Crystal-clear Adriatic water meets easy island hopping. This half-day speedboat tour around Zadar gives you real options once you get out there: swim, snorkel, or just relax with music and shade while your captain finds the best spots for conditions. I love how snorkeling gear and drinks are built in, so you’re not scrambling once you’re on the water.

My second favorite thing is the pace and the flexibility. You’re in a small group (up to 12), and the guide adjusts the day to what you want—whether that’s more time in the sea or more time walking around small towns. If you’re looking for a low-effort way to see Ugljan-area coastlines, this works well.

One possible drawback: you need to be able to get in and out of the boat under your own power, and there’s no toilet nearby or on board.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group feel (up to 12), with a captain who tailors stops to your day
• Snorkel kit included (mask and snorkel), plus unlimited water and iced tea
• Blue Bay Otrić is set up for swimming and snorkeling, but may be skipped in rough weather
• Stop 2 is weather-driven: Kali or another bay/fishing village depending on wind and sea state
• Preko gives you options: a sandy beach, plus a short swim over toward Galevac

Why this Zadar speedboat plan works so well

Zadar is perfect for a sea day, but not every plan feels like it’s worth your time. This one is the right length for people who want sun, water, and photo stops without burning the whole day. In roughly four hours, you get a smooth mix of cruising, anchored swimming time, and time on shore.

The tour’s best trick is letting you choose how active you want to be. At the water stops, you can jump in with the gear, or you can stay aboard and just enjoy the view from the awning and shaded seating. That matters because Adriatic weather can shift fast, and you don’t want a plan that forces you to be “on” the entire time.

And since this is a small group, the day feels more relaxed than the big-bus tours. The captain can also spend a little extra attention on people who have questions about where to snorkel or where the best shade is.

Price and value: what you pay, what you get, and what costs extra

The tour price is listed as $36.28 per person, which is a solid deal for a half-day speedboat with drinks and snorkeling gear included. You also get fuel in the price, so you’re not watching the meter the way you sometimes do on boat day-trips.

Here’s what’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment: snorkel and mask
• Unlimited water and unlimited iced tea
• Skipper / tour guide
• Fuel included
• A good mood on board

Here’s what’s not included (important for budgeting):

• Docking fees are charged separately before you enter the speedboat: €10 for age 12+ and €5 for age 11 and younger
• No toilet on the speedboat
• No towels, no swimming fins, and no food
• No car parking and no transportation to the meeting point

That docking fee detail is the one thing that can surprise people, so I’d plan for it now rather than later. Still, even with that add-on, you’re paying for a short, guided sea adventure with gear handled for you. If you were renting snorkel gear and paying for a comparable boat outing on your own, this package usually ends up making sense.

Meeting point reality: Parkbank Foša and arriving 5 to 10 minutes early

You meet at Parkbank Foša, 23000 Zadar. The tour instructions are very clear: arrive 5–10 minutes early and meet exactly where the map marks the location. When you’re on a tight schedule like this, being late can mean you miss the departure.

Check the practical side too. If you’re driving, expect traffic jams and parking can be tough. Also, there’s no public toilet nearby, so plan to use one before you head over.

One tip I’m glad people share: if you’re coming from a cruise drop-off area, a taxi ride to the meeting spot can be around €20. That can save you a long walk and the stress of trying to find the right place on foot.

Blue Bay Otrić: your anchor stop for swimming and snorkeling

Stop 1 is Blue Bay Otrić, a calm-feeling anchoring spot with crystal-clear water where you can swim or snorkel. The time here is about 45 minutes, which is long enough to get a solid swim in and still have time to relax afterward.

The tour makes a key point: you do not have to leave the boat. If the sea is inviting, you can go in with your included snorkel mask. If you’d rather keep it chill, you can stay aboard, sunbathe, sit under the awning, and watch the coastline and islands while the boat’s music plays.

If the weather turns rough and the conditions aren’t safe or comfortable for swimming, this stop may be skipped. That’s not a “bait-and-switch.” It’s a safety call. When a captain is focused on conditions, you usually get a better overall experience.

Stop 2 around Kali: how the captain finds the best bay

Stop 2 is about 1 hour 15 minutes, and the exact place depends on things like the weather forecast, sea conditions, and wind direction. That flexibility is actually a plus, because Adriatic conditions can vary dramatically even within a short distance.

You might find a fishing village setting, or you might get a more secluded bay where the water looks great for a quick refresh. Either way, the goal is the same: a worthwhile spot to break up the day with shoreline atmosphere and a change of scenery.

