You can trade city heat for open-sea calm. This half-day speedboat ride around Zadar swaps long bus rides for snorkeling stops led by skippers like Sara and Lovro, with time to swim in clear coves and sip homemade liqueur along the way.

What I like most is how quickly you get to the water, and how the day mixes sightseeing with real time for swimming gear-on in the Adriatic. One thing to think about: there’s an extra docking fee that you’ll need cash for, and you’ll also want water shoes for easier access.

The route is built for short, sweet island moments: Ošljak first, then Ugljan and Preko, with a relaxed pace and plenty of chances to cool off. If you’re traveling with kids, going at the right time of day matters too, since this is not a slow sightseeing-only cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Snorkeling gear included, so you can put masks on immediately at the stops
• Multiple swim breaks (Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko) with enough time to actually enjoy the water
• Homemade liqueur and cold drinks served during the cruise moments
• Short boat rides between islands, which keeps the day feeling light and fast
• Photo and walking time on Preko, not just water time
• Later departures can catch sunset as you cruise back toward Zadar

Zadar’s islands feel different from the water

Zadar is a great base, but the coast can feel busy from land. A speedboat changes that fast. You’re not waiting around for the next viewpoint; you’re out on the sea, moving between small islands and coves where swimming feels natural and immediate.

I like that this tour keeps the focus on what the Adriatic does best: clear water, underwater life, and quiet pockets where you don’t have to fight for space. The boat hops you to islands such as Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, then gives you real stretch-your-legs time in the water.

Price and what you actually get for $31

At about $31 per person for a 4-hour half-day, the value mostly comes from what’s included. You get the boat tour, a skipper, life jacket, water, and snorkeling equipment. You also get ice tea and homemade liqueur, which is not just a nice perk. It turns the cruise from a simple transport service into a “stay a while” kind of experience.

There’s one catch: a dock fee is listed separately (Adults: 10 EUR, Children up to 11 years: 5 EUR). It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the one extra cost you should budget for so you’re not surprised at the end.

Meeting at Obala kneza Branimira 16 (and what to bring)

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. The activity ends back at the same meeting place, so you’re not stuck figuring out a separate return.

Bring the practical stuff and you’ll enjoy the tour more:

• Hat and a towel
• Water shoes (you’ll thank yourself for this)
• Cash for the dock fee

You’re also told no bikes, which is typical for a boat trip but worth noting if you’re planning to combine it with local rental cycling.

This is an English-guided tour, which helps if you want to follow along without guessing what you’re seeing.

The speedboat starts fast: 20 minutes of motion

Right after you meet near the gas station, you’re on the boat and quickly moving. That 20-minute ride matters more than it sounds. It gets you away from the busy shore and sets the tone: this is a sea day, not a land day with a short boat ride.

Expect the ride to feel relaxed. The schedule is designed around keeping travel legs short, so you spend your time doing the part you booked for—swimming and snorkeling.

Stop 1: Ošljak for snorkeling and swimming (about 1 hour)

Ošljak is where you get your first real hit of island-water time. You’ll have about 1 hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Why this stop works so well:

• You start with underwater gear right away, so you’re not “warming up” for the good part later.
• The Adriatic near this area is known for clear views, which helps snorkeling feel rewarding instead of random.
• One hour gives you room to do more than one thing: a swim, a proper mask-on look, then some sun-and-reset time.

Possible drawback: if you’re the type who only likes snorkeling for a short burst, this stop may still feel like it moves quickly compared with how slowly you might want to linger. But if you’re excited to see fish around rocky underwater areas, it’s a great start.

Cruise to Ugljan: 15 minutes of scenic in-between time

Between Ošljak and the next island, there’s a 15-minute boat cruise. This is the “don’t scroll your phone” part. Even when the boat isn’t stopping, you get sea views from a moving angle—and that’s part of the value of doing the tour by speedboat instead of ferry.

You’ll likely hear music and enjoy cold drinks during the run-up to the next swim stop, which keeps the mood easy.

Stop 2: Ugljan with an aperitif and longer snorkeling (about 1 hour)

Ugljan is the stop that adds a bit more “island day” feel. You’ll have:

• a photo stop
• an aperitif
• sightseeing
• then another stretch of swimming and snorkeling (about 1 hour)

This is also where the tour’s little social touches shine. There’s mention of music, cold drinks, and homemade liqueurs during the day. That cocktail-style moment matters because you’re not just in water gear and out. You’re getting a break that feels like vacation, not logistics.

What I’d watch for: Ugljan includes both viewing moments and time-in-water. If you’re planning to spend most of your energy on snorkeling, go straight for it when you arrive, and use the sightseeing/photo time as a breather rather than a full agenda.

Stop 3: Preko for a longer break, walking, and water time (about 70 minutes)

Preko is your longer stop on the water. After another 15-minute cruise, you get a 70-minute block that includes:

• break time
• photo stop
• visit and free time
• sightseeing and a walk
• plus swimming and snorkeling
• and a short class segment (the exact topic isn’t spelled out, but it’s part of the scheduled time)

This is a helpful balance. Two other stops are mostly built around sea time, but Preko gives you a chance to stretch out, move your feet, and reset mentally. The walk and free time are especially nice if you’re traveling with people who don’t want to be “in the water the whole time.”

Potential drawback: because it’s mixed—walk, visit, then swim—your ideal rhythm might not match the group’s. If you want only snorkeling, you may feel like you’re doing more shore time than expected. If you like variety, it’s a good match.

The return ride to Zadar (and possible sunset timing)

After Preko, you cruise back toward Zadar with about a 30-minute boat ride. Some departures are set up so you return around late afternoon, and the tour notes specifically mention a sunset experience for the afternoon version.

That matters because the sea changes late in the day. Even if you’re tired from snorkeling, the light and the slow return make it feel like a finish, not a shutdown.

One more perk: you might catch wildlife on the way back. There are sightings mentioned for dolphins during a return run, but keep expectations flexible; it’s not something you can bank on.

Snorkeling here: what to expect under the surface

This tour is built around practical snorkeling. You get snorkeling equipment and life jackets, and the stops are placed where you can actually get into the water without it turning into a chore.

From the way the stops are described, you’re likely to see:

• underwater rock areas
• colorful fish and other sea life
• clear conditions that make spotting easier

My advice: treat the first snorkeling stop as your practice round. Get comfortable with the mask, do a few calm breaths, then once you find your rhythm, you’ll enjoy the next swims much more.

And yes, you’ll want water shoes. Even if the entry points look easy, footing can be tricky in rocky coves.

Drinks and homemade liqueur: a small luxury that adds up

This is not a BYO or bare-minimum cruise. You’ll have water, ice tea, and homemade liqueur served as part of the experience. People also describe the liqueur as tasting like cherry Bakewell, which tells me the drinks are meant to be enjoyed, not just tolerated.

It’s a small thing, but it changes the feel of the day. When you’re out on a boat and you’re coming in and out of the water, something warm-cold-sweet in your hand makes the whole pacing easier.

If you prefer to keep it non-alcoholic, there are options mentioned too, so you don’t feel stuck choosing between “drinks” and “staying comfortable.”

The human factor: friendly skippers and a relaxed pace

The best part of this kind of tour is rarely the map. It’s the skipper. Here, the tour centers on a friendly, hands-on approach. You’ll get help with snorkeling gear and you’ll often have a guide who’ll point out what you should look for in the water.

In practice, the tour has been associated with hosts like Tomislav and Dubravko, and their style shows up in the details: taking photos during the water time, sharing recommendations after, and keeping the mood relaxed.

That’s the difference between a schedule and an experience. A good skipper makes the time feel like it’s for you.

Who should book this Zadar island speedboat?

This is a strong choice if you want:

• a half-day plan that doesn’t eat your whole day
• snorkeling without having to plan gear rentals
• a mix of sea time and island moments (especially with the Preko walk)

It’s also a great fit for couples, friend groups, and people who want a break from city walking. If your idea of vacation includes getting your face in the water and spending time in coves, you’ll likely have a good match.

It’s not a fit if:

• you’re pregnant (not suitable per tour notes)
• you’re traveling with children under 2
• you’re over 95 years

Those limits are not just paperwork; they usually reflect how boat transfers and water access work.

Tips to get more out of the 4 hours

• Arrive with your water shoes already on if you can. It saves time at the stops.
• Bring a hat and accept that sun hits differently on open water.
• Plan to be flexible with snorkeling depth and comfort. Clear water helps, but the main skill is calm breathing.
• Have some cash ready for the docking fee so you’re not scrambling at the end.

If you’re booking a later departure, prioritize the idea of sunset timing for the return. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel like the whole day ended on a high note.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you want your money to go toward the good stuff: snorkeling time, calm swim stops, and a relaxed skipper-led day around Ugljan and Preko. The inclusion of gear and drinks makes the price feel more complete than a lot of “transport-only” boat options.

I’d skip it if you hate mixed itineraries (water plus walking plus photo stops) or if you’re uncomfortable with rocky or uncovered water entries. Also, be sure you’re okay with the extra docking fee and the fact that you’ll need water shoes to make the stops feel easy.

If you want one memorable half-day in Zadar that feels like it belongs to the coast, this speedboat circuit is a solid call.

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