Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar outing is its balance. You get a real swim stop, two island visits, and a fast ride across the Adriatic, all in four hours. It gives you a taste of the coast without taking over your whole day.

I like the small group size, limited to 10, and the easygoing guides. Captains named Joseph, Jure, Josip, and Zeljko are repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and good at keeping the trip relaxed. I also like the price: at $35 per person, the boat ride, drinks, guide, and island visits make this a strong value.

The catch is practical: fuel costs extra, and there is no toilet on the boat. The open speedboat can also get wet and bumpy when the wind picks up. Bring a towel, wear swim clothes, and use the restroom before boarding.

Key points to know before booking

• Three-part route: Swim at a quiet bay, explore Ošljak, then spend time in Preko.
• Small boat experience: Groups are limited to 10, giving you more space and easier contact with the skipper.
• Good drink package: Beer, bottled water, and iced tea are included, though food is not.
• Ošljak is the unusual stop: It is known as the smallest inhabited island and has old Dalmatian houses and quiet paths.
• Preko gives you more freedom: You can walk, shop, swim, have coffee, or buy Croatian food.
• Prepare for an open boat: There is no onboard toilet, and rougher weather can mean spray during the ride.

A fast, friendly way to see Zadar from the water

Zadar is easy to enjoy from its old streets and waterfront, but the best sense of the region comes when you look back at the city from the sea. This tour takes you away from the mainland for a short taste of island life, with enough activity to keep the outing lively and enough free time to set your own pace.

The trip leaves from the waterfront opposite the city walls, behind the Foša restaurant. The meeting point can be confusing because several boat companies operate in the same area. If you are unsure, take a photo of where you are standing and send it to the operator through WhatsApp.

Aveta Speedboat Tours uses three boats, so the boat that arrives may not be easy to identify in advance. Check with the crew before boarding. This is a minor dockside nuisance, but it is worth knowing so you do not wander around looking for a particular vessel.

The group limit is 10 people. That matters here. You are not joining a large sightseeing vessel with a fixed script and little room to move. You can ask the skipper questions, get help with swimming, and usually find a more personal rhythm on the boat.

The guides vary by departure. Joseph, Jure, Josip, and Zeljko are among the captains praised for friendly conversation, useful local information, patience with photographs, and careful attention to comfort. The exact guide is not guaranteed, but the pattern is clear: the captain is an important part of the experience.

The first 15 minutes: leaving Zadar behind

The first ride lasts about 15 minutes. That is just long enough to settle into the boat and enjoy the shift from city waterfront to open sea.

You will see broad views of the Zadar coastline as the boat moves toward the first stop. The speed is part of the fun, but this is not a silent sightseeing cruise. An open speedboat gives you wind, engine noise, and spray when conditions are rough.

Sit where you can enjoy the view, but protect your phone and camera. On calm days, the ride should feel smooth. On a windy day, the water may slap the sides of the boat and spray the passengers. Bring a light change of clothes, even if the sky is clear when you leave.

This first ride also gives you a sense of the tour’s pace. The time is divided between short boat transfers and stops on land or in the water. You are not spending four hours continuously speeding between islands, nor are you sitting at one dock for most of the trip.

The blue-water swim stop: 50 minutes to cool off

The first stop is a quiet bay in the Zadar archipelago, described as a secluded swimming area with clear turquoise water. You get about 50 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling.

This is the most active part of the tour. The boat stops so you can jump into the sea, rather than simply looking at it from the deck. The water is the main attraction, and this is where you will want your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and waterproof protection for valuables.

A mask is supplied, but it does not include a snorkel tube. That is an important distinction. You can use the mask to look below the surface, but bring your own snorkel if you want a proper snorkeling session.

The stop works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend most of the time in the water, while others can stay aboard or swim close to the boat. Life vests are available. The guide can also help with practical questions, but you should be comfortable entering the sea from a boat before booking.

Some people describe this as the highlight, and I can see why. It is a direct, refreshing break from sightseeing. The main limitation is that the stop is about swimming, not a full beach day. You should not expect a long sandy shore, a beach cafe, or changing facilities.

The bay is also weather dependent. Clear skies do not guarantee calm seas. If the wind is strong, the ride may be wet and the swim stop may feel less peaceful. Ask about conditions before departure if you are sensitive to motion or uneasy in open water.

Ošljak: a small island with a slower pace

After about 10 minutes by boat, you reach Ošljak for roughly an hour. Ošljak is presented as the smallest inhabited island, and its appeal is its scale. This is a place for a walk, a look at old Dalmatian houses, and a pause beside the water rather than a long list of major sights.

The stop breaks up the boat ride nicely. After swimming, you can dry off and stroll around instead of spending the entire tour on the water. The island has picturesque views, quiet paths, and beaches where you can sit or swim.

I would treat Ošljak as a short look at everyday island life. Do not arrive expecting a large historic center or a packed schedule. Its charm comes from being modest and easy to explore. You have enough time to walk around without turning the visit into a forced guided march.

Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Beachwear is fine for the swim, but a cover-up and dry clothes will make the island visit more pleasant. Sun protection matters here, as the itinerary includes several outdoor stops and the boat may offer limited shade.

For families, this stop adds variety. Children can explore, look at the houses, and swim if conditions are right. For adults, it is a chance to slow down and take photographs between the faster boat sections.

Preko: coffee, food, and time to choose your own stop

The next boat ride takes about 15 minutes, followed by approximately 75 minutes in Preko. This is the longest stop and the most flexible one.

Preko is a village on the island of Ugljan. Here you can walk narrow streets, look around local shops and markets, stop for coffee, buy Croatian food, or swim again. You can also visit Galevac, a small island nearby, if time and conditions allow.

This part of the tour is valuable because it lets you choose. You are not limited to one activity or one photo stop. If you have had enough sun, sit down with a drink. If you want to keep exploring, walk through the village. If the heat is strong, use the time for another swim.

Food is not included, so bring cash for anything you want to eat or drink beyond the supplied water, iced tea, and beer. The tour includes one beer per person according to the stated inclusions, while some departures may have cold drinks available during the trip. Do not count on a full meal being provided.

Seventy-five minutes sounds generous, but families with young children may find that it goes quickly. One parent noted that moving around with a seven-year-old and a two-year-old left less time to see Preko. If you want a proper meal, a long walk, and Galevac in the same stop, you may need to choose carefully.

Preko is also the only stated toilet opportunity during the tour. Use the facilities here, even if you do not think you need to. Once you leave, the final ride back to Zadar lasts about 15 minutes, and there is no toilet on the boat.

The ride back: views, drinks, and a final look at the coast

The return ride to Zadar takes about 15 minutes. It is a simple finish, but the views can be one of the quiet pleasures of the trip. You will see the coast from a lower, more open angle than you get from the old town.

Beer, bottled water, and iced tea are included. That is useful on a warm day, especially after the swim and walking stops. Still, bring cash for food, extra drinks, and other purchases in Preko.

The boat returns to the same waterfront area near the city walls and Foša restaurant. Because the tour lasts four hours, you can still fit in lunch, dinner, a museum, or a sunset walk in Zadar afterward. That makes the half-day format especially useful for a short stay.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to get onto the Adriatic from Zadar. You are paying for four hours of boat time, a live English-speaking guide, three main stops, life vests, a mask, and several drinks.

The value is strongest if you want a sample of several experiences in one outing. You swim, ride a speedboat, visit a small inhabited island, and spend time in a village. Booking separate transport to the islands would cost more and take more planning.

The extra fuel charge changes the calculation. The amount is not stated in the supplied details, so ask the operator for the current total before you board. At this price, even with a modest fuel supplement, the trip can still be good value, but you should know the final cost in advance.

Food is also separate. The price works best if you treat the tour as a half-day activity and plan your meal around it rather than expecting a catered excursion.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack a towel, sunscreen, sun hat, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is sensible because this is an open boat and sea spray is possible.

The tour is suited to people who like short bursts of activity. You need to be comfortable boarding a speedboat, swimming from the boat, walking around an island, and dealing with sun and wind. It can work well for couples, friends, and families with children who enjoy the water.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The stated weight limit is 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. People prone to seasickness should also think carefully, since the boat is open and conditions can become rough.

Pets and bicycles are not allowed. There is no onboard toilet, and no food is included. These are not hidden details, but they can make or break your day if you arrive unprepared.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat tour?

I would book it if you have one free half-day in Zadar and want a compact introduction to the islands. The route is well balanced, the group is small, the stops are varied, and the price is attractive. The strongest reasons to go are the clear-water swim, the relaxed hour on Ošljak, and the freedom to choose how you use your time in Preko.

I would skip it if you need a toilet onboard, dislike speedboats, want a full meal included, or prefer a long, quiet beach stay. Before paying, confirm the fuel supplement and check the weather forecast.

For most visitors, this is a practical way to get beyond Zadar’s old town without giving up the rest of the day. Bring dry clothes, arrive ready to swim, and let the skipper set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Zadar?

Meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls. Boarding is behind the Foša restaurant. If you cannot identify the correct boat, take a photo of your location and send it to the activity provider on WhatsApp.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stop, island visits, and return to Zadar.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants. Aveta Speedboat Tours operates three boats, so the specific boat arriving for you can vary.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak and Preko. You can also visit Galevac from Preko if time and conditions allow. The first stop is a swimming bay in the Zadar archipelago rather than an island visit.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A mask is included, but a snorkel tube is not. Bring your own tube if you want to snorkel properly.

Are drinks included?

The stated inclusions are one beer per person, bottled water, and iced tea. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The boat has no restroom. You will have access to a toilet at the last stop, Preko, so use the facilities there before returning to Zadar.

Do fuel costs come with the ticket?

No. Fuel is paid separately before the tour starts. Ask for the current fuel charge so you know the full price before departure.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The boat is an open speedboat, so wind and rough water can cause sea spray and a wetter ride. Bring a change of clothes and prepare for conditions to affect comfort.