Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling

Hold on tight, the Adriatic gets lively. This four-hour speedboat trip from Zadar combines fast open-water riding, swimming, snorkeling, and three stops around the Zadar Archipelago. I like the clear bay at Pjescana Uvala and the chance to see quiet island life at Ošljak, while the friendly skippers, including Joseph, Lovre, Tony, and Mateo, earn strong praise. The main drawback is that the advertised €38.71 price does not include a separate €10 per-person fee, and the meeting point can be confusing.

I also like the small group size, capped at 10 people, and the simple extras: bottled water, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You should expect to get wet on the ride, though, and bring a waterproof bag, swim shoes, and your own goggles if you prefer a better fit.

Key points to know before you book

• Pjescana Uvala gives you the best swim: This clear Croatian bay, also called Kostanj, has a sandy bottom and small fish.
• Ošljak is for quiet walking, not a big beach day: The tiny island has only a few resident families, a ninth-century church, and wartime ruins.
• Preko offers the most choice: You can swim, sit at a waterside café, or walk toward Galevac and its small monastery.
• The speedboat ride is part of the attraction: Wind and waves can mean a very wet, bouncy trip, especially when all 10 seats are filled.
• Budget for the extra €10 fee: The listed price excludes €10 per person in fees. Bring cash, since this charge has caused confusion.
• This is best for active sightseers: You will get swimming and short island visits, not a guided history tour or a full meal stop.

A four-hour blast across Zadar’s islands

This is a compact way to leave Zadar behind and see several nearby islands without arranging a private boat. The route lasts about four hours and begins and ends at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar.

The boat carries up to 10 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large excursion boat, but a full boat can feel crowded. Your comfort depends partly on the sea that day and partly on how much space you want while riding at speed.

The strongest part of the experience is the mix of motion and downtime. You get quick runs across the water, then enough time at each stop to swim, walk, or sit with a cold drink. The speedboat itself is not just transportation. In choppy weather, it becomes the main event.

Skippers can shape the mood. Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mateo, Gogo, Mario, Emilio, and Josef are all praised by name in the feedback supplied for this experience. The best accounts describe captains who adjusted the route for wind, shared tips about the islands, and kept the ride cheerful. Other accounts describe a quieter guide who offered little information, so do not book this expecting a full narrated tour every minute.

Pjescana Uvala, the clear-water swimming stop

The first stop is Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj, about 15 minutes from Zadar by speedboat. It is a sheltered Croatian bay between the Dalmatian islands, with clear water, a sandy bottom, and small fish.

This is the place where snorkeling makes the most sense. You can use the provided mask and snorkel, swim in the bay, and cool off after the ride. Several people praise the clean, sandy swimming area, while others found little marine life to see. That difference is important: the water may be very clear, but clear water does not guarantee a dramatic underwater show.

You get about 40 minutes here. That is enough for a proper swim and a short look below the surface, but not enough for a long beach session. The supplied equipment is useful, though one practical comment suggests bringing your own goggles if you have them. Fit matters more than you might expect when you are trying to enjoy a quick swim.

One caution concerns the exact condition of the shore. Some accounts describe a pleasant sandy cove, while another found litter, broken glass, and an abandoned building nearby. Conditions may vary by landing spot and route. I would treat this as a swimming stop first, not a polished beach resort.

Ošljak, a small island with a slow pace

The second stop is Ošljak, the smallest island in the Zadar Archipelago. Only a few families live there, so the mood is quiet and local rather than busy or entertainment-focused.

You have about an hour to walk along the shore and look around. A small church dating from the ninth century gives the stop some historical interest. You can also look for the ruins of a hospital from the Second World War.

Ošljak suits you if you enjoy a short walk and a sense of place. It does not suit you if you want shops, a broad sandy beach, or a packed schedule of sights. One person described the stop as lacking much to do, and another found the islands too isolated. That is a fair warning. The charm here is the absence of crowds and noise, not a long list of attractions.

The stop also shows why this experience is different from a standard coastal sightseeing cruise. You are not simply circling the islands from a boat. You step ashore and get a brief look at daily life in a very small island community.

Preko and the short swim to Galevac

The last stop is Preko, a small village on Ugljan Island. You get about 90 minutes here, the longest break of the trip.

Preko is more active in summer and much quieter outside the high season. On the right-hand side of the village, you can find a small sandy beach. This is another chance to swim or try snorkeling, though the quality of the underwater viewing depends on conditions and the exact place where the boat ties up.

You can also sit at a café with a view and order something for yourself. Food is not included, so this is the most natural place to buy a snack or meal if you need one. The supplied details specifically suggest bringing a snorkeling mask or enjoying coffee by the water.

