Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling

Fast boats, quiet islands, clear water. This four-hour Zadar outing combines a speedboat ride with three stops around the archipelago. I like the mix of swimming at Pjescana Uvala and wandering tiny Ošljak, and I like that water, cold drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. The main catch is that the trip can feel basic, and the extra €10 fee should be confirmed before you go.

You will spend time in small island settlements rather than famous sights, which gives the trip a relaxed Croatian feel. Captain Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mario, Mateo, and others have earned warm praise for being friendly and flexible, but the quality of the commentary can vary. Bring a waterproof bag, expect spray, and do not assume every stop will offer serious snorkeling.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: Swim at Pjescana Uvala, walk quiet Ošljak, then explore Preko on Ugljan Island.
• The boat can be wet and lively: Wind and waves may send spray over the boat, especially when it is full.
• Small groups help: The maximum is 10 people, though a full boat can feel crowded.
• Snorkeling is simple, not a reef tour: The water is clear, but marine life may be limited.
• Budget for the extra fee: The advertised price is $38.71 per person, with €10 per person listed separately for fees and taxes.
• Captains can shape the day: Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mario, and Mateo have all been praised for friendly service and adapting to conditions.

Four hours around Zadar’s island chain

Zadar is a fine place to get on the water. The city sits beside a scatter of islands, and a speedboat lets you reach places that would take much longer by land or on foot.

This outing lasts about four hours and begins at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. It ends at the same place. The boat carries no more than 10 people, so this is more personal than a large sightseeing cruise, though a full boat leaves less room to stretch out.

The advertised fare is $38.71 per person. That is a strong price for four hours on the sea, especially with bottled water, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment included. Still, you should add the stated €10 per person for fees and taxes. Some people were asked to pay this as a cash docking fee, without a receipt, which caused understandable frustration. I would confirm the exact amount and payment method before departure.

The total time at the three stops adds up to about three hours and ten minutes. The remaining time covers the speedboat rides between them, check-in, and getting on and off the boat. You get a proper half-day outing, not a full day at sea.

Pjescana Uvala, the first swim stop

After roughly 15 minutes by speedboat, you reach Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj. This is the most natural stop of the three, with clear water, a sandy bottom, and small fish that you may see near the shore.

You get about 40 minutes here. That is enough for a swim, a quick snorkel, and a look around, but it is not a long beach afternoon. The water is the main attraction. If you want to cool off quickly and see the bottom through the clear sea, this stop does the job.

The snorkeling is best approached with modest expectations. Several people enjoyed swimming and found the water very clear, while others found little marine life to see. This is not a tropical snorkeling site, and you should not book the trip expecting coral, abundant fish, or a guided underwater tour.

The beach area can also feel rough around the edges. One account described an abandoned building, broken glass, and litter near the shore. That may not define every visit, but it is useful to know that this is a simple cove, not a polished beach club.

The provided masks and snorkels are useful, though you may prefer your own goggles for comfort. Check that you have a properly fitting life vest before leaving the boat, particularly if you are not a confident swimmer.

Ošljak, a tiny island with a slow pace

Ošljak is the smallest island in the Zadar Archipelago. Only a few families live here, so the mood changes sharply from the excitement of the boat ride. You get about one hour to walk along the shore and take in the quiet.

This is a stop for wandering, not a packed sightseeing program. You can look for a small ninth-century church and the ruins of a hospital from the Second World War. The island is appealing because it feels modest and lived-in, with little pressure to buy anything or hurry from one sight to another.

The drawback is that Ošljak may feel too quiet if you want shops, cafés, or a beach. There is no promise of a long sandy shoreline or a full set of facilities. Some people find the island charming; others find it isolated and short on things to do.

I would use the hour for a gentle walk, photos, and a break from the boat. Wear shoes with a bit of grip, since the best path may not be a smooth promenade. The stop works especially well for you if you enjoy small places and local atmosphere more than major attractions.

Preko, cafés and a possible walk to Galevac

The final stop is Preko, a summer village on Ugljan Island. You get about an hour and a half here, the longest pause of the tour.

Preko gives you more choice than Ošljak. You can visit the small sandy beach on the right-hand side, find a café with a view, or walk along the shore. You may also be able to swim toward Galevac, a nearby island with a small monastery among the trees. That swim is a personal option, not the main structure of the excursion, so ask your captain about conditions and timing before setting off.

Bring your snorkeling mask if you want to explore in the water. You can also simply order a coffee and watch the boats and islands from shore. This flexibility makes Preko a useful final stop. After two shorter, quieter experiences, you have time to choose between swimming, walking, and sitting down.

The village is lively during summer but much quieter outside the main season. That means the atmosphere depends heavily on your travel date. In the off-season, you may find a peaceful waterfront, but fewer open cafés and less activity.

