Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

The best island breaks start with a swim. This four-hour speedboat trip gives you three clear-water stops, plus time to walk around Ošljak and Preko near Zadar. I like the small-group feel and the generous time in the water, but you should know there is no toilet or food included.

I also like the easygoing crew. Guides including Dino, David, Davide, and Stella have been praised for keeping the trip relaxed, offering local information, and checking if people need drinks. The one point to weigh is the fast-boat format: you get scenery and access to several spots, but not long, detailed sightseeing at every stop.

For $49, this is a strong value if you want a half-day on the Adriatic without paying for a full-day cruise. You get fuel, a guide, life vests, snorkeling gear, sunshade, and unlimited water. Bring your own food and extra drinks, especially if you do not want to rely on what may be offered aboard.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: You have time to swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter second stop, and another spot on the return route.
• Ošljak at an easy pace: The first island stop gives you about an hour to walk around or sit by the water.
• Preko is the people-friendly finale: Shops, restaurants, souvenirs, and a relaxed village setting make this the most developed stop.
• Small boats make a difference: Past departures have carried as few as seven or eight people, leaving more room than many larger excursions.
• Drinks are a useful extra: Unlimited water is included, and some guides have also offered beer, juice, or fruit during the ride.
• Best for active half-days: You need to manage steps, boat movement, swimming access, and a lack of onboard toilet facilities.

Why this Zadar boat trip works so well

Zadar is a good base for short trips onto the water. The nearby islands are close enough for a half-day outing, so you spend less time sitting on a coach and more time looking at the coast from sea level.

This tour lasts four hours and costs $49 per person. That price matters because many island outings take a full day and can feel padded with long transport sections. Here, the route is compact. The listed boat rides are about 20 minutes from the marina, 15 minutes between the first stops, another 15 minutes toward Preko, and 20 minutes back to Zadar.

That leaves substantial time off the boat. You get around 45 minutes at Blue Bay Otrić, about an hour at the second stop, and about an hour at Preko. The balance is good for people who want both swimming and a little time ashore.

The boat is tied to the walls at the meeting point on Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Arrive ready to board rather than expecting a large terminal or formal check-in building. The exact starting time changes by date, so check availability when booking.

Leaving Foša for the first blue-water stop

The ride begins through the Bay of Foša, with views back toward Zadar and along the Dalmatian coast. This opening section is short, but it gives you the best chance to settle into the boat before the swimming begins.

At Blue Bay Otrić, you have about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is the stop for people who want to get into the water quickly. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and life vests are available, so you do not need to pack your own mask and flotation gear.

The water is the main attraction here. You may see fish below the surface, and several accounts describe this first stop as especially good for swimming and snorkeling. The tour does not promise a formal underwater lesson or a guided marine tour, so think of this as free water time rather than an instructional session.

I would bring a towel, hat, sun protection, and a change of clothes. You can get wet from swimming, spray, or both. Comfortable clothing is sensible because you will move between the boat, shore, and walking areas several times.

Ošljak gives you an hour to slow down

After the first swim, the boat continues to Ošljak. The island stop lasts roughly an hour, giving you a break from the open water and enough time to explore at your own pace.

Your guide provides information about the area, then you are free to choose your own rhythm. You might walk around, take photographs, find a quiet place by the shore, or return to the water. The stop is not built around a long museum visit or a dense list of monuments. Its appeal is the small-island setting and the chance to step off the boat.

This is one of the tour’s most useful features. A pure swimming trip can feel repetitive, while a full sightseeing cruise can leave you sitting for hours. Ošljak gives you a simple change of scene without turning the outing into a rushed guided walk.

The main limitation is the fixed hour. If you like moving slowly, stopping often for pictures, or lingering at the water, you will need to watch the time. The boat cannot wait indefinitely for a late return. Comfortable shoes will help, though the supplied information does not specify the exact walking surface.

The second island stop offers a quieter change

The itinerary includes a second island location described as a quieter, less developed stop. You have about an hour here for a photo stop, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is likely to be the most flexible part of the trip. The guide can point out the area, but you have room to decide how active you want to be. You can stay near the water, explore on foot, or spend the full hour swimming.

The contrast with Preko is important. The second stop is aimed at nature and quiet time, while Preko gives you a village, shops, restaurants, and more conventional holiday facilities. That mix makes the tour more useful than a route that visits three similar beaches.

Descriptions of the tour use different labels for the island stops, so do not book this expecting a detailed geography lesson or a fixed set of famous landmarks. The practical promise is clearer: you get a scenic stop with time for walking and water activities.

