A speedboat day beats slow sightseeing. On this private ride, I like how you get a new luxury speedboat feel while cruising from Zadar to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko, and I also love that drinks and snorkeling gear are built into the price. The trade-off: it’s a real speedboat experience, so there’s some bouncing on waves, and it’s not a fit if you can’t swim.

You’ll go out from the Zadar waterfront (Foša area) with an English-speaking guide and an experienced skipper who can tailor the day to what you want most. In particular, skippers such as Christian and Kristin come across as accommodating, with time for sightseeing and proper breaks to enjoy the water and views.

What makes it more than a quick hop around the islands is the mix: sandy shoreline time on Ugljan, a stop at Ošljak (the smallest inhabited island in Croatia), and then a longer stretch in Preko with a walk and time around Jaz beach and its places to grab food.

Key Highlights Worth Planning Around

• Private boat time in clear water with swimming and snorkeling stops built into the schedule
• Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island and a slower-feeling window to look around and swim
• Kostanj Bay on Ugljan with a sandy beach vibe and photo-friendly viewpoints
• Preko village + Jaz beach time for walking, breaks, and a casual change of pace
• Drinks included all day (soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, liquor) so you don’t have to budget onboard

Getting There: Foša Harbor to Instant Sea-Time

This tour is built around leaving fast and staying out long enough to feel like you left the mainland behind. You’ll start from the Foša harbor area in Zadar, with a meeting point commonly set at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and you may be picked up anywhere nearby where the boat can dock safely.

Once you’re on board, the tempo is the point. There’s a quick cruise segment at the start to get you out toward the island areas, so you’re not wasting your main hours stuck near shore.

If you’re prone to seasickness, pay attention to the style of this boat ride. The experience is meant to feel sporty—one review even calls out the thrill of bouncing on waves—so plan accordingly.

The Speedboat Ride: Why It Feels Different Than a Ferry Day

A lot of island trips in Croatia give you a schedule you can’t control. This one feels different because you’re in control of the pace: the skipper can adjust stops and time based on what your group wants to see and do.

You’re also on a brand-new luxury speedboat, which matters more than it sounds. Comfort on choppy water changes your whole day—when you’re bouncing, you want stable seating, good layout, and the confidence that you’re not fighting the boat the whole time.

And since it’s a private group, you’re not competing for the best moment to swim, snorkel, or take photos. The point is to have room to breathe between the scenery.

Stop 1–3: Kostanj Bay and the Ugljan Sandy-Beach Moment

The first “real” island feel comes when you head toward Ugljan and the Kostanj Bay area. This is where the day turns from cruising views into water time, with an extended break that includes swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

Kostanj is loved for the simple reason that it gives you both sea and shore. You get the chance to wade and swim close to a sandy beach vibe, which is a big win if you want water that feels easy rather than only rocky. And it’s also photo-friendly—expect plenty of chances to grab shots of the shoreline and the coastline as you pause.

There’s usually a mix of activities during this stretch: sightseeing by boat, a photo stop, and onboard refreshments. If you’re doing snorkeling, bring a calm mindset: the water is clear, and the gear is provided, but you’ll get the best results when you take your time and don’t rush the first moments.

What to watch out for here

If you’re traveling with someone who wants a relaxed beach read, understand that this is still a speedboat day. The breaks are planned, but it’s not a slow beach afternoon where you can fully set up and settle in.

Time on the Water: Snorkeling Gear and the Drinks-Included Advantage

One of the best value angles here is how the essentials are already handled. Snorkeling gear is included, and the boat supplies bottled water plus drinks such as soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor.

That matters because it lets you focus on the experience, not on logistics. On a short 4-hour tour, every decision you don’t have to make is a win. You’re not racing to find a place to buy drinks, and you’re not packing your own equipment if you’d rather travel light.

The drinks are also part of the social feel of the day. Reviews mention drinks flowing, and that it felt fun and accommodating, especially with skippers like Christian and Kristin. In other words: it’s not just “a beverage on the side,” it’s built into the rhythm of breaks and sightseeing.

Stop 4–5: Ošljak, the Smallest Inhabited Island in Croatia

Ošljak is the headline stop for people who love specific, unusual places. This is the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and the time you get here is meant for actually looking around—not just passing by.

You’ll have a dedicated stretch on the island area that typically includes sightseeing, and then time for more swimming and snorkeling. There’s also time built in for pass-by views and marine-life watching from the water, depending on conditions and what you want to focus on.

What I like about Ošljak on a private speedboat is that it adds variety. Ugljan and Preko are more village-and-beach experiences; Ošljak feels more like a quiet, focused nature stop. Even if you only spend an hour-ish overall across the Ošljak segment and the surrounding views, it changes the texture of the trip.

