Zadar: Original Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour

A small speedboat is a fine way to see the Adriatic around Zadar. In a few hours, you can leave the city waterfront behind, swim from the boat in Blue Bay Otrić, visit a quieter island stop, and finish in Preko. The best part is the variety: this is not just a boat ride, but a short mix of open water, swimming, village time, and island scenery.

I like the small group of up to 11 passengers, which makes it easier to chat, ask the skipper for advice, and move around without feeling lost in a crowd. I also like the flexible route. The skipper chooses one stop according to wind and sea conditions, so you may see a quiet cove or a traditional island village rather than following a rigid sightseeing script.

The main drawback is that this is an open speedboat, not a polished cruise. You may get wet, especially on a windy day, and there is no toilet onboard. The booking details also say drinks are not provided, despite some past reports of drinks being offered, so bring your own water and do not count on complimentary refreshments.

Quick points before you book

• Blue Bay swimming stop: Spend about 45 minutes in clear water around 2 to 3 meters deep, with masks and snorkels supplied.
• Skipper-chosen middle stop: Wind and crowd levels help determine the cove or village you visit.
• Preko finish: Enjoy about an hour for the beach, a walk, a drink, ice cream, or the short swim to Galevac.
• A lively ride: The boat cruises at about 20 to 25 knots, making the journey part of the fun.
• Bring practical gear: Pack water, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, dry clothes, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Good value at $35: The price covers the skipper, guide, snorkel mask, snorkel, and life vest, but a docking fee is extra.

Leaving Zadar’s waterfront at a brisk pace

The meeting point is at Parkbank on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls. That location is convenient if you are already exploring the old town, though you should check your position carefully before setting off. If you are unsure, the operator asks you to take a photo of where you are and send it by WhatsApp.

The boat ride begins with about 15 minutes on the water. At 20 to 25 knots, this is not a slow sightseeing cruise. You will feel the speed, hear the engine, and get a good look at the coast from a low position on the water.

The boat has an awning over the back section. That is the better place if you want shade or a little protection from spray. The front is open, giving you more sun, wind, and a stronger sense of speed. If you want the most exciting ride, sit forward, but protect your phone and expect a wetter trip in rough conditions.

This arrangement is worth understanding before you pay. The speed makes it possible to reach several places in half a day, but it also means the ride can feel bouncy. Anyone with a serious back or mobility problem should choose a calmer boat trip instead.

Blue Bay Otrić: 45 minutes for a proper swim

The first major stop is Blue Bay Otrić, reached after roughly 15 minutes. The boat anchors in water about 2 to 3 meters deep, giving you a clear place to swim, snorkel, or jump in from the boat.

Masks and snorkels are included. Fins are not, so bring your own only if you already have them and can pack them easily. The snorkeling is best understood as a pleasant look beneath the surface rather than a full reef excursion. The attraction here is the clear Adriatic water, the chance to swim straight from the boat, and the simple pleasure of cooling off away from the city.

You have about 45 minutes. That is enough for a swim and some time in the sun, but it will pass quickly if everyone wants a turn jumping in, putting on the equipment, and climbing back aboard. Listen carefully when the skipper explains where to enter and exit the water.

This stop also sets the tone for the whole outing. You are not being taken from one major monument to another. The focus is fresh air, open water, and unhurried time at a few attractive places.

The middle stop changes with the sea

After another 10-minute ride, the skipper chooses the second stop. This is one of the more useful features of the trip. The sea around Zadar can change with the wind, and a fixed route is not always the best route. The skipper may choose a secluded cove, a quiet swimming area, or a small island settlement.

You get roughly an hour here. Depending on the location, you may walk, swim, snorkel, or take a short hike. This is the least predictable part of the outing, but also the part that can feel most personal. A skipper who knows the local waters can avoid a rough or crowded place and point you toward a better option on that particular day.

Do not expect a formal guided walk with a long historical talk. English is the working language, and the guides tend to give practical information about what you can do at each stop. Max, Enzo, Matej, Mateo, and Mario are among the skippers named in the booking material and recent trip feedback. The exact person depends on the day, but the useful qualities to look for are clear safety instructions, sensible local advice, and attention to the group.

If you want lunch during this part of the trip, plan carefully. Food is not included, and the information provided does not promise a meal stop. Some stops have local cafés where you can buy refreshments, and you may find a restaurant recommendation from the skipper, but carry a snack if you need something more reliable.

Preko brings beach time and village atmosphere

The final island stop is Preko, about 10 minutes from the middle stop. You get around an hour here, which gives the tour a change of pace. Instead of remaining on the boat, you can walk around, sit on the sandy beach, buy a drink or ice cream, or swim.

One appealing option is the tiny island of Galevac, reached by a swim of about 20 meters from the beach. That short crossing is only suitable if you are a confident swimmer and conditions are calm. You can also simply stay onshore and enjoy the break.

