Half-day speedboat trip from Zadar with drinks

The best part of this four-hour outing is the easy mix of fast boat rides and unhurried island time. You leave Zadar, skim across the water, then trade the city for Preko’s cafés and swimming spots before stopping at Ošljak for more time in the sea.

I like the chance to shape the day around your mood, since the skipper can adjust the trip to suit your wishes. I also like the simple extras: snorkeling gear, ice tea, beer, and fruit are provided, so you can focus on the water instead of packing a full beach kit.

The main drawback is the extra €10 port fee per person. The trip is also not a full-day island tour, so you get a pleasant taste of Preko and Ošljak rather than hours to explore either place in depth.

Key points to know before you go

• Two different island stops: Preko gives you time for coffee, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling, while Ošljak is mainly a one-hour swim and snorkel stop.
• A quick first crossing: The opening speedboat ride takes about 45 minutes, giving you a fast introduction to the waters around Zadar.
• Drinks are included: Ice tea and beer are listed, with fruit also available during the trip.
• The €10 port fee is extra: Add this mandatory charge to the advertised $30 price when working out your real cost.
• A flexible local approach: The English- or Croatian-speaking skipper can tailor the outing to your wishes.
• A short, easy schedule: Four hours fits neatly into a morning or afternoon, depending on the available departure time.

Leaving Zadar for Preko by speedboat

The trip begins at the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27. This is both the starting and finishing point, which keeps the day simple. You do not need to arrange a separate transfer back into Zadar after the boat returns.

The first ride lasts about 45 minutes. That is long enough to make the crossing feel like part of the experience, but not so long that you spend half the outing sitting on a boat. A speedboat gives you a brisk view of the water and the islands rather than the slower rhythm of a ferry.

This opening stretch is best treated as a change of pace. Zadar’s old town and waterfront are close by, but out on the water you get a wider sense of the island setting around the city. The ride also means you reach your first stop quickly, leaving most of the time for actual island activities.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the schedule before you build the rest of your day around it. Since the trip lasts four hours, it can work well for visitors who want a compact boat outing without giving up an entire day of sightseeing.

Preko gives you the most varied stop

Preko, on Ugljan Island, is the more varied stop. You have about 75 minutes here, with time for coffee, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling. That combination makes Preko the place where you get the clearest sense of an island village rather than simply stopping at a beach.

I would use the time carefully. If coffee and a short walk matter most to you, start there and leave the water for the second half of the stop. If swimming is your priority, head to the shore first, since 75 minutes goes quickly once you have changed, settled in, and started exploring.

The village element is important. This is not only a swim break between boat rides. You can step ashore, see a little of local life, and enjoy a slower hour before returning to the water. The trip description points to Preko’s culture and village character, but the schedule is still too short for a detailed cultural tour.

That limitation is worth keeping in mind. You will get a pleasant taste of Preko, not a full island visit. If you want long walks, museums, a meal, or a thorough look around Ugljan, you need a separate visit with more time.

Still, Preko is a smart first stop because it breaks up the boat ride. You get movement, a village visit, and water time in one place. The stop also lets you choose how active you want to be. You can swim and snorkel, walk around, or simply sit with a drink while the rest of the group enjoys the shore.

Ošljak is the quiet swimming stop

After Preko, the boat ride to Ošljak takes about 20 minutes. The shorter crossing keeps the second half of the trip moving and gets you to the final stop without a long stretch at sea.

Ošljak is scheduled for one hour, with swimming and snorkeling as the main activities. Compared with Preko, this is the simpler stop. There is no listed coffee or village walk here, so plan on spending the hour in and around the water.

That makes Ošljak useful for anyone who wants a second chance to swim. Perhaps the water at Preko was too tempting to leave, or perhaps you preferred your coffee and walk there. At Ošljak, you can give your attention to snorkeling, floating, and enjoying the setting without trying to fit in several different activities.

The shorter stop also creates a practical limit. You should not expect a long island exploration at Ošljak. It is a water break, not a sightseeing visit. Bring a relaxed attitude and use the hour for what it offers.

Snorkeling gear is included, which is helpful if you do not want to bring your own equipment. The supplied information does not specify the type of gear or the exact snorkeling locations, so you should think of this as a casual add-on rather than a specialist snorkeling trip.

Drinks, fruit, and the value of a $30 outing

The advertised price is $30 per person, with fuel and a professional skipper included. Snorkeling equipment is also covered, along with ice tea and beer. Fruit is described as available on board as well.

