A few hours on a speedboat and you’re in postcard water. This Zadar islands tour is built for swimming and snorkeling in calm coves, with multiple stops and a friendly crew that keeps things moving. I love the small group size (max 12) and the mix of sandy and rocky shoreline options. The main thing to consider is practical comfort: there’s no toilet on the boat and you won’t have towels provided.

You also get a straightforward, mobile-ticket experience, starting at Obala kneza Branimira 27A in Zadar and running about four hours. The skipper and crew are attentive without hovering, and I’ve seen people highlight how well they manage the group so everyone can find the vibe they want—float, swim, snorkel, or just relax with the drinks.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Three swim-style stops with chances to snorkel, dive-like rock exploring, and just cool off in clear water
• Snorkel and mask included, plus water and ice tea on board
• Ugljan and the Preko area gives you both a sandy break and easy access to Galevac
• A choice at the last part: more swimming time or a hop toward Kali for seafood and a beach bar
• Max 12 travelers keeps it comfortable, with room to move around and settle in
• Docking fee is extra (10€ per person), so check your total before you book

Entering the day from Zadar’s waterfront

This tour is made for people who want the islands, fast—without changing clothes three times or waiting around for long transfers. You meet on the Zadar waterfront at Obala kneza Branimira 27A, then you’re quickly on the move toward Ugljan and nearby coves. It’s a great fit for a half-day window when you still want dinner plans later.

Because the schedule is built around water time, the tour feels like a sequence of short transitions followed by real downtime. You’re not stuck in a museum line or listening to a long lecture; you’re out on the water, then you’re in it, then you’re back on the boat.

Price and logistics: the $25 rate plus the 10€ dock fee

The headline price is $25 per person for roughly four hours, which already covers the big essentials: fuel, skipper, snorkel gear, and drinks (water and ice tea). For a speedboat day, that’s usually where costs can creep up, so seeing gear and drinks included is a win.

One extra line item matters: there’s a 10€ per person docking fee not included in the $25. Add that to your budget so you don’t get surprised when you’re ready to dock. Also note that food isn’t included—you’ll decide on snacks or a meal when the stops offer it.

What I’d bring (since the boat is simple)

This boat setup is practical, not fancy. The key items you’ll want are the ones that help you enjoy rocky entries and longer swim time. If you’re bringing your own swim gear, you can—but snorkeling mask and snorkel are provided, so you don’t have to pack them.

Plan for these non-inclusions:

• No toilet on the speedboat
• No towels
• No food
• No parking provided

For comfort, I’d bring a small towel or something that dries you off enough to stay comfortable for the ride back. Water shoes can be helpful on rocky beaches, and a dry bag (or zip bags) saves your phone and change of clothes from salt spray.

Stop 1: Pjescana Uvala for clear water and coral rocks

After a short drive from the meeting point, you reach Pjescana Uvala and the sea is the main event. This is your first chance to swim, relax on board in the sun, and get your bearings in the water. If you like exploring underwater, this is where the snorkel kit becomes useful.

You’ll also have the option to look around coral-filled rocks using the provided masks. That kind of stop is ideal early in the day because you’re fresh—no one wants to start with a long swim when they’re already tired.

A small practical note: you’ll likely be wet for at least part of the time here, so keep valuables secured and expect saltwater on anything you leave out.

Stop 2: Ugljan and Preko, plus the tiny Galevac option

Next you speedboat over to the Preko area on the island of Ugljan. This stop is longer—around 1 hour 30 minutes—and it’s more about choosing your style: sandy swimming, a town pause, or a short island adventure.

Here’s where Galevac enters the picture. It’s only about 20 meters from the mainland, so if you want a mini mission, you can swim over and explore. If swimming isn’t your thing today, Preko still gives you options: you can head to the sandy beach or keep it easy with food and drinks at local places.

I like stops like this because they’re not just “jump in, jump out.” You get time to regroup, get some shade when needed, and decide if you want a proper lunch later or a lighter snack now.

