REVIEW · ZADAR
Zadar: Island-Hopping, Swimming & Snorkeling SpeedBoat Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Alamar Travel · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Four hours is just enough.
This Zadar speedboat tour mixes island-hopping with swimming and snorkeling in clear Adriatic water, plus a proper little walk when you get to Galevac. You’ll also see Dalmatian coastal scenery from the water, not the usual bus-stops-and-churches angle.
I especially like two things here: the guides, with names like Marin and Petar showing up in standout comments for being friendly and explaining a lot; and the water time setup, since snorkeling gear and even a GoPro underwater camera are included. That means less fuss and more actual minutes floating in the good stuff.
One thing to think about: this is an active half-day with multiple swim/snorkel stops, and it’s not a good match if you have low fitness or back/heart limits. Also, if weather turns, the route can shift for safety, so you should go in with flexible expectations.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around before you go
- Speedboat day plan: how the 4 hours actually run
- From Zadar to your first swim: getting to Ugljan Island fast
- Ošljak: the tiny inhabited island with a forest feel
- Preko area and Galevac: shallow beaches plus an island walk
- The tour’s pause points: photo stops that keep the day fun
- Included gear and onboard extras that actually help
- Guides and group vibe: small group means real conversation
- Price and value: is $51 plus 5€ worth it?
- Who should book this, and who should skip it
- Quick tips so the day feels easy, not hectic
- Should you book the Zadar Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Zadar island-hopping speedboat tour?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What’s the group size?
- What additional fee should I expect?
- What’s included on board?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key things I’d plan around before you go
- Small group of up to 11: more space on the boat, and less waiting around at stops
- Snorkeling gear + GoPro underwater camera: less gear shopping, more time in the water
- Stops built around swims: you’re not just driving past islands; you’re getting in
- Ošljak and Galevac: mix of nature walks and shallow-water snorkeling options
- Weather-aware itinerary: expect route adjustments when conditions change
- Extra 5€ per person for protected areas/anchorage: budget a cash top-up at check-in
Speedboat day plan: how the 4 hours actually run
This tour is built for a half-day rhythm: board at Zadar, run by boat between islands, then stop repeatedly for swimming and snorkeling. It lasts about 4 hours, and the group stays small (limited to 11 participants), which matters in a practical way. Less crowding means you can get geared up and back in the water faster.
Your meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 20A, and you’ll wait by the INA gas station nearby. The boat arrives 15 minutes before the tour start, and it’s not going to hang out there forever. If you’re running late, you’re taking a risk.
There’s one extra cost to know about up front: 5€ per person for berthing/anchorage/protected areas, paid by cash at check-in. The base price is $51, and that extra fee is what keeps the tour operating in the specific places you visit.
From Zadar to your first swim: getting to Ugljan Island fast
After a short speedboat ride (about 15 minutes), you’ll reach your first major water stop. The route is designed around turquoise, crystal-clear Adriatic water, so the first minutes are usually all about gear and getting comfortable in the water.
This stop is where snorkeling is the star. You should expect underwater views with fish and the kind of calm, sunlit water that makes snorkeling feel easy rather than like a workout. If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll probably find the setup straightforward. If you haven’t, the included safety equipment and snorkeling gear help you get started without extra hassle.
Practical note: this is a speedboat day, not a slow ferry day. You’ll want to show up dry and organized so the first stop doesn’t feel rushed.
Ošljak: the tiny inhabited island with a forest feel
Next comes Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. You’ll have a photo stop, plus time for swimming and snorkeling again, so this isn’t just a land visit.
What makes Ošljak different is the blend of nature and walking. You’re going to hear about the island’s story, and you’ll also see a park-forest atmosphere with dense vegetation—pines, cypresses, and holm oaks—along with olive trees and Mediterranean scrub. Even if you’re mostly there for the water, this stop gives you a break from floating and lets you stretch your legs for a short walk.
Possible drawback here: if you’re hoping for long, easy strolling time, this part is more of a short stop-and-refresh. The day is still organized around water access, so land time stays compact.
Preko area and Galevac: shallow beaches plus an island walk
After the Ošljak stop, you head toward Preko and then out to Galevac. This is the best “mix it up” portion of the tour because you get about 1 hour on Galevac, including a walk and more time in the sea.
Galevac is described as being surrounded by shallow sandy beaches, so the water entry may feel more approachable than deeper-offshore stops. You can swim and snorkel, or you can slow down and do the island walk at a relaxed pace.
This is also where the tour leans into culture without turning into a museum day. You’ll learn about the history of the area, and you’ll notice the Mediterranean herb scents mentioned in the tour description. That small sensory detail is real value here: it turns the walk from just steps and photos into something that feels place-based.
The tour’s pause points: photo stops that keep the day fun
You’ll also have shorter pauses along the way that are more than just “stand here and look.” The itinerary includes multiple photo stops, including a final one called The Greeting to the Sun (about 5 minutes).
