Two islands in four hours sounds simple. It turns into a great taste of the Zadar islands—with snorkeling gear ready and a real stretch of beach time. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours in Preko, so this isn’t just a quick photo stop.

I especially like that snorkeling masks are available for the whole trip. I also like the small-group feel, with a maximum of 10 travelers, which usually means less waiting around and more time actually in the water.

One thing to consider: this is a boat tour, so boarding can be a challenge for anyone who needs extra help getting on and off. Also, the experience depends on good weather, so last-minute changes can happen.

Key things that make this tour worth a look

• Snorkeling masks are included for the entire excursion, so you can use them when the water and timing feel right
• Two island stops: Preko (about 1.5 hours) plus Ošljak for calmer water and snorkeling opportunities
• Small group size (up to 10), which keeps the schedule from feeling like a cattle chute
• No food on board, so plan snacks and water if you get hungry on the water
• Best for active travelers, since beach access can be uneven and you’ll likely walk a bit in and out

Zadar islands, two stops, one easy half day

This half-day speedboat trip is built for people who want real island time without planning an all-day journey. You’ll start in Zadar and return back to the same meeting point, so the logistics stay simple.

The core idea is a mix of cruising plus actual time in the sea. One stop gives you a sandy shore to stretch out. The other is about snorkelable coves and coastal scenery.

If you’re doing Zadar as a first stop on a trip, this tour is a practical way to taste the archipelago in a short window.

Meeting point: where you’ll start and how the timing usually feels

You’ll meet at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. It ends back at the same place, so you don’t need to worry about getting back to your original spot later.

The tour runs about 4 hours. That time window matters: it’s long enough to swim and snorkel without feeling rushed, but short enough that you won’t burn your whole day just getting to islands.

It’s also offered in English, which helps if you don’t want to rely on translation apps for basic route details. And since it uses a mobile ticket, you should keep your phone charged and ready when you arrive.

Preko: sandy beach time and a real chance to explore

Preko is an inhabited island in the Zadar archipelago. It has a sandy beach and enough going on to make the stop feel like more than a swim break.

You get about 1.5 hours here. That’s a sweet spot. It’s enough time to:

• hop in for a swim without rushing
• take a slow walk and get your bearings
• grab a coffee or a bite nearby if you want to keep your energy up (since the tour itself doesn’t provide food)

This stop also comes with an easy rhythm. The skipper waits for you, so you’re not doing that stressful sprint where the boat leaves while you’re still putting on sunscreen.

One small tip from the overall vibe of the trip: if you want the smoothest water moment, tell the skipper when you’re ready to swim and ask where they suggest you focus your snorkeling. The masks are available throughout, so you don’t have to save them for one perfect second.

Ošljak: snorkeling-focused coves and quieter water

After Preko, you’ll head to Ošljak. This is where the snorkeling takes center stage. The island’s reputation in this area is the kind of coastal setting that works well for calm sea time—great for slipping into the water and staying there a while.

What I like about this second stop is the balance. Preko gives you the beach-and-people feel. Ošljak shifts you into snorkel mode, with smaller coastal pockets that are better for short sessions in the water.

There’s also a practical consideration here: getting from the boat to the shore and back into the sea may not be the easiest for everyone. One practical clue is to wear footwear that can handle rougher entry spots. Water shoes are often a smart idea on small-island shorelines like this, especially if you’re not used to uneven, slippery steps.

Snorkeling masks included: how to use them without fuss

Snorkeling gear is included, and the masks are available during the whole excursion. That means you can plan your swim based on what you see—not just on a schedule.

Here’s how I’d make it work in real life:

• If you want to snorkel early, ask the skipper to point you toward a good spot right away.
• If the first attempt doesn’t feel great, try again later. You’ve got the equipment for the duration.
• Bring something simple for care: a quick towel helps you stay comfortable after you climb back on.

You’re not fighting for gear or trying to time your swim around other people grabbing equipment. That small advantage can make the difference between a good snorkel and an annoying one.

Boat experience: small group energy, skyline views, and comfort realities

This tour caps at 10 travelers. That matters more than it sounds. With a smaller group, you’re usually less stuck waiting around while everyone figures out where they’re sitting or where the skipper is directing people next.

You’ll also get sea-level views of the Zadar area while you move between stops. One of the best parts of shorter island tours is that you get the “from-the-water” perspective without spending a day staring at maps.

Comfort-wise, treat this like an active boat day. You’ll likely do some step-on/step-off movement at the shore. That’s normal. But if you use a wheelchair or need extra assistance, this may not be set up in the way you’d hope. At least one traveler found it not suitable for a wheelchair-using situation where independent boarding isn’t possible.

If mobility is a question for you, it’s worth checking how the crew handles boarding in your specific case before you commit.

Price and value: what $35.49 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $35.49 per person, you’re paying for a half-day speedboat between Zadar islands plus snorkeling gear. For that price, the biggest value is that you’re not paying extra for equipment and you’re getting real water time.

What’s not included is just as important: no lunch or food. Plan to bring a snack or buy something off-island during the Preko stop if you want a proper meal later. At minimum, bring water. If you’re prone to getting hungry after swimming, don’t assume you’ll be fine until you’re back in town.

Also, remember you’re spending part of the day on a boat. That’s not always the same as “free time.” You’ll want your energy ready so you can enjoy the stops instead of just surviving them.

Who should book this tour

This is a strong fit if you:

• want snorkeling gear included without extra rental steps
• like small-group outings that don’t feel chaotic
• have a half day to spare and want an island taste of Zadar’s archipelago
• travel solo or with friends and want a relaxed way to share the day at sea

A solo traveler also benefits here because the day naturally puts you near people while you cruise, then again while you’re suited up for snorkeling. It’s not a party tour, but it’s a social environment in a calm way.

This may be less ideal if:

• you need step-free boarding support or wheelchair-friendly access
• you can’t handle shoreline entry that may be a little awkward

The one thing that can change your day: weather and communication

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

Still, it’s smart to plan with a little flexibility if your schedule is tight—especially if you’re on a cruise stop with limited time. One big caution from past experience is that some travelers have faced sudden cancellation and confusion at the meeting point. That doesn’t mean it always happens, but it does mean you should show up ready and bring your confirmation details.

A practical approach: have your mobile confirmation ready, and if you’re nervous, keep any email/text confirmation you received handy. Quick proof at the counter can save time.

Small practical tips that make the tour smoother

A few details can turn this from okay into genuinely fun.

• Ask about parking for free if you’re driving. One traveler said the skipper helped with where to leave the car without paying. That’s the kind of local shortcut that can save you real money.
• Bring a towel and something dry for afterward. Getting back on the boat can be damp, and comfort matters over four hours.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you’re not steady on your feet. Shore access can be harder than it looks from the boat.
• Use the masks when you see the right spot. You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” moment, because you have equipment the whole time.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat tour?

If you want a straightforward half day with island swimming and snorkeling gear included, I think this is a solid choice. The best part is the simple structure: Preko for beach time and then Ošljak for snorkeling-focused sea time, all in a small group of up to 10.

Before booking, weigh two things. First, there’s no food provided, so plan snacks and water. Second, if you have mobility needs that require easy, step-free boarding, you may want to ask extra questions first, since at least one traveler found access not suitable for their situation.

If you can handle basic boat boarding and you’re comfortable with weather-dependent timing, this is exactly the kind of short, high-reward island outing that works well in Zadar.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 2 Islands Hopping and Snorkeling tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

Which islands do you visit?

You visit Preko and Ošljak.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use snorkeling masks during the whole tour.

Is lunch or food included?

No. Lunch or food is not provided during the trip.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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