Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This four-hour speedboat trip gives you a beautiful swim stop, time on Ošljak and Preko, and a friendly small-group feel without taking up your whole day. I especially like the mix of sea time and shore time, plus the included beer, water, and iced tea. The main catch is practical: fuel costs extra, and there is no toilet on the boat.

You meet on Zadar’s waterfront, opposite the city walls and behind Restaurant Foša. The group is limited to 10 people, which keeps the boat more personal than a large excursion vessel. On a windy day, though, the open boat can get wet and bumpy, so bring a towel, a change of clothes, and a bit of patience.

Key points to know before booking

• The first stop is built for swimming: You get about 50 minutes in a quiet bay with clear turquoise water, and a boat jump is part of the fun.
• Ošljak feels pleasantly local: This tiny inhabited island has old Dalmatian houses, quiet paths, and places to swim.
• Preko gives you the longest shore stop: You have about 75 minutes for a walk, coffee, food, shopping, or a visit to nearby Galevac.
• The group stays small: A maximum of 10 participants makes it easier to talk with the skipper and find a comfortable seat.
• Drinks are included: Each person receives beer, bottled water, and iced tea, though food is not included.
• The boat has no restroom: Use the facilities before departure, because the next available toilet is at the final stop.

Four hours that cover sea, shore, and village life

This is a smart choice if you want a taste of the Zadar archipelago but do not want to spend an entire day on a boat. The route lasts about four hours, including roughly 55 minutes of fast cruising between stops and more than three hours for swimming and exploring.

The speedboat leaves from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, on the waterfront just behind Restaurant Foša. The meeting point can be confusing because several boat companies gather in the same area. Look for the boarding spot opposite the city walls, and if you are unsure, take a photo of your location and send it to the operator through WhatsApp.

The company operates three boats, so your vessel may not be obvious until it arrives. That is not a problem once you know it in advance. The small group limit is more important than the exact boat, and the vessels used for this trip have been described as clean, comfortable, and in good condition.

Your guide is also your skipper. Names appearing in the feedback include Jure, Josip, Joseph, Jelko, and Željko, depending on the departure. The repeated praise is for friendly service, useful local explanations, patience with photos, and a relaxed manner. Joseph and Jure receive especially warm attention for keeping people comfortable and explaining the area without turning the ride into a lecture.

The first ride: 15 minutes across the Zadar channel

The opening speedboat ride takes about 15 minutes. That is long enough to enjoy views of Zadar’s waterfront and the scattered islands without wearing out your patience.

You will be sitting in an open boat, not a covered ferry. On calm days, this gives you a fine view and a pleasant rush of air. If the sea is rough, spray can reach the passengers, so sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel are useful. Secure loose hats and phones before the boat picks up speed.

Drinks are available during the outing. Beer is included for each person, along with bottled water and iced tea. This is a small feature, but it matters on a sunny Croatian afternoon. You still need to bring cash for food, coffee, souvenirs, and the additional fuel charge.

The swimming bay: 50 minutes in clear water

The first stop is a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago. The exact bay is described as a quiet swimming and snorkeling stop rather than a developed beach, which is part of its appeal. You get about 50 minutes to swim, float, snorkel, or simply sit on the boat and watch the water.

The sea here is the star. The water is clear and turquoise, and several people particularly enjoyed jumping directly from the boat. A mask is supplied, but it comes without a snorkel tube, so bring your own if you want to spend serious time looking underwater.

This stop works well for families with older children and teenagers. A seven-year-old reportedly favored the boat jump, while adults appreciated the warm water and easygoing pace. Still, you should be comfortable entering the sea from a boat. This is not a step-onto-the-sand beach stop.

There is no toilet on board, and this bay has no facilities listed. Take care of that before leaving Zadar. You may be able to wait until Preko, but the official guidance is clear: the next toilet access is at the last stop.

Ošljak: one hour on Croatia’s smallest inhabited island

After about 10 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Ošljak. The island is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and its appeal comes from its modest scale. Do not expect a long list of sights. Instead, you get a short walk, old Dalmatian houses, peaceful paths, and time beside the sea.

You have about one hour here. That is enough to wander without rushing, take photographs, and find a place to swim or relax. Ošljak offers a useful change of pace after the first water stop. You are no longer just looking at the coast from a fast boat. You are walking through a small island community.

I like this part of the route because it feels less polished than a major resort stop. The old houses and quiet lanes give you a better sense of everyday island life. The drawback is that the island is small, so active sightseers may find an hour more than enough. This is a place for a slow walk and a swim, not a packed sightseeing program.

The boat then travels for about 15 minutes toward Preko. Keep your camera ready during the crossing. The coastline, low hills, boats, and open sea are often the most memorable part of the ride.

