Visit 2 Islands of Zadar on a traditional wooden boat during half-day trip

Two islands, one easy afternoon. This traditional wooden boat trip gives you a simple way to leave Zadar behind and enjoy the Adriatic without committing to a full day at sea. I especially like the small-group feel and the chance to swim and snorkel near quiet Ošljak.

I also like the useful split between lively Preko and peaceful Ošljak. You get cafés, beaches, and a little island wandering at the first stop, then clear water and a more natural setting at the second. The main consideration is that this is more of a scenic boat outing than a fully guided cultural tour, and some skippers may provide little English commentary.

The price is about $26.55 per person for roughly four hours, which makes it one of the easier ways to add island time to a stay in Zadar. Just bring water shoes, sun protection, and modest expectations about snorkeling conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• Preko gives you 90 minutes for swimming, coffee, food, or a walk through the island village.
• Ošljak is the quieter stop, with snorkeling masks supplied and a bay suited to swimming.
• The boat ride is the main event, with open views across the Zadar Archipelago.
• Small groups make the trip feel personal, although the stated capacity varies between 10 and 12 people.
• Food is not included, but some captains have offered complimentary drinks during the ride.
• Water shoes are a smart addition, since parts of the swimming area are rocky.

A Short Boat Escape From Zadar

Zadar has a fine waterfront, but the best way to understand its setting is to get out onto the water. The city faces a scatter of islands, and this trip lets you see two of them in a single half-day without arranging ferries, taxis, or a private charter.

The tour begins at Zadar Boat Tours on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. It ends at the same place, which keeps the logistics pleasantly simple. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, allow time for the ride from the port. One booking party needed about 10 minutes by Uber to reach the meeting point.

The boat is a traditional wooden vessel rather than a large sightseeing ship. That matters. You are close to the water, the group is compact, and the ride feels more like a local outing than a mass excursion. The trade-off is that the boat offers less shelter and less space than a larger vessel, so conditions at sea will affect your comfort.

The full outing lasts about four hours. Around three hours are spent at the two islands, with the remaining time used for the crossings. The pace is relaxed, but you are not getting a long island exploration day. Think of it as a well-priced taste of the archipelago.

Preko: A Friendly First Stop With Time to Spare

Preko is the inhabited island stop, and it gives the trip a useful change of pace after the boat ride. You have about 90 minutes here, enough for a swim, a drink, a snack, or a walk around the waterfront.

The name means across, an apt description for an island sitting opposite Zadar. You can look back toward the mainland and get a different sense of the city from the sea. The views are a strong part of the appeal, especially on a clear day.

Preko has a sandy beach, coffee shops, and restaurants. That makes it the easier stop for families and anyone who wants a little comfort between swims. You might prefer to stay near the water, or you can use the time to wander around and get a feel for island life.

The 90-minute limit is both helpful and restrictive. It keeps the tour moving, but it does not leave much room for a long walk, a proper meal, and a swim all at once. I would choose one main activity and treat anything else as a bonus.

If you want food, plan carefully. Lunch is not part of the tour, and the boat does not promise a meal. Some people have enjoyed fish restaurants and inexpensive fried calamari or prawns during island outings, but you should not count on a specific restaurant or menu being part of this trip. A quick café stop or light snack is the safer plan.

Preko works particularly well for families. There are places for a cold drink or ice cream, and one family had time to enjoy a sea inflatable while the adults sat nearby. You will also find a more social feel here than at Ošljak, with local services and places to pause.

Ošljak: Clear Water and a Quieter Bay

Ošljak is the smaller and more natural stop. It is uninhabited, with an untouched setting and a bay used for swimming and snorkeling. After Preko, the contrast is clear: fewer services, less activity, and more time focused on the water.

Snorkeling masks are included, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. The sea is the main attraction, with clear water and the chance to look for small Adriatic sea life near the shore. Conditions vary, so do not book this as a major snorkeling expedition. One person found the snorkeling only average but still loved the swimming.

The bay can also suit children and confident swimmers who want to jump from the boat into deeper water. You should judge the conditions for yourself and follow the skipper’s instructions. There is no promise of a particular depth, visibility, or amount of marine life on the day.

Bring footwear that can get wet. One of the clearest practical warnings from the trip is that parts of the swimming area are rocky. Water shoes will make entry and exit easier and protect your feet from sharp stones.

Ošljak is also where the fixed schedule may frustrate some people. The stop is allotted about 90 minutes, but delays, sea conditions, and the timing of the departure from Zadar can reduce the time available. If you value the quieter island more than the cafés of Preko, you may wish the schedule gave Ošljak a larger share of the afternoon.

That preference is worth considering before you book. Preko offers more variety, while Ošljak offers the stronger sense of escape. You cannot fully maximize both in a four-hour outing.

The Skipper Can Shape the Whole Afternoon

The most praised part of the experience is often the skipper. Captains named Gogo, Bart, Ivan, Joseph, Ilja, Rocco, and Emilio have all received warm personal praise for being friendly, attentive, entertaining, or helpful.

Gogo, in particular, was described as attentive and good company, with complimentary drinks offered on board during one trip. Bart added facts about Zadar and was praised for being accommodating. Ivan was chatty and explained the two stops. Joseph helped keep the mood upbeat on a day with poor weather.

