Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Wine and Snorkeling

Trade city streets for salt air. This four-hour small-group speedboat tour takes you from Zadar to Kostanj, Osljak, and Preko, mixing swimming, snorkeling, village walks, and time on the water. I like the modern boat, the local skippers, and the relaxed pace.

The best parts are the clear water at Kostanj and the chance to see a quieter side of Dalmatia on Osljak and Preko. Drinks are included, which adds real value at $44, though you should budget another €10 in cash for docking fees and know that the meeting point has no toilet or parking.

Key things to know before you book

• Kostanj is the main swim stop: You get about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and jumping into clear water.
• Osljak offers the quietest island stop: Walk along the shore, climb the small hill, find a ninth-century church, or stop for a drink.
• Preko gives you the most free time: The 90-minute stop allows time for coffee, shops, swimming, and a possible walk toward Galevac.
• The group is limited to 12 people: That is small enough for a more personal boat ride without the feel of a large excursion.
• Drinks are part of the package: Expect wine, water, soft drinks, and two glasses of G&T, one at each stop.
• Arrive early and plan ahead: Meet by the bench or Tornado sign 10 minutes before departure, with parking and toilet arrangements handled before you arrive.

Why this boat trip works so well from Zadar

Zadar is famous for its old town, Roman ruins, Sea Organ, and sunsets. It is also a good place to get out on the water, since nearby islands sit close to the city and can be reached quickly by speedboat.

This tour makes good use of that geography. Instead of spending the whole day on a boat, you get short rides between several different kinds of stops. One is mainly for swimming, one is suited to a quiet walk and local history, and one gives you the most time to choose your own pace.

I like that balance. You are not locked into four hours of sightseeing from the boat, but you also do not spend half the day trying to reach a distant island. The ride from Zadar to the first stop takes about 15 minutes, and the same rough travel time applies between the stops.

The small group matters, too. With no more than 12 people, the skipper can keep an eye on swimmers, explain the route, and point out places worth seeing. Several skippers have been praised by name, including Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, Fabrizio, Johnny, Matteo, Lovre, and Zvone. The exact skipper depends on the departure, but the pattern is clear: the crew is a major part of the experience.

Some guides focus on island stories and local suggestions. Others add music and a lively mood. Gogo even showed one group the Sea Organ at night after the tour, though that was an extra kindness rather than a promised part of the program.

Kostanj: a 40-minute swim in clear water

The first stop is Kostanj, a bay with a sandy beach and clear water. After the short speedboat ride from Zadar, you have around 40 minutes to cool off, sunbathe, swim, or use the provided snorkeling equipment.

This is the stop where you should make the most of the water. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. Towels are not supplied, so you will need to bring your own.

The snorkeling here is a pleasant extra rather than a serious underwater expedition. The tour provides masks and snorkeling gear, and the water is described as clear enough for exploring near the shore and boat. If you are not a confident swimmer, life jackets can be provided. One skipper was specifically praised for making less confident swimmers feel comfortable.

The boat may be the real attraction for some people. A modern speedboat makes the short crossings fun, with sea views and a quick sense of escape from Zadar. The tradeoff is that speedboats can feel exposed in bright sun or rougher conditions. Bring sun protection, and keep belongings secure during the ride.

Osljak: a small island with an unusual past

After another 15-minute boat ride, you reach Osljak. This is the most distinctive stop on the route because it feels less like a beach break and more like a small island visit.

Osljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. It has around 29 residents, traditional Mediterranean buildings, and a notably quiet atmosphere. Most local residents share the same surname, an amusing detail that helps you picture how close-knit the community is.

You get about 40 minutes here. That is enough for a short walk, but not enough for a long exploration. You can follow the shoreline, climb the small hill for a view, or look for the little church hidden among the trees. The church dates to the ninth century, giving this compact island more depth than its size suggests.

There are also ruins of a hospital connected with people suffering from plague during the Second World War. That detail gives the island a more serious side, so do not expect every part of the walk to be postcard scenery. Osljak is best enjoyed slowly, with an eye for old stone, trees, quiet paths, and simple island life.

There is also a bar if you prefer to sit down rather than walk. Since drinks are included on the boat, you may want to save your money here for coffee or another local drink. The stop is short, so keep an eye on the departure time.

Preko: 90 minutes for your own island time

Preko is the longest stop, with about an hour and a half to explore. It is more active than Osljak in summer, with small shops, places to buy souvenirs, and cafés where you can sit with a sea view.

I like the extra time here because it gives you choices. You can stroll toward the center, stop for coffee, walk along the waterfront, or head to a small sandy beach for another swim. Snorkeling equipment is available here as well.

