Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar outing is the mix of fast boat rides and real time ashore. You get a clear-water swim in a quiet bay, a walk around tiny Ošljak, and time in the seaside village of Preko. I like that the trip does not trap you on the boat for four straight hours, and I like the small group size, capped at 10 people. The main catch is practical: fuel costs extra, and there is no toilet on board.

Guides such as Jure, Joseph, Josip, and Željko are frequently assigned, though your skipper depends on which of the company’s three boats runs that day. Bring a towel, sun protection, cash, and a change of clothes. On windy days, expect sea spray.

Key points to know before booking

• A proper swim stop: You get about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in a clear bay, with masks supplied but no snorkel tube.
• Ošljak feels small and local: This is Croatia’s smallest inhabited island, with old Dalmatian houses, quiet paths, and time for a swim.
• Preko gives you a village visit: You have about 75 minutes for a walk, coffee, food, shopping, or another swim.
• A lively small-group ride: The boat carries no more than 10 people, and the open speedboat makes the cruising part of the experience.
• Drinks are included: Expect bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person, with some recent trips also offering a good supply of cold drinks.
• Plan for the limits: Fuel is paid separately, food is not included, and the boat has no restroom.

A short speedboat ride from Zadar’s old walls

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. This is a useful location if you are already exploring the old town, but the dock area can be confusing because several companies run similar boat trips nearby.

Take a photo of your position and send it to the provider on WhatsApp if you cannot spot the right boat. That small step may save you a bit of dockside wandering. The company operates three boats, so do not expect one fixed vessel every day.

The group limit is 10 people. That matters here. On a narrow open boat, a small group gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable seat and makes it easier to ask the skipper questions. Several guides, including Jure, Joseph, Josip, and Željko, are praised for keeping the mood relaxed, explaining the area, and helping with photos.

The first boat ride lasts about 15 minutes. It is not a long transfer, but it gives you a quick look at the Zadar archipelago and lets you feel the speed of the boat. This is not a large sightseeing ferry. It is an open speedboat, so you should expect wind, motion, and occasional spray, especially if the sea is rough.

The first stop is all about clear water

After the opening ride, the boat reaches a secluded bay described as a blue bay or secret swimming stop. You have around 50 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The water is the main event: clear, turquoise, and suited to jumping from the boat if conditions allow.

A mask is included, but the equipment is limited to the mask itself. There is no snorkel tube, so bring your own if you want to look underwater for longer. Life vests are available, and the guide can direct you toward the swimming area.

This stop works well because it comes early. You do not spend the first half of the tour waiting for the best part. You can get wet, cool off, and then spend the rest of the trip in dry clothes or continue swimming at later stops.

Still, do not picture a full beach club. You are stopping in a natural bay, not at a developed resort. There is no food service here, no boat toilet, and no promise of a broad sandy beach. Pack beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in a small bag that can handle spray.

Ošljak offers a quieter hour on land

From the swimming bay, it is about a 10-minute speedboat ride to Ošljak. The island is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and its appeal is its scale. You are not coming for a long list of sights. You are coming to slow down, walk among old Dalmatian houses, see a quieter side of island life, and perhaps swim again.

You have about one hour at Ošljak. That is enough for an easy walk and some free time, though you should not expect a major town or a packed sightseeing program. The old houses and narrow paths give the stop a local feel that a standard coastal cruise often misses.

I like this middle stop because it breaks up the water time. If you are prone to seasickness, that hour on land can make the half-day easier. One family also found the boat jump especially popular with children, though you should judge the conditions and your child’s comfort for yourself.

Ošljak is less suitable if you want shops, restaurants, or formal attractions. Its charm is modest. You will get more from it if you pay attention to the quiet setting rather than expecting a full island tour.

Preko gives you the longest break

The next ride lasts about 15 minutes and takes you to Preko, a village on Ugljan Island. This is the longest stop, at roughly 75 minutes, and it gives you the most freedom to choose how you spend your time.

You can walk through the village, stop for coffee, look for Croatian food, browse for a souvenir, or swim. The schedule is useful because it allows you to do more than take a quick photo and return to the boat. You have enough time to get a taste of ordinary island life, though a 75-minute visit still requires some choices.

The tour information also mentions Galevac, a small island near Preko. Depending on the exact route and conditions, this may be included as part of the Preko stop rather than as a separate long visit. Ask your skipper how much time is planned for Galevac when you board.

Preko is likely to be your best stop if you want a little of everything: a village walk, a drink, local food, and another look at the sea. It is also the only stop where you have a clear chance to buy food, since meals are not included in the tour price.

One point to watch is timing. If you are traveling with young children or move slowly, 75 minutes can pass quickly. Walking, ordering food, shopping, and swimming may not all fit comfortably. Pick one or two priorities before you get off the boat.

The ride back is part of the sightseeing

The return trip takes about 15 minutes. By then, you will have spent much of the outing alternating between cruising and getting off the boat, which is why the four-hour format feels well judged.

