Fast boats, quiet islands, and drinks in the sun. I like that this is a private speedboat outing from Foša harbor with a swim-and-snorkel schedule you can shape around your group.

One thing to consider: this isn’t a sit-on-the-calm-water cruise. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers, and it may not work well for people with back or heart problems (the ride is fast and can bounce).

Key takeaways before you go

• Private boat time with an experienced skipper and a schedule that can be customized
• Snorkeling gear included, plus multiple chances to swim in clear water
• Ošljak stop built around Croatia’s smallest inhabited island and a slower shoreline moment
• Ugljan’s coastline and Kostanj Bay pairing sand, photos, and swimming
• Preko and Jaz beach time for cafés, souvenirs, and fresh seafood on shore
• Drinks included, including beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water

Private Zadar speedboat: why this feels special

Zadar is a great base for island hopping, but the pace matters. This tour is set up so you’re not stuck following a big group or waiting for everyone to board. You get your own boat time, your own skipper, and a route that hits three different vibes: sandy beach swimming, a small-island feel, and an actual village shoreline with places to walk.

My favorite part is how the day mixes motion and water time. You’re not just passing by islands from a distance. You stop, you swim, you snorkel with provided gear, and then you move on before the day gets stale.

The other big plus: drinks are included. That changes the mood. Instead of treating the boat like transport, it turns into a floating hangout—music optional, sunscreen required, and your skipper handling the driving.

Foša harbor and the skipper: how your day is run

The tour starts at Zadar Boat Tours, with a common pickup at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and the operator can also pick you up anywhere in the area where they can dock by boat. Expect a short speedboat ride between stops, with the skipper guiding the timing and where you spend your longer stretches.

Because it’s private, the skipper can adjust to what your group wants most. If you want more time in the water, you can ask. If you want more photo breaks and scenic viewpoints, you can ask. In the experience notes, the skippers Christian and Kristin are singled out as accommodating and fun, which matters on a speedboat day when the little timing changes can make or break your photos.

Also, quick practical note: speedboat days reward good planning. Bring a small dry bag for phone and wallet, and dress so you can move from sun to shade without fuss. If you get motion-sick easily, it’s worth thinking ahead since the ride is fast.

Stop 1 and Stop 3: Kostanj Bay and that first long swim break

After you get underway, there’s a short ride that positions you for your first meaningful stop. This first main break is built around scenic views and water time—photo moments, sightseeing from the boat, and a swimming/snorkeling window of about an hour.

You’ll enjoy the Kostanj Bay area and the sandy beach feel tied to Ugljan. Even if you’ve seen plenty of Adriatic coastline, the way it looks from the boat tends to hit different: the shoreline curves, the water color changes with depth, and you get a “you’re really here” sense quickly.

This is also where the “drinks included” setup shows up. The day includes spirits and a wine tasting moment during the break, plus the broader drink package on board. That combo is fun, but it also means you should pace yourself. If you plan to snorkel, keep your balance and don’t let the first round make you sloppy in the water.

Possible drawback here: the stop includes both sightseeing and getting in the water. If your group wants to skip snorkeling or only wants shallow swims, you’ll need to tell the skipper early so the plan matches your comfort level.

Ošljak on a speedboat schedule: small island, big vibe

Then the route shifts again with another short speedboat section (around 15 minutes) that brings you to Ošljak. This is where you get the “small inhabited island” angle in a very real way—Ošljak is described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and the stop is designed to match that scale.

Your time here is about 50 minutes, with a mix of sightseeing and shoreline time plus swimming and snorkeling. There’s also time for passing views and marine life viewing from the water. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, the key value is the change in feel: the island is small enough that you’re not overwhelmed, but it’s active enough to feel human and lived-in.

One practical thing to watch: because the island is small, don’t plan on roaming like you would on a larger port town. Think of Ošljak as a stop for water time, photos, and a quick island presence—not a long land tour.

If you want a memorable photo set, this is the moment. Short distances, clear water, and the “island-at-close-range” feeling usually makes pictures look better than they do at a distance.

Preko and the Jaz beach stretch: village time with real choices

Next comes the Preko stop, with another brief boat segment (about 15 minutes). Preko is where the day turns from “island stop” to “village shoreline.”

You’ll get roughly 1.5 hours there, and the plan includes a sandy beach area called Jaz in Preko village. The tour notes mention cozy cafés, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants. That means you’re not stuck bringing your own plan for the land portion. You can wander, stop for a cold drink if you want (and remember drinks are already part of your boat time), and browse without rushing.

