★ Zadar: SpeedBoat Tour to 3 Islands – Swimming & Snorkeling

Small boat, big Adriatic views. This four-hour trip gives you a lively way to leave Zadar behind and reach clear swimming water quickly. I like the mix of island time and sea time, especially the stops at Ošljak and Preko, where you can walk, swim, and see old Dalmatian homes. I also like the small group size, limited to 10 people. The main drawback is practical: there is no toilet on the boat, and rough weather can mean sea spray and a wet ride.

You’ll pay about $58 per person, which is fair for a half-day outing that includes a skipper, guide, snorkeling masks, life jackets, water, iced tea, and beer. Josip, one of the guides, earned especially warm praise for his friendly explanations and easygoing manner. Just bring a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes, because this is an open speedboat, not a dry sightseeing ferry.

Key points to know before booking

• Ošljak is the quiet island stop: You get about an hour to walk, swim, and look around this small inhabited island.
• Preko offers the longest break: The 75-minute stop gives you time for a village walk, swimming, and a food break.
• The secret swimming stop lasts 45 minutes: Bring your beachwear and snorkeling gear, though the supplied masks may be basic.
• The boat holds only 10 people: That makes the ride more personal and avoids the feel of a large excursion vessel.
• The boat has no toilet: You’ll need to wait until the final stop for restroom access.
• Wind matters: On rough days, spray may reach you during the cruise, so pack spare clothes.

Leaving Zadar from the Foša waterfront

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. This is a central spot, but waterfront locations can be confusing when several boats are loading at once. If you have trouble finding the crew, the operator asks you to take a photo of where you are and send it through WhatsApp.

The outing begins with a 15-minute sightseeing cruise. That first stretch gives you a quick change of scene: Zadar’s waterfront slips behind you, and the open Adriatic becomes the main attraction. I like this short opening because you are not trapped in a long transfer before the fun begins.

The boat is open, fast, and built for views rather than comfort in bad weather. On a calm day, that means a brisk ride and plenty of sea air. If the wind picks up, occasional spray can reach the seats. Wear beach clothes, keep your phone protected, and bring a light change of clothes even if the forecast looks friendly.

The guide and skipper speak English. The small group format also makes it easier to ask questions or get local suggestions. Josip received particularly strong praise for keeping the mood relaxed while explaining the stops clearly. That personal touch matters on a short tour, where a good guide can help the islands feel like places rather than simple photo backgrounds.

The 45-minute secret stop for swimming and snorkeling

After the first cruise, the boat pauses at a less formal swimming location for about 45 minutes. The stop includes time for photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. It is the most direct chance to enjoy the Adriatic without a village schedule or walking route.

The water is the point here. You can jump in, float, and use the supplied masks to look below the surface. Life jackets are available, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop without feeling pressured to swim far from the boat.

The snorkeling equipment may not be the strongest part of the package. One piece of feedback specifically found the masks could be better, so serious snorkelers may prefer to bring their own equipment if that is practical. For casual viewing, the included masks should still let you try the activity without renting gear separately.

There is no toilet on the boat, and this stop does not solve that problem. Plan ahead before boarding. The lack of facilities is easy to overlook when you are thinking about beaches and clear water, but it can matter during a four-hour trip.

One hour on Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island

The route then continues to Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island on the Adriatic coast. You have about an hour here for a walk, free time, sightseeing, and another chance to swim.

Ošljak works well as a first proper island stop because it is compact and easy to explore within a limited schedule. You can stroll past old Dalmatian houses, look for quiet corners, and take in the simple island setting without needing a long hike. The appeal is not a packed list of major sights. It is the slower pace and the contrast with Zadar’s busy waterfront.

I would use this hour in two parts. First, take a short walk to see the stone homes and local setting. Then use the remaining time for the water if conditions are good. Trying to do everything at once can make the stop feel rushed, so decide before arriving whether you care more about exploring or swimming.

The 10-minute cruise after Ošljak is short enough to keep the day moving. You are not losing much of your four hours to transport, which is one reason the trip offers decent value. The tradeoff is that each island visit stays brief. This is an introduction to the archipelago, not a full island holiday.

Preko gives you 75 minutes to slow down

Preko is the longest stop, with about 75 minutes for a break, a village visit, sightseeing, walking, and swimming. Its traditional stone houses give the stop a more settled village feel than the smaller Ošljak.

This is also the best point in the day for food. Food is not included, but you have time to taste Croatian cuisine or buy something for yourself. Cash is listed among the recommended items, so carrying some is sensible. The tour includes beer, water, and iced tea, but those drinks should not be mistaken for a meal.

