Island hopping from Zadar feels way faster. This speedboat day trip links Kostanj Beach, Ošljak (a tiny island), and Preko on Ugljan, with enough swim time to feel like a real change of scenery. You also get a local skipper who can point out good spots and keep the day running smoothly.

I like the small group setup (max 10), because it stays relaxed and personal. I also like that snorkeling gear is included, plus you’re given beer and water during the trip, so the whole experience feels practical rather than rushed.

One consideration: this tour isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re a non-swimmer or you have certain medical limitations. Also, the sea at the first swim stop can feel cool in some months, so don’t plan on long, casual floating if you run cold.

Key takeaways on the Zadar–Ugljan–Ošljak–Preko speedboat loop

• Small group (up to 10 people) means more time for questions and a calmer boat ride
• Snorkeling gear included makes it easy to try the underwater sights without extra stops
• Kostanj sandy bay (about 1 hour) is built for a proper swim and relaxed water time
• Ošljak stop (about 45 minutes) gives you photos and quick sea time on the smallest inhabited island
• Preko on Ugljan (about 75 minutes) is your walk-and-lunch window in a real village setting
• Beer and water included, with extra drinks kept on hand during the day

Why this Zadar speedboat day feels efficient

Zadar is great, but the islands are where the Adriatic magic really happens. What I like about this tour is the timing: it’s short enough to avoid a full-day travel drag, but structured enough that you actually get three different “moods” in one run.

You’re not just doing one beach and calling it a day. You get a sandy bay for an easy first swim, a smaller island stop for photos and a quick break in the water, then a village stop where you can slow down and wander on foot. That mix is a smart way to experience the Zadar archipelago without gambling on ferries and schedules.

And because you’re on a speedboat, you spend less time in transit and more time with your feet in the sea. Even the transport side scores extremely well, with 97% of reviewers giving a perfect transport score—that matters when you’re trusting a day on the water.

Speedboat comfort, group size, and how the skipper shapes the vibe

This tour runs with a small group capped at 10, which changes the whole feel. Boats can get chaotic fast, but here you should be able to hear the captain’s briefings, get help getting on and off, and ask practical questions without waiting your turn.

The meeting point is straightforward: you find Zadar Boat Tours and the skipper waits in a boat with the company logo at the waterfront. You don’t need to hunt around or guess which boat is yours. You also skip the ticket line, which sounds minor until you’re doing it in summer heat.

The ride itself has a social vibe. Multiple experiences note music playing on board and an upbeat atmosphere, but the day still stays grounded by the skipper’s local knowledge—especially on where the water looks best for swimming and snorkeling. Depending on the day, your captain may be someone like Luca or Kristijan (Kačan), and those names keep showing up connected with friendly, capable handling of the group.

Kostanj sandy bay: your first hour of swimming and snorkeling

Your first real stop is Kostanj, a sandy beach in a sheltered bay. This is the easiest entry to the sea of the whole tour. Sandy shoreline means less hassle getting in and out, and it’s a great place to test the water before you commit to snorkeling longer than a few minutes.

This is also where the day turns from “boat ride” into “vacation.” Expect time for sightseeing from the water, plus plenty of chances for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is included, so you can put it on right at the stop and start exploring the underwater world without renting anything.

A small practical note from what I’ve seen happen on similar Adriatic trips: the first swim can feel chilly depending on the month. If you’re sensitive to cooler water, treat this stop like a warm-up. Do a short snorkel, then take breaks when you need them. You’ll still feel like you got your money’s worth, because this hour is built for repeat laps: swim, rest, take photos, repeat.

Ošljak Island: photo stop plus a quick sea-time reset

Next you head to Ošljak, an island described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. That alone makes it interesting, but the point of this stop is simpler: it’s time to see the island from the right angles and enjoy a change of scenery.

You’ll typically get around 45 minutes here, enough for photos, a bit of sightseeing, and a swim/snorkel moment if conditions are good. With a small group, this kind of stop works well. You’re not trapped in a long excursion with everyone’s pace forced to match. If you want to spend 15 minutes in the water and another 20 minutes walking around the viewpoint areas, you can.

What I like about including a small island like Ošljak is how it breaks up the day visually. Kostanj is sandy and relaxed. Preko will give you village streets and lunch potential. Ošljak sits right in the middle as a compact nature-and-water stop, where the best moments are often the short ones.

Preko on Ugljan: the best time window for walking and lunch

The highlight for many people is usually the Preko village stop on Ugljan Island, where you’re given about 75 minutes. That’s long enough to do more than just step off the boat. You can actually wander, grab food, and take a dip again if you want.

