Zadar: Islands Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

Speedboat hops beat the Zadar crowds. This half-day ride takes you away from the promenade, out into the Adriatic colors, and gives you real time to swim.

I especially like the mix of fast cruising and walk breaks, and the way you can simply step off the boat and enjoy the water.

The second thing I love is the stop lineup. You get time on Ošljak, the tiny inhabited island with old Dalmatian houses, then you land in Preko for coffee, strolling, and optional Croatian food. Guides such as Joseph and Jure keep it friendly and organized, so it feels relaxed even when the docks are busy.

One thing to consider first: there is no toilet on the boat, and the sea spray can get you wet in choppier conditions. Plan a quick bathroom stop before you board, and bring a change of clothes.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Small-group speedboat (up to 10) means less waiting and more space on the ride
• 50 minutes at a secluded swim/snorkel bay with bright turquoise water
• Ošljak timing fits the island: about an hour for a walk and beach time
• Preko gives you real island-town flavor plus a chance to grab coffee and snacks
• Beer, ice tea, and bottled water included so you do not have to think about drinks
• Mask is included, snorkel tube is not so go in knowing you may want to swim more than snorkel

Zadar Speedboat Time Budget: How a 4-hour Trip Feels Longer

This is the kind of tour that works when you want the coast, but you do not want to give up half your day. In four hours, you get boat time, swim time, and two proper shoreline stops.

I like that the pace is split into “move” and “do.” You cruise long enough to feel like you escaped, then you stop long enough to actually enjoy the places. That balance matters in Zadar, where it is easy to burn time walking around the city heat and crowds.

Also, the group size cap at 10 helps. On bigger boats, you spend more time watching other people’s photos than living your own plan.

Meeting at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6: Dock Reality in Zadar

You meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Boarding is behind the restaurant Foša.

Here is the practical tip: the harbor area can feel confusing because there are multiple boats and tour operators in the same zone. The easiest fix is simple. If you are not sure you are at the right spot, take a photo of where you are and message the provider on WhatsApp so they can point you to the correct boat.

One more detail that helps: you are told that the company runs three boats, so you go to the one assigned to your group. That prevents the usual scramble of, Who am I supposed to be with?

What the Boat Experience Is Like (Including the Stuff You Will Miss)

You are on an open speedboat. That is part of the fun. You feel the wind, you get speed, and you get sea views without a big glassy barrier.

You also get provided life vests, plus bottled water, and you can have beer per person and ice tea. In real terms, it means you are not spending your budget on drinks once you are on the water.

Two small comfort facts to plan around:

• There is no toilet on the boat. You can only use it at the last stop.
• If the day is windy or the sea is rough, you could get wet from spray during the drive. Bring a towel, and consider a light change of clothes for the ride back.

Weight and mobility limits matter too. This is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and there is a weight limit of 120 kg (264 lbs). If either applies, you will want a different kind of cruise.

The First Swim Stop: Secluded Bay Water, Real Time in the Sun

The first leg is a short speed ride (about 15 minutes) out from Zadar. Then you get around 50 minutes at the swim and snorkeling spot.

This is where the tour earns its keep. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, and the setup is simple: you jump off the boat and swim. You also get time for snorkeling, but here is the gear nuance. Your included equipment is a mask only, not a snorkel tube.

Life vests are provided, which helps you feel confident in the water. Still, I treat this as an active stop. Bring sunscreen that actually stays put in sun and salt, and do not forget a hat.

If you get tired, you have the option to float, take photos from the boat, or just enjoy the quiet. This bay stop is short enough to keep energy up, long enough to make the effort worthwhile.

Ošljak Island in One Hour: Small, Walkable, and Charming

Next you cruise for about 10 minutes and reach Ošljak. This is described as the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, and it shows. The island is compact, so an hour feels like enough time to do something, not just look.

You will get sightseeing time and a walk, plus free time to relax on the beaches. The island is known for old Dalmatian houses, and the vibe is less about big sights and more about quiet views and local scale.

What to watch for:

• Bring shoes or sandals you are comfortable with on uneven spots if you plan to walk around.
• This is not a long bus tour where you can stand in one place. You will move.

