A private speedboat day by Zadar is hard to beat. What I like most is the mix of island-hopping around Ugljan, Ošljak, and Galevac, plus real time to cool off with swimming and snorkeling. There is one catch to plan for: this is an open boat, so you may get wet if the sea turns a bit choppy or windy.

You start in Zadar and head out toward Preko and nearby beaches, with the skipper keeping the day practical and fun. Drinks are included for the ride, the guide is local (English and Croatian), and you even get a GoPro to help capture the adventure. The balance here is that you’re not stuck on a strict schedule for every minute, but you still get structured stops and a clear route back to the meeting point.

If you are sensitive to motion or heat, this trip will require a little honesty. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and it is also not wheelchair-friendly or stroller-friendly.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Private group pace: a 4-hour plan that still leaves breathing room at the stops
• Snorkeling gear included so you can jump in without extra prep
• Local skipper knowledge for smarter beach choices and smoother timing
• Drinks onboard for an easy, social vibe on the water
• GoPro camera provided to capture the ride and sea moments
• Real swim time at secluded spots near the outer islands

Zadar Islands by speedboat: what you’re really buying

This experience is built for one thing: trading long drives and long waiting around for time on the water. For $286 per group (up to 9 people), you are paying for a private speedboat outing rather than a shared boat where you are stuck with other schedules and crowd levels. When you split the cost across a group, it can feel like you are buying convenience plus access to good swim spots.

You also get more than transport. You are not just riding past islands with no time to enjoy them. The itinerary is designed around swim/snorkel breaks and time for photos, walks, and a chance to wander a local area rather than only doing a quick look.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. Speedboats make the distance between Zadar and the island coves feel short, and that changes the day. Instead of treating it like a half-day sightseeing trip, it becomes a beach-and-water day with movement.

Meeting at Obala kneza Branimira 20A, then out to the islands

Your start point is Obala kneza Branimira 20A, and the meeting instructions say to arrive 10 minutes early. You’ll meet at the gas station by the sea side and look for the boat in the picture. The tour ends back at the same location.

That matters more than you might think. Zadar is a busy coastal city in summer, and having a clear meeting point helps you avoid the usual stress of trying to find a boat in the wrong harbor corner. If you want this to feel relaxed, show up early, then let the skipper take over.

The tour length is listed at 4 hours, with different segments of cruising between stops. That timing structure is useful: you get breaks that feel like actual activities (not just a quick stop), plus enough boat time to make the island-hopping feel meaningful.

Stop 1: the first speedboat run and a long beach break

After a short transfer by boat (about 15 minutes), you reach the first stop: a secluded beach area where you get about 1 hour. The schedule includes:

• a photo stop and a visit/walk by the area
• guided time and then free time
• time for sightseeing and boat cruise moments

This is where the day starts to feel different from a standard tour. A local-frequented beach break usually means calmer water conditions than the most famous shorelines, and it gives you room to spread out a little. You are also getting a longer break here than just a quick dip, so you can actually rinse off, change your rhythm, and enjoy the sea without rushing.

Bring clothes that can get dirty and keep a towel plan in mind. Towels and swimming fins are listed as not included, so if you want them, pack them yourself.

Preko time: swimming, snorkeling, and island views

Then it’s back on the boat for a short cruise (about 5 minutes) to Preko. You’ll have around 1 hour here, and the itinerary lists a mix of:

• guided and free time
• sightseeing and walking
• swimming and snorkeling
• an aerial view mention (so you may get photo angles from the water)
• and even a line that includes scuba diving as a possibility

Here is the practical take: snorkeling is clearly supported because snorkeling equipment is included. If you are coming specifically for underwater time, this is one of your main moments.

Preko also adds something social and grounded. The boat gives you the wow factor, but Preko is where you get a taste of the local island-town rhythm, even if it is only for an hour. If you like your island days with at least a little walking and people-watching, this stop earns its place.

One more detail: the ride alternates between cruising and breaks, so if you are prone to motion discomfort, your pacing here is important. The tour is not suitable for motion sickness, but if you are only mildly affected by boat movement, the stop timing helps you reset.

Two beach breaks instead of one: why the second stop matters

After Preko, you cruise again (about 10 minutes) to another beach/secret-spot style break (again about 1 hour). This stop is shorter on the structured items and focused on:

• break time
• photo stop
• free time and sightseeing

I like tours that give you two swim-centered breaks rather than one big one. It increases your chances of finding the water conditions you want. If one stop has a bit more swell or wind, the second stop may give you a better window to snorkel, float, and just enjoy the sun.

