Speed across Zadar’s islands in style. This private speedboat tour focuses on big views and short swims, with a brand-new feel and a skipper who keeps things moving without rushing. I love the fast, wave-bouncing ride plus the included drinks—beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, and water—so it turns a scenic cruise into a proper day out.

The main thing to consider: this one isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers, people with back/heart problems, wheelchair users, or young kids (under 2), and pets aren’t allowed.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Foša harbor to the islands: You get a quick hit of Zadar waterfront views before the swimming stops.
• Kostanj Bay break with snorkeling: Expect time for photos, a swim, and snorkeling gear provided on board.
• Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island: A focused stop with sightseeing and marine-life viewing.
• Preko’s Jaz beach free time: A longer hangout with walking, a beach break, and plenty of casual places around.
• Drinks included from spirits to wine: You can plan your day around the water, not the bar.

From Foša Harbor: the ride that sets the tone

This tour starts out of Zadar’s Foša area, with meet-up at Zadar Boat Tours (Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6). If you’re staying in the wider area, they can pick you up at a spot where the boat can dock safely by your location. That flexibility is one of the reasons a private boat tour feels so easy.

Once you’re moving, the pace is the point. There are a couple of quick speedboat legs between stops (about 15 minutes each), which means you’re not stuck in one place too long. You’re constantly getting sea views, changing coastlines, and that feeling of being out on open water rather than just “near” it.

I also like that the skipper handles the flow. You don’t have to plan the timing of swims, photo stops, or where you’ll be when the water looks best. In past trips, skippers like Kristin and Christian have been described as accommodating and fun, and that matches what you want from a private guide: confident driving plus time to actually look around.

Kostanj Bay and the Ugljan coastline: swim, snorkel, and reset

Your first long stop is centered around Ugljan and the Kostanj area—think panoramic cruise views first, then a real water break. This is where you’ll get about an hour of time for a photo stop, swimming, and snorkeling with the provided gear. If you enjoy that “first dip” feeling in Croatia, this is built for it.

This is also the part of the day that’s easy to enjoy even if you’re not trying to do a full packed itinerary. You can keep it simple:

• Swim when you want
• Put on snorkeling gear for a look around
• Snap photos from the water and from the boat

And yes, the drinks flow during this segment. The tour includes fuel and drinks, typically including soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor, with review notes mentioning ice tea too. It changes the vibe from sightseeing-only to a relaxed day at sea, where you can take your time without pulling out cash every time you want something cold.

One small practical note: if you’re sensitive to speed or waves, this is still a speedboat. The ride style is part of the experience, but it’s smart to bring sunscreen and be ready for movement.

Ošljak: the smallest inhabited island stop

Next comes Ošljak, described in the tour concept as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. Your time here is about 50 minutes, and it’s mostly sightseeing and water time, with passing views and marine-life viewing.

What I find appealing about this stop is that it’s not just a quick “drive by.” You’re given enough time to shift your focus from cruising to observing. Islands like this are more about scale and atmosphere than big landmarks. You’ll likely notice how different it feels from the busier coast—smaller, quieter, and more about the sea and shoreline.

You also have snorkeling on the agenda again, which makes sense. The boat tour format only works well if you’re getting repeated chances to get in the water. With a stop this short, the tour aims to keep your water time efficient rather than stretching it across the whole day.

If you like marine-life viewing, this is the segment to lean into. Even if snorkeling isn’t your main plan, spending a bit of time watching for movement around the waterline is usually the easiest way to enjoy this type of location.

Preko and Jaz beach: a real chance to stroll and snack

The final main stop is Preko, specifically the Jaz sandy beach area in Preko village. You get about 1.5 hours here, including free time to walk, sightseeing, photo moments, and swimming again.

This is where the tour shifts from “boat day” to “island break.” Preko is set up for casual hanging out: cafes, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants around the beach area. Even if you don’t plan to eat a full meal, the options make the stop feel complete. You can grab something simple, browse briefly, and cool down without needing to leave the shoreline area.

Timing matters here. 90 minutes is long enough to:

• Walk a bit around the village edge
• Find a comfortable spot at the beach
• Dip in the water again if you’re still feeling fresh

It also balances the day. After earlier stops focused on swimming and shorter island viewing, Preko gives you a more flexible block of time where you can decide the pace.

If you’re traveling with people who want different styles of fun—one person wants water time, another wants strolling—this is the segment that tends to keep everyone happy.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and what’s really included

The included items are a big part of the value equation. You get snorkeling gear, bottled water, and beer, and the broader drink list is described as including soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor. In practice, that means your boat day is mostly pre-paid pleasures: you’re not juggling purchases while you’re trying to enjoy the sea.

Snorkeling gear being included is also meaningful. It lowers friction. You don’t have to pack gear or worry whether you’ll have the right size or type once you arrive. For most people, that turns snorkeling from a maybe into a “yes.”

One more practical benefit: you’re on a private group. That matters because it affects how the day feels. You’re not trying to coordinate with lots of strangers during water time, photo pauses, or the moments when the skipper needs everyone back onboard. With up to 10 people per group, it’s still social, but it stays manageable.

Private group pricing: who gets the best value

The price is listed as $470 per group for up to 10 people, for a total duration of 4 hours. For a private tour, that’s where value often comes from: cost is grouped, not per person from the start.

Here’s the practical way to think about it. If you’re traveling as a duo, it’s still a premium day, but you’re paying for speedboat time plus the included drinks and snorkeling gear. If you’re a small group of friends or a family unit within the eligibility limits, the price spreads out and starts to feel much more reasonable for what you’re getting.

This tour also saves you effort. You’re not assembling a boat, figuring out where to go, paying separately for refreshments onboard, and then losing time during transfers. Those “hidden time” savings are real, even if you don’t notice them until you’re done.

So the best value typically lands when you:

• Want a private experience without paying per-person boat charters
• Plan to use the included drinks and snorkeling gear
• Prefer guided timing over self-planning

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

This works especially well for couples, friend groups, and small parties who want a mix of speed, scenery, and water time—without a long day on buses or ferry schedules.

It’s also a good match if you like structure but not tight pacing. You get set stops (Kostanj/Ugljan, Ošljak, Preko), yet there are breaks that give you room to choose what to do inside each segment.

On the other hand, skip it if any of these apply:

• You’re a non-swimmer
• You’re dealing with back problems or heart problems
• You need wheelchair access
• You’re traveling with children under 2
• You’re pregnant
• You’re traveling with pets

Even if you love the idea of an island day, these limits are there for safety. A speedboat tour is more physically demanding than a calm harbor cruise.

Tips to enjoy it more once you’re onboard

I’d treat this as a short, fun water day rather than a sightseeing marathon. Because the stops are swim-friendly and repeated, your comfort choices matter.

A few practical moves help a lot:

• Wear swimwear under clothes so changing is quick
• Use sunscreen before you get moving; the day is water-based
• Bring a small towel or quick-dry cover if you have one
• If you get motion-sensitive, sit where you feel the most stable and stay hydrated

Also, plan your “snorkel time” lightly. You don’t need to spend every minute underwater to get value from snorkeling gear. If you aim for one or two focused sessions across the day (rather than trying to do everything at once), you’ll enjoy the experience more.

Finally, enjoy the rhythm. The skipper’s pacing connects views, stops, and swim breaks into one continuous experience. When you go with that flow, the day feels effortless.

Should you book this private Zadar speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a 4-hour private speedboat day that’s built around swimming, snorkeling, and included drinks, with a real island stop at Ošljak and a longer break at Preko.

Don’t book it if you need wheelchair access, if you’re a non-swimmer, or if health concerns make a speedboat day risky. If that describes you, you’ll be happier choosing a calmer water alternative.

If you fit the activity profile and you’re traveling with a group small enough to enjoy privacy, this is one of those Zadar experiences where the value comes from convenience plus atmosphere: a boat ride that actually gives you time to enjoy the sea, not just pass it by.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar private speedboat tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private group, priced for up to 10 people per group.

What islands or areas does the tour visit?

You’ll cruise toward Ugljan and stop near Kostanj Bay, visit Ošljak, and spend time in Preko at Jaz beach.

What drinks are included?

Fuel is included, along with drinks such as soft drinks and bottled water, plus beer, wine, and liquor.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the price.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours (Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar). Pick-up is possible in the surrounding area where they can dock by boat.

Can I swim during the tour?

Swimming is part of the planned stops, and the tour includes time for swimming at multiple points, but it is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide is listed as English.

What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.