Stop 3: another Pjescana Uvala swim, or a turn toward Kali

The final part of the day gives you another shot at the coast. You’ll head back to Pjescana Uvala for more swimming and rocky shoreline exploration if you’re still in the water mood. This segment is about 1 hour, which is just enough time to enjoy it without feeling rushed.

But there’s also a choice: if you’d rather skip more swimming, the boat can sail to Kali, a fishing village. That means you’re swapping “more water time” for a food-and-coast vibe. Kali has a restaurant known for top-quality seafood specialties, and next to it there’s also a beach bar with good music and cocktails.

That flexibility is genuinely useful. If the morning water time was perfect and you’re ready to move on, Kali is the payoff. If you’re still craving one more swim, Pjescana Uvala again scratches that itch.

The speedboat ride experience: comfortable, friendly, and focused

The tour runs with a small max group (up to 12), which changes how the boat feels. You’re not climbing over strangers to get to the edge. There’s usually enough room to sit comfortably and shift positions when the water turns shiny and you want that different angle for photos.

The crew style comes through in the way the day is timed: friendly, attentive, and helpful with suggestions, but not controlling. People have specifically praised skippers for being accommodating and well spoken, including one skipper named Bart, who’s been highlighted for good group management so everyone gets what they want.

One practical limitation to remember: because there’s no toilet on the boat, plan your timing. If you’re someone who needs frequent breaks, use the shore time to reset.

Drinks and food: what’s included and what’s on you

You’ll have water and ice tea provided during the trip, which is exactly what you want for a hot Adriatic half-day. Since food is not included, you’ll typically pay for any meals onshore, especially at the spots with restaurants.

In Kali, the seafood option is the obvious treat, while Preko is a good place for more casual eating if you prefer something light. Either way, you’ll have opportunities to eat without turning the tour into a full-day food event.

If you’re picky about meals, plan your “main meal” timing around when you think you’ll be hungriest. A four-hour water day can work up appetite fast.

Weather and timing: when this tour is best

This experience depends on good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s standard for open-water activities, but it’s still good to think ahead: if the forecast looks unstable, it’s smart to keep other plans flexible for that day.

For timing, the tour is built around multiple water stops, so it’s best when you want movement. If you’re expecting a quiet sightseeing walk tour, this is not that. It’s a water-focused outing with short land breaks.

Who should book this Zadar speedboat islands tour

I think this tour is a strong match if you want:

• Swim-and-snorkel time without complexity
• A small-group boat day on clear coastal water
• Mix-and-match stops, including a town option (Preko) and a fishing village (Kali)

It might be less ideal if you need:

• A bathroom on board (not provided)
• A fully guided land sightseeing day with long shore wandering (the pace is water first)

Families can fit in too, since the trip is short and offers multiple opportunities to enjoy the sea, but parents should plan for wet gear, sun protection, and the no-toilet reality.

Should you book it? My take

Book this tour if your Zadar “must-do” is spending serious time in the water and you like the idea of choosing your own level—snorkel, swim, relax, then eat when the opportunity hits. The value is strong because snorkel gear and drinks are included, and the boat size stays small enough to feel personal.

Hold off if you’re not comfortable with rocky entries, you hate being wet for parts of the day, or you really need onboard bathroom access. In those cases, you may enjoy a different type of island experience that’s more land-focused.

FAQ

How long is the islands tour by speedboat in Zadar?

It lasts about 4 hours (approximately), including travel time between stops.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 27A, 23000 Zadar, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included during the tour?

You’ll go to Pjescana Uvala, then Preko on the island of Ugljan, and then return for another Pjescana Uvala stop or sail to Kali depending on how you want to spend the final part of the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel and mask are provided as part of the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes water and ice tea.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. The tour description specifies that there is no toilet on the speedboat.

Is food included?

No. The tour does not provide food. You can eat at restaurants available during the stops, such as in Preko or Kali.

What is the docking fee?

A 10€ per person docking fee is not included in the tour price.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?

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