A speedboat day in Zadar cuts straight to the fun. This tour mixes fast Adriatic cruising with three real stops: one for swimming and snorkeling in calm turquoise water, plus time on Ošljak and Preko for island views and local atmosphere.

What I like most is the pacing. You get a set swim break (with masks provided) and then you’re not stuck on a boat the whole time—you also walk, sightsee, and cool off again. Second, the small-group setup (limited to 10) makes the guide feel present, and people in the boat have mentioned guides like Josip and Zeljko as friendly, funny, and genuinely helpful.

The one thing to plan around is that it’s an open speedboat and there’s no toilet onboard, so you’ll want to come ready for sea spray and use facilities at the last stop.

Quick Key Points

• Three stops that balance sea time and land time, including swimming and island wandering
• Ošljak (tiny, inhabited island) gives you that small-island rhythm and photo-worthy views
• Preko village time is built in for a coffee break, walking, and shopping
• Masks, life vests, and drinks are included, so you can travel light
• Small group (up to 10) helps keep things relaxed and easy to find your guide
• Guides/skippers get praise for keeping the trip smooth and fun, from Josip to Zeljko

Zadar Speedboat Tour: Meeting Point and Getting On Fast

If you’re trying to fit an island trip into a busy Zadar day, this one is a good match. You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, on the waterfront opposite the city walls, and boarding is behind the restaurant Foša. The tour also runs with three boats, and your group’s boat will come for you—so you’re not guessing which vessel belongs to your ticket.

The start matters here. When multiple companies crowd the same waterfront, your best move is simple: arrive early enough to get oriented, then use the activity provider’s WhatsApp if you need confirmation. Since you’ll be dealing with water access and a quick boarding window, it’s worth giving yourself a buffer so you don’t start the day rushed.

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is casual. You’re on a speedboat, not a big ferry. That usually means quick transitions between points, which is exactly what this half-day format is aiming for.

The Adriatic Cruise Feel: Fast Travel, Good Views, and Cold Drinks

The ride itself is a big part of the value. You’re cruising along the coast while the captain keeps the timing tight between stops (there are short boat stretches mixed with longer periods on shore or in the water).

Two practical reasons this matters for your day:

1. You cover more coastline in less time. With a half-day tour, that’s often the difference between “one good thing” and “a handful of good moments.”
2. The views keep moving. Rather than staring at the same stretch of water, you’re constantly changing angles—coastline lines, islands, and open sea all show up between stops.

And yes, you get drinks. Each person has beer included, plus bottled water and ice tea. That’s not just a nice perk. It’s also practical in the heat—especially when you’re stepping in and out of the water multiple times and doing some walking.

One note to keep expectations realistic: the tour provides mask only (no snorkel/tube), and it’s an open boat. If the sea has any chop, you might catch occasional spray, so bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes.

The First Swim Stop: Secluded Bay for Snorkeling and Easy Water Time

The tour’s water highlight is the first longer stop: a secluded bay in the Zadar archipelago with crystal-clear turquoise water. This is where you get about 50 minutes to swim and snorkel.

What makes this worth doing isn’t just the water color. It’s the fact that the stop is set up for real time. You’re not doing a “quick touch and go.” You have a window where you can actually get comfortable: hop in, float, look around, then climb back out when you’ve had enough sun.

Gear detail matters too. You’ll have a mask provided, but the tour data says snorkel/tube isn’t included. If you own your own snorkel setup, you might prefer bringing it. If you don’t, the mask-only option still works fine for basic underwater viewing, especially in clear coastal water.

If you’re wondering about sea conditions, don’t guess—check whether the day looks windy. The tour explicitly warns that on very windy days, the open speedboat can spray you during the drive. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it changes what “comfortable” feels like.

Ošljak Island: Small-Inhabited-Island Walks and Beach Time

After the first swim, the boat heads to Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island. You get about 1 hour there, with time to visit, walk, sightsee, and swim.

This is the stop that shifts the day from “water activity” to “island mood.” Ošljak is about scale: small roads, fewer distractions, and a more local rhythm than the larger islands. You’ll likely spend part of your time strolling and part of your time relaxing by the water.

One practical reason I like Ošljak in an itinerary: it’s short enough to enjoy without turning the day into a hike. For a half-day trip, that’s a smart trade. You still get the satisfaction of setting foot on an island and seeing old-style Dalmatian houses mentioned in the tour description, but you don’t risk being tired before you reach the village stop.

