A short speedboat day can be the best kind of change of pace. This one takes you from Zadar out into calm, clear water for snorkeling and island wandering without the hassle of changing buses or ferries. I especially liked the focused stop-and-swim format at Pjescana Uvala and the easy island tempo on Ugljan in Preko. One thing to plan for: the route can run a bit shorter if wind and sea conditions slow the boat down.

What makes the trip feel good is how “doable” it is. You get cold drinks onboard, snorkeling gear is included, and your time on the water is broken into three manageable stops instead of one long, tiring slog. The guide was friendly and attentive in my experience, and one guide I saw mentioned by name is Bart—the kind of person who helps you get oriented fast.

At about $36 for roughly 4 hours, it’s a solid value if you want a real sea experience right near Zadar. The main catch: there’s no restroom on board and no towels provided, so you’ll want to bring the basics (and maybe plan a quick stop for anything you need before you board).

Key things I’d watch for on this snorkeling speedboat trip

• Snorkel-friendly water at Pjescana Uvala, close to Zadar and chosen for clear, low-water conditions
• Three separate stops (about an hour each, with Preko a bit longer) so you’re not stuck in one place
• Snorkeling equipment is included, plus cold drinks onboard
• Ošljak gives options: a quiet island walk uphill or a calmer swim with your mask
• Preko is for lunch and a break, with time to eat or grab coffee by the sea
• No onboard restroom and no towels, so pack smart for a few hours on the water

Speedboat day-trip: Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko

This is a straightforward “islands and snorkeling” loop that starts in Zadar and circles three waters/land stops. The total time is about four hours, and the boat takes you out quickly enough that the day doesn’t feel like a long commute.

The group stays small—maximum 12 people—which matters more than you might think. With a compact group, the guide can actually check in with everyone about snorkeling comfort, timing, and where to re-board. It also helps if you’re a little nervous about getting on and off a speedboat, since the crew can guide the process.

The itinerary is built around short windows where you can actually do something: put on a mask, swim for a while, then get back to the boat for the next stop. It’s not a “stand around and look at scenery” tour.

Meeting point you should locate before you arrive

The pickup is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. It’s near public transportation, which is handy. Still, arrive a bit early—speedboat tour pickup points can get crowded with multiple departures, and it can take a minute to confirm which boat is yours.

Pjescana Uvala blue lagoon: clear water and easy snorkeling time

Your first stop is Pjescana Uvala, a blue lagoon bay located close to Zadar. This is the snorkeling-focused part of the day, and the location choice is practical: the water here is described as low and crystal clear, which usually makes it easier to see what’s happening underwater and get comfortable with the gear.

You’ll get about one hour here. That’s enough time to:

• put on your snorkeling equipment and swim at your own pace,
• enjoy a slow start without feeling rushed,
• get back on the boat before you’re tired.

Also, you’ll receive welcome drinks at this stop. It sounds minor, but it adds a nice buffer after the ride. Think of it as settling in and getting hydrated before you head into the water.

How to get the most from this first swim

If you’re new to snorkeling, I’d treat this stop like your training session. Keep it simple: focus on breathing, staying calm, and watching how the water clarity looks from the surface before you move around too much.

If you’re more experienced, you can use the time to explore the shallower zones and look for fish patterns close to where the water is calmest. Because the bay is close to Zadar, you’re also less likely to feel “motion tired” at the start of the day.

Possible downside

The trip can feel like a tight schedule if you spend too long at the surface right away. I’d aim to balance snorkeling time with the need to re-board on time—especially if wind picks up later.

Ošljak island: quiet island vibes and a windmill climb option

Second stop: Ošljak, described as a small, quiet island between the blue lagoon and Ugljan. This is a change of pace from the first stop. You’ll have about one hour here, and you get two options that work even if your group has different energy levels.

You can:

• walk up the hill and find a windmill,
• or stay closer to the water and swim using the snorkeling masks.

The best part is that you’re not forced into one activity. If your legs want a break from the boat, you can stroll. If you’d rather stay in water mode, you can do that too.

Why this stop is worth it

Ošljak feels like the “breather” section of the trip. After a snorkeling-first morning, it gives you a chance to switch gears and reset. The windmill detail is a fun goal because it gives the walk some purpose instead of being a generic wander.

Also, the island sits between areas of activity, so it can feel like a calm pause while still part of a full day.

