Speedboat days beat staring at a screen. This Zadar route packs seaside culture and easy water time into a simple 4-hour loop, with stops you can reach mainly by boat. You’ll start with the laid-back Ugljan vibe in Preko, then get a swim break at Hidden Bay, and finish on Ošljak for calm island scenery.

Two things I really like about this tour are the secluded swim stop at Hidden Bay (crystal-clear water, masks available) and the serene Ošljak visit to Croatia’s smallest inhabited island, with drinks included. One thing to consider: the info can be a little mixed on fuel and skipper details, so it’s worth double-checking what’s included in the exact option you book.

Key points to know before you go

• Preko starts the day gently: promenade time, coffee by the sea, and an optional hilltop fortress visit on request
• Hidden Bay is the water highlight: swimming and snorkeling access in a peaceful spot off the usual paths
• Ošljak is short, quiet, and scenic: pine trees, olive groves, and stone houses with sea views from the boat
• A pro skipper is part of the experience: the route is planned to help you see bays and water that feel away from the crowd
• Masks and drinks are included where it matters most for the swim and snorkel moments
• The whole plan fits in 4 hours: enough time to enjoy water without losing your day

Entering The Zadar–Ugljan–Ošljak Loop (And Why It Feels Efficient)

This tour works because it keeps the rhythm simple. You don’t spend the whole day traveling or shuffling between distant places. Instead, you get two very different kinds of time: a coastal town start on the mainland side of the archipelago, then quiet water stops where the main job is to relax.

I like that the day is organized around what you actually want from the Adriatic in summer: sun, swimming, and a few quick looks at places you’d otherwise only see from a distance. At this pace, you’re not rushing through everything. You’re getting a taste of island life and then escaping into water time.

Also, there’s a nice cultural thread running through it. Even though this is a boat tour, Preko isn’t just a transfer stop. It’s where you slow down enough to feel the local rhythm, grab coffee, and enjoy the promenade before you go off to the quiet bays.

Meeting at Obala kneza Branimira (INA Pier) and Getting on a Clean Speedboat

You meet at the pier in front of the gas station INA, at Obala kneza Branimira 27. That’s practical because it’s clear and easy to spot. You’ll board there and head out by speedboat, which keeps the day from dragging.

One of the strengths here is the way the trip is handled. The boat is described as clean and comfortable, and the captain/skipper is repeatedly noted as friendly and professional. That matters more than people think. When you’re on a speedboat in warm weather, good handling and a calm captain make the ride feel smooth rather than chaotic.

Timing is also built into the flow. The schedule lists speedboat legs totaling about an hour, then longer stop time on land/island segments, with the rest of your energy spent on the water. It’s the kind of plan that works well if you want a real swim day but still need to be back in Zadar within the afternoon.

Preko on Ugljan Island: Coffee, Promenade Walks, and Optional Fortress Views

The first stop is Preko, on Ugljan Island. The day begins in a “real place,” not a themed stop. You get time to stroll the promenade, enjoy a coffee by the sea, and soak up the everyday island atmosphere.

This is also where you can add a little viewpoint option. There’s an on-request trip to St. Michael’s Fortress, which sits up on a hill. From there, you can get a panoramic look over the Zadar archipelago. Even if you skip the hilltop part, the plain promenade walk is still a satisfying way to start a boat day.

Now, one small timing note: the overview describes Preko as a roughly 20-minute ride from Zadar, while the timed plan includes a longer speedboat segment. In real life, that kind of difference usually comes down to the route and the day’s flow. Either way, you’re not dealing with a long, stressful transfer.

At Preko, you’ll also have a window for water fun. The schedule includes time that supports swimming and snorkeling here and then continues that vibe into the next stop. In other words, you’re not stuck dry on the first island stop.

Hidden Bay for Swimming: Crystal Water Moments Without the Full-Day Commitment

The second stop is Hidden Bay, and the point is simple: peace. This bay is reachable by boat, which cuts down on the typical “everybody’s here” feeling. When water access depends on the sea, you naturally end up somewhere calmer.

What you’ll do here is the heart of the tour:

• Swimming in clear turquoise water
• Sunbathing
• Snorkeling options, with masks available

If you care about snorkeling but don’t want to over-plan, this is the right kind of stop. You don’t need to bring a whole system of gear and you don’t need a long lesson. Masks are provided, so you can just decide on the spot if you want to look around underwater.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a short, active stop. You’re not doing a long deep-water session or a full guided underwater program. That can be perfect if you’re traveling with limited time, but if you’re looking for extended snorkeling instruction, you may find the stop a bit brief.

