Explore Islands and Blue Bay Snorkeling Adventure on Speedboat

The best part of this trip is the change of pace: within a short boat ride from Zadar, you move from city streets to clear, shallow water at Pjescana Uvala, then on to two small island stops. I like the easy mix of swimming, snorkeling, a short walk, and free time for lunch or coffee.

I also like that snorkeling equipment and cold drinks are included, and the group is limited to 12 people. The main catch is simple: there is no restroom on board, towels are not supplied, and windy weather can slow the boat and reduce time at the final stop.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different stops: Swim at Pjescana Uvala, wander on Ošljak, and finish with food or coffee in Preko.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You can use the masks and equipment without bringing your own.
• A small group on a speedboat: The maximum group size is 12 people, making this more personal than a large excursion boat.
• The final stop is flexible: Use your time in Preko for lunch, a sea-view coffee, or a walk to a small sandy beach.
• Weather affects the schedule: Wind can make the boat slower and shorten time at later stops.
• Pack your own basics: Bring a towel and personal items, since neither towels nor onboard storage for personal belongings is provided.

A quick escape from Zadar by speedboat

This four-hour outing works because it does not try to pack in too much sightseeing. You are not racing from one major attraction to another. Instead, the day gives you three island and coastal pauses, each with a different purpose.

The boat leaves from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar and returns to the same meeting point. The trip is offered in English, and confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. It is also close to public transportation, which makes the start easier if you are staying elsewhere in town.

At about $36.05 per person, the price is reasonable for a half-day on the water, especially since petrol, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included. You still need to pay for your own meal in Preko, and the tour does not include towels. That keeps the base price down, but you should plan for lunch or coffee if you want to use the final stop well.

One practical warning: the pickup point can be confusing because several boat tours use the same area. Give yourself extra time, check the exact meeting point, and look for the Alice Tours boat rather than assuming the first excursion you see is yours.

Pjescana Uvala, the best first swim

The first stop is Pjescana Uvala, a blue lagoon bay close to Zadar. The water here is described as low and crystal clear, which makes it the natural place to start snorkeling.

You have about one hour. That is enough time to put on the supplied mask, get comfortable in the water, and look around at the shallow bay. If you are new to snorkeling, this is likely the least intimidating place to practice because the water is calm enough for a relaxed introduction, although conditions can still vary with the weather.

Cold welcome drinks are provided at this stop. That small touch matters after getting settled on the boat, and it means you do not need to bring every drink for the morning yourself. Still, I would bring additional water if you tend to drink a lot in the sun.

The bay is more about time in the water than about sightseeing on land. If you want long walks, historic buildings, or a full beach day, this is not that kind of stop. Think of Pjescana Uvala as a practical and pleasant opening swim, with snorkeling as the main event.

Ošljak, a quiet island pause

The boat then continues to Ošljak, a small island between the Blue Lagoon area and Ugljan Island. The stop lasts about one hour and gives you two choices.

You can swim again with the snorkeling masks, or you can walk uphill to look for the island’s windmill. The walk gives the stop a little more shape than a simple swim break, but the information provided does not promise a long guided walk or a full sightseeing program. You should treat it as a short independent wander rather than a formal island tour.

Ošljak is likely to appeal most if you enjoy quiet places and small-scale stops. It is not presented as a crowded resort or a major attraction. The point is the feeling of being briefly away from Zadar, with time to stretch your legs or cool off in the sea.

The one-hour limit is useful here. You get enough time to choose between walking and swimming without losing half the day. On the other hand, you may need to pick one main activity rather than doing both at a leisurely pace.

Preko, where the trip becomes your own

The final stop is Preko, a village on Ugljan Island. You have about one hour and 15 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the day.

Preko gives you the most freedom. You can sit down for lunch at a local restaurant, order a coffee with a sea view, or walk to the right toward a small sandy beach. Food is not included, so this is the point where your personal spending affects the total cost.

I like this stop because it prevents the outing from becoming nothing more than a sequence of swimming breaks. You can eat, sit, walk, or swim, depending on your mood. If you are traveling with a mixed group, that flexibility is useful because not everyone has to do the same thing.

There is also a trade-off. One person found the final meal stop too long, especially after wind had already slowed the boat and reduced the time available elsewhere. If you would rather spend every possible minute in the water, Preko may feel overextended. If you want an unhurried lunch and a change from the boat, the extra 15 minutes are welcome.

The village is lively during summer and quieter outside the main season. That means the atmosphere can change depending on when you visit. Do not expect a fixed level of activity throughout the year.

What the small speedboat group changes

The tour takes a maximum of 12 people. That is small enough to make questions and simple requests easier than they would be on a large boat, while still being a shared outing rather than a private charter.

The guide is expected to help with the stops, answer questions, and keep an eye on the group in the water. Bart is one guide associated with the trip, and the available comments describe him as attentive and helpful. The guide’s role appears strongest in keeping the day organized and making sure everyone knows what is happening at each stop.

A speedboat also changes the feel of the trip. You spend less time getting between the stops than you might on a slower vessel, but the ride is more exposed to wind. Wind can reduce speed, and that can affect the time available later in the schedule. The boat operator adjusts speed to the weather, so the exact rhythm of the day is not completely fixed.

This is worth keeping in mind if you have a strict plan after the tour. The advertised duration is about four hours, but weather can influence how the time is distributed. The trip returns to the starting point in Zadar.

Snorkeling without bringing your own equipment

The supplied snorkeling equipment is one of the strongest practical advantages. You can arrive without packing a mask, which makes the tour easier for a short holiday or a last-minute booking.

The gear is used at Pjescana Uvala and Ošljak. These stops are designed for swimming and snorkeling, not for a full instructional course. If you have never used a mask before, expect to practice on your own with basic help from the guide rather than receive a formal lesson.

Bring a towel. Towels are specifically not included, and the boat does not provide a restroom. The information also notes that personal items such as towels are not available on board, so keep your packing simple and think carefully about what you need during the four hours.

A small, secure bag for essentials is sensible, but do not assume there is a dedicated place for every personal item. You should also plan your clothing around getting wet, since two of the three stops include swimming opportunities.

Food, drinks, and the real cost of the day

Cold drinks are included, which covers a basic need and makes the trip feel more prepared than a bare boat transfer. No meal is included, though, and Preko is the place to buy one.

That arrangement gives you control. You can have a full lunch at a local restaurant, keep spending low with coffee, or simply use the village as a walking and swimming stop. The advertised price stays at about $36.05 because the tour does not bundle food into the fare.

For value, I would rate the outing strongest for people who want several activities in one short half-day. You are paying for the boat ride, fuel, guide, drinks, snorkeling gear, and access to three stops. Someone who only wants a beach afternoon might find a simpler local option more suitable, while someone who wants to see a little more of the Zadar island area gets good use from the package.

Remember to budget for lunch, drinks beyond the included supply, and anything you buy in Preko. The price does not cover all fees and taxes, according to the supplied details, so check the final booking total carefully.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this tour to couples, friends, and small groups who want an easy break from Zadar without committing to a full-day cruise. The schedule gives you enough structure to avoid planning every detail, but enough free time to choose how active you want to be.

It is also a good fit if you want to try snorkeling without buying or carrying equipment. Swimmers will get the most from Pjescana Uvala and Ošljak, while people who prefer land-based stops can walk on Ošljak or spend the final hour in Preko.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the choice between swimming, walking, and eating, though each participant should be comfortable taking part in a boat trip with no restroom on board. The information says most people can participate, but it does not provide specific details about mobility access or child policies. If those details matter to you, ask Alice Tours before booking.

This is less suited to anyone seeking a private, quiet charter, a long guided history tour, or a guaranteed fast ride regardless of weather. It is also not ideal if you dislike changing from boat to water and back again.

Weather, timing, and a few useful cautions

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions lead to cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Wind is the main factor to watch. It can slow the speedboat and shorten the time available at the later stops. I would avoid scheduling an important activity immediately after the advertised return time, especially if the forecast looks unsettled.

The tour is booked, on average, about six days ahead. That is not a guarantee that it will sell out, but it is a useful sign that you should reserve early if your Zadar dates are fixed. Confirmation is subject to availability and is sent within 48 hours.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 18 ratings, with 94 percent recommending the outing. Those numbers point to a dependable small-group trip, but they do not remove the practical limits: weather matters, food costs extra, and the boat has no restroom.

Should you book the Zadar island snorkeling tour?

Book it if you want a compact half-day on the water with three stops, supplied snorkeling gear, cold drinks, and a final village break. The mix works particularly well for couples and groups who want both swimming and time on land.

Skip it if your priority is a private boat, a guaranteed timetable, or a long, organized sightseeing walk. Also think twice if you need a restroom on board or prefer a tour where lunch is already included.

For most people, the best way to approach this trip is to pack a towel, bring only useful personal items, allow extra time to find the correct boat at the meeting point, and keep your schedule after the tour flexible. If that sounds comfortable, the price offers a practical way to see Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko without arranging the transport yourself.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and returns to the meeting point in Zadar.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included?

The tour stops at Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko on Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the swimming stops.

Are food and drinks included?

Cold drinks are included, but no food is included. You can buy lunch or coffee during the stop in Preko.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board, and towels are not provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.