Preko is pleasant rather than packed with major sights. That matters because the stop gives you time to stretch your legs after the boat rides. Some people may find it less exciting than the earlier swimming bay, especially if they hoped for another secluded cove. If your priority is nonstop swimming and remote beaches, Preko may feel like the quietest part of the route. If you appreciate a café, beach, and small-town pause, it works well.

The ride back to Zadar takes about 15 minutes. If the schedule and conditions allow, the skipper may add a short extra look along the Zadar waterfront, but you should treat that as a bonus rather than part of the promised route.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is a strong value for a half-day on the water. You get a skipper, a guide, a small boat, life vests, and a mask and snorkel. The route includes three stops and about three hours of actual outing time, sometimes stretching toward four hours depending on the schedule.

The value comes from the speedboat access. A slower boat might spend more time simply reaching the islands. Here, the quick ride lets you fit in a swim, a second island or cove, and an hour in Preko without giving up most of your day.

There are extra costs to remember. A docking fee is not included and must be paid in cash before departure. Food, drinks, towels, and fins are also excluded. The information says there are no drinks onboard, so bring water and any refreshments you want. Some trip accounts describe beer, water, or iced tea being offered, but because the official details specifically say drinks are not provided, you should plan as if you must supply your own.

At the second and third stops, you have opportunities to buy drinks at local cafés. That makes the lack of onboard service manageable, but you should still carry water for the first section of the trip.

A social trip with music and practical advice

The small group creates a friendly atmosphere. You may be seated close to people from different countries, and the combination of music, swimming, and short rides makes conversation easy. This is a good choice if you enjoy a social outing rather than a silent private charter.

The guides are often praised for keeping the mood relaxed while watching out for safety. Max is described as friendly and informative, Enzo as attentive and helpful with local suggestions, and Matej or Mateo as cheerful skippers who check that everyone is comfortable. Mario is also noted for his relaxed manner and music.

Do not expect the same style from every skipper. One may talk more about the islands, another may focus on music and a light atmosphere. The consistent idea is informal guidance rather than a lecture-heavy tour.

The music can be a plus if you like a lively boat ride. If you want peace and quiet, the sound of the engine and the social setting may not suit you as well. This is an outing built around movement and company.

The practical side: spray, toilets, and boarding

Wear swimwear under easy clothes and bring a change of clothes. A towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are basic supplies. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible because the boat is open and spray is possible.

There is no toilet at the pickup point or on the boat. You should use a bathroom before meeting the group. Toilets are available at cafés during the later stops, but the information also warns that access is limited until the last stop, so do not ignore this detail.

Boarding requires enough mobility to step onto the boat and move around safely. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with major mobility limits, babies under one year, or anyone over the stated 120-kilogram limit. It is also not a good match for serious back problems.

Parking near the meeting point can be very difficult. If you are arriving by car, allow extra time and consider reaching the waterfront by another method. The meeting point itself is easy to identify once you are opposite the old city walls.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors who like meeting people, and anyone with only half a day in Zadar. It works especially well if you want to combine swimming with a quick look at nearby island communities.

You should book it if you like:

• A fast, open-air ride rather than a slow cruise
• Swimming from the boat
• Flexible stops shaped by the day’s sea conditions
• A small social group
• Free time instead of a tightly guided schedule
• Good value over onboard luxury

Think twice if you need a toilet close at hand, dislike sea spray, want guaranteed shade, or prefer a fixed list of famous sights. The middle stop can change, and Preko is more about a relaxed beach and village pause than major attractions.

Should you book the Zadar Original Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour?

For $35, this is an easy recommendation for an active half-day around Zadar, provided you understand what you are buying. You are paying for access, speed, swimming, and flexibility, not a luxury cruise or a fully catered excursion.

Bring your own water, prepare to get wet, use the bathroom before departure, and choose your seat with the sun and spray in mind. If that sounds like part of the fun, the tour gives you a practical taste of the nearby islands without taking a full day or a large budget.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours. The route includes rides between Zadar, Blue Bay Otrić, a skipper-chosen second stop, and Preko.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Parkbank on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls. If you are unsure of your location, you can send the activity provider a photo through WhatsApp.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 11 participants. This makes it a small-group speedboat trip rather than a large boat excursion.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkel and mask are included, along with life vests. Swimming fins are not provided.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The tour details say food and drinks are not included, so bring water and refreshments. You can buy drinks at cafés during the later stops.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet onboard or at the pickup point. You should use a bathroom before departure, and you can access toilets at cafés during the second and third stops.

Can I expect to get wet?

Yes, especially if the day is windy or the sea is rough. The boat is open, and occasional spray can reach passengers during the ride.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, water, and a change of clothes. Protect any electronics from spray.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility limitations?

No. You need to be mobile enough to board the boat. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with severe mobility or back problems.

Is there an additional fee?

Yes. A docking fee is not included in the advertised price and must be paid in cash before the tour begins.