Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This four-hour speedboat trip gives you a quick taste of island life, with a swim in clear turquoise water, time on Ošljak, and a longer stop in Preko. I especially like the small group of up to 10 people and the friendly local skippers, including Jure, Josip, Joseph, and Željko, who are often praised for being helpful, funny, and attentive.

I also like the practical mix of sea time and shore time. You can jump into the water, walk through a quiet island village, buy a coffee, and still return to Zadar with much of the day left. The main drawback is the open speedboat itself: on a windy day, spray can reach you, and there is no toilet on board. Fuel is also paid separately before departure, so the advertised price is not the complete cost.

At a glance

• Clear-water swim: Spend about 50 minutes swimming and using the provided mask at a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago.
• Ošljak stop: Walk around Croatia’s smallest inhabited island and see old Dalmatian houses and quiet coastal paths.
• Preko and Galevac: Enjoy the longest stop, with time for coffee, food, shopping, swimming, and a possible visit to nearby Galevac.
• Fast but manageable schedule: Four hours covers the main sights without taking your entire day.
• Local skipper service: Guides such as Jure, Josip, Joseph, and Željko are frequently praised for kindness, good humor, safety, and useful information.
• Important comfort note: There is no boat toilet, and the open boat can get wet in rough or windy conditions.

Leaving Zadar behind the city walls

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. This is a useful location for anyone staying in the old town, but the dock can be confusing because several companies operate similar trips from the same area.

The operator uses three boats, so your boat may not be obvious at first. If you are unsure, take a photo of where you are standing and send it to the company through WhatsApp. That simple step could save you from wandering around the harbor asking the wrong crew.

Once everyone is aboard, the first speedboat ride takes about 15 minutes. You get broad views of Zadar’s waterfront and the islands offshore. The ride is part of the fun, but this is not a slow sightseeing cruise. You are sitting in an open speedboat, with wind, engine noise, and occasional sea spray as part of the deal.

I would wear a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. Even on a calm day, boarding, getting off, and moving around the boat can leave you damp.

The first stop: 50 minutes in clear water

The opening stop is a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago. The name is not given in the tour details, which adds a little mystery, but the purpose is clear: this is your main swimming and snorkeling break.

You get roughly 50 minutes here. That is enough time to jump from the boat, swim around, and take in the clear Adriatic water without feeling rushed. A mask is included, but no snorkel tube is provided, so bring your own if you want to spend serious time looking underwater.

This is the most active part of the trip. Children and teenagers often enjoy the simple thrill of jumping off the boat, while adults can choose to swim, float, or stay aboard with a cold drink. The water is described as crystal clear, and several people particularly praised this stop as the highlight.

Do not expect a full snorkeling expedition. The tour provides a mask only, and there is no promise of marine life or a particular underwater site. Think of it as a beautiful swimming break with a chance to look below the surface.

Beer, bottled water, and iced tea are included. The beer is listed as one per person, while several recent comments describe cold drinks being readily available. I would still treat the written inclusion as the firm rule and bring cash for anything extra, food, or purchases later in the day.

Ošljak, a small island with a quiet pace

After about 10 minutes by boat, you reach Ošljak. This island is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and its appeal is its modest scale. You are not coming here for grand monuments or a packed program. You are coming to slow down and see a quieter side of Dalmatia.

The stop lasts about an hour. You can walk around, look at old Dalmatian houses, find a small beach, and enjoy the calm setting. The island gives you a useful change of rhythm after the open-water swim. Instead of squeezing through a major historic center, you get a short stroll through a small community.

I like this stop because it feels more personal than a standard coastal photo stop. The old houses and narrow paths give you a glimpse of ordinary island life, while the surrounding sea keeps the setting scenic without requiring a long hike.

The limits are just as important. An hour is enough for a gentle walk and perhaps a swim, but not for a detailed exploration of every corner. Bring sensible sandals or shoes rather than relying only on flip-flops. The tour information does not describe extensive facilities, and there is no toilet on the boat, so plan ahead before leaving Zadar.

Preko, the longest and most useful stop

The boat then takes about 15 minutes to Preko, where you have approximately 75 minutes. This is the longest stop and the place where you get the most freedom.

Preko gives you a proper village setting rather than a single swim location. You can walk the narrow streets, stop for coffee, buy food, look for souvenirs, and enjoy the waterfront. You also have the option to swim, depending on how you want to use your time.

The name Preko means across, fitting its position opposite Zadar on the island of Ugljan. The tour gives you a simple way to see the connection between the mainland city and its nearby islands. You are not spending hours reaching a distant destination. Instead, you get a compact sample of island life close to Zadar.

Galevac may also be included during this part of the visit. The provided details describe it as an optional island stop, so do not assume that every departure will offer the same amount of time there. Your skipper will direct the group based on the schedule and conditions.