That is a fair setup for a four-hour speedboat outing, especially if you want a short trip that combines transport, swimming stops, and a guide. You are not paying only for a boat ride. The price also covers the fuel for the route, the skipper, and the basic beach extras that can otherwise add small costs throughout the day.

But the real price is higher than $30 because of the €10 port fee per person. You should add that charge before comparing this trip with other boat outings from Zadar. The fee is clearly identified as separate, so it should not come as a surprise if you read the details before booking.

The drinks are practical rather than elaborate. Ice tea and beer suit a warm boat trip, and fruit gives you something light between the stops. Do not expect a full lunch or a restaurant-style meal. If you need more food during four hours, plan accordingly, since the included refreshments are limited to the items listed.

The value is strongest for people who want convenience. You get a ready-made half-day with no need to organize boat transport, snorkeling equipment, or a route between Zadar and the islands. It is less compelling if you only want a basic ferry crossing, since the ferry may suit a person who prefers to explore independently for longer.

A flexible skipper can make the short schedule work

The skipper is described as friendly, accommodating, and willing to tailor the trip to your wishes. No personal name is provided, so you should not expect to book a named guide. The available guide languages are English and Croatian.

That flexibility matters on a four-hour outing. A fixed schedule can feel rushed when one person wants coffee, another wants to snorkel, and someone else would rather stay in the sun. A skipper who listens can help the group use the limited time sensibly.

You should still understand the balance. This is a shared boat experience, so flexibility cannot mean an entirely private route built around one person. The strongest benefit is likely small adjustments in emphasis, such as allowing more attention to swimming or making room for a short walk at Preko.

The positive impression comes from the skipper’s friendly and helpful approach. The guide is said to have adapted the trip to the group and tried to make the day work well for everyone. That is a useful sign for anyone who values a human touch over a rigid, factory-style boat schedule.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a compact taste of the islands around Zadar. It suits couples, friends, and families who want swimming and snorkeling without committing to a full day at sea.

It is also a good fit if your time in Dalmatia is limited. Four hours leaves room for other plans, and the boat returns to the same pier where you started. You can fit the outing around sightseeing in Zadar, though you should allow enough time on both sides of the scheduled departure.

The trip works especially well for people who like variety. In one morning or afternoon, you get a speedboat ride, a village stop, a coffee option, a walk, two swimming opportunities, and drinks on board. Few of those activities last long, but the mix keeps the outing from feeling repetitive.

You might want a different experience if your main goal is serious snorkeling, long hikes, a full island meal, or extensive cultural sightseeing. The schedule gives Preko 75 minutes and Ošljak one hour, so neither stop allows much wandering beyond the planned activities.

It may also not suit you if you dislike speedboat travel. The first crossing lasts 45 minutes, followed by another 20-minute ride, and conditions on the water can affect how comfortable the journey feels. The provided details do not describe the boat size, seating, or group size, so you should ask the operator if those points matter to you.

Practical details that make the day easier

Meet at the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27. The activity ends at the same meeting point, which is one of the day’s simplest features.

Bring swimwear and anything you normally like for a beach stop. Snorkeling equipment is included, but the supplied details do not say whether towels, sunscreen, or other personal items are provided, so plan to bring your own essentials.

The trip is offered with a live guide in English or Croatian. Check availability for the exact departure time, since the start is not fixed in the information provided. If you are planning around a restaurant booking, ferry, or another tour, confirm the boat time first.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reservation option allows you to book now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Zadar plans may shift, though you should still check the booking terms at the time you reserve.

Should you book the Preko and Ošljak trip?

Book it if you want an easy, four-hour introduction to the islands from Zadar, with two chances to swim, a little village time in Preko, and a skipper who can adjust the outing to the group. The included fuel, gear, and drinks make the $30 price attractive, provided you remember to add the €10 port fee.

Skip it if you want a full island day or a serious cultural tour. This is a light, active outing with short stops, not a deep exploration of Ugljan. For most people seeking sun, water, and a simple route away from Zadar, it offers a sensible half-day balance.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is the pier in front of the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 27 in Zadar.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 27.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands and places does the trip visit?

The route includes Preko on Ugljan Island and Ošljak.

How much time is spent at Preko?

The stop at Preko lasts about 75 minutes. You can use that time for coffee, a walk, swimming, or snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are drinks included, and is there an extra fee?

Ice tea and beer are included, and fruit is available on board. A €10 port fee per person is not included in the advertised price.