Three islands beat sitting on the pier.

This Zadar speedboat tour is a fun 4-hour hit of sea time, with snorkeling gear and free breaks on islands, plus unlimited water and a local alcoholic drink. I also like that you get a GoPro11 for underwater moments and sun cream onboard. The main catch: docking fees are extra (10 EUR per adult, 5 EUR per child total for all stops), so you’ll want to budget for that.

I like that the plan doesn’t feel rigid. You cruise between islands, then you’re given actual time on each stop—walk, swim, take photos, and snorkel when you’re ready.

Key points at a glance

• Small group (max 12): easier to hear your guide and get sorted fast at the water
• Stop variety: Ošljak (walk/hike + swim) plus a surprise island stop for snorkeling and marine life viewing, then Preko for shopping and coffee
• Snorkeling is built in: gear is provided, with time to use it at multiple stops
• Unlimited drinks on board: water and a local alcoholic drink are included throughout the tour
• Included GoPro11 and sun cream: you can capture underwater moments without packing your own sunscreen

Getting to the meeting point and settling onto the boat

The tour meets at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, directly opposite the Foša restaurant. Look for the guide wearing a red hat. It’s a straightforward start, which matters because with speedboats you don’t have time to fumble around once boarding begins.

This is a small-group setup (limited to 12 participants). That’s a real quality-of-life detail: you’re less likely to get “lost” in a crowd, and the guide can give clearer instructions for each swim and walking break.

You’ll have a live guide with languages including English, Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian. If you don’t speak Croatian, you’re still covered. If you do, you’ll likely get extra context on what you’re seeing between islands.

What to bring (so the day stays easy)

Bring a sun hat and a towel. Sun cream is included, but a towel is what makes the difference between “quick rinse” and actually being comfortable before you sit back on the boat.

Also, this isn’t listed as suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s not intended for babies under 1 or people over 95. If you have mobility limits, plan your island time carefully.

Speedboat cruising: why the ride is part of the value

The tour is built around the idea that you’ll spend time on the water, not waiting around. After the initial cruise segment, the boat shuttles you between islands with sightseeing cruising breaks along the way.

Those short cruise stretches are useful. They give you a chance to:

• orient yourself to where you are along the coast
• get photos from the water before you land
• feel the tempo of the day before the longer stop in Ošljak and the 1-hour break in Preko

You also get to sit back while the skipper handles the navigation. That’s the whole point of paying for a speedboat tour: you trade planning for movement.

If you’re the type who only enjoys water when it’s calm and slow, keep in mind that a speedboat ride can feel energetic. The tour is designed around active sea time, not a leisurely float.

Stop 1 and the quick sightseeing cruise

The day begins with a sightseeing cruise (about 15 minutes) after boarding. Think of this as your “warm-up” phase. You’ll be able to settle in, and your guide can set expectations so you know what to do when you reach the first island.

This matters because snorkeling and walking stops depend on timing. If you show up with everything ready (towel and hat in reach), you’ll spend more time enjoying the water and less time figuring things out.

Ošljak (80 minutes): walking views, swimming, and real snorkeling time

Ošljak is your first longer stop, with 80 minutes total. That time is packed in a good way: you’ll get a photo stop, walking/hiking options, plus swimming and snorkeling.

Why Ošljak is a smart first island

This is often where the tour “wins” for many people because you get a balance:

• time on foot (so you’re not only standing in one spot)
• time in the sea (swim and snorkel)
• enough buffer to do your own pace

The tour includes snorkeling equipment on board, so you’re not hunting for rentals at the last minute. You can go when you want, stay out when you want, and then reset before the boat moves on.

A practical consideration

Since there’s both walking and water time, wear swim-friendly shoes or be ready for uneven surfaces if you decide to hike. The tour doesn’t specify terrain details, so go in assuming it’s not a flat promenade everywhere.

The short cruise to the surprise island stop

After Ošljak, you’ll have another short 10-minute sightseeing cruise. This is another “setup” moment. It keeps you moving while still giving you small breaks to recharge.

It also helps that you’re not stuck on a single island for hours. The pacing keeps the day feeling like an actual island-hopping outing rather than a long boat transfer followed by one swim session.

The surprise island stop (45 minutes): snorkeling, marine life viewing, and photos

Next comes the surprise island stop with 45 minutes. Here you’ll have:

• photo stop
• swimming
• snorkeling
• marine life viewing

This stop is shorter than Ošljak, so it’s best treated like a “go, gear up, then enjoy” window. You’ll likely get the most value if you don’t overthink the order: swim first if you’re itching to cool off, then snorkel for underwater viewing.

Why this stop is worth paying for

Not every island-hopping tour gives you a dedicated “marine life” style snorkeling segment. Here, it’s explicitly part of the plan, and snorkeling equipment is included. That combination means you can focus on the sea life you’re looking for instead of worrying about logistics.

What could limit you here

Because the stop is 45 minutes, if you want to spend a lot of time on shore doing a long walk, you might feel rushed. If you’re there mainly for water time and photos, the duration is a good fit.

Preko (1 hour): coffee, shopping, walking, and a final swim chance

Your last main island stop is Preko, with 1 hour. This one shifts gears slightly. It includes:

• break time
• coffee
• free time
• shopping
• walk
• plus swimming and snorkeling

The “good ending” factor

Preko works well as a final island because it gives you variety. After two stops focused heavily on water and short photo moments, Preko is a chance to slow down a bit:

• grab coffee
• browse and shop during free time
• take a walking break
• then return to the sea if you still want more snorkeling

And because the tour includes snorkeling gear and sun cream, you’re not stuck deciding between “stay dry and comfortable” or “take another swim.” You can do both, within reason.

A small planning tip

You’ll end with a cruise segment before returning to the meeting point. So if you want snorkeling again, try not to leave it until the very end of your Preko hour. The tour timing is part of the deal, and missing the last swim chance is an avoidable disappointment.

The GoPro11 and snorkeling equipment: how to actually use them

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and a GoPro11 underwater camera. That’s a big value point, because underwater gear and cameras can easily add cost if you try to assemble it yourself.

In practice, it helps to think of the GoPro as a bonus for memorable shots, not a guarantee you’ll nail every frame. The sea and your movement matter. Your goal is to get a few good moments: hands-free underwater viewing, a clear shot of your snorkel path, or simple marine-life moments if visibility cooperates.

Since snorkeling is scheduled at Ošljak, the surprise island stop, and Preko, you’ll get multiple chances. That reduces the “all or nothing” risk. If you get your breathing rhythm right on the second stop, you’ll enjoy the third more.

Drinks onboard: unlimited water plus a local alcoholic drink

You get unlimited water and unlimited local alcoholic drink throughout the tour. That’s not just a “nice extra.” It’s one of those practical details that keeps the day comfortable when you’re bouncing between sun, sea, and wind.

This also affects how you should plan your comfort. Bring your towel and hat, drink water regularly, and if you choose the local alcoholic drink, pace yourself. A speedboat day is physical enough that you’ll want to stay clear-headed for the swim and walking breaks.

The docking fee reality (what your budget needs)

One item you can’t ignore: docking fees are not included. You’ll pay:

• 10 EUR per adult
• 5 EUR per child
• total for all stops

That fee could be the difference between a “cheap day out” and a “reasonable splurge.” Since the tour price is listed at $34 per person and includes snorkeling equipment, a guide, the skipper, unlimited drinks, sun cream, and the GoPro11, the docking fees are still a manageable add-on. But you should be ready for it.

If you’re traveling as a couple or family, docking fees stack quickly. Budgeting early keeps the day stress-free.

Value for your money: why this tour can feel like a bargain

At about 4 hours and $34 per person, the value is strong when you look at what’s bundled:

• speedboat transport between multiple islands
• small-group format (max 12)
• snorkeling gear plus scheduled swim time at more than one stop
• unlimited water and unlimited local alcoholic drink
• sun cream
• GoPro11 included

Where some tours cut corners, this one includes the gear and the underwater camera piece, which helps you avoid extra rental costs. Add in that you’re not stuck on a single beach all day, and you get variety without the work of planning transfers and finding launch points.

Also, the guide format matters. You’ll have a live guide speaking multiple languages, and guides such as Josip, Luka/Luca, and Josef are specifically associated with this tour format, with people often highlighting clear guidance at each stop. Even if your guide is someone else, the structure is designed around helping you make the most of each break.

Who this tour suits best

This experience fits best if you want:

• a short, active outing (not a full-day commitment)
• snorkeling time without bringing your own gear
• enough stop variety to keep it from feeling repetitive
• a day that blends sea, photos, and a bit of walking/shopping

It may be less ideal if:

• you want a totally relaxed, slow-paced day with minimal boat movement
• you need wheelchair access
• you’re sensitive to a more energetic speedboat ride

If you’re traveling solo, couples, or friends, the small group size is a plus. You’ll have company but not the feeling of a big tour herd.

Should you book this Zadar 3-island speedboat tour?

Yes, if you want a well-rounded Zadar sea day with snorkeling built into the schedule, included drinks, and time on Ošljak and Preko rather than just cruising past viewpoints. It’s also a good pick if you’ll actually use the GoPro and don’t mind paying the docking fees at the end.

I would skip it if you prefer long land-based exploring, or if you know you’re not comfortable with speedboat travel or frequent water entry.

If you’re excited by crystal-clear water, quick island walks, and getting a few underwater photos without extra rentals, this one is an easy “book it” for a half-day in Zadar.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Zadar 3-island speedboat tour?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, located opposite the Foša restaurant. You should look for a guide wearing a red hat.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

How big is the group?

The group is small, with a maximum of 12 participants.

Are snorkeling items included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel at multiple stops.

Is the GoPro11 included?

Yes. The tour includes an underwater camera GoPro11.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get unlimited water and unlimited local alcoholic drink during the tour.

What are the docking fees?

Docking fees are not included. They are 10 EUR per adult and 5 EUR per child, for all stops total.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live guide speaks English, Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat and a towel. Sun cream is included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

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