Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat

Crystal water, short rides, no wasted hours. This four-hour speedboat trip from Zadar links quiet swimming spots with the island town of Preko, giving you a simple taste of the coast without committing to a full-day cruise. I like the small group size, capped at 12, and the freedom to swim, snorkel, eat, or simply sit with a cold drink. The main catch is the extra €10 docking fee per person, plus no toilet, towels, food, or parking.

I also like that the skipper adjusts the outing to the group. Skipper Bart has earned praise for splitting time between swimming, island exploring, and lunch so different interests can fit into one morning or afternoon. Still, this is a swimming-first outing, not a guided cultural tour. If you want long explanations, museums, or a packed list of historic sights, look elsewhere.

Key points to know before you book

• Three stops in about four hours: You get time at Pjescana Uvala, Preko on Ugljan, and a final swimming cove or the fishing village of Kali.
• Small boat, small group: A maximum of 12 people means more room and easier communication with the skipper.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Masks and snorkels are available for looking around the rocky shoreline.
• Preko gives you choices: Swim at the sandy beach, walk toward Galevac, stop for coffee, or buy local food.
• Drinks are included: Water and iced tea are provided, but you need to pay for your own meal and other drinks.
• Budget carefully: The advertised price is $25 per person, with a €10 docking fee added separately.

Why this short boat trip works well from Zadar

Zadar sits close to a scatter of islands, so you do not need a long voyage to reach clear water. That is the central appeal here. In roughly half a day, you can leave the meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 27A, cross to Ugljan, stop for a swim, spend time in Preko, and return to Zadar.

I like this format for a first taste of the coast. You get the pleasure of being on the water without giving up an entire day. The speedboat also keeps the transfers short, leaving more time for swimming and shore stops.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That matters. A small group gives you more space to sit, less waiting when the skipper gives instructions, and a better chance to ask for a change of plan. The skipper can suggest a restaurant, point you toward a beach, or adjust the balance between swimming and exploring.

The mood is casual. This is not a formal cruise with a full narration program. It is closer to a friendly island outing led by a local skipper. The strongest praise has gone to the crew’s kindness, flexibility, and care with the group.

First stop: Pjescana Uvala and its clear water

After leaving Zadar, the boat makes a short run to Pjescana Uvala, a quiet bay on Ugljan. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, which is enough for a focused swim but not enough for a long, lazy beach session.

The water is the main event. You can swim from the boat or spend time aboard with a drink. Snorkel masks are available if you want to look at the rocky bottom and coral-filled rocks. The supplied information calls this a hidden bay, so expect a more natural setting than a developed resort beach.

I would use this first stop to get comfortable with the boat and the water. If you have never snorkeled along the Croatian coast, it is a good, low-pressure chance to try. The rocks make the area more interesting than a simple open-water swim, but you should watch your footing and follow the skipper’s directions around the shoreline.

The limitation is time. Forty-five minutes passes quickly once you collect a mask, enter the water, swim, and climb back aboard. If swimming is your main reason for booking, enjoy this stop fully rather than treating it as a quick photo break.

Preko on Ugljan: your longest shore stop

A short speedboat ride brings you to Preko, a seaside town on Ugljan. You get about 90 minutes here, the longest stop of the trip, and the choices are more varied.

You can use the sandy beach, visit a café, find a restaurant, or walk toward Galevac. This small island sits only about 20 meters from the mainland. If you have enough energy, you can swim across and explore it. The short distance makes Galevac an easy extra goal, though you should judge the conditions and your own swimming ability before leaving the shore.

Preko is where the trip feels less like a swim stop and more like a small island visit. You can stretch your legs, order a drink, or sit down for local specialties. The restaurant option is useful because food is not included on the boat. One outing included a suggested low-cost seafood lunch, so asking the skipper for a recommendation may help you use the stop well.

Families may appreciate the range of choices. A child can enjoy the sandy beach while an adult gets a coffee or looks for lunch. One family with a three-year-old found the half-day format manageable, which suggests the pace can work for parents who want variety without a long, tiring cruise.

Still, 90 minutes is not enough for a serious visit to every corner of Preko. Think of it as a pleasant pause, not a full tour of Ugljan. Pick one main goal before you step ashore: beach time, Galevac, lunch, or a short wander.

The final stop: another cove or a meal in Kali

After Preko, the boat heads to the final location. The plan can lean toward swimming or toward food and village life, depending on what the group wants.

If you still want time in the water, the skipper takes you to another rocky beach. This gives you a third chance to swim and use the mask and snorkel. The stop lasts about an hour, so you can settle into the water instead of rushing through a few minutes.

