From Zadar: Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour with Drinks

The Adriatic is best seen at speed. This four-hour trip from Zadar combines a lively open-boat ride with swimming, snorkeling, island walks, and time in Preko. I like the small group of up to 12 people, which keeps the outing social without feeling like a ferry excursion. I also like the simple value: drinks, snorkel gear, a skipper, and three island stops are included for $38. The main drawback is comfort. The boat has no toilet, limited shade, and can throw sea spray at you when the wind picks up.

You will meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, then head out on a speedboat running at roughly 20 to 25 knots. Guides such as Mateo, Simon, Tom, Antonio, and Don have earned praise for friendly service, music, photos, and careful attention to families. Just remember that this is an open-air sea ride, not a smooth indoor cruise.

Five things to know before you board

• Preko is the star stop: You get a sandy beach, cafes, ice cream, restaurants, and the option to swim about 20 meters to Galevac Island.
• The boat is genuinely open: An awning shades the rear, but the front is exposed to sun, wind, and spray.
• Swimming gear is supplied: Masks and snorkels are included, though towels and fins are not.
• Drinks are part of the deal: You receive unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person.
• The middle stop can change: Weather, wind, sea conditions, and crowds determine the day’s second island or bay.
• Plan for the bathroom: There is no toilet at the departure point or on the boat. The next available toilet is at Preko.

Why this Zadar boat trip works so well

Zadar’s waterfront puts you right beside the old city walls, and the meeting point is easy to reach on foot if you are staying in the historic center. Look for the Nautica Zadar sign and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are unsure about the exact spot, the operator asks you to photograph your location and send it through WhatsApp.

At $38 per person, this is priced as an easy half-day outing rather than a luxury boat charter. That matters because you get a taste of the Dalmatian coast without giving up an entire day or paying for a private vessel. The package includes the skipper, an English-speaking guide, life vests, masks, snorkels, unlimited water and iced tea, and three beers per person.

You will still pay an additional docking fee in cash before departure. The fee is listed as €10 for people aged 12 and older and €5 for children aged 11 and younger. Food, towels, fins, parking, and transport from your hotel or cruise ship are not included, so the low headline price is not quite the final cost.

The group size is a major advantage. With no more than 12 passengers, the guide can keep an eye on swimmers, help with photos, and answer questions without addressing a crowd. The mood can vary depending on the group. Reports describe upbeat music, shared drinks, singing, and easy conversation, so this suits people who enjoy a friendly outing more than a quiet private escape.

The first 15 minutes across the Adriatic

Once everyone is aboard, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach Blue Bay Otrić. At 20 to 25 knots, the ride is part of the attraction, not just a transfer. You get open views of the water and islands, along with the brisk rush of a small motorboat.

The front seats give you the strongest sense of speed, but they are also the most exposed. The rear has an awning, which helps with the sun, though it will not turn the boat into a shaded cabin. On a windy day, spray may reach anyone onboard, especially toward the front.

Bring sunglasses that fit securely, a hat that will not blow away, sunscreen, swimwear, and a dry change of clothes. A towel is essential after the swimming stops. If you are prone to motion discomfort, the fast ride and open water are worth considering before booking.

Blue Bay Otrić: 45 minutes for a first swim

The first main stop is Blue Bay Otrić, where the boat anchors for about 45 minutes. The water is described as roughly 2 to 3 meters deep, making it suitable for a proper swim rather than a shallow paddle.

Masks and snorkels are provided, so you can look below the surface without bringing your own equipment. Fins are not supplied, and the tour does not provide towels. The water can feel cold, especially in April or late May, although warm sunshine makes it easier to get in.

This stop is simple and refreshing. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, or stay onboard with a drink while taking in the bay. Water, iced tea, and beer are available, although the drinks may be chilled rather than extremely cold. The crew works in full sun and spray all day, so if you want something, ask politely instead of waiting for it to appear.

Some people may find 45 minutes too short, particularly if you need time to get comfortable in cool water. Others will appreciate the clear structure. You have enough time for a swim and a look underwater, without spending the whole trip at one anchorage.

The changing middle stop

After about 10 minutes on the boat, you reach a second location selected for that day. The stop might be a small fishing village, a quiet bay, or another scenic island spot. The choice depends on wind direction, sea conditions, the weather forecast, and how crowded the usual places are.

This flexibility is useful in Dalmatia. A fixed schedule can send a boat into an uncomfortable bay or a packed swimming area, while a changeable plan gives the skipper room to find a better fit. It also means you cannot know the exact character of this stop in advance.

You may have about an hour here for walking, swimming, snorkeling, or a short hike. If the stop is a village, you can expect time to wander through a traditional island settlement. If it is a cove, the focus shifts back to the water.

This is the least predictable part of the excursion, and that can be either a strength or a weakness. I would not book this tour for one particular unnamed bay. Book it for the overall mix of boat time, swimming, and island stops.

Preko gives the afternoon its best choice

The final stop is Preko, reached after another 10-minute boat ride. You have about an hour here, with several ways to spend it. The sandy beach is the obvious choice for families and anyone who wants a calm swim. The water is also suitable for snorkeling, and you can make the short 20-meter swim to Galevac Island if conditions and your ability allow.

If you prefer dry land, Preko has cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. This makes it the most flexible stop. One person can swim while another sits with a drink or finds a snack. Families especially benefit from having a beach and easy refreshments in the same place.

Preko also has practical conveniences that are not available on the boat. Showers by the beach have been useful for people heading back into Zadar’s old town afterward. The town stop is therefore more than a scenic photo break. It gives you a chance to rinse off, eat, stroll, and reset before the return ride.

The tradeoff is time. An hour passes quickly, and some people will wish the tour spent longer at Preko. If you want a leisurely beach afternoon, this excursion will feel rushed. If you want to sample Preko and several other places in a single half-day, the timing makes sense.

What the guides add to the experience

The guide can shape the mood of a small boat trip more than the route itself. Mateo is repeatedly praised for being friendly, polite, attentive, and willing to let the group choose music. Simon is described as accommodating and good with families, while Tom receives praise for his hosting and recommendations.

Antonio is noted for making the boat comfortable for an entire group, and Don has helped with photos while keeping the outing pleasant. These details matter because boarding, swimming, and moving around a small boat can feel awkward if the crew is distant or rushed.

The language is English only. You should not expect a multilingual lecture about every island, but you can expect basic guidance, safety instructions, and help during the stops. The tone seems more social than academic, with music and conversation forming a large part of the experience.

That atmosphere will suit a couple, a group of friends, solo people, and families with older children. It may not suit someone seeking silence, a formal coastal lesson, or a private romantic cruise. You are sharing a boat with up to 11 other people, and the group’s energy will become part of the day.

Drinks, music, and the real boat atmosphere

The included drinks help make the price attractive. Each person receives three beers, along with unlimited water and iced tea. This is not a staffed bar, so you should think of the drinks as a useful onboard supply rather than full beverage service.

Music is another recurring part of the experience. Some guides play upbeat tracks, and groups may be able to choose what they hear. That can turn the ride into a light party on the water, especially for friends celebrating together.

The boat itself is described as fast and well maintained, with an awning over the rear section. It is not a spacious vessel with room to spread out. Seating, shade, and exposure depend on where you sit, so bring sun protection even if you hope to stay under the canopy.

On rough days, the open design becomes important. You can get wet from spray during the ride, and there is nowhere inside to escape the wind. If the forecast calls for strong wind and rough water, wear swim clothes under a cover-up and keep a dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a quick look at the islands without organizing ferries, beaches, and snorkel stops yourself. It is especially useful during a short stay in Zadar, when four hours gives you a coastal outing while leaving the rest of the day free.

Families can enjoy the sandy beach at Preko, and children aged six and older have featured happily in the trip experiences described. The boat ride itself is often a highlight for children and teenagers. Parents should still be ready for cold water, sun exposure, limited shade, and no toilet onboard.

Solo people and couples can join comfortably, but the social setup is important. You will share drinks, music, and space with other passengers. Friends celebrating a birthday or bachelorette trip may find the upbeat style a good match.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with serious mobility impairments, babies under one year, or people over 120 kilograms, about 264 pounds. You need enough mobility to board the speedboat and move safely during the stops.

Parking near the waterfront can be very difficult. If you are driving, allow extra time and do not assume you can pull up beside the meeting point. Hotel and cruise ship pickup are not included, and the tour ends where it begins.

Is $38 a fair price?

Yes, provided you value variety over long beach time. For $38, you get a fast boat, a guide, three swimming or exploring stops, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a small group. A private boat would cost far more, while a standard ferry would not give you the same access to swimming bays or a flexible middle stop.

The value weakens if you mainly want to relax on one beautiful beach. In that case, Preko is likely the place you will want most, and one hour may not satisfy you. You also need to add the cash docking fee and budget for food, ice cream, or other purchases in Preko.

The strongest value comes from the combination. You see several coastal settings in four hours, get a taste of island life, and avoid planning every transfer yourself.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive early, use the toilet before boarding, and bring more sun protection than you think you need. Pack a towel, spare clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible because spray is possible even when the day begins calm.

Wear footwear that you can manage around a boat and at the shore. The supplied equipment is limited to masks and snorkels, so bring your own fins only if they matter to your swimming style. Food is not included, but Preko offers places to buy snacks and meals.

Check the sea conditions before you go. The tour can change its middle stop based on wind and crowds, but no route adjustment removes the fact that this is an open speedboat. If you dislike wind, spray, or a lively group setting, a larger covered boat may be a better choice.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Should you book this Zadar island tour?

Book it if you want speed, swimming, and variety in one affordable half-day. The best parts are the lively ride, the personal service from guides such as Mateo and Simon, the easy drinks arrangement, and the flexibility of Preko.

Skip it if you need a toilet, full shade, a quiet boat, or a long, unhurried beach stay. For everyone else, this is a strong-value introduction to the islands near Zadar, with just enough town time to balance the sea time.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour from Zadar?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your preferred date.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at Nautica Zadar on the waterfront opposite the city walls. Look for the Nautica Zadar photo and arrive 10 to 15 minutes before boarding.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the same waterfront meeting point in Zadar.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 12 participants, including you and the other passengers.

What drinks are included?

You receive unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person. Drinks are chilled, but they may not be extremely cold.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with life vests. Swimming fins and towels are not provided.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat or at the pickup point. You should use a bathroom before departure, and the next available toilet is at the final stop in Preko.

Is the docking fee included in the price?

No. The docking fee is paid separately in cash before the tour. It costs €10 for people aged 12 and older and €5 for children aged 11 and younger.

Who should not book this activity?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, babies under one year, or people over 120 kilograms, about 264 pounds. You must be able to board the speedboat safely.