Speed and snorkeling in Croatia, in four hours.

This Zadar outing strings together hands-on snorkeling time with island walking and scenic cruising, so you get both water fun and dry-land sights. I really like the way the schedule gives you swim breaks at multiple spots (not just one quick dip), and the friendly skippers many people mention, like Lovre and Mateo, who keep the vibe easy and fun. The main drawback to plan for is cost and logistics: extra fees (like dock fees) and even a taxi ride from a cruise terminal can bump up what you actually pay, and the boat can throw spray when it is windy.

You start and end at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and you get a mobile ticket with English offered. Bottled water, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included, but there is no restroom onboard, and you will want a proper towel and dry clothes after.

With a maximum of 10 people, it is small-group by design, not a big cattle transfer. Still, if you are picky about mask fit or life jacket comfort, take a moment at the start to check sizing and feel good before you get in.

Key things that make this speedboat trip work

• Three swim-and-walk stops across the Zadar area, so you are not stuck on one beach all afternoon
• Sandy, clear-water snorkeling at Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj), where you can see the bottom
• Ošljak’s slow island pace with a IX-century church and World War II hospital ruins
• Preko on Ugljan Island gives you village vibes, a sandy beach, and an optional swim toward Galevac
• Small group size (up to 10), which usually means more personal attention from the captain

Speedboat Energy From Zadar: The 4-Hour Shape

This is an about-4-hour outing built around motion. You cruise out from Zadar by speedboat, then you get repeated chances to swim, snorkel, and explore the shores for short stretches.

The schedule is simple:

• Stop 1: Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj) for about 40 minutes
• Stop 2: Ošljak for about 1 hour
• Stop 3: Preko for about 1 hour 30 minutes

One practical detail: the route can shift if wind is up. That is not a deal-breaker; it is how the captain makes the day safer and more comfortable. On windy days, you should expect more spray. Plan for a wet ride rather than pretending you will stay dry.

Also, bring the right expectations for “adrenaline.” This is a speedboat, so the ride can feel punchy, especially on the return run. The payoff is real: you get to see the islands from the water, and you also get open-water swim time in places you likely would not reach on your own.

Price and Logistics: What You Might Pay Beyond the Headline

The listed price is $38.71 per person, with an additional €10 per person for fees and taxes. On paper, that is pretty clear.

In real life, a couple of cost traps show up in the wild. Some people report being asked for a dock fee around €10 per person, sometimes paid in cash. That is separate from the published “fees and taxes” line, so it can feel like the math changes after you arrive.

If you are coming from a cruise terminal, one more detail matters: some folks mention needing a taxi ride from the terminal to the meeting point area, about €20 each way. If you are not local, that transport cost can turn a good deal into a not-so-good one.

My advice: do your quick budget check before you book. Add up the base price, the €10 fees/taxes, and then ask yourself if you are comfortable with the possibility of an extra dock fee request. If you hate surprises, message the provider ahead of time and confirm what is included and what is not.

Logistics can also be a “find your boat” moment. Multiple people note the pickup area can feel chaotic without clear signs. If you are prone to losing time in check-in lines, arrive a bit early and take a screenshot of the exact meeting address: Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar.

Stop 1, Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj): Sandy-Minded Snorkeling

Stop 1 is the swim heart of the trip. Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj, sits in a sheltered bay about 15 minutes from Zadar by boat. This is the kind of water where you can often see the sandy bottom and little fish near the shore.

What I like about this first stop is how beginner-friendly it can be. You are not fighting currents, and the bay setup makes it easier to float, snorkel slowly, and enjoy the view down into the sand. If you want the classic Adriatic “clear water” moment, this is where you are most likely to get it.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but size fit can vary. One person notes gear and life jacket comfort were not perfect for every body type. That is an easy fix: before the boat pushes off, check that your life jacket fits securely and that your snorkel mask sits right on your face. If you already know your preferred brand or you need a snug seal, bring your own goggles.

Also, remember what snorkeling here is like: it can be more “see the sand and fish around the shallows” than “touring a reef.” If you are chasing a marine-life spectacle, this can feel underwhelming. If you want clear water and an easy swim, it delivers.

Time-wise, you get about 40 minutes here. That is enough for getting your rhythm, not enough for treating it like a full-day dive spot. Go in with a simple plan: swim, snorkel for a bit, then resurface and enjoy the view from the waterline.

Stop 2, Ošljak: The Small-Island Walk With Real Landmarks

Ošljak is the “slow down” stop. It is one of the smallest islands in the Zadar archipelago, with only a few families living there. The vibe is relaxed, and the main activity is shoreline walking rather than a big beach session.

You get about 1 hour. That hour is well spent if you treat it like a short wander: look at the buildings, stroll along the water, and take in how small island life feels compared to Zadar’s energy.

