REVIEW · ZADAR

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour

★ 5.0 · 2 reviews Operated by Alice tours · Bookable on Viator
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Small islands, clear water, fast boat. This four-hour trip gives you three good reasons to leave Zadar for the day: a luxury speedboat ride, quiet Osljak, and a long stop on Preko for swimming and snorkeling. I especially like the small-group format and the fact that cold drinks, bottled water, and snorkeling gear are included. The front sundeck adds a bit of fun, while the shaded rear area gives you a break from the sun.

The main thing to consider is timing. Osljak gets about 45 minutes, while Preko gets roughly two hours and 15 minutes, so this is more of a pleasant coastal outing than a full island tour. You will also pay separately for lunch, and the price of $517.66 is easiest to justify when shared by a group.

Key points to know before booking

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Key points to know before booking

  • Osljak is the quiet first stop: You get about 45 minutes to walk around a small, peaceful island away from Zadar’s city traffic.
  • Preko is the main stop: Allow around two hours and 15 minutes for a walk, coffee, lunch, beach time, or snorkeling.
  • The speedboat adds real variety: You get a quick ride, a front sundeck, and shade at the back rather than sitting on a slow ferry all day.
  • Snorkeling equipment is supplied: You do not need to bring your own mask and gear, though lunch is not included.
  • Skippers Luka and Fabricio receive strong praise: Their friendly service is part of the appeal, and the trip is designed to be guided throughout.
  • Private-group booking can be personalized: If you reserve the whole boat for your group, you can ask about a suitable departure place and possible adjustments.

Leaving Zadar from Foša

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Leaving Zadar from Foša

The meeting point is at Foša, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2 in Zadar. From here, the boat heads along the shore before reaching the first island, giving you an easy start rather than a rushed transfer.

That location matters because you begin close to Zadar’s center, and the tour returns to the same meeting point. You do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another harbor. The activity lasts about four hours, so it can fit neatly into a morning or afternoon in Zadar.

The speedboat is part of the attraction, not just transportation. You can sit on the front sundeck for a stronger sense of speed and open water, or choose the shaded rear section when the sun becomes too strong. That simple choice makes the boat more comfortable for mixed groups, especially families with children.

The skipper guides the full trip and provides cold drinks during the ride. Bottled water is also included. The supplied information does not give a fixed departure schedule, so confirm the exact start time after booking.

The ride along the Zadar coast

The first section moves more slowly along the shore toward Osljak. That is a nice touch. You are not thrown straight into a high-speed run, and you get time to look back toward Zadar and enjoy the coastal views.

Later, the boat provides the faster, more playful part of the outing. This combination works well: a calm start, island walks, time in the sea, and then a quicker ride back. You get more variety than you would on a simple beach transfer.

The boat can carry up to 11 people, while the listed price of $517.66 covers a group of up to six. That makes the cost far better for a full group than for only one or two people. If you are booking the whole boat for your own party, ask about customizing the departure point and other details before you go.

The experience is not designed as a large party boat. It is better suited to friends or family who want their own shared outing, with a skipper handling the route and practical details.

Osljak: 45 minutes of quiet island time

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Osljak: 45 minutes of quiet island time

Osljak is the short but appealing first stop. You have around 45 minutes to get off the boat and walk around. The purpose here is not to pack in sights. It is to slow the day down.

The island offers a chance to see a more local, low-key side of the Zadar area. You can wander without a strict sightseeing checklist and enjoy the quiet setting away from the city. For many people, that contrast is the point.

Still, 45 minutes is not a long visit. You should think of Osljak as a brief walk and change of scene rather than a place for a long meal, extended swim, or serious exploration. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking, though no special footwear requirement is stated.

This stop may be especially useful if your group wants a little time on land before spending the longer part of the tour at Preko. Children can enjoy the change from boat to island, but parents should remember that the overall activity includes time on open water and swimming.

Preko: the main island stop

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Preko: the main island stop

Preko receives about two hours and 15 minutes, making it the heart of the trip. You can walk toward the island center, stop for lunch or coffee with a sea view, or spend the time at the small sandy beach.

This flexible schedule is one of the tour’s strongest features. You are not forced into one activity. One person can relax on the beach while another takes a walk, and the group can meet again before returning to the boat.

Snorkeling gear is provided for use in the clear water near the beach. The tour gives you a simple way to try snorkeling without renting equipment on your own. The focus is on cooling off and looking beneath the surface, not on a formal guided marine lesson, so set your expectations accordingly.

Lunch is not included. You will need to pay separately if you choose to eat at Preko. That is useful to know when comparing the total cost, especially if you are traveling with children or a larger group. Bringing your own plan for lunch time will help you avoid wasting part of the stop deciding what to do.

