Zadar’s islands feel different at speed. This half-day group cruise uses a boat-first plan to get you to snorkeling coves fast, with plenty of time to swim and relax around Ugljan and Preko. I love that the tour is built around real sea time (not just looking from shore), plus the onboard vibe is friendly and social without feeling like a party bus.

Two things I really like: you get snorkeling gear included and multiple swim stops with clear-water underwater viewing, and the extras are genuinely Croat—ice tea plus homemade liqueur served on board. One practical consideration: a docking fee isn’t included (10 EUR adults, 5 EUR kids up to 11), so keep cash ready.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Snorkeling equipment included so you can focus on the water, not gear rentals
• Guided island hopping from Zadar with planned stops on Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko
• Homemade liqueur and cold drinks as part of the onboard downtime
• Multiple swimming windows across different bays, not one rushed swim
• Late afternoon/sunset departures often feel cooler and more scenic for the return
• Small-group feel is repeatedly praised by people who want a relaxed pace

Speedboat Island Hopping Near Zadar: what this trip actually delivers

This is the kind of tour that makes sense in coastal Croatia: you don’t spend half your time commuting on buses, you get on a speedboat and let the Adriatic do the sightseeing. The route circles nearby islands from Zadar, with several stops where you can swim, snorkel, and soak up views from the water.

The biggest value here is how the schedule supports different “modes” of the day. Some parts are sightseeing (island views, photo moments, short stretches to orient yourself), and other parts are very hands-on: repeated swim and snorkeling sessions with provided masks/snorkels. That mix is perfect if you want your day to feel active but not exhausting.

I also like that the tour includes the little stuff that keeps a group happy between water moments: water and ice tea on board, plus homemade liqueur. It’s not just a drink—people remember it because it’s tied to the slow cruising in between stops. On a speedboat day, those breaks matter.

One more nuance: this tour is offered as a morning option that returns around midday, and also as a late-afternoon option with sunset timing. If your goal is photos and a cooler swim, aim for the afternoon departure when the light and temperatures often cooperate.

Where you meet and how the timing works (so you don’t lose time)

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. The tour ends back at the same place. That simple out-and-back setup is helpful in Zadar, where finding a specific harbor spot can be annoying if you’re arriving late or with limited phone signal.

Duration is 4 hours. The schedule is split into short boat rides (the time between islands) and longer “water windows” where you can actually swim and snorkel. In the itinerary, you’ll see quick cruises of around 15–20 minutes between key areas, then roughly an hour at Ošljak, an hour around the Ugljan stops, and about 70 minutes on Preko for swimming plus a longer break.

Two timing notes that affect your experience:

• Morning departures tend to feel bright and crisp for your first swim, with the return around midday.
• Late afternoon departures tend to feel better for comfort, and the return can line up with sunset. Some groups have even reported seeing dolphins on the way back on certain sailings, which is a nice bonus if it happens on your date.

For planning, treat this as a half-day slot that you can pair with dinner plans in Zadar afterward—especially because you’re back near the same meeting point.

Ošljak: the first hour where the water does the talking

Your first meaningful stop is Ošljak, with about one hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where the tour’s “speedboat + swim” concept becomes real, because you’re not just admiring islands—you’re getting into them.

What to expect: clear-water conditions make snorkeling feel straightforward. You’ll use the provided mask and snorkel to look over underwater rocks and marine life, and you’ll likely spend most of your hour alternating between floating, adjusting your breathing, and checking out what’s moving under the surface.

Why Ošljak works as a first stop:

• It’s early enough in the day that you’re fresh, so you’ll actually enjoy the snorkeling rather than treating it like an obligation.
• The scenery from the water tends to reset your whole sense of “Zadar”—you start seeing the coastline as a chain of bays and coves instead of a single shoreline.

A practical drawback to keep in mind: snorkeling is always weather- and water-condition dependent. If conditions are rough, visibility can drop. The tour includes life jackets, and the crew helps with the setup, but you’ll still want to judge the water when you get there.

Ugljan island: photo stops, an aperitif moment, and another snorkel session

After the quick cruise to Ugljan, the itinerary includes a short boat ride plus a photo stop and aperitif moment, followed by another one hour with swimming and snorkeling. This stop is structured to feel different from Ošljak. You’ll get more of that “islands as a place you could live” feeling: open water views, shoreline angles, and time to relax between swimming rounds.

The aperitif part is worth mentioning because it changes the rhythm. Instead of racing from one swim spot to the next, you get a break to sit back, take photos, and then go again. And yes, drinks are part of it—water, ice tea, and homemade liqueur are included—so you’re not stuck paying for everything on board.

In the water, expect the snorkeling experience to be similar in structure but different in what you might see. In crystal-clear Adriatic coves, even small underwater differences—rock shape, depth, current—can change the fish activity you notice.

One potential downside: because this is a group tour, you’ll share the stop with others. That’s not a problem for most people, but if you’re the type who loves solitude, this is the part of the trip where you’ll notice the group more than elsewhere.

Preko: longer break time, a walk, and the best chance to cool off

Preko is the most time-rich stop, with about 70 minutes. The itinerary includes a break time, photo stop, a visit, free time, sightseeing, and a walk—then swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

This stop is the “balance” point. You still get the water (swim/snorkel gear is available), but you also get time to step away from the boat and experience the island town side. If you want to mix sea time with a little land wandering, Preko is where you do it.

Why I think this stop is valuable:

• It gives you a chance to recharge—shade, walking, a slower pace.
• You’re not forced to snorkel continuously. You can choose how much water time you want and still feel like you used your hour well.

Also, the tour includes life jackets and water-based safety as part of the experience, which helps if you’re not an expert swimmer. Still, bring practical footwear for shore moments.

A small detail that matters: the tour data specifically advises water shoes. That’s smart for island walks and rocky edges where bare feet can get uncomfortable.

What’s on board: skipper-led sailing plus drinks that people remember

The cruise is led by skippers including Sara and Lovro, and in the field you may meet other friendly hosts too—reviews mention guides such as Tomislav and captains such as Dubravko. The common thread in the praise is that the people steering the boat are welcoming and good at explaining what you’re looking at.

On the “what you do” side, you’ll get life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and water. The tour also provides ice tea and homemade liqueur. That liqueur shows up as one of those memorable touches because it’s served during the relaxed part of the day, not as a weird afterthought.

There’s also a social element that doesn’t feel forced. Music is mentioned, along with cold drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. In some experiences, captains share sea-life knowledge (one captain in reviews was described as a maritime biologist), and you might even get extra stories as you’re moving between stops.

Another bonus: a few reviews mention that guides take group photos while you’re in the water and send them afterward. That’s not guaranteed in the facts provided, but it’s a common “nice extra” you can look out for.

Price vs. value: $31 plus a docking fee you should plan for

The price is listed at $31 per person for a half-day tour (4 hours). On paper, that’s very reasonable for a speedboat day because you’re paying for transport between islands and access to multiple swim points.

Here’s how value really works on this specific tour:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves rental hassle and cost.
• Drinks are included: water, ice tea, and homemade liqueur.
• The experience is guided by skippers, with structured time at multiple islands rather than a random “go swim wherever” setup.

The one extra cost you must budget is the docking fee:

• Adults: 10 EUR
• Children up to 11: 5 EUR

Because the docking fee isn’t included, the real all-in cost can be higher than the headline price. Still, if you want multiple snorkeling windows plus guided boating, it tends to feel like fair spending rather than a tourist-trap add-on—just remember to carry cash for that fee.

What to bring so the day feels easy (not annoying)

For a speedboat tour, what you bring determines how comfortable you feel between swims. The essentials from the tour info are:

• Hat
• Towel
• Water shoes
• Water (it’s also provided, but having your own can help)
• Cash (for the docking fee)

A quick tip: pack your towel and a dry bag approach so you’re not scrambling when you climb back on board. And if you’re considering sunscreen, do it before you’re on the boat for the first swim—getting a sunburn at stop one ruins the rest of the day.

Also, bikes aren’t allowed, so don’t plan to arrive with one or bring one as a sightseeing add-on.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is best for people who want water time with real structure:

• Couples, friends, and small groups who like a relaxed pace and multiple swim/snorkel moments
• First-timers to snorkeling who want gear provided and planned stops
• Anyone staying in Zadar who wants an easy half-day away from the city

It’s less ideal if you fall into any of the tour’s stated limits:

• Not suitable for children under 2
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people over 95

If you’re sensitive to boats or chop, consider choosing your departure time based on sea conditions. The tour itself is short enough that you’re not stuck for an all-day open-water stretch.

Should you book this Zadar islands speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you want a high-value half-day that focuses on the Adriatic instead of spending your time on logistics. The snorkeling gear included, the planned stops across Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, and the extra onboard touches like ice tea and homemade liqueur make it feel complete for the money—especially when you compare it to tours where you pay extra for everything once you arrive.

I’d think twice only if the extra docking fee (plan for 10 EUR adults) would stress your budget, or if you really need total solitude. Group presence is part of the deal. For most people, though, it’s the right kind of group: one that spends the day in the water, not standing in line.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for the speedboat tour?

You meet at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour from Zadar?

The tour is listed as lasting 4 hours (half-day). Check availability for starting times.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes, there is a docking fee that is not included: 10 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for children up to 11 years old.

What drinks and refreshments are included?

The tour includes water, ice tea, and homemade liqueur.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years old, pregnant women, and people over 95 years old.

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