There are a couple of specific points of interest worth seeking out:

• a church from the IX century
• ruins of a hospital from World War II

Even if you do not go deep into interpretation, it gives the stop shape. You are not just “standing on a rock”; you are connecting the landscape to history that is visible in the structures themselves.

One practical tip: bring a little water-awareness mindset here. The island walking is on foot and can feel warm in summer. You still have drinks on the boat, but pace yourself, especially if you snorkeled hard in the first stop.

If conditions are right, you may also see wildlife from the water around the islands. One account mentions spotting dolphins at the second stop. It is not guaranteed, but it is a nice reminder that island routes can come with surprise nature moments.

Stop 3, Preko and Ugljan Island: Beach Time, Coffee Views, and Galevac

The final stop is Preko on Ugljan Island. In summer it is lively; off-season it can feel quiet and calm. Either way, it gives you something different from the cove swims: a proper village setting with places to pause.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is generous compared to many speedboat tours. That extra time matters here because it lets you choose your pace:

• head to the small sandy beach (noted on the right-hand side)
• bring your snorkeling mask and do an easy swim right near the village
• grab a coffee with a view and let the afternoon settle

There is also an optional longer swim idea. From Preko, people can swim toward Galevac, where there is a monastery hidden between trees. I would treat that as an “if you feel strong and the water looks good” extra. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the beach area.

This is also the stop where food habits make more sense. Dinner is not included, but you will likely find cafés and restaurants around Preko. If you want a proper late lunch or snack, this is when you should plan it. The timing is tight enough that you should order quickly, but long enough that you do not feel rushed into starving.

In short: Stop 3 is where the trip stops feeling like just boating. It becomes a small taste of island life, with sand under your feet and a place to warm up with a drink.

Snorkeling Gear, Life Jackets, and Getting Wet

Let’s talk snorkeling setup. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and cold drinks. That is a strong value point for a budget-priced excursion.

But snorkeling quality depends on where you’re swimming. Some spots in ports or harbors can feel like “clear water, but fewer fish.” Other spots around coves can feel more alive. If your goal is lots of colorful marine life, you might be disappointed. If your goal is clear water and enjoyable time in the sea, you are in the right place.

Life jackets are also part of the experience, and they should be used when offered. One comment mentions life jacket fit not working for everyone’s needs and that narrow cave-like swim sections were challenging. That tells me two things:

• check your jacket fit right away
• if conditions turn narrow or cave-like, do not be brave just for the photo

Now, about getting wet. Multiple people mention spray and splash, especially when wind is up or the boat rides over waves. So bring what you can afford to soak. Ideally:

• wear quick-dry clothes
• bring a dry bag or waterproof phone case
• consider sea footwear if you are worried about small sea urchins near shore areas

One review also mentioned broken glass and trash at a shoreline area near a stop. That is not something you can control, but it is a reminder to stay in the designated swim spots and not treat every edge as safe for bare feet.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This outing is a great match if you want a taste of the Zadar islands with minimal planning. You get three places in one afternoon, and you do it by boat, which is the fun part here.

It is especially good for:

• people who want snorkeling time plus island wandering
• couples or small groups who want a shorter, action-heavy outing
• anyone who values clear-water swims over coral-style snorkeling
• families with older kids who can follow instructions and handle being in and out of the water

It may not be your best choice if:

• you dislike boats and do not want spray (windy weather can make it wet)
• you need a restroom available on board (there is no restroom onboard)
• you expect big-budget snorkeling with guaranteed marine life
• you prefer costs that match the headline price with zero extra requests

If you are coming from a cruise ship, do the transport math early. The tour might still be worth it, but only if you plan for the taxi piece and any additional local fees.

Should You Book This Speedboat With 3 Stops?

Book it if you want an affordable, fast-paced Zadar afternoon that mixes swimming and real island walking. The big strengths are the multiple swim opportunities, the small group feel, and the fact that snorkeling gear plus drinks are included. If you get a friendly captain (names like Lovre, Mateo, Tony, and Josep come up a lot), the day tends to feel smooth and fun.

I would be cautious if you have strong expectations about snorkeling life abundance. The experience can be more about clear water and sandy-bottom viewing than about dramatic reef ecosystems. Also, go in prepared for the possibility of extra dock fees in cash and a confusing pickup moment unless you arrive early.

My bottom line: if you are flexible, like being on the water, and want to see more than just one cove, this is a strong value play.

FAQ

What is the duration of this Zadar speedboat tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How many stops are included?

There are 3 stops: Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj), Ošljak, and Preko.

What snorkeling and refreshments are included?

Bottled water, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Are there any extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. All fees and taxes are listed as €10.00 per person, and some people report an additional dock fee request on the day.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I have a restroom onboard?

No. There is no restroom available onboard.

Is the tour in English?

English is offered.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. After that window, the amount paid is not refunded.