Zadar: Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko Islands Speedboat Tour

Zadar’s best short boat trip gets you away from the city fast, then gives you three very different stops: a sandy bay for swimming, tiny Ošljak Island, and Preko village on larger Ugljan. The brand-new speedboat makes the ride part of the fun, with music, sea views, and a local skipper such as Luka, Luca, or Kristijan at the helm.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which makes getting on and off the boat easier and leaves room for a relaxed conversation with the skipper. I also like the balance between water time and land time: you get snorkeling and swimming, but also about 75 minutes to walk, eat, or sit by the sea in Preko.

The main consideration is that this is a fast, active boat outing, not a slow sightseeing cruise. Non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, children under two, and anyone over 120 kilograms should choose another excursion.

Quick reasons to choose this island trip

• Three stops in four hours: Kostanj Bay, Ošljak Island, and Preko give you beaches, small-island scenery, and village time in one morning or afternoon.
• A true small-group ride: The boat carries no more than 10 participants, a useful contrast to large excursion boats.
• Swimming gear is included: You can snorkel without bringing your own mask and equipment.
• Preko gets real free time: The final stop lasts about 75 minutes, enough for a walk, a swim, or a meal.
• Local skippers add personality: Luka, Luca, and Kristijan are named in guest feedback, with music, island facts, and occasional local brandy adding character.
• Good value at $57: The price covers the boat, skipper, snorkeling gear, water, and beer, though food is extra.

Why this is a smart half-day from Zadar

Zadar has plenty to keep you busy, but its waterfront can feel like only a starting point. The islands across the channel change the mood quickly. Within roughly 15 minutes, you are riding over open water rather than walking through the old town.

This tour works well when you want an island experience without giving up a full day. The four-hour schedule leaves time for Zadar’s sea organ, Roman streets, museums, or an evening meal. You are not signing up for a long crossing or an all-day boat commitment.

The speedboat matters here. It covers each short transfer in about 15 minutes, so you spend most of the outing at the stops rather than simply getting there. At the same time, the ride can feel lively, especially when the boat picks up speed. If you prefer a quiet, shaded cruise, this may not be your ideal choice.

The English-speaking skipper is central to the experience. Luca, Luka, and Kristijan are all named in the feedback, and the strongest praise goes to their friendliness, clear explanations, and willingness to answer questions. Some outings include music, which gives the ride a cheerful holiday feel. The tone seems more easygoing than formal.

Boarding at the Zadar waterfront

Look for the boat with the company logo at the waterfront. The meeting point is described as easy to find, and the skipper waits aboard rather than sending you to a distant office or marina.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes if possible. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There is no need to pack a snorkeling set, since equipment is provided, but you may prefer your own mask if you have one that fits well.

Water and beer are included. Food is not, so plan to eat before departure or use the time in Preko for lunch. Do not count on the boat as a full-service café. The drinks are a pleasant addition, not a substitute for a meal.

With space for only 10 people, the boat should feel more personal than a packed excursion vessel. That also means spaces can fill quickly during the busy summer period. The boat is described as clean and easy to board, though anyone with mobility concerns should note that wheelchair users are not accepted.

Kostanj Bay: the first swim stop

The first transfer takes about 15 minutes. Kostanj, also described as a sandy beach in a bay, is the opening chance to get into the water.

This stop is built around simple pleasures: swimming, snorkeling, looking for marine life, and enjoying the views. The sandy shore gives it a different feel from the rocky Adriatic coves found in many parts of Croatia. You can settle into the water without needing to spend the entire stop clambering over stone.

The stop lasts about an hour. That is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick photo opportunity. You can also have a beer and take in the bay from the boat or beach.

Water temperature may vary. A June outing was described as pleasant but still a little cold for swimming, so pack a towel and do not assume the sea will feel warm early in the season. Summer conditions should be more inviting, but the Adriatic is still the Adriatic: refreshing is a fair description.

Snorkeling here is a nice extra, not a guaranteed wildlife show. The tour includes marine-life viewing, but the experience depends on water clarity, weather, and what happens to be in the bay that day. Bring realistic expectations and enjoy the chance to see the coast from below.

Ošljak Island: small scale, clear water, and a short pause

After another 15-minute speedboat ride, you reach Ošljak. This is the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, a detail that gives the stop its special character.

The visit lasts about 45 minutes. You have time for a photo stop, a swim, snorkeling, and a short look around. Ošljak is not meant to be a full island tour with hours of walking. Its appeal is its small scale and the feeling of reaching a place that is easy to miss if you stay in Zadar.

The water is a major part of the attraction. Several outings made use of small bays with clear turquoise water, and this stop gives you another chance to swim away from the city. The boat can also provide a better view of the coast than you get from shore.