From the water, you can take in the Zadar coastline and the surrounding islands without committing to a full-day excursion. That makes this a good choice for a first afternoon in Zadar, or for a day when you want time left for the old town, the Sea Organ, or dinner.

Some trips have included dolphin sightings, but that is luck, not part of the plan. Keep your eyes open, but do not book this tour expecting wildlife watching.

The open boat also means the ride home may be wet if the wind picks up. Wear swimwear under your clothes, keep electronics protected, and avoid bringing anything you would be upset to lose to spray.

What the $35 price really buys you

At $35 per person, this is a low-cost way to get onto the Adriatic for four hours. The value comes from the combination of transport, guided stops, swimming time, island visits, and included drinks. You are not paying only for a quick boat ride from the harbor.

The package includes the boat tour, an English-speaking guide, life vests, a mask, bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person. Food is not included, and the mask does not come with a snorkel tube. Most importantly, fuel is charged separately before departure, so the final cost will be higher than the advertised base price.

I would still call it good value for visitors who want a short coastal outing rather than a full-day cruise. A private boat would cost much more, while a large ferry would not give you the same swimming stop or guided schedule. The tradeoff is comfort and space. This is a small open speedboat, not a shaded cabin with a bathroom.

Recent trips have used newer, clean, comfortable boats, though the exact boat may vary. Since the company runs three vessels, the experience can depend somewhat on the boat assigned and the skipper leading it.

The guides shape the mood

The strongest part of the human side of this trip is the skipper. Jure is often described as friendly, funny, attentive, and informative. Joseph has been praised for keeping drinks ready, explaining the stops, and making people feel comfortable. Josip is known for a calm, organized approach, while Željko has been described as warm and good company.

Those names are not a guarantee of who you will meet. The guide depends on the schedule and boat assignment. Still, the pattern is clear: the tour works best when the skipper adds local explanation and keeps an eye on comfort, rather than simply driving between points.

You should feel free to ask about the islands, the coastline, and the route. The guides also often help with photographs, which is useful when everyone wants a group picture near the water.

Drinks are simple but welcome

The included drinks fit the relaxed style of the trip. You get bottled water, iced tea, and beer. Cold drinks matter more than they may sound after a sunny swim and a walk around the islands.

There is no included meal, so eat before departure or use Preko to buy something. If you want Croatian food during the tour, the village stop is your best opportunity. Bring cash, since the practical information for the trip specifically recommends it.

Do not expect unlimited bar service or a formal onboard lunch. Think of the drinks as a useful extra, not the reason to book.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A half-day escape from Zadar
• A small group instead of a large ferry
• Time for swimming in clear water
• A simple introduction to island villages
• A mix of boat travel and walking
• A relaxed activity for couples, friends, or families with older children

It can also suit families with younger children. One family traveled with children aged 7 and 2 and enjoyed the boat ride and swimming stop. But young children can make the 75-minute village stop feel short, and you will need to handle towels, spare clothes, sunscreen, and safe movement on an open boat.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, or have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for anyone over 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds.

If you are very sensitive to motion, remember that the boat is open and fast. One useful feature is the time spent ashore, but the ride can still be uncomfortable on a rough day. Check the forecast and ask the provider about conditions if the sea looks choppy.

Practical preparation for a smoother ride

Wear beachwear and bring a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, cash, and a full change of clothes. A waterproof pouch for your phone is a smart choice because spray is possible even when the weather looks fine.

Handle your bathroom needs before boarding. There is no restroom on the boat, and the only toilet access comes at the last stop. This is one of the few details that can affect the comfort of an otherwise easy outing.

Parking near the waterfront can be difficult. If you are driving, allow extra time and consider arriving without relying on a nearby parking space. The meeting point is easiest to reach if you are already in or near central Zadar.

The tour is conducted in English. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Should you book the Zadar island tour?

Book it if you want a compact Adriatic sampler rather than a full-day expedition. The clear-water swim, Ošljak walk, Preko visit, small group, and included drinks make good use of four hours. You get movement, scenery, and time on land without giving up your entire day.

Skip it if you need a restroom on board, want a proper meal included, dislike open boats, or prefer a slow ferry with plenty of indoor seating. Also remember to add the separate fuel charge to your budget.

For most people staying in Zadar for a few days, I think this is a sensible choice. The trip gives you a taste of the coast, a chance to swim, and a look at island life, all while leaving the rest of the day free.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stop, visits to Ošljak and Preko, and the return to Zadar.

Where does the tour start?

You meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, behind the restaurant Foša, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the boat, an English-speaking guide, life vests, a mask without a snorkel tube, bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person.

Is fuel included?

No. Fuel is not included in the advertised price and is paid separately before the tour begins.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board. Toilet access is available at the last stop, so use the bathroom before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. Protect your phone and other valuables from possible sea spray.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for people over 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds.