From Zadar: Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour with Drinks

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This four-hour Zadar speedboat trip packs in clear coves, island villages, swimming, snorkeling, and a lively ride for $38 per person. I especially like the small group of up to 12 people and the easygoing guides, with Mateo, Simon, Tom, Antonio, and Don all earning warm praise for their friendly care. I also like that water, iced tea, beer, masks, and snorkels are included. The main drawback is time: the prettiest stop, Preko, gets only about an hour, and the open boat can be wet, windy, and sunny.

You meet on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls, then head out at a brisk 20 to 25 knots. The boat has an awning over the rear seats, but the front is fully exposed. That makes the ride exciting, not luxurious. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, and a good attitude toward sea spray.

Key points before you book

• Blue Bay Otrić gives you a proper swim stop: You get about 45 minutes in water 2 to 3 meters deep, with masks and snorkels supplied.
• The middle stop changes by weather: The skipper may choose a fishing village, secluded bay, walking spot, or another quiet coastal place.
• Preko is the most complete stop: You can swim at a sandy beach, walk, eat, buy ice cream, or swim roughly 20 meters to Galevac Island.
• The boat is small and open: Up to 12 people share the speedboat, with shade at the back but no enclosed cabin.
• Drinks are part of the fare: You get unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person.
• Plan for extra cash and no toilet: Docking costs are separate, paid in cash before departure, and there is no toilet onboard.

Leaving Zadar’s waterfront at 20 to 25 knots

The meeting point is Nautica Zadar, on the waterfront opposite the city walls. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This is not the moment to wander through the old town looking for the boat at the last minute. If you cannot find the right spot, take a photo of where you are and send it to the operator on WhatsApp.

Once everyone is aboard, the speedboat heads across the water. The first ride lasts about 15 minutes, enough to give you a taste of the boat’s pace without using up half the tour. At 20 to 25 knots, you get much farther than on a slow sightseeing boat, and the islands begin to feel like places you can reach rather than distant scenery.

The ride is part of the attraction. You get open views, moving air, and a close look at the Adriatic. You also get sun, wind, and occasional spray. The front seats offer the clearest sensation of speed, while the rear seats sit under the awning and make more sense if you want shade or a calmer ride.

The boat is described as comfortable and well maintained, but it is still a compact vessel. Pack light. Keep phones, cameras, and spare clothes protected from water. On a rough day, the spray may reach more than the front row.

Blue Bay Otrić, your first 45 minutes in the water

The first stop is Blue Bay Otrić, where the boat anchors for swimming and snorkeling. The water is listed as 2 to 3 meters deep, so you should be comfortable in open water. Life vests are provided, and masks and snorkels are available for use.

This is a good opening stop because you can get straight into the sea before the day becomes too warm. The water may feel cold outside the main summer season. A late-May outing, for example, can still mean a brisk first swim, though bright sun helps once you are out of the water.

You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard with a drink. The skippers provide water, iced tea, and beer, though the drinks are not guaranteed to be extremely cold. The crew works in the sun and on a moving boat, so if you want something, simply ask. The staff are reported to be attentive, especially with children and families.

Forty-five minutes passes quickly. You have time for a swim and a look below the surface, but not for a long, lazy beach session. If your main goal is extended snorkeling, this tour may feel rushed. If you want a taste of Adriatic swimming without giving up the rest of the afternoon, the timing works well.

The changing middle stop keeps the route flexible

After another short speedboat ride, the skipper chooses a second stop based on the forecast, wind direction, sea conditions, and crowd levels. This flexibility is useful in Dalmatia, where the best place to swim can change from one day to the next.

You might stop at a small fishing village, a quiet cove, or a coastal spot suited to walking and snorkeling. The scheduled break lasts about an hour. You may have time to walk around, swim, snorkel, or simply sit by the water.

The tradeoff is predictability. You cannot plan this part around one named village or one specific beach. If you need a fixed sightseeing itinerary, that may bother you. I see the changing stop as a sensible choice for a small boat. The skipper can avoid rough water and select a more pleasant place instead of following a rigid route.

This is also the least certain part of the experience in terms of facilities. The information promises a place worth discovering, but not a particular restaurant, shop, beach surface, or toilet. Bring your own towel, and do not count on buying food until you reach Preko.

Preko offers the tour’s best mix of beach and village life

The final island stop is Preko, with about an hour of free time. This is the most useful stop for people who want more than a quick swim. You can use the sandy beach, walk through town, stop at a café, get ice cream, eat at a restaurant, or browse souvenir shops.

Preko also gives you the tour’s clearest taste of everyday island life. It is not only a place to jump into the sea. You can stroll through a traditional small town, sit down for a drink, and watch the pace slow to island time.

The beach is especially suitable for families because the entry is described as kid-friendly. Children as young as four and five have enjoyed the speedboat and the swimming stops, while older children have plenty of room to make the outing active. Parents should still be comfortable supervising near open water, and the boat’s movement may be tiring for very young children.

A memorable option is the short swim to Galevac Island, about 20 meters from shore. That distance is brief for a strong swimmer, but it is still open water. Do not treat it as a casual walk. Stay within your ability, and use the provided safety equipment if needed.

