That first push out into the open sea sets the tone. This Zadar speedboat outing mixes snorkeling in crystal-clear coves with small-island wandering and a proper summer-by-the-water vibe for about four hours. You get three different stops—sandy swimming, an island walk, and a village beach—so it feels like more than just a ride.

What I love most is the way it keeps the water time real and frequent, not just a quick dip. I also like that the operator includes snorkeling equipment plus bottled water and cold drinks, so you’re not scrambling after you get wet.

One thing to consider: extra charges can show up on the day. The listing says fees/taxes are not included (€10 per person), and some people report being asked for a docking-style fee in cash, plus there’s no restroom on board.

Key things to know before you go

• Three stop styles: sandy cove swim, slow island walk, then a village beach option
• Snorkeling gear included: but bring your own goggles if you’re picky about fit
• Watch the logistics: the meeting point can feel chaotic—arrive early and confirm your boat staff
• Expect to get wet: wind and chop can mean spray that soaks your clothes
• Bring small euros: fees can be paid separately on the day
• No onboard restroom: plan for that before you board

Speedboat Time From Zadar: What Four Hours Feels Like

This is a short, action-heavy outing by design. The boat ride is fast enough to feel like an adventure, but the stops matter most. You’ll spend a meaningful chunk of the afternoon swimming and exploring small areas around Zadar’s islands, instead of sitting on a coach.

With a max group size of 10 people, the pace usually stays friendly. That smaller number also makes it easier to get on and off at coves, and easier for the captain to adjust when the wind shifts. Several people call out captains by name—Lovre, Mateo, Mario, and Josef show up again and again—because good guiding here is more about practical tips and timing than speeches.

The tour is also weather-dependent. If conditions are rough, you might get a different route, and the “how swimmable it is” part can change fast. So I’d treat snorkeling as a highlight that depends on the day, not as a guaranteed fish-finder fantasy.

Meeting Point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6: Get Your Bearings Fast

The official meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. It’s near public transport, which is a win if you’re staying in the city center. Still, people report the check-in area can feel chaotic, with no clear name signage.

My practical advice: arrive early, and don’t wait until the last minute to start looking for the right boat staff. If you’re coming from a cruise terminal, budget extra transfer time and cost. At least one review mentions a taxi added about €20 each way, so the “cheap excursion” math can flip once you factor transport.

Also remember: there’s no restroom on board. Plan your timing so you’re not stuck making quick guesses in a busy dock area while everyone else lines up.

Stop 1: Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj) for Sandy, Clear-Water Snorkeling

The first swim stop is Pjescana Uvala, sometimes associated with Kostanj. It’s about a 15-minute drive by speedboat from Zadar, tucked among the Dalmatian islands. This is the kind of place where the water clarity is the real attraction—you can often see the sandy bottom and small fish near the shallows.

You get about 40 minutes here. That’s enough time to:

• put on a mask and snorkel,
• test the water calmly,
• and do a couple of slow passes without feeling rushed.

Snorkeling gear is included, but one smart tweak: if you’re used to a specific style of goggles, bring your own. Several people say the equipment is fine, but for comfort and view, your own goggles can make the difference between “nice” and “I’m actually seeing stuff.”

What to expect beyond fish: depending on conditions, you may hear about cave-style swims like the Blue Cave. Those can be incredible, but they also demand good buoyancy control. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick close to the safe swim zones the captain points out.

Stop 2: Ošljak Island Walk—Church from the 9th Century and WWII Ruins

The second stop shifts from water time to slow island pace. Ošljak is described as one of the smaller islands in the Zadar archipelago with only a few families living there. You’ll get about an hour to stretch your legs along the shore and take in the quiet.

This stop isn’t about beaches or long snorkeling sessions. It’s about atmosphere and small-scale history you can actually walk to:

• a small church dating to around the 9th century, and
• ruins tied to a hospital from World War II.

If you like places that feel lived-in rather than staged for tourists, Ošljak is where you’ll feel it. The island gives you a breather from the spray of the speedboat and lets you slow down, look up at the coastlines, and enjoy the fact that not everything here is about big attractions.

The potential drawback? If you’re only chasing water activities, this stop can feel “land-forward.” You’ll still have good views and a chance to explore, but it won’t be the peak snorkeling moment for everyone.

Stop 3: Preko on Ugljan Island—A Village Beach and a Swim Option

Preko is on Ugljan Island, and it changes with the season. In summer, it has more life; off season, it gets quiet. On the ground, you’ll feel the difference between a place that’s built for visitors and one that’s just waiting for them.

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes at this stop, which is generous compared with some half-day tours. There’s a small sandy beach on the right-hand side when you arrive. Bring your snorkeling masks if you want to make the most of that sand-and-shallows swimming.

Here’s a useful tip if you’re feeling confident in the water: from Preko, you may be able to swim toward the island of Galevac, aiming for a small monastery tucked among the trees. I’d only attempt anything like that if you’re strong in open water and the captain confirms it’s reasonable for the conditions that day.