Ošljak, Croatia’s Smallest Inhabited Island: Pine Shade, Olive Trees, and a Quiet Finish

The final stop is Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. The island is known for pine trees, olive groves, and small stone houses, and the vibe is exactly what you hope for after two swim moments.

You get about an hour here, which is the sweet spot for a relaxed island finish. It’s enough time for a short walk, a bit of quiet, and a slow reset. You can spend the time taking in sea views from the water and enjoying the island feel without pressure to “do everything.”

This is also where the tour adds comfort. Drinks and masks are included in the price, which is a helpful detail. After time in the sun, having something to sip makes the end of the tour feel more complete instead of feeling like you’re just rushing back to the boat.

And yes, the day has a poetic quality here. Ošljak is small enough that the atmosphere settles quickly. Even if you’re only there for an hour, it’s the kind of place where time feels less scheduled.

Price and Value: What $49 Buys You (and What to Double-Check)

At $49 per person for a 4-hour experience, you’re paying for more than just transportation. You’re paying for three time-saver elements:

1. A planned route that links Zadar access with island stops
2. Water time at locations you’d struggle to reach as easily on your own
3. A professional skipper who keeps the day moving smoothly

That said, the details given for this tour have a small inconsistency you should check before you pay. In the highlights, it says fuel is not included, and separately the included list says fuel is included. Similarly, the highlights mention choosing a boat rental with or without a skipper, while another line states a professional skipper is included.

So here’s my practical advice: before booking, look at your exact option and confirm:

• whether fuel is included for your departure
• whether your booking includes a professional skipper (vs. skipper-free)

This isn’t a deal-breaker. It’s just smart housekeeping, especially if you’re trying to keep your budget tight.

Also, note what’s actually covered in the experience itself. The day includes snorkeling access at the water stops, and drinks and masks are included where the tour expects you to use them. That’s real value, because it removes the small “buy or bring your own” friction that can pop up on boat days.

Guides, Flexibility, and What You Can Expect From the Crew

A recurring highlight from the feedback is the crew’s approach. The captain/skipper is described as friendly, professional, and full of interesting information about the places you visit. That’s a big deal when your stops are short. With a good skipper, even a quick stop feels informed, not just scenic.

Another strength is flexibility. The tour plan is structured, but the guide/captain reportedly adjusts based on how your group is doing and what you want from the day. That matters most if you have kids, or if you’re the type who wants extra time for swimming rather than constant moving.

One of the reviews specifically calls out that it works well with children, which tells me the day has a manageable pace. It’s still a boat, so you’ll want to think about what “works” for your kids (heat, water time, comfort on a speedboat). But the stop lengths are built so you’re not constantly trapped on board for hours.

Who Should Book This (And Who Might Want Something Different)

This tour is a great fit if you want a classic Adriatic day without overcommitting. It’s especially good for:

• couples looking for a swim-and-sun itinerary
• families who want a short, active outing with clear stop times
• travelers who love island vibes but don’t want a full-day island hopping plan

It may not be the best choice if:

• you’re expecting a long, in-depth snorkeling program with extensive guidance
• you’re very sensitive to boat travel and want mostly land-based time
• you’re trying to squeeze in multiple major attractions beyond Zadar and the immediate archipelago

But if your goal is to get out on the water, swim in calm spots, and end on a quiet island, this one matches that goal cleanly.

Should You Book the Preko – Hidden Bay – Ošljak Tour?

Book it if you want a low-stress 4-hour speedboat plan with real water time and two island settings that feel different from each other. Preko gives you the local start, Hidden Bay gives you the relaxed swim moment, and Ošljak gives you the quiet end-of-day feel.

Before you click confirm, do one quick check: verify whether your exact option includes fuel and whether it includes a professional skipper. Once that’s sorted, this is a strong value way to experience the Zadar archipelago without turning your vacation into a schedule.

If you’re deciding between a boat ride that’s mostly sightseeing and one that includes swimming, pick this one. It’s built around getting into the water, not just watching it from the deck.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

Where do we meet for the boat tour?

You meet at the pier in front of the gas station INA at Obala kneza Branimira 27.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

The itinerary includes Preko (Ugljan Island), Hidden Bay for swimming, and Ošljak.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling masks are available, and masks are included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included during the Ošljak stop.

Is fuel included in the price?

The information provided is inconsistent: one part lists fuel as included, while another note says fuel is not included. Check your specific booking option before you finalize.