half day group speedboat tour of the islands around Zadar

The Adriatic is your playground here. This four-hour speedboat trip from Zadar takes you to Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko for swimming, snorkeling, island views, and time on quiet beaches. I especially like the chance to visit three snorkeling spots in one morning and the relaxed, personal service from skippers such as Sara, Lovro, Tomislav, and Dubravko.

I also like the small extras: cold water, iced tea, homemade liqueur, and sometimes photos taken during the swim. The main consideration is the extra docking fee, which is €10 for adults and €5 for children up to age 11. The speedboat ride can also feel lively, so it may not suit anyone seeking a slow, silent cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Three swimming and snorkeling areas: Look for underwater rocks, fish, and other Adriatic sea life around Ošljak and Ugljan.
• A useful half-day outing: The four-hour schedule leaves much of your day free for Zadar’s old town, the Sea Organ, or dinner.
• Two departure styles: Morning trips return around midday, while afternoon trips can finish with sunset views over the water.
• Personal touches included: Snorkeling equipment, drinks, life jackets, and homemade liqueur are provided.
• Island time, not just a boat ride: You get swimming, photos, a walk, free time, and sightseeing around Preko.
• Good value at $31: The price covers the boat, skipper, gear, and refreshments, though the docking fee is extra.

What this Zadar boat trip actually feels like

This is not a long island-hopping cruise with hours spent sitting on a boat. It is a brisk half-day outing built around getting into the water. The speedboat covers the distance quickly, then gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and look around.

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. That detail matters because the location is practical rather than scenic. You should arrive ready for the water, with your hat, towel, water shoes, and some cash for the docking fee.

The tour is conducted in English. Skippers Sara and Lovro are listed as the regular guides, while Tomislav and Dubravko have also led departures. The exact skipper may vary, but the guiding style described for the trip is friendly and informal. Tomislav is especially good at adding personal touches, including drink choices and local recommendations. Dubravko has also been praised for helpful suggestions at the final stop.

You are on a group speedboat, not a private charter. Still, the relaxed hosting and the limited amount of formal sightseeing can make the trip feel more like a day out with friends than a rigid excursion.

Speeding across the water from Zadar

The first ride takes about 20 minutes. That is long enough to get broad views of the coast and nearby islands, but short enough that you are not spending the morning in transit.

A speedboat changes the feel of the outing. You cover more ground than you would on a slow boat, and the wind and spray become part of the experience. I like this for a half-day trip because it gives you a sense of movement and leaves more time for the stops.

The tradeoff is comfort. Speedboats are exposed, and the ride may feel bumpy or windy at times. Wear secure clothing and keep loose items close. If you want a calm cruise with long commentary about the islands, this is not that kind of trip.

The return ride takes about 30 minutes, with the afternoon option timed to include sunset. That later departure is worth considering during hot weather. One person who chose the 4 p.m. departure especially enjoyed cooling off on the water and watching the sun drop during the ride back. On another trip, dolphins were spotted on the return, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Ošljak: the first hour in the water

The first major stop is Ošljak, where you have about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The island gives the tour an immediate change of pace. After the fast ride from Zadar, you are suddenly focused on clear water, rocky seabeds, and the shoreline.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel. The water around these stops can reveal small fish and underwater rocks, and the clear conditions make it easier to see below the surface.

I would treat the snorkeling as pleasant coastal exploring rather than a full guided marine excursion. You are given gear and time in the water, but the trip is not presented as a technical lesson or a formal ecology tour. One captain has a background in marine biology, which may add useful context about the sea life, but the depth of commentary can depend on who leads your departure.

The stop also allows time for sunbathing. Bring a towel and water shoes, since rocky entries can be less comfortable in bare feet. A water shoe is especially useful if you plan to move between a beach and the boat.

Ugljan: quiet coves and a second look below the surface

After about 15 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Ugljan. This part of the outing is built around a photo stop, an aperitif, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, with about an hour available.

Ugljan is where the trip feels most like an escape from Zadar. You can look back toward the mainland, take photographs from the boat, and spend time in a sheltered cove. The schedule gives you enough room to swim without making you rush straight back aboard.

The underwater sights are modest but rewarding. You may see fish moving around rocks and along the seabed. The clear water is the main attraction, not a large collection of organized facilities or major landmarks. That is good news if you want simple sea time, but less useful if your idea of an island visit involves extensive cultural sightseeing.

The drinks help keep the mood easy. Water and iced tea are included, along with homemade liqueur. The liqueur has been compared to a cherry Bakewell flavor, a sweet almond and cherry style taste. Alcohol is optional, of course, and you can stick with the soft drinks.

Some departures have included snacks or fresh wild peaches, but those extras should not be treated as guaranteed inclusions. The listed inclusions are water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

Preko: the longest island stop

A 15-minute boat ride brings you to Preko, where the schedule allows about 70 minutes. This is the longest stop, and it gives you more flexibility than the earlier swim breaks.

You can walk, take photographs, look around, swim, snorkel, and enjoy free time. The word free time matters here. The stop is not only about getting back into the water, and you are not forced to spend every minute snorkeling.

