Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Wine and Snorkeling

Zadar’s best escape from the summer crowds may be four hours on a small speedboat, with the city shrinking behind you and three very different stops ahead. You get clear water at Kostanj, a quiet island walk on Osljak, and enough time on Preko for swimming, coffee, food, or a stroll to a sandy beach.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the easygoing mix of activity and downtime. I also like that the skippers, including Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, and Fabrizio, are part of the experience rather than simply boat drivers. The main drawback is practical: you must pay a €10 cash docking fee on arrival, and parking near the meeting point can be difficult in summer.

Key points at a glance

• Kostanj bay comes first, with about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and jumping into clear water.
• Osljak offers a quiet change of pace, with a small hill, a ninth-century church, Mediterranean homes, and old ruins.
• Preko gives you the longest stop, about 90 minutes for a sandy beach, snorkeling, local shops, coffee, or lunch.
• The boat holds no more than 12 people, making it more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Drinks are built into the outing, including wine, water, soft drinks, and two glasses of G&T.
• The extra €10 docking fee matters, so add it to the advertised $44 price when comparing tours.

Why this four-hour boat trip works so well

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you spend the whole time sitting still and taking pictures. It is a short island sampler built around three stops, with enough speed between them to make the journey part of the fun.

The route takes you away from Zadar’s waterfront and toward the islands of the Zadar archipelago. You get open-water views, brief explanations from an English-speaking skipper, and several chances to get wet. The plan is simple, but it covers a lot: a swim stop, a traditional island, and a more active summer village.

I would choose this tour if I had one free half-day in Zadar and wanted to see more than the old city. It works especially well for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who can handle a speedboat outing. An 11-year-old described it as a favorite excursion, and that makes sense: there is movement, music, water, and very little sitting around.

The boat is modern, petrol is included, and snorkeling equipment is supplied. You should still bring a towel, since towels are not provided. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the waterfront meeting point yourself.

Leaving Zadar from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Wait by the bench or the Tornado sign and arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.

This is one place where a little planning pays off. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so use one before you arrive. Parking is not available at the meeting point, and summer parking around Zadar can take time. If you have a car, allow extra time and do not cut it close.

The first boat ride takes about 15 minutes. That is long enough to get a feel for the speedboat without turning the transfer into a major part of the day. The skipper usually sets the tone early, with music, safety guidance, and information about the places ahead. Past skippers have included Mario, Tony, Gogo, Johnny, Matteo, Roko, Lovre, and Fabrizio, but your assigned skipper can vary.

A small note about the start: several people have found the process of sorting everyone into the correct boat a little confusing. That confusion seems to happen before departure, not during the actual trip. Keep your booking details ready, listen for your name, and ask if you are unsure which boat is yours.

Kostanj bay: your first swim in clear water

Kostanj is the first real stop, reached after roughly 15 minutes. The bay has a sandy beach and clear water, and you get about 40 minutes here.

This is the place to start swimming and snorkeling. The stop is short enough that you will not get bored, but long enough for a proper swim, a little sun, and a look below the surface. Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer using familiar equipment.

The boat may be the most useful part of this stop. You can cool off directly in the water instead of spending the whole break on shore. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask for a life jacket. Skippers have been praised for making sure less confident swimmers were comfortable and for providing flotation help when needed.

Kostanj is not the place for a long beach day. Forty minutes goes quickly once you have changed, found your gear, swum, and dried off. Think of it as a bright opening scene, not the main beach visit.

Osljak: a tiny island with a slower rhythm

After another 15-minute ride, the boat reaches Osljak, a small inhabited island with about 29 residents. The stop lasts around 40 minutes and gives you time to walk, take photos, and see a quieter side of island life.

Osljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. The island’s size is part of its appeal. You are not arriving at a major resort with a long list of attractions. Instead, you get a compact place where traditional Mediterranean buildings, trees, paths, and the shoreline make up most of the visit.

You can walk along the coast or climb the small hill for a view. A little church from the ninth century is tucked among the trees. There are also ruins of a former hospital associated with people suffering from the plague during the Second World War. These details give the stop more substance than a quick photo break, though the short visit means you will need to keep moving if you want to see everything.

Osljak also has a bar, which makes the stop less formal. You can choose a walk, a view, a drink, or a combination of all three. The island is a good counterpoint to the water stops because it lets you see how small-scale island life feels.

Do not expect a full guided history walk. The skipper can explain the islands and point out useful things, but this is still a relaxed excursion rather than a specialist history tour. You will get the most from Osljak if you enjoy exploring at your own pace.

Preko: the longest and most flexible stop

Preko is the final island stop and the longest break, lasting about 90 minutes. This is where the tour becomes more flexible. You can swim, snorkel, walk through the village, browse small shops, sit with a coffee, or stop for food.

Preko has more life than Osljak, especially in summer. It is still far calmer than Zadar’s center, but you have more choices here. The waterfront and village area make an easy walk, while the small sandy beach offers another chance to swim and use the snorkeling equipment.

One useful tip is to ask about Galevac, the nearby islet with a small ancient monastery among the trees. The supplied information notes that you can swim there from Preko, but you should treat that as an option for confident swimmers and only do it if the conditions and time allow. The main tour does not promise a separate visit to Galevac.

Preko is also the best place to arrange your own lunch, since lunch is not included. Some past outings have included recommendations for local food, including fresh fish and sardines at reasonable prices. Still, do not assume every restaurant will be open or that a meal is part of the planned schedule. If eating matters to you, ask the skipper how much time you have before ordering.

The 90-minute stop is generous compared with the first two breaks. You do not need to choose between swimming and walking, although you probably will not have time to do everything slowly. I would use Preko for a swim, a short walk, and a drink, then keep a little time to return to the boat without rushing.

Drinks, music, and the feel on board

The drinks help give the tour its social character. The package includes two glasses of G&T, one at each stop, along with unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks. The exact serving pattern may depend on the skipper and the timing, so do not treat it like a formal drinks tasting.

Music is also part of the atmosphere. Several skippers have been praised for creating a fun boat ride with good music and friendly conversation. The best guides do more than point the boat toward the next island. They explain the route, share small pieces of local history, suggest places to eat, and watch out for people who need help.

That personal touch is one of the strongest reasons to choose a small boat. Guides such as Gogo, Tony, Mario, and Roko have been singled out for being attentive, amusing, informative, or especially helpful. But the experience is not identical every day. Your skipper affects the mood, the amount of explanation, and how much help you get with swimming and island plans.

Alcohol deserves a practical note. Wine and G&T are included, but you are still on a moving boat and in the sun. Water and soft drinks are available, and pacing yourself is sensible. You want to remember the scenery and feel steady when you climb back aboard.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, the tour offers good value if you want transport, three stops, a local skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, and drinks in one package. A private boat would cost far more, while a large group cruise would not give you the same quick access to small bays and island villages.

The advertised price is not the final amount. You must pay a €10 docking fee in cash on arrival, and that fee covers all the stops. Since the tour price is shown in dollars and the extra charge is in euros, check the current conversion when budgeting.

Lunch, coffee, towels, hotel transfers, and parking are not included. The value is strongest if you already plan to be near central Zadar, bring your own towel, and are happy with a light, flexible day rather than a catered excursion.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who should book it, and who should think twice

I would book this if I wanted an active half-day with a friendly social atmosphere. The small group size gives you a better chance to speak with the skipper and meet people from different countries. It also keeps the stops from feeling like a conveyor belt, though the schedule is still fixed.

Families with older children should find plenty to enjoy, especially if swimming is a priority. Couples get pretty views and time away from the city. Solo visitors can join without needing to arrange a private boat.

You should think twice if you want a long history tour, a quiet luxury cruise, or a full day at one beach. The speedboat can be lively, the stops are fairly short, and the tour depends on swimming and walking to get its full value. If you dislike boat motion or need a toilet close by, plan carefully before booking.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

For most visitors with four spare hours, yes. The route gives you three different experiences without asking you to organize ferries, beach transfers, or snorkeling gear yourself. Kostanj supplies the clear-water swim, Osljak adds a small dose of island history, and Preko gives you time to choose your own pace.

Book it for the combination of scenery, swimming, drinks, and local guidance. Just arrive early, sort out parking in advance, bring a towel, carry €10 cash for the docking fee, and do not expect lunch or a toilet at the meeting point. If those details suit you, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see the coast beyond Zadar.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Kostanj bay, Osljak, and Preko.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. Wait by the bench or the Tornado sign and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience is limited to 12 participants, making it a small-group outing.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and can be used at the swimming stops, including Kostanj and Preko.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes two glasses of G&T, unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks. Lunch and coffee are not included.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. You must pay a €10 docking fee per person in cash on arrival. This covers all stops.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and parking is not available there.