The sandy beach sounds inviting, but the information does not promise beach chairs, umbrellas, changing facilities, or a particular restaurant. Treat the beach stop as a straightforward place to relax and swim rather than a fully serviced resort visit.

Snorkeling without packing extra gear

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Snorkeling without packing extra gear

Snorkeling is included, along with the equipment you need for the activity. That saves you from bringing a mask and related gear through the city, and it makes the swimming stop easier to use on impulse.

The water is described as crystal clear, which should make the Preko stop appealing to anyone who wants more than a boat ride. You can cool down, look below the surface, and return to the beach when you have had enough.

Do not mistake this for a dedicated snorkeling expedition. Most of the time is shared between walking, eating, relaxing, and swimming. If your priority is spending nearly the whole day in the water, a longer snorkeling trip may suit you better.

Families are welcome, and life jackets are available for each passenger if needed. That is a useful safety provision, though parents remain responsible for supervising children around the boat and water.

Guides, drinks, and the feel of the outing

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Guides, drinks, and the feel of the outing

The skipper stays with the group throughout the trip. Two names connected with the experience are Luka and Fabricio, both praised for making the outing enjoyable and well organized. That personal contact matters on a small boat, where the skipper shapes much of the day.

The included cold drinks are a welcome practical detail. Four hours under the Croatian sun can make water and refreshments feel more important than they sound in a feature list. Bottled water is included too, while lunch remains your responsibility.

The strongest praise centers on the organization, the good stops, the drinks, and the fun atmosphere. Those are exactly the areas where a short boat tour needs to perform. You are not buying a long historical talk or an elaborate meal. You are paying for a smooth route, attractive stops, time in the water, and a skipper who keeps the day moving.

What the $517.66 group price really means

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - What the $517.66 group price really means

At $517.66 per group of up to six, the price works best when split among several people. Six people would pay about $86 each before lunch. For two people, the same group price feels much heavier.

You are paying for a private-feeling speedboat outing, the skipper, cold drinks, water, snorkeling equipment, and the convenience of visiting two islands in four hours. You also get the extra character of a speedboat, rather than simply taking regular public transport and arranging each stop yourself.

The value depends on how much you care about convenience and time. If you want a flexible coastal trip with a guide, a quick boat ride, and snorkeling already arranged, the cost can make sense. If your main goal is simply reaching Preko, public transport may be a less expensive option, though it would not provide this same guided route and speedboat ride.

The ability to personalize the trip applies when you book the whole boat for your own group. Ask in advance about the departure place and any preferred arrangements. Do not assume every request can be added, but the option is useful for families or groups with a particular schedule.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

Blue Lagoon Snorkeling on Speedboat & Island Hopping Tour - Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it most to friends and families who want several activities in one half-day. You can walk on Osljak, stroll through Preko, eat or have coffee, swim, snorkel, and enjoy a fast ride home without committing to a full-day cruise.

It also suits people who like a mix of comfort and activity. The shaded rear seating helps when you need a break, while the front sundeck gives the ride a more exciting feel. The skipper’s presence makes the trip easier for people who do not want to plan island transport themselves.

Children are welcome, and life jackets are available. The tour may work well for a family group, but the sea, boat movement, sun, and swimming mean you should judge your children’s comfort carefully.

I would be less likely to choose it if you want a long cultural tour, a detailed history program, or many different islands. With only four hours, the schedule is compact. Osljak is brief, and Preko receives most of the free time.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour ends back at the Foša meeting point, which keeps the return simple. It is near public transportation, and the activity is open to most people, according to the supplied participation details.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the trip depends on good weather, poor conditions may lead to a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Use the local Croatian time when checking the deadline.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel if you plan to use the beach and snorkeling gear. Those items are not listed as included. Since lunch is also separate, decide in advance if you want to eat at Preko or simply use the stop for coffee and swimming.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an easy, social half-day on the water with two island stops, included snorkeling gear, drinks, and a skipper who keeps the outing organized. The best value comes when you fill the group and share the $517.66 price.

Skip it if you want a slow, all-day island visit or a serious snorkeling program. For the right group, though, the mix is appealing: a quiet walk on Osljak, a flexible beach stop at Preko, and a spirited speedboat ride back to Zadar.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Foša, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 2, 23420 Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Foša.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes stops on Osljak and Preko.

How much time is spent on Osljak?

The stop on Osljak lasts around 45 minutes.

How long is the stop on Preko?

The stop on Preko lasts around two hours and 15 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included and must be paid for separately.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Cold drinks and bottled water are included.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 11 travelers, while the listed group price covers up to six people.

Can families with children join?

Yes. Families with children are welcome, and life jackets are available for each passenger if needed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.

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Start with the hull, then choose the water

Every kind of island day we have been out on.