The shorter timing is both a strength and a limitation. It keeps the whole program moving and allows a third stop at Preko, but you will not have much time for a long exploration of Ošljak. Think of it as a compact island pause, not a guided cultural tour.

Preko on Ugljan: the trip’s most flexible stop

The final destination is Preko, a village on Ugljan Island. The speedboat ride from Ošljak takes about 15 minutes, then you have roughly 75 minutes to use as you like.

This is the most flexible part of the outing. You can walk through the village, eat lunch, sit beside the sea, or swim again. That freedom is valuable because different people want different things from an island visit. One person can look for food while another takes a final swim.

The timing is generous enough for a real break, but you should still watch the clock. The boat returns to Zadar on schedule, and 75 minutes can disappear quickly if you combine lunch with a walk and a swim.

Preko also gives the trip more substance than a string of swim stops. You are not simply moving between beaches. You get a glimpse of everyday island life, with time to step off the boat and wander independently. The village is a good place to slow down after the energetic rides and water activities.

If you are traveling with children aged 10 or 13, the format can work well, provided they are comfortable in a small speedboat and in the sea. One family specifically found the ride easy to enjoy, even with children. Very young children are not accepted, and non-swimmers should not book.

The ride back is part of the attraction

From Preko, the boat returns to the Zadar waterfront in about 15 minutes. The final ride gives you one more stretch of open water and a different view of the islands you have just visited.

The boat itself receives strong praise for being clean and in excellent condition. Music and a friendly skipper add to the social feel. Some skippers have also offered a taste of local brandy, though you should treat that as an occasional personal touch rather than a guaranteed inclusion. The listed drinks are water and beer.

The ride can be bouncy. A speedboat is more exposed to motion than a large, slow ferry, so anyone with back problems or a strong sensitivity to movement should take the restrictions seriously. Hold onto your belongings and protect phones and cameras from spray.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, this is a good-value half-day if you want transportation, several swimming locations, and a village visit in one package. You receive the speedboat trip, English-speaking skipper, snorkeling gear, water, and beer. You are also paying for a small group rather than a crowded boat.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to the islands. The skipper handles the route, timing, and boat access, while you concentrate on swimming and exploring. The included equipment also saves you from renting a mask and snorkel elsewhere.

Food is not included, and neither are gratuities. You should budget for lunch or snacks in Preko if you want a proper meal. The trip is not designed as a luxury charter, but it offers many of the pleasures of a private-style outing at a shared-tour price.

The four-hour length helps the value. You get three stops without spending an entire day at sea. If your schedule in Zadar is tight, this is an efficient way to add the islands.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A lively half-day on the water
• Several chances to swim and snorkel
• A small group rather than a large excursion
• A village visit alongside beach stops
• A guide who can share local information and adjust the mood
• A straightforward way to see islands close to Zadar

It is especially suitable for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who are confident around water. The maximum group of 10 keeps the outing social without making it feel anonymous.

You may want another experience if your priority is a quiet cruise, a long cultural tour, or a full day on one island. You should also skip it if you do not swim, have serious back or heart concerns, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or weigh more than 120 kilograms. Pets are not allowed.

The tour is weather dependent in the practical sense that sea conditions affect comfort, even though no specific weather policy is given. If the forecast looks rough, ask about conditions before setting out.

Useful planning details before you book

The tour runs for four hours, with starting times available according to the date you select. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Zadar plans are still shifting.

Bring the basics:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• A small bag that can handle sea spray

The skipper speaks English. No other tour language is listed, so English is the safe choice for instructions and island information.

The overall rating is 5 from 168 reviews, and 97 percent of transport ratings are perfect. Those figures support the main strengths: friendly skippers, a clean boat, good timing, and a fun atmosphere. They do not change the physical nature of the trip, so make sure a speedboat and active swimming stops fit your plans.

Should you book the Zadar island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want to turn a spare morning or afternoon in Zadar into a compact Adriatic adventure. The combination of Kostanj’s sandy bay, tiny Ošljak, and flexible time in Preko gives you more variety than a simple swim cruise. At $57, the included boat, gear, water, beer, and small-group setting make the price fair.

I would be cautious only if you dislike fast boats, need a fully accessible outing, or want a slow, detailed visit to each island. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see the nearby islands without sacrificing a full day in Dalmatia.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar island tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides between Zadar, Kostanj, Ošljak, and Preko.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Kostanj sandy beach, Ošljak Island, and Preko village on Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water and beer are included. Food is not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

Where do I meet the skipper?

The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo at the Zadar waterfront.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. English is the listed tour language and the driver language.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or people over 120 kilograms. Pets are also not allowed.