Preko also offers one of the tour’s most appealing optional adventures. Nearby Galevac can be reached by swimming from Preko, and a small ancient monastery is hidden among the trees there. The supplied information does not give a precise swimming distance, conditions, or supervision details, so treat this as an optional idea rather than a guaranteed part of the excursion. Ask the skipper before attempting it, and stay within your own ability.

Several comments praised Preko’s beauty, swimming spots, food suggestions, and local character. One guide directed a group toward a restaurant serving fresh fish and sardines at reasonable prices. Lunch is not included, but Preko is the logical place to buy food if you are hungry.

You should also remember that this is an island stop, not a guided walking tour with a fixed route. The skipper can point you in the right direction, but you are mainly responsible for returning to the boat on time.

The speedboat ride is part of the attraction

The crossings are not dead time. They give you changing views of Zadar’s coast and the nearby islands, and they make the route feel like an active outing rather than a transfer between beaches.

The boat returns to Zadar after Preko, with one last look toward the old city from the water. That closing view is a nice counterpoint to the start of the day. You see Zadar first as a place to explore, then later as a historic waterfront seen from offshore.

Music is sometimes played on board, and several skippers have been praised for keeping the mood friendly without losing sight of safety. The atmosphere can be social, especially when people from different countries share wine and swim stops.

That social element will suit you if you enjoy meeting people during a tour. If you want a silent private charter, this is not the right format. The boat holds up to 12 people, and the experience is designed around a shared outing.

What is included, and what costs extra

At $44 per person, the tour offers strong value for a four-hour coastal trip. The price includes:

• Modern speedboat transport
• A local English-speaking skipper and guide
• Fuel
• Snorkeling equipment
• Three stops
• Wine, water, and soft drinks
• Two glasses of G&T, one at each stop
• A small-group setting

The biggest extra cost is the €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival. This covers all the stops, but it means the advertised price is not the full amount you will spend.

Lunch, coffee, towels, and hotel pickup are not included. There is no hotel transfer, so you must make your own way to the meeting point on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

The drinks improve the value, especially if you enjoy a glass of wine while looking across the islands. Drink sensibly, of course. You still need to manage boat steps, swimming, sun, and walking on the islands.

Meeting point tips that can save you trouble

You are asked to arrive 10 minutes before departure and wait by the bench or the Tornado sign. The meeting point has no toilet, so use one before you arrive.

Parking is not available at the meeting point, and summer parking in Zadar can be difficult. If you are bringing a car, allow extra time to find a space. This is one of the few avoidable annoyances of the tour, so do not cut it close.

The company groups people with their assigned boats before departure. That process can feel confusing, especially if several boats are leaving around the same time. A couple of people found the initial organization less clear than the actual tour. Once you are with your skipper, the experience appears much more settled.

Wear swimwear, bring a towel, pack sunscreen, and carry cash for the docking fee. Comfortable sandals or shoes will help on Osljak, where you may walk along the shore or up the hill.

Who will enjoy this experience most

This tour is a good match for you if you want a half-day on the water without committing to a full-day island cruise. It works well for couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and groups of friends who want swimming mixed with sightseeing.

It is especially useful during a short stay in Zadar. You see three different places, spend time in the sea, and still have part of the day free for the old town.

Families should note that snorkeling and swimming are central activities, but the crew can provide life jackets for people who want them. Parents should still judge the sea conditions and their children’s comfort for themselves.

You may want to skip it if you dislike speedboat rides, need a toilet available throughout the excursion, want a fully guided historical tour, or prefer a private boat. The island stops are brief enough that you will get an introduction, not an exhaustive visit.

The tour also depends on conditions at sea. Exact swim time, route details, and the feel of the ride can change with weather and water conditions. That is normal for a coastal boat trip, but it is worth keeping your expectations flexible.

Should you book the Zadar three-island tour?

I would book this if you want a good-value mix of sea time, island scenery, light history, and easy social fun. Kostanj gives you the clear-water swim, Osljak provides the quietest and most unusual stop, and Preko lets you slow down for coffee, food, or another swim.

The strongest part is the combination of friendly skippers and varied stops. Guides such as Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, and Fabrizio have helped make the day memorable for many people, and the boat ride itself adds energy without taking up the whole day.

Book it with the €10 cash fee in mind, arrive early, bring a towel, and do not expect lunch or hotel pickup. If those details suit you, this is an easy way to trade four hours of city sightseeing for clear water, island paths, wine, and a fresh view of Zadar.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar three-island speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Kostanj, Osljak, and Preko.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. Wait by the bench or the Tornado sign.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Is there a toilet at the meeting point?

No. The meeting point does not have a toilet, so plan ahead before arriving.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point yourself.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes wine, water, soft drinks, and two glasses of G&T, with one served at each stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and can be used at the swimming stops.

Is the docking fee included in the price?

No. You must pay a €10 docking fee per person in cash on arrival. This fee covers all stops.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.