Preko is also where the trip can feel more like a transfer between islands than a guided tour. Two of the stops may involve tying up in a harbor, and you may be directed to find lunch or refreshments on your own. Food is not included, so bring money if you want a meal or café stop.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat is a big part of the appeal. You get quick runs across open water, views of the Dalmatian islands, and the fun of arriving at places that are not easy to reach from central Zadar.

It can also be wet. On windy days, spray may come over the bow and sides for much of the ride. One account described a continuous soaking during a fast return journey, especially with a full boat. You should treat this as part of the experience, not a dry sightseeing cruise.

Pack your phone, wallet, and other valuables in a waterproof pouch. Do not bring anything that cannot handle salt water. A towel is not provided, and there is no restroom onboard. You will want to use a restroom before leaving and keep swimwear, a cover-up, and dry clothes handy.

The boat can carry up to 10 people. That is still a small group, but 10 adults with bags and snorkeling gear can feel tight. If you want the roomiest ride, ask how full the boat is expected to be.

The captain may change the route if the wind turns. This is a good thing for safety and comfort, but it means the exact ride may not match your mental picture. Mario, for example, adapted the route on a windy day, while another captain gave passengers extra help and advice at the stops.

Captains make a real difference

The strongest part of this experience is often the captain. Joseph was praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful with information about the islands. Lovre was described as fun and easygoing. Tony received praise for handling the boat well and adding humor to a wet ride.

Mateo was singled out for being professional and friendly, while Mario adapted the route to the weather. Other captains named in the feedback include Gogo, Emilio, and Josef. These positive comments suggest that you may get a very enjoyable outing when your captain treats the trip as a shared experience rather than a simple boat transfer.

The service is not identical every time. Some accounts describe a quiet captain who offered little information. In that case, the day becomes mostly transport, swimming, and self-guided time ashore.

You can improve the experience by asking questions early. Ask what to see at each stop, where the safest swimming area is, how long you have before returning, and whether the route has changed because of wind. A captain who is engaged will usually give you better local tips.

Snorkeling: clear water, limited wildlife

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing a mask and snorkel. The clearest opportunity is at Pjescana Uvala, where you can see the sandy bottom and small fish.

Still, this is casual swimming with snorkeling, not a specialist marine excursion. Some people found the underwater sights sparse. Others had a great time simply floating, swimming, and cooling off.

Bring your own goggles if you have them. The supplied masks were described as good quality by some, but fit is personal. You should also check the life vest supply and sizing before entering the water, particularly if several people need equipment at once.

Sea urchins can occur away from cleared beach areas. Water shoes are a sensible extra, especially if you plan to enter from rocky ground. They are not described as essential in the designated swimming areas, but they add protection and make uneven entries more comfortable.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Bottled water and cold drinks are included. That is helpful on a sunny boat, but there is no meal, so you need to eat before departure or buy food at Preko. The amount of drinks may vary, so bring extra water if you know you drink a lot in the sun.

Your day bag should include:

• A swimsuit and sun protection
• A waterproof phone pouch
• A towel, since none is supplied
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Water shoes if you dislike rocky entries
• Cash or a card for food, coffee, and the additional fee

There is no restroom onboard. That matters more than it sounds on a four-hour trip, so plan ahead at the meeting point.

The meeting place itself can be confusing. Some people had trouble identifying the correct boat or representative, and the pickup process felt disorganized. If you are coming from a cruise terminal, taxi costs can also add up, with a reported fare of about €20 each way. I would allow extra time, confirm the meeting instructions, and ask for a visible boat or staff name.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this outing if you want a low-cost way to combine swimming, island scenery, and a fast boat ride. It suits active couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who would rather spend a morning or afternoon outside than inside a museum.

It is also a good match if you like making your own choices. At each stop, you can swim, walk, have a drink, or simply enjoy the view. You are not being led through a tightly scheduled sightseeing program.

I would think twice if you need a dry, polished, fully narrated tour. The boat may be crowded, the captain may be quiet, and the stops can feel simple. You should also reconsider if you need an onboard restroom, dislike spray, or expect exceptional snorkeling.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the paid amount is not refunded for a late cancellation.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat adventure?

For $38.71 per person before the separate €10 fee, this is a good-value introduction to Zadar’s islands. I especially like the combination of a sandy swimming cove, tiny Ošljak, and the more developed waterfront at Preko. You get variety without committing to a full day.

Book it if you want fun on the water, clear swimming spots, and a relaxed island stop. Pack for a soaking, confirm the extra fee, and keep your expectations realistic about snorkeling and commentary.

Skip it if you want pristine beaches, detailed guiding, or a quiet luxury boat. For the right person, though, the speed, salt spray, and unhurried island walks make this a memorable four hours.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and returns to the meeting point in Zadar.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and cold drinks are included.

Is food included?

No. Dinner or other food is not included. You can bring food or purchase something during the stop in Preko.

Is there a restroom onboard?

No. There is no restroom on the boat, so use one before departure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.