This private speedboat tour is pure island freedom. You head out from Marina Tankerkomerc with a local skipper and go where ferries don’t, with crystal-clear coves and secluded sandy bays built into the day. It’s a full, flexible ocean outing focused on swimming, shade, and island rhythm rather than checklists.
The only things to watch are practical ones: fuel comes as a €160 cash surcharge per group, and if the wind picks up on the return the small boat can feel a bit jolty.
In This Review
- Key things I’d underline before you book
- Why Zadar’s islands feel different by speedboat
- Marina Tankerkomerc to the Zadar channel: the first hour on the move
- Dugi Otok route: scenic passes and the olive-tree bay break
- Iž Island: snorkeling time plus real village rhythm
- Final sandy play on the uninhabited side of Ugljan
- Boat comfort, included gear, and what you should bring
- Price and fuel surcharge: does it add up for two?
- Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this Zadar Islands private speedboat day?
- FAQ
- How long is the Zadar Islands private speedboat tour?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- Is this tour private?
- Is an English guide included?
- What’s included in the snorkeling setup?
- Do we have to pay extra for fuel?
- Can we swim multiple times during the day?
- Is there time for food or a break on land?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Is there an age requirement for kids?
Key things I’d underline before you book
- Private for up to 2 people: you get a true small-group day, not a packed-boat shuffle.
- Swim stops are not fixed: you can pause often and stay in the water as long as you want.
- Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan in one run: you see a lot without wasting half your day on transfers.
- Snorkeling gear is included: plus lifejackets, insurance, and bottled water are already handled.
- A proper island village break on Iž: you can slow down and eat in a local restaurant.
- Olive-tree shade and sandy water: multiple spots are set up for lounging, not just passing through.
Why Zadar’s islands feel different by speedboat
Zadar’s archipelago looks dramatic from the water, and a speedboat is the fast way to feel that without rushing. You get more time at the waterline—swimming, snorkeling, and taking breaks—because you’re not tied to ferry schedules.
The big value here is pacing. This tour is built around stopping wherever conditions and the skipper’s judgment make sense, so your day can tilt toward swimming days or toward slow beach breaks. That flexibility is what makes it feel like a private experience rather than a standard outing.
Other speedboat tours we've reviewed in Zadar
Marina Tankerkomerc to the Zadar channel: the first hour on the move
You start at the Marina Tankerkomerc meeting point (Ivana Meštrovića 3). From there, you’ll spend about an hour cruising by speedboat, heading into the Zadar area and setting up the rest of the day’s route.
This first stretch matters because it frames the day: the quicker you reach the islands, the longer you stay in the fun parts. You’re also in open water early enough that you can sense the day’s mood—calm, sunny, or a little choppy—before the slower swim breaks begin.
Dugi Otok route: scenic passes and the olive-tree bay break
Once you’re in the island zone, you’re sailing through the Zadar channel toward Dugi Otok and beyond. Along the way, you get island views from the boat, and you pass by several islands that define this archipelago—Rava, Ugljan, Žut, and Sit appear on the route. That’s one of those small wins: you get the “from the water” look without needing extra transportation.
Then comes the main slow section. Near Dugi Otok, you’ll reach a small sandy bay surrounded by wild nature. This is the kind of stop designed for doing very little: resting under olive trees, chilling on the boat with the canopy, and enjoying turquoise water you can actually swim in comfortably.
You’ll also have time for a quick reset on Dugi Otok itself—think coffee, ice cream, or a cold drink—before heading to that quiet bay near Dugi Otok. If you’re coming with someone who gets impatient with long rides, this structure helps: you’re not stuck in motion all day, and the pacing gives you “island snacks” mid-route.
Iž Island: snorkeling time plus real village rhythm
Next you head to the island of Iž. The day’s design here is simple: see the archipelago while traveling, then get your water time where it counts.
At Iž, there’s a secluded bay stop where you can swim from the boat and use the included snorkeling equipment. A sound system is part of the boat setup too, so it can feel like your own beach club—just smaller, calmer, and more connected to the water. The idea is to turn a typical “one swim stop” day into multiple chances for time in the sea.
After that, you visit the village of Iž. This is a traditional island-village example, and the point isn’t just photos—it’s atmosphere and a break from the water. If you want lunch, you can choose a local restaurant there and keep the day feeling grounded in island life instead of tourism-only stops.
Practical thought: plan for lunch to be your main sit-down meal. The earlier breaks are more “snack and swim,” while the village stop is the one where you can comfortably eat and reset before the final beach moment.
