Speedboat day trips can change your whole mood fast. This one blends a quick ride from Zadar with swim-ready snorkeling stops around Ugljan and Ošljak, plus a laid-back break in Preko. The main catch: the boat ride may be rough, and it’s not suitable for people with back problems.

I like that this tour stays personal. Small group size (up to 10) and a professional skipper mean the day can bend to what you want to do, instead of feeling like a stamp-collecting circuit. If you care about clear water, good local pacing, and a skipper who actually enjoys guiding, this is a strong pick.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (up to 10) keeps the experience flexible and less rushed.
• Speedboat from Zadar harbor gives you faster island time in just 4 hours.
• Preko port village stop works as an easy reset for a walk or a swim.
• Ugljan town + seafront beaches pair culture views with actual water time.
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can try the Adriatic without extra packing.
• Skipper Mario is a standout in the reviews, known for hidden-bay spotting and calm pacing.

Speedboat to Ugljan: why this 4-hour half day works

This tour is built for people who want island time without giving up half a day to logistics. The timing is tight in a good way: you’re leaving Zadar, getting to the northern side of the Ugljan archipelago, doing swim and sightseeing, then heading back before you feel cooked.

What makes the format work is the balance. You get cruising time for big views, then chunked stops where you can actually do something: walk in a port town, swim in the bays, and use the included snorkeling gear if you want a closer look underwater.

One more detail I appreciate is how it’s set up as an experience you can shape. The tour description stresses freedom to tailor the adventure, and that matches what you’ll feel onboard: it doesn’t come off like a rigid checklist.

Zadar departure and the quick ride to Preko

The day starts at Zadar’s harbor with a speedboat departure led by a professional skipper. You’ll move fast enough to notice the change in atmosphere as the city falls away and open water takes over.

On the ride, expect coastline views and crystal-clear water out near the islands. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to keep your phone down and just look, because the water color is hard to fake from shore.

A practical note from real-world guidance: the meeting point is described as directly behind a tank station near the old town, and the bus stop mentioned is Mala Posta. That’s useful if you’re arriving by public transport or want an easy landmark for the start.

Preko: the northern-port village break

Preko is the main port village on Ugljan’s northern shore, sitting directly across from Zadar. It’s a classic Dalmatian setup: stone-and-stucco streets, a seafront feel, and enough local life that you’re not just stepping off into emptiness.

This stop matters because it’s not only transit. It’s a break point where you can choose what you need: a short walk, time to cool off, or a simple pause before the rest of the island time.

There’s also a strong pacing reason to like Preko. After the speed and the first stretch of views, having a village stop helps you reset. It turns the tour into a flow, not just a series of stops where you feel like you’re always sprinting.

Ugljan town time: beaches plus St. Michael views

Ugljan is both an island and the main port town area on it. It has a relaxed vibe and a mix of seafront life, older streets, and places to look out across the archipelago.

Beaches you can actually use

The tour framing includes Ugljan’s coastline with beaches along the way, and two named spots are Jadrtovac and Lučišće. Even if you only spend a short window there, it’s the kind of setting where time feels well spent because you’re right by the water.

Church of St. Michael and the hill views

One of the standout historical sights is the Church of St. Michael (Crkva sv. Mihovila) up on a hill above the town. The big value here is the viewpoint. You’re not just looking at buildings; you’re getting the wide archipelago view that makes the Zadar islands feel special.

Fortress of St. Michael for a medieval perspective

There’s also the Fortress of St. Michael (Tvrđava sv. Mihovila), a medieval defensive site that’s partially restored. It’s a good stop if you like your history tied to geography—fortifications make sense when you can see what they were protecting.

Olive groves for a quieter pace

Ugljan is known for olive groves, and that’s more than trivia. The island’s Mediterranean climate supports olive cultivation, and the grove scenery gives you a calmer, slower contrast to the water-focused parts of the day. Even if you only manage a short stroll, it’s a good way to break up pure beach time.

