Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

REVIEW · ZADAR

Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

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  • From $34
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Three islands in one fast, fun outing. This Zadar speedboat tour mixes snorkeling with beach breaks, so you’re not stuck staring at a schedule. You’ll ride between stops, get time on land in places like Ošljak and Preko, and keep hydrated with drinks as the skipper runs the route.

Two things I love here: you get real free time at each island, and snorkeling isn’t an afterthought. There’s snorkeling gear provided plus an on-board GoPro11 for underwater moments. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll pay an extra docking fee (10 EUR adult, 5 EUR child total for all stops), and the ride is a compact speedboat—great for fun, not ideal if you hate speed or bumps.

  • Small group (max 12) means you can actually hear instructions and still enjoy your own time.
  • Unlimited drinks include water plus unlimited local alcoholic drinks.
  • Snorkeling gear is included, and the tour includes an underwater GoPro11.
  • Real stop time at Ošljak (80 minutes), the surprise island (45 minutes), and Preko (1 hour).
  • Docking fees cost extra, so factor that into the real total price.

Why This Zadar Speedboat Tour Works So Well

Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks - Why This Zadar Speedboat Tour Works So Well
This tour is built around one simple idea: if you’re in Zadar, spend your afternoon on the water. You hop aboard a compact speedboat, then island-hop with short scenic cruises between stops. The pace feels like a smart mix of moving and resting, not a full-day slog.

What makes it especially fun is how the itinerary is structured for variety. You’ll get sandy/rocky shoreline time, swimming, snorkeling, and short walks/photo moments. Then you finish with more time on an island with shops and coffee instead of only beach stops.

The “small-group” size matters too. When the group is limited to 12 participants, the guide can keep an eye on everyone without turning it into a constant roll-call. You also get more breathing room when you’re changing, swimming, or taking photos.

Meeting the Boat in Zadar: Foša Restaurant to Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6

Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks - Meeting the Boat in Zadar: Foša Restaurant to Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6
Meeting is straightforward: you gather at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a red hat. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not left figuring out transport at the end of your day.

Come prepared. The tour asks you to bring a sun hat and towel, and that’s good advice because you’ll likely be in and out of the water. If you’re planning to snorkel more than once, you’ll appreciate having a towel ready right when you finish swimming.

Also, bring the mindset that this is a water-focused outing. You’re not walking around a city all day, so plan your comfort like you would for a beach day: sunscreen (it’s included), water-friendly clothes, and decent sandals/footwear for the island time.

The Ride Itself: Short Cruises, Music, and a Real Speedboat Feel

Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks - The Ride Itself: Short Cruises, Music, and a Real Speedboat Feel
Between stops, you’ll cruise by boat for brief chunks of time. The run from the start includes a 15-minute sightseeing cruise, followed by 10-minute and 20-minute transfer segments around the middle and end of the outing. Translation: you don’t waste half the afternoon on travel.

Because it’s a speedboat, you’ll feel the motion. That’s part of the charm if you like an energetic ride and clear views off the stern. It’s also a heads-up if you’re sensitive to choppy water—this kind of boat ride is more about fun speed than gentle rocking.

One more practical thing: with a maximum of 12 people, you’re less packed in than the big-boat options. That helps when you want to move toward the water for snorkeling time or grab a spot for photos during the transfer.

Stop 1: Ošljak in 80 Minutes for Photos, Swimming, and Snorkeling

Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks - Stop 1: Ošljak in 80 Minutes for Photos, Swimming, and Snorkeling
Ošljak is your first real island break, and it gets the longest stop time: 80 minutes. That’s enough time to do the fun stuff without rushing. You can expect a mix of photo moments, a walk/hike option, and plenty of water time.

Here’s how to use that 80 minutes well. Start with the quick photos while you’re fresh and the scenery is clear. Then spend time in the water with the snorkeling gear—this is where the tour’s underwater focus really shows. If you want movement beyond the beach, the walk/hike option helps you stretch your legs and see more than just the shoreline.

One small drawback: with 80 minutes, it’s easy to lose track if you keep hopping out and back in for photos. Keep an eye on the time so you don’t end up scrambling back onto the boat at the end of the stop.

Stop 2: The Surprise Island Stop (45 Minutes) for Marine Life Watching

After another short cruise, you’ll reach a surprise third island. This stop is 45 minutes, so it’s more focused and less “hang out all afternoon.” You’ll get a photo stop plus time for swimming and snorkeling, and the schedule includes marine life viewing.

Because this stop is shorter, I treat it like a sprint: get your first swim and snorkeling session done early, then use the remaining time for a second pass if you’re seeing lots of activity. If you’re hoping to spot fish and underwater life, the earlier window can be a good moment to go in while you’re not rushing.

This stop also tends to be where your photos can look extra different. You’ll be shooting from a variety of angles: shoreline photos, boat background shots, and underwater photos from the snorkeling time.

Stop 3: Preko for Shopping, Coffee, Walks, and a Full 1-Hour Break

Preko is the most “island day” feeling stop. You get 60 minutes here, plus options that go beyond water time. The schedule includes coffee and free time, and you can shop, take a walk, swim, and snorkel.

