Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

Crystal-clear water, three islands, four lively hours. This Zadar speedboat trip packs a lot into half a day, with stops at Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third island. I like the generous free time at each stop, and I like that the small group is limited to 12 people. The main catch is the extra docking charge, which adds €10 per adult and €5 per child to the advertised price.

I also like the relaxed mix of swimming, short walks, snorkeling, coffee, and island exploring rather than a nonstop ride from one photo stop to the next. Guides such as Josip, Josef, Luka, and Luca receive especially warm praise for their good humor, local suggestions, and attention to guests. The boat ride can feel brief if you are hoping for a full day at sea, and the compact speedboat may not suit anyone who prefers a slow, quiet cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in four hours: Ošljak, Preko, and an unnamed surprise stop give you a quick taste of the islands near Zadar.
• Small boat, small group: The speedboat carries no more than 12 participants, making it easier to talk with the guide and move between stops.
• Real free time ashore: You can swim, snorkel, walk, shop, have coffee, or eat instead of following a fixed group every minute.
• Snorkeling gear and GoPro included: Equipment is provided, along with an underwater GoPro11 for photos and video.
• Drinks are covered: Unlimited water and a local alcoholic drink are included, plus sun cream.
• Budget carefully: The listed price is $34 per person, but docking fees are paid separately at €10 per adult and €5 per child.

What this Zadar speedboat tour is really like

This is an active half-day outing rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. You meet opposite the Foša restaurant on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where you should look for a guide wearing a red hat.

Once aboard, the skipper heads out across the Adriatic. The boat is compact, fast, and built more for getting between islands with a little excitement than for lounging in a shaded cabin. Music and a cheerful atmosphere are part of the experience, according to the many strong comments about guides and boat crews.

The route includes three stops and several short rides. You get roughly 80 minutes at Ošljak, 45 minutes at the surprise island, and one hour at Preko. That balance matters. You are not trapped on the boat all afternoon, but you also do not lose most of the tour to long crossings.

The group limit of 12 is another useful feature. You still join a shared activity, but it should feel more personal than a large excursion boat. The guides are often praised for checking that everyone is comfortable, explaining the stops clearly, and taking photos. Solo visitors can also expect an easier time meeting people here than on a private boat rental.

The first ride from Zadar to Ošljak

The opening cruise lasts about 15 minutes. It is short, but it quickly shifts your setting from Zadar’s waterfront to open water and island scenery.

Your skipper handles the navigation while you settle in. If you enjoy speed, this is one of the tour’s pleasures. The boat gives you a more direct, lively ride than a standard ferry, though you should not expect a long scenic voyage. The main purpose of this first crossing is to reach the islands quickly.

Bring a hat and towel. Sun cream is supplied, but you may still want your own if you prefer a particular brand or need more than the shared supply provides. Since swimming and snorkeling are built into the day, wear something comfortable for getting wet and bring a dry layer if you dislike sitting in swimwear during the ride back.

Ošljak gives you the longest island stop

Ošljak is the first major stop, with about 80 minutes to use as you wish. This is the tour’s longest break, so it gives you the best chance to combine several activities without rushing.

You can walk around, take photos, swim, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. A short hike offers views, while the clear water gives you a chance to look for marine life close to shore. The stop is not only a quick swim from the boat. You have enough time to get your bearings, explore on foot, and return to the water.

I would use the first few minutes to ask the guide what works best that day. Guides Josip, Josef, Luka, and Luca are frequently praised for pointing out places to eat, drink, explore, and swim. Their advice can help you decide how much time to spend on the path, in the water, or simply enjoying the shore.

The limitation is that 80 minutes passes quickly if you want a serious walk, a long swim, and a relaxed meal. This tour offers samples of island life, not a full day on one island. Keep your plans simple and you will get more from the stop.

The surprise third island is built around water time

After another short cruise of about 10 minutes, you reach the unnamed third stop. The operator keeps the location as a surprise, so you cannot plan around a particular beach, café, or village.

That uncertainty is part of the fun, but it also means you should think of this stop as a flexible nature break. You get around 45 minutes for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and looking for marine life. Compared with Ošljak and Preko, it is less about shopping or a long walk and more about being in the water.

The GoPro11 is a useful extra here. You can use the underwater camera to record your swim and capture the sea from below, rather than relying only on phone photos from the boat. Ask the guide how the camera works before entering the water, since your time at this stop is limited.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the views and photo opportunities, but the stop’s main appeal is clearly aquatic. There is no promise of a long beach stay, so do not book this tour expecting hours on a broad sandy shore.

Preko adds coffee, shops, and a slower finish

The final island stop is Preko, where you get about one hour. The activities here are more varied: coffee, free time, shopping, walking, swimming, and snorkeling are all possible.

This stop gives the tour a useful change of pace. After the speedboat and water time, you can wander, sit with a drink, or ask the guide for a restaurant suggestion. Several comments single out the guides for recommending local food, and that is where their local knowledge has the most practical value.

