A speedboat day in Croatia beats most tours. This private Zadar Islands trip mixes fast rides with proper time to swim and snorkel, plus complementary drinks while you cruise. I like the small-group feel (up to 9) and the included snorkelling kit + refreshments, which makes the day feel effortless. One thing to consider: it’s an open speedboat, so on windy days you’ll likely get some sea spray.

You’ll start right on the Zadar waterfront at Obala kneza Branimira 20A, then hop between islands such as Ugljan, Ošljak, and Galevac. I also like how the itinerary gives you two long beach breaks, not just quick photo stops. The trade-off is logistics: there’s a required docking fee and there’s no bathroom on board, so you’ll want to plan for that.

If you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness, this is not the right match, since the open boat can move around. Also, you’ll be happiest if you can handle getting a bit wet in summer—because that spray is part of the ride.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group (up to 9): you set the pace with your local skipper/guide.
• Snorkelling equipment included: you won’t need to bring or rent gear.
• Two longer breaks by the water: real swim time, not just a quick splash.
• Drinks included: a welcome touch during the cruising.
• GoPro included for your memories: ask the skipper how to get the most from it.
• Mandatory docking fee (cash): plan on paying 10€ per adult / 5€ per child at the end.

Speedboat Island-Hopping: the value behind the $286 price tag

This is priced per private group (up to 9 people), not per person, so the math can work out nicely if you’re traveling with friends, a family, or a mixed group of adults who want their own boat day. At $286 for a 4-hour experience, you’re paying for three things that add up fast in Croatia: a local skipper/guide, included snorkelling gear, and a boat that gets you away from the busiest spots.

What makes the value feel real is what’s bundled. You get refreshments and music, life vests, and a GoPro you can use to capture the day. You also get a proper “time on the islands” plan, including swimming and snorkelling segments, rather than a nonstop drive-by tour.

One practical note: the price doesn’t include the docking/anchoring fee (10€ adults, 5€ children), which you pay in cash at the end of the tour. That’s the one cost you should budget for up front so you don’t get surprised when you’re back on the water.

Where to meet at Obala kneza Branimira (and how to find the boat fast)

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 20A, and you’ll meet by the gas station by the sea side. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early. That early timing matters because on busy waterfronts in Zadar, boats start loading on a tight schedule.

The instructions say to look for the boat in the picture. If you’re coming from the main promenade, give yourself a little extra buffer so you can get your bearings without rushing sunscreen decisions, money decisions, or towel decisions (towels aren’t included—more on that later).

The 4-hour flow: quick rides, two longer beach breaks, and an island stop that matters

This trip runs about 4 hours total, with several short speedboat legs and two longer stretches to actually enjoy the water and the shore.

Here’s the day’s rhythm in plain terms:

• First, a short speedboat cruise (about 15 minutes) to get you out to the islands.
• Then you get a long break at the secluded beach area (about 1 hour), with time for photos, walking, sightseeing, and a water moment.
• A quick boat hop (about 5 minutes) brings you to Preko, where you have about 1 hour for island time—walk around, see what you want, and swim/snorkel.
• After another short ride (about 10 minutes), you return to a second secluded beach break (about 1 hour).
• The last speedboat segment brings you back to Zadar (about 20 minutes), ending back at Obala kneza Branimira 20A.

That structure is the sweet spot for most people. You get enough cruising to feel like you truly traveled by boat, but you’re not stuck with tiny 10-minute interruptions. If you want a day that feels active without being exhausting, this time balance is a big reason the tour gets such strong ratings.

Stop 1 + the first 15 minutes: settling into the ride

The first segment is mostly about motion and positioning. After you meet at the waterfront, you’ll get onboard and take off for roughly 15 minutes. In practical terms, use this early time to:

• confirm where the snorkelling gear is stored,
• get your life vest fit right,
• and decide how much sunscreen you’ve actually applied (a lot of people assume they did more than they did).

Because it’s an open speedboat, the feel can change quickly with wind. If you’re sitting in a spot where spray hits, you’ll notice right away. If you know you’ll get wet easily, dress for that from the start.

The secluded beach breaks: time for swimming, photos, and local quiet

There are two longer breaks at a secluded beach area. Each one is roughly 1 hour, with a mix of guided moments and free time. The plan includes things like photo stops, time to walk, sightseeing, and a boat cruise as part of the overall experience.

What I like about this format is simple: the day isn’t only about movement. Those beach blocks let you actually slow down, rinse off the boat air, and decide how you want to spend your time—swimming, snorkelling, or just lying back.

Also, this matters for photos. Short photo pauses are common on group boat trips. Here, you get enough time to do the real stuff: take a few shots, find a better angle, and then enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

One small reality check: “secluded” also means you should bring what you’ll need for that shore time. The tour doesn’t list towels, so if you want one, bring it. And there’s no bathroom included, so you’ll want to handle anything you can before you step aboard.

Preko: the island-town stop where snorkeling and walking actually fit

After that first beach break, you’ll move to Preko and get about 1 hour there. The schedule mixes break time, a photo stop, visiting, and guided time, plus free time and walking. On top of that, the itinerary includes swimming and snorkelling at this stop.

This is your chance to combine water play with a bit of island-town atmosphere. Even if you don’t go deep into sightseeing, the walking time helps you feel like you’re on the islands—not just on and off the boat.

One more useful detail: the itinerary lists scuba diving as an option category at Preko. But the included items only mention snorkelling equipment. So if you’re thinking about scuba, check with your skipper on the day about what’s realistically offered and what would be extra.

Drinks, music, and that GoPro “ask the skipper” moment

The tour includes refreshments and music during the outing. That doesn’t sound like much, but it helps the cruising segments feel more like a shared experience and less like transit.

Then there’s the GoPro. The instructions tell you to approach the skipper for memories, which usually means: don’t assume it’s automatically capturing everything. If you want footage of the swimming or the high-speed ride moments, ask early how the captain wants you to use it (and where it should be placed or handed off).

In practice, this is one of those small things that turns into a big memory later—especially for island trips where the water conditions and sky can change fast.

Open boat reality: sea spray, wind, and who should skip this day

This is an open speedboat. The tour specifically notes that when there’s strong wind and high waves, sea spray is possible. In summer, that can be part of the fun—but it’s still real water, and it can hit faces and cameras.

How to prepare:

• Wear clothes that can get dirty.
• Pack sunscreen (you will use it).
• Consider a cover-up or something you’re okay with getting wet.
• Skip anything you really can’t afford to soak (like certain phones unless you’re protecting them).

Weather can change. If sea conditions shift unexpectedly, the captain can change the itinerary for safety. If it’s bad weather, the trip may be postponed, and you can choose a refund instead.

And if you’re someone who gets motion sickness, listen to the warning: the activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

The docking fee and what’s actually included on board

Here’s what you should expect without guessing:

Included:

• Local skipper/guide
• Snorkelling equipment
• Life vests
• Refreshments
• GoPro camera (with guidance from the skipper)
• Music

Not included:

• Docking and anchoring fees: 10€ adults, 5€ children, paid in cash on the boat at the end
• Food
• Towels
• Swimming fins
• Bathroom / toilet
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

This is why I think the price is fair for a private day: the essentials for swimming are covered, and the skipper is part guide, part driver, part host. But you’ll need to bring the basics that complete the kit—especially a towel and any personal water shoes or fin decision.

Who this private speedboat day suits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This tour is designed for a private group, so it fits best when you want:

• time on the water without a big crowd,
• a flexible guide who can adjust within reason,
• and a mix of cruising + shore time.

It also appears to work well for families, including very small kids, because the skipper approach can be accommodating—there’s an example of a child being involved with steering while still under supervision. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll still want to keep safety and comfort in mind, especially on an open boat with spray.

Who should not book:

• Anyone who is prone to seasickness or motion sickness
• Anyone needing wheelchair accessibility
• Anyone outside the weight limits listed (the tour data gives two figures: 120 kg/250 lbs max and 260 lbs (118 kg))

Also, you can’t bring baby strollers/baby carriages, and bikes aren’t allowed.

Should you book? My honest take for Zadar island days

Book this trip if you want a private way to see the islands around Zadar, with real swim/snorkel time and included gear, and you’re okay paying the docking fee in cash at the end.

Skip it if:

• you get motion sickness easily,
• you hate open-boat spray and choppy conditions,
• or you were hoping for a “no extra costs” outing with food and towels handled.

If you can handle the basics—sunscreen, a change of clothes, and the expectation of getting a bit wet—this is a strong choice for a 4-hour Croatia highlight that feels personal. It’s the kind of day where the boat ride matters, but the best parts are the moments you spend by the water.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the speedboat?

The tour meets at Obala kneza Branimira 20A, by the gas station by the sea side. Arrive at least 10 minutes early and look for the boat in the picture.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with life vests.

Do I need to pay a docking fee?

Yes. There is a mandatory docking/anchoring fee of 10€ for adults and 5€ for children, paid in cash on the boat at the end of the tour.

Is food or towels included?

No. Food and toilets/toilet access are not included, and towels are not listed as included. Swimming fins are also not included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is it okay if I’m prone to seasickness?

No. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or with motion sickness.

You Might Also Enjoy

Explore Zadar: Laid-Back Fun Bike TourZadar: Kornati Boat Trip with Lunch and Swim StopsZadar to Plitvice lakes: Guided tour with pre-booked ticketsZadar: Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour