Island Adventure – Ugljan by Speedboat

The best part of this outing is its flexible feel. You leave Zadar by speedboat, visit Ugljan and Ošljak, and have time for swimming, snorkeling, and a stop in Preko rather than rushing through a fixed sightseeing script. I especially like the small group of no more than 10 and the chance to shape the outing around the day’s conditions.

I also like the practical extras: fuel, port fees, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included, and skipper Mario gets repeated praise for his calm, friendly handling of families. The main drawback is the speedboat ride itself. It can be bumpy, and the tour is not suitable for people with back problems.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in four hours: See Ugljan and Ošljak from Zadar without committing to a full-day cruise.
• Preko gives you a useful break: Walk the port village, swim, eat, or stop for ice cream.
• Swimming is central: Expect stops in clear water, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• Mario is the skipper: He speaks Croatian and English and is known for a relaxed, safety-minded approach.
• Small boat, personal rhythm: With a maximum of 10 people, the outing feels more private than a large excursion boat.
• Good short-trip value: At $45 per person, the price includes the boat, skipper, fuel, port fees, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

Why this four-hour island trip works so well

Ugljan sits just across the water from Zadar, close enough for a fast ride but different enough to feel like a proper island escape. You get views of the Dalmatian coast, open water, stone villages, beaches, and olive groves without giving up most of your day.

That timing is the main selling point. A four-hour trip fits neatly into a morning or afternoon, so you can still spend time in Zadar before or after. It is a good choice if you want more than a city walk but do not want a full-day sailing commitment.

The outing also leaves room for personal choice. You may spend more time swimming, use Preko for a meal or ice cream, or focus on the island’s villages and old sites. The exact balance depends on the group, the skipper, and sea conditions, so you should book this for its flexible island feel rather than for a rigid checklist of sights.

At $45, I consider it strong value for a short boat trip. The price covers the skipper, fuel, port fees, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. You are paying for transport and access to several island stops in one compact outing, not simply for a fast ride across the water.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The trip begins at Zadar’s harbor. Practical directions place the meeting point directly behind the gas station near the Old Town, with Mala Posta bus stop listed as a useful nearby stop.

Once aboard, the speedboat gets you away from the city quickly. The ride to Ugljan is part of the experience, with open views toward the Zadar coast and the surrounding islands. You will feel the difference between a speedboat and a slow ferry: the journey is quicker and more lively, but also more exposed to bumps.

The boat has received a perfect transport score, and the supplied equipment is described as clean and well maintained. Still, bring the usual protection for a boat outing: sun cover, swimwear, and secure footwear. Most important, reconsider this trip if you have back problems. A fast boat can put more strain on your back than a calm ferry ride.

Preko, Ugljan’s easygoing port village

Preko is often the first useful stop on Ugljan. It sits on the island’s northern shore, directly opposite Zadar, and works well as a short break because you can do several things without much effort.

You can walk along the waterfront, look at the traditional stone buildings, swim, or find something to eat. One family used the stop for ice cream, while other options include a meal or a quick dip. That freedom matters on a four-hour trip. You are not forced into a long guided walk when you would rather cool off in the water.

Preko is also a good place to reset after the speedboat crossing. The port village has a relaxed, lived-in feel, with modern conveniences mixed with older Dalmatian architecture. I would not expect a major sightseeing program here. Think of Preko as a pleasant island pause, not a formal museum stop.

The amount of time available may vary. Since the trip also includes Ugljan, Ošljak, and swimming stops, you will probably need to choose what matters most to you. Families may prefer the beach and ice cream. Couples may want a quiet walk and a drink. Food-focused visitors should be realistic about the limited time.

Ugljan’s beaches, stone streets, and olive groves

Ugljan is the main island focus, and it offers the mix that makes this excursion worthwhile: swimming, old stone buildings, small-town life, and Mediterranean countryside.

Along the coast, you might stop at pebble or sandy beaches such as Jadrtovac and Lučišće. The water is clear, and the swimming stops are one of the strongest parts of the outing. Snorkeling gear is included, so you can look below the surface at the rocky Adriatic bottom rather than simply sit on the boat.

The water stops are not presented as formal beach club visits. You should expect natural coves and simple shoreline settings, with other boats possibly present during the busy summer season. One account describes two swimming stops, clear turquoise water, and good snorkeling despite other boats nearby.

Ugljan also gives you a glimpse of island life away from the main port. Stone houses and quiet streets create a slower mood than central Zadar. The island is known for its olive groves, which cover large areas and reflect the long farming tradition of the region. If time and the group’s plan allow, a walk among the olive trees adds a welcome change from the boat and beach.

An olive oil tasting is listed as a possible activity connected with the island, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed part of this four-hour trip. The same applies to longer village walks. Ask the skipper what can fit comfortably into your departure time.

St. Michael and the hilltop views

The Church of St. Michael sits on a hill above Ugljan, and the nearby Fortress of St. Michael offers a stronger historical angle than the beach stops.

The church gives you a look at the island’s religious heritage, while the old fortress recalls Ugljan’s former defensive role. From the hill, you can see across the Zadar archipelago and toward the mainland. That view is one of the best reasons to make room for the higher ground.

There is a tradeoff. A four-hour speedboat outing cannot give you unlimited time for swimming, Preko, olive groves, and hilltop sites. If the priority is a relaxed day in the water, the fortress may remain an outside view or a short visit. If you care most about history and wide views, tell Mario early so he can explain what fits the schedule.

Do not expect a long archaeological tour. The attraction here is the combination of old stone walls, a hilltop setting, and a broad view over the islands. It works best as a short cultural layer added to the sea time.

Ošljak adds a quieter island stop

Ošljak is included as another island stop, giving the trip a little more variety than a simple Zadar to Ugljan run. Its appeal is the feeling of a smaller, less built-up place where the focus stays on the sea, shore, and short island exploration.

The supplied information gives fewer details about specific sights on Ošljak, so you should not book this expecting a major monument or a long guided visit. Its value is the change of scene. You see another part of the Zadar archipelago and get more time around clear water and small coastal settings.

The order of Ugljan and Ošljak may change. Speedboat outings need to respond to sea conditions and the group’s pace, and the flexible format is part of the appeal. If you want exact timing at each island, this may feel too loose. If you prefer a skipper who can adjust the day, it is a good fit.

Swimming and snorkeling are the heart of the trip

This is not mainly a history tour. The strongest reason to book is the chance to reach attractive swimming spots quickly and spend part of the afternoon in the Adriatic.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from renting basic gear separately. The clear water and rocky underwater areas offer more to see than a standard swim, though conditions and visibility can change.

Several details from the outing’s feedback point to a calm, family-friendly approach. Children were allowed to briefly take the wheel under supervision, and one family with children aged seven and one and a half felt well supported. That does not mean every child will enjoy the ride, but it suggests Mario pays attention to family needs.

A cold bottle of water or a local beer is also supplied. The drinks are a small detail, but they matter after a swim and make the trip feel less bare-bones. You should still bring any special drinks, snacks, or child supplies you need, since the stated inclusions are limited to drinks rather than a meal.

Skipper Mario makes the difference

Mario is the name to know for this experience. He is repeatedly described as friendly, entertaining, careful, and generous with information about the places along the route. He also speaks Croatian and English.

His style seems to combine light conversation with a cautious approach to the boat. One account specifically praises his attention to safety and the clean boat and equipment. Another describes the trip as calm and unhurried, despite the speedboat transport.

That balance is important. A speedboat trip can become a loud, frantic ride from one photo stop to another. Here, the aim is closer to a personal island outing, with time to swim, ask questions, and change the pace.

The group limit of 10 helps. You will not have the same privacy as on a private charter, but you are also unlikely to be lost in a large crowd. The small group gives the skipper a better chance to respond to requests, especially when families, swimmers, and sightseeing-focused passengers share the boat.

Who should book this Ugljan outing

I would recommend it most strongly to people staying in Zadar who want a short sea escape. It suits you if you want:

• A half-day break from city streets
• Several island views without a full-day cruise
• Swimming and snorkeling in clear Adriatic water
• A small group rather than a large excursion boat
• A flexible stop in Preko
• A skipper who can adapt the pace
• A family outing with an informal atmosphere

It is also a smart choice for first-time visitors who want to see what the nearby islands feel like before committing to a longer boat trip.

You may want a different experience if you need a fully scheduled historical tour, a guaranteed long visit to a fortress, or a very smooth ride. The boat is fast, the schedule is compact, and sea conditions can affect comfort. People with back problems should skip it.

Price, timing, and practical value

The cost is $45 per person for four hours. That includes the professional skipper, fuel, port fees, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Since transport alone can make up much of the cost of reaching an island, the added swimming stops and village visits make this a fair package.

The trip also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, plus a reserve-now-and-pay-later option. Those terms help if your Zadar plans may shift, though you should still check the available starting time before booking.

The tour is offered in Croatian and English. It is a small-group activity capped at 10 participants, not a private tour. That distinction matters: you get a more personal setting, but the day still has to work for the whole boat.

The experience carries a 5.0 rating from 30 ratings, with especially strong praise for the transport and for Mario’s attitude. I would treat that as a useful sign of consistency, while keeping the ride conditions and compact timing in mind.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want clear water, several island stops, and a friendly small-boat atmosphere without spending a full day away from Zadar. The combination of Ugljan, Ošljak, Preko, swimming, snorkeling, and included drinks gives you plenty for $45.

Choose it with realistic expectations. You are getting a flexible half-day outing, not a long archaeological tour or a private charter with unlimited time at every stop. If the sea is calm and you are comfortable on a speedboat, it is an easy way to add island time to a Zadar visit. If you have back problems or prefer a slow, highly structured excursion, choose another way to see the coast.

FAQ

How long does the Ugljan speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the departure from Zadar, time around Ugljan and Ošljak, stops for swimming or snorkeling, and the return to Zadar.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Zadar’s harbor. The meeting point is described as directly behind the gas station near the Old Town, with Mala Posta listed as a nearby bus stop.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The experience includes Ugljan and Ošljak. It also includes time in Preko, the main port village on Ugljan.

Is Preko included in the route?

Yes. You can use the stop in Preko for a walk, swimming, food, or ice cream, depending on the group’s plan and available time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price, along with the skipper, fuel, port fees, and drinks.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity is limited to 10 participants, making it a small-group experience rather than a large boat excursion.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Croatian and English. The skipper named for the experience is Mario.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems because the speedboat ride can be physically demanding.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.