Preko works well as the final island pause because you have already had time to swim at Ošljak and Ugljan. You can choose your own pace. If you want one last swim, go for it. If you would rather dry off and enjoy the views, the longer break gives you room to do that.

The itinerary also mentions a class at this stop, but no details are provided about its subject or format. I would not book the tour specifically for that element. Think of Preko as a flexible final stop with a walk, photos, and more time near the sea.

The main limitation is that 70 minutes passes quickly if you try to do everything. Choose your priority before you arrive. Swimmers may want to get in the water first, while photographers may prefer to walk and take pictures before returning to the boat.

Morning or afternoon: choosing the right departure

The morning departure is the practical choice if you want to combine this outing with a full afternoon in Zadar. It heads toward Ugljan early, includes three snorkeling areas, and returns around midday.

That timing suits you if you plan to visit museums, explore the old town, or take an evening food tour. It also avoids spending the hottest part of the day on land, although the boat itself offers little shade information, so bring a hat.

The afternoon departure has a different character. It gives you a chance to spend the morning slowly in Zadar, then cool off in the sea later in the day. The return around sunset is the strongest reason to choose it. The light changes the views, and the ride back becomes part of the occasion rather than a simple transfer.

The afternoon trip may be less convenient for an early dinner or evening plans. Check the available start time before booking, since departure times can vary.

The personal service makes a difference

The most praised part of this experience is not simply the scenery. It is the way the skippers handle the day.

Tomislav is described as warm and accommodating, offering alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, answering questions, taking photographs, and sending them afterward. That photo service is a useful touch because it lets you enjoy the water without worrying about holding your phone over the sea.

Dubravko has also been praised for a friendly manner and good local suggestions. A captain with marine biology experience can add another layer to the snorkeling stops by explaining what you are seeing.

The hosting style is informal rather than scripted. You may hear restaurant recommendations, city tips, or advice about places to visit after the boat trip. The bachelorette group that took the tour received several suggestions for spots in Zadar, which shows how the outing can extend beyond the boat itself.

The exact extras can differ by skipper. Drinks and snorkeling equipment are listed as included, but snacks, fruit, and photos appear to depend on the crew and the day.

What the $31 price gets you

At $31 per person, this is a strong value for a four-hour boat outing. The price includes the speedboat ride, skipper, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur. You are paying for access to several island stops without arranging transport or renting gear separately.

The extra docking fee needs to be part of your calculation. Adults pay €10, while children up to age 11 pay €5. That makes the real cost higher than the headline price, though it remains reasonable for the amount of time on the water.

The tour is especially good value if you plan to swim and snorkel. If you only want to look at the islands from the deck, you may not get as much from it. The experience earns its price through the stops, not through lengthy narration or elaborate meals.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when weather and holiday plans are still shifting.

What to bring for a comfortable outing

Pack lightly, but bring the right items:

• A hat for sun protection
• A towel for the swimming stops
• Water shoes for rocky shorelines and entries
• Cash for the docking fee
• A swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• A secure bag for your phone and wallet

Water, iced tea, snorkeling gear, and life jackets are provided. You do not need to carry your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer your personal equipment.

Bikes are not allowed on the activity. Children under two, pregnant women, and people over 95 are not considered suitable for the trip. The speedboat format also means you should think honestly about your comfort with movement on the water.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who want an active break from Zadar. It is particularly good for people who measure a successful island day in swims, fish sightings, cold drinks, and good views rather than long museum visits.

Snorkelers of all experience levels can enjoy it because the equipment is supplied and the emphasis is on easy coastal exploration. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable taking part in water-based stops.

The trip also suits a special occasion. The friendly atmosphere, sunset option, drinks, and photo help make it popular for birthdays, group weekends, and relaxed couples’ outings.

I would choose another kind of tour if you want a large vessel, extensive historical commentary, a formal lunch, or guaranteed quiet. I would also avoid booking it if you dislike speedboat motion or prefer to remain dry.

Should you book the Zadar islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a compact, affordable day on the Adriatic. The combination of Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko gives you several settings without requiring a full day away from Zadar. Swimming and snorkeling are the real focus, and the included equipment and drinks keep the cost simple.

Choose the morning for a practical sightseeing schedule. Choose the afternoon if sunset, cooler temperatures, and a slower finish appeal to you.

Remember the €10 adult docking fee, bring water shoes and cash, and do not expect a formal cultural tour. If you want clear water, island views, a friendly skipper, and three chances to get wet, this is an easy recommendation at $31.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar islands speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours. Morning departures return around midday, while afternoon departures can finish around sunset.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16 in Zadar, near a gas station. The tour also ends at this meeting point.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko in Zadar County.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included in the tour price.

What drinks are provided?

Water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur are included. Some departures may also offer additional refreshments, but these are not listed as guaranteed inclusions.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. Adults pay €10, and children up to 11 years old pay €5.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. You should also bring suitable swimwear and a secure way to carry personal items.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour is conducted in English with a live guide.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.