Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The Adriatic looks best from a small boat. This four-hour trip gives you two things I especially like: a proper swim in clear, turquoise water and enough time ashore to see Ošljak and Preko at an easy pace. The small group, capped at 10 people, also makes the ride feel more personal than a large excursion boat.

The main drawback is practical rather than scenic: there is no toilet on board, and fuel costs extra before departure. The boat is open, so wind can bring plenty of sea spray, especially on a rough day. Pack for sun, water, and a little splash.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay swim first: You get about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in a secluded bay.
• Ošljak feels local and quiet: This tiny inhabited island offers old Dalmatian houses, beaches, and a relaxed walk.
• Preko gives you the longest shore stop: You have about 75 minutes for coffee, food, shopping, swimming, or a walk.
• Drinks are included: Expect bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person, with ice-cold drinks available during the trip.
• A small speedboat means more coastline: The ride is quick and scenic, but you sit close to the open sea and may get wet.
• Fuel is an extra charge: The advertised $35 price is attractive, but confirm the added fuel cost before setting off.

What you actually get for $35

At $35 per person, this is a good-value way to put several Adriatic experiences into one half-day. You get boat transport, an English-speaking guide, life vests, a mask for swimming, water, iced tea, and a beer. You also get two island stops and a dedicated swim stop without committing your whole day.

The value comes from the mix. A simple beach outing might give you more time in the water, while a standard island visit might give you more history or sightseeing. This trip splits the difference. You cruise, swim, walk through small island communities, and still return to Zadar with time left for the old town.

The price needs one qualification. Fuel is not included and is paid before departure, though no amount is specified in the available details. Ask about the exact charge when you book so the final cost does not catch you by surprise.

The drinks help, particularly during a hot afternoon. You receive bottled water and iced tea, plus one beer per person. Several past participants also appreciated having cold drinks ready during the ride, but food is not included. Bring cash if you want something at Preko.

Finding the boat behind Foša

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Boarding is behind the restaurant Foša.

This area can be confusing because several boat companies gather around the same waterfront. One useful tip is to take a photo of your location and send it to the operator through WhatsApp if you are unsure. That is easier than wandering along the dock asking every skipper where your boat is.

The company uses three boats, so the exact boat that arrives may vary. Look for the Aveta Speedboat Tours crew rather than expecting a particular vessel. The boats have generally been described as clean, comfortable, and in good condition, but seating can vary between boats.

Arrive ready to board, not dressed for a formal cruise. You will want swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a dry change of clothes. On a windy day, a light cover-up is sensible because spray can reach the passengers.

The speedboat ride across the Zadar archipelago

The first ride takes about 15 minutes. That is long enough to get open views of the coast, but short enough that the tour does not become a day spent sitting in one place.

A speedboat gives you a different view of Zadar than a walking tour. The old city walls recede behind you, and the scattered islands begin to make sense as a chain of low shores, small villages, and quiet coves. The point is not a long commentary session. It is the pleasure of moving quickly across the water with the wind in your face.

The boat is open, so the ride is not ideal for anyone who dislikes motion or spray. On calm days, this is part of the fun. If the sea is rough, you may get wet, and the ride may feel less relaxing. Take that warning seriously if you are prone to seasickness.

The group limit of 10 matters here. You are not lost in a crowd, and the guide can usually answer questions, help with photos, and keep an eye on the group at swimming stops. Guides named in the feedback include Jure, Joseph, Josip, Željko, and Jure or Juri in different spellings. The repeated praise is directed at their friendliness, humor, patience, and care with passengers.

Blue Bay: 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling

The first stop is a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago, described as a Blue Bay or hidden swimming stop. The boat remains here for about 50 minutes, giving you the most focused water time of the day.

This is the part to look forward to if your ideal Croatian outing involves jumping from a boat into clear sea. You can swim, float, snorkel with the provided mask, or simply sit back and enjoy the water. The mask comes without a snorkel tube, so bring your own equipment if you prefer a full snorkeling setup.

The bay is valued for its clear turquoise water and natural setting rather than for organized facilities. There are no listed toilets here, no food service, and no mention of sun loungers. Bring everything you need from the boat and keep your towel handy.

Families can enjoy this stop, and one family described the boat jump as the favorite moment for a seven-year-old. Still, parents should consider the open-water setting and the need to supervise children closely. The tour is not designed specifically as a children’s program, and the boat operator sets the safe swimming conditions.

This is also the place where weather matters most. A calm day should give you the pleasant swimming scene advertised. Wind or rough sea can make the water less comfortable and the boat ride wetter. If swimming is your main reason for booking, check the forecast and keep expectations flexible.

Ošljak: a small island with old Dalmatian houses

After roughly 10 minutes on the boat, you reach Ošljak for about an hour. Ošljak is known as the smallest inhabited island, and its appeal is its scale. You are not arriving at a major resort or a developed port. You get a compact place to walk, look around, and slow down.

The old Dalmatian houses and quiet paths give this stop a more everyday feel than a polished sightseeing attraction. You can explore, find a beach, take photos, and swim if the conditions suit you. The hour is enough to get a sense of the island without turning the visit into a long hike.

I like this stop because it breaks up the water time. A speedboat tour can become tiring if you remain seated for four hours, but Ošljak gives you solid ground and a change of pace. It also makes the trip feel more connected to island life instead of being only a scenic cruise.

Do not expect a large menu of attractions or extensive shopping. The charm is in the small size and simple setting. Wear shoes you can walk in, and remember that beach time may involve uneven access rather than a fully serviced resort shoreline.

Preko: 75 minutes for coffee, food, and a walk

The final major stop is Preko, reached after about 15 minutes on the boat. You have roughly 75 minutes here, the longest period ashore.

Preko is the most useful stop if you want a little choice. You can walk through the village, have coffee, buy food, browse for souvenirs, or swim. You may also have the option to visit Galevac, an island near Preko. The exact amount of time available for Galevac depends on the day’s timing and how the group uses the stop, so treat it as an option rather than a guaranteed separate visit.

This is also the only point where you can reliably plan for a toilet break. Since there is no restroom on the boat, use the facilities at Preko and take care of that need before returning to the vessel.

The 75-minute stop sounds generous, but families with young children may find it passes quickly. Getting everyone off the boat, finding food, walking around, and returning on time takes a fair portion of the stop. One family wanted longer at this final village because it looked appealing and children slowed down the walk.

For most adults, the timing should feel comfortable. You can have a drink, stroll near the waterfront, and still leave room for a swim or a quick look at local shops. Do not plan a full meal with a long wait, though. The guide needs to bring the group back together for the return ride.

The ride back to Zadar

The final boat ride takes about 15 minutes. It is a pleasant way to finish, with views back toward the mainland and the islands you have just visited.

By this point, you will probably be wet, sun-warmed, and ready for dry clothes. Keep your towel and change of clothes accessible rather than buried in a bag. The tour returns to the same waterfront area near Foša, which makes it easy to continue into Zadar’s old town afterward.

The half-day format is one of the strongest features here. You get a real outing on the water but still have time for Zadar’s Roman ruins, churches, restaurants, and sunset sights. If you only have a day or two in town, that balance is useful.

Guides, boat comfort, and the small-group feel

The human side of this tour receives unusually strong praise. Guides such as Joseph, Jure, Josip, and Željko are repeatedly described as friendly, calm, attentive, funny, and helpful. Joseph is especially praised for keeping drinks available and making sure people were comfortable, while Jure is described as informative and caring.

That matters on a small boat. A good skipper controls the pace, explains what you are seeing, waits for photos, and keeps the group relaxed. A poor one can make the same route feel rushed or confusing. The available feedback points strongly toward a warm, personal style.

Boat comfort appears to be good, though you should not expect a luxury yacht. Some people describe the boats as new, clean, spacious, and smooth. The group size is limited to 10, and groups of seven have found the seating relaxed. Still, the operator uses three boats, so exact seating and layout can differ.

The tour is conducted in English. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the stated weight limit is 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Pets and bicycles are not allowed.

What to pack and what to skip

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• A dry change of clothes
• Cash for food, drinks, or shopping at Preko
• Your own snorkeling tube if you want one

The operator provides a swimming mask, but not a snorkel. Life vests are available, and you should use one as directed by the crew.

Do not count on a toilet during the boat rides or at the swim stop. Use the facilities before departure and again at Preko. Also, do not bring a bicycle or pet, since neither is allowed.

If the sea looks rough, dress for spray. This is an open speedboat, not a covered ferry. The possibility of getting wet is part of the deal.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a short, active taste of the Zadar archipelago without spending a full day at sea. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with children who can handle a speedboat, swimming, and short walks.

It is especially good for you if you want:

• A proper swimming stop
• A small group rather than a large cruise
• A little island culture along with beach time
• A friendly English-speaking guide
• An afternoon or morning activity that leaves time for Zadar

I would think twice if you need a toilet close by, dislike open boats, have serious mobility limitations, or want a detailed historical tour. The commentary is part of the experience, but the focus is movement, swimming, scenery, and easy island stops.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before planning the rest of your day.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat tour?

Yes, if you want a well-priced half-day on the Adriatic with swimming, island walks, and a small-group feel. The strongest reasons are the 50-minute Blue Bay stop, the relaxed hour on Ošljak, and the generous 75 minutes at Preko.

Just budget for the extra fuel charge, bring cash, and use the bathroom before boarding. If the forecast calls for rough water, expect spray and a bumpier ride. For a calm day and a friendly skipper such as Joseph, Jure, or Josip, this is an easy way to see more of the coast without giving up your evening in Zadar.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stop, island visits, and return to Zadar.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls. Boarding is behind the restaurant Foša.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The operator uses three boats, so the exact boat may vary.

What islands does the tour visit?

The main stops are Ošljak and Preko. There may also be an option to visit Galevac from Preko. The first stop is a swimming bay in the Zadar archipelago.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You have about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at the secluded bay, and there may also be time to swim at Ošljak or Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A mask is provided, but it does not include a snorkel tube. Bring your own tube if you want to snorkel with one.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person are included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on the boat. You can use a toilet at the final stop in Preko, so take care of your needs before departure.

Is fuel included in the $35 price?

No. Fuel is paid separately before the tour begins. The exact additional cost is not specified, so ask the provider before departure.