Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

A fast boat, three islands, clear Adriatic water, and four hours away from city streets: that is the appeal here. You leave Zadar for Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third stop, with time to swim, snorkel, walk, or simply sit by the sea.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which makes a compact boat feel social without turning the trip into a crowd scene. I also like the generous free time at each island, plus the chance to use snorkeling gear and a GoPro11 instead of spending the whole tour listening to a guide talk.

The main consideration is the extra docking fee: $10 per adult or $5 per child, on top of the $34 tour price. This is still good value, but you should include that charge when comparing tours.

Key points at a glance

• Three island stops in four hours: Visit Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third island near Zadar.
• Plenty of time off the boat: The longest stop lasts 80 minutes, while Preko gets a full hour.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Swim and look for marine life at selected stops without bringing your own gear.
• Guides who add local color: Josip and Luka are among the guides praised for clear advice, good humor, and restaurant tips.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Unlimited water and local alcoholic drinks are included, along with sun cream.
• Fast, lively transport: The speedboat ride adds a little thrill, though the boat is mainly used to connect the islands.

Leaving Zadar from the Foša area

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a red hat. That detail matters because the waterfront can be busy, and a clear visual marker saves you from wandering around the marina asking for directions.

The tour begins with a short sightseeing cruise of about 15 minutes. You get an early look back toward Zadar before the boat heads farther out. The ride is part transport and part entertainment: the compact speedboat is quick, music may be playing, and the open-water setting gives the tour a much livelier feel than a slow harbor cruise.

The boat carries no more than 12 participants. That is a useful middle ground. You get the shared energy of a group outing, but the skipper can still check that everyone is comfortable and explain what to do at each stop. The small capacity also suits solo visitors, since the guides make an effort to keep people involved rather than leaving anyone on the edge of the group.

You should expect movement and spray on a speedboat. Bring a towel and sun hat, and wear clothing you do not mind getting damp. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95 years old.

Ošljak: your longest island stop

The first major stop is Ošljak, where you have about 80 minutes. This is the longest break of the day, so it gives you room to use the island rather than merely take a quick photograph before rushing back aboard.

You can walk, take pictures, swim, snorkel, or make a short hike. That mix is important because not everyone wants the same sort of stop. You can stay near the water with the snorkeling equipment, while another member of your group walks inland or looks for a good view.

The snorkeling is a simple add-on rather than a formal lesson. The crew provides the equipment, and the sea gives you a chance to look beneath the surface at your own pace. The water around the islands is the main attraction, so bring a towel and be ready to spend time in it. Marine life sightings are possible, but the experience is best approached as casual swimming and underwater viewing, not a dedicated wildlife expedition.

Ošljak also gives the guide space to offer local suggestions. Josip is frequently singled out for taking good photos, sharing useful information, and pointing out places to eat. Luka is also praised for giving clear instructions and helping people make the most of their free time. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the experience appears to rely heavily on the person at the helm.

One practical point: an 80-minute stop can pass quickly if you want to swim, snorkel, walk, and eat. Choose your priority before you step ashore. If the water is your main reason for booking, change into swimwear before leaving Zadar or use the boat’s stop efficiently.

The surprise third island

After a short 10-minute cruise, the boat reaches the tour’s unnamed third stop. Keeping this island as a surprise adds a playful touch, but it also means you cannot plan around a specific village, café, or landmark there.

The stop lasts around 45 minutes and focuses on swimming, snorkeling, photography, and looking at marine life. Compared with Ošljak, this is a shorter and more water-based break. You should think of it as a chance to get in the sea and enjoy a quieter patch of coast, rather than a full sightseeing visit.

This is one of the best parts of the schedule for people who want a natural setting without a long list of organized activities. There is no need to follow a set walking route. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, or stay aboard and enjoy the view if you prefer not to enter the water.

The tradeoff is that the stop may feel brief if you need extra time to get ready. A speedboat tour works best when you are comfortable moving from one activity to the next. If you prefer a single beach day with no timetable, this outing may feel busy.

Preko gives you the most choice

The last island stop is Preko, reached after another 10-minute cruise. You have about an hour here, with time for coffee, shopping, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Preko is the most flexible stop because you can choose between a village-style break and more time by the sea. Some people may want coffee and a stroll, while others will head directly for the water. The guide can also suggest places to eat and drink. Josip has been praised for recommending local restaurants, which is useful if you want more than a generic waterfront snack.

You should not expect a long cultural tour of Preko. The schedule gives you freedom rather than a formal walking tour. That suits you if you like choosing your own pace, but it may disappoint you if you want detailed commentary at every corner.

The full hour is well judged. It leaves enough time for a short walk, a drink, or a swim without making the stop feel like a rushed photo break. Keep track of the meeting time, though. On a small boat, the group cannot easily leave space for late arrivals.