Preko rewards a little planning. You could spend the first half walking through the village and looking at the stone buildings, then use the rest for swimming. Or you could make the stop mainly about lunch and a relaxed break. The 75-minute window is long enough to offer a choice, unlike the shorter stops.

The village also gives you more contact with everyday island life than a purely scenic cruise. You are not just looking at the shore from the water. You have time to step off, wander, and choose how active you want to be. That freedom is useful for mixed groups, since one person can swim while another prefers a shaded walk or a meal.

Galevac and the final island views

The tour description also includes Galevac as the third island, with time to see its village streets, local markets, and possible souvenir shopping. The route is built around short visits rather than a long guided tour, so you should expect an overview and free time rather than an intensive historical presentation.

Galevac adds variety to the day. Ošljak is presented as the small, quiet island stop. Preko is the longer village break. Galevac brings another chance to walk, browse, and see a different part of the Zadar archipelago before the return cruise.

The timed route gives specific stop lengths for the secret swimming location, Ošljak, and Preko, while the general description includes Galevac among the three island visits. If visiting all three is essential to your plans, confirm the exact stop sequence and timing with Aveta Speedboat Tours before departure. Weather and sea conditions can affect an open-boat schedule.

The return to Zadar includes another sightseeing cruise. After several hours of swimming and walking, this final stretch gives you time to sit back and enjoy the coast from the water. The total duration is four hours, so you still have most of the day available for Zadar’s old town, a meal, or another activity.

What the $58 price really includes

At $58 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Zadar coast, but the price is reasonable for a small-group boat trip. You are paying for speed, access to several islands, a guide, a skipper, snorkeling masks, life jackets, and drinks.

The group limit of 10 is important. A larger boat might offer more space and a toilet, but it would lose some of the quick, informal feel that makes this outing appealing. Here, the skipper can give personal suggestions, and the group is small enough to avoid a crowd at the boat itself.

The value is strongest if you want swimming and island scenery in one compact outing. It is weaker if you want a full meal, long time on one island, serious snorkeling equipment, or comfortable indoor seating. Food is extra, and there is no onboard toilet. Those are not minor details for everyone.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your date. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old, and pets are not allowed.

What to pack for an open speedboat

Pack more than a swimsuit. The most useful items are:

• A sun hat and sunscreen
• Beachwear and a towel
• A change of clothes
• Cash for food or purchases
• A phone case or small waterproof bag
• Personal snorkeling equipment if you care about a good fit

A towel matters because swimming is part of the schedule, not just a possible extra. A change of clothes matters because wind and sea spray can make the ride wet, especially when the sea is rough.

The tour provides life jackets, masks, beer, water, and iced tea. You do not need to bring basic flotation equipment or plan to buy drinks during the boat ride. You should still carry water if you prefer to drink often, particularly on a hot day.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a quick taste of the Zadar islands without arranging ferries, taxis, and separate beach stops. It suits couples, friends, and small families with older children who are comfortable on an open boat.

It is also a good match if you want a balance between activity and free time. You can swim and snorkel, but you can also walk through villages and stop for food. The guide’s role adds useful structure without filling every minute with commentary.

You may want another option if you dislike speedboats, get uncomfortable with sea spray, or need regular toilet access. It is also not the right fit for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or anyone looking for a long, slow island stay.

The snorkeling is casual rather than specialist. If your main goal is underwater exploration, bring your own mask if possible and check the sea conditions. If your main goal is simply getting into clear water and seeing a few islands, the equipment issue is less important.

Should you book the Zadar island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want four active hours, a small group, and several different tastes of the Zadar archipelago for $58. The strongest parts are the 45-minute swimming stop, the compact walk around Ošljak, and the longer break in Preko. The warm response to guides such as Josip also suggests that the human side of the trip is a real part of its appeal.

Skip it if a toilet, dry seating, or a full meal on board is essential. Also think twice if the forecast calls for rough seas. For the right passenger, though, this is an efficient and enjoyable way to trade Zadar’s city walls for island villages, stone houses, and a swim in the Adriatic.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the cruises between Zadar and the island stops.

Where does the tour meet in Zadar?

Meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls, behind the restaurant Foša, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The experience includes Ošljak, Preko, and Galevac. The timed route gives specific visit periods for Ošljak and Preko.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming is planned at the secret stop, Ošljak, and Preko, depending on conditions and your choice of activity.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Diving masks are included, along with life jackets. The snorkeling masks may be basic, so you can bring your own if you prefer.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat. Toilet access is available at the last stop.

What happens if the sea is windy?

This is an open speedboat, so rough seas can cause occasional spray and you could get wet during the ride. Bring beachwear and a change of clothes.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the experience and pay later.