Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

Small boat, clear water, easy island time. This four-hour trip gives you three swim stops, free time on Ošljak and Ugljan, and wide coastal views without tying up your whole day. I especially like the small-group feel and the generous time for swimming and snorkeling, rather than spending most of the outing racing between ports. I also like that the tour includes equipment, life vests, shade, fuel, and unlimited water for $49.

The main thing to consider is that this is a compact sea outing, not a full cultural tour. You will see only small portions of the islands, food is not included, and there is no toilet on the boat. The fast ride can also feel lively on the water, so bring a change of clothes and avoid carrying anything you cannot secure.

Quick takeaways

• Three water stops: You get time to swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter second stop, and another spot on the return route.
• About an hour on Ošljak: Walk around the island at your own pace after your first swim.
• Preko adds village life: The stop includes time for a walk, shopping, restaurants, and another chance to swim.
• Small boat atmosphere: The boat is often used for groups of about seven or eight, giving the trip a more relaxed feel than a large cruise.
• Practical inclusions: Snorkeling gear, life vests, sunshade, fuel, and unlimited water are included.
• Good price for a half-day: At $49, you get transport by boat, several water stops, island time, and an English-speaking guide.

Why this four-hour trip works well from Zadar

Zadar is a great base for a short outing on the Adriatic. You can spend the morning or evening in the old town, then use half a day to see the islands just offshore. This tour begins at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls.

The schedule is built around movement and swimming. You spend roughly 20 minutes reaching the first stop, then about 15 minutes between the next two stops, followed by a 20-minute ride back to the marina. That leaves plenty of time ashore and in the water, which is exactly what you want from a summer boat trip.

I like the balance here. You are not stuck on the boat for four hours, but you also do not spend the whole outing checking a watch at each island. The usual group size is small, with one account describing a boat for seven people and another reporting eight people aboard. Group size can vary, but this is clearly a more personal setup than a packed excursion vessel.

The guide speaks English and handles the route, safety gear, island information, and drinks. Guides named in the feedback include Dino, David, Davide, Din, and Stella. The names may vary by departure, but the repeated pattern is clear: the guide is expected to stay involved, offer practical help, and explain the islands along the way.

Leaving Zadar through the Bay of Foša

The boat leaves Zadar and heads through the Bay of Foša. This first stretch is part of the pleasure of the outing. You get changing views of the coast, open water, and the small islands scattered near Zadar.

The speedboat makes the ride feel like part of the activity, not just transport. You will cover ground quickly, but the route still leaves time to sit back and look around. The boat has a sunshade, useful during the strongest part of the day, and life vests are provided.

This is a good point to keep your belongings simple. Bring a hat, comfortable clothes, cash, and a change of clothes. A waterproof bag would be sensible, though it is not listed as an included item. The boat has no toilet, so use facilities before departure.

Blue Bay Otrić: the first 45 minutes in the water

After about 20 minutes, the first stop is Blue Bay Otrić. You get around 45 minutes here for a break, swimming, snorkeling, and a short guided introduction to the area.

This stop is mainly about the sea. The water is described as clear, with fish visible while snorkeling, and the supplied equipment saves you from renting a mask and snorkel separately. Life vests are also available, so non-swimmers can feel more at ease around the boat.

Forty-five minutes is a useful amount of time. You can get changed, enter the water, look below the surface, and still have time to sit in the sun. It is not so long that the stop becomes repetitive.

Bring realistic expectations. This is a swimming stop, not a formal beach day with changing rooms, cafés, or a full shore facility. You may spend most of the time around the boat rather than on a developed beach. If you want a quiet start and clear water, that works in your favor.

Ošljak and the quieter middle stop

The next boat ride takes about 15 minutes and leads to a second stop described as a quiet or less developed spot. Here you have about an hour for walking, photos, swimming, snorkeling, and free time.

The trip description connects this part with Ošljak, a small island near Zadar. It is the portion of the outing that gives you a taste of island life beyond the water. You can leave the boat, walk around, and choose your own pace instead of following a tight guided march.

I like having a full hour here. A shorter stop would barely give you time to dry off and look around. With an hour, you can take photographs, wander, return to the water, or simply sit in the shade and enjoy the quiet.

The island is not presented as a major sightseeing center, and that is part of its appeal. Do not arrive expecting a long list of monuments or a full day of organized touring. This is a small-scale stop, best suited to people who enjoy a slow walk, a few scenic views, and time away from busy streets.

The second stop was a highlight for some people because it felt more natural and less commercial than Preko. If your ideal island visit means clear water and a calm walk rather than shops and restaurants, this may be your favorite part.

Preko: one hour for village streets and a swim

After another 15-minute ride, the boat reaches Preko on Ugljan. You get about an hour here for a walk, photographs, shopping, swimming, and time to find a place to eat or browse.

Preko gives the trip a different mood. The earlier stops focus on water and quiet outdoor time. Preko feels more like a lived-in coastal village, with restaurants, shops, souvenirs, and places to wander. One account singled it out as the highlight because of its relaxed atmosphere.

