Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

Clear water, small islands, and a fast boat. This four-hour trip gives you a lively taste of the Zadar archipelago without taking up a whole day. I especially like the small-group feel and the generous time set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and walking ashore. The main thing to consider is the lack of a toilet and food on board.

You leave central Zadar, pass through the Bay of Foša, and visit several lovely spots around Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko. At $49 per person, the tour offers a lot for the price: fuel, a guide, life vests, snorkeling equipment, shade, and unlimited water are included. Beer, juice, and other drinks have also been offered on recent trips, though you should bring your own drinks as requested.

Key details at a glance

• Three water stops: Blue Bay Otrić and two further swimming locations give you plenty of time in the sea.
• An hour in Preko: This is the most developed stop, with time for a walk, shops, restaurants, and the waterfront.
• Small speedboat groups: Recent departures have had as few as seven or eight people, leaving everyone room to sit comfortably.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You can use the provided goggles and equipment at the clear-water stops.
• Friendly, flexible guiding: Guides including Dino, Davide, and Stella have been praised for helpful service and island information.
• A half-day price that makes sense: At $49, you get transport, fuel, equipment, drinks, and several stops without committing your entire day.

Leaving Zadar through the Bay of Foša

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. This is a practical central departure point, but you should arrive ready to board rather than expecting a large terminal with facilities.

The first part of the ride takes about 20 minutes. You cruise out through the Bay of Foša, with open views toward Zadar’s coast and nearby islands. The speedboat makes the journey part of the experience, not just a transfer between stops. You get wind, sun, and a clear sense of how close these islands are to the city.

The boat has a sunshade, and life vests are included. The group size matters here. Several recent departures had around seven or eight people, which is a much more pleasant setup than a packed sightseeing boat. You have room to settle in, watch the coastline, and speak with the guide.

This is still a speedboat, so it is not the best match if you want a quiet, slow cruise. The ride can feel lively, especially when the boat is moving between stops. Bring a hat and comfortable clothing, and keep a change of clothes handy after the swimming breaks.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first swim

After roughly 20 minutes, the boat reaches Blue Bay Otrić. You have about 45 minutes here for a guided introduction, free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

This first stop is mainly about the water. The sea is described as crystal clear, and the supplied snorkeling equipment lets you look for fish without having to rent gear separately. If you are not a strong swimmer, the included life vest can make the stop feel less stressful, although you should still be comfortable getting into and out of the boat.

The timing is well judged for a first swim. Forty-five minutes gives you enough time to get changed, enter the water, snorkel, and dry off without making the stop feel rushed. It is also short enough that the tour keeps moving rather than turning into an all-day beach outing.

You should not expect a large organized beach facility here. This is a stop for swimming and nature, not for cafés, changing rooms, or a long list of services. Bring what you need with you, and remember that there is no toilet on board.

Ošljak and the quieter island stop

The next boat ride takes about 15 minutes, followed by roughly an hour at the second stop. The tour description identifies Ošljak as one of the main islands visited, while the itinerary labels this section a lesser-known stop. Either way, this is the point where the trip shifts from a quick swim to a slower look around.

You can walk, take photographs, hear about the area from your guide, and swim or snorkel again. The hour gives you space to choose your own pace. I like this balance because you are not being marched from one viewpoint to another. You can spend the time in the water, stroll around, or simply sit in the shade and enjoy the setting.

This stop will suit you if you prefer small places and unhurried exploring. It is less suited to anyone expecting a major historic site or a full island tour. The appeal is the combination of quiet surroundings, clear water, and time to look around without a packed schedule.

Guides have made a difference here. Dino has been singled out for a relaxed style and good local information, while other departures have been led by Davide or Stella. The guide may adjust the mood of the stop to suit the group, but the tour remains built around swimming and informal exploration rather than a formal history lecture.

Preko gives the trip its village stop

The boat then runs for about 15 minutes to Preko, where you have another hour. This is the most visitor-friendly part of the route, with a charming village atmosphere, places to walk, shops, restaurants, and more access to the waterfront.

Preko is a good counterpoint to the quieter swimming spots. You can stretch your legs, buy a souvenir, look for a snack, or simply wander near the water. Several people have found this the highlight because it feels like a real small Croatian town rather than a quick photo stop.