Ošljak and snorkeling stops in clear Adriatic water

The tour highlights mention both Ugljan and Ošljak, and the reviews reflect why Ošljak fits so well with the water theme. The vibe is about quiet bays and practical swim time, with the Adriatic looking clean and inviting where the boat can reach.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a big value move for a short tour. You’re not paying for gear rental on the side, and you’re not stuck deciding later whether it’s worth bringing your own.

From the experience descriptions and comments, swimming is a real part of the plan, and the underwater scenery can be rocky in places. That matters because it changes what kind of snorkeling experience you’ll have: you’re looking for interesting textures and local underwater life rather than a sandy, beach-style drift.

The best part of doing this on a speedboat is reach. You get to places that are simply harder to reach on foot, especially in a half-day window.

Skipper Mario, small group size, and how the day is shaped

This tour runs as a small group limited to 10 participants, which makes it feel more like a shared outing than a crowded outing. When you’re trying to time swims and viewpoints, smaller groups help a lot because there’s less waiting and more flexibility.

A big reason the reviews are so positive is the guiding style. Mario comes up repeatedly in the feedback as a friendly, safety-minded skipper who loves showing spots that feel off the beaten track. He’s also described as unhurried, which is a subtle but important quality on island boats. You want movement without chaos.

There are also details that suggest the skipper is hands-on. One comment notes that children were able to briefly take the wheel under supervision, with everyone feeling safe. Another highlights that the boat and equipment were kept in great condition and that the guide provided support, not just directions.

Language: Croatian and English

The live guide is listed as Croatian and English. If you’re traveling as a couple or a mixed-language group, that helps the information land without awkward gaps.

Price and value: what $45 includes on the water

At $45 per person for a 4-hour tour, the pricing is strongest when you look at what’s bundled in. You’re getting the professional skipper, fuel, port fees, snorkeling equipment, and drinks included.

That matters because boat tours often get expensive once you add the extras. Here, the essentials are part of the package, which makes planning easier. You can also treat the day as a complete mini-adventure rather than a transport-only service.

Also, this price point matches the format: speedboat time plus multiple island-focused stops. The boat ride is fast enough to be efficient, but the day doesn’t feel like you’re only passing by the sights.

One more small-value note: “drinks” is included, and reviews describe getting water or beer from a can at times. Even if your drink choice is simple, it’s still a nice included touch for a half-day on the water.

Good fit for who, and who should skip it

This tour is a good match if you want:

• Island time with real water breaks in a short window
• A small group and a skipper who can adjust pacing
• The option to snorkel without extra gear rental

It can also work well for families in the sense that the pace is described as calm and the skipper offers support. Still, remember you’re on a speedboat and the ride experience may not suit everyone.

The clear “skip it” category is spelled out: it’s not suitable for people with back problems. If that applies to you, it’s worth choosing a different style of outing with less bounce.

Final verdict: should you book Island Adventure – Ugljan by Speedboat?

If your goal is a fun, time-efficient island escape from Zadar, I’d lean toward booking. This is one of those half-day tours where the included snorkeling gear, small group size, and multiple island stops make your $45 feel like it covers the experience, not just transport.

Book it especially if you care about:

• spending time in Ugljan and Preko, not just passing by
• getting into the water near Ošljak
• a guided day led by a skipper like Mario, known for calm pacing and strong spot-finding

Skip or switch if you’re dealing with back issues. For everyone else, it’s a solid value way to see why the Zadar islands feel so close and so different at the same time.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Zadar’s harbor.

How long is the speedboat experience?

It lasts 4 hours.

What does the $45 price include?

The price includes a professional skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, port fees, and drinks.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.

What languages is the guide available in?

The guide is available in Croatian and English.

Is it suitable for people with back problems?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems.

You Might Also Enjoy

From Zadar: Kornati National Park Day Trip with Breakfast & LunchDugi Otok – half day kayak adventureZadar: Plitvice Lakes Full-Day Guided Tour with a Boat RidePlitvice private tour driver + guide up to 8 ppl from Zadar