From Zadar: Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour with Drinks

The best part of this half-day outing is the mix of fast open-water cruising and easy island time. You leave Zadar’s old-town waterfront, skim across the Adriatic at 20 to 25 knots, stop for a swim and snorkel, then finish in Preko, where you can choose between a sandy beach, a short swim to Galevac Island, or an ice cream and a walk.

I like the small group size, capped at 12 people, and the relaxed social mood created by the included drinks and music. I also like the freedom at each stop: you can swim, stroll, sit in the shade, or find a café instead of following a fixed sightseeing script. The catch is simple: this is an open boat, not a sheltered cruise. Wind means spray, the front has no cover, and one hour in Preko may feel too short.

Key things to know before you book

• Three different kinds of stops: You get Blue Bay Otrić for swimming, a flexible island stop for walking or another swim, and Preko for beach time, cafés, food, and a possible visit to Galevac Island.
• A genuinely small boat group: With no more than 12 passengers, the skipper can keep an eye on swimmers and make the ride feel more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Water and iced tea are unlimited, and you receive three beers per person. Food, towels, fins, and docking fees cost extra.
• The boat is exposed to the weather: An awning shades the back, but the front is uncovered. Rougher conditions can mean a wet ride.
• Preko is the main highlight for many people: Its sandy beach, local cafés, restaurants, ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and access to Galevac Island make it the most flexible stop.
• Plan around the practical limits: There is no toilet on the boat or at the meeting point, parking near the waterfront is difficult, and boarding requires reasonable mobility.

A lively four-hour escape from Zadar

At $38 per person, this is priced as an accessible way to get out on the Adriatic without committing to a full-day boat charter. The value comes from combining transport between islands, a skipper, a guide, snorkeling masks, life vests, and drinks in one short outing.

I would think of it as an introduction to the islands rather than a deep beach day. You see several places, get a taste of island life, and have enough time for a proper swim, but you do not settle into one beach for half a day. That trade-off suits you if you want variety and a bit of speed. It will frustrate you if your main goal is to spend hours on the sand.

The boat carries up to 12 people, which is an important advantage. You still have a social group, but you are not being moved around with a large crowd. The mood can be lively, especially when the music is playing, though the skipper controls the boat and the safety side of the trip.

Several skippers have received especially strong praise for keeping the mood warm and informal. Mateo, also referred to as Matteo or Matty, is known for music, conversation, and making families and couples feel included. Simon is praised for being friendly and attentive, while Tom is remembered for his easygoing hosting and drink service. Antonio, Don, and Luka have also led outings, with Luka noted for adding local information and slowing down when dolphins were spotted on one trip.

These names do not guarantee who will operate your boat on a particular day. They do give you a useful sense of the service style: English-speaking, social, flexible, and more focused on a good day at sea than on a formal lecture.

Leaving from Zadar’s waterfront

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, at Nautica Zadar. Look for the Nautica Zadar photo shown with the activity information, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This is not the time to cut it close, since the boat cannot easily wait for a late arrival.

The waterfront location is convenient if you are already exploring the old town. It is much less convenient by car. Parking near this part of Zadar can be very difficult, so I would walk from your accommodation or arrange your arrival with plenty of time.

There is no toilet at the pickup point. Use one before you arrive, especially if you are joining the morning departure or bringing children. The boat itself has no toilet, and the next reliable toilet access comes at the final stop in Preko.

Boarding also requires you to be reasonably mobile. You need to get onto a small open speedboat and move around it safely. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with serious mobility limitations, babies under one year, or anyone over 120 kilograms, which is the stated maximum.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first 45 minutes in the water

After roughly 15 minutes on the boat, you reach Blue Bay Otrić. The boat anchors in water about two to three meters deep, making this a straightforward place to swim and snorkel.

Masks and snorkels are provided, along with life vests. Fins are not included, so bring your own only if you particularly want them. You can also stay aboard, sit under the rear awning, or enjoy a drink while other people swim.

The water may feel cold outside the height of summer. One outing in late May found it chilly but manageable, while sunny weather made it easier to get in. That is a useful reminder to bring a towel, dry clothes, and realistic expectations about sea temperature. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, so you have time for a proper swim, but not an extended snorkeling session.

Drinks are available throughout the trip: unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person. The beer is intended as a pleasant extra, not as a full bar service. It may be chilled rather than ice-cold, and the skippers are busy running the boat, so simply ask if you would like one.

The flexible middle stop

The second island stop lasts about an hour, but its exact character can change. The skipper chooses based on the weather forecast, wind direction, sea conditions, and how crowded popular places are that day.

You might stop at a small fishing village, a quiet cove, or another scenic place suitable for swimming and snorkeling. You may also have time to walk or take a short hike. This flexibility is useful because the Adriatic can change quickly, and a good skipper will choose a safer and more pleasant place rather than force a rigid plan.

It is also the least predictable part of the outing. If you want a particular village or beach, this tour cannot promise it. The stop is designed to fit the day’s conditions, not to deliver one fixed landmark every time.

