Crystal water and fast islands beats slow travel. I love the private 9-meter speedboat for getting far from Zadar quickly, and I love the snorkeling time at multiple swim spots. The main catch: it is a half-day that lives on the water, so if you get seasick or hate boat motion, plan carefully.

This 4-hour outing is built for easy fun: a skipper drives, you relax, and you get swim breaks plus island-and-village views from the sea. You’ll even have a friendly English-speaking guide on board, and in reviews the skipper is singled out by name, including Drago, for making everyone feel safe and welcome.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Private group, only you on the boat: no crowd management, no waiting turns.
• Snorkeling included, plus paddle boards: you can choose your pace at each stop.
• Multiple swim windows: fishing village swim, a longer Kostanj beach break, then Ošljak.
• Village time at Preko: photos, sightseeing, and a slow look at the coast.
• Flexible routing within 4 hours: you may go Kostanj → Ošljak → Preko or Frnaza → Preko → Ošljak.

Why a private speedboat beats jumping on and off ferries in Zadar

Zadar’s coast is built for water travel. The county has more than 100 islands, so you get that classic Dalmatian feel fast: open sea views, coves that look made for swimming, and villages that feel like you discovered them by accident. Doing it by boat also means you’re not stuck with one beach for four hours. You’re moving through different coastlines, different water colors, and different vibes.

The private setup is the other big reason to do this. When you’re alone on the boat, you can actually enjoy the rhythm: arrive, swim, hang out, then move on. You’re not listening to someone else’s itinerary or negotiating space with strangers who brought the last towel on Earth.

For your group, this tour feels like a mix of sightseeing and beach day, but with the sea doing the heavy lifting. You’ll also get some perspective on Zadar from the water—very different from the walkable city center.

Getting on board: pickup in Zadar and a skipper who sets the tone

The tour starts with pickup at either Obala kneza Branimira 20A or Crodux. From there, you head out right away on a speedboat that covers distance in short bursts. You should expect the first leg to feel quick—about 15 minutes of cruising before the first swim stop.

You’ll be on a 9-meter motor boat with a private skipper, and the tour is guided in English. The value here is more than language. A good skipper matters on these waters because it affects how smooth the ride feels and how well you get access to the best swim spots without feeling rushed.

In the reviews, the hosts are repeatedly praised for kindness and professionalism, and one review calls out Drago as an excellent captain. That lines up with what you want on a private boat: clear safety talk, a calm manner, and no awkward surprises once you’re underway.

Stop 1: the fishing village swim and snorkeling reset

Your first main break is at a fishing village, where you get 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is one of those stops that works for almost every type of traveler. If you love being in the water, you’ll get enough time to rinse off and actually settle in. If you just want a cool-off and photos, 45 minutes is usually the sweet spot—long enough to enjoy it, not so long you start losing the day to one patch of sea.

What I like about a fishing village stop is the setting. Even without going ashore, you feel like you’ve entered a real coastal world—something more lived-in than a resort beach. You’re also likely to get calmer moments here since these small areas are designed around local sea routines.

Included on board is the snorkeling gear: snorkeling masks (the tour lists diving masks, but the use here is clearly snorkel-ready), plus life jackets, so you’re not hunting for rentals on arrival. You’ll also be better off if you come with the practical stuff ready: sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat.

Stop 2: Kostanj and the long beach break at pješćana plaža

After that first swim, the boat cruises again for about 10 minutes to reach Kostanj, with a focus on pješćana plaža u uvali—a sandy beach in a bay. This is your longer on-water block: about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling.

This is the stop I’d plan around if you want your most complete swimming session. One hour gives you time to do the full routine: dip in, snorkel for a bit, then just relax on the surface when you’re tired. It’s also the best place to take advantage of the extras if you want them—this tour includes paddle boards, so it can turn into a more playful break rather than only swimming.

A practical tip: on sandy bays, the shoreline can vary quickly in how clear it looks depending on wind and tide. You don’t have to guess—your skipper will get you into a good spot. Just be ready to move quickly once you’re there, because the best access usually gets used fast when the water is calm.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to eat before you get too sunburned or too salty, this is your “pause and reset” moment. Bring along food and drinks (the tour specifically suggests it), because once you’re back on the boat, the vibe becomes pure relaxation—no searching for a café with wet hair.

Stop 3: Ošljak island time with swimming and snorkeling

Next comes Ošljak with another 1-hour break for swimming and snorkeling, plus time to take in the island. This stop is the bridge between beach-only time and real island wandering—at least from the waterline. The tour also gives you “break time,” so it’s not all water, all the time.

Ošljak is a great choice for travelers who like views that change every few minutes. From the sea, you get a different angle on coastline than you’d see on land. You’ll also get that sense of space that islands create: less noise, more quiet, and more sky.

The included life jackets and snorkeling masks keep things simple. If you want to snorkel, you can do it. If you don’t, you can still enjoy cooling off and floating while everyone else explores. That flexible setup is exactly what works for mixed groups—like friends with different energy levels, or families where not everyone wants to snorkel the whole time.

One more thing I appreciate: the tour keeps each stop timed. There’s enough structure that you won’t feel like you’re waiting forever, but there’s enough freedom that you don’t feel herded.

Stop 4: Preko village photo time and a calmer hour on land

Your final major stop is Preko. The schedule gives you 1 hour that includes a photo stop, free time, and sightseeing, plus scenic views on the way.

This is the part that turns the whole outing into more than a swim tour. Preko gives you a village setting to balance the boat time. You’ll also get a nicer feeling for the local rhythm—small streets, harbor atmosphere, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you understand why people spend summers here.

The photo stop matters too, because it’s where you can capture the “I’m on the Adriatic and it’s real” feeling. From the water, you already have great angles. With a bit of land time, you can add that extra layer to your memory.

If you’re traveling with a camera person (or you are one), this is the window to slow down. Bring your phone and a bit of patience. One hour sounds short, but it’s enough to enjoy the village without feeling trapped.

The boat experience: comfort, included gear, and what you’ll actually use

The most useful thing about this tour’s onboard setup is what you don’t have to carry or organize. You’ll have a fridge onboard, life jackets, snorkeling masks, and the paddle boards are included. That means you can show up with just swim essentials and a plan to relax.

The boat itself is described as comfortable, and that lines up with the practical value of private boating: less jostling, fewer awkward shared items, and more room for your group to settle in. A boat like this is also built for quick stops. You cruise, you dock nearby, you jump in, you go again. It’s not a long-commute ferry. It’s short hops, and you feel the payoff.

What to bring is straightforward, and it affects how enjoyable the day feels:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Food and drinks (plan to use the breaks)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Beachwear you don’t mind getting sandy or salty

Also note what’s not part of the experience: bikes aren’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. So this is best for travelers with good mobility who are happy to board and step around with the group.

Price and value: what $64 per person buys you in real terms

At $64 per person for 4 hours, the price is reasonable when you look at what’s included. You’re paying for a private boat, a skipper, and fuel, and you’re also getting the snorkeling gear and paddle boards. That’s a big difference versus piecing together rentals plus a public tour plus transport.

The best value here comes from the private element. If you’ve ever felt irritated paying for a “private” tour that still behaves like a shared group, this won’t feel that way. The tour is set as a private group where you’re on the boat together with no other groups on board.

You also get flexibility inside the half-day structure. The tour offers different routing patterns in the same 4-hour window—one goes in line with Kostanj → Ošljak → Preko, and another follows Frnaza → Preko → Ošljak. That matters because it can shift which coastline and swim mood you experience, depending on conditions and timing.

Finally, reviews put heavy weight on host care: kindness, professionalism, and the way the day can bend toward what your group wants. If your group includes people who will float, snorkel, and take photos at different speeds, this is the kind of setup that tends to work well.

Who should book this Ugljan and Ošljak speedboat tour

I’d point you to this tour if you want:

• Swimming plus sightseeing in one half-day
• A private way to explore Zadar’s islands instead of long schedules
• A clear plan with timed breaks: fishing village (45 min), Kostanj (1 hr), Ošljak (1 hr), Preko (1 hr)
• A boat day that includes gear so you don’t scramble on arrival

It also fits special-group vibes. One review mentions a hen party having a great time, which tells me this is a fun “celebrate and cool off” outing as much as it is a sightseeing day.

On the flip side, skip this if you prefer land-only exploring, if you strongly dislike boat time, or if mobility is limited in a way that makes boarding difficult. Also, if you’re very sensitive to motion, it’s worth thinking ahead before booking a day on the water.

Should you book this tour from Zadar?

If your ideal day includes crystal-clear sea time, a comfortable speedboat ride, and at least a couple of chances to snorkel, then yes, I’d book it. The private format is the main reason—this is one of those tours where paying a little more buys you a smoother, calmer experience with no crowd friction.

Book it especially if you want variety: a fishing village swim, a longer sandy bay break at Kostanj, a scenic island hour at Ošljak, then a village stop at Preko. It’s a smart way to experience the Zadar archipelago without turning your holiday into a logistics project.

If you mainly want museums, city walks, or a slow-paced day with minimal boat motion, you might choose something else.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $64 per person.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private group experience, meaning only you are on the boat.

Where do pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are offered at two locations: Obala kneza Branimira 20A and Crodux.

What snorkeling and swimming time should I expect?

You’ll have several swim/snorkel breaks: about 45 minutes at the fishing village, about 1 hour at Kostanj, and about 1 hour at Ošljak.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the boat, a skipper, fuel, a fridge, paddle boards, snorkeling masks, and life jackets.

What route does the tour follow?

For the 4-hour experience, there are two possible patterns: Zadar → Kostanj → Ošljak → Preko, or Zadar → Frnaza → Preko → Ošljak.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The tour also suggests bringing food and drinks.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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