Zadar: 3 Islands SpeedBoat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the change of pace: one moment you are by the old city walls, and shortly after you are floating in clear Adriatic water with no city traffic in sight. The route combines a quiet swimming bay with two very different island stops, so you get both sea time and a taste of local life.

I like the small group limit of 10 people, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus. I also like the thoughtful extras: snorkel masks, chilled water, beer, and iced tea are included. The main drawback is simple: this is an open speedboat, not a sheltered cruise boat. On a windy day, you may get wet, and there is no toilet onboard.

At a glance

• Swim first in a quiet bay: Enjoy about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Visit tiny Ošljak: Walk around Croatia’s smallest inhabited island and see old Dalmatian houses.
• Spend 75 minutes in Preko: Stroll the waterfront, stop for coffee or ice cream, and shop or eat independently.
• Ride with a small group: The boat holds no more than 10 participants, though the exact vessel and skipper can vary.
• Bring cash and a towel: A €10 docking fee is paid separately, and the boat has no toilet.

Why this four-hour trip works well from Zadar

Zadar is an excellent base for a short boat outing because the islands sit close to the city. You do not lose half a day getting to a distant marina or spending hours on a large ferry. From the waterfront, the speedboat gets you out among the islands quickly, leaving most of the four-hour schedule for swimming, walking, and exploring.

The tour is also nicely balanced. Some boat trips give you little more than a fast ride and a photo stop. Here, you have three distinct experiences: a swim in a quiet bay, a peaceful walk on Ošljak, and free time in Preko. You are not simply looking at the coast from the water. You get off the boat and use your time in several different ways.

The group size matters. With up to 10 people, it is easier to ask the skipper a question, find a comfortable place to sit, or get help with the snorkel equipment. The company operates three boats, so the exact boat that collects you can vary. The guides named in feedback include Jure, Josip, Željko, Gelico, and Matte. Your skipper may be someone else, but the common thread is a friendly, attentive approach and good English.

Finding the boat behind Foša

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, with boarding behind the Foša restaurant. This is close to the old town, but give yourself time to find the exact boarding spot. If you are unsure, the operator asks you to take a photo of your location and send it through WhatsApp.

That is useful advice because waterfront meeting points can be less obvious than a hotel lobby or a marked tour office. Do not wait until the last minute to start looking. Once aboard, the first ride takes roughly 15 minutes, giving you a quick introduction to the coast and a chance to settle into the boat.

If you plan to drive, think twice. Parking near the meeting point can be difficult, so arriving by foot or arranging another way to reach the waterfront is easier. The tour returns to the same place, which makes it convenient if you are staying in or near Zadar’s old town.

Stop one: a quiet bay for swimming and snorkeling

The first main stop is a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago. The boat spends about 50 minutes here, and this is likely to be the most active part of the outing. You can jump from the boat into clear turquoise water, swim around the bay, or use the supplied mask to look below the surface.

Several people singled out this stop as the highlight, and I can understand why. It gives you the freedom to swim without spending the whole day on a beach. You do not need to find a lounger, rent equipment, or walk far from the harbor. Put on your beachwear, take a mask, and get straight into the sea.

The water can be wonderfully clear, though conditions change with wind and weather. One account describes swimming in an almost empty spot, while another recalls water deep enough to jump into from the boat. Treat those details as possible conditions rather than guarantees. The skipper will decide where it is safe and sensible to stop.

If snorkeling is important to you, bring realistic expectations. This is a short recreational stop, not a guided marine-life excursion. You get equipment and a chance to see beneath the surface, but the main pleasure is clear water, open space, and time to swim. Some people have spotted fish, and one person even reported seeing a sea turtle, but wildlife sightings are never promised.

Stop two: quiet Ošljak and its old Dalmatian houses

After around 10 minutes on the speedboat, you reach Ošljak. The island is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and its appeal is its scale. You are not visiting a large resort with a long list of attractions. You are walking through a compact island community with old Dalmatian houses, small paths, and a slower feel.

You have about an hour here. Use it for a walk, a swim, or simply some time in the sun. One account describes walking uphill to see old mills and the views from above. That walk gives Ošljak more substance than a quick stop at the shore, but remember that the tour does not promise a formal hike or a guided historical visit.

Ošljak is a good counterpoint to the first swimming stop. At the bay, the water is the focus. Here, you get to stretch your legs and see how a small island settlement feels. The old houses and quiet paths offer a more local setting than the polished waterfront of a major resort.

The limited time is both a benefit and a restriction. An hour is enough to look around and swim, but not enough for a long, unhurried exploration. Keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat cannot wait indefinitely if someone wanders too far from the agreed pickup place.

Stop three: Preko, coffee, food, and free time

The final island stop is Preko, reached after about 15 minutes on the boat. You get roughly 75 minutes here, the longest break of the trip. That extra time makes Preko the most flexible stop. You can walk along the waterfront, buy a coffee or ice cream, look for souvenirs, eat something, or swim if you prefer another dip.

Preko gives you a more developed island experience than Ošljak. There are places to stop for a drink or Croatian food, along with shops and a promenade. You are free to choose how to use the time rather than being led from one sight to another.