The time mix is also smart: there’s free time, walk time, sightseeing, plus the option to swim. The best use of your Preko hours is to pick one anchor activity and let the rest be bonus. For example:

• Start with a short walk to orient yourself
• Return to the water for a final swim window
• Then browse cafés and shops while you cool down

Possible drawback here: you’ll have less time on land than a full day excursion to a bigger town. If your top priority is long strolling, this tour is more about coastline breaks than deep city wandering.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and what’s actually included

This is one of those tours where the included items matter more than you’d expect. You get snorkeling gear, bottled water, and fuel is included in the price—so you’re not mentally tracking what’s extra.

Drinks are a big part of the package. The drink list includes soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor. During the day you’ll also see specific moments like spirits and a wine tasting during a swim/photo break.

I like tours that include drink basics because it keeps the day smooth. No cash hunt at every stop. No “did we miss the place” stress. It’s just you, the boat, and the water.

Two practical reminders:

• Bring swim-ready basics (sunscreen, towel if you prefer, and water-friendly shoes if the shoreline is rocky in spots—your skipper can help guide the safest entry points).
• Pace your snorkeling if you’ve been drinking. Wine and strong spirits might sound festive, but calm, clear breathing and good footing matter most.

The 4-hour flow: where your time goes (and why it works)

This tour runs about 4 hours. That’s enough to feel like you really left Zadar, but not so long that everyone gets restless.

The schedule is built in three big “human moments”:

• A first long break with swimming/snorkeling and scenic stops (about 1 hour)
• A shorter-but-meaningful Ošljak stop (about 50 minutes)
• A longer village/shore time in Preko (about 1.5 hours)

Between these are short speedboat segments (about 15 minutes each) that keep energy high and prevent the day from dragging. That timing also helps you hit different shore looks as the light shifts. You get your best chance for memorable photos if you’re ready at the scenic breaks and not still scrambling for your phone.

If you’re the type who likes to sit and soak up views more than swim, you still get plenty of “pass by scenic views” time from the boat. But you’ll likely want at least one real swim window—this tour is designed around water time.

Price and value: what you’re paying for

The price is listed at $397 per group, shown with an up-to-1 capacity indicator in the details. Even if you treat that as “private-group pricing,” what you’re really paying for is control: your own boat, a skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, and drinks.

That can be good value if you compare it to the hidden costs of cobbling together a boat rental, paying for gear, and then buying drinks on top. Here, the inclusions reduce the usual “nickel-and-dime” feeling.

You’re also paying for speedboat access. Many island days from Zadar can be slower and less flexible. With this format, you can hit multiple locations in one afternoon without losing a chunk of your day to slow ferry timetables.

Who gets the best value?

• Couples and small groups who want privacy
• People who prioritize swimming/snorkeling over shopping time
• Anyone who likes the idea of a fun, adult-leaning boat day with drinks included

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip)

This tour is not for everyone, and that’s fine. It’s built for a specific kind of outing: fast boat movement, time in open water, and shore stops with swimming potential.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• Non-swimmers
• Pets are not allowed

So if you’re physically comfortable with speedboat rides and you can handle the water, you’re likely to enjoy the day. If not, you’ll have a better time choosing a calmer option.

Also, bring realistic expectations. This is a speedboat tour, not a long sightseeing charter. You’ll enjoy islands and beaches, but you won’t get a full day of wandering every town.

Should you book the Zadar island speedboat with drinks?

I’d book it if you want one afternoon in Zadar that feels different from typical island hopping. The mix of private speedboat freedom, real swim/snorkel time with gear, and included drinks makes it a high-pleasure day—especially if you’re traveling with someone who’s also into beaches and water.

You should pause before booking if:

• You or someone in your group can’t swim or isn’t comfortable with speedboat movement
• You need lots of wheelchair-friendly or fully accessible boarding (the tour notes say it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You’re looking for a long land-based walking itinerary (Preko is time for walking, but the day is still mostly boat-and-water)

If you’re a good fit, this is the kind of trip you’ll remember for the right reasons: the feel of the boat ride, the quick switches between shorelines, and the easy, laid-back vibe of drinks and swimming working together.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What islands and stops will we visit?

You’ll spend time around Ugljan (including Kostanj Bay), visit Ošljak, and stop in Preko (with access to Jaz beach).

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Zadar Boat Tours, with pickup commonly at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor, and there’s also spirits and a wine tasting during the day.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private group experience.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is English.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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