That speedboat feeling starts fast. This Zadar tour turns a normal afternoon into three island stops with swimming, snorkeling gear, and drinks aboard a modern craft. It’s a small-group day (max 12) with an English-speaking local skipper who actually talks, not just drives.

What I like most is the mix of water time and island atmosphere. You get snorkeling in clear Kostanj Bay plus long enough breaks on Osljak and Preko to feel the slow island pace, not just pose for photos. One consideration: you’ll pay an extra €10 docking fee in cash on arrival (no toilet at the meeting point), so plan your day and wallet accordingly.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Kostanj Bay snorkeling break (~40 minutes): clear-water swimming time with gear provided
• Osljak island storytelling: Roman-times island background, plus small-church and WWII ruins details
• Preko gives you options: longer time to stroll, get coffee with a sea view, and swim/snorkel again
• Drinks are part of the ride: unlimited wine, water, soft drinks, and two G&T glasses
• Skipper quality matters here: guides like Mario, Johnny, Tony, and Gogo are repeatedly described as fun and attentive
• Small group pace: limited to 12 people, so stops feel less chaotic than big boat tours

Why This Zadar Speedboat Tour Feels Like an Island Getaway

If you only know Zadar from the waterfront, this tour adds a totally different rhythm. You leave the city by speedboat and swap cruise-ship crowds for small coves and low-key island communities.

I like that the day is built around real water time, not just sightseeing from the deck. You’ll swim and use snorkeling equipment at at least two of the stops, and the timing gives you a chance to cool down, not just dip your toes.

You should also know what kind of day it is: a 4-hour active tour with short boat rides between locations and breaks that vary from about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you want a slow, lounge-on-a-beach whole afternoon, this isn’t that.

The 4-Hour Rhythm: Fast Rides, Measured Breaks

The flow is simple: depart from Zadar, enjoy short scenic runs, then rotate through three stops. Between the stops you’re on a modern speedboat for about 15 minutes at a time, so you’ll see a lot without losing half the day waiting.

Timing matters. The Kostanj stop is about 40 minutes, which is long enough to snorkel, jump in, and reset your energy. Osljak also gets roughly 40 minutes, enough to walk a bit, take in the island details, and grab a drink if you want. Preko is the long one at 1.5 hours, so you can actually wander and not feel rushed.

Onboard, you’re not stuck in silence either. The English-speaking guide/ skipper talks you through what you’re seeing and what to do during each stop, which keeps the time moving in the right way.

Kostanj Bay: Snorkeling in Clear Water

Your first real break is at Kostanj Bay, with a beach area described as a sandy spot in the cove. This is the stop designed for swimming and snorkeling, and it’s where the water quality is the main attraction.

I like this stop because it’s practical. You don’t have to hunt for the right beach or figure out where to swim. The crew provides snorkeling gear, and the stop is timed so you can do your swim, cool off, and still have time to relax.

What to watch for: the tour includes snorkeling equipment, but your comfort depends on your own swimming skill. Some skippers are described as being thoughtful about people who aren’t confident swimmers, and life jackets are available for those who want them, so don’t feel stuck. If you’re even a little unsure, ask early and choose the option that makes you comfortable.

Osljak Island: Smallest-Settle-in-Vibe and Big Stories

Osljak is the island stop that adds context and character. This is described as the smallest inhabited island of Croatia, with Roman-times history and a small resident population (29 inhabitants noted). The island’s living style is very Mediterranean in feel, and it’s the kind of place where you notice details because there’s less to distract you.

The tour time here is about 40 minutes, which is just right for quick exploring. You can walk along the shore, and there’s also a small hill you can climb for a view that’s worth the effort if you enjoy getting your bearings from above.

The guide also points out specific landmarks, including a small church from the 9th century hidden among the trees. You’ll also hear about ruins tied to a WWII-era hospital where people suffering from plague were gathered. That mix of quiet scenery and serious historical notes is what makes Osljak stick in my mind.

There’s even downtime-friendly flexibility. There’s a bar on the island if you want a drink, and the pace lets you stop for photos without feeling like you’re herded through a checklist. One quirky local detail mentioned: many residents share the same last name, which is the kind of thing you’ll only notice if someone helps you look.

Preko Island: The Most Time for Strolling and Second Snorkel Chances

Preko is where the tour shifts from history-and-quiet to island daily life. This is described as livelier in summer, with small shops and even a chance to grab a coffee with a sea view. If you want a souvenir, a snack, or just a place to sit and watch the water, Preko is built for that.

You get about 1.5 hours here, which is the biggest difference-maker in the whole day. It gives you time to stroll toward the center of the island, check out a small sandy beach, and use snorkel gear again if you feel like going for round two.