There’s also a secret stop (about 20 minutes) with snorkeling and marine life viewing time. These quick stops are usually where the day feels playful: you’re not thinking about schedules too hard because the stops are short enough to stay energetic.
If you’re the type who likes variety—some swim time, some scenery, some quick nature viewing—these photo-and-swim moments are a good fit. If you want one long, uninterrupted beach session, this tour won’t feel like that.
Included gear and onboard extras that actually help
A lot of tours say they include snorkeling equipment. This one does, and it also includes some extras that make the day easier.
Here’s what you’re getting:
- Snorkeling equipment (so you don’t have to bring your own mask/fins)
- Safety equipment (important on open-water speedboat days)
- GoPro underwater camera (so you can capture underwater moments without holding your phone)
- Bluetooth music speaker (small thing, but it keeps the ride from feeling stiff)
- Ice-box with water and beers (refreshment without breaking your plan)
- WiFi on board (nice for messaging, though you’ll probably be too busy looking down)
- Passenger insurance
- Fuel and the boat + skipper/guide
In a practical sense, these inclusions matter because a half-day moves quickly. If you have to rent gear or buy drinks at each stop, your time shrinks. Here, the tour is set up so your biggest job is showing up and getting in the water.
Guides and group vibe: small group means real conversation
The tour is designed as a small group experience, limited to 11. That’s not just a comfort perk. On island-hopping days, it also means the guide can adjust pacing and explain things without shouting over a crowd.
Past tours tied to this experience have highlighted guides like Marin and Petar for being cool, prepared, and communicative. One theme that comes through clearly is adaptability to weather. That’s huge in this region, because wind and water conditions can change fast, and you want a skipper who keeps the day safe and still enjoyable.
If you like meeting people without feeling stuck with a big tour herd, you’ll likely enjoy the vibe.
Price and value: is $51 plus 5€ worth it?
At $51 per person for a 4-hour speedboat tour, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re also paying for:
- the boat and skipper/guide time
- snorkeling equipment
- the included underwater GoPro camera setup
- safety equipment and passenger insurance
- fuel, plus onboard water and beers
Then you add the 5€ cash per person for berthing/anchorage/protected areas, and that’s the only extra likely surprise.
Is it good value? For Zadar, yes—if you want an active day built around water. The biggest reason is simple: you’re not spending your time waiting for buses or hiking to views you could get from a parking lot. You’re getting multiple swimming/snorkeling blocks, and that’s where this tour shines.
If you’re only looking for scenic photos and you don’t care about snorkeling, this might feel like more effort than you want. But for water-lovers, it’s priced like a practical activity day rather than a luxury cruise.
Who should book this, and who should skip it
This is an activity-forward tour. The operator specifically notes it’s not suitable for:
- children under 10
- pregnant women
- people with back problems
- people with heart problems
- people with low level of fitness
- people over 55
That’s a clear signal to match your expectations to your body. The schedule has repeated swim/snorkel stops, plus you’re on a speedboat between them. If that’s physically comfortable for you, you’ll likely have a great time. If not, consider a slower coastal option instead.
Who this tour fits best:
- couples and friends who want a shared water adventure
- snorkelers who want multiple tries in different spots
- people who like nature and short island walks (not long treks)
- anyone who wants small-group energy without private charter prices
Quick tips so the day feels easy, not hectic
Show up on time for the meeting area, because the boat arrives 15 minutes before the start and only waits limited time. Then:
- Bring sun protection and something you can get wet in (you’ll be in the water multiple times)
- Bring a towel or quick-dry wrap if you have one
- Expect a day where you’ll switch between boat, swim gear, and short walks
Even with snorkeling gear included, you’ll have a better day if you’re mentally ready for saltwater time and quick transitions.
Should you book the Zadar Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour?
I’d book this if your idea of a great day in Zadar includes swimming and snorkeling plus at least one real walk. The small group size, the included snorkeling kit, and the onboard touches like the GoPro underwater camera and refreshments make it feel built for an active half-day.
I’d skip it if you want a gentle, mostly-on-land itinerary, or if health and fitness limits make repeated water stops risky for you. Weather can also shift parts of the route, so don’t plan it as your only fixed activity with zero flexibility.
If you match that “active water day” mindset, this tour is exactly the kind of Croatia experience that feels like you did something—fast, fun, and on the right kind of island time.
FAQ
How long is the Zadar island-hopping speedboat tour?
It runs for about 4 hours.
Where do I meet the tour?
You wait at Obala kneza Branimira 20A near the INA gas station.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What’s the group size?
The experience is a small group limited to 11 participants.
What additional fee should I expect?
A 5€ per person fee for berthing/anchorage/protected areas is not included and is paid in cash at check-in.
What’s included on board?
You get the boat and skipper/guide, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, Bluetooth music speaker, GoPro underwater camera, ice-box with water and beers, WiFi on board, and fuel.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The itinerary can be modified for safety reasons. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