A practical note about expectations

Ošljak is small by definition. So if you’re expecting lots of structured activities, shops, or a long walking route, you might not find that here. What you will find is a sense of place: the idea that you’re visiting a real inhabited island, not a theme park or a shore excursion that could be anywhere.

Stop 6–7: Preko Village, Jaz Beach, and a Longer Break

Preko is where the day slows down slightly and becomes more “Croatian coastal life.” You get about 1.5 hours in the Preko area, which is long enough for a real break rather than just a quick photo.

This is where the sand-and-village combination shows up again—especially around Jaz beach. The setup is practical: there’s time for photo stops, free time, a chance to walk, and swimming if conditions are right.

Preko also gives you what Ugljan doesn’t: more of a village atmosphere. You can browse souvenir-style spots and you’ll find options for fresh seafood restaurants and cozy cafés around the area. It’s a good moment to decide what kind of traveler you are—want a relaxed stroll and water time, or want food and people-watching?

The trade-off

This part of the day is more independent. You’ll have time to wander, but you won’t get a tightly scheduled series of guided stops like you might in a walking tour. If you like structure, go with the skipper’s suggestions for where to spend your time.

Customization: How Much Control You Actually Get

A private speedboat tour can sound fancy, but the real value is customization. This one explicitly allows adjustments to fit your preferences, and you can tell the skipper what you want more of—swimming time, specific photo stops, or how much time you want in the Preko village area.

That means you can shape the day for your group. A couple might want more snorkeling and fewer photo stops. Friends might want more time at the sandy beaches. People who just want a smooth, scenic cruise can ask for a slightly calmer emphasis.

And because it’s private, your requests matter. You’re not stuck on a fixed agenda that assumes one size fits all.

Price and Value: $397 for a Private 4-Hour Sea Day

At $397 per group (listed as up to 1), the big question is whether you’re buying private time versus a shared ferry-and-bus plan. For many people, the value comes from three things that add up quickly if you price them separately:

• Snorkeling gear included so you don’t pay or pack extra
• Drinks included (soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, liquor), which can otherwise become a major expense on a sea day
• Fuel included, meaning the tour is built to reach multiple island areas within a short timeframe

Also, you’re not just buying access to one view. You’re getting a sequence: Ugljan’s Kostanj area, Ošljak’s smallest-inhabited-island experience, and Preko with a longer village break.

Is it expensive? For a single person, yes. But if you’re splitting the boat cost with others (or you strongly prefer private time and water-based stops), it can feel like a smart “spend money to buy time and comfort” choice.

The best fit is someone who cares about being on the water for real, not just walking around on shore for photos.

Who Should Book This (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a solid choice if you’re comfortable with a few basics: you can swim, you enjoy water time, and you want an energetic speedboat outing with breaks for snorkeling and photos.

It’s not suitable for non-swimmers. It’s also not suitable for children under 2, and it’s not recommended for people who are pregnant or have back problems or heart problems. Wheelchair users aren’t listed as suitable, and pets aren’t allowed.

If you’re traveling with anyone who has mobility limitations or a medical reason to avoid bouncing and boat movement, you’ll want to rethink this and choose a different style of tour.

What to Bring for a Smooth Day on the Water

Even though gear is provided, you’ll still want to show up ready for sun, water, and speedboat wind.

Bring swim-friendly clothes, something you can quickly change into, and water-friendly footwear if you plan to wade. Sunscreen matters here because you’ll be outside for hours and stopping near beaches.

For snorkeling, pay attention to fit and comfort once you’re on board. If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slow at the first stop. Clear water is great, but the gear experience matters more than speed.

Finally, if alcohol is part of your plan (and it’s included), keep an eye on pacing. Enjoy it, but stay focused—water time should be safe and calm.

Should You Book This Zadar Islands Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if you want a true island day with swimming, snorkeling, and multiple island atmospheres—all without planning gear or budgeting onboard drinks. The private format is what makes it feel like your own route, and the inclusion of drinks plus snorkeling gear is a strong value angle for a 4-hour trip.

I would skip it if you’re looking for a slow, shore-based walking tour, or if you can’t swim. Also skip if you need a very gentle boat experience due to medical or mobility concerns, since this ride is meant to feel like a real speedboat day.

If you match the basics, this is the kind of Zadar experience that gives you memorable water time fast—and then sends you back to shore with a very different story than a standard sightseeing loop.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

It’s 4 hours, though starting times vary based on availability.

What islands are included in the tour?

You’ll visit the islands of Ugljan and Ošljak and spend time in Preko.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Zadar Boat Tours in Zadar, with a common meeting point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is a pickup available?

You usually meet at the address above, but pickup can be arranged anywhere in the area where the boat can dock by boat.

What drinks are included?

Drinks included include soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the price.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, it’s a private group tour.

Is it suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years old.

Are pets allowed on board?

No, pets are not allowed.

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