If you have had enough swimming, the alternative is Kali, a well-known fishing village on Ugljan. The listed restaurant offers seafood, and a nearby beach bar serves cocktails with music. This option gives the final hour a more social feel and adds a taste of the island’s working coastal character.

The flexibility is one of the best parts of the trip, but it also means the exact final stop may depend on the group. If everyone wants another swim, you may not visit Kali. If the group prefers food, you may spend less time at the rocky beach. Tell the skipper what matters to you early in the outing. The crew has been praised for balancing different wishes rather than forcing everyone into one plan.

What the small speedboat adds

A speedboat is not just a faster version of a large cruise boat. It changes the rhythm. You spend less time getting from Zadar to Ugljan and more time at the stops. The boat can also reach smaller shore areas that would not suit a large vessel.

The tradeoff is comfort. A small boat gives you less room than a ferry or spacious sightseeing vessel. You may feel more movement on the water, especially if conditions are rough. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

There is no toilet aboard. That is an important practical point for a four-hour outing. Use facilities before departure and plan your food and drinks sensibly. Water and iced tea are included, but the boat does not provide towels or meals.

The boat itself has been described as clean and comfortable for the group size. That matches the purpose of the trip: a compact platform for short rides, swimming, and simple island access. Bring a towel, sun protection, and anything you need for four hours outdoors.

Price, extra fees, and overall value

The listed price is $25 per person, which is low for a boat outing that includes fuel, a skipper, snorkel equipment, water, and iced tea. You are paying for transport between Zadar and Ugljan, access to three coastal stops, and the convenience of a small group.

The €10 docking fee per person is extra. Add it to the advertised price before comparing this trip with other Zadar boat tours. Food, parking, and towels also cost extra or need to be arranged on your own.

Even with that fee, the outing can be good value if you want swimming and short island stops rather than a long guided cruise. The price is less attractive if you plan to skip the water and spend most of the time in cafés. The experience is built around being outside, moving between coves, and using the coast.

I would also compare the timing you want. Morning departures, including a 10 a.m. option, have worked well for people seeking a relaxed half-day. An afternoon trip may suit you if you want to swim after sightseeing in Zadar. The exact schedule should be checked at booking.

What to bring and what to expect at the meeting point

The tour begins at Obala kneza Branimira 27A in Zadar and ends at the same meeting point. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in town without a car. Parking is not provided, so do not assume you can leave a vehicle as part of the booking.

Bring:

• A towel
• Swimwear
• Sun protection
• Money or a card for lunch, cafés, and the docking fee
• A small bag that can stay secure on a boat

The operator provides fuel, the skipper, masks, snorkels, water, and iced tea. You do not need to pack snorkeling equipment unless you prefer your own.

Confirmation is sent at booking. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable boarding a small speedboat, swimming at rocky shores, and managing a few hours without a toilet. The boat has a maximum of 12 people, so the setting is personal rather than crowded.

Who will enjoy this Zadar island tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a short, active coastal outing with several choices built in. Swimmers and casual snorkelers get the most from it. Couples, small groups of friends, and families who like flexible plans should also find the format easy to enjoy.

It suits you especially well if:

• You have only half a day in Zadar
• You want clear water without arranging a private charter
• You prefer a small group to a large excursion boat
• You like choosing between swimming, food, cafés, and a village stop
• You want basic snorkeling equipment included

I would hesitate if you need a toilet aboard, dislike small boats, or want detailed commentary about local history. The trip is about the coast itself, not a formal lecture. It also may not satisfy you if you want a full day on Ugljan, since each stop is brief by design.

The flexible plan is helpful, but you should speak up. If you want Kali, more snorkeling, or time at the sandy beach, tell the skipper. The crew has shown a willingness to accommodate different preferences, but the final route depends on weather and the group.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since swimming and speedboat travel are central to the outing, this weather rule is sensible, but keep some flexibility in your schedule.

My verdict: book it for water time, not sightseeing

I would book this tour if I wanted an affordable half-day on the Adriatic with three chances to swim, a small boat, and room for a flexible plan. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, the compact group size, the clear water around Ugljan, and the choice between another cove or seafood in Kali.

Before paying, budget for the €10 docking charge, bring a towel, and accept that the boat has no toilet. If those limits do not bother you, this is a practical way to add island time to a Zadar visit without losing a whole day.

FAQ

Where does the Islands Tour in Zadar begin?

It begins at Obala kneza Branimira 27A, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity returns to the same meeting point in Zadar.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the skipper, snorkel masks, snorkeling equipment, water, and iced tea are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not provided, but you can find restaurants and cafés in Preko, and Kali has a seafood restaurant.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The speedboat does not have a toilet.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather.