Ugljan Island Half day Speedboat Tour

The best part of this four-hour speedboat outing is its mix of swimming time and island stops. From Zadar, you head across to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko, with time to stretch out on the boat, snorkel, or cool off in the sea. Skipper Mario handles the route and adds local detail along the way.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which should make the ride more personal than a large sightseeing boat. I also like the simple extras: bottled water and snorkeling equipment are included, and you can buy lunch, ice cream, or souvenirs in Preko.

The main consideration is the timing. The full trip lasts about four hours, but the published schedule gives only an hour at Ugljan and very short listed times at Ošljak and Preko, with transfers taking place during the remaining hour. You should think of this as a quick island sampler, not a slow day at sea.

Key points at a glance

• Ugljan gives you the longest stop: Expect about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing on the boat.
• Ošljak is remarkably small: The tiny inhabited island offers a 360-degree view from its 90-meter-high point, plus swimming and snorkeling.
• Preko adds practical comforts: You can stop for lunch, ice cream, souvenirs, swimming, and sightseeing.
• Mario is the named skipper: The experience includes a friendly, accommodating guide who provides island information and drinks.
• The group stays small: No more than 10 people are scheduled for the speedboat.
• Budget for the docking charge: The advertised price is $30.23 per person, but a €10-per-person docking fee is not included.

Leaving Zadar for a short Adriatic escape

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 20A in Zadar, with departure scheduled for 2:00 pm. The tour returns to this same point, which keeps the plan easy to fit into an afternoon in town.

You are not signing up for a long cruise with hours of open water and formal commentary. This is a compact route built around three nearby island stops. That makes it useful when you want a taste of the Zadar archipelago without committing a full day.

The speedboat matters here. It lets you move between the islands during the tour’s remaining travel time, rather than spending the whole afternoon on one beach. The tradeoff is that your time at each place is limited, so you should arrive ready to swim, look around, and move on.

The boat has room for a maximum of 10 people. I see that as one of the strongest features. A small group can make boarding, swimming stops, and questions for Mario easier than they would be on a packed excursion boat.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is helpful if you are staying elsewhere in Zadar and do not want to arrange a private ride.

Ugljan: the main swimming stop

Ugljan is the first major stop and the place where you get the most free time, about one hour. The plan is refreshingly straightforward: swim, snorkel, lie back on the boat, and work on your tan if the afternoon sun is doing its job.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear for this activity. Bottled water is also supplied. You can bring or enjoy drinks such as juice, water, or soda while on the beach, according to the tour details.

I like the flexibility here. You are not pushed into one activity. If you want to swim, the water is your focus. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sunbathe on the boat or simply take in the island setting. For a short tour, that freedom is more valuable than a long list of forced activities.

The one-hour stop is also the clearest limit. You have enough time for a swim and some snorkeling, but not enough for a long beach session, an extended walk, and a leisurely meal. Bring your priorities with you. If you want to snorkel, get into the water early rather than spending half the stop deciding what to do.

Because the tour depends on good weather, conditions matter more here than on a city walking tour. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. On a sunny day, Ugljan is likely to feel like the heart of the outing. On a gray or windy afternoon, the swimming portion may lose much of its appeal.

Ošljak and its 90-meter viewpoint

Ošljak is described as the tiniest inhabited island in the area. Its small size gives this stop a different feel from Ugljan. Instead of settling in for a long beach break, you get a quick look at an unusually compact island community.

The high point reaches 90 meters and offers a 360-degree view. That is the main reason to pay attention during this stop. From above, you can take in the surrounding water and nearby islands from all sides, rather than seeing the area from one fixed beach.

Swimming and snorkeling are also available at Ošljak. If the water is your priority, you can use the stop for another short swim. If you prefer sightseeing, the viewpoint gives you a clear reason to step ashore and look around.

The published timing lists Ošljak as a one-minute stop, so do not plan around a long visit. That timing may reflect a brief scheduled pause rather than the full time available to explore, but the supplied details do not give a longer duration. I would treat Ošljak as a quick scenic stop and listen closely to Mario’s instructions about how much time you have.

This is one of those places where the scale is part of the appeal. You are not being asked to spend half a day exploring a large island. You are getting a compact view, a chance to swim, and a look at one of the area’s smallest inhabited islands before the boat moves on.

Preko for lunch, ice cream, and a little browsing

Preko is the most useful stop if you want a break from the water. The tour allows time for lunch at a restaurant, an ice cream, and souvenir shopping. You can also swim, sightsee, and snorkel here.

That mix makes Preko the easiest place to shape around your mood. You can eat if you skipped lunch before departure. You can grab something cold if the afternoon has been warm. Or you can stay near the water and keep the outing focused on swimming.

The published schedule again lists only one minute for this stop, so you should not assume a long restaurant meal or a relaxed shopping session. The tour information says there is transfer time between attractions during the remaining hour, and the very short listed stop durations make the timetable worth clarifying before departure.

I would ask Mario at the start how the available time will be divided at Preko. If you want lunch, you need to know whether the stop supports a sit-down meal or only a quick pause. If your priority is ice cream and a brief walk, the stop may fit better.

Preko also gives the tour a useful change of pace. Ugljan and Ošljak center on sea time and views. Preko adds food, local shopping, and a little freedom to wander. For an afternoon trip, that variety helps keep the experience from feeling like three identical swimming stops.

Mario’s role makes a difference

The named skipper is Mario. The supplied guest comments describe him as friendly, accommodating, and well informed about the islands. They also point to drinks and snorkeling equipment being provided at the stops, along with explanations about each place.

That matters on a small boat. With up to 10 people, the skipper is not just a distant voice at the front of a large vessel. Mario’s handling of the timing, swimming stops, and island information will shape much of the afternoon.

You should still keep your expectations practical. This is not presented as a formal historical tour with a long lecture at every stop. The focus is on getting around efficiently, enjoying the water, and learning useful things about the islands as you go.

I especially value the combination of local information and flexibility. A skipper who can explain what makes Ošljak different from Ugljan, then help you understand how much time is available at Preko, adds real value to a short tour.

The comments also describe an afternoon that felt better than expected and praise Mario’s manner. That fits the design of the trip: small group, direct contact with the skipper, included drinks, and time to choose between swimming and sightseeing.

What the $30.23 price really covers

At $30.23 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day outing rather than a luxury private charter. The value comes from combining boat transport, three island stops, snorkeling equipment, and bottled water in one short trip.

The small group improves that value. You are not paying only for a ride from one point to another. You are also getting a more personal format, with a maximum of 10 people and a named skipper who provides information about the islands.

Still, the price needs one important adjustment. A €10-per-person docking fee is not included. That extra cost is listed separately, so include it in your budget before comparing this trip with other Zadar boat tours.

Lunch, ice cream, souvenirs, and any other food purchases at Preko are also not included. The activity includes bottled water and use of snorkeling equipment, but the supplied details do not promise a full meal or unlimited drinks.

For me, the tour is good value if you want a short, active outing and plan to use the swimming and snorkeling time. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long lunch, extended island walks, or hours on one beach. The tour pays off through variety and convenience, not through long stays at each stop.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

The tour starts at 2:00 pm and lasts about four hours. That afternoon departure leaves the morning free for Zadar, making it easy to pair with a city walk or a relaxed start to the day.

The timetable needs careful reading. Ugljan is listed at one hour, while Ošljak and Preko each show one minute, with transfers between attractions taking place during the remaining hour. Since those short entries do not explain how long you can actually spend ashore, ask about the exact schedule when you meet Mario.

Wear clothing that can handle swimming and sun. The activity is built around water access, snorkeling, and sunbathing, so you will want to be ready to get wet. Bottled water is included, but you may want to bring any other drink you prefer, along with money for the €10 docking fee and purchases in Preko.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, according to the supplied information, but no detailed mobility guidance is provided. If you have specific access needs, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the speedboat and island stops will suit you.

The experience depends on good weather and also requires a minimum number of bookings. If weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 2:00 pm start time. After that point, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several island impressions in one afternoon. It suits people who like to mix swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, views, and a little time for food or shopping.

It also works well for couples and small groups who prefer a personal boat experience. The comments about Mario being friendly and accommodating are especially relevant here, because the small group format puts more weight on the skipper’s attitude and organization.

Families and mixed-interest groups may also appreciate the choice of activities. One person can swim, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay on the boat or look around an island. The plan does not force everyone to do exactly the same thing.

I would be more cautious if you want a slow beach day. One hour at Ugljan is the longest clearly stated stop, and the trip includes movement between several places. You may enjoy the range, but you will not have unlimited time anywhere.

I would also hesitate if your main goal is a substantial lunch in Preko. Lunch is possible, but the listed timing is too brief to promise a relaxed restaurant visit. Ask for clarification before booking if that part is important to you.

Should you book the Ugljan Island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, small-group afternoon from Zadar with swimming, snorkeling, island views, and a skipper who takes an active role. Ugljan gives you the main water break, Ošljak supplies the unusual viewpoint, and Preko adds food and shopping options.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the maximum of 10 people, included snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and Mario’s friendly, helpful approach. The main reasons to pause are the extra €10 docking fee, the weather requirement, and the unclear short timings shown for Ošljak and Preko.

Before paying, confirm how long you will spend at each island and budget for the docking charge. If you are happy with a quick-moving itinerary, this tour offers a practical way to see more of the Zadar islands without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the Ugljan Island speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Obala kneza Branimira 20A, 23000, Zadar, Croatia. It also ends back at this meeting point.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 2:00 pm.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Is the docking fee included in the price?

No. A docking fee of €10 per person is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.