The hour is long enough to see a little of the village without pretending you have explored all of Ugljan. If you want a sit-down meal, you should keep an eye on the clock. Food is not included, and the schedule may not leave time for a leisurely restaurant lunch. Bring cash, especially if you want to buy something during the stop.

Preko also gives the tour its clearest sense of local life. The route is not only about pretty water. You get a glimpse of how the islands function, with everyday streets, small businesses, and a relaxed waterfront rhythm.

The ride back with drinks on board

After Preko, you return to the boat for the final 20-minute run back to Zadar. This is another chance for views along the coast and a last swim-oriented stretch of sea, depending on the exact running order and conditions.

Drinks are a welcome part of the return journey. Unlimited water is included, and recent trips have also provided beer, juice, and other refreshments. Guides have been praised for checking in often and offering drinks during the day. Still, the written trip information asks you to bring drinks, so I would not rely entirely on the onboard supply.

There is no food included. Pack something if you need more than a light drink, but keep it simple and secure on a moving boat. A small bag, towel, hat, sunscreen, and change of clothes are more useful than bulky luggage.

The boat returns to the same location on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. With a total duration of four hours, this outing fits neatly into a morning or afternoon. One past departure began at 4 p.m., returning as the sun was going down. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Why the $49 price works

At $49, this tour is good value if you want transport, water access, and several stops in one compact outing. The price includes the speedboat, fuel, guide, snorkeling equipment, life vests, shade, and unlimited water. You are not paying extra for each swim or for the boat ride back to Zadar.

The small group is a major part of the value. A low passenger count means less waiting and more personal space. One recent group of seven had plenty of room, and another departure carried eight people. This helps explain why the trip can feel more relaxed than a larger island cruise.

The price does not cover food, and the boat has no toilet. Those are minor issues for four hours, but they matter if you need regular facilities or want a full meal during the outing. Preko offers places to buy food, though your free time there is limited.

The tour is also good value because it does not spend the entire half-day moving between islands. You get 45 minutes at the first swimming stop, about an hour at the second, and another hour in Preko. That is a strong balance between boat time and time ashore.

What to bring for a smoother trip

Pack lightly, since space on a small speedboat is limited. I would bring:

• A hat and comfortable clothes
• Swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes
• Cash for food, drinks, or shopping in Preko
• Your own drinks and any snacks you need
• Sunscreen and a small waterproof bag

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if you have one that fits well. The tour provides life vests, and you should use them as directed by the skipper.

There is no toilet on the boat, so plan accordingly before departure. The lack of food also means you should not board expecting lunch or a full snack service.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. It is best for people who can board a small boat, manage several swims, and walk around a village for an hour.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone staying in Zadar who wants a taste of the islands without booking a full-day cruise. It works particularly well for people who value swimming and small groups more than museums or long guided talks.

Teenagers should enjoy the speedboat, clear water, and snorkeling. One family found the outing worked well for both keen swimmers and a parent who did not swim, since the boat itself and the island walks still offered plenty to do.

It is also a good choice for a flexible afternoon. You can swim at one stop, walk around Ošljak at the next, and spend your final hour in Preko. That variety keeps the trip from feeling repetitive.

I would be more cautious about booking it if you dislike boats, need onboard toilet access, want a substantial meal, or prefer a slow beach day in one place. The tour moves between stops and gives you a taste of several locations rather than a long stay at one beach.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want clear water, snorkeling, a small boat, and a real village stop for $49. The strongest part is the mix of activities: you get three water-focused locations, time on Ošljak and Ugljan, and an hour in Preko, all within four hours.

The guide can shape the mood of the day. Dino, Davide, and Stella have each been praised for friendly service, helpful advice, and island information, though your guide will depend on the departure. Drinks, shade, equipment, and fuel add useful value.

Skip it only if the missing toilet and food are deal-breakers, or if you want a full-day island exploration. For a compact, active outing from Zadar, this is an easy choice, with a strong mix of swimming, scenery, and local island atmosphere.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stops, island visits, and return to Zadar.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls at the meeting point.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, as well as Blue Bay Otrić and another swimming location described as a quieter stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Recent trips have also had beer, juice, and other drinks available, but you are advised to bring drinks with you.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so bring snacks or use your free time in Preko to buy something.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The boat does not have a toilet.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can babies under one year old join?

No. Babies under one year old are not permitted on this activity.