Seventy-five minutes sounds generous, but it can disappear quickly if you want coffee, food, a walk, and photographs. If you are traveling with young children, allow extra time for getting on and off the boat. One family found the final stop too short for a full visit because moving around with children took longer than expected.

Food is not included. Preko is therefore your best chance to buy something, but the tour does not promise a specific restaurant or meal. Carry cash, especially if you want a small purchase without relying on a card terminal.

The ride back to Zadar

The return crossing takes about 15 minutes. By this point, you have had a swim, two island visits, and time for a drink or coffee. The final ride is less about sightseeing stops and more about enjoying the coast from the boat.

A four-hour format works well here. You get a real taste of the islands without giving up the rest of your day in Zadar. If you are visiting for a short break, you can take this trip in the morning or afternoon and still have time for the old town, the Sea Organ, or an evening meal.

Several people describe the boat as new, clean, comfortable, and spacious for groups of seven or so. The stated maximum is 10 participants, which keeps the trip more personal than a large excursion boat. Still, comfort depends on the particular boat and sea conditions. The company operates three boats, so do not assume every departure uses exactly the same vessel.

What the guides add

The strongest part of this experience appears to be the skipper service. Names that come up often include Jure, Josip, Joseph, and Željko, with praise for their patience, humor, kindness, and attention to comfort.

That matters on a small boat. A good skipper does more than steer. You need clear instructions when swimming, help with boarding, useful timing at each stop, and a relaxed attitude when someone wants an extra photograph. Several comments describe guides waiting patiently for pictures, keeping drinks cold, and explaining the area along the way.

The tour is in English. The atmosphere seems friendly rather than formal, and you are encouraged to talk with the other people in your group. If you prefer a quiet private charter, this is not that. If you like meeting a few people while moving between swimming spots and villages, the small group should suit you well.

The guide quality can vary from departure to departure because more than one skipper and boat are used. The consistent pattern is positive, but I would judge the experience mainly by the route and format rather than expecting one particular captain.

Price, fuel, and overall value

At $35 per person, the base price is low for a four-hour boat outing that includes a guide, life vest, mask, beer, bottled water, and iced tea. You are paying for a swim, several boat crossings, two island visits, and the convenience of returning to central Zadar.

The value is strongest if you want variety. A pure swimming trip might give you more time in the water, while a full island tour might offer more detailed sightseeing. This tour splits the difference: one proper swim, one small island, one village, and plenty of sea views.

Remember that fuel is not included and is paid separately before departure. That extra cost should be part of your calculation. Food, additional drinks, and any purchases in Preko are also your responsibility.

For families, the half-day length is useful. One seven-year-old particularly enjoyed jumping from the boat, and the format leaves time for other plans. The trip may be less appealing if you want a slow, fully guided cultural tour or if you dislike being on an open boat.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

Pack a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a change of clothes. Cash is useful for food, coffee, fuel, or shopping in Preko. A waterproof phone case is sensible even though it is not specifically listed among the required items.

There is no restroom on the boat. You can use one at the final stop, but you should handle your bathroom needs before leaving the dock. This is one of the most important practical details, especially for families and anyone who finds boat travel uncomfortable.

On a windy day, the sea may be rough and spray may come over the sides. You could get wet during the crossings, so bring a light layer and do not wear anything you cannot risk splashing. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

You should also avoid arriving by car if possible. Parking near the waterfront can be difficult, and the meeting point is easier to reach on foot from central Zadar.

Should you book the Zadar island tour?

I would book this trip if you want a short, social, good-value boat outing with a real swim and two different island settings. It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with older children who like a bit of speed, a little adventure, and plenty of free time.

I would look elsewhere if you need a toilet on board, dislike wind and spray, want serious snorkeling, or prefer a slow cultural tour with detailed historical commentary. Also factor in the separate fuel payment before deciding that the $35 price is the final cost.

For most people with four free hours in Zadar, the balance is appealing. You get clear water, Ošljak’s small-island atmosphere, Preko’s village life, friendly skippers, and a quick return to the city. That is a lot of Dalmatia in one compact outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 on the Zadar waterfront, opposite the city walls. Boarding is behind the restaurant Foša.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stop, visits to Ošljak and Preko, and the return to Zadar.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The operator uses three boats, so the exact boat may vary.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Preko, with an option to visit Galevac. The first stop is a secluded bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A mask is included, but a snorkel tube is not. Bring your own snorkel if you want to use one.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The inclusions list one beer per person, bottled water, and iced tea.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but you have time in Preko to buy Croatian food or a coffee.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on the boat. Toilet access is available at the last stop, so use the facilities before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. A waterproof pouch for your phone is also sensible because the boat is open and sea spray is possible.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.