Preko may leave you wishing for more time. The beach, cafés, ice cream shops, and nearby facilities make it easy to fill an afternoon, yet the tour allows only about an hour before returning to Zadar. Some outings feel perfectly paced, while others make Preko seem like the place where the tour should have spent most of its time.

There are showers by the beach, which can be useful if you plan to return to Zadar’s old town afterward. That small detail matters. Saltwater, wet swimwear, and an evening walk through the city are not the best combination.

Drinks, music, and guides shape the mood

The included drinks add real value at this price. You receive unlimited iced tea and water, plus three beers per person. The boat is not a floating bar, and the drinks may be chilled rather than ice-cold, but you will not need to buy refreshments during the ride.

The mood can be social and upbeat. Music is part of the experience, and some groups have been able to choose their own songs. That makes the outing a good fit for friends, couples, solo visitors who like meeting people, and celebratory groups such as bachelorette parties.

Your skipper matters here. Mateo, also called Matteo or Matty in feedback, is repeatedly praised for being warm, polite, funny, and attentive. Simon is described as friendly, accommodating, and good with families. Tom receives praise for his hosting and drink service, while Antonio is noted for making the ride comfortable for the whole group. Don is praised for patiently taking photos.

You should not expect a formal lecture in several languages. The guides speak English only. You will receive practical directions and some information about the area, but this is mainly a scenic and social outing rather than a serious historical tour.

What $38 gets you, and what it does not

At $38 per person, this is strong value for a four-hour Adriatic outing. You are paying for the skipper, guide, speedboat transport, three stops, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, water, iced tea, and three beers. A comparable private boat would cost far more, while a larger cruise boat would not offer the same speed or small-group feel.

The price is not the final cost. Docking fees are paid separately in cash before departure. The stated charge is €10 for people aged 12 and older and €5 for children aged 11 and younger. Food, towels, swimming fins, and hotel transportation are also excluded.

The lack of fins is not a major problem for a simple swim, but serious snorkelers may prefer to bring their own. You need to bring a towel, and a change of clothes is wise because the ride can leave you damp.

Parking near the meeting point can be a major headache. If you are arriving by car, allow extra time or consider another way to reach the waterfront. Cruise ship pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Nautica Zadar.

Who will enjoy this speedboat outing most

I would choose this tour if you want a quick, active introduction to Zadar’s islands. It gives you swimming, a little snorkeling, a village stop, a sandy beach, and a fast ride without taking a full day.

It suits:

• Couples who want scenery and swimming without renting a boat.
• Families with children who can manage a boat boarding and open-water stops.
• Friends looking for music, drinks, and a social afternoon.
• Solo visitors who enjoy small-group outings.
• Anyone with limited time in Zadar who wants to get beyond the city walls.

You should think twice if you dislike wind, sun, motion, or getting splashed. There is no indoor space, and the front of the boat has no cover. The rear awning helps, but it does not turn the boat into a shaded cabin.

This is also not suitable for wheelchair users, people with serious mobility limits, babies under one year, or anyone over 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds. You need to board the speedboat and move around the stops. There is no toilet on the boat or at the starting point, so use facilities before you arrive. The only toilet access comes at the final stop.

Weather can make or break the ride

A sunny, calm day should give you the classic Adriatic experience: fast open-water travel, bright coves, and easy swimming. A windy day changes the equation. The boat may bounce, and sea spray can reach you during the drives.

Check the forecast before you go, then dress for the possibility of getting wet. Sunglasses, a secure sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes belong in your bag. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though it is not listed as a required item.

The water can be cool in spring and early season. You may still enjoy swimming, but do not expect summer warmth in April or May. The boat’s open design makes warm clothing useful during the ride back if you have spent much of the day wet.

The operator can change the middle stop according to conditions, which helps. It cannot remove the basic fact that a speedboat is exposed to the sea. If you want a dry, quiet, enclosed ride, choose a different type of boat trip.

Practical verdict: book it for variety, not long beach time

I recommend this tour if you want a lively half-day with several different experiences packed into one route. The small boat, friendly skippers, included drinks, and quick access to the islands make $38 a fair price, even after the extra docking fee.

The strongest part is the combination of movement and choice. You can sit under the awning, listen to music, swim at Blue Bay Otrić, explore a flexible second stop, then enjoy Preko’s beach and cafés. The weakest part is the short time at the best beach, especially if your children or your own mood demand a longer stay.

Book it if you value variety, open-water views, and a social atmosphere. Skip it if you need shade, a toilet, a fixed sightseeing route, or several hours on one beach. Arrive early, carry cash for the docking fee, protect your phone, and save room for an ice cream in Preko.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Blue Bay Otrić, a changeable second location, and Preko.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Nautica Zadar on the waterfront opposite the city walls. Look for the Nautica Zadar photo shown with the activity information.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What language does the guide speak?

The skipper and guide speak English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with life vests.

What drinks are included?

You receive unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Preko has restaurants, cafés, and ice cream shops.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet onboard, and there is no toilet at the pickup point. Toilet access is available at the final stop.

Is the docking fee included in the price?

No. The docking fee is paid separately in cash before departure. It is listed as €10 for people aged 12 and older and €5 for children aged 11 and younger.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. The open boat can expose you to wind and sea spray.