Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is its mix of clear-water swim stops and real island time. You get off the boat to wander Ošljak, explore Preko, and enjoy the coast from the water, rather than spending four hours simply speeding past it. I especially like the small-boat feel and the generous time set aside for swimming.

I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, life vests, shade, and unlimited water are included, with beer and juice often offered aboard. The one thing to consider is that there is no toilet on the boat, and food is not included, so plan ahead before leaving the marina.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: Swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter island stop, and the waters near Preko.
• Small-group atmosphere: The boat has commonly carried around seven or eight people, leaving room to move and relax.
• Two different island experiences: Ošljak feels quiet and compact, while Preko offers shops, restaurants, and a more developed village setting.
• Four hours well used: Transfers between stops are short, with about 45 minutes to an hour at each main location.
• Helpful local guides: Dino, David, Davide, and Stella have led trips, offering island information and keeping the day flexible.
• Good value at $49: Fuel, boat transport, snorkeling equipment, water, shade, and a guide are included.

A small speedboat and a big stretch of Adriatic

This is a good choice if you want to see the islands near Zadar without committing to a full-day cruise. The trip lasts four hours, which is long enough for several swims and two land stops, but short enough to fit neatly into a morning or afternoon.

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. From there, you head through the Bay of Foša and out toward the islands. The ride itself is part of the fun. You get broad views of Zadar’s coast, open water, and the low island shores, while the speedboat cuts down the time spent between stops.

The boat size is one of the main reasons this outing feels different from a large sightseeing cruise. Trips have often had about seven or eight people aboard. That gives you more space than many shared boat excursions, and it makes it easier to ask the guide to explain what you are seeing or help you with the snorkeling equipment.

The exact guide may vary. Dino received especially warm praise for being relaxed and flexible, while David, Davide, and Stella were also singled out for friendly service and useful information. The common thread is a hands-on style: guides check that you are comfortable, offer drinks during the ride, and help shape the pace of the stops.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first swim in clear water

After roughly 20 minutes by speedboat, you reach Blue Bay Otrić, the first of the main swimming locations. You have about 45 minutes here for a break, a swim, and snorkeling.

This is the stop to make the most of your equipment. Snorkeling masks are supplied, and the water is described as clear enough to see fish below the surface. You can swim straight from the boat and spend the time at your own pace rather than being rushed through a short photo stop.

The first stop also gives you a chance to settle into the rhythm of the tour. You can test the water, get used to boarding and leaving the boat, and decide how much swimming you want to do later. Life vests are included, which helps if you are not a confident swimmer.

Bring a hat and comfortable clothes, but remember that the boat is built around water time. A change of clothes is useful after three swim stops. You should also bring any drink you particularly want, since food is not included and the trip information specifically recommends bringing drinks. Unlimited water is provided, and beer or juice may also be available on board.

Ošljak: one hour on a compact island

The next speedboat ride takes about 15 minutes, followed by a longer stop at Ošljak. You get around an hour here for walking, photographs, swimming, and a look around the island.

Ošljak works well because it gives you a proper break from the boat. Instead of seeing the island only from offshore, you can wander at your own pace and choose whether to focus on the shoreline or the small local setting. The guide provides information about the area, then gives you freedom to explore rather than keeping you in a tight group.

The stop is described as a quieter, more scenic part of the outing. You might spend part of the hour walking and part of it in the water. If you prefer a slow island visit, this is likely to be your favorite stop. If you want cafés, shops, and lots of choice, Ošljak may feel too small, which is precisely why it pairs well with Preko later in the day.

Take cash with you. It is listed among the recommended items, and you may want it for purchases during the land stops. The tour does not include food, so do not assume that lunch or snacks will be available. The schedule is only four hours, and the focus is swimming and sightseeing rather than a meal break.

Ugljan and Preko: the most complete island stop

After another 15-minute ride, you reach Preko on Ugljan. This is the longest land stop, with about an hour for walking, shopping, photographs, swimming, and seeing the village.

Preko is the most developed stop on the route. You can walk through the village, browse for souvenirs, find a place to buy something, or use the time for one more swim. The setting gives the tour a useful change of pace. Blue Bay Otrić is mainly about water, Ošljak offers a quieter island pause, and Preko brings in the everyday side of island life.

I would save a little energy for this stop. Several people have found Preko to be the highlight because it feels charming and relaxed, not just like a beach landing. You have enough time to walk around without turning the hour into a rushed dash between shops.

At the same time, Preko is more oriented toward visitors than the earlier stop. If your ideal island experience means empty shorelines and complete quiet, this may feel less secluded. If you like having the option of a café, a shop, or a village walk, it is a welcome contrast.

The schedule lists swimming and snorkeling here as well. You can decide how to divide the hour. A short walk followed by a swim is probably the most satisfying use of the stop, especially if the weather is warm and you have already spent much of the day on the water.

The return ride is part of the experience

Once you leave Preko, the boat heads to another idyllic swimming location before returning to Zadar. The final ride back takes about 20 minutes, with drinks available aboard and views of the coastline along the way.

This last stretch matters because the tour is not simply three island visits connected by transport. The boat ride lets you see the coast from a different angle, and the open-water views give the outing a pleasant finish. You can sit under the sunshade, take in the scenery, and cool down after the swimming stops.

The wording for the route describes three beautiful swimming locations, while the timed itinerary identifies Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter island stop, and Preko as the main breaks. In practical terms, you should expect several opportunities to enter the water, plus two chances to walk on land. The exact order or timing may shift with conditions and the group’s preferences.

That flexibility is useful. Guides have adjusted time according to what people wanted to do, and the small group makes this easier than on a large boat. Still, flexibility does not mean unlimited time. Each stop has a planned window, so keep an eye on the boat and return promptly when asked.

What $49 really gets you

At $49 per person, this is strong value if you want transport, swimming, and island time in one compact outing. You are paying for a speedboat, fuel, an English-speaking guide, life vests, snorkeling equipment, shade, and unlimited water. You also get about four hours on the coast, with several stops included.

The value becomes clearer when you compare the parts separately. A simple boat transfer would not give you swimming gear or local explanations. A beach visit would not give you the views from the water or the chance to see Ošljak and Preko in the same outing. The tour combines those pieces without the time commitment of a full-day island cruise.

Beer and juice have been offered on some trips, which is a pleasant extra, but I would treat those drinks as part of the boat service rather than the core promise. Water is included. Food is not, and there is no toilet on the boat, so eat beforehand and think carefully about your comfort during the four-hour outing.

The price is also attractive for couples and small groups who want a more personal boat day without hiring a private vessel. It is less suitable if you want a formal meal, a long guided history tour, or a luxury yacht experience. This is a straightforward, active coastal trip, and its value comes from time in the water and the number of places covered.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it most to couples, friends, and families with older children who want a little activity mixed with easy sightseeing. The swimming stops are the heart of the day, but you do not need to spend every minute in the water. You can walk around Ošljak and Preko while others swim.

It also works well for people staying in Zadar who do not have time for a longer island excursion. Four hours leaves room for other plans, and the afternoon departure option can work especially well in summer. One past trip began at 4 p.m., allowing the group to return as the sun was going down. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Non-swimmers can still enjoy the boat ride and island walks, but you should be comfortable getting on and off a small speedboat. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated, and babies under one year are not accepted. Very young children may find the boat and repeated transfers tiring, even though the tour is not a full-day commitment.

You should also be ready for sun, spray, and a wet change of clothes. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a hat, and pack a dry outfit. Sunscreen is a sensible addition even though it is not listed among the required items.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, with the boat tied to the walls. The tour is conducted in English, and a live guide travels with you.

The boat includes a sunshade, but shade is not the same as full protection from the sun. Bring a hat and use sun protection before boarding. Cash is recommended for the island stops, especially if you want to buy something in Preko.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Zadar plans are still moving around.

The tour is not designed for a formal meal or extended toilet access. Eat before you go, use facilities at the marina, and bring only what you can keep secure on a small boat. A waterproof pouch for your phone and cash would be sensible, though it is not specifically provided.

Should you book the Zadar three-island tour?

Book it if you want a short, well-paced day on the water with plenty of swimming, a small group, and enough island time to feel that you actually visited somewhere. The combination of clear water, snorkeling gear, Ošljak’s quieter setting, and Preko’s village atmosphere gives the trip more variety than a simple beach cruise.

Skip it if you need a toilet aboard, a meal included, wheelchair access, or a long cultural tour with detailed historical commentary. It is also not the right pick if you dislike swimming or small speedboats.

For most visitors with four free hours in Zadar, the $49 price is easy to justify. You get a friendly guide, several water stops, two different island experiences, and a relaxed ride along the coast. Pack a hat, dry clothes, cash, and a practical attitude about the missing toilet. Then you can spend the day doing what this trip does best: swimming, snorkeling, walking, and enjoying the Adriatic without overcomplicating it.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including boat transfers, swimming, snorkeling, and free time on Ošljak and in Preko.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls at the meeting point.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Ugljan, with a stop in Preko on Ugljan. It also includes swimming stops at Blue Bay Otrić and another scenic water location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Drinks such as beer and juice may also be offered on board, but food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat, so use facilities before departure.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.