Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is the balance between open-water fun and time ashore. You get three swim stops, plus walks on Ošljak and Ugljan, without giving up half the day to transport. I like the small-boat feel and the easy access to snorkeling gear, water, shade, and drinks.

I also like that Preko gives the outing some real island life, not just a string of swim stops. The main consideration is simple: there is no toilet on the boat, food is not included, and the ride is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one.

Key points at a glance

• Three water stops: Swim and snorkel at Blue Bay Otrić, a quieter island stop, and a final coastal location.
• Ošljak on foot: You get about an hour to wander, take photos, and choose between walking and swimming.
• Preko adds village time: Shops, restaurants, souvenirs, and a relaxed waterfront make this the most developed stop.
• Small-group atmosphere: Past departures have included groups of about seven or eight, giving the boat a more personal feel.
• Good onboard basics: Snorkeling equipment, life vests, unlimited water, sunshade, and fuel are included.
• Strong value at $49: You get transport, guiding, several swims, island time, and drinks without committing a full day.

Why this short trip works so well from Zadar

Zadar is a fine base for the Dalmatian coast, but the old town alone does not show you the full character of the nearby islands. This trip gets you out on the water quickly, with the city fading behind you as the boat passes through the Bay of Foša.

The appeal is its pace. In four hours, you cover several different kinds of coastal scenery: open water, small island shorelines, quiet swimming bays, a village, and a more developed waterfront town. You are not sitting on the boat all day, but you also are not rushing from one stop to the next.

The tour costs $49 per person. I consider that a strong price for a small-group outing that includes fuel, a guide, snorkeling equipment, life vests, water, shade, and several separate stops. Food is not part of the deal, and the trip is shorter than a full-day island cruise, but that can be an advantage if you want time for Zadar before or after.

The experience is led in English. Guides named in the feedback include Dino, David, Davide, and Stella. The strongest pattern is a relaxed, helpful guiding style, with plenty of attention to drinks, comfort, island information, and timing. The exact guide depends on the departure.

Leaving Zadar through the Bay of Foša

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. You should arrive ready to board rather than expecting a large terminal or formal cruise check-in.

The first speedboat ride lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time to settle in, take in the coastline, and enjoy the difference between a fast open boat and a slow sightseeing vessel. You will feel the motion more than you would on a large ferry, so comfortable clothes are a good idea.

Bring a hat, a change of clothes, cash, and anything you want to eat. The activity information also advises bringing drinks, although water is provided and drinks have been offered onboard on many departures. Reviews specifically note beer, juice, and water, but I would not treat food or a full bar service as guaranteed.

A sunshade is provided, which matters during the bright Croatian summer. Still, your hat and sunscreen do the more important work. Life vests and snorkeling equipment are included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer your own gear.

Blue Bay Otrić: the first 45 minutes in the water

After the opening ride, the first stop is Blue Bay Otrić. You have about 45 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a short guided introduction.

This is the trip’s first chance to cool off, and it gives you a useful test of the conditions before the longer stops. The water is described as clear, with fish visible around the swimming areas. The provided masks make it easy to spend less time organizing gear and more time looking below the surface.

You should expect a swim stop rather than a beach day with facilities. There is no food service or toilet listed for the boat, and this section is built around water time. If you do not swim, you can still enjoy the views and remain on board, but the tour makes the most sense for people who want to get wet.

The 45-minute limit is also helpful. It keeps the group moving and leaves enough time for the island visits. If you are an avid snorkeler, you may wish this first stop were longer. For most people, it is a good opening taste before the more flexible hour-long sections.

Ošljak and the quiet island hour

The boat then travels for about 15 minutes to the next stop, described as a quieter island location and identified in the main description as Ošljak. You get about an hour here, with time for a guided look at the area, a walk, photos, swimming, and snorkeling.

Ošljak is the stop for slowing down. Instead of only jumping into the water, you can wander at your own pace and choose what interests you. One part of your group can swim while another walks, takes pictures, or simply sits in the shade.

The value of this hour is flexibility. Many boat trips give you just enough time to step ashore, buy something, and return before the whistle blows. Here, the schedule leaves room for a proper pause. You can enjoy the small-island setting without trying to see every corner.

The description calls this a hidden gem, but I would keep expectations sensible. You are not getting a major historic site or a long island hike. The attraction is the quiet scale, clear water, and change of rhythm from the speedboat. If you want crowded beach clubs, extensive shopping, or a full list of monuments, this is not that kind of stop.

Preko: your best chance to see island life

The final major stop is Preko, reached after another 15-minute speedboat ride. You get about an hour for a photo stop, a guided visit, shopping, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Preko is likely to be the favorite stop if you want more than nature. It has a charming village feel, along with restaurants, shops, and places to buy souvenirs. You can walk around, browse, or sit near the water before returning to the boat.

This is also the most practical stop for people with different interests. Swimmers can use the coast, shoppers can look for small purchases, and anyone who prefers dry land can take a village walk. The hour is long enough to get a feel for Preko, but not long enough for a slow meal and a serious exploration.

Do not plan a full lunch here unless you are willing to sacrifice most of your free time. Food is not included, and the schedule is built around a short visit. A small snack or cash for a drink and souvenir is more realistic.

Preko gives the trip a useful sense of place. You are not only looking at islands from offshore. You get to step into one, see how the waterfront is organized, and compare a lived-in village with the quieter swimming locations.

The final swim and ride back to Zadar

After Preko, the boat heads to another idyllic swimming location before returning to Zadar. This last section is another chance to swim and snorkel, or simply enjoy the ride and the coastline.

The return trip takes about 20 minutes. Drinks are served onboard during the ride, and past departures have included water, beer, and juice. Unlimited water is part of the stated inclusions, while other drinks may depend on the day and the operator’s supply.

The final water stop is well placed. By this point, you have already seen the villages and walked on shore, so the trip finishes with the activity that most people came for. It also gives you a final chance to use the snorkeling equipment rather than carrying it unused.

The sea can look calm from the marina, but a speedboat outing remains weather-dependent in feel. You should be prepared for wind, spray, and movement. The supplied sunshade helps with heat, but this is not a padded sightseeing cruise. Wear clothes that can handle water and bring a dry change for the ride home.

What the small boat changes

This tour’s small-group format is one of its clearest strengths. Departures have included around seven or eight people, and that changes the mood compared with a large excursion boat. Boarding is simpler, conversation with the guide is easier, and the group can often make practical choices without a crowd.

The guides are a key part of the experience. Dino is singled out for a relaxed, flexible approach, while David is noted for island facts and regularly offering drinks. Davide is described as helpful and attentive, and Stella for sharing interesting information about the Zadar islands.

You should not expect a formal lecture. The guiding style is more conversational, with useful facts during the rides and help at each stop. That suits the trip. The boat, water, and islands are the main event, while the guide helps you understand where you are and keeps the day comfortable.

A small boat does have limits. There is less room to spread out than on a ferry, and you should be comfortable sitting close to other people. The exact group size is not fixed in the supplied details, so do not book expecting a private charter unless that is clearly confirmed separately.

What is included, and what you still need

The package includes:

• English-speaking guide
• Speedboat transport
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life vests
• Unlimited water
• Sunshade
• Fuel

The main omissions are food and a toilet. That sounds minor, but it matters on a four-hour outing with several swims. Use facilities before boarding, and bring a snack if you need one.

The advice to bring cash is sensible for Preko, where you may want a drink, snack, or souvenir. Bring a towel and change of clothes as well, even though only a change of clothes is formally listed. Comfortable clothing, a hat, and sun protection will make the ride much easier.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. The boat, swimming stops, and island landings require a level of mobility that is not available to everyone.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would choose this trip if you have one free half-day in Zadar and want a mix of swimming, scenery, and island time. It suits couples, friends, older children, and families whose members have different ideas about how to spend an hour ashore.

It is especially good for people who want clear water without booking a full-day cruise. You get three chances to swim and snorkel, but you also see Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko from more than the boat deck.

It works less well for anyone seeking a long historical tour, a serious hiking day, or a guaranteed gourmet meal. The emphasis is outdoor fun, short island visits, and an easy coastal escape.

Non-swimmers can still enjoy the views and walks, and one past departure included a non-swimming parent who had a good time. Still, the tour is designed around the water. If you dislike boats, spray, or changing in and out of swimwear, choose a land-based excursion instead.

Should you book the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

At $49, I would book this if you want a compact, active outing with a friendly small-group feel. The strongest reasons are the three water stops, the included snorkeling gear, the real time ashore at Ošljak and Preko, and the drinks and water on the boat.

Choose it with realistic expectations. You will not have a toilet, food is extra, Preko is only a one-hour visit, and the boat ride can feel lively. Pack a hat, dry clothes, cash, and a snack, then let the day focus on the sea.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the starting time carefully, since a late-afternoon departure can bring softer light on the return ride. For a short taste of the islands near Zadar, this is a practical and well-priced choice.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar three-island speedboat tour?

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

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls at the meeting point.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Blue Bay Otrić, Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko. The main island visits are Ošljak and Ugljan, with Preko included as the village stop.

How much free time do I get at the stops?

You get about 45 minutes at Blue Bay Otrić, about one hour at the next island stop, and about one hour in Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Drinks are available onboard, and the activity information advises bringing drinks. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. The activity information specifically states that a toilet is not included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.