REVIEW · ZADAR
Zadar: Speedboat Escapade 3 stops & Snorkeling & Local Wine
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Alice Travel · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Island hopping from a speedboat feels like freedom. I love the modern speedboat ride, and I especially love the snorkeling time in Kostanj Bay’s clear water. It’s one of those Zadar trips where the coast looks different every few minutes, and the pace stays light.
I also like how this isn’t a one-stop show. You get multiple island and bay breaks with a local skipper who shares real context, with guides like Roko, Mario, Josef/Joseph, and Racco getting praised for being friendly and hands-on.
One thing to watch: you’ll pay a 10 EUR docking fee in cash on arrival.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Zadar’s coastline looks bigger from a modern speedboat
- Kostanj Bay snorkeling: 40 minutes in clear water
- Osljak island break: history on a very small scale
- Preko: island shops, a sandy beach, and snorkeling again
- On-board: wine, a chatty skipper, and photo-friendly stops
- Price and the 10 EUR cash docking fee
- Timing: how to fit everything into four hours
- Who this trip suits best (and who should rethink it)
- Should you book the Zadar Speedboat Escapade?
- FAQ
- How long is the speedboat tour?
- How many people are in the group?
- What’s included for snorkeling?
- Do I pay anything extra on arrival?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Is lunch included?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Three separate stop-and-swim moments so you’re not stuck in one place too long
- Kostanj Bay snorkeling with gear provided and time to cool off
- Osljak’s tiny-island character: hill views, a centuries-old church, and story-rich ruins
- Preko’s island life break with shops, a sea-view coffee option, and a sandy beach
- Small-group feel (max 12) with an English-speaking guide and lots of skipper talk
- Wine included on board, plus extra drink vibes show up on many departures
Zadar’s coastline looks bigger from a modern speedboat
Zadar’s coast has a special mix of views: bright sea, rocky edges, and little islands that look close enough to touch. From the water, you get that wide-angle feeling fast—then you land at bays where you can actually stop, swim, and hang out.
What makes this trip work is that it’s small-group and skipper-led. The boat is built for speed and comfort, and the guides you’ll meet are the type to point out what you’re seeing and explain why it matters. In the experience, skippers like Roko and Mario get singled out for being attentive and interactive, and you’ll notice that when it’s time to get set for snorkeling or when the route turns toward the islands.
The other quiet win: you’re out of the busiest parts of town early, so you’re not spending your only day in traffic or waiting in lines.
Other speedboat tours we've reviewed in Zadar
Kostanj Bay snorkeling: 40 minutes in clear water
Your first big cooling-off stop is Kostanj Bay, at a sandy beach area (pješćana Plaža u uvali). You get around 40 minutes there, which is just enough time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the view from the boat before it’s time to move again.
The snorkeling kit is included, so you’re not paying extra for gear you’ll use for a short window. And this is the kind of water you can really appreciate: it’s repeatedly described as crisp and clear, which matters because snorkeling is all about visibility.
Practical tip: treat this stop like your main “sea time.” If you want the best odds of a smooth snorkeling experience, arrive ready—take a quick check of the fit of your snorkeling gear, then go straight for the water while you still feel fresh.
Osljak island break: history on a very small scale
Next comes Osljak, one of the islands that makes this trip feel like more than just a boat ride. Osljak is known as the smallest inhabited island of Croatia, with just 29 inhabitants during Roman times, and a very “you’re really here” island rhythm.
What you can do with your time:
- Climb the small hill for satisfying views
- Walk along the shore and explore at an easy pace
- Look for a little church tucked in the trees (IX century)
- If you’re interested in darker chapters, you’ll hear about WWII-era ruins tied to a hospital that gathered people suffering from plague
There’s also a bar, because even quiet islands need a proper break.
A fun cultural quirk: many locals share the same last name. It’s the kind of detail a good skipper will point out, and it helps you understand that the island isn’t just scenic—it’s a real home with real people.
If you’re not into short hikes, this stop can still work. The walk options are flexible. Just be aware that this isn’t a “lie on the beach for hours” stop, and the point is more about island character than long lounging.
Preko: island shops, a sandy beach, and snorkeling again
After the Osljak time, you head to Preko, where the vibe changes from quiet edges to summer-life energy. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, which gives you room to do a little of everything without rushing your legs to death.
Preko is a good place to reset. You can stroll toward the center, pop into small local shops for souvenirs, and grab coffee with a sea view if you want something warm or caffeinated. Then there’s a small sandy beach where you can cool down again—and yes, you can use your snorkeling gear here too.
There’s also a neat optional add-on if conditions and time allow: from Preko, you can swim to a nearby island area called Galevac, where a small ancient monastery is hidden among the trees. You’ll want to ask your skipper about timing and whether it’s a sensible swim for your comfort level.
Value-wise, this second water break matters. It means you’re not “burning” your best snorkeling moment in only one stop. Instead, you get more chances to find what you like—swim time, snorkel time, or just sea air with a casual stroll.
On-board: wine, a chatty skipper, and photo-friendly stops
The boat portion is built around movement. You’ll see the coastline from the water, then land in short bursts at each bay or island so the day stays active. Between stops, you’re usually looking at about 15 minutes of speedboat travel—long enough to feel the speed, short enough that it never turns into dead time.
Wine is included, and that fits the mood of Zadar’s coast: sunlight, sea air, and a relaxed sip while you watch islands slide by. In actual experiences, many people also mention beers and water showing up alongside the included drinks—so don’t be shocked if your skipper adds a little extra welcome.
A huge part of the enjoyment is how skippers handle the “human side.” Guides such as Joseph/Josef and Mario are praised for being helpful, friendly, and full of stories, and you’ll often get little moments like photo opportunities or quick explanations that make each stop feel more intentional.
One balanced note: speedboats can feel punchy. Some skippers drive with real energy, and at least one captain is described as doing a proper speed stretch at the end. If you’re sensitive to fast motion, sit where you feel most stable and take it easy during the ride.
Other snorkeling and swim tours we've reviewed in Zadar
Price and the 10 EUR cash docking fee
The price is listed as 33 USD per person, and for what you get, it’s often good value. You’re paying for a modern speedboat ride, a local English-speaking skipper/guide, snorkeling equipment, three stop locations, and wine included in the experience.
What’s not included is where you should plan ahead:
- Lunch
- Coffee
- Towels
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- The docking fee: 10 EUR per person, paid in cash on arrival (and it covers all stops)
That docking fee is the one extra cost you should not ignore. It’s not huge, but it can be annoying if you show up without cash. Bring it in advance so you can focus on the water instead of scrambling at the end.
Also, no towels means you’ll want to plan your own drying setup. Even if you’re mostly swimming briefly, a towel helps a lot when you’re back on the boat and heading toward Zadar again.
Timing: how to fit everything into four hours
This is a 4-hour outing, so it’s designed like a sampler platter. You’ll spend meaningful time in the water and on islands, then glide back toward Zadar for the final scenic ride.
A typical flow looks like this:
- A short boat segment to reach the first bay
- About 40 minutes at Kostanj for snorkeling and beach time
- Another short speed segment
- About 40 minutes on the island village-style stop (Osljak)
- A speed segment again
- About 1.5 hours at Preko for shops, strolling, beach time, and snorkeling
- Then you head back with scenic views toward the end
This timing is exactly why the tour feels energetic rather than exhausting. You get multiple experiences without turning it into an all-day commitment.
Two planning tips that genuinely help:
- Arrive on time at the meeting point (you’re told to be there about 10 minutes before departure).
- The meeting point has no toilet, so handle that before you arrive.
Who this trip suits best (and who should rethink it)
This is a great fit if you want:
- A fast, scenic Zadar coast taste with real stops
- Time for snorkeling without renting gear
- A mix of water time and island wandering (Preko and Osljak)
- A small group so you actually hear the skipper’s explanations
It’s also a strong choice for solo travelers who don’t want a “sit in a bus” day. The group setup is small, and people from different places tend to mix comfortably because you’re together on one boat.
You might consider a different option if:
- You need lunch included in the ticket (lunch isn’t part of this)
- You hate speedboat motion or prefer long stays at one place
- You don’t want to pay an extra 10 EUR cash docking fee on arrival
Should you book the Zadar Speedboat Escapade?
Book it if you want a half-day that hits the key things—clear-water snorkeling, island personality, and a modern boat with a local skipper who brings the stops to life. The included snorkeling equipment and wine make it feel like more than just transport, and the small-group size keeps it friendly.
Before you book, make your checklist simple:
- Bring cash for the 10 EUR docking fee
- Bring your own towel
- Plan for no toilet at the meeting point
- Know that it’s active and time is shared across three stops, not one long beach day
If that sounds like your kind of day on the Croatian coast, this one is a solid pick.
FAQ
How long is the speedboat tour?
It lasts about 4 hours.
How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 12 participants.
What’s included for snorkeling?
Snorkeling equipment is included, and the trip includes time to swim and snorkel at the stops.
Do I pay anything extra on arrival?
Yes. There is a docking fee of 10 EUR per person, paid in cash on arrival. This fee includes all stops.
Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, waiting at the bench or by the Tornado sign about 10 minutes before departure. There is no toilet at the meeting point.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, and coffee is also not included.
