Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Wine and Snorkeling

Zadar’s best escape from the summer crowds may be a fast boat ride to three very different corners of the coast. In four hours, you swim at Kostanj bay, walk the tiny island of Osljak, and settle into the slower pace of Preko, with a skipper such as Mario, Tony, Gogo, or Roko keeping the mood easy and social.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the way the stops are balanced: clear water first, island history next, then the longest break for swimming, food, or a coffee. I also like that drinks are part of the outing, including wine, water, soft drinks, and two glasses of G&T served during the stops.

The main catch is practical rather than scenic: you pay a €10 cash docking fee on arrival, and there is no toilet at the meeting point or on the boat. Parking near the departure point can be difficult in summer, so arrive early and plan ahead.

Four things to know before you book

• Kostanj bay gives you the first swim: Expect about 40 minutes for snorkeling, sunbathing, and cooling off in clear water.
• Osljak is tiny and unusual: This small inhabited island has about 29 residents, a ninth-century church, old ruins, and a famously shared local surname.
• Preko is your longest stop: You get roughly 90 minutes for a sandy beach, snorkeling, shops, coffee, food, or a walk toward Galevac.
• The boat is genuinely small-group: A maximum of 12 people makes conversation with the skipper easy and avoids the feel of a large excursion vessel.
• The cost is more than the advertised fare: The listed price is $44 per person, plus the €10 cash docking fee. Lunch, coffee, towels, and hotel transfers cost extra or are not provided.
• Come ready for sun and spray: Wear swim clothes, bring a towel, and use the toilet before meeting at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

Leaving Zadar for the open water

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. You should be there 10 minutes before departure, waiting by the bench or the Tornado sign. There is no toilet at the meeting point, and summer parking is a problem, so do not cut this close if you have a car.

Once everyone is assigned to a boat, the trip gets moving quickly. The speedboat ride to the first stop takes about 15 minutes. That is enough time to feel the change from city waterfront to open Adriatic, but not so long that you spend the morning simply getting somewhere.

The boat is modern, and fuel is included. The small-group format matters here. You can hear the English-speaking skipper, ask about the islands, and get help with snorkeling gear without competing with dozens of other people.

The operation may use different skippers depending on the departure. Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, Fabrizio, Johnny, Matteo, Zvone, Lovre, and others have led recent outings. The strongest pattern in the feedback is not one particular personality, but the care shown by the guides. Several make a point of checking on weaker swimmers, explaining the route, and suggesting places to eat or visit later in your stay.

There can be some confusion before departure while people are sorted among boats. That is an organizational wrinkle worth knowing about, but once aboard, the ride itself appears to run smoothly.

Kostanj bay: your first 40 minutes in the water

The first stop is Kostanj, a sandy beach in a sheltered bay. You get around 40 minutes here, with time for swimming, snorkeling, cooling off, or simply lying back in the sun.

This is a smart opening stop. You have not yet spent much time on the boat, and the clear water gives you an immediate sense of what this coast is about. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. The water is described as especially clear, and the stop is also suitable for a quick jump from the boat or a relaxed float.

The trade-off is that 40 minutes passes quickly. If you want a long swim and a proper sunbathing session, you may feel rushed. This is a three-stop trip, not a full beach day, so think of Kostanj as a refreshing introduction rather than the main event.

You should bring a towel because one is not supplied. A swimsuit under your clothes is the sensible choice, and a waterproof bag for your phone would be useful, though one is not listed as included.

Drinks help make the stop feel more leisurely. The package includes water and soft drinks, unlimited wine, and two glasses of G&T, with one served at each stop according to the tour details. If you plan to swim, take it easy with the alcohol and listen to the skipper’s instructions.

Osljak, Croatia’s small inhabited island

After another 15-minute boat ride, you reach Osljak. This is the most unusual stop because it is not simply a beach break. Osljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, with about 29 residents, and its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot during the roughly 40-minute visit.

The island has an old Mediterranean feel, with traditional buildings, trees, a small hill, and quiet paths near the shore. You can walk uphill for a view, follow the coastline, or look for the little ninth-century church among the trees. There are also ruins of a hospital connected with people suffering from plague during the Second World War.

That is a lot of character for a short stop. Osljak gives the tour a human and historical side that a simple swim excursion would miss. It also offers a useful pause from the boat, especially if you enjoy wandering rather than spending every minute in the water.

The island is very small, so you should not expect a major sightseeing program. The visit works best if you accept its modest scale. You are here for a quiet walk, a few photographs, and a feel for island life, not a long guided tour of monuments.

There is also a bar, so you can have a drink if you prefer not to walk. The island’s quirky social detail is that many local residents share the same last name. It is the sort of small fact that gives the place personality without needing a formal museum.

Preko gives you the longest break

A short ride brings you to Preko, where you have about 90 minutes. This is the most flexible part of the outing and the stop that will suit the widest range of people.

Preko has more life than Osljak in summer. You can browse small shops for souvenirs, sit with a coffee facing the sea, walk through the center, or head to a small sandy beach. Snorkeling gear is available again, so you can return to the water if Kostanj left you wanting more.

The longer stop also allows you to choose your own pace. Families can focus on swimming, couples can find a café, and food-minded visitors can ask the skipper for suggestions. One recent outing included a recommendation for traditional food and fresh fish at a local restaurant, with sardines among the choices. Lunch is not included, so budget for it separately if you plan to eat.

From Preko, you can see or swim toward Galevac, a nearby small island with an ancient monastery among the trees. The time and conditions may determine whether this is practical, and you should not swim away from the group without checking with the skipper. Still, the possibility adds an appealing bit of exploration to the stop.

Preko is also where you are most likely to notice the limits of a four-hour excursion. Ninety minutes sounds generous, but it can disappear if you want a beach, coffee, food, shops, and Galevac. Pick one or two priorities rather than trying to fit everything in.

The return ride and Zadar from the water

The ride back gives you a final look at the coast and Zadar’s old city from the boat. This is not a separate sightseeing tour, but it is a pleasant closing view and a different way to see the city after spending time among the islands.

The boat rides between stops are about 15 minutes each. You get enough speed and sea air to make the transport part enjoyable, while the stops prevent the outing from becoming an extended boat transfer.

Music is part of the atmosphere on some departures. Several guides are praised for creating a relaxed mood, while still explaining the islands and checking that everyone is comfortable. The tone is social rather than formal. You may be sharing the boat with people from several countries, and that is part of the appeal.

If you want a quiet, private cruise with no strangers, this is not the right format. If you like meeting people and do not mind a little music, the small boat can feel friendly very quickly.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, the basic price is attractive for a four-hour coastal outing. You are paying for a modern speedboat, fuel, a local English-speaking skipper, three stops, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. The small group also adds value because you are not being moved around in a large crowd.

The required €10 cash docking fee changes the calculation. Your real cost is the advertised fare plus that fee, and you should have the cash ready when you arrive. The fee covers all stops, so it is not charged separately at each island.

Lunch, coffee, towels, and hotel pickup are not included. That does not make the tour poor value, but it does mean you should compare it with a bare boat transfer rather than an all-inclusive day cruise. For a half-day experience with three locations and equipment, it remains a reasonable choice, especially if you want swimming time without arranging a private boat.

The reserve-now, pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead make planning easier. Starting times vary, so check the available departure before building the rest of your day around it.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip most

I would choose this for someone with one free morning or afternoon in Zadar who wants more than a city walk but does not want to commit to a full-day island cruise.

It suits:

• Couples looking for swimming, island scenery, and a relaxed drink
• Families with older children who enjoy boats and short walks
• Solo visitors who like meeting people in a small group
• First-time visitors who want a quick introduction to the Zadar archipelago
• Cruise passengers with limited time in port, provided the departure fits their schedule
• Anyone who prefers a mix of water time and island wandering

It is less suitable if you need a private boat, a full meal, long snorkeling sessions, or guaranteed quiet. The outing includes alcohol, music, swimming, and shared space. You should also be comfortable stepping onto a speedboat and spending time without a toilet onboard, since none is provided at the meeting point and no onboard toilet is listed.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Names change from trip to trip, but the recurring strengths are warmth, clear English, safety checks, and local suggestions. Some guides, including Tony and Gogo, are especially praised for explaining the islands and keeping the mood fun. Others, such as Mario and Roko, are noted for extra care and helpful food recommendations.

Small details that improve the day

Arrive 10 minutes early, but give yourself more time if you need to park. Use a toilet before you reach the meeting point. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash for the docking fee.

Keep valuables light. You will move between boat, beach, village paths, and cafés, so a bulky bag becomes a nuisance. Carry water even though it is provided, especially if you plan to walk on Osljak in strong sun.

Do not treat the schedule as a promise of three long beach sessions. Kostanj is about 40 minutes, Osljak about 40 minutes, and Preko about 90 minutes, with the remaining time spent on the water. The appeal is the variety.

Should you book the Zadar island tour?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value half-day on the water with three distinct stops. The combination of Kostanj’s clear swimming bay, Osljak’s tiny island character, and Preko’s longer beach-and-café break gives you more range than a simple swimming cruise.

Skip it if you want solitude, a private itinerary, or a long uninterrupted snorkeling session. Also remember the €10 cash docking fee, lack of towels and lunch, parking trouble, and no toilet at the meeting point.

For most visitors with limited time in Zadar, I think the balance works well. You get speed, swimming, local history, drinks, and a glimpse of island life without losing an entire day. Just arrive prepared, choose your priorities at Preko, and let the skipper handle the route.

FAQ

How long does the Zadar island tour last?

The experience lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Kostanj, Osljak, and Preko.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. Wait by the bench or the Tornado sign 10 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour is limited to 12 participants, making it a small-group experience.

What islands and locations does the tour visit?

The route includes Kostanj bay, Osljak, and Preko. From Preko, you may also see or swim toward nearby Galevac, where an ancient monastery is located.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and can be used at the swimming stops, including Kostanj and Preko.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, soft drinks, unlimited wine, and two glasses of G&T, with one served at each stop according to the tour details.

Do I need to pay anything extra?

Yes. A €10 docking fee per person must be paid in cash on arrival. Lunch and coffee are not included, and towels and hotel transfers are also not provided.

Is parking or a toilet available at the meeting point?

Parking is not available at the meeting point, and summer parking nearby can be difficult. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so plan ahead.