Three island stops, one smooth ride. This Zadar 3-island speedboat tour gives you a modern boat ride with a local English-speaking skipper, then serves up swim time and snorkeling in clear water. You’ll also get a steady flow of drinks during the stops, so the whole afternoon feels easy instead of rushed.

I like how the route balances sights and water time: a hidden bay for snorkeling, a tiny island with real stories, and a livelier island stop for wandering and an optional swim. One catch to plan for: there’s a €10 docking fee per person paid in cash on arrival, and the meeting area has no toilet (and parking nearby can be a hassle in summer).

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (up to 12) keeps it feel personal, not chaotic.
• Kostanj Bay is timed for a proper swim and snorkeling break in clear water.
• Ošljak island is tiny and inhabited, with Roman-era references, an IX-century church, and WWII-era ruins.
• Preko stop is long enough for strolling, coffee, and another swim using snorkeling gear.
• Drinks at the stops: two G&Ts plus unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks.
• Docking fee is extra (€10 cash per person) even though stops are included.

First impression: Zadar without the crowd pressure

Zadar’s old town has its charm, but you don’t have to choose between history and fresh sea air. This tour trades street traffic for open water quickly, and that shift is the whole point. You’re out on a speedboat with a local skipper, moving along the coastline at a pace that feels fun rather than tiring.

The small-group size also matters. With a limit of 12 participants, you spend more time looking at the sea and less time waiting in line or trying to find your people. If you want a plan that feels like a day out with friends (not a factory tour), this format fits.

The route in plain language: how the 4 hours feel

The day runs about 4 hours total. After you meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 (by the bench near the Tornado sign), you’ll be aboard fast and then rotate through three main islands/areas.

You’ll get short boat rides between stops, then real time on land or in the water:

• First swim/snorkel stop (about 40 minutes)
• Second island stop (about 40 minutes)
• Third island stop (about 1.5 hours)

Then a final cruise back for scenic views of Zadar from the boat.

That timing is a sweet spot. It’s not a long day where you’re exhausted by hour three, but it’s long enough to feel like you actually visited different places, not just saw them.

Kostanj Bay snorkeling: clear water and a comfortable first swim

Your first stop is Kostanj, specifically the sandy beach area in a bay called uvala Kostanj. This is the part of the tour that usually clicks right away for people who came for the water.

Here’s what to expect during the roughly 40-minute break:

• Swimming time right from the beach area
• Snorkeling gear included, so you don’t have to bring or rent anything
• Sunbathing and relaxing time built in, not just a quick dip

The big advantage of starting here: you’re able to ease into the tour while the group settles, the skipper handles equipment, and you get your first look at the coastal water quality. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you’ll want to stay close to the easy entry zone. The boat-style format also means you can back out fast if you need a breather.

One practical note: your meeting point has no toilet. Since this is a swim-focused tour, I’d plan bathroom breaks before you head there so you’re not thinking about it later.

Ošljak island: tiny, inhabited, and quietly full of clues

Next comes Ošljak, often described as Croatia’s smallest inhabited island, with around 29 inhabitants. This stop is where the tour shifts from sea time to island life and history you can actually walk through.

During the roughly 40-minute period, you can expect options like:

• A scenic walk along the shore
• Climbing a small hill if you want the satisfying view
• Looking for a small church from the IX century tucked among the trees
• Spotting ruins connected to WWII-era hardship, described here as a hospital used for people suffering from plague

A fun detail: the tour also points out an island quirk—many locals share the same last name. It’s the kind of small social detail that makes the place feel real rather than just scenic.

You can also grab a drink at a bar on the island, which is a nice rhythm shift after time in the water. If you’re the type who likes mixing one short story-walk with photo stops, this is that kind of stop.

Potential drawback: because the island is small and the time is limited, you won’t have a long deep exploration. If you want a full-length hiking day or museum-level details, you’ll still enjoy this stop, but treat it like a taste, not a long stay.

Preko: more time, more energy, and an easy second swim

Then the tour moves to Preko, a short ride from Ošljak. Preko is where the atmosphere changes. In summer it has more life: you’ll find small local shops, and there’s time to grab a coffee with a sea view.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, which is a gift. It lets you do more than just shuffle from dock to swim point:

• Stroll toward the center of the island
• Visit the small shops/souvenir spots if you want
• Spend time at a small sandy beach
• Use the snorkeling gear again for underwater looking and swimming

This is also a stop that works for different personalities. If you’re traveling as a group where some people want to wander and others want water time, Preko gives both.

The optional swim to Galevac monastery

One smart bonus worth knowing: from Preko, you can swim to a nearby island called Galevac to look for an ancient monastery hidden among trees. The wording is important here—you’re not locked into it as a scheduled excursion. It’s an extra you can try if you’re comfortable with the water conditions.