You should not expect a long cultural visit. The schedule leaves enough time to see a little, but not enough for an unhurried meal, extended shopping, and a full swim. Pick one or two priorities. If you want lunch, ask early about timing. If swimming matters more, change into your gear before you arrive so you do not spend half the stop getting ready.

Preko also works well for people in the group who want different things. One person can walk or shop while another swims. That freedom is one of the most praised parts of the outing. You are given clear instructions, but you are not required to remain beside the group every minute.

Drinks, snorkeling, and the small extras

Unlimited water is included, which is important on a sunny boat trip with several stops. A local alcoholic drink is also included, and the guides often help create a social mood with music and conversation.

Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim or if the weather is hot. The alcoholic option is a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book the tour. Nonalcoholic hydration matters more, and unlimited water means you do not have to ration what you bring.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, along with sun cream and the underwater GoPro11. Towels are not included, so bring your own. A sun hat is also specifically recommended.

The boat has been described as new and safe, but it remains a speedboat. Expect movement, spray, and a more energetic ride than a regular sightseeing vessel. If you have a bad back, motion sensitivity, or simply prefer calm transportation, consider how comfortable you are with a fast, compact boat before booking.

Guides make a real difference

The strongest part of this experience appears to be the crew. Josip and Josef receive repeated praise for being friendly, funny, attentive, and good at explaining each island. Luka and Luca are also praised for clear instructions, local suggestions, music, and a welcoming attitude.

That matters because the tour leaves room for personal choice. A poor guide could make the free time confusing. A good one tells you what to see, where to walk, when to return, and how to make the most of each stop without hovering over you.

The guide may also take photos for you, which is helpful if you are traveling alone or want pictures that include the whole group. One solo participant particularly valued feeling included rather than left on the sidelines.

The language options are English, Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian. Guide quality can vary by departure, but the named crew members receive consistently positive attention in the available comments.

Is the $34 price good value?

At $34 per person, the tour is priced attractively for a four-hour boat outing that includes a guide, skipper, snorkeling equipment, an underwater camera, water, a local alcoholic drink, and sun cream.

You must add the docking fee: €10 per adult and €5 per child, charged in total for all stops. That makes the adult cost higher than the headline price, so include it when comparing this tour with a ferry ride, beach day, or private boat.

Even with that extra charge, the package offers solid value if you want transport to several islands plus organized water activities. A ferry may cost less, but it will not include a skipper, snorkeling gear, a guide, drinks, or the same route structure. A private boat gives you more control, but usually at a much higher total cost.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet cruise, long beach time, or a detailed island tour. This is best understood as an energetic sampler of the Zadar archipelago.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors, and active families with older children who want several experiences in one morning or afternoon. You get swimming, snorkeling, short walks, island scenery, drinks, and time to make your own choices.

It also suits anyone who wants a social setting without joining a large boat full of people. The 12-person limit helps, and the free time means you can step away from the group at each stop.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speed, need step-free access, or want a long cultural visit. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95 years old. The schedule is active, and the boat is not presented as an accessible vessel.

The four-hour length is convenient for fitting around a Zadar sightseeing day. You return to the same meeting point, so you can continue exploring the city afterward without arranging a separate transfer.

Practical tips for getting more from the four hours

• Bring a towel and sun hat. These are not supplied.
• Keep your camera and phone protected from spray during the speedboat rides.
• Ask the guide for the best use of your free time at each island.
• Decide in advance if swimming, snorkeling, walking, coffee, shopping, or lunch matters most.
• Remember the separate docking fee when setting your budget.
• If you want photos of yourself, ask the guide about the GoPro and crew photos early.
• Check the departure time carefully, since starting times vary by date and availability.
• Arrive at the Foša meeting point and look for the red hat.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Zadar plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a compact, social, water-focused outing with a lively boat ride and real time on three islands. The strongest reasons are the small group, the helpful crew, the snorkeling equipment, the GoPro, and the freedom to choose how you spend each stop.

Skip it if your ideal day means a slow ferry, a long lunch, or several uninterrupted hours on one beach. For most active visitors, though, the combination of Ošljak, the surprise island, and Preko makes good use of four hours. Just budget for the docking fee, bring a towel, and expect a fast-moving day rather than a lazy cruise.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a red hat.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third island.

How much free time do you get at Ošljak?

You get about 80 minutes at Ošljak for walking, photos, swimming, snorkeling, and a short hike.

How long is the stop at the surprise island?

The stop lasts about 45 minutes and includes time for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.

What can you do at Preko?

You can have coffee, shop, walk, swim, snorkel, or use the free time to explore.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with an underwater GoPro11.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water and an unlimited local alcoholic drink are included.

Are docking fees included in the tour price?

No. Docking fees cost €10 per adult and €5 per child in total for all stops.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian.