half day group speedboat tour of the islands around Zadar

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This four-hour speedboat trip from Zadar gives you a quick, lively taste of nearby islands, with stops around Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko for swimming, snorkeling, and short walks. It feels more personal than a large cruise, especially with friendly skippers such as Sara, Lovro, Tomislav, and Dubravko leading different departures.

I like the three swimming stops and the fact that snorkeling masks are supplied, so you can spot fish and underwater rocks without bringing much equipment. I also like the relaxed hospitality: cold water, iced tea, homemade liqueur, music, and sometimes small extras such as fruit or photos taken by the skipper.

The main point to consider is the extra docking fee, which is not included in the $31 price. Adults pay €10 and children up to age 11 pay €5. The boat is also not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 95.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip worth considering

• Three island stops in four hours: You see Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko without giving up a full day in Zadar.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks and snorkels let you explore fish, rocks, and small sea life at several clear-water spots.
• A friendly, informal crew: Guides including Tomislav and Dubravko are praised for personal service, local suggestions, and a welcoming mood.
• Morning or afternoon atmosphere: Morning trips return around midday, while later departures can finish with sunset views.
• Small comforts included: Water, iced tea, homemade liqueur, life jackets, and the boat ride are covered.
• Good value with one extra charge: The base price is low for a four-hour island outing, but remember the docking fee.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. That is useful to know because it is not described as a landmark inside the old town. Give yourself enough time to find the exact spot, especially if you are arriving on foot from the historic center.

Once aboard, the speedboat gets you away from the city quickly. The first ride takes about 20 minutes. That matters on a four-hour tour: you spend less time slowly chugging between islands and more time in the water or on shore.

A speedboat also changes the feel of the trip. You get open views and a sense of motion, but the ride may feel livelier than a slow sightseeing boat. If you prefer a quiet cruise with long commentary, this is probably not the right format. If you want to cover several nearby places and still have time to swim, the speedboat makes good use of the morning or afternoon.

The skipper provides a life jacket, and the boat has different places to sit according to the available layout. Bring a hat and towel, and wear water shoes if you have them. Cash is useful for the docking fee and any personal spending.

Ošljak: a gentle first taste of island life

The first main stop is Ošljak, reached after the initial 20-minute ride. You have about an hour here for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Ošljak is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the day without rushing straight through a long list of sights. You can get into the clear Adriatic, look below the surface, and try the supplied mask and snorkel. The water around the islands is praised for its visibility, with fish and underwater rocks easy to see in suitable conditions.

This is not a formal museum visit or a long guided walk. The appeal is simple: sea, shoreline, and time to cool off. You can swim, sit in the sun, or remain on the boat if you prefer not to enter the water.

An hour sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you have changed, swum, and dried off. If snorkeling is a priority, get your equipment ready early rather than spending half the stop deciding where to begin.

Ugljan brings another hour on the water

After Ošljak, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes toward Ugljan. The next hour combines a photo stop, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and an aperitif.

Ugljan is one of the reasons this outing feels like more than a simple swim transfer. You get another setting for photographs and another chance to see the Adriatic from below. The crew may point out sea life or help with the snorkeling equipment, depending on the guide and conditions.

The drinks add a pleasant social touch. Water and iced tea are included, along with homemade liqueur. Some departures have featured fruit or other small refreshments, but those extras should not be treated as guaranteed. The liqueur is a particular favorite, with one description comparing its flavor to cherry Bakewell.

The balance here works well. You are not forced into a long shore excursion, but you are given enough time to swim and look around. I would treat Ugljan as a flexible stop: swim if the water is calling, take photos if you are staying dry, and listen to the skipper if local suggestions or sea-life information come up.

Preko gives the longest shore break

The boat then takes about 15 minutes to Preko. This is the longest stop, lasting around 70 minutes, and includes free time, sightseeing, a walk, swimming, snorkeling, and a photo stop.

Preko is useful because it breaks up the water time. After two swim-focused stops, you can step ashore, walk around, take photographs, or simply find a place to pause. The itinerary includes a class, but no further detail is provided, so I would not book this trip expecting a formal lesson.

This stop also gives the skipper room to adjust the experience. One guide has been praised for offering a good recommendation at the final stop. That kind of flexibility is valuable on a short tour, since the best choice can depend on sea conditions, heat, and how much time your group wants in the water.

The 70 minutes still is not a full island visit. You will get a brief taste of Preko rather than a detailed exploration. Think of it as a pleasant final island break before the ride back, not as a substitute for spending a whole day on Ugljan or Preko.

Morning calm or late-day sunset

The morning departure returns to Zadar around midday. This timing suits you if you want an island outing before lunch and still want a free afternoon for Zadar’s old town, museums, or a slow meal.