Preko is the social and practical highlight

The final major stop is Preko, a charming village on Ugljan. You have about an hour for walking, shopping, photographs, swimming, and a look around the waterfront.

This is the stop most likely to please people who want more than empty beaches. You can stroll through the village, buy souvenirs, sit down for a drink or meal at your own expense, or simply enjoy the slower pace. The setting has a relaxed feel, and the village gives the trip a little local life after the quieter swimming stops.

You should not expect a long cultural tour. An hour passes quickly if you want to eat, shop, swim, and explore. Pick one or two priorities before leaving the boat. If you want lunch, check your timing carefully, since food is not included and the schedule remains limited.

Preko also works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head toward the water, while people who prefer dry land can walk or browse shops. That flexibility is one reason this route suits couples, families with older children, and groups with different interests.

The return ride comes with one last swim

After Preko, you return to the boat and stop at another idyllic swimming spot before heading back to Zadar. The last water break gives you a final chance to snorkel, cool down, and enjoy the coast from the sea.

The ride back takes about 20 minutes. A sunshade helps during the exposed sections, and water is available throughout the trip. Some departures have also included beer, juice, or fruit offered by the guide, but I would not treat those extras as a guaranteed substitute for bringing what you want to drink.

The return route is also a good time to take in the coastline. From a small speedboat, you sit closer to the water than you would on a large sightseeing vessel. The ride can be breezy and lively, which is part of the appeal, though anyone sensitive to boat movement should consider that before booking.

The small-group boat is a real advantage

Group size changes the feel of this experience. Past departures have had seven or eight people, and the boat has been described as comfortable with plenty of room for everyone.

That is a meaningful benefit for a swimming tour. You can get to the ladder or edge without crossing a packed deck, and the guide can answer questions without shouting across a crowd. Smaller groups also make it easier to agree on a relaxed pace.

The trade-off is that a small speedboat has fewer facilities. There is no toilet, and food is not included. You also need to be comfortable boarding a boat and getting on and off at different stops.

The guide quality appears to be one of the strongest parts of the trip. Dino is repeatedly singled out for being relaxed and helpful, while David, Davide, and Stella are also praised for friendly service and island information. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the pattern is clear: expect a personal, informal style rather than a scripted lecture.

What the $49 price really covers

At $49, the tour offers good value if you plan to use the swimming time. The fee includes the boat, fuel, English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, life vests, sunshade, and unlimited water.

You are also paying for access to several coastal locations in one short outing. Organizing that route independently would require arranging transport, choosing beaches, and dealing with island connections. The guided boat removes that work and keeps the schedule compact.

The value drops if you mainly want a long lunch, a full cultural tour, or a quiet beach day at one location. You are paying for movement between islands and several short experiences, not a resort-style day beside one beach.

Food is not included, and there is no toilet. Bring cash for purchases in Preko, plus snacks and any preferred drinks. The practical packing list is simple:

• Hat and sun protection
• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Cash
• Personal drinks and snacks
• Towel, if not supplied by your accommodation

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see the islands near Zadar without giving up an entire day. It suits people who care more about swimming, snorkeling, views, and a relaxed village stop than formal sightseeing.

It is also a good choice for couples and small groups. The compact boat and friendly guide style make it more personal than a large cruise. Families with teenagers may like the mix of speed, swimming, and free time, though children need to be comfortable around open water and boat boarding.

You may want another tour if you need wheelchair access, a toilet onboard, or a fully catered outing. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. The tour is conducted in English, so you should be comfortable following safety instructions and meeting points in that language.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 244 reviews, with particularly strong praise for the boat, the guides, the clear water, and the amount of time spent swimming. That matches the structure of the day: the boat ride connects the stops, but it does not swallow the whole outing.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

Book it if your ideal half-day includes clear water, a small boat, three chances to swim, and enough free time to walk around Ošljak and Preko. At $49, it is a sensible way to sample the islands without committing to a long cruise.

Skip it if you need onboard facilities, a meal, wheelchair access, or lengthy historical commentary. Pack a change of clothes, cash, snacks, and your own preferred drinks, then let the guide handle the route. For most active visitors based in Zadar, this is a practical and well-priced way to get out on the Adriatic.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat will be tied to the walls.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Ugljan, with a stop in Preko. It also includes Blue Bay Otrić and another swimming location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Some departures have also offered beer, juice, or fruit, but you should bring your own preferred drinks. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The supplied information states that there is no toilet.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.