The Adriatic smells different when you’re speeding between islands. This small-group speedboat tour turns Zadar into a quick, sun-and-water escape to Kostanj, Ošljak, and Preko, with time to swim and snorkel.

I love the mix of stops: a real sandy beach swim first, then a quieter island break at Ošljak, and finally a proper town feel in Preko. I also like that the captain keeps things relaxed—on one trip, Luca (and other captains like Kristijan/Kristian, depending on the day) is friendly, talkative, and ready with local pointers.

One thing to consider: this tour isn’t for everyone. If you’re not comfortable in the water or you have mobility/health limits (for example, back or heart issues, or if you use a wheelchair), you’ll want to choose something else.

Key points at a glance

• Max 10 people: smaller groups mean more time at the water and an easier rhythm on board.
• Snorkeling gear included: you can plan a swim without packing your own kit.
• Kostanj sandy bay stop: great for a first cooldown and straightforward snorkel conditions.
• Ošljak island time: short, scenic break with swimming and photo moments.
• Preko village with walking time: you get more than sightseeing—you can actually wander.
• Included drinks on the boat: beer and water keep things easy without needing a stop for refreshments.

First impressions: what makes this Zadar speedboat tour special

If you’ve only seen Zadar from the promenade, this tour flips the view. You trade city sights for open water, quick coastal glimpses, and sudden switches from speed to stillness at each stop.

The big win is the structure. In about four hours, you move through three island-area experiences: a sandy bay, a small inhabited-island feel, and a village with streets you can actually stroll. It’s a compact way to see more than one side of the Zadar archipelago without committing to a full day.

I also like the “few people on board” setup. With a maximum of 10, you’re not stuck waiting your turn for entry to the water or the best photo angle. That matters when you’re dealing with changing light, wind, and people wanting the same spots.

Price and what you truly get for $57

At $57 per person for a 4-hour outing, you’re paying for three things: transportation by speedboat, protected time at multiple sea spots, and included snorkeling kit.

Here’s what you get that makes the price feel fair:

• Speedboat ride with multiple stops
• Snorkeling gear included
• Beer and water on board

What you don’t get:

• Food is not included
• Gratuities are not included

That last part changes how you plan lunch. You’ll likely want to bring a light snack strategy or budget for something in/near Preko. The tour gives you enough time to eat, but it won’t hand it to you.

Also, the “value” isn’t only the number. This is one of those tours where the schedule matches the reality of island time. You get real swimming windows instead of a bunch of long boat rides with short, rushed steps on land.

Meeting Zadar Boat Tours and getting on board fast

Your day starts at Zadar Boat Tours. The skipper waits in a boat at the waterfront with the company logo, so you’re not playing guess-the-boat for long.

One practical plus: the process is set up so you don’t lose time with ticket-line hassles. That helps when you’re trying to get sunscreen on and get moving while the morning light is still kind.

On board, expect a small-group vibe and easy access for getting in and out at the stops. People consistently highlight that the boat is clean and simple to use—important in a tour like this where you’re repeating the same basic actions: sit, ride, suit up, swim, snorkel, repeat.

The Kostanj sandy bay: your first real swim-and-snorkel stop

The first island-area stop is Kostanj, pješćana plaža u uvali. This is where the tour “earns” its reputation, because it’s a straightforward place to jump in, cool off, and get comfortable in the water.

You get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to:

• take a refreshing swim
• use the included snorkeling gear
• enjoy the sea views on the short ride in and out

A practical detail: some snorkel conditions can feel cooler earlier or later in the day. One trip note mentioned the water being a bit cold at the first swim spot, but the overall plan still worked well because you have other water time later too.

If you want an easy start, Kostanj is the stop you’ll like most. It’s also a good place to judge whether you enjoy snorkeling before committing your energy to the later segments.

Ošljak in the Zadar channel: short island time, strong scenery

Next comes Ošljak, a small island in the Zadar channel area. You get around 45 minutes here—long enough for photos, a swim, and a calm reset, but short enough that you’re not bored waiting around.

This part of the tour is about atmosphere. You’re out on open water, then the coastline changes character fast. Ošljak feels more like an interlude between the bigger island (Ugljan) and the village stop, with a quick chance to see what life looks like on a very small inhabited island.

What I like about this timing: it keeps the energy up without forcing you into a long hike or complicated logistics. If you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with older kids who can handle water time, Ošljak is an easy “yes” stop.

If you’re hoping for a long beach lounge, this is the stop that may feel a bit short. But if your goal is multiple swim chances and varied scenery, it hits the sweet spot.

Preko on Ugljan Island: walking, lunch time, and another swim

Then you get to Preko, on the larger island of Ugljan. This is the human part of the trip: streets, sights, and time to wander instead of just float.

You’ll have about 75 minutes here, which gives you breathing room to:

• walk the village streets at your own pace
• take a break that isn’t just sitting on a boat
• grab lunch (food isn’t included, so this is on you)
• squeeze in another swim/snorkel moment if you want

I like Preko because it doesn’t feel like a manufactured stop. It’s small enough to explore without feeling rushed, but it’s still a real place with enough to keep you occupied.

In one trip, people spent roughly an hour exploring, then mixed in lunch and a dip. That’s the kind of flexible pacing that makes a short tour feel longer. You’re not locked into a script where you have to love every second.

The boat ride itself: why the “speed” part matters

The route includes several short speedboat legs—about 15 minutes between segments—so you get that sense of distance covered without losing the day to travel.

On the comfort side, reviews tend to agree on a few things: the boat is clean, getting on and off is easy, and the small size means you can spread out. That matters because the experience is a mix of movement and water time. If you’re cramped, it stops being fun quickly.

There’s also a social vibe. Some notes mention music and a more upbeat atmosphere on board, which fits the setting. It’s not a formal tour where you sit silently and listen. It’s more like a day out with a local skipper steering you toward good sea spots.

And yes, captains can bring personality. Names that show up include Luca and Kristijan/Kristian. When a skipper is friendly and practical, you feel safer in the water and more confident about what to do next.

Snorkeling gear and water time: how to get the most out of it

This tour includes snorkeling gear, so you don’t have to pack fins or mask. That’s a real value-add, especially if you’re traveling light.

Here’s how I’d use the gear to make it worth your effort:

• Start easy at Kostanj so you know how comfortable you are with the water
• Use Ošljak for quick swims and short snorkeling bursts
• Save your biggest energy for whichever stop makes you feel most confident that day

You also get multiple swimming opportunities, so if conditions feel cooler or choppier at one stop, you’re not stuck. The itinerary keeps the rhythm so you can adapt.

One more thing: the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it’s not a good match for people with heart problems, significant back problems, or mobility limitations. If you’re unsure, be honest about it. Your safety comes first.

Drinks on board and the little extras

Included with the tour are beer and water. That’s a comfort feature. After you’ve been in the sun and you’re back on the boat, you don’t have to hunt for a shop.

Some trip notes also mention the captain offering a sip of a locally produced spirit (like brandy) as a personal touch. That’s not listed as guaranteed, but it’s a nice example of how these skippers often add local flavor when they can.

If you’re planning to drive later, obviously skip alcohol and stick with water. But for most people, the included drinks just make the day feel smoother.

What to bring so the day feels easy

You’re on the water, you’ll be in the sun, and you may be snorkeling more than once. Pack like you’re going to a beach day—because, in practice, you are.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

If you have them, also consider a small bag for wet gear, since you’