REVIEW · ZADAR
Half-day speedboat trip from Zadar with drinks
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Speedboat time beats standing still. This half-day run from Zadar to the islands gives you quick access to Preko on Ugljan and a swim-and-snorkel break, with drinks on board. It’s the kind of trip that feels simple, but it squeezes in a lot of water time in just a few hours.
I really like two parts of this outing: the combination of snorkeling gear plus real swim stops, and the fact that you get included drinks during the ride. Even better, the guide approach sounds flexible—people describe the guide as friendly and willing to tailor the day to what the group wants.
One thing to watch: the price is not the final number. The tour fee does not include the 10 euro port fee per person, so budget for that extra cost when you compare value.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- A half-day Zadar speedboat plan that actually fits your schedule
- Where you meet: Obala kneza Branimira 27 (and where you end up)
- Price and port-fee math: the $30 isn’t the full cost
- On board: drinks, masks, and a skipper who keeps things moving
- Stop 1: Ugljan’s Preko for coffee, walking, swimming, and snorkeling (75 minutes)
- Speedboat hop #2: the quick connection that keeps the day feeling easy
- Stop 2: Ošljak for a full hour of swimming and snorkeling
- The guide experience: friendly, accommodating, and flexible with your wishes
- Who this speedboat trip suits best (and who might skip it)
- Practical tips so you get the most out of those water windows
- Should you book this Zadar speedboat to Preko and Ošljak?
- FAQ
- How long is the half-day speedboat trip from Zadar?
- What locations do we visit?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What time is the departure?
- What is included in the price?
- Are drinks included?
- What is not included?
- What languages does the tour guide speak?
- Is there free cancellation?
Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Zadar-to-islands routing in about 4 hours with a return to the same pier
- Preko stop (75 minutes) for coffee, walking, swimming, and snorkeling
- Ošljak stop (1 hour) with more time for swimming and snorkeling
- Drinks on board (ice tea and beer) and fruit/mix-in type refreshments
- Snorkeling included with masks also noted as included in the price
A half-day Zadar speedboat plan that actually fits your schedule
If your time in Zadar is short, this is a strong format: you get out in the morning, make two island stops, and head back the same day. The total time is listed as 4 hours—and since departure times are shown as availability-based, you can match it to your other plans like lunch, a museum visit, or a long evening stroll in town.
What I like about this kind of trip is the pace. You’re not signing up for a whole day of transfers. Instead, you’re using the speedboat for what it does best: fast hopping to swim zones around Ugljan.
Where you meet: Obala kneza Branimira 27 (and where you end up)
The meeting point is clearly set: the pier at Obala kneza Branimira 27, in front of the gas station INA. The return is also back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to figure out transport on your own at the end.
Why this matters: with half-day tours, the easiest way to have a great time is to reduce the last-minute stress. Knowing you’ll end where you started helps your timing, especially if you’re planning to rejoin the rest of your day in Zadar without delays.
Price and port-fee math: the $30 isn’t the full cost
The base price is listed as $30 per person. But there’s an extra line item you should plan for: the port fee of 10 euro per person is not included.
So here’s the practical way to think about value:
- You’re paying for fuel, a professional skipper, and included snorkeling time/tools.
- You’re also paying for a guided experience with drinks (ice tea and beer) during the trip.
- Then you add the port fee at the end to get your true total.
If you compare this tour to boat rentals or self-guided ferry hopping, the key question becomes: are you okay paying to have snorkeling handled and time structured for you? If yes, it’s a good deal for a short trip.
On board: drinks, masks, and a skipper who keeps things moving
This isn’t just a transport service. It’s built around time on the water and included comforts while you ride. The included items list ice tea and beer, and the tour details also say masks are included. Snorkeling is included as part of the activity, too, which is a big deal if you don’t want to shop for gear or worry about whether you’ll have the right setup.
Even better, there’s a professional skipper, so the main job of navigating between stops is handled. You can focus on the experience—swim breaks and snorkeling—rather than figuring out how to get everyone to the next point.
One small consideration: the trip is time-boxed. So while you’ll have snorkeling and swim windows, you won’t have unlimited time in each spot. If you’re the type who wants to stay in the water for hours at once, you’ll need to enjoy switching activities.
Stop 1: Ugljan’s Preko for coffee, walking, swimming, and snorkeling (75 minutes)
The first major island stop is Preko. You’ll have 75 minutes there, which is long enough to do a few things without feeling rushed.