The afternoon option has a different appeal. The trip can finish around sunset, and the return ride becomes part of the show. The lower light is easier on the eyes than the middle of the day, and the boat ride back can feel more relaxed after the heat has eased.

Several strong experiences came from the late-afternoon departure, including sunset views and, on one fortunate outing, dolphins seen on the way back. Dolphins are wildlife, so you should treat that as luck rather than a promised feature. Still, the possibility adds a little excitement to the return.

The late tour may suit couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a more atmospheric end to the day. The morning tour is likely better if you want maximum daylight for snorkeling or an earlier return. Check the available starting time when booking, since departures vary.

The crew shapes the whole experience

The boat and islands matter, but the skipper has a big effect on a small group outing. The named crew includes Sara and Lovro, while departures have also been led by Tomislav and Dubravko. The comments about the guides are consistently warm: friendly, accommodating, helpful, and willing to answer questions.

Tomislav is especially associated with a personal feel, drinks for both drinkers and non-drinkers, and suggestions for restaurants and places in Zadar. He has also taken photographs of people in the water and sent them afterward. That is a thoughtful touch, since it lets you enjoy the swim instead of worrying about your phone.

Dubravko is praised for a good afternoon trip and useful advice at the final stop. Another skipper is described as a maritime biologist who could explain the sea life around Zadar. Because different names appear across departures, you should not assume one particular guide will be aboard, but the service style seems to be an important part of the product.

The tone is informal rather than ceremonial. You may have music, cold drinks, homemade liqueur, and conversation between stops. That makes the trip feel closer to a friendly outing than a formal sightseeing lecture.

Snorkeling, swimming, and what you can actually see

Snorkeling is the central activity, not a minor add-on. Equipment is included, and the stops are selected for swimming and viewing underwater rocks, fish, and other sea life.

The water is described as crystal clear, with enough visibility to see different kinds of fish. A seahorse was spotted on one outing, which shows what can turn up when you pay attention, though no skipper can promise a particular animal. The area is also home to varied marine life, and one guide’s background in marine biology adds extra value if he is leading your departure.

You should bring water shoes if your feet are sensitive to pebbles or rocky entry points. A hat protects you while sitting in the sun, and a towel is essential after each swim. The boat supplies drinking water and iced tea, but you should still follow the instruction to bring water, especially in hot weather.

Snorkeling conditions can change with wind, waves, and visibility. The supplied information does not promise particular fish, a specific beach, or guaranteed calm water. That is normal for a sea trip. The strength of this tour is the chance to visit several spots, so if one location is less clear or comfortable, the next may be better.

What the $31 price really buys you

At $31 per person, this is a strong-value way to spend four hours around Zadar. The price includes the speedboat tour, skipper, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

Comparable value comes from the combination, not from any single feature. You get transport to several islands, three main water stops, a longer break in Preko, and a crew member to handle the route. Renting a boat or arranging separate transport would require more effort and would likely remove the convenience of having equipment supplied.

The docking fee changes the final calculation. Adults pay an additional €10, and children up to age 11 pay €5. Include that amount when comparing this trip with other excursions. Even with the fee, the outing remains reasonably priced for a half-day on the Adriatic, but the advertised base price is not the full cost.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Zadar schedule depends on weather or changing plans. Read the current booking conditions carefully before confirming.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you want a compact introduction to Zadar’s nearby islands. It works well for couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who enjoy social boat trips, and families with older children who are comfortable swimming.

It is also a good choice if you want both water time and a little shore time. The three island names may sound ambitious for four hours, but the route works because the crossings are short and the stops are focused.

You may want something else if your priority is a long beach stay, a full island walking tour, or a very quiet boat ride. Each stop is limited, and the speedboat format favors movement and variety over lingering in one place.

The experience is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 95. Bikes are not allowed. English is the tour language, and the activity is led by a live English-speaking guide.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want clear water, several short island stops, and a friendly crew without spending a whole day at sea. The snorkeling gear, drinks, flexible timing, and personal service make the $31 base price appealing, even after adding the docking fee.

Choose a morning departure for an early swim and a midday return. Choose the afternoon trip if sunset, cooler temperatures, and a chance of seeing dolphins appeal to you. Pack lightly, bring cash, wear water shoes, and be ready to get wet. For a fast and sociable look at the islands around Zadar, this trip offers a lot in four hours.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check the available departure options when booking.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Obala kneza Branimira 16 in Zadar, near a gas station.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with boat cruises between the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included in the tour price.

What drinks are included?

Water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur are included.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. Adults pay €10, and children up to age 11 pay €5.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The activity includes a live English-speaking guide.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Bikes are not allowed on the activity.