Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling

The best part of this Zadar outing is the mix of fast boat rides and slow island stops. In one half-day, you swim in a clear bay, walk a tiny island with only a few permanent families, and finish in Preko, where cafés and a sandy beach give you room to set your own pace.

I like the small group limit of 10 and the fact that water, cold drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. Skippers such as Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mario, and Mateo have earned strong praise for being friendly and flexible, especially when wind forces a route change.

The main drawback is that the trip can be less polished than the low price suggests. You must pay an additional €10 per person in fees, the meeting point can be confusing, and a full boat may leave you wet from spray. There is also no restroom onboard.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: Swim at Pjescana Uvala, stroll quiet Ošljak, and spend the longest break in Preko.
• Speedboat rather than sightseeing cruise: Expect spray, wind, and a lively ride, especially when the boat is full.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: The water is clear, but marine life may be limited at some stops.
• A €10 extra fee applies: This is separate from the advertised price and may need to be paid in cash.
• Skipper quality can shape the day: Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mario, Mateo, Gogo, and others receive especially warm praise.
• Pack for getting wet: Bring a dry bag, swimwear, sunscreen, and possibly sea shoes.

A four-hour taste of the Zadar islands

At about $38.71 per person, this is one of the less expensive ways to get onto the water around Zadar. The outing lasts roughly four hours and returns to the starting point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

I see this as a boat-and-swim sampler, not a serious island tour. You will not spend the day touring museums, hearing long historical talks, or visiting a string of famous landmarks. Instead, the appeal is simple: speed across the water, stop for a swim, walk around two island settlements, and enjoy the Adriatic from a small boat.

The experience carries a 4.7 rating from 145 ratings, with 93 percent recommending it. That strong result makes sense when the weather is good and you get an engaging skipper. It also explains why a few less positive outings feel so different: the trip depends heavily on wind, boat capacity, check-in organization, and how much information your skipper shares.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The start can be the least relaxing part of the outing. The meeting point is in Zadar, but finding the correct boat or representative may take patience. Several people found the check-in confusing, with no clear name signs and uncertainty about who was going where.

I would arrive early and keep the booking confirmation ready on your phone. If you are coming from a cruise terminal, budget for a taxi. The reported fare was about €20 each way, which can change the real cost of this inexpensive excursion.

Once you are aboard, the mood changes. The boat gives you a much more direct connection to the water than a large sightseeing vessel. You feel the speed, see the islands from a low angle, and get the kind of spray that makes the ride memorable, for better or worse.

On a windy day, the crossing can become very wet. One outing felt like a continuous shower for about 20 minutes, especially with a full boat. That is part of the fun for some people, but I would protect phones, cameras, wallets, and passports in a dry bag. Do not bring anything that cannot handle a soaking.

The boat holds up to 10 people. That is still a small group by excursion standards, but 10 adults can feel crowded on a small speedboat. A few people felt the ride would have been more comfortable with eight passengers.

Pjescana Uvala, a clear-water swimming stop

The first stop is Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj. It takes about 15 minutes by speedboat from Zadar, and the stop lasts around 40 minutes.

This bay is designed for a quick swim and a first try at snorkeling. The water is clear enough to see the sandy bottom and small fish, and the shallow look of the bay makes it an easy place to cool off.

The snorkeling here is more about clear water and a sandy bottom than a spectacular underwater show. Some people found little marine life to see, despite good visibility. You may enjoy the simple pleasure of floating in clean water more than the search for fish.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Still, I would bring your own goggles if you have them, since fit matters and shared masks do not work equally well for every face. Life jacket availability and sizing have not always felt consistent, so ask the crew for the right equipment before entering the water.

The first bay can vary with conditions. Wind may change the route or make swimming less comfortable. If the skipper directs you to another spot, that is likely a practical safety choice rather than a failure to follow the plan.

Be careful around the shore. One account described broken glass and rubbish near an abandoned building at a swimming area. That does not define every visit, but it is a good reason to stay in the recommended swimming zone and wear sea shoes if you plan to walk over rocky ground.

Ošljak, the quietest island stop

The second stop is Ošljak, the smallest island in the Zadar Archipelago. Only a few families live there, so the atmosphere is slow and quiet, especially outside the summer season.

You get about an hour here. The best use of that time is a gentle walk along the shore, with a look at the small ninth-century church and the remains of a hospital from the Second World War.

Ošljak is not a beach resort. It has no long list of attractions, and some people find the stop too isolated or lacking in things to do. That is precisely why I think it can work well after the speedboat ride. You get a break from engine noise, crowds, and a tightly managed schedule.