One thing to know: because this stop is flexible, you’ll want to keep your expectations open. If you’re the type who wants a strict “I will be here at this time” plan, this part might feel less predictable. If you’re the type who wants the best water and best vibe for the day, it’s a smart way to run an island-hopping speedboat outing.

Preko and Galevac: beach time plus an island swim-over option

Your final stop is Preko, about 1 hour. This is where the day widens out into more “do what you want” time—shopping, cafés, or straight-up beach time.

Preko is known for a beautiful sandy beach, which is great if your group includes kids or if you just want an easy landing after swimming. The water setup here also includes a fun idea: you can swim toward the island of Galevac, which is only about 50 meters away. That’s close enough to feel doable for many people, and it also gives you a quick shore-walk vibe and a chance to snorkel around.

If walking or exploring sounds more appealing than another long swim, you can spend time in town instead. And if you want an extra shortcut, some guides have pointed people to a local option for a quick row ride to Galevac (priced at €2 in the information you were given).

One small practical note: if you plan to go exploring on foot, consider swim shoes. The day is built around getting in and out of the water, and sand/rock transitions can be less comfortable without proper footwear.

Guides on board: what to expect from the captain and how it improves your day

The captain is a big part of the fun here. Names that come up a lot include Matej, Mateo, Enzo, Simon, and Mario (and other guide variations). While you can’t guarantee the exact person, you can count on a friendly, hands-on style.

What I’d watch for as a traveler is how the guide handles three things:

• Getting you to the right anchor spot for swimming conditions
• Helping you time your water moments (so you don’t rush the best part)
• Pointing you to practical choices for food or downtime

You’ll notice the best captains do small recommendation work—like suggesting where to eat when you dock. People also mention that guides keep the mood light with jokes and steady attention at each return to the boat. That matters because it makes the day feel smooth rather than chaotic.

What to bring: snorkeling basics, comfort gear, and clothing choices

You get a mask and snorkel, plus unlimited water and iced tea, but you don’t get everything people assume. Plan around these “not included” items so you don’t end up uncomfortable.

Bring (or plan to buy):

• Swimwear you’re comfortable using right away
• A light cover-up for shade time on deck
• Swim shoes if you want to walk around in rocky or mixed areas
• Any your-own fin setup if you prefer it (the tour does not provide fins)
• Sunscreen, because you’ll be outside for multiple stretches

Not provided:

• Towels
• Swimming fins
• Food

If you want lunch, bring money. Some guides recommend a local seafood meal in Preko or nearby, and people have mentioned grilled fish options at reasonable prices, but you’ll still want to plan to pay for what you choose.

Also remember the boat doesn’t have a toilet. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time, but it does mean you should go before you meet, then plan your water breaks around that.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a relaxed half-day that works best if you want sun and water with minimal planning. It’s also designed around the idea that most people can join—but there are a few clear limitations.

This tour is best for:

• People who want to swim or snorkel at least once during the day
• Travelers who like a small-group pace and a guide who adjusts to your preferences
• Families and mixed groups looking for a beachy ending in Preko

It may be a problem if:

• You can’t move independently enough to get in and out of the boat
• You’re sensitive to uneven steps or transfer points between boat and water
• You’re above the stated maximum weight limit (120 kg / 250 lbs)

If your group includes seniors or anyone with limited mobility, I’d be honest about comfort with boarding. The tour isn’t described as physically demanding overall, but boat transfers still matter.

Should you book this Zadar original island-hopping speedboat tour?

I think you should book this if you want a quick, low-effort way to experience the Adriatic with real swimming time and a comfortable on-water vibe. The combination of included snorkeling gear and unlimited water and iced tea is a practical win. Plus, Preko gives you an easy last stop with sandy beach time and a short option to head toward Galevac.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re hoping for a long full-day island cruise or if you need lots of onboard comforts like a toilet. Also, because one stop can be skipped in rough weather and because Stop 2 changes with conditions, keep your mind open. This is a day shaped by the sea, not a rigid checklist.

If you like the idea of speed, clear water, and a guide who keeps things friendly and on track, this one is a strong match for a Zadar afternoon.

You Might Also Enjoy

Zadar: Sunset Boat Tour with Aperol SpritzZadar: City Highlights Walking Tour in Polish4 Jewels of Zadar, Dugi otok, sunken ship – Half dayPlitvice private tour driver + guide up to 8 ppl from Zadar