of coastal experience in a short window. It works especially well for a first stay in Zadar, when you want to get out of the old town without giving up a full day.

It suits people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, short walks, and independent time in a village. Families can enjoy the mix, provided children are comfortable on an open boat. Couples and groups of friends will appreciate the cold drinks, quick transfers, and easy social atmosphere.

You should think twice if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, have limited mobility, or weigh more than 120 kilograms, since the activity is not suitable under those conditions. Pets and bikes are not allowed.

This is also not the best pick if you want a long beach stay, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a covered boat with a toilet. The schedule moves along. You get a taste of three places, not a full day at any one of them.

Practical packing advice from the waterfront

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, beachwear, and a change of clothes. Put your cash somewhere secure and waterproof, since you need it for the docking fee and may want it in Preko.

Wear footwear suitable for both a boat and an island walk. Keep your phone protected from spray, especially when the boat is moving quickly. On calm days, the ride may be easy and dry. On windy days, plan as if your outer layer could get wet.

The tour lasts four hours, but allow a little extra time around the meeting point. You return to the same waterfront location in Zadar, behind Foša, so you can continue exploring the old town afterward.

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

Is the Zadar three-island speedboat tour worth booking?

Yes, if you want a lively half-day on the water with real time to swim and a taste of island life. The best value comes from the mix: a clear-water bay, tiny Ošljak, and more social Preko, plus fuel, skipper, guide, snorkeling masks, safety equipment, and cold drinks.

I would book it for a calm-weather day and bring cash for the extra €10 docking fee. Choose it over a standard sightseeing cruise if swimming matters to you. Choose another option if you need a sheltered boat, an onboard toilet, extensive historical commentary, or a slow beach day.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen 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 finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point behind Foša in Zadar.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan Island around the swimming bay, and Preko. Galevac can also be visited from Preko as an optional side trip by small boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks and life vests are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person.

Is the docking fee included?

No. You pay an additional €10 per person in cash before the tour begins.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on board. Toilet access is available at the final stop, so use facilities before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. A change of clothes is especially useful because sea spray can reach the boat on windy days.