Preko on Ugljan: lunch options, sea-view coffee, and a sandy stretch

The last stop is on Ugljan Island, in the village of Preko. You’ll have about 1 hour 15 minutes here, which is a gift. That extra time matters because it’s where you can turn the trip from “water activity” into a proper meal break.

Preko is described as lively during summer and quieter off-season. Either way, you’ll have choices like:

• lunch at a local restaurant, or
• coffee with a sea view.

There’s also a small sandy beach within walking distance to the right, so if you want to rinse off and rest your body, you can.

A practical way to use this stop

I’d treat Preko as your reset. If you’re hungry, eat. If you’re not, still take 10–15 minutes to sit somewhere with a view and let your head stop spinning from boat wind.

If you want more time near the water after snorkeling, the sandy beach area is the place to do it without dragging your schedule.

Snorkeling equipment and what the day expects from you

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to hunt down rentals in Zadar. That’s one less planning step and it helps keep the day from feeling like a scavenger hunt.

The trip is designed for most people to participate, and the format—short stays and a small group—makes it easier to manage if you’re not a confident swimmer. The guides also tend to be attentive, answering questions and staying aware of participants.

One more thing: bring your own comfort items. The tour does not provide personal items like towels. If you don’t have a towel, you’ll be dealing with damp gear and salty hair the whole rest of the day.

What I recommend packing

• A towel (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Sunscreen and water-resistant protection
• Simple swimwear (for easy changes)
• Something to keep essentials dry (a small dry bag works well if you have one)

Speedboat realities: getting on board and dealing with wind

Speedboat days in the Adriatic can be smooth—or they can get chopped up by wind. There’s a real reason for that: when conditions aren’t ideal, the boat may need to adjust speed for safety. One concern you should know about is that the tour can run shorter in wind.

I also recommend you plan for the “pickup point shuffle.” With multiple tour groups possibly gathering nearby, it can be confusing where exactly to board. Arriving a few minutes early helps you get your bearings fast.

The upside is that you’re moving between stops rather than spending the entire time stationary. Even if the boat ride isn’t perfect, you’ll still get the snorkeling time and the Preko break.

Price and value: why this is about more than $36

At $36.05 per person, you’re paying for a compact package: speedboat transport between three stops, snorkeling equipment, cold drinks, and the guide-led flow of the day. You’re not paying separately for each “mini activity,” which is where value comes from.

You should note what’s not included:

• dinner or any meal is not included as part of the offer,
• no restroom on board,
• towels not provided,
• and “all fees and taxes” are listed separately as not included.

So yes, it’s not all-inclusive like a resort day. But if you were already planning to rent snorkeling gear or pay for boat transfers, the bundle makes sense.

If you want a simple, sea-based afternoon around Zadar—without spending the whole day figuring logistics—this price is in the sweet spot.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a short island escape from Zadar,
• a structured snorkeling outing (gear included),
• and time to walk and eat on Ugljan’s Preko.

It’s especially nice for couples who want the day to feel like a date: water time, a quiet island, and then a relaxed lunch/coffee stop.

It also works for small groups, because the maximum group size helps the guide stay engaged and attentive.

You might want to choose something else if:

• you strongly need an onboard restroom (there isn’t one),
• you don’t want to pack a towel and basic swim comforts,
• or you know you’re highly sensitive to wind and choppy boat rides (the day depends on weather conditions).

Should you book this snorkeling speedboat adventure?

Yes—if your goal is a practical, close-to-Zadar sea day with real snorkeling time and minimal fuss. The big reasons I’d book are the clear-water snorkeling conditions at Pjescana Uvala, the relaxed choice at Ošljak (walk or swim), and the decent chunk of time in Preko to actually eat and recover.

Book it if you’re ready to bring your towel and handle a few hours on a small boat without onboard restroom access. If that fits your style, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth: three stops, included gear, and a good mix of water and land.

FAQ

What’s included in the price?

Cold drinks, the use of snorkeling equipment, and petrol are included. Lunch or dinner is not included.

Do I get food or dinner on the tour?

No. There’s no dinner included. At the Preko stop, you can choose to eat lunch at a local restaurant or have coffee with a sea view.

Where do the stops happen?

The tour stops at Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko (on Ugljan Island). The tour ends back at the meeting point in Zadar.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. The boat does not have a restroom, and personal items like towels are also not provided.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.) with three stops lasting roughly 1 hour, 1 hour, and 1 hour 15 minutes.

What if weather is rough?

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