If you’re traveling with teens or mixed-age groups, this kind of balanced island stop often works well. You can walk for photos, then switch to swim/relax time depending on energy.

Preko Village Stop: Coffee, Market Browsing, and Coastal Walking

The final longer land stop is Preko, a village with local atmosphere built in. You’ll have about 75 minutes, including coffee, free time, shopping, and sightseeing/walking.

This stop gives you something many boat tours skip: a real taste of everyday life, even if it’s brief. Preko is where you can step away from salt air and do simple vacation stuff—coffee, a slow walk through narrow village lanes, and a bit of shopping for souvenirs.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to buy small local items instead of postcard magnets, this is the best time window to do it. The tour also mentions you can purchase delicious Croatian cuisine, so if you want a snack beyond what’s included, you’re not stuck on snacks alone.

A small caution: 75 minutes sounds like plenty until you hit sun, photos, and walking in heat. You’ll probably want to pick a plan right when you get there—walk first if you’re photo-driven, coffee first if you’re overheating, or do a quick loop and save time for water if you still feel like swimming.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t): Drinks, Masks, Life Vests

Here’s the core inclusions that make the tour easier for you to pack and budget:

Included:

• Boat tour and guide
• Life vests
• Mask only (no snorkel/tube)
• Beer per person
• Bottled water and ice tea

Not included:

• Food
• Restroom access during the main boat portion

The restroom detail is important. There’s no toilet on the boat, and the tour data says you’ll only have toilet access at the last stop. That means you should treat this like a half-day beach day: handle your bathroom needs before you board, and plan to use facilities when you reach Preko.

Also note: fuel cost is not included. It’s paid additionally before the start of the tour. This doesn’t change the overall value, but it’s something to keep in mind so there are no surprise costs when you arrive.

Value for $35: Why This Half-Day Works Better Than Full-Day Plans

At $35 per person for about 4 hours, the pricing makes sense for what you get. You’re paying for transportation, a guide, and access to multiple locations without doing your own logistics.

Where the value really comes from:

• Speedboat access to multiple islands and a calm swimming bay without transfers
• Multiple “moments” in one outing: swim/snorkel time, island walking time, village time, and return cruising
• Included drinks, including beer, which reduces the need to buy refreshments separately

If you’re staying in Zadar for a short time and want one coastal experience that feels like more than just a ride, this tour is a solid use of hours. A full-day can be great, but it often comes with more waiting, longer transit, and more chances to lose energy. Here, the structure is designed to keep you moving between good parts.

Weather, Clothing, and Motion: What to Prepare Before You Go

This is an outdoor speedboat experience. Your comfort depends on two factors: sun exposure and sea conditions.

Plan for sun:

• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Beachwear and a towel
• A change of clothes so you can dry off

Plan for movement:

• The boat is open, and sea spray can happen
• If you’re sensitive to wind, wear layers you can manage and consider a light cover that won’t blow around

Plan for facilities:

• No toilet onboard, with access only at the last stop

Finally, fit matters:

• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments
• It’s also not suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg)

Who Should Book This Zadar Island Tour, and Who Should Skip It

I’d point you toward this tour if you want an easy, active way to see more than just Zadar’s waterfront.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You want swimming time in clear water plus island walking
• You like the idea of a small group with a friendly live guide
• You prefer a half-day plan when you still want energy to do other things in Zadar afterward

You might skip it if:

• You need easy restroom access throughout the trip (because there’s no toilet on the boat)
• You’re looking for a fully sheltered, slow-paced experience
• Mobility limits make getting on/off in and out of the boat harder

Should You Book This Zadar 3-Island Speedboat and Swim Day?

Yes, if your goal is a practical taste of the Zadar archipelago in about four hours. The strongest reason to book is the mix: real swimming time in clear water, plus two land stops that feel like actual places—Ošljak for island scale, and Preko for village life and coffee. Add the included life vests and drinks, and the whole setup is hard to argue with for the price.

One last decision rule. If you’re comfortable with open-air speedboat motion and you’re ready to manage the lack of an onboard toilet, this is a very good fit for a fun, active Zadar day.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

The tour duration is about 4 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $35 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get the boat tour, a live English guide, life vests, a mask only, bottled water, ice tea, and beer per person.

Is snorkel equipment included?

Only a mask is included. The tour data says snorkel/tube is not included.

Where do we meet in Zadar?

Meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and board behind the restaurant Foša.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat, and toilet access is only at the last stop.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.

Are there limits on who can join?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it isn’t suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

How large is the group and what language is the guide?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants, and the guide speaks English.