That variation is important. Some skippers offer useful local information and explain the places you visit. Others may focus mainly on operating the boat, with little English commentary. English is listed as an available language, but you should not assume you are booking a formal history lesson or a marine biology talk.

The operator itself explains the trip best as a visual experience, with the skipper responsible mainly for the boat and its safe operation. I would book it for scenery, swimming, and a friendly ride first. If learning about Croatian history is your main goal, pair it with a separate walking tour of Zadar.

There is also a small point of comfort and conduct. One complaint described a skipper drinking beer and speaking no English. That does not appear to be the usual experience, given the many positive comments about captains, but it is a fair reminder that the quality of the outing can depend heavily on who is at the helm.

What the $26.55 Price Really Buys You

At about $26.55 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want sea views and two island stops without paying for a full-day cruise. The price includes the boat ride and snorkeling equipment, and the compact format means you spend more time at the islands than on a large group vessel.

You are mainly paying for access and convenience. The tour takes you from central Zadar to Preko and Ošljak, waits while you swim or explore, and brings you back to the same meeting point. Organizing that combination independently would require checking ferry times and arranging transport on the islands.

The value is less clear if you want a full meal, extensive commentary, or a long period on each island. Food is not included, and listed taxes and fees are not included in the package description. Add your own snacks, drinks, and any island purchases to the headline price.

Some captains have offered drinks, and one outing included food, but those extras are not guaranteed. Treat them as a pleasant surprise rather than part of the deal.

The average booking lead time is about 19 days. That suggests the trip can fill ahead of time, especially during the warm season. At the same time, one person secured a booking at the last minute, so availability can change from day to day.

Group Size, Timing, and Comfort

The trip is designed to feel small. The highlights give a limit of 10 people, while the additional booking information lists a maximum of 12. I would expect a compact group, but check the exact capacity when you book if personal space matters to you.

A small boat has clear advantages. You can hear the skipper more easily, boarding is less hectic, and the mood tends to be social without becoming a crowd. It also makes this a good choice for couples, families, and small groups of friends.

The sea may not be flat. Several outings had calm crossings, while another had a choppier ride back to Zadar. A later-season trip in October became windy and wet, with a rough return journey. The captain judged the trip safe to operate, but the experience was still uncomfortable for some people.

This is a sea activity, not a guaranteed smooth transfer. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use. Sit where you feel most stable, keep a light jacket handy, and remember that weather can change the feel of the return crossing.

The operator can cancel for poor weather and offer a different date or a full refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not met, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

You can cancel without penalty up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.

What to Pack for the Islands

You do not need a large amount of gear, but a few simple items will make the afternoon much better.

• Water shoes for rocky entries
• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Drinking water and a snack
• A dry bag or waterproof phone case
• A light layer for the return ride

Snorkeling masks are supplied, though bringing your own mask can be worthwhile if fit and comfort matter to you. The boat is not supplying lunch, so take food if you do not want to spend your Preko stop looking for a restaurant.

Keep your plans flexible. The stated schedule allows 90 minutes at each island, but sea conditions or a late departure can shorten one stop. Avoid booking an important connection immediately after the tour.

Who Will Like This Tour Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a short, affordable introduction to the Zadar islands. It works well when you have only a few days in the city and want one afternoon away from the urban waterfront.

Families may like the mix of swimming, cafés, and easy island time. Couples and friends will appreciate the relaxed boat ride and the chance to share a swim in clear water. It also suits anyone who prefers a small group to a large party boat.

It is less suitable if you want serious snorkeling, a full meal, or a detailed guided tour. Ošljak can be wonderfully quiet, but it has no cafés or restaurants. Preko gives you more to do, but 90 minutes is not enough for a full island visit.

The trip can also be a good choice for cruise passengers, provided you allow a sensible buffer around your ship schedule. The tour generally returns to the starting point, but sea conditions can affect timing.

Should You Book the Preko and Ošljak Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost half-day on the water, two contrasting island stops, and time for swimming. The best parts are the traditional boat, the small group, the clear Adriatic water, and the change from the social feel of Preko to the quiet bay at Ošljak.

Go in knowing that the tour is visual and recreational rather than deeply educational. Skipper commentary can be excellent, but it is not consistent. Pack water shoes and food, expect the sea to have a mind of its own, and keep your schedule open after the return.

For $26.55, this is an easy recommendation for a relaxed island sampler. If you want more time ashore, more food, or a stronger cultural focus, choose a full-day trip or add a separate guided tour in Zadar.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour last?

The trip lasts approximately four hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Preko and Ošljak in the Zadar Archipelago.

How long do you spend on each island?

You have about 90 minutes at Preko and about 90 minutes at Ošljak.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and equipment are included during the trip.

Is food included?

No. Lunch and food are not provided. Some captains have offered complimentary drinks, but these are not listed as a guaranteed inclusion.

Where does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour finish?

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

How many people can join the boat?

The tour highlights describe a limit of 10 people, while the additional booking information lists a maximum of 12 travelers. Confirm the exact group size when booking if needed.

Is the tour available in English?

English is listed as an available language. The amount of English commentary may depend on the skipper operating the boat.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a different date or a full refund.