Preko: 75 minutes for coffee, food, and a proper walk

Preko is the longest stop, with about 75 minutes to explore. This is where the tour feels most flexible. You can walk through the village, stop for coffee, buy something to eat, look for souvenirs, or swim again if the water looks inviting.

The village gives you a closer look at daily Croatian coastal life than a quick photo stop would. You can wander narrow streets, browse local shops, and pause at the waterfront. Food is not included, so Preko is your chance to purchase Croatian cuisine or a snack.

The timing is generous for adults and couples. Families with small children may find that 75 minutes disappears quickly, especially if getting from the boat to a café or shop takes time. One family with children aged seven and two felt the final stop could have used more time, since moving at a young child’s pace leaves less room for exploring.

Galevac may also be visited from this part of the route. The information describes it as an optional nearby island stop, so do not treat it as a guaranteed separate walking visit on every departure. Ask your skipper what is possible that day.

Preko is also the practical point in the trip. It is where you can use a restroom, buy food, and refill your water if needed. After this stop, the boat returns to Zadar in about 15 minutes.

What the small boat changes

A 10-person limit makes a noticeable difference. You can hear the guide, ask questions, and avoid the anonymous feel of a large sightseeing boat. The smaller group also helps the route feel relaxed, especially when people want different things at each stop.

Some people want to jump into the water. Others want photographs or a quiet drink. The guides are repeatedly praised for allowing time for both. Several people also appreciated that the skipper waited while they took pictures instead of rushing everyone back aboard.

Comfort depends on the boat assigned to your departure. The boats have been described as clean, new or well-kept, and comfortable for groups of seven to 10. But this remains an open speedboat, not a roomy cruise vessel. Seating space can feel tighter when the boat is full, and rough water may make the ride less comfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

One useful point came through clearly: the route spends a substantial amount of time ashore. That makes it easier for people who do not love continuous boat travel. You get the thrill of the speedboat, then a chance to stretch your legs on Ošljak and Preko.

Price, fuel, and what you really receive

At $35 per person, the advertised price is attractive for a four-hour island trip from central Zadar. You receive the boat ride, an English-speaking guide, life vests, a mask, beer, bottled water, and iced tea. The route also includes two island visits and a dedicated swimming stop.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full mix of activities. A swim-only outing may suit you better if you want to spend all day in the water. A longer island tour may suit you better if historical sights and extensive village time matter most. This trip is about variety and convenience.

Remember that fuel is charged separately before departure. The amount is not provided, so ask about it when booking. Food, coffee, souvenirs, and any other purchases at Preko are also your responsibility.

For many people, the half-day length is a plus. You can see the islands, return to Zadar, and still have time for the city later. The short format also works well as a first or last activity during a Dalmatian visit.

Who should choose this trip?

I would point this tour toward you if you want:

• A compact introduction to the islands near Zadar
• Swimming in clear Adriatic water
• A friendly group rather than a large boat
• A balance of riding, walking, and free time
• A family-friendly outing with older children
• A relaxed activity that leaves part of the day free
• Local guidance from a personable skipper

You should think twice if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, or have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

People who dislike fast boats should check the weather. On windy days, the open vessel can get wet from sea spray, and the water may feel rough. Bring a sun hat, beachwear, towel, sunscreen, cash, and spare clothes. Pets and bikes are not allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively half-day on the water, with one excellent swim stop and two different island experiences. The guides receive the strongest praise, and that matters here because a good skipper controls the pace, explains the route, helps with photos, and keeps a small boat comfortable.

I would not book it expecting a luxury cruise, a full meal, a restroom on board, or hours of formal sightseeing. You are paying for a brisk ride, clear water, short island walks, and a friendly local atmosphere.

For $35 plus the extra fuel cost, this is a strong-value choice for a first taste of the Zadar islands. Bring your own snorkel if underwater time matters, use the toilet before boarding, and confirm the fuel charge. If the forecast is calm, I would put this near the top of a short Zadar itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 on the Zadar waterfront, opposite the city walls. Boarding is behind Restaurant Foša.

How long does the tour last?

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

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Preko, with a possible visit to nearby Galevac from Preko. It also includes a swimming stop in the Zadar archipelago.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You have about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at the first bay, and you may also swim during the Ošljak and Preko stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A mask is included, but no snorkel tube is provided. Bring your own snorkel if you want to use one.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Each person receives beer, bottled water, and iced tea.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you can buy Croatian food or other refreshments at Preko.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The boat has no restroom. Toilet access is available at the final stop, so use facilities before departure.

What happens if the weather is windy?

The boat is open, and sea spray can make you wet during the ride. Rough seas may also make the trip bumpier, so bring a towel and a change of clothes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The trip can work well for children, and one family particularly enjoyed it with children aged seven and two. You should still consider the open boat, swimming from the vessel, and the lack of a restroom on board.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.