half day group speedboat tour of the islands around Zadar

The Adriatic is best seen from a fast boat. This four-hour trip from Zadar takes you to Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko for clear-water swimming, snorkeling, and quiet island time. I like the three swimming stops and the friendly, personal feel created by the skippers. The main catch is the extra docking fee, €10 for adults and €5 for children up to age 11.

At $31 per person, the tour offers good value for a half-day on the water, especially since masks, snorkels, drinks, and a skipper are included. I also like the choice of morning or afternoon departures, with the later trip returning around sunset. The boat ride can be lively, though, and this is not the best pick if you want a slow, shore-based island visit.

Key points to know before you book

• Three chances to snorkel: Swim above underwater rocks and look for small fish and other sea life at several stops.
• Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko: You see three different island settings in one compact outing.
• Morning or sunset timing: Morning tours return around midday, while afternoon departures finish with sunset views.
• Drinks are part of the welcome: Water, iced tea, soft drinks, and homemade liqueur are offered on board.
• A personal crew style: Skippers named Sara, Lovro, Tomislav, and Dubravko have been praised for warm service and local suggestions.
• Bring cash for the dock: The separate fee is €10 for adults and €5 for children up to age 11.

Why this short Zadar boat trip works

Zadar sits on the edge of an island-filled stretch of the Adriatic, so a boat tour can show you much more than you could reach on foot. This outing uses a speedboat to make quick crossings, then gives you time to swim, snorkel, stroll, and take photos.

I like the balance. You are not stuck on the boat for four hours, but you also do not spend the whole day at one beach. The route gives you several bites of island life, with short boat rides between each stop.

The experience is guided in English. The crew handles the navigation and safety, while you can focus on the sea, the views, and the next swim. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are supplied, though you should still bring a towel, hat, and water shoes.

The tour has earned a 4.9 rating from 99 reviews, and the strongest praise focuses on the same points: friendly skippers, beautiful swimming locations, a relaxed mood, clear water, and useful local advice. Some people also received photographs taken by the skipper during the swim, which is a thoughtful extra when offered.

Leaving Zadar at Obala kneza Branimira 16

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. You return to this same location at the end, so the arrangement is simple if you are staying in Zadar and want a half-day activity without a long transfer.

The first part is a speedboat ride of about 20 minutes. That crossing gives you an immediate change of scene: Zadar slips behind, and the low islands begin to frame the water around you.

A speedboat is useful here because the nearby islands are close, but not close enough to make a comfortable swimming outing by ordinary public transport. You get more time in the water and less time waiting around.

The trade-off is exposure to sun, wind, and spray. Bring a hat and apply sun protection before leaving. The boat has different places to sit, according to the supplied feedback, but the ride is still an open-water experience rather than a quiet indoor cruise.

Ošljak: the first island stop

Ošljak is the first main stop, with about an hour set aside for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where you get your first proper taste of the clear Adriatic water.

The snorkeling is not presented as a formal lesson. Instead, you receive the gear and explore at the stop, looking over underwater rocks and watching fish and other small sea life. The water clarity makes this part worthwhile even if you are not an experienced snorkeler.

You can also sunbathe and enjoy the cove at your own pace. The hour is long enough for a swim and some time on the boat or beach, but it is not a full beach day. If you prefer to linger in one place, the schedule may feel brisk.

Water shoes are a smart choice. Rocky entries and shallow areas can be uncomfortable with bare feet, and the tour specifically advises bringing them.

Ugljan brings another hour on the water

After Ošljak, the boat cruises for roughly 15 minutes toward Ugljan, in Zadar County. The crossing is short, but it adds variety and gives you another chance to enjoy the island views from the water.

At the Ugljan stop, you have about an hour for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. An aperitif is also part of the stop, with homemade liqueur available alongside nonalcoholic drinks.

The homemade liqueur has become one of the more distinctive touches of the tour. One flavor was compared to cherry Bakewell, while other drinks include water and iced tea. This is not a full meal service, so bring your own food if you need something substantial.

The crew’s hospitality seems to matter as much as the drinks. Tomislav was praised for offering alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices, while Dubravko received thanks for his friendly manner and recommendations. The tour provider identifies Sara and Lovro as skippers, but the working crew can vary, so you may meet a different captain.

The snorkeling here gives you another look below the surface instead of repeating the first stop exactly. You may see fish around rocks and shallow water. The supplied feedback also includes an unusual sighting of a seahorse, though that is best treated as a lucky possibility rather than a promised part of the tour.