What the speedboat adds

The boat is not just a way to get from point A to point B. The quick ride creates the most energetic part of the outing. Several comments describe the music, speed, and general mood as major reasons the trip feels fun rather than merely practical.

The boat ride between stops lasts about 55 minutes in total, split into four sections. That is enough time to feel the open sea, but not so much that the tour becomes an all-day transport exercise. One useful expectation to set is that the rides are mainly links between islands. If you are booking specifically for a long, high-speed cruise, you might find the boat time shorter than expected.

The skipper and guide handle the route, give instructions, and check on the group. Guides named Josip, Josef, and Luka receive especially warm praise for being friendly, attentive, and easy to talk to. One guide also helped a passenger deal with a finger injury, which suggests that the crew stays alert to practical problems rather than focusing only on the schedule.

Music is part of the atmosphere. This is not a quiet sailing trip, so choose it if you like a social outing with a bit of energy. The mood can be lively, but the small group keeps it from feeling like a large party boat.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and the real value

The advertised price is $34 per person. You also pay docking fees of $10 per adult or $5 per child for all stops. That brings the adult total to $44 before any extra spending in Preko.

At that price, the tour offers solid value if you intend to swim and use the included extras. You receive the boat trip, guide, skipper, snorkeling equipment, unlimited water, unlimited local alcoholic drinks, sun cream, and access to an underwater GoPro11. You also get three island stops without arranging separate ferries or local transport.

The alcohol provision deserves a practical note. It is included, but you still need to pace yourself in the sun and on a moving boat. Water is unlimited, so use it. The included sun cream is helpful, but a hat and your own preferred sunscreen are still sensible choices.

The GoPro11 is a nice touch for an active half-day. It gives you the chance to capture underwater scenes and group photos without bringing expensive equipment of your own. Ask the guide how the camera is being used and how images are shared, since the supplied information confirms the camera is available but does not explain the delivery process.

The value is weaker if you do not swim, drink, or enjoy speedboat travel. Much of the appeal rests on the sea stops and the freedom to get wet. If you want a detailed island history tour, a large shaded boat, or a slow cruise with formal commentary, another excursion may fit better.

How to plan your four hours

The full route takes about four hours:

• About 15 minutes from the meeting point to the first island area
• Around 80 minutes at Ošljak
• About 10 minutes to the third island
• Around 45 minutes at the third island
• About 10 minutes to Preko
• Around 60 minutes at Preko
• About 20 minutes back to Zadar

The schedule is active but not punishing. You have nearly three hours at the islands and roughly an hour on the water between them. That balance lets you combine swimming with walks and coffee.

Bring a towel and sun hat. Water shoes are not listed as required, so do not assume they will be provided. You should also bring a waterproof pouch for personal items, since the tour centers on swimming and a fast open boat. That is practical advice rather than an included service.

Wear something comfortable for sitting and walking. You may want swimwear under your clothes, especially because the first island has the longest water stop. Keep your phone secure when the boat accelerates, and listen carefully when the guide gives return times.

The tour runs in English, Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian. Starting times vary, so check the available departure before booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Zadar plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend it to you if you want to see several nearby islands in half a day without handling ferry schedules. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and small families with older children who can manage a boat, swimming, and a flexible schedule.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want several swims rather than one long beach stop
• You like a small group and a friendly guide
• You enjoy music and a fast ride
• You want free time instead of constant group commentary
• You appreciate practical suggestions for food and places to explore
• You want snorkeling equipment without packing your own

It is less suitable if you dislike speed, motion, or getting splashed. It is also not a good match for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95, as stated in the activity information.

The guides make a real difference. Josip is praised for humor, photos, local food suggestions, and attention to each person. Luka is described as cheerful, helpful, and good at explaining each stop. You cannot choose your guide in advance, but the repeated praise for these names suggests that the human side of the tour is one of its strongest features.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a lively, compact introduction to island life near Zadar, with time for swimming and a guide who helps you use each stop well. The combination of three islands, a 12-person limit, snorkeling gear, drinks, and a four-hour schedule gives you a lot for the base price.

Before booking, add the docking fee to your budget and decide if you are happy with an active boat day. You will get the most from it if you bring a towel, wear swimwear, listen to the return times, and treat the surprise third island as a water stop rather than a major sightseeing destination.

If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, this is an easy way to trade Zadar’s streets for open water without giving up the convenience of a short, well-organized outing.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a red hat.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Preko, and a third island that is kept as a surprise until the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour also provides access to an underwater GoPro11.

Are drinks included in the price?

Unlimited water and unlimited local alcoholic drinks are included. Docking fees are separate and cost 10 EUR per adult or 5 EUR per child for all stops.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95 years old. The group is limited to 12 participants.