Four hours of island time goes fast. The Zadar Boat Tours speedboat hop hits two islands and real swim moments without a long bus ride. It’s a small-group outing (max 10), so you’re not stuck in a crowd, and the English-speaking skipper keeps things moving.

I especially like the mix of beach time and stop-and-stroll moments. Kostanj gives you a full hour for swimming and snorkeling, then you shift to photos and a break at Ošljak and finish with time in Preko village. A named highlight from past riders: Kristijan Kačan tends to run a tight, friendly trip, and Luka shows up with helpful local tips and an easygoing pace. One thing to plan for: the price doesn’t cover the docking fee (10€ per adult, 5€ per child).

Key things to know before you go

• Small group of up to 10: more personal pacing and easier questions for the skipper.
• Drinks included: beer and water are part of the trip, handy after sun and swim time.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: use it at the swimming stops without packing your own setup.
• Kostanj beach gets a full hour: enough time to change, swim, and take it slow.
• Ošljak and Preko are short, focused visits: photo stops plus a real village break on Ugljan.
• Docking fee is extra: budget for it if you’re comparing with other tours at a similar headline price.

Why the Ugljan and Preko loop works so well from Zadar

If you’re basing yourself in Zadar and want a “real Adriatic” day without losing half of it to transport, this tour fits. You’re out on the water right away on a brand-new speedboat, and the timing is built around giving you actual swim and snorkeling moments rather than just scenic passes.

What makes this route smart is the balance: sandy beach time (Kostanj), a smaller inhabited island stop (Ošljak), and a village where you can get off the boat and walk around (Preko). It’s not a hiking day, and it’s not a nonstop thrill ride either. It’s more like: get the sea air, get in the water, then enjoy a couple of places that feel distinctly Dalmatian.

Meeting the skipper and settling into the speedboat

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours at the waterfront. The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo, so you’re not guessing which vessel is yours. The driver speaks English, and the trip is designed for a small group, which usually means fewer interruptions and more time where you actually want it.

There’s also a straightforward dress-and-swap rhythm to expect. You’ll be moving between water time and land time, so bring what you’ll need for sun and swim. The tour asks for practical items: sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you’re the type who forgets sunscreen until it’s too late, fix that here.

One more “read this before you go” note: pets aren’t allowed, and the tour is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, wheelchair users, pregnant women, children under 2, or non-swimmers. If you fall into any of those categories, skip this one and look for a different style of outing.

Stop 1: Kostanj sandy beach and the swim-friendly hour

Kostanj is where the day starts to feel like a vacation. You get about one hour at the sandy beach at pješćana plaža u uvali, and that time matters. It’s long enough to do the basics well: rinse off, get set with snorkeling gear, take a swim, and still have a bit of time to just hang out.

This stop is built for variety. You can swim and snorkel, watch marine life if conditions cooperate, and enjoy the scenery from the shore. There’s also a simple advantage to a sandy bay: it’s usually easier to step in, find a comfortable spot, and settle in without the stress of complicated entry.

And yes, there’s a drink in the picture. Since beer and water are included, many people find it pairs nicely with the “first swim of the day” feeling. It’s not an all-day party, but it does make the break feel like you were looked after.

Ošljak: photos, a break, and the smallest inhabited island vibe

After Kostanj, it’s a short speedboat transfer, then you land on Ošljak for about 45 minutes. This is the kind of stop that’s quick but memorable: photo time, sightseeing, a chance to swim again, and another window to use the included snorkeling gear.

Ošljak is often described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. Even if you don’t obsess over the superlatives, the vibe comes through: it feels intimate, a little “you’re really out there,” and not overbuilt for mass tourism. If you like islands that feel lived-in rather than just visited, this stop hits that note.

The practical tradeoff is time. Forty-five minutes sounds short, because it is. But it’s long enough to get in the water, grab a few photos, and then regroup. If you’re the sort who needs a long, slow beach session to truly relax, you’ll probably treat Ošljak as a bonus swim stop and put your main beach time in Kostanj.

Preko on Ugljan: village wandering without a heavy hike

Preko is where the trip shifts from “beach and boat” to “people and place.” You get about 75 minutes on Ugljan Island, including a break time, photo stop, time to visit, and even a walk.

This is the stop that helps the day feel more than just a swim circuit. Preko is a charming village, and the time allocation is perfect for a casual wander: enough to stretch your legs, look around, and take photos without turning the day into a strenuous excursion.

