Speedboat time, island time, low effort. This half-day ride from Zadar mixes swimming and snorkeling with real time in the village of Preko on Ugljan. One catch to plan for: a 10 euro per person port fee isn’t included in the ticket price.

I also like the practical pacing. You get a morning cruise with drinks on board, then two water stops with enough time to actually enjoy them, not just pose for a photo. A small consideration: because it’s only about 4 hours, your time at each stop is limited, so you’ll want to show up ready to make the most of it.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Two swim-and-snorkel stops: Preko first, then Ošljak, with about 2 hours total in the water.
• Preko feels local, not staged: coffee time plus a walk in a charming village setting.
• Drinks are part of the plan: ice tea and beer are included, plus additional refreshing drinks on board.
• Snorkeling support is included: snorkeling is listed as included, and masks are also included in the price.
• Skipper does the driving: a professional skipper runs the route, keeping things simple for you.
• Port fee adds to the total: 10 euros per person is separate from the $30 price.

Zadar Speedboat Basics: How This Half-Day Plan Works

This is a true half-day outing: you leave Zadar in the morning, spend the bulk of your time on the islands, and head back to the same pier. The route is built around a simple idea: travel fast enough to see more coast, but stop long enough that swimming and snorkeling aren’t a quick afterthought.

You’ll ride a speedboat from Zadar, with a first leg that lasts about 45 minutes. After that, you get a longer stretch of time at Preko (about 75 minutes). Then there’s a shorter transfer by boat (about 20 minutes) to Ošljak for about an hour of water time before returning to Zadar.

For me, the best value in trips like this is balance. This one doesn’t just hop from one view to another. It gives you actual time to get cool in the sea, put your face in the water with snorkeling gear, then warm up again on deck with included drinks.

Price and Value: What You Really Pay in Practice

The headline price is $30 per person for a roughly 4-hour tour. But the total you’ll pay depends on one important add-on: the port fee is 10 euros per person, and it’s not included.

So, treat the $30 as the tour cost and mentally budget the port fee on top. If you’re comparing options, don’t accidentally compare a “cheap ticket” against a “full cost” price elsewhere. Here, the structure is transparent: the boat, fuel, and skipper work are included, and the port charge is separate.

What makes the price feel reasonable is what you get for that time:

• Fuel and a professional skipper are included.
• Snorkeling is included, and masks are included in the price.
• You get drinks (ice tea and beer listed) and fruit described as available on board.
• You’re not spending your own money on entry fees to reach the key spots; you’re paying for the ride and the scheduled time at stops.

In other words, you’re buying convenience plus water time. You’re not just renting a boat and figuring it out yourself.

Where You Meet and the Start Location You Should Plan Around

You’ll meet at the pier in front of the gas station INA, and the listed starting point is Obala kneza Branimira 27. This matters more than it sounds, because “Zadar” can mean multiple docks and walkable-but-not-easy-for-everyone areas.

My practical advice: arrive a few minutes early and take a quick look around the pier so you’re not scanning while the boat is boarding. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated drop-off.

Also, keep the duration in mind. This isn’t a full-day cruise with padding. If you’re late, you’ll feel it fast.

The Morning Ride Out of Zadar: 45 Minutes of Cruise Time

The first segment is about 45 minutes on the speedboat. It’s the transition phase that makes the whole day work. You’re not stuck on a bus, you’re not hunting for parking, and you’re not waiting around. Instead, you’re already on water, heading toward swim-ready coast.

On board, the vibe is meant to be relaxed. You’ll have included drinks—ice tea and beer are specifically listed—and the trip description also notes refreshing drinks and fruit are available during the journey.

This is a good moment to get set up for the water stop ahead. If you’re the type who likes to snorkel confidently, you’ll want to keep an eye on how the boat handles the swell, then get your mask sorted when it’s calm. (You don’t need to be an expert—snorkeling gear is included—but being ready saves time.)

Stop in Preko on Ugljan: Coffee, Walk, Swimming, Snorkeling (75 Minutes)

Preko is where this tour earns its “local” feeling. You get about 75 minutes there, which is long enough to do a simple loop: grab coffee, take a walk, then return to the water without rushing.

Here’s how your time at Preko is set up:

• Coffee: quick start, especially helpful if you’re coming straight from a morning wake-up.
• Walk: enough time for casual strolling and soaking in the village feel.
• Swimming and snorkeling: the centerpiece of the stop.

Why this matters: a lot of island trips squeeze you into a photo moment and call it sightseeing. This one gives you time to switch gears. You can be “on land” without losing the chance to be in the sea later.

A practical consideration: 75 minutes can still feel short if you want to do everything slowly. If your priority is swimming and snorkeling, plan your walk like a short wander, not a long explore. If your priority is village time, you’ll still have water time, but you’ll want to avoid spending so long on coffee that you miss the best calm-water window.