This is where the tour stops feeling like a schedule and starts feeling like an island day. Preko is a small village with enough charm to justify walking at an easy pace. If you like to move slowly on vacation—stroll a side street, scan menus, then come back to the sea—this timing supports that.

Also, this is the moment when you’re most likely to feel like the day was worth it even if you’re not planning to snorkel for hours. Many people will snorkel because the gear is included, but even if snorkeling isn’t your priority, Preko’s on-foot time gives you something different from “more water stops.”

One practical tip: plan your snack or lunch decision early. Once you’re on the clock, you’ll enjoy the village more if you don’t start panicking about where to eat ten minutes before the boat leaves.

What’s included (and how to use it without thinking too hard)

For $57 per person, the tour includes the core stuff you actually need on a short sea day:

• Speedboat tour
• Snorkeling gear
• Beer and water

That “just enough” inclusion is part of the value. You’re not paying extra to try snorkeling, and you’re not stuck buying every drink in between stops. The boat ride also tends to feel well-prepped in practice, with drinks kept accessible during the cruise.

Bring your own basics so you don’t end up scrambling. The tour asks you to pack sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. I’d add one more comfort-focused idea: wear sandals or swim-friendly footwear that you can rinse off easily, because you’ll be moving from boat to shore and back.

And while you’ll have gear provided, remember: snorkeling comfort depends on how you move. Take a slow, controlled pace. Spend more time watching than chasing bubbles. You’ll get the marine life viewing moments more consistently that way.

Price and value: is $57 fair for a 4-hour island run?

For Croatia, a speedboat day can get expensive fast. What makes this one feel fair is the balance between time and included extras.

You’re paying for:

• Three locations (Kostanj beach + Ošljak + Preko on Ugljan)
• A total of about 4 hours on the water-and-island loop
• Snorkeling gear (so you’re not paying again at each stop)
• Beer and water (so you’re not spending your budget on drinks)

I’d call this strong value if your goal is a classic “islands + swimming” day without building your own route. If you’re the type who hates waiting for ferries or figuring out timing, the speedboat format is the value.

One more subtle point: the maximum group size of 10 helps justify the price. When boats are full, tours often feel like a rush-job. Here, the smaller setup supports a more relaxed pace at the swim and walking stops.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a short, active island day with real variety. It’s a good fit if you:

• like swimming and want the option to snorkel
• enjoy village wandering between water stops
• want an easy day from Zadar without complex planning

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems or heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• Non-swimmers
• People over 264 lbs (120 kg)

Also, pets are not allowed.

If any of those items apply to you, it’s better to choose a different style of tour where the boat and water exposure fit your needs. For everyone else, the day’s structure is designed for comfortable short bursts—swim, snorkel, walk, repeat.

Practical tips for your day on the Adriatic

You’ll have a lot of sun exposure, so treat this like a proper beach day even though you’re mostly on the boat. The tour’s list is solid: sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen.

A few on-the-water habits that help:

• Keep your towel ready for the boat-to-beach transitions so you’re not scrambling after a swim.
• Use your first snorkeling attempt as a “calibration,” not a performance. If water feels cool or visibility is limited, adjust calmly and try again later.
• Don’t overpack your schedule. Preko’s walk time is your moment to slow down—let it be simple.

Also, check your departure time in advance since it depends on availability. Some departures fit well into a late-morning routine for people who want a longer lunch window, and Preko’s stop is timed in a way that supports eating while you’re there.

Should you book the Zadar: Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko Islands speedboat tour?

If you want an island day that balances swimming, snorkeling, and a real village walk—all in about 4 hours—this is a strong choice. The small group cap, the included snorkeling gear, and the fact that you get both sandy-beach time and Preko’s strolling time are the big reasons.

I’d book it especially if you dislike complicated logistics and you’d rather pay a fair price for a planned route that prioritizes your time on the water.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Zadar islands speedboat tour?

It lasts 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $57 per person.

What stops will we make during the trip?

You visit the Kostanj sandy beach area, Ošljak, and Preko village on Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What drinks are included?

Beer and water are included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Zadar Boat Tours at the waterfront. The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo.

How large is the group?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers and young children?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it is also not suitable for children under 2 years.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

OnBird – Private family KID-FRIENDLY Snorkeling trip by speedboat in Phu QuocFully Private Speed Boat Tours, VIP-style Miami Speedboat Tour of Star Island!From Queenstown: Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat ExperienceREAL snorkel &island hopping by SPEEDBOAT-EXPLORE CUISINES(MAX12)