Final sandy play on the uninhabited side of Ugljan
The last swim stop is on the uninhabited side of Ugljan. This is where the tour leans into simple beach joy: shallow water, white sand, and room to actually hang out instead of squeezing in a quick dip.
You can expect time to unwind under olive gardens or pine trees, depending on where you’re placed and how the day feels. It’s also a good stop if you want to keep things easy—swim, wade, float, and relax—without a set schedule that forces you back onto the boat too quickly.
If you’re the type who likes to end with the best “stay in the water” moment, this final stop is the payoff. The route keeps building toward it: first the secret-like sandy bay near Dugi Otok, then the Iž snorkeling area, and finally the wide, shallow-water beach on Ugljan.
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Boat comfort, included gear, and what you should bring
This tour is private, so you’re not sharing the boat experience with a long list of people. It’s also set up for active water time: lifejackets are included, and bottled water is provided.
Snorkeling gear is included, which is a big deal because it removes one travel hassle. You still need to bring your comfort items for the sun and the water. Pack sunglasses and sun protection, plus swimwear and a beach towel. Water shoes are also recommended because you’ll be moving around and getting in and out of shallower areas.
The tour also asks you to bring your own drinks and snacks. That’s smart for people with food preferences or for anyone who wants something specific during the breaks. If you like coffee/ice cream style treats, you’ll also have the chance to stop for that mid-route, but your backup supply helps keep the day easy.
On the comfort side, one real-world note matters: the small inflatable speedboat setup can feel jolty if the return leg is windy. If you get motion sick easily, plan accordingly (and consider bringing something you trust for that situation).
Price and fuel surcharge: does it add up for two?
The price is $329 per group for up to 2 people, and the tour runs at least 6 hours (with the possibility of lasting longer at no extra cost). For two people, that pricing can be fair because you’re paying for a private boat and skipper rather than “per seat” pricing with strangers.
However, check the fuel situation. There’s a €160 fuel surcharge payable by cash per group. That means your true all-in cost is higher than the headline price, and it’s worth doing the math before you decide—especially if you’re used to tours that bury costs in the booking price.
Here’s the value angle I’d use to judge it: you’re buying (1) private time, (2) multiple swim and snorkeling opportunities, and (3) a full-day island route that would be slow or clumsy by public transport. If your ideal day is water-first and you and your companion will actually swim in several spots, the cost can feel justified. If you’re more interested in walking and sightseeing on land, you might compare this with a land-and-ferry day to see what matches your style.
Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
This is a strong fit if you want a day that feels personal. The private setup helps if you hate crowds, want flexible swim timing, or prefer a skipper who can match your energy level.
It’s also a great match for couples or small families with kids 3+ years. The itinerary has multiple “break” moments, including sandy shallow-water time, which tends to work well for younger explorers who still want playful water time.
You might think twice if:
- you’re very sensitive to boat movement (wind on the way back can be rougher than the rest of the day),
- you dislike snorkeling or active water time, or
- you don’t want to handle a cash fuel surcharge on top of the base price.
Should you book this Zadar Islands private speedboat day?
I’d book it if your trip priorities are swimming, snorkeling, and spending real time at the water’s edge—without ferry schedules telling you what to do. The route stitching together Dugi Otok, Iž, and Ugljan makes sense for a one-day hit, and the mix of sandy bays plus a village meal stop keeps it from feeling one-note.
If you’re comfortable with the cash fuel surcharge and you’re okay with the boat being a bit bouncy if the wind shows up, this is the kind of day that can anchor your Zadar trip. It’s not about ticking monuments. It’s about wearing sunscreen, cooling off often, and letting the sea be the main event.
FAQ
How long is the Zadar Islands private speedboat tour?
The tour lasts a minimum of six hours and can last longer for your enjoyment at no extra cost. The duration listed is 7 hours, depending on the starting time availability.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at Marina Tankerkomerc, supplier’s office at Ivana Meštrovića 3.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s listed as a private group, with a group size up to 2.
Is an English guide included?
Yes. The live tour guide is English.
What’s included in the snorkeling setup?
Snorkeling equipment is included, along with lifejackets, insurance, and bottled water.
Do we have to pay extra for fuel?
Yes. There is a fuel surcharge of €160 payable by cash per group.
Can we swim multiple times during the day?
Yes. The tour is set up so you can stop for a swim as many times as you want.
Is there time for food or a break on land?
Yes. There’s time for coffee, ice cream, or a cold drink on the way, and you’ll also visit the village of Iž where you can choose to have lunch at a local restaurant.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a beach towel, suncream, and water shoes. The tour also asks for a sun protective cap.
Is there an age requirement for kids?
The tour is suitable for children 3+ years.