You can expect a mix of:
- Coffee (so you can reset after the morning start)
- A walk through Preko
- Swimming and snorkeling time
Why Preko works well in a half-day plan
Preko is a practical stop: you get a land break with coffee and a walk, then you’re back in the water for snorkeling. That balance helps if you’re traveling with different interests—someone might love the swim time, while you might enjoy stretching your legs first.
A realistic drawback: 75 minutes disappears faster than you think once you include getting suited up for snorkeling. My advice is to decide early what matters most to you—walk time versus water time—so you don’t spend the whole stop transitioning between tasks.
Speedboat hop #2: the quick connection that keeps the day feeling easy
Between stops, there’s another speedboat transfer segment—about 20 minutes from the Preko area toward the next swim zone. The itinerary is structured so you’re not sitting around.
This matters because, on day trips, “travel time” can quietly steal the best part of the day. Here, the ride segments are short enough that the day still feels active.
If you’re sensitive to rougher water: you may want to take motion comfort seriously for any speedboat outing. The listing doesn’t say anything about sea conditions, so plan as if the boat will move. (That’s just good common sense for speedboat travel.)
Stop 2: Ošljak for a full hour of swimming and snorkeling
The second and last swim-heavy stop is Ošljak, with 1 hour allocated for swimming and snorkeling.
In a half-day itinerary, this is your time to linger a bit more in the water. If you felt like you were splitting time between walking and snorkeling in Preko, Ošljak is where you can focus and make the most of it.
What to keep in mind: since this stop is more water-focused, bring your energy for changing into swim mode quickly. The listing confirms snorkeling is included, and masks are included, but you’ll still want to be ready so you don’t lose time once the boat docks.
The guide experience: friendly, accommodating, and flexible with your wishes
One of the most praised parts of this trip is the tour guide. Multiple reviews highlight a guide who is super nice, friendly, and accommodating, and who tries to tailor the day to the group’s wishes.
That flexibility is what makes a short tour feel personal. If the group wants more water time, the day should naturally reflect that. If someone needs a slower pace, a good guide helps you keep the trip enjoyable without turning it into a checklist.
This kind of service matters a lot on island days, because conditions and group energy can shift. When you have a guide who adjusts rather than just recites a script, the half-day format feels smoother.
Who this speedboat trip suits best (and who might skip it)
This is a good fit if you:
- Want a short, structured island day without complicated transport
- Enjoy swimming and snorkeling and want gear handled for you
- Like the mix of a small town break (Preko) plus water time (Ošljak)
It might be less ideal if you:
- Want long, unhurried time in just one place
- Plan on spending hours in the water without shifting activities
- Are trying to avoid any extra costs beyond the advertised price (because the port fee is separate)
Practical tips so you get the most out of those water windows
The listing covers what’s included, but you’ll still make your day better with a few smart choices:
- Wear or bring swim-ready clothes. Half-day tours reward people who can change quickly.
- Pack sunscreen and plan for sun exposure. You’re in the Mediterranean zone for a good portion of the day.
- Bring a towel if you have one you like. The boat provides the structure, but you’ll still want comfortable post-swim drying.
- If you snorkel, consider timing: get in early in your swim windows so you’re not rushed.
Also, keep an eye on the port-fee item when you’re budgeting. It’s a small line, but it’s the difference between a good value and an “oops, that’s more than I expected” moment.
Should you book this Zadar speedboat to Preko and Ošljak?
I’d book it if you want a simple, time-efficient island day that blends Preko’s coffee-and-walk break with real swim-and-snorkel time at Ošljak. The included snorkeling setup and onboard drinks help this feel like more than just transportation.
I’d think twice if you’re purely price-shopping, because the 10 euro port fee per person adds to the base $30. And if you’re the type who needs long unbroken stretches in one location, you may feel the stop times are just right rather than endless.
Overall: for a half-day from Zadar, this is the kind of outing that delivers what it promises—time on the water, a couple of island experiences, and a guide who aims to make it fit your group.
FAQ
How long is the half-day speedboat trip from Zadar?
The duration is listed as 4 hours.
What locations do we visit?
You head from Zadar to Preko on Ugljan Island, and then to Ošljak, with swimming and snorkeling breaks at both island stops.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27.
What time is the departure?
Starting times are not fixed in the info provided. You’ll need to check availability to see the departure times.
What is included in the price?
Fuel, a professional skipper, snorkeling, ice tea, and beer are included. Masks are also noted as included in the price.
Are drinks included?
Yes. The trip includes drinks such as ice tea and beer.
What is not included?
The port fee of 10 euro per person is not included.
What languages does the tour guide speak?
The live tour guide is available in English and Croatian.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