It also gives you a natural rhythm. By the time you reach Preko, you’ve already had swim time twice. This third stop is more about resetting—fresh air, a bit of walking, and a change of pace. Past riders often highlight how the guides are friendly and helpful with tips during breaks, and that can matter here. A quick local suggestion about where to take photos or what to look for in the village can turn your walk into something more memorable.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and sea time you can plan around

The tour includes snorkeling gear, plus beer and water. That sounds simple, but it’s exactly the kind of inclusion that saves you from the usual vacation hassle: you don’t have to hunt down gear at your hotel or pay extra once you’re already on island time.

For snorkeling, your best bet is to use the gear when the water conditions are calm and visibility is decent—mainly at the stops where you have dedicated swim time. At Kostanj you’ll have enough time to try it without feeling rushed, and at Ošljak you can do a shorter session if you’re more “in and out.”

Also, speedboat tours can make some people feel a little jumpy if they’re prone to motion sickness. The itinerary is designed around short, frequent water transfers (about 15 minutes between segments), so you’re not sitting on the boat for ages. Still, if you know you’re sensitive, plan accordingly.

Price and value: what $28 really covers (and what it doesn’t)

At $28 per person, this is priced like a value-focused sea day. You’re getting the speedboat, the skipper, snorkeling gear, fuel, and drinks (beer and water). For many visitors, those inclusions remove the hidden add-ons that usually pop up on island tours.

The catch is the docking fee, which is not included: 10€ per adult and 5€ per child. If you’re budgeting in euros (common in Croatia), add that to your math when comparing tours. It’s not a deal-breaker—many similar sea excursions have extra port or dock fees—but it’s the one cost you should account for up front.

When I look at value here, I think about time quality. You’re paying for a small group experience and multiple stops with real swimming windows. If you just want a quick scenic ride, you can sometimes find cheaper options—but you’d likely lose the snorkeling gear and the structured swim time.

Also worth noting: many reviews praise the fairness of the price for what you get, and guides have been described as friendly and professional with a boat in excellent condition. That matters because with speedboats, the “how” is often as important as the “where.”

What you’ll feel during the trip (and what you shouldn’t expect)

This tour has a clear personality. It’s active but not demanding. You’ll be on the water a lot, but you’re also given land time to break up the day: Kostanj beach, Ošljak stop, and the Preko village visit.

It’s not an all-day island flop where you sit in one place for hours. The itinerary is tight by design, so you should expect movement and short transfers. The upside is that you won’t waste a day waiting around in Zadar traffic or losing half your time to long travel.

Guides can make the difference between “we went places” and “this felt personal.” Past riders have mentioned guides like Kristijan Kačan (friendly, professional) and Luka (helpful, easygoing), and some trips include extra kindness like offering a local spirit at the end. Even without that specific bonus on every day, the consistent theme is a skipper who keeps things smooth and gives tips.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A short, high-payoff day from Zadar
• Multiple swim moments with included snorkeling gear
• A small-group format (max 10) rather than a big boat with a shuffle of strangers
• A relaxed village walk at the end, not just beach lounging

It’s less suitable if:

• You’re a non-swimmer (the tour specifies this)
• You need wheelchair access (not suitable)
• You’re pregnant, or you have back or heart problems (not suitable)

If you’re traveling with friends or as a couple and you want to mix beach + sea + a real island village in just four hours, this tour hits that sweet spot.

Quick planning tips that make your day easier

• Bring what the tour asks for: sunscreen, hat, towel, swimwear.
• Wear practical sandals or shoes for the village walk in Preko, since you’ll be moving between boat and shore.
• If you care about snorkeling, give yourself time at Kostanj first; it’s your longest water window.
• Budget for the docking fee so you don’t do the math in the moment.

Should you book this speedboat islands tour?

I’d book it if you want a genuinely efficient island day with swim time built in, and you like the idea of small-group sailing with an English-speaking skipper. The combination of included snorkeling gear and drinks makes it feel complete without constant extra spending. And the itinerary is balanced: sandy beach first, quick island stop second, village walk last.

I would hesitate if you’re counting every euro and the docking fee would hurt your budget, or if you fall into any of the stated “not suitable” categories like non-swimming or mobility needs. If that’s you, pick a different style of shore experience.

Bottom line: this is one of those Zadar activities where the four hours actually feel like four hours of island time, not a rushed checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar: Ugljan and Preko Islands SpeedBoat Tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

What does the tour cost and what’s included in that price?

The price is $28 per person, and the tour includes the speedboat tour, skipper, snorkeling gear, beer and water, and fuel.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer and water are included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Where do we meet the tour, and what does the meeting look like?

You meet at the Zadar Boat Tours waterfront. The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo.

Is there a docking fee?

Yes. A docking fee is charged separately: 10€ per adult and 5€ per child.

What stops are included during the tour?

You visit Kostanj sandy beach, Ošljak, and the village of Preko, then return to the Zadar Boat Tours meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and non-swimmers. Pets are also not allowed.

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