You may also be able to visit Galevac, a small nearby island with a monastery, by taking a local boat from Preko. This is optional and involves a separate arrangement. Be careful with timing. One person reported being delayed after paying for a two-way boat ride to Galevac and finding the return arrangement unreliable. The guide came to help, but you should not assume that a local transfer will fit neatly into the tour schedule.

My advice is to treat Galevac as an extra only if you have confirmed the return time and left a generous margin. If you want a relaxed coffee, a walk, and perhaps ice cream, Preko itself is enough. The stop is designed to give you breathing room, not to force another attraction into an already active afternoon.

The speedboat ride itself

The boat is part of the attraction. You get quick open-water travel, broad views of the Dalmatian coast, and a different view of Zadar as you return. Several accounts describe the boats as clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with cold drinks ready onboard.

You should also understand the tradeoff. An open speedboat is exposed to wind, spray, and waves. On a calm day, the ride can be exhilarating and smooth. On a rough day, spray may reach the passengers, and the motion can feel lively. One skipper was praised for handling rough conditions safely, but rough seas may still make the ride uncomfortable for some people.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a change of clothes. A hat, sunscreen, towel, and water-resistant protection for your phone are sensible choices. The supplied bottled water is helpful, but you should still arrive prepared for direct sun. Beer and iced tea are included, but do not rely on those as your only drinks, especially in hot weather.

There is no toilet on the boat. You can use one at the final stop, Preko, but you should take care of this before departure. This detail matters more than it may sound, particularly if you are traveling with children or know that boat rides make you need frequent breaks.

What is included, and what costs extra

The tour includes the boat, skipper, English-speaking guide, fuel, life vests, snorkel masks, bottled water, one beer per person, and iced tea. That package covers the essentials, so you do not need to rent snorkeling gear or pay for fuel as the boat moves between islands.

The extra charge is a €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash before the tour begins. Factor this into the real cost when comparing it with other boat trips. The advertised tour price is not the final amount you will spend.

You will also want cash for anything you buy in Preko, such as coffee, food, ice cream, or souvenirs. The tour does not include meals, and it does not cover optional transport to Galevac. Still, the value is strong if you want several experiences in one half-day: a speedboat ride, a swim, snorkeling, two island visits, and drinks.

The tour’s value is less clear if you want a slow, quiet cruise with full facilities. A larger boat may offer more room and a toilet, while a beach day may give you more time in one place. This outing earns its price through variety and convenience rather than luxury service.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this tour if you have one free morning or afternoon in Zadar and want to see beyond the old town without committing to a full-day cruise. It suits couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting a small group, and families with children who are comfortable around open water. A family with a 10-year-old had a particularly good time, and life vests are supplied.

It is also a good choice if you like active sightseeing. You can swim, snorkel, walk, and ride at speed, all in four hours. Guides such as Jure, Josip, Željko, and Gelico have been praised for checking that everyone is comfortable and adjusting the pace when possible.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, or weigh more than 120 kilograms, since the activity is not suitable under those conditions. I would also think carefully if you dislike boat motion, cannot tolerate sun exposure, or need regular access to a toilet.

The tour is conducted in English. If you want detailed explanations in another language, this may not be the right fit. The focus is on enjoying the coast, not on a long lecture about island history.

Timing, weather, and practical choices

The listed duration is four hours, and the schedule is tightly organized. The rides take about 15 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, with 50 minutes at the swimming bay, one hour on Ošljak, and 75 minutes in Preko. That adds up to roughly 3 hours and 50 minutes, leaving little spare time.

Check the forecast before you go. A calm, sunny day will give you the best conditions for swimming and snorkeling. If the sea is rough, the operator may still run the trip, and the open boat may send spray over you. Bring a cover-up or spare clothes, and avoid carrying anything that cannot get wet.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your Zadar plans depend on weather, though they do not remove the need to check conditions before setting out.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively half-day on the water, with swimming, snorkeling, island walks, and enough free time for coffee or food in Preko. The small group, included drinks, friendly skippers, and varied route make it a strong choice for seeing several sides of the Zadar archipelago quickly.

Skip it if you want a slow cruise, a toilet onboard, guaranteed calm water, or a long, formal history tour. The €10 cash docking fee, possible sea spray, and limited time at each stop are worth noting.

For most active visitors staying in Zadar, I would consider this a good-value way to get out of the city. Pack lightly, bring cash, protect your phone, and keep your schedule flexible around the sea.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

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

Where does the tour start?

Meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls. Boarding is behind the Foša restaurant.

Where does the boat return?

The tour ends at the same waterfront meeting point on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The company operates three boats, so the exact boat may vary.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Preko, plus a swimming and snorkeling stop in the Zadar archipelago. Galevac may also be visited from Preko as an optional local outing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel masks and life vests are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person are included.

Is the docking fee included?

No. You must pay a €10 docking fee per person in cash before the tour starts.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet onboard. You can use a toilet at the final stop, so take care of this before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. A phone case that can handle water is also a sensible precaution.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.