Preko gives you the longest island break

The boat takes about 15 minutes from Ugljan to Preko. This is the longest stop, with around 70 minutes for free time, photos, a walk, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

That extra time makes Preko the most flexible part of the route. You can spend it in the water, explore a little on foot, sit with a drink, or simply enjoy the island setting. If you have had enough snorkeling by this point, you are not required to keep doing it.

The schedule lists a class at this stop, but the supplied details do not explain what the class involves. Do not book the trip expecting a structured instructional session. The reliable promise is free time, swimming, snorkeling, walking, and sightseeing.

Preko is also where the tour may feel least rushed. The first stops focus mainly on water time, while this 70-minute pause gives you room to choose your own pace. The captain may offer suggestions for what to see, as Dubravko did for one afternoon group.

Morning calm or afternoon sunset?

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure when available. The morning outing returns to Zadar around midday, which works well if you want to keep your afternoon open for the Old Town, lunch, or another activity.

The afternoon option is especially appealing in hot weather. One afternoon start was at 4 p.m., allowing the group to swim during the cooler part of the day and travel back as the sun was setting.

Sunset is the strongest reason to choose the later departure. The return cruise can turn into the visual highlight, with warm light over the water and islands. A lucky group even saw dolphins on the way back, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The morning tour may be better if snorkeling is your main goal and you prefer stronger daylight. The late trip may suit couples, people celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who wants a scenic end to the day.

What the crew adds to the experience

A boat tour can feel mechanical if the skipper simply drives from stop to stop. This one gets much of its appeal from the crew’s social touch.

Tomislav was praised for making the trip feel personal, offering drinks, taking photographs, and sending them afterward. Dubravko was described as kind and helpful, with good suggestions at the final stop. Other feedback describes the trip as feeling like a private outing with friends, even though it is a group tour.

That does not mean you should expect a private charter or a full lecture on Dalmatian culture. The focus is light guiding, good hosting, safe boat handling, and practical help. A captain with maritime biology experience has also led the outing, adding useful insight into local sea life.

The atmosphere may vary with the skipper and the group. Music, conversation, cold drinks, and homemade liqueur are part of the mood described in the supplied information. If you want quiet, tell the crew. If you enjoy an easygoing social trip, this format should suit you well.

What is included, and what costs extra

The $31 price is strong for four hours if you plan to swim and snorkel. You receive:

• Speedboat transport
• Skipper and English guidance
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Water
• Iced tea
• Homemade liqueur

The separate docking fee is the main cost to remember. Adults pay €10, while children up to age 11 pay €5. Bring cash, as requested in the practical information.

The tour does not list lunch, a full meal, or hotel pickup. You should think of it as an active half-day on the sea, not an all-inclusive cruise. The drinks and small hospitality touches add value, but you may want to eat before departure or carry a snack if you have a larger appetite.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this for anyone who wants island scenery without giving up a full day. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and visitors who want swimming and snorkeling rather than museums or long guided walks.

It is also a good choice for people who like variety. You visit Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with several chances to get into the water. You can swim, take photos, listen to music, walk a little, and enjoy the boat ride between stops.

The tour is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 95. Bikes are not allowed. The supplied information does not give a minimum swimming ability, so if you are not comfortable in open water, ask the provider before booking.

People seeking a private, silent, luxury cruise may prefer a different product. This is a friendly group outing with a quick boat, shared stops, and a casual atmosphere.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear swimwear under your clothes. With several water stops, changing can be awkward, and you will want to make the most of each break.

Bring a towel, hat, water shoes, cash, and extra drinking water if you prefer more than the included supply. A dry bag or waterproof phone case would also be sensible, though it is not listed as required.

If snorkeling matters most, choose the morning if the schedule suits you. If you want cooler temperatures and a sunset return, pick the afternoon departure.

Keep expectations realistic about the island stops. You have time for short walks and photos, but this is not a full cultural tour of each island. The real attraction is the combination of clear water, small coves, boat views, and easygoing crew service.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before booking, since the morning and afternoon versions create different moods.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day of swimming, snorkeling, and island views with a friendly crew. The strongest reasons are the three water-focused stops, the included equipment, the personal service, and the option to return at sunset.

I would be especially keen on the late trip for a couple or small group, while families may prefer the earlier return and brighter conditions. Just budget for the docking fee, bring water shoes and cash, and remember that this is a shared speedboat outing rather than a private charter.

For an easy way to get out of Zadar and into the Adriatic, it offers a lot in four hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 16.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. Available starting times are shown when you check the booking calendar.

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.

What drinks are included?

Water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur are included. The supplied information also describes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink choices.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. The docking fee is €10 for adults and €5 for children up to age 11.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Extra water may also be useful.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.