Zadar: Ugljan and Preko Islands SpeedBoat Tour —with Drinks

Island time starts just offshore. This four-hour trip from Zadar packs three very different stops into a fast, friendly boat outing, from the sandy bay of Kostanj to the small island of Ošljak and the village of Preko. I like the small maximum group of 10 and the chance to swim and snorkel without giving up much of your day. I also like that beer, water, fuel, and snorkeling gear are included.

The main consideration is that this is an active boat trip, not a slow sightseeing cruise. You will spend time in open water, climb in and out of the speedboat, and move on when the schedule says so. The extra docking fee, €10 per adult or €5 per child, also nudges the real price above the advertised $28.

Key points to know before you book

• Three island stops in four hours: Kostanj, Ošljak, and Preko give you swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a short village walk in one outing.
• A truly small boat group: The speedboat carries no more than 10 participants, so the skipper can keep the mood relaxed and respond to the group.
• Kostanj offers the best beach break: This sandy bay is the clearest choice if you want a proper swim rather than only a quick photo stop.
• Ošljak is Croatia’s smallest inhabited island: The stop is brief, but it gives the tour a special sense of place and a quieter change of pace.
• Preko gives you time on land: With 75 minutes, you can walk, take photos, swim, or stop for a drink at your own pace.
• Local skippers are a major part of the experience: Kristijan Kačan and Luka are praised for being friendly, helpful, and willing to answer questions or adjust the outing when possible.

Why this short boat trip works so well from Zadar

Zadar is an easy city to explore on foot, but the nearby islands give you a different view of Dalmatia. Within minutes of leaving the waterfront, the city becomes a backdrop and the Zadar Channel opens into a series of low islands, clear water, and small coastal settlements.

This tour is designed for people who want more than a boat ride but less than a full-day excursion. Four hours is enough to get wet, see several locations, and still have most of your day free for Zadar’s old town, the Sea Organ, or dinner.

I especially like the balance between movement and free time. The speedboat sections take about 15 minutes each, and the three stops last about one hour at Kostanj, 45 minutes at Ošljak, and 75 minutes at Preko. That gives you a real chance to swim and walk instead of spending the whole trip seated on a boat.

The small group matters, too. A limit of 10 people makes it easier to hear the skipper, ask questions, and settle into a comfortable spot. It also gives the outing a more personal feel than a large boat carrying a crowd.

Meeting the boat at Zadar’s waterfront

The tour begins at the Zadar Boat Tours meeting point on the waterfront. Look for the boat with the company logo and the skipper waiting nearby. Since the exact departure time depends on availability, check your chosen time carefully and arrive ready for a prompt start.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There is no food included, so eat beforehand or plan to buy something during the longer stop in Preko. Beer and water are supplied, which is useful on a sunny day but does not replace a proper meal.

The boat is described as brand-new, with fuel included in the price. You will want to keep bags light and secure, since a speedboat is more about the ride and the views than roomy storage.

The 15-minute ride to Kostanj beach

The first boat ride lasts about 15 minutes. That is long enough to feel the speed and see Zadar from the water, but short enough that you reach the first swimming stop quickly.

Kostanj is a sandy beach in a bay, making it the most beach-like stop of the day. You have about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, marine-life viewing, and scenic views. The sandy setting gives this stop a softer feel than a rocky Adriatic shoreline.

If you want to spend your time in the water, Kostanj is probably your best opportunity. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The tour description does not promise a particular species of marine life, but you can look beneath the clear water and see what is around the rocks and shallows.

The included beer is a pleasant extra here. You can cool off after swimming and enjoy a drink without having to find a beach bar immediately. Still, keep expectations sensible: this is a one-hour stop, not a full beach afternoon. You may need to share the bay with other people, and the schedule will not allow endless floating around.

Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island

After another 15-minute speedboat ride, you reach Ošljak for about 45 minutes. This is the most distinctive stop in terms of place. Ošljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and its compact size gives the visit a different character from the larger island of Ugljan.

The stop includes time for photos, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and a short break. You can explore a little on foot, but the limited time means this is not a long island walk. Think of Ošljak as a small taste of island life rather than a full tour of the settlement.

I like the contrast with Kostanj. The first stop is built around a sandy bay and swimming. Ošljak gives you a chance to take in a small inhabited island, photograph the shoreline, and get back in the water if the conditions suit you.

This stop may feel short if you want a long swim and a proper walk. That is the tradeoff for seeing three locations in four hours. If Ošljak captures your interest, you may leave wishing for more time, but the short visit helps keep the whole outing varied.