It also keeps the day from feeling repetitive. A common failure of island tours is when you spend all your time sitting and then get thrown into a quick beach stop at the end. Here, you get a second chance before heading back.

The onboard experience: drinks, music, life vests, and that GoPro

On a private boat day, small comforts change everything. This one includes:

• life vests
• music
• refreshments (drinks onboard)
• a local skipper/guide
• and a GoPro camera for capturing memories

The GoPro part is worth calling out. If you ever struggle taking good action shots while you’re busy swimming or standing in salt spray, a camera you can approach for moments makes the day feel less like you need to be your own videographer.

Also, the skipper runs the day in a practical way. The included local guidance (English and Croatian) matters during island-hopping because conditions change. And here they tell you up front that the captain reserves the right to change the itinerary if sea conditions change unexpectedly.

Weather reality check: open boat spray and captain flexibility

You should treat this tour like a summer boat plan that depends on sea conditions. It is specifically described as an open speedboat, and it warns that with strong wind and high waves, you might get sea spray during the drive. That is not a problem by itself if you are on vacation and okay with being a little damp.

But it is a consideration if:

• you brought delicate sunglasses or electronics without protection
• you hate being wet
• you are sensitive to motion or rough water

The skipper has the safety call. The tour may be postponed in bad weather, and you may choose a refund. That is the right kind of flexibility. Better a changed plan than a forced one.

Price and value: $286 per group with a few add-ons

At $286 per group up to 9 people for a 4-hour private boat experience, the math tends to work best when you have at least a small group. In practice, it can feel like good value because you are paying for:

• private boat time
• a local skipper guide
• snorkel gear
• drinks
• and a GoPro

Now the add-on you must budget for: mandatory docking and anchoring fees. It costs 10€ for adults and 5€ for children, and it needs to be paid in cash on the boat at the end of the tour.

So I recommend you plan cash in advance. If you forget, you’ll be figuring it out while you’re already on the day’s clock.

Also note what is not included: food, towels, bathroom access, and swimming fins. If you want convenience, pack accordingly.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit for you if you want:

• a private experience instead of a crowded group
• a day centered on swimming and snorkeling
• a local skipper who can handle the route and keep the day moving
• a flexible day where your time at stops can be adjusted

It is not a great match if you:

• are prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• need wheelchair access (not suitable)
• need stroller access (strollers and baby carriages are not allowed)
• fall outside the weight limits (max 120kg / 250lbs, and also a separate limit of not suitable for people over 260 lbs / 118 kg)

The lower of the limits is the one you should trust. If you are close to the max, it is worth asking before booking.

It is also not recommended for very young children under age 2.

Small practical tips that make your day smoother

These are the little things that keep the vibe easy:

• Pack sunscreen and cash for the docking fee
• Wear clothes that can get dirty since you might get spray
• Bring your own towel and consider whether you want swimming fins since they are not included
• If you have GoPro moments in mind, think about water-safe handling before you step into the sea
• Arrive early so you can start relaxed, not sprinting to find the boat

And one last mindset tip: you’re on a private boat, so you’ll have a better time if you treat the day like a beach day with movement, not like a checklist of monuments.

Should you book this private Zadar islands speedboat?

Book it if you want a short, high-impact island day: water time, swim breaks, snorkeling gear, drinks, and a private skipper-led pace around Zadar’s outer islands.

Hold off if weather and sea conditions are unpredictable for your travel dates or if you are sensitive to boat motion. Also be sure you’re comfortable paying the onboard cash docking fee, since it’s mandatory.

If you can handle open-boat spray and you want to spend your hours actually in the water, this is the kind of trip that turns a normal vacation day into a clear memory.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 20A, by the gas station by the sea side. You should arrive at least 10 minutes early and look for the boat in the picture. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the private speedboat adventure?

The duration is 4 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, and the itinerary includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

Do I need to pay extra fees during the tour?

Yes. There is a mandatory docking and anchoring fee that is not included in the price: 10€ for adults and 5€ for children, paid in cash on the boat at the end.

What’s included on the boat besides the guide?

Included items are a local skipper/guide, refreshments (drinks), life vests, music, and a GoPro camera for capturing memories. Snorkelling equipment is also included.

Is it suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, strollers/baby carriages, people prone to seasickness/motion sickness, and it has weight limits (max listed 120kg/250lbs, and also not suitable for people over 260 lbs/118 kg). It’s also not suitable for children under 2 years.

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