half day group speedboat tour of the islands around Zadar

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is the easy mix of sea time and island stops. You leave Zadar quickly, reach Ošljak and Ugljan, then continue to Preko for swimming, snorkeling, a walk, or a relaxed drink by the water. It gives you a taste of the Zadar archipelago without committing to a full day at sea.

I like the three snorkeling stops, since you have several chances to see fish and underwater rocks rather than relying on one rushed swim. I also like the friendly extras: cold drinks, iced tea, water, homemade liqueur, and, on some trips, photos taken by the skipper. The main consideration is the separate docking fee, €10 for adults and €5 for children up to age 11, which adds to the advertised $31 price.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: Swim and snorkel around Ošljak and Ugljan, with time for quiet coves and beaches.
• A social speedboat ride: Music, drinks, and a relaxed group mood make this more than simple transportation.
• Afternoon trips end near sunset: The 4 p.m. departure can offer warm evening light on the ride back to Zadar.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel.
• Local touches matter: Homemade liqueur, occasional fruit, and skipper recommendations add a personal feel.
• Plan for the extra fee: Bring cash for the docking charge and any other personal spending.

Why this Zadar boat trip works so well

Zadar is a city best understood from the water. Its old town faces a chain of low islands, and a short boat ride changes the view from Roman walls and waterfront cafés to pine-covered shores, clear water, and small harbors.

This tour keeps the outing simple. You meet near a gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 16, board the speedboat, and head toward the islands. There is no long transfer by coach and no full-day commitment. For $31 per person, the tour offers a useful balance of transport, guided stops, snorkeling equipment, and drinks.

The speedboat is part of the appeal. You cover the distance to the islands in short bursts, then slow down for swimming and sightseeing. It feels more active than a large sightseeing boat, but it is still an easy half-day for anyone who wants time in the sea without planning a private charter.

The tour has a strong rating of 4.9 from 99 reviews, and the most consistent praise focuses on the skippers. Names mentioned include Tomislav and Dubravko, while the tour information also identifies Sara and Lovro as skippers. That suggests the guide roster can vary by departure. You can expect an English-speaking skipper who handles the route, safety, and timing.

Leaving Zadar for Ošljak

The first boat ride takes about 20 minutes. That is long enough to enjoy the open-water view but short enough that you reach the first stop before the trip feels like a transport service.

Ošljak is a small island stop used for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. You get about an hour here, which gives you time to get comfortable with the water and try the provided equipment. The clear sea is the star of the stop. Under the surface, you might see small fish, rocks, and other marine life close to shore.

I appreciate that the first stop is not only a photo pause. You can actually get into the water, which helps make the trip feel useful from the beginning. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sunbathe, take pictures, or enjoy the boat and shoreline.

The sea is the reason to book this outing, but it also creates the main practical limit. Swimming areas are natural coves and island beaches, not organized pools. Bring water shoes if your feet are sensitive to stones, and do not forget a towel.

Ugljan brings the best snorkeling time

After Ošljak, the boat cruises for roughly 15 minutes toward Ugljan, in Zadar County. The route includes several attractive island views, but the real value is the chance to stop at more than one snorkeling place.

The morning program is described as having three snorkeling spots around Ugljan. This matters because sea conditions and visibility can vary from one cove to another. If one place is less interesting, another may offer better views of fish or underwater rock formations.

At the Ugljan stop, you get time for a photo break, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and an aperitif. The included drinks make the pause feel leisurely rather than tightly scheduled. Water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur are provided. The liqueur is a memorable local touch, though you can simply choose a nonalcoholic drink if that suits you better.

Several comments praise the variety of drinks and the relaxed service. One skipper even offered fresh wild peaches, and another took photos of people in the water and sent them afterward. These extras are not listed as guaranteed parts of every departure, so treat them as possible bonuses rather than promises.

This section suits you best if you like a loose schedule. You can swim, sit in the sun, look for fish, or chat with the skipper. It is less suitable if you want a formal lecture about every island or a long guided walk inland. The focus stays firmly on the sea.

Preko offers a longer island break

The boat then makes the short crossing to Preko, followed by about 70 minutes for free time and sightseeing. This is the longest stop, so it gives the outing a change of pace.

Preko is useful because it is not only a swim stop. You may walk, take photographs, explore the waterfront, have a drink, or return to the water for more snorkeling. The stop can feel especially welcome after the faster parts of the boat ride.

The exact balance is up to the group and the skipper. You may prefer to stay near the shore, while another person in your group may want to walk or take pictures. That flexibility is one of the tour’s strengths. You are not forced to spend all four hours sitting in the same position on a boat.

The itinerary also refers to a short class at this stop, but no detailed subject is given. I would not book this trip expecting a structured lesson. Think of Preko as a flexible island break with room for a little walking and plenty of free time.

Morning calm or afternoon sunset?

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, depending on availability. The morning trip is the practical choice if you want to return to Zadar around midday and keep the rest of the day free.

An afternoon trip changes the mood. A departure around 4 p.m. can be more comfortable in the heat, and the ride back may finish around sunset. Sunset light over the islands is one of the strongest reasons to choose the later start. You also get a cooler setting for swimming and sitting on the boat.

One afternoon trip was especially memorable because the group saw dolphins on the way back. That sighting is not guaranteed, but it shows why the return ride can be more than a simple trip to the marina.

I would choose the morning if snorkeling is your main goal and you want brighter light. I would choose late afternoon if you care more about cooler temperatures, a relaxed drink, and evening views. Check the available departure time before booking, since the schedule can vary.

What the speedboat atmosphere is like

This is a group tour, but the small-boat format can feel personal. The skippers are repeatedly praised for being welcoming, helpful, and willing to answer questions. Some people describe the atmosphere as similar to going out with friends rather than joining a large excursion.

That friendly tone seems to come from small details. The skipper may suggest restaurants in Zadar, point out good places around the islands, or take pictures while you swim. Music and cold drinks keep the ride from feeling stiff.

The boat has different places to sit, according to the information provided in the feedback. You may be able to choose a spot based on whether you want more sun, shade, or a better view. Still, a speedboat is an open-water ride, so bring a hat and use sensible sun protection.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider the speed and the time spent on open water. The trip includes several short cruises rather than one long crossing, but sea conditions can affect comfort. The tour is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people over 95.

What is included for $31?

At $31 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to swim and snorkel. You receive:

• Speedboat transportation
• An English-speaking skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Water
• Iced tea
• Homemade liqueur

The price is especially fair because renting a boat, arranging transfers, and finding several swimming locations on your own would take more planning. The skipper also handles the route between Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, so you can focus on the sea instead of ferry schedules.

The extra docking fee needs to be part of your calculation. Adults pay €10, and children up to age 11 pay €5. Bring cash, since it is listed separately from the tour price.

You should also bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Bikes are not allowed on the activity. No meal is included, so eat beforehand or plan around the four-hour outing.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy group outings, and families with older children who are comfortable around boats and open water. It works particularly well for anyone staying in Zadar for a few days and wanting to see more than the old town.

It is also a good choice for a special afternoon. One group used it during a bachelorette weekend, and the skipper’s city suggestions helped them plan the rest of their stay. The relaxed music, drinks, and swimming make it more social than a standard sightseeing cruise.

You may want a different activity if you need a fully private boat, a detailed cultural tour, or guaranteed access to a specific beach. This is not built around museums, historic monuments, or a long island walk. It is about the water, the views, and time spent moving between small island stops.

Snorkeling ability is not required, since equipment and life jackets are supplied. You should be comfortable getting into the sea, though, because swimming is central to the outing. If you prefer to remain on the boat, you may find the tour less satisfying.

Small details that improve the day

Arrive ready to board, with your swimwear already on if possible. The meeting point is near a gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 16, and the tour returns to that same location.

Bring a towel and water shoes. The shoes are useful around rocky shorelines and make getting in and out of the water easier. A hat is also practical because much of the activity takes place in full sun.

Take the provided mask and snorkel early in the trip and check that they fit comfortably. You may have more than one chance to use them, so there is no need to rush the first swim.

If you choose an afternoon departure, keep your camera ready on the return. The changing light, the island views, and a possible dolphin sighting can make the final boat ride one of the best parts of the outing.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your Zadar schedule depends on weather or other day trips, but check the available start times before you commit.

Final verdict: a good half-day choice from Zadar

I would book this tour if you want a reasonably priced way to swim, snorkel, and see several islands without giving up an entire day. The strongest features are the three snorkeling opportunities, the friendly skipper service, and the option to return near sunset on an afternoon departure.

The separate docking fee and group format are the main points to weigh. You will not get the privacy or control of a private charter, and the schedule may feel flexible rather than exact. But for $31, plus the listed docking charge, you get a lot of sea time, equipment, drinks, and island scenery.

Choose the morning for clearer snorkeling time and an early return. Choose the afternoon for cooler swimming and sunset views. If the Adriatic is your priority in Zadar, this is an easy, practical add-on with enough personal touches to feel less routine than a standard boat ride.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours. Check the available times when booking, since morning and afternoon departures may be offered.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Obala kneza Branimira 16 in Zadar, near a gas station.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with boat cruises, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and free time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included, along with the boat tour and skipper.

What drinks are included?

Water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur are included. Other food and meals are not listed as part of the tour.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. Adults pay €10, and children up to age 11 pay €5. Bring cash for this fee.