A speedboat day around Zadar beats a museum shuffle. You get 3 swim-and-snorkel stops in clear water, plus real time on land on Ošljak and Ugljan/Preko. What I especially like is the balance: movement by boat, then time to chill, walk, and actually look around. The one drawback to plan for is there’s no toilet on board, so you’ll want to handle that before you leave.

I also like how the tour is built for comfort and ease: snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, and the boat has shade. You’ll have guide help in English, and the small-group feel shows up in the reviews (one group size was mentioned as 7 or 8). On a hot day, consider bringing your own clothes for after your swim, because you’ll likely come back damp.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• 3 separate water stops mean you’re not rushing one quick swim. You get time to cool off, look at fish, and snorkel if conditions are right.
• Ošljak + Ugljan/Preko time on land keeps the trip from being only beach hopping. You get an hour to wander, plus a town stop with shopping and photos.
• Snorkeling gear is included along with life vests, which makes the day much simpler if you’re not bringing your own setup.
• Drinks on board show up repeatedly in reviews, with beer and water specifically mentioned.
• Small-boat pace helps you feel less like cargo and more like part of the ride (reviews mention boats that carry about 7–8 people).
• Bring cash and a change of clothes because you’ll have a town stop and you’ll be getting in the water more than once.

The Big Picture: Why This Speedboat Tour Works

This is one of those Zadar-area tours that makes sense for a short trip. In about 4 hours, you’re not just looking at the coast from land. You’re out on the water with multiple chances to jump in, snorkel, and then step onto islands where life feels slower.

The value is in the structure. Instead of spending the whole day traveling between faraway places, the day is broken into short speedboat legs and longer stops. Reviews repeatedly highlight that guests felt they had a good amount of time at each stop, not that classic half-your-day-is-on-a-boat problem. And with equipment included (snorkels and life vests), you can show up lighter.

If you hate boating, this may not be your favorite. But if you like to get from A to B fast and still have time to swim and walk, it hits a sweet spot.

Getting Started at the Zadar Meeting Point (and What to Watch For)

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. That detail matters. In busy harbors, tied-to-the-wall docks can be easy to miss, especially if you arrive a few minutes late. I’d give yourself a bit of buffer so you can find the right boat before everyone lines up.

The day is English guided. Reviews name guides including Dino, Davide, and Stella, and the common thread is that the guides are active—offering information, checking in, and helping people get set up for water time.

Practical tip: wear shoes you’re comfortable in around the dock area. Even if you’re planning to get wet later, you’ll still be standing and moving before the first swim stop.

The Short Speedboat Run: Views You Can’t Get From Shore

Right after you get settled, there’s a speedboat ride (about 20 minutes) out toward the island area. This portion sounds short because it is. But it’s exactly why the tour feels efficient.

You’re sailing along the coastline in a way you’d never see from the promenade. And if you’re the type who likes photos, this is where you’ll want your phone ready. One review specifically praised the return timing with sun near the waterline, which is a reminder that the light can be great as the afternoon moves toward evening.

Stop 1: Blue Bay Otrić for Swimming and Snorkeling

Your first main water stop is Blue Bay Otrić, with a swim and snorkeling window (about 45 minutes). This is the kind of start that sets expectations. You get in the water early, so the day doesn’t feel like a long wait before the fun part.

What you’re set up for:

• Jumping off the boat and swimming in calmer, clear-looking water
• Using the snorkeling equipment provided
• Chilling in the sun or under sunshade on the boat when you’re done

Reviews call out crystal-clear water and good snorkeling time. One review also mentions seeing fish and being provided with the snorkeling gear for it, which fits what’s included on paper.

Possible drawback: 45 minutes goes quickly if you’re really into it. If you’re a beginner swimmer, you might want to keep an eye on comfort and take breaks back on the boat. Life vests are included, but you still choose how far you go.

Stop 2: Island Time on Ošljak (About an Hour to Wander)

After the first swim, you head toward the island area of Ošljak. The experience is designed with about an hour of free time on the island, after your guide gives context.

This part is valuable because it breaks the day’s rhythm. You’re not just doing water-to-boat-to-water. You can get off, breathe, and take in how islands feel when you’re not rushing from one photo spot to the next.

From the tour design, your time here is flexible. You can wander at your pace and choose what you want to prioritize—views, shoreline walking, or simply relaxing.

What to watch for:

• It’s time on land, but still part of an active day. Plan for uneven dock/shore areas.
• If you want souvenirs or snacks, don’t assume a full-size grocery stop—Preko later is the more shopping-friendly moment.

Stop 3: A Ugljan/Preko Town Stop With Photos, Shopping, and More Water Time

Then the tour shifts to Ugljan, with Preko built into the schedule as a key stop. You’ll get a photo stop plus guided info, then time on land (about 1 hour). This is where the day turns more social.

Preko is the stop many people remember. Reviews describe it as a charming town with a relaxed vibe, and at least one guest said it was the highlight. That’s not a small claim. It suggests the time ashore here is genuinely enjoyable, not just a token stop to say you landed somewhere.

What you can do in that hour:

• Walk around town at your pace
• Take photos of the coastline
• Look for small items and souvenirs
• Have one more chance to get in the water if you want (snorkeling/swimming is part of the activity at this stage as well)

If you’re wondering whether this will feel like a full tourist town, don’t expect big-city energy. It’s more about coastal atmosphere and casual wandering.

Tip: bring cash. The tour info explicitly lists cash for what you might want to buy on land.

The Ride Back: Drinks, Shade, and That Last Look at the Coast

Once you’ve completed the sightseeing and water time, you head back toward the marina. The tour is set up to include drinks on board, and reviews mention beer, water, and juice.

This part matters more than it sounds. Being on a boat in the sun is fun until you’re tired and thirsty. Having water and drinks included lets you recharge without digging out cash every time you want something.

Also, the timing can be gorgeous. One review mentioned their departure schedule worked well with sunset light on the return, which is exactly the kind of small scheduling detail that can make a good trip feel like a great one.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Cover Yourself)

Here’s how this tour keeps costs predictable: lots is included, and most of it directly supports comfort and safety.

Included:

• Guide (English)
• Speedboat tour
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life vests
• Unlimited water
• Sunshade
• Fuel

Not included:

• Toilet
• Food

So plan like this:

• Use a toilet before you start. No bathroom option means you’ll want to avoid waiting until you’re already out on the water.
• Bring a light strategy for food if you need it (the tour doesn’t provide meals).
• Pack a change of clothes if you can. Even with shade and cooling water, getting back warm and dry feels better.

Gear and Packing: The Short List That Actually Helps

The tour info gives a good set of basics. Here’s how I’d think about them on a day like this:

Must-bring style:

• Hat: sun on boats is no joke.
• Change of clothes: your future self will thank you.
• Comfortable clothes: you’ll wear them wet if you’re not careful.
• Cash: for shopping in Preko.
• Drinks: the tour includes unlimited water, but your personal drink preferences may matter.

Optional but smart:

• A small towel or quick-dry cloth, if you have one.
• Water-safe footwear if you’re cautious with dock steps (the tour itself doesn’t specify shoes).

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip is a good match if you want:

• A 4-hour island day without a long travel commitment
• Multiple opportunities for water time, not just one quick stop
• A blend of sightseeing and relaxation
• A guide-led experience in English with included snorkeling gear

It’s less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair access. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.
• You’re traveling with babies under 1 year. It’s listed as not suitable for that age group.
• You hate boats or feel uncomfortable on open water. The tour is short and fast, but it’s still by speedboat.

One more personal-fit check: if you’re the kind of person who loves planning but hates surprises, this is pretty straightforward—stops, swimming windows, and time on Ošljak and Preko.

Price and Value: Is $49 Reasonable Here?

At $49 per person for a 4-hour speedboat outing, the best question isn’t just whether it’s cheap. It’s whether you get the stuff that usually costs extra or takes effort.

You do, and that’s why value feels strong here:

• Multiple swim/snorkel stops (usually the expensive part of day trips)
• Snorkeling equipment provided
• Unlimited water
• Life vests and shade, so you’re not scrambling for basic boat safety and comfort
• A guided component in English, with islands and town time

Reviews repeatedly call out the tour as great value for money and praise the balance of swimming versus walking. So if you’re choosing between a day that’s mostly sightseeing from land versus one that gets you into the water, this one tends to win on experience-per-hour.

Should You Book the Zadar 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if your ideal Zadar day looks like this: short boat rides, clear water, time to snorkel, and island/waterfront wandering on Ošljak and Ugljan/Preko. The included snorkeling setup and the mix of swim plus land time make it feel like you’re spending your limited vacation hours wisely.

I wouldn’t book it if you strongly need on-board toilet access or you’re not comfortable with a speedboat day. Also, if you’re expecting a food-focused tour, plan to bring your own strategy, because food isn’t included.

If you’re flexible, bring a change of clothes, and don’t forget cash for Preko, this is the kind of Zadar trip that can turn into a highlight without requiring complicated planning.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and the boat is tied to the walls.

What islands and towns do you visit?

The tour focuses on islands near Zadar, including Ošljak and Ugljan, with Preko as a key town stop.

Are snorkeling items included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. Unlimited water is included, and drinks are provided on board (reviews specifically mention beer and water).

Is there food included?

No. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. A toilet is not included.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour guide provides a live tour in English.

Is it suitable for wheelchairs or young babies?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for babies under 1 year.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, change of clothes, comfortable clothes, and cash. You may also want to bring your own drinks.

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