Four hours on the water feels like a full day. This Zadar islands speedboat trip packs three swim stops around Ugljan and nearby spots, with snorkeling gear ready and a friendly skipper keeping things moving. I like the short, no-fuss itinerary, and I especially like the small-group feel, so you can actually get to the water without the usual chaos. One thing to consider: there’s no toilet on the boat, and towels aren’t provided, so you’ll want to come prepared.

You get a mix of options that fit how you feel that day: swim or lounge during the first cove break, explore Preko’s sandy shore and the tiny island nearby, then finish with either another rocky swimming spot or time in the fishing village of Kali for seafood and a drinks-and-music pause.

If your idea of a good day includes clear water, quick access to beaches, and a skipper who seems tuned to the group, this is a strong value choice for Zadar.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group speedboat time: Maximum of 12 travelers, so it stays personal and easy.
• Snorkel kit included: You’ll get a mask and snorkel for checking out the coral-filled rocks.
• Drinks are onboard: Water and ice tea are included during the ride.
• Three planned water breaks: 45 minutes, 1.5 hours, then 1 hour, with multiple opportunities to swim.
• Extra fee for docking: A 10€ per-person docking fee is not included in the price.
• No toilet on board: Plan around that, and don’t expect towels or food provided.

Price and logistics: how this $25 tour actually feels

On paper, the price is $25 per person for about 4 hours on the water. In real life, you should also budget the 10€ per person docking fee that isn’t included. Even with that extra cost, you’re paying for access, fuel, a skipper, and snorkel gear—plus actual time in the water instead of long sightseeing drives.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the trip is capped at 12 people, which matters a lot on boats. Fewer people means more room to sit, fewer bottlenecks when you’re boarding, and less time waiting around.

Also note the practical limits: no car parking is provided, and the meeting point is in Zadar (near public transportation). If you’re planning to drive, you’ll want to handle parking on your own.

Getting on board at Obala kneza Branimira 27A

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 27A, 23000 Zadar, and you return there at the end. That’s convenient because you don’t have to figure out a complicated transfer at the finish.

The boat outing starts with departures and then a short drive to the first water spot. Once you’re on the water, everything is designed to be simple: swim when you want, snorkel when you want, and then regroup for the next short hop.

Stop 1: Pjescana Uvala and the Ugljan swimming bay

After you meet up, there’s a short drive to a hidden bay area on the island of Ugljan. The payoff is quick: you’re greeted by crystal-clear water, and you can choose how you want to spend the time.

You can go straight into swimming, or relax on the boat while you cool down with a drink. If you’re curious about underwater textures, you’ll have a mask and snorkel available, and the rocks here can be worth a close look.

This first stop is set for 45 minutes. That timing is deliberate. It’s enough time to get your bearings in the water, but it doesn’t drag the day into one long swim session before you’ve even reached the bigger breaks.

Watch-out: because towels aren’t provided, you’ll want to think about how you’ll handle the post-swim towel moment later. A small plan saves you from awkwardly drying off in public.

Stop 2: Preko on Ugljan island and the mini-island of Galevac

Next comes a short speedboat ride to Preko on the island of Ugljan. This is where the trip starts to feel more like island time than just a quick swimming circuit.

You’ve got a couple of ways to spend your 1 hour 30 minutes:

• Use the sandy beach time to relax and reset.
• Head toward the small island of Galevac, which is only about 20 meters from the mainland.

If you’ve got the energy, swimming over to Galevac is part of the fun. It’s close enough that it feels achievable, but far enough that it changes the experience from sitting right on the main shore.

Preko also gives you options on land. There are restaurants where you can try local specialties, or you can simply choose a café and take a slower break. That flexibility is a big part of why this itinerary works: it’s not forcing one single activity style.

One more detail that helps: because the day is built around a small group size, you’re less likely to feel rushed as you move from beach time to walking around town.

Stop 3: Pjescana Uvala finale, plus Kali’s seafood-and-music break

After Preko, you head back toward the final area around Pjescana Uvala. Here, the focus is again water time, with another rocky beach setting. If you still want to swim and explore the coast, this is the last good chance to do it.

But there’s also a smart alternative if you feel like you’ve already swum enough: the boat can sail to Kali, a fishing village. Kali is where the trip shifts gears from water-first to food-first.

At Kali, you’ll find:

• A restaurant that serves seafood specialties.
• A beach bar with good music and cocktails.

This stop runs for about 1 hour. It’s short, but that’s what makes it work as a finale. You finish with either one last swim moment or a proper island snack and chill time without losing your whole afternoon.

Skipper energy and the small-boat setup

The experience lives or dies by the crew, and this one has a strong reputation for being friendly and accommodating. The skipper is noted as very attentive and helpful, and one named standout is Skipper Bart, who’s described as well spoken and good at taking care of the group while still letting people enjoy themselves.

Another thing that comes up often: the crew seems to manage the day so people get what they want. In practice, that means you’re not stuck watching the same thing as everyone else. If you want to snorkel and swim, you get that. If you want to explore a town and then regroup, you can do that too.

The boat itself is also mentioned as very clean and comfortable for a small group. That matters more than people think. On a half-day trip, you’re spending enough time on the boat that a clean, well-run setup changes the vibe from stressful to relaxed.

Included versus not included: plan your day around the gaps

Here’s the practical breakdown of what you do get, and what you’ll need to handle yourself:

Included

• Fuel and skipper
• Snorkel and mask gear
• Drinks: water and ice tea

Not included (and this is important)

• No toilet on the speedboat
• No towels
• No food
• No car parking
• 10€ docking fee per person

I like that the included stuff matches the core purpose of the tour: water time and light refreshment. But because food isn’t included, your best move is to treat meals as optional breaks you’ll handle on land—especially during the Preko and Kali portions where restaurants are available.

What this Zadar islands speedboat trip is best at

This is a great match if you want:

• Short travel between water spots instead of long routes
• Real swimming time with easy access to beaches
• Snorkel gear included, so you don’t waste your day hunting for equipment
• A half-day plan that doesn’t swallow your evening

It also works well for families, at least in part because the time on the water is broken into manageable chunks. One account even highlights a family day with a young child enjoying the trip. The trip is still best suited to people who are comfortable around boats and water, since there isn’t a sheltered, long museum-style indoor section to retreat into.

Who should book, and who should skip

Book it if you’re the type who likes being on the water and wants multiple chances to swim, snorkel, or just float in warm, clear water. You’ll also appreciate the flexibility: one stop is a straightforward swim-and-snorkel break, another is a town-plus-beach stop, and the last can pivot to seafood and music if you want less water and more food.

Skip it if you strongly need onboard toilet access or if you prefer a tour where towels and food are provided for you. This one keeps costs down by focusing on the essentials.

It’s also a good idea to go in with the right expectations: this isn’t a slow sightseeing cruise. It’s a speedboat islands program, and the value comes from the time spent in the water and at the island stops—not from hours of narration.

Should you book this Zadar islands by speedboat tour?

If your priority is crystal-clear water, quick island hopping, and a small-group experience with snorkel gear and drinks, I think it’s a very sensible pick for Zadar. The time splits are practical: you get enough swimming without losing the day, and the last stop gives you an easy food-and-music option instead of forcing one more water session.

Just remember the trade-offs: no toilet on board, no towels, and no included meals. If you can work around that, this half-day speedboat trip is exactly the kind of simple, high-payoff outing that makes a coastal city feel like a coastal city.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar islands tour by speedboat?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $25.00 per person, and there is also a 10€ per person docking fee that is not included.

What’s included in the price?

Fuel and the skipper are included, along with snorkel and mask gear and drinks (water and ice tea).

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on the speedboat.

Does the tour provide towels or food?

No. Towels and food are not provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.

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