A special option is Galevac, the small island just off Preko. You can swim across to it and look for a small monastery among the trees. The advice deserves a little caution: only attempt that swim if you are comfortable in open water and conditions are suitable. The tour details present it as an option, not a promise that every person should make the crossing.

Preko gives the trip its most flexible stop. You can be active, sit quietly, explore the shore, or spend your time in a café. If you prefer swimming to walking, ask the skipper where the best local spot is that day. Captains have adjusted routes and stops for wind before, which can make a real difference.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The word adrenaline is not decorative here. The ride can be fast and wet. One account describes continuous spray over the back of the boat as it cut through waves, especially with a full group of 10. Another praised a skipper for a thrilling return at full throttle.

If you want a dry, calm ride, this is the wrong kind of boat trip. If you like speed and do not mind sea spray, it is a major part of the value. Hold on, keep cameras protected, and assume anything left in the open may get soaked.

Wind may also change the route. On one windy day, Captain Mario took a different course but still allowed enough time at the stops. That flexibility is useful, though it means you should not treat every detail as fixed.

The boat can feel comfortable when the group is smaller. With all 10 places occupied, personal space is limited. One account suggested that eight people might feel better than a full boat. That is worth considering if you dislike tight seating or have bulky beach items.

Snorkeling, drinks, and what you need to carry

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and cold drinks are included. The equipment has been described as good quality, but sizes and quantities have not always felt sufficient to everyone. If you already own a mask that fits well, pack it.

Do not expect a food service. Dinner is not included, and you should bring money for cafés or food in Preko. There is also no restroom onboard. Four hours is manageable for most people, but plan accordingly before departure.

Pack lightly. A towel is not provided, and personal items are not supplied. A small dry bag or sealed pouch is sensible for phones, wallets, and documents. Sea shoes are also a good idea because sea urchins can be present away from cleared swimming areas. The operator notes that common beaches are generally cleared, but footwear adds protection.

The practical packing list is short:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Sun protection
• Swim shoes
• Your own goggles if you prefer them
• Cash for the €10 fee and optional food
• A light layer if the wind picks up

The real price and the awkward meeting point

At $38.71 per person, the tour looks like a strong deal for four hours of boat time, three stops, swimming equipment, water, and cold drinks. The value is especially good if you want several island views without paying for a private charter.

The important catch is the additional €10 per-person fee for fees and taxes. Multiple accounts describe this as a docking charge requested in cash, sometimes without a receipt. Since this is not included in the advertised price, it can feel like a surprise. Add it to your budget before deciding.

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The start and finish are at the same location. The check-in process has been praised as organized by some people, but others found it chaotic and were unsure who was going where. Look for clear staff direction and allow extra time to get your bearings.

If you are arriving from a cruise terminal, the cost rises further. One account reports a €20 taxi ride each way from the terminal. That is not part of the tour price, so cruise passengers should calculate the full door-to-door cost rather than focusing only on the advertised fare.

The experience is available in English, uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. It is near public transportation, and most people can participate.

How the guides affect your day

A good skipper can turn a simple island shuttle into a memorable afternoon. Joseph is repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and informative. Lovre is praised for his humor and care, while Tony is associated with a fun ride and good snorkeling equipment. Mateo receives strong marks for professionalism and friendliness.

Other feedback points to a quieter style, with little explanation about the places visited. That means the experience is not a dependable choice if your main goal is detailed history or constant commentary.

You can help shape the day by asking questions early. Ask where to swim, how long the walk at Ošljak should take, and if the wind has changed the route. The more engaged you are, the more useful local tips you are likely to get.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this for an active afternoon in Zadar, especially if you want to swim and see small island communities without spending a full day at sea. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who likes a quick boat ride followed by unstructured time.

It is less suitable if you want a large beach, a formal guided tour, guaranteed marine life, or a quiet, dry cruise. It is also not ideal for anyone who needs an onboard restroom or strongly dislikes open-water spray.

The 4.7 rating from 145 ratings and 93 percent recommendation figure show that the overall experience is strong, but the lower scores explain where expectations can go wrong: unclear pickup, the extra fee, limited snorkeling sights, crowded seating, and stops that may feel too quiet.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want speed, swimming, and variety at a modest price, and you are happy to accept a basic boat, a possibly wet ride, and informal island visits. The best days combine a fun skipper, calm water, clear swimming spots, and enough time to explore Preko and Ošljak.

Skip it if you want polished logistics, guaranteed snorkeling wildlife, or a detailed cultural tour. Before paying, make sure the €10 fee is clear, confirm the meeting point, and protect your belongings from spray. With those expectations set, this is a lively and useful way to spend four hours around Zadar.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Zadar.

Which places does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and cold drinks.

Is food included?

No. Dinner and other food are not included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom onboard.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.