One neat trick you might like: from Preko you can swim over to the nearby island of Galevac to search for an ancient monastery hidden among the trees. This is optional, and it’s exactly the sort of thing that feels rewarding only if you’re comfortable swimming in open water. If you’re not, you can skip it and still have plenty to do in Preko itself.

Preko also offers that classic “island chores but make it vacation” vibe. It’s not staged like a theme stop, and that’s why it feels more authentic than just another photo point.

Onboard Vibe: Music, Drinks, and a Skipper Who Sets the Tone

The onboard experience is part of why people love this tour. Drinks are included in a way that feels genuinely useful for a sun-and-water afternoon.

You get unlimited wine, plus water and soft drinks. The listing also includes two G&T glasses (one at each stop), so you’re not stuck with only one type of drink. In the reviews data, skippers like Mario, Johnny, Tony, Gogo, and Fabrizio are repeatedly described as fun, attentive, and good at keeping energy high without turning it into a loud party.

I also like the safety-and-comfort tone that comes through. Some guides are described as checking that everyone is okay, providing life jackets for those who want them, and paying attention to guests who aren’t strong swimmers. That matters because you’re not in a shallow kiddie pool—your time involves jumps and snorkeling.

And yes, the music shows up. More than one skipper is described as playing tunes during the ride, which matches the speedboat pace without making conversation impossible.

If you want a smarter plan for the evening, ask your skipper about a nighttime look at Zadar’s Sea Organ. One guide is described as going the extra mile to show people this at night, and even if it’s not part of every day, a good skipper will usually point you in the right direction.

Price and Value: Is $44 Worth It for Three Islands?

Let’s talk value. The price is listed at $44 per person, for a 4-hour small-group speedboat outing with a modern boat, local skipper/guide, fuel, snorkeling equipment, and drinks.

What you’re getting that’s hard to replicate cheaply is the combination: boat transport between islands plus guided time at multiple stops plus snorkeling gear plus drinks included. If you tried to DIY this day, you’d likely spend more on boat rental or tours between coves, and you’d still have to figure out where to swim safely and when to go.

Now for the part to factor in: there’s a €10 docking fee paid in cash on arrival. The good news is that it’s stated to include all stops, so it isn’t stacking per location. Still, it means your real all-in cost is higher than the headline price, and you should bring cash so you’re not scrambling.

Also note what’s not included. There’s no lunch and no towels. If you hate being cold after a swim, bring a small pack towel or plan to use your beach routine from Zadar. If you want lunch, bring something or plan to eat later back in town.

Logistics That Matter in Real Life: Meeting Point, Parking, No Toilet

This is a tour where small logistics can make or break your morning (or afternoon).

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. You’re told to wait at a bench or by the Tornado sign about 10 minutes before departure. There’s no toilet at the meeting point, so handle that before you arrive.

Parking is also a problem. The information says parking isn’t available at the meeting point, and summer parking is described as a big issue. Give yourself extra time to find a spot, especially in peak months, because missing the departure isn’t a problem you want to deal with mid-holiday.

If you’re arriving from central Zadar, it’s worth building a little buffer into your schedule. Speedboat days are unforgiving about timing.

Who Should Book This and Who Should Skip It

This tour is a great fit if you want a Zadar day that feels like you escaped the city. You’ll enjoy it most if you like swimming, snorkeling, and short explorations on islands with a lived-in feel.

It’s also ideal for mixed groups. The pace works for people who want history and people who just want water time, and the small-group size (max 12) keeps it from feeling like a cattle chute.

I’d reconsider if you want a long, slow, mostly-on-land day. The tour is built around boat rides and water breaks. Also, if you’re nervous about open-water swimming, you’ll need to choose your comfort level carefully. The skipper may offer life jackets, but you’re still in a situation where you’re getting in the water.

If your idea of vacation is a mix of casual sightseeing and active time, this hits that sweet spot.

Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat Tour?

I’d book this if you’re planning to spend at least one afternoon outside Zadar’s city rhythm and you want water time that’s built in. The Kostanj snorkeling stop plus the island feel of Osljak and Preko makes it a “three different moods in one day” kind of experience.

Skip it only if you hate being on the move or you’re expecting a full-day lunch-and-lounge setup. Remember the cash €10 docking fee, the no-toilet meeting point, and that towels and lunch aren’t included.

If you come prepared, you’ll likely walk away with exactly what you came for: a clear-water swim break, island stories you can actually repeat, and a boat day that feels fun from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s priced at $44 per person.

Is this tour a small group?

Yes. The group size is limited to 12 participants.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time at stops to swim and use it.

What drinks are included on board?

You’ll have unlimited wine, water, or soft drink, plus 2 glasses of G&T (one at each stop).

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, waiting at the bench or by the Tornado sign about 10 minutes before departure.

Is there a toilet at the meeting point?

No. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so plan ahead.

Is there an extra fee besides the tour price?

Yes. A docking fee of €10 per person is paid in cash on arrival.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included.