If you do it, keep it simple: assess the distance first, stay within your comfort zone, and don’t let the group’s energy pressure you into something you’re unsure about.

Drinks on the boat: included, but don’t let it steer the day

This tour is built around a fun rhythm, and drinks are part of it. You’ll get:

• Two glasses of G&T (one at each stop)
• Unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks
• Drinks served during the stops, paired with swimming and relaxing time

I like this setup because it doesn’t feel like a party bus. It’s more like a friendly way to make the breaks feel festive. You’re still doing real sightseeing, and the alcohol isn’t the main event.

Also, skippers often set the tone with music and easy commentary. Names that have shown up for English-speaking guides include Mario, Johnny, Tony, Gogo, and Fabricio. If you want a guide who talks enough to add context without turning your afternoon into a lecture, this format tends to deliver.

Safety and comfort matters

Speedboat tours can vary in how they handle different swimmers. Here, the captain approach shows up in the feedback: guides have been described as checking on people who aren’t strong swimmers and providing life jackets when wanted. If you want that safety net, ask at the start and use it.

Value for $44: what you’re really paying for

At $44 per person for about four hours, the headline cost is only part of the story. The value comes from combining transportation + equipment + multiple stops + drinks into one tidy plan.

What you’re paying for:

• A modern speedboat ride with a local skipper
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Three distinct locations with timed breaks
• Drinks during stops (G&T and unlimited wine/water/soft drinks)
• A small group limit of 12 participants

Then there’s the extra cost that you should factor in early: a €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival, and it covers the stops.

When I compare this to piecing together boat rides plus snorkeling rentals plus separate island ferry tickets, this style of all-in-one afternoon often comes out as a time-saver. More importantly, it buys you the ability to do coastal hopping without coordinating multiple transfers.

Price and logistics: the two things to plan around

There are two practical issues that can affect your day, and they’re easy to handle if you know them up front.

1) Cash docking fee

You’ll pay €10 per person in cash on arrival. The docking fee is described as covering all stops, so you’re not hit with separate charges at each location. Still, bring cash so you’re not trying to find an ATM right before departure.

2) Meeting point is small, and there’s no bathroom

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, waiting by a bench near the Tornado sign about 10 minutes before departure. There’s no toilet at the meeting point, and parking is not available there. In summer, parking is a big problem—so give yourself extra time to park and walk over.

Also, no hotel pickup/drop-off is included. If you’re staying outside the center, plan your local transit/parking accordingly.

What to bring (so the water part stays fun)

Towels aren’t included, and lunch isn’t included. Pack basic swim essentials like:

• Your swimwear (obvious, but it matters)
• Sun protection
• A change of clothes for after the saltwater
• A small bag for personal items

Who this tour suits best (and who might want something else)

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a short, high-reward day from Zadar
• Care about swimming and snorkeling time
• Like small-group experiences with a local skipper speaking English
• Prefer boats over ferries and want different island vibes in one afternoon

You might consider a different style of excursion if you:

• Want a full-day deep history tour on land
• Need long, slow exploration with no time limits
• Are traveling very early or very late in the day when water conditions can be less predictable (this tour is timed, but you’re still at sea)

Should you book this Zadar 3-island speedboat tour?

If you’re doing Zadar and you want your time to include real sea breaks, I think this is a strong yes. The combination of snorkeling gear included, three island-style stops, and drinks during the breaks makes the afternoon feel like money well spent, not like a single sightseeing photo followed by boredom.

Book it if:

• You’re happy with a timed stop format (40 minutes here, 1.5 hours there)
• You’re comfortable with swimming—using life jackets if you need them
• You can show up early enough to handle the meeting point and parking reality

Skip it if:

• You hate cash fees or you won’t be able to bring €10 per person
• You don’t want any chance of getting wet or you don’t like snorkeling-style water time

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

How many stops are included?

There are 3 stops at different locations, with swim and snorkeling time.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks are included?

You’ll receive two glasses of G&T (one at each stop) and unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks.

Is there an extra fee on the day?

Yes. A €10 docking fee per person is paid in cash on arrival, and it includes all stops.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Wait at the bench near the Tornado sign, and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Is there a toilet at the meeting point?

No. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so plan ahead.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. It’s a small group, limited to 12 participants.

Are towels and lunch included?

No. Towels and lunch are not included.

You Might Also Enjoy

Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Speedboat Adventure TourPhuket: James Bond Island by Premium Speedboat with LunchRotterdam: RIB Speedboat Sightseeing CruiseHalf-Day Elafiti Islands Private Speed Boat Tour by Quicksilver 675