This is a smart placement near the end of the tour. After spending the morning and early afternoon focused on swimming and snorkeling, you’re ready for a slower pace. Coffee and shopping break up the day so you don’t feel like you’re only living in saltwater.

Use the hour like this: check out the area on foot first, pop into any shops you notice, then come back for water time if you still want it. If you’re tired, you can skip snorkeling and just enjoy the island break and views from shore.

The only consideration is that with a 1-hour stop, you still need to be back on time. The tour’s rhythm is tight enough that it’s not a “wander for two hours and see what happens” kind of stop.

What’s Included: Snorkeling Gear, GoPro11, Drinks, and Sun Cream

This is where the value comes together. Your ticket includes:

  • Speedboat tour with guide and skipper
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Underwater camera GoPro11
  • Unlimited water
  • Unlimited local alcoholic drink
  • Sun cream

The snorkeling setup is a big deal for a tour at this price. You don’t need to figure out rentals or extra costs for gear. That makes it easier to actually spend time underwater, not just watch others do it.

The GoPro11 inclusion is also a nice bonus for the photo-minded. Even if you don’t obsess over camera settings, having an on-board underwater camera means you can spend less time fumbling with your own gear and more time enjoying the water.

The drinks are unlimited too. That includes water plus unlimited local alcoholic drinks. Practical note: the “unlimited” part is great, but it’s still a speedboat day, so keep a steady head if you plan to snorkel.

Price and Extra Costs: $34 Plus Docking Fees

Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks - Price and Extra Costs: $34 Plus Docking Fees
On paper, the price is $34 per person for about 4 hours. That’s the kind of pricing that can feel like a bargain if you compare it to other ways to get out to islands from Zadar—especially because this one bundles snorkeling gear, guide time, boat rides, drinks, and sun cream.

But the real cost needs one small add-on. The tour lists docking fees that are not included:

  • 10 EUR per adult
  • 5 EUR per child
  • Those fees are total for all stops.

So your budget should be thought of as the $34 ticket plus the docking fee. If you’re traveling with kids, the child docking fee being much lower helps.

Still, even with docking fees, the structure is hard to beat for the time you’re getting on the water. You’re paying for transportation, guided timing, and all the snorkeling basics in one package.

Guides (Josip and Luka) Add the Personal Touch

The tour stands or falls on how it’s run on the boat, and the guides here seem to win people over with energy and clear guidance. Names you’ll hear include Josip and Luka/Luca, and the common thread is that they keep the day organized while still letting you enjoy your own time at each stop.

What I’d call the biggest value of a good guide is not just facts—it’s decisions. A strong guide helps you know what to do during each stop: where to walk, when to swim, and how to make snorkeling time count. You also get help staying comfortable on the boat, which matters when you’re moving between sun, water, and shade.

There’s also a social side. Several people highlight the vibe on board—music during the ride and a friendly, fun tone. That’s not just entertainment; it makes the speedboat portion feel like part of the day, not just a transfer between islands.

How to Snorkel Like You Mean It (Without Overthinking)

You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided, which lowers the barrier for first-timers. The trick is using the time efficiently, especially at the shorter stops. With Ošljak (80 minutes) you can take your time; with the surprise island (45 minutes), you’ll want to make your first snorkeling pass count.

Also, plan for sun. Even though sun cream is included, your skin still needs protection from repeated water time and boat exposure. A sun hat helps a lot, and a towel makes the post-swim routine easier.

Finally, think about comfort. Water time means you’ll likely go in more than once. If you’re wearing swimwear that dries slowly, you might feel chilly on the boat between stops. Keep your clothing practical so the transitions don’t ruin your rhythm.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Not Love It)

This tour fits best if you want a fast, active Zadar outing with real beach time. You’ll enjoy it if you like:

  • Short hikes or walks for views
  • Swimming and snorkeling with provided gear
  • A small group and an energetic boat ride
  • Drinks included, so the outing feels like a complete package

It’s also not for everyone. The tour specifically notes it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. It’s also not suitable for babies under 1 year and people over 95 years.

One more “match” question: if you hate speedboat rides or you’re very prone to motion sickness, this might feel like too much movement. The ride is part of the attraction, so you’ll want to be comfortable with that style of transport.

Should You Book This 3-Island Speedboat Tour?

If you want an afternoon that mixes snorkeling + island breaks + unlimited drinks without long travel and without a huge group, I’d say yes. The combination of small-group size, generous time on Ošljak and Preko, and included snorkeling gear is what makes it good value.

Book it if you’re the type who likes doing one main activity well—water time—and still wants some land time for photos, walking, and a coffee stop. This tour gives you enough variety that it doesn’t feel repetitive after the first swim.

Skip it only if a speedboat ride isn’t your thing, or if the lack of accessibility fits your needs differently. Otherwise, this is one of those Zadar experiences that turns the Adriatic into the center of your day, not just a background view.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a red hat.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

What islands are visited?

You’ll visit Ošljak, Preko, and a surprise third island during the tour.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel at the island stops.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes unlimited water and unlimited local alcoholic drinks.

Is there an extra cost besides the $34 ticket?

Docking fees are not included: 10 EUR per adult and 5 EUR per child total for all stops.

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