Preko gives you 75 minutes on Ugljan

The longest stop comes at Preko, a village on Ugljan Island. You have about 75 minutes here, which makes it the best part of the tour for mixing a little land time with swimming.

You can walk through the village, take photos, enjoy the views, or return to the water with the supplied snorkeling gear. The schedule also allows time for a drink at a beach bar, although food and drinks beyond the supplied beer and water are not included.

Preko is useful because it breaks up the boat ride. After two water-focused stops, you can stretch your legs and see a lived-in island village at a slower pace. If you prefer swimming, you still have enough time to make the stop worthwhile. If you would rather stay dry, the walk and photo opportunities give you another option.

Do not expect a long guided walking tour. The activity focuses on the boat, the water, and a few hours of island scenery. The skipper can offer tips and answer questions, but the time in Preko is mainly yours to use.

What the speedboat adds to the experience

The speedboat is not just transportation between stops. The 15-minute crossings provide open-water views and a fun burst of speed. Several people have singled out the ride itself as one of the most enjoyable parts of the outing.

That said, speedboat travel is not for everyone. The boat can move quickly, and the trip is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, or limited mobility. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or children under two.

You should be comfortable boarding a boat, sitting through the ride, and getting in and out for swimming stops. If you are unsure about swimming, this may not be the right excursion, even though you can choose to stay aboard during some water activities.

The tour runs in English. Skippers such as Kristijan Kačan and Luka have been praised for being friendly, professional, and helpful. That personal contact matters on a small boat, where the skipper shapes the whole mood of the outing.

The value of $28, plus the docking charge

At $28 per person, this is a strong value for a four-hour boat tour. The price includes the speedboat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, beer, and water. You are also getting three stops and return transportation from Zadar.

The added docking fee is €10 per adult or €5 per child. You should include that when comparing this trip with other Zadar excursions. Food is not included, and tips are extra, so budget for those separately if needed.

Even with the docking fee, the cost is reasonable if you want swimming, island views, and a fast boat ride without committing to a full day. A private charter would normally cost far more, while a larger group boat may offer less personal attention.

The main value is variety. You are not paying only for a transfer to one beach. You get a sandy bay, a tiny inhabited island, a village on Ugljan, snorkeling time, and a local skipper in a small group.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this outing if you have one free half-day in Zadar and want to get out on the Adriatic. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors who like small groups, and families with older children who are comfortable around boats and water.

It is also a good fit if you want a relaxed schedule without losing the sense of adventure. The boat moves quickly, but the stops are long enough for you to decide how active you want to be.

You may prefer another activity if you want a detailed cultural tour, a long village visit, or hours on one beach. The island stops are short by design. This is a sampler of the Zadar islands, not a full exploration of Ugljan or Ošljak.

People looking for quiet, uninterrupted time should also think carefully. The speedboat ride and three-stop format keep the day moving. You will see more places, but you will not have unlimited time at any one of them.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel you do not mind carrying on a boat. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential because much of the experience takes place in direct sun.

Bring some money for the docking fee, food, optional drinks in Preko, and a tip for the skipper if you feel the service deserves one. Since food is not provided, a meal before departure is a sensible choice.

Keep your belongings compact and protected from splashes. The supplied information does not specify waterproof storage, so a small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is a practical precaution.

Pets are not allowed. The tour also has no stated wheelchair access, and it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with several listed medical conditions. If any of those restrictions apply to you, choose a shore-based activity instead.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Zadar schedule depends on weather or changing plans, although you should still check the available start times before booking.

Should you book the Ugljan and Preko tour?

Book it if you want a lively half-day on the water, three different island stops, and a small group at a low price. The strongest reasons are the one-hour swim at Kostanj, the unusual stop at tiny Ošljak, and the longer free time in Preko.

I would be especially happy to recommend it to someone staying in Zadar for only a few days. You get a taste of the islands without sacrificing an entire day, and the return to the same waterfront keeps the logistics simple.

Skip it if you dislike fast boat rides, cannot swim, need step-free access, or want a slow cultural tour. Also remember to add the docking fee and bring money for food.

With a 4.9 rating from 81 reviews and repeated praise for skippers Kristijan Kačan and Luka, this is one of the better-value ways to add island time to a Zadar visit. It is short, active, and practical, with enough free time to make the outing feel like more than a quick boat transfer.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the speedboat rides and stops at Kostanj, Ošljak, and Preko.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the Zadar Boat Tours meeting point on the waterfront and returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat tour, skipper, snorkeling gear, beer, water, and fuel.

Is the docking fee included?

No. The docking fee is €10 per adult and €5 per child.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Who cannot join this activity?

Pets are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers.