Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

Speedboat + islands, plus time in clear water is a winning mix. I like how this trip gives you multiple swimming stops and still makes room for land time on Ošljak and Ugljan. The boat ride also treats you to big-coastline views as you cruise along the Bay of Foša. One thing to keep in mind: you’re on a small, water-focused schedule, and there’s no toilet included, so plan accordingly.

In the water, you get snorkeling gear and life vests, and you’re not stuck staring at a guide’s powerpoint. The pace also feels fair, with around an hour to wander on Ošljak and another solid stretch on Ugljan, including time in Preko. If you only want long beach lounging, this is still great, but you’ll probably spend more time hopping in and out than you expect.

Guides have been in English, and I especially noted names like Dino, Davide, and Stella showing up in recent experiences, usually with friendly, practical help. For me, that matters on a speedboat day, where small details make everything smoother.

Key things to know before you go

• 3 separate swim and snorkel moments so you’re not betting the whole day on one perfect spot
• Ošljak island time gives you a break from the boat and a chance to explore at your own pace
• Ugljan and Preko time adds real village atmosphere, not just photo stops
• Snorkeling equipment, life vests, and sunshade are included, so you travel lighter
• Drinks and unlimited water onboard make the return ride feel like part of the experience

Your half-day plan in plain terms (and what you actually get)

This is a 4-hour speedboat tour from Zadar in Dalmatia, built around three islands near the city. The day is split between cruising, swimming, and short island explorations, with two stretches on land: about an hour on Ošljak and around an hour on Ugljan, including Preko.

You’re paying $49 per person, and the best way to judge the value is simple: you’re not just buying transport. You’re paying for guided handling, fuel, the boat itself, snorkeling equipment, and the time structure that puts multiple water stops into one afternoon.

If you like the idea of seeing islands from both angles, sea views from the boat and village views on land, this tour matches that mindset.

Meeting the boat in Zadar, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6

You’ll meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The boat is tied to the walls, which is a detail that can save you stress if you show up and expect a big pier.

Come with comfortable clothes and shoes you can move around in. Even if you’re mostly focused on the water, you’ll be walking and getting on and off the boat during the stops.

Also, remember that a toilet is not included, so if nature calls, you’ll want to handle it before you hop aboard.

The Bay of Foša cruise: why the ride is more than just travel

The boat starts with a short speedboat segment (about 20 minutes), giving you that instant “we’re going places” feeling. As you head out, you’ll cruise through the Bay of Foša, which is where the scenery starts doing work for the whole trip.

This part matters because it sets the tone. You’re not stuck waiting until the first swim stop for things to feel special. If you enjoy coastal views, you’ll appreciate the time spent sailing and looking back toward Zadar and along the shoreline.

It’s also why the tour works for people who want a little variety. Even on a tight half-day schedule, you’re getting movement and views, not just a series of stops.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first 45 minutes of swimming and snorkeling

Your first real water break happens at Blue Bay Otrić, with about 45 minutes for swim, snorkeling, and relaxing. This is one of the places where the tour pays off quickly, because snorkeling gear is included and the water time is long enough to feel like you did more than just “test it.”

Expect a guided rhythm rather than chaos. You’ll jump off the boat, swim, and snorkel in the clear water, with the help of the provided equipment and life vests. There’s also snorkeling equipment included, so you’re not hunting for rental gear in Zadar before you start.

One practical consideration: bring a change of clothes. You’ll get wet, and you’ll feel more comfortable once you’re done with the water part, especially on the island walks that follow later.

Ošljak island hour: wandering with a guide’s context

After the first swim spot, you disembark on Ošljak and get about an hour of free time. This is not a long guided tour, but it’s still structured: you’ll receive info from the guide about the area before you go off at your own pace.

That balance is what I like. You get orientation, then you can choose what fits you. If you want a quick stroll, you can do that. If you’d rather linger near viewpoints or just take in the island atmosphere, you can.

The drawback is also simple: one hour is not a full island day. It’s enough to get your bearings and enjoy the change from boat to land, but not enough to do anything that would require a big hike or a detailed self-guided tour.

Ugljan, Preko, and photo-stop time: the island village payoff

Next, you return to the speedboat and head toward Ugljan. Your land time on this side includes Preko, with about an hour there, plus guided tour, photo stop, shopping, and walking as part of the program.

Preko is the kind of place that fits well with this tour style: small-town energy without needing hours of transit. Reviews in your provided details also call out Preko as a highlight, largely because it’s charming and relaxed with plenty to do if you want a snack, a stroll, or souvenirs.

You’ll also have a stop described as a hidden gem area for about one hour, including a walk and additional snorkeling and swimming time. Even if you treat it mainly as a photo and water break, it adds variety so the trip doesn’t feel repetitive.

One thing to watch: since the schedule includes both walking and water time, pack for mixed conditions. Comfortable clothes help, and having cash can be useful if you decide to buy a snack or small keepsake in town.

The last return swim and the onboard drinks moment

After your land time, the boat sets sail toward another idyllic swimming spot, with more time in the water and the chance to enjoy the coastline views as you head back.

This is also where the included refreshment matters. You’ll have unlimited water, plus drinks onboard during the ride back. In multiple accounts, this comes up as part of why the trip feels good value, because you’re not paying extra every time you want a beer or a cold drink.

And yes, the timing can be great. Even when the tour is just four hours, the return leg tends to feel like a “replay” of the earlier scenery, only now you’ve tasted the islands from the water and the shore.

If you get cold easily after swimming, sunshade helps, but you may still want that change of clothes ready to go.

Price and value: why $49 can feel like a bargain in Zadar

Let’s do the practical math. At $49 per person for a half-day, you’re getting:

• a speedboat tour and fuel
• an English live guide
• snorkeling equipment and life vests
• unlimited water and drinks
• sunshade

The big value play here is the combination: transport plus water activities plus guided context plus time on islands. Lots of island tours in coastal Croatia charge you for the boat or for a guided component, but here you’re getting the whole package in one block.

Also, the “small group” feel shows up in your provided details, with accounts describing groups around 7 to 8 people. Smaller boats often feel more personal, and it can make getting in and out for swimming stops less stressful.

If you want a structured day that doesn’t require planning multiple transfers or reserving separate snorkeling rentals, this is the kind of option that makes sense.

Who this tour suits best (and who should choose differently)

This is a strong match if you:

• want 3 swimming and snorkeling opportunities
• like a mix of sea views and island-town time
• enjoy short, guided guidance and then roaming on your own
• want drinks onboard without turning the trip into a long party

It’s less ideal if you:

• need wheelchair accessibility (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• are traveling with babies under 1 year
• would rather spend the whole day on land, because the schedule includes multiple water segments

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely love the rhythm of jump-in, gear on, swim, then back to the boat for cruising and the next stop.

Simple tips that make your day smoother

Based on what you’re told to bring, and what matters in real life on a speedboat day, I’d pack like this:

• hat for sun
• change of clothes
• comfortable clothes
• cash for shopping or snacks at stops like Preko
• drinks in case you prefer something specific, even though unlimited water is provided

I’d also keep your phone in a waterproof pouch or a bag you trust. You’ll be in and out of the water, and accidental drops are the kind of minor disaster that ruins a good afternoon.

And if you’re the sort who hates last-minute searching, arrive a few minutes early at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 so you can get oriented before the boat leaves the wall.

Should you book this Zadar 3-islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an efficient, fun half-day that hits the best part of the Zadar islands: bright water, quick snorkeling time, and real island-town atmosphere. The multiple swim stops, included gear, and onboard drinks make it feel like more than just a ride, especially for the $49 price.

Don’t book it if you know you’ll be unhappy around frequent water transitions or if you strongly need onboard toilet access. Since a toilet is not included, plan your timing so you’re not stressed during the stops.

If your goal is to see Ošljak and Ugljan in one shot and spend meaningful time in the sea, this tour is a very practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 where the boat is tied to the walls.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour focuses on Ošljak and Ugljan, with time at Preko and additional stops along the way.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The experience includes swimming and snorkeling at multiple stops, and the tour provides snorkeling equipment.

Are life vests provided?

Yes. Life vests are included.

Are drinks provided?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited water and drinks onboard.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the tour?

A toilet is not included, so it’s smart to plan ahead.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, change of clothes, comfortable clothes, cash, and any drinks you want.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users and babies?

It is not suitable for wheelchair users and it is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

What language is the guide in?

The live tour guide is English.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.