Ošljak Water Time: Snorkeling and Swimming for One Full Hour

After Preko, you transfer by speedboat for about 20 minutes to Ošljak. Then you get one hour at the second water stop.

This portion is more straightforward: swimming and snorkeling. It’s ideal if you want a second chance to get comfortable in the water and re-check your mask fit. If you snorkeled at Preko and felt like you didn’t get enough time, Ošljak is your do-over. If you skipped snorkeling earlier or didn’t feel ready, this stop gives you another shot.

One more reason I like this layout: you’re not trapped with only one “swim window.” With two separate water stops, you get flexibility. Even if the water conditions feel a bit different at the second location, you’ve already had a first taste.

Drinks, Ice Tea, Beer, and What’s Included for the Water

This tour is explicitly built around comfort and getting you relaxed fast. Included items are listed as:

• Fuel
• Professional skipper
• Snorkeling
• Ice tea
• Beer

And the trip details also mention that drinks and masks are included in the price. That combination is a big deal for value. Mask inclusion means you’re not paying extra or borrowing equipment last minute.

What you can expect during the day:

• You’ll have a way to cool down while cruising.
• You’ll have something to drink when you’re back on the boat after swimming.
• You can head into snorkeling without trying to hunt down gear in town.

My quick packing advice (not provided by the operator, just good sense): bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear you’re comfortable wearing in the sun. If you use reef-safe habits, stick with them. Also consider water shoes if you like safer footing around rocky areas, but only if that’s your preference.

The Skipper and the Guide Experience: English Support and Flexibility

This is where your day can shift from nice to genuinely enjoyable. A live tour guide is included, with English and Croatian language support.

And the standout theme from the experience is how the guide handles the day with a friendly, accommodating approach. The guidance is described as super nice and very friendly, and the guide can tailor the day to your wishes to try to give you the best experience possible.

What you should take from that, practically: if you have a preference—more swimming time, less walking, or focus on snorkeling—say so early. With a guide who seems willing to adjust, your choices matter. If you want to ask questions about where to swim or what to focus on in the water, you’ll have the language support to do it.

Also, a professional skipper is listed as part of what’s included. That gives you peace of mind that the driving and timing are handled, so you can focus on being on vacation instead of managing the route.

Group Time, Sea Time, and Choosing Your Priorities

This kind of half-day tour is perfect if you want a slice of island life without giving up your entire day in Zadar. It also works well if you’re not sure you want a longer cruise.

Here’s how to decide if it fits you:

• If you love a mix of village time and water time, Preko plus Ošljak is a great match.
• If snorkeling is your main goal, this itinerary gives you two attempts. That’s better than doing just one stop and hoping it’s the right one.
• If you’re someone who gets restless in short transfers, you might want to mentally plan for the speedboat legs (45 minutes and then 20 minutes). They’re part of the rhythm.

What I’d treat as your one main trade-off: the day is short. You won’t have hours to explore every side street. You’re there to enjoy the water, then enjoy the village at a comfortable, not-overlong pace.

Who This Trip Suits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This speedboat outing is a strong fit for:

• People staying in Zadar who want to reach nearby islands fast.
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want guided structure and included gear.
• Anyone who likes a friendly guide and doesn’t mind a compact itinerary.

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re looking for a slow, long, deep exploration where you can linger for hours in one place.
• You hate speedboat rides or prefer staying put on land the whole time.
• You want a trip with lots of strict cultural stops beyond a walk and coffee moment in Preko.

That said, the schedule is simple, and the included snorkeling support makes it easier to jump in without extra planning.

Should You Book the Zadar to Ugljan Speedboat?

Yes, you should consider booking if your ideal half-day includes two swim-and-snorkel opportunities and at least some village walking. The combination of included snorkeling gear (including masks) plus included drinks makes the experience feel like it’s built for real downtime, not just transportation.

I’d book it even more confidently if you’re the kind of traveler who likes guidance—because you’ll have an English-speaking guide and the day can be adjusted to your wishes. If you prefer a plan that’s structured but flexible, this fits.

Just do one thing before you hit pay: budget the separate 10 euro per person port fee. Once you account for that, the $30 tour cost looks like you’re paying for the skipper, fuel, and two solid stops where you can get into the water.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat trip from Zadar?

The duration is about 4 hours.

How much does the trip cost, and what extra fees should I expect?

The price is $30 per person. A port fee of 10 euros per person is not included.

Where is the meeting point in Zadar?

You meet at the pier in front of the gas station INA, listed as Obala kneza Branimira 27. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What do you do in Preko on Ugljan?

You’ll have coffee, time to walk, and time for swimming and snorkeling for about 75 minutes.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, and masks are included in the price.

Is there a guide, and what languages are offered?

A live tour guide is included, with English and Croatian languages.

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