One more practical point. Ošljak is a great break from the open water. If you get a bit uneasy on speedboat rides, the walk time helps you reset.

Preko Village: Coffee, Shopping, and Another Chance to Swim

After Ošljak, you cruise roughly 15 minutes to Preko on the Ugljan side. This is the longest stop at about 75 minutes.

Preko is where you slow down in a real island village setting. You can explore narrow streets on foot, check local markets, and visit the kind of places where people actually live, not just pass through.

You also have options during this window:

• Grab coffee
• Look for snacks and local Croatian dishes
• Do some souvenir shopping if that is your thing
• Swim again if conditions and energy allow

The key value of Preko is timing. You are not rushed off after you first start enjoying the day. You land here with enough time to enjoy food and atmosphere before the ride back to Zadar.

And then, because it is the last stop, this is also your toilet access point. Do not wait until the final minutes. Use it when you have comfortable time.

Drinks and Gear That Matter: What Is Included and What You May Need

Here is what comes with you:

• Mask only (no snorkel tube)
• Life vests
• Bottled water
• Beer per person and ice tea
• A guide in English

What that means in real life: you can swim easily, and you can do basic snorkeling. If you are the type who wants a full snorkeling setup, you might want to bring your own snorkel tube so you do not feel limited.

Also, think about towels and clothes. The tour includes swim time with boat jumps. Even if you manage to stay mostly dry, it is smart to have something to wrap up in for the ride after.

What to bring (useful, not decorative)

• Sun hat
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash

Cash matters because there is an extra fuel payment, and you may also want to buy food in Preko.

Price and Value: The Real Cost After Fuel

The base price is listed at $26 per person for the 4-hour experience. On paper, that sounds budget-friendly. The catch is there is an additional fuel cost of 10 EUR per person, paid on arrival.

So what are you really paying for? You are paying for:

• A speedboat with time at multiple stops
• A guide
• Provided safety gear (life vests)
• Drinks included on board
• A swim time with a mask provided

If you convert the total cost in your head, the fuel fee matters. Still, for a half-day that mixes island walking and a swim bay, it is a fair value. You are not just cruising for scenery. You are getting active time and real shoreline moments.

For me, the value check comes down to this: you get two islands plus a real swim stop in one short block. That reduces your need to plan separate tours or spend extra transit time.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

This is a strong match if you want a fast, friendly way to experience Zadar’s islands without committing to a full day.

It is especially good for:

• Couples and small groups who like boats
• People who want swim time but also want island strolling
• Families with older kids and teens (the structure works well for short attention spans)

It might not fit if you:

• Have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair
• Need guaranteed toilet access on the boat
• Are not comfortable with open-boat conditions and possible spray
• Are over 120 kg (264 lbs)

If you are sensitive to motion, the half-day format still can be workable because you spend meaningful time on land at Ošljak and Preko. You still have speedboat rides, so plan accordingly.

Should You Book This Zadar Islands Speedboat Tour?

Yes, I would book it if your goal is an efficient island day with real swim time. The combination of a secluded bay swim stop, an hour on Ošljak, and a solid window in Preko makes the schedule feel full without dragging.

Book it with confidence if you like a guide-led, small-group setup and you are happy to keep expectations practical: mask only for snorkeling, no toilet on the boat, and possible spray on windy days.

Skip it if you need accessibility accommodations on the water or you cannot handle open speedboat conditions.

If you do book, my advice is to pack smart, show up at the correct meeting spot near Foša and the city walls, and treat Preko as your chance to eat and reset before the ride back. That last stop is also where you will thank yourself for planning bathroom timing.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar islands speedboat tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, behind the restaurant Foša.

Is the fuel cost included in the price?

No. There is an additional fuel cost of 10 EUR per person, paid on arrival.

What snorkeling or swimming gear is included?

You get a mask only, without a snorkel tube, plus life vests. Bottled water, beer per person, and ice tea are included.

What drinks are included on the boat?

Included drinks are bottled water, beer per person, and ice tea.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat. You only have toilet access at the last stop.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a sun hat, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or limited mobility?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. There is also a weight limit of 120 kg (264 lbs).