Keep your expectations modest. This is a place for a short walk, a quiet look around, and perhaps a swim if conditions allow. It is not a major historical site with formal displays or guided interpretation.

The skipper’s attitude matters here. A captain such as Lovre, Joseph, or Mario can make the stop feel more interesting by pointing out local details and suggesting where to walk. A less talkative skipper may simply tie up and leave you to explore on your own.

Preko, the longest and most flexible stop

Preko, on Ugljan Island, receives about an hour and a half, making it the longest stop of the day. That extra time gives you more freedom than the other two locations.

In summer, Preko has cafés and a livelier feel. Outside the main season, it becomes much quieter. You can sit with a coffee and look back toward the Zadar area, walk along the shore, or swim from the small sandy beach on the right-hand side.

If you bring snorkeling gear, this is another chance to enter the water. The supplied masks are available, but your own goggles may be more comfortable. Sea shoes can help on rocky or uneven edges, and Croatia is known for sea urchins away from cleared swimming areas.

A distinctive option is Galevac, the small island across from Preko. You can swim toward it and look for a monastery among the trees, but do not treat that as a guaranteed part of the guided outing. The time, wind, swimming ability, and skipper’s instructions all matter.

Preko is also the safest choice for a more relaxed break. You are not forced to keep snorkeling if you have had enough. You can find a café, stretch your legs, and enjoy the view before returning to the boat.

What the skipper adds to the day

This is not a heavily scripted tour, so your skipper has a large influence on the experience. Joseph and Lovre receive repeated praise for being friendly, helpful, and fun. Tony is especially associated with a lively ride, while Mario adjusted the route during windy conditions and made the best of the weather.

Gogo was praised for giving people enough time to swim, drink, and explore without rushing. Mateo was described as professional and warm. Other outings included skippers such as Emilio and Josef, with different levels of commentary and engagement.

That range is worth understanding before you book. Some captains offer facts about the islands and suggestions for each stop. Others may give only brief directions such as where to get out and swim. If you want a detailed history lesson, this may not be the right product.

I would book it for the freedom of a flexible half-day on the water, not for a guaranteed guiding performance. Wind can change the route, and the tone of the trip can change with the skipper assigned to your boat.

What is included, and what costs extra

The listed price includes bottled water, cold drinks, and the use of snorkeling equipment. No meal is included, so bring money or a small snack for Preko if you expect to be hungry.

A separate €10 per-person fee applies for fees and taxes. This charge has caused frustration because it is not always clear during the booking process and may be collected in cash without a receipt. I would treat that amount as part of the real price when comparing this outing with other boat trips.

The total cost can also rise if you need a taxi from the cruise terminal. For someone already near central Zadar, the value is much better. For a cruise passenger adding taxis and the extra fee, the outing may come close to twice the headline price.

There is no restroom onboard. That matters on a four-hour trip, particularly if you are traveling with children or prefer not to use cafés during the island stops. Use facilities before departure and plan to take advantage of the time in Preko.

Towels are not supplied. Bring one, along with a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof pouch. Cold drinks are provided, but the amount may feel limited, so take water if you need more.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip

I would recommend this outing to people who want a low-cost active day rather than a formal excursion. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy swimming, quick boat rides, and short walks.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want several island experiences in four hours.
• You enjoy being on a small boat and do not mind spray.
• You are happy with a light touch of guiding.
• You value swimming time more than major sights.
• You can manage a boat without an onboard restroom.
• You are comfortable with a route that may change in wind.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, dry cruise, guaranteed marine life, a full meal, or a detailed historical tour. I would also be cautious if you have limited mobility, since the provided information says most people can participate but does not give detailed access information for boarding, beaches, or island paths.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive 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.

My verdict: book it for the ride, not the polish

I think this is a good-value choice when the weather is settled and you want to see more than Zadar’s waterfront in a single morning or afternoon. The clear swimming bay, peaceful Ošljak, and flexible Preko stop give the day a useful rhythm.

The strongest reason to book is the combination of speedboat excitement, swimming, and island time at a modest base price. The strongest reason to hesitate is the uneven organization, extra €10 fee, possible taxi cost, limited snorkeling, and lack of onboard facilities.

Book it if you can pack light, accept getting wet, and treat the exact route as weather-dependent. If you want the best chance of a fun day, arrive early, protect your valuables, bring your own goggles and sea shoes, and hope for a skipper with the easygoing style of Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mario, Mateo, or Gogo.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start and finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The planned stops include about 40 minutes at Pjescana Uvala, one hour at Ošljak, and one hour and 30 minutes at Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and cold drinks.

Is food included?

No. Dinner or other food is not included in the price. You can use the cafés in Preko during the longest stop.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom onboard, and towels are not supplied.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the start time.