You have enough time to get a feel for the place, but not enough for a serious meal and extended sightseeing. Since food is not included, you can use this stop to buy something if you choose, though the schedule is better suited to a snack or quick look than a long restaurant visit.

The stop also includes another chance to swim and snorkel. That makes Preko useful for mixed groups. One person can walk through the village, another can browse shops, and someone else can spend the hour by the water.

I would treat this as a sampler rather than a complete visit to Ugljan. You see one part of the island and get a brief taste of its coastal life. The tradeoff is worthwhile for a four-hour trip, but you should not book this expecting a thorough tour of Ugljan.

The return ride and drinks on board

The boat leaves Preko and takes about 20 minutes to return to Zadar. The final stretch is another chance to watch the coast from the water and let the outing wind down.

Unlimited water is included. Several people also appreciated being offered beer, juice, or other drinks during the trip, but the formal inclusions specifically guarantee water, not a fixed alcohol menu. If you want something particular, bring your own drink as advised in the practical information.

The boat has a sunshade, but it is still a good idea to wear a hat and use sun protection. Wet swimwear can make the ride back uncomfortable, so the requested change of clothes is not just a packing suggestion. It can make the difference between a pleasant return and a chilly one.

What the $49 price really covers

At $49 per person, this is strong value for a four-hour trip. You are paying for a speedboat ride, an English-speaking guide, fuel, snorkeling equipment, life vests, shade, unlimited water, three water opportunities, and free time on two island locations.

The price makes particular sense if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate activities. A boat transfer, a swim stop, and a visit to Preko could quickly cost more when booked individually. Here, the cost also includes the skipper and the planning between stops.

The small boat adds value. A larger cruise might carry more people and offer a lower advertised price, but it would not necessarily give you the same relaxed feel or flexibility. One account praised the space aboard a boat intended for seven people, noting that everyone had room.

Still, keep the exclusions in mind. Food is not included, and there is no toilet aboard. You should also budget for anything you buy in Preko. The tour is excellent value for sea time, but it is not an all-inclusive day out.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a simple way to get on the water from Zadar without giving up a full day. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a speedboat and enjoy swimming.

It is also a good choice for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, cautious swimmers can use life vests, and people who prefer dry land can walk around Ošljak or Preko. One family found that both teenagers and a non-swimming parent enjoyed the outing.

You should be comfortable with a basic boat setup. There is no toilet, no included meal, and no promise of a long visit at any single island. The trip is active but not strenuous, with walking, swimming, and getting in and out of the boat.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. If you have mobility concerns, the boat, island landings, and swimming stops may be difficult even if you can manage short walks.

Smart things to bring

Pack light, but bring the items that matter:

• Hat and sun protection
• Swimsuit and a complete change of clothes
• Comfortable clothing for the boat and island walks
• Cash for food, drinks, or shopping in Preko
• Your own preferred drinks, since water is guaranteed but other beverages may vary
• A small bag that can be kept secure and dry

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask. Food is not included, and the boat has no toilet, so plan around both points before leaving Zadar.

The meeting point is the boat tied to the walls at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Arrive ready to board rather than expecting a large terminal or office.

Timing and flexibility

The trip lasts four hours, but the start time can vary. Availability determines the departure, and some departures may work better in the morning while others may suit an afternoon schedule.

An afternoon start can be especially pleasant. One outing began at 4 p.m., giving the group cooler light on the return and attractive views as the sun lowered. You should still expect strong sun at the swimming stops, so do not skip the hat.

The guide may have some flexibility in how time is used, but the core pattern remains three water stops, island time, and a return to Zadar. Do not count on completely changing the route. Weather, sea conditions, and the needs of the group can affect the feel of the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Zadar plans may change, but check the current departure details when booking.

Is the Zadar three-island speedboat tour worth booking?

Book it if you want clear water, a small boat, and a relaxed half-day away from Zadar. The strongest part is the balance: enough time to swim and snorkel, enough time to walk around Ošljak and Preko, and short boat rides between stops.

I would choose this over a larger sightseeing cruise if personal space and unhurried water time matter to you. The $49 price is particularly good when you value the included gear, fuel, guide, shade, and water.

Skip it if you need a toilet aboard, want a full meal included, or hope to explore Ugljan in depth. For everyone else, this is an easy and well-priced way to sample the islands near Zadar, with Preko providing the most village character and the quieter stops providing the best time in the sea.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours from departure in Zadar to the return at the marina.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls there.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Ugljan, with a stop in Preko. It also includes Blue Bay Otrić and another scenic swimming location.

How much free time do I get on the islands?

You get about one hour at the second stop and about one hour in Preko. The first stop at Blue Bay Otrić lasts about 45 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included in the tour.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. Unlimited water is included. Other drinks may be available, but the confirmed inclusion is water.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so bring money if you want to buy something during the stop in Preko.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The boat does not have a toilet.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.