Bring some food if you need more than drinks. Food is not included, and this stop may or may not offer a convenient place to buy a meal. Small snacks are a sensible addition to your bag, especially if you are touring with children.

Preko, the strongest stop of the day

The final island stop is Preko, reached after another short 10-minute ride. You get about an hour here, and this is where the tour becomes most flexible.

You can swim from the sandy beach, walk through the town, eat at a local restaurant, stop at a café, buy ice cream, or browse souvenir shops. There are also showers by the beach, a useful detail if you plan to return to Zadar and continue sightseeing in salty swimwear.

Galevac Island is just offshore. The crossing is about 20 meters, so strong swimmers can swim over when conditions allow. If you prefer to stay dry, you can simply enjoy the view or spend your time on the beach.

I consider Preko the most valuable stop because it gives you choices. Blue Bay Otrić is mainly about the water, and the middle stop depends on the day. Preko lets you decide how active or relaxed the final hour will be.

The drawback is the time limit. An hour passes quickly if you want to swim, shower, eat, and walk around. Families with children may wish they had longer, since the sandy beach is easy to enjoy and the town has simple refreshments nearby. If beach time matters more to you than seeing several places, a longer stay in Preko would be ideal, but this tour returns to Zadar on schedule.

What the ride feels like on an open speedboat

This is an exposed boat ride, with all the good and bad that implies. You feel the speed, wind, sun, and occasional sea spray. The rear section has an awning, which helps protect you from the strongest sun, but the front is fully open.

On a calm, sunny day, the ride is exhilarating and scenic. You get wide views across the water and a strong sense of moving between islands rather than simply being carried on a large ferry. On a windy day, the same ride can be wet and bumpy. Wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes, protect your phone, and keep a dry change of clothes close at hand.

Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel are essential. Bring beachwear, and consider a light layer if you are going early or returning in a breeze. The boat cruises at about 20 to 25 knots, so you should be comfortable with speed and open water.

The music adds to the social atmosphere. Some outings have included upbeat songs and let the group choose music, while others have been quieter. You should expect a friendly shared ride, not a private silent charter.

How the price works in real terms

The $38 base price is good value if you want a short taste of the coast. You receive the boat ride, skipper, English-speaking guide, masks, snorkels, life vests, water, iced tea, and three beers per person.

You must also budget for the combined docking fee, paid in cash before departure. The fee is listed as €10 for people aged 12 and older and €5 for children aged 11 and younger. That extra charge does not ruin the value, but it should be included in your mental price when comparing tours.

You pay separately for food, towels, and swimming fins. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and cruise ship pickup and drop-off are not available. These limits keep the base cost low, but you need to arrive independently and pack sensibly.

For a family, the drinks may matter less than the boat ride and beach access. For adults or a group of friends, the included beer and music add to the fun. The strongest value is for people who want movement, swimming, and several island tastes in four hours.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who can handle a fast boat and open-water boarding. Children aged 4, 5, 6, 10, and 13 have enjoyed similar trips, but every child reacts differently to wind, spray, and cold water.

It is especially good for you if you want to:

• See several coastal spots without spending a full day at sea
• Swim and snorkel without arranging equipment
• Meet other people in a small group
• Enjoy a lively ride with music and drinks
• Combine a beach stop with cafés and a small island town
• Keep your afternoon or morning free for Zadar

I would choose something else if you need a toilet onboard, dislike wind and spray, want a quiet luxury cruise, have serious mobility limitations, or want several hours at one beach. You should also reconsider on a day with very rough seas, since the open boat may get wet and uncomfortable.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive early and confirm that you are at the correct waterfront spot. If you are unsure, take a photo of your location and send it to the provider through WhatsApp.

Keep your towel, sunscreen, phone protection, and change of clothes where you can reach them. Do not pack as if you are boarding a large yacht. Space is limited, and you will spend much of the time sitting close to other people.

Use the toilet before meeting the group. Bring snacks because food is not included, but do not expect a full meal stop at every island. If you want to swim to Galevac Island, remember that fins are not provided and you should only make the crossing if you are a confident swimmer and conditions are suitable.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, energetic introduction to the islands, with a real swim, a flexible stop, and a useful final hour in Preko. The small group, friendly skippers, included drinks, and quick boat rides make it feel more personal than a standard coastal excursion.

Do not book it expecting a long, quiet beach day or a protected vessel with onboard facilities. The most honest description is a social, weather-dependent speedboat adventure. Pack for sun and spray, plan for the extra docking fee, and accept that Preko may leave you wishing for more time. If that sounds like a fair trade for seeing several beautiful places in four hours, this is a strong value from Zadar.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and three island stops.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Nautica Zadar on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the same Nautica Zadar meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What language does the guide speak?

The skippers and guide speak English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and snorkel are included, along with life vests. Swimming fins are not included.

What drinks are included?

You receive unlimited iced tea and water, plus three beers per person.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet onboard or at the pickup point. Toilet access is available at the final stop in Preko.

Is the docking fee included in the price?

No. The combined docking fee is paid separately in cash before departure. It is €10 for people aged 12 and older, and €5 for children aged 11 and younger.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. Food and swimming fins are not provided.