This is also where you can switch modes. One option is to snorkel and float. Another is to take it slower with a coffee and a view from a café near the waterfront. It’s a good moment to dry off a bit, refuel (unless you’re planning to buy food on your own), and reset for the ride back.

Snorkeling Reality Check: Gear, Visibility, and How Much You’ll See

Let’s be honest: snorkeling results depend on the day. Clear water helps, and sandy bottoms are great for sightlines. But marine life varies, and in some conditions you’ll see mostly the water clarity and not a lot of dramatic wildlife.

That said, several people love this tour specifically because the water is clear and the swimming is easy to enjoy. The “point” of snorkeling here often becomes: stay calm, glide slowly, and watch the sand and tiny fish near the shallows rather than sprinting for deep coral scenes.

Also watch your comfort with waves. A full boat plus wind can mean spray all afternoon. People describe it as basically getting soaked by the chop. If you don’t want your stuff drenched, pack like you mean it: expect wet, keep valuables protected, and wear clothes you’re okay leaving behind in damp form.

For some days, cave-like swims show up as part of the thrill. If you get an option like that, treat it as a bonus. Follow the captain’s guidance, use life vests properly, and don’t try to free-swim through tight passages if you’re not sure of the route.

Captains Make the Trip: What Good Guiding Looks Like Here

The captain isn’t just “driving the boat.” On this route, the best ones read wind, choose the best approach to each stop, and give practical pointers once you’re in the water.

From the names people highlight, this operator seems to attract friendly, capable skippers—Lovre, Mateo, Mario, and Josef come up often. A common theme: they’re chill, they’re attentive, and they share enough guidance that you don’t feel lost when it’s time to swim.

One captain is noted for adapting the plan based on wind so the group can still get the best route. That matters because on islands, one wrong turn in wind can make a cove rough when you expected calm water.

Price and Extra Costs: The Value Math (and the Small Print That Hits)

At $38.71 per person, this looks like a bargain for a speedboat outing plus snorkeling gear and drinks. And for the basics, it often is good value: equipment, bottled water, cold drinks, and multiple stop locations in a short time.

But here’s the part you should plan for. Fees and taxes are not included—€10 per person. On top of that, some people report being asked for a separate docking-style fee in cash. Another review also notes that this wasn’t clear in the way they expected, so they felt surprised.

So I’d budget like this:

• Start with the ticket price,
• add about €10 per person for fees/taxes,
• and bring a little cash just in case the day includes a separate dock charge request.

Also, food isn’t included. It’s not a dinner cruise—if you want lunch, you’ll need to buy it on your own during the village stop.

What to Pack: Wet Weather Wisdom for Small-Island Stops

This is a water-first tour, so packing should be simple and realistic.

Bring:

• a swimsuit you don’t mind soaking,
• a towel (not provided),
• sea-safe footwear if you want extra protection (there are mentions of urchins),
• a dry bag for phone and wallet,
• your own goggles if you care about fit.

If you think you’ll keep your clothes dry, prepare to be disappointed. One review says the boat spray can hit you constantly, especially with wind and a full load. Think of it as a short, fast shower experience, then embrace it.

Who This Tour Suits Best—and Who Might Want Something Else

This works best for you if you want:

• a fun speedboat day without a long transit,
• snorkeling in clear, sandy-water conditions,
• small-island walking with a bit of historical texture,
• and a guide who keeps the plan moving.

You might consider a different option if:

• you want a long, calm beach day (this is not that),
• you’re expecting big coral reef wildlife (this is more sand-and-clarity snorkeling),
• or you really dislike getting wet and dealing with no onboard restroom.

It also fits solo travelers and couples well because it’s small-group and timing stays tight. Families might enjoy it, but the no-restroom situation and wet conditions should factor into your plan.

Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat and Snorkeling Tour?

I think it’s a strong pick if you want a mixed day that actually uses its time. The combination of clear-water swimming at Pjescana Uvala, a relaxed hour on Ošljak with visible remnants like the old church and WWII hospital ruins, and a longer stop in Preko gives you variety without feeling stretched thin.

Book it if you’re comfortable with:

• short snorkeling windows,
• getting wet from boat spray,
• and paying a possible extra fee day-of (keep €10 per person in mind and some cash just in case).

Skip it if your top priority is guaranteed, lively snorkeling with lots of sea life or if you need easy restroom access and fully dry comfort.

If you choose to go, show up early to the meeting point area, bring sea footwear if you’re cautious, and ask the captain for the best swimming zones on the day. That’s where the experience turns from a ride into a real Zadar afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How many stops are included?

There are 3 stops: Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, plus bottled water and cold drinks.

Is there a restroom on board?

No, there is no restroom available on the boat.

Are there extra costs on top of the ticket?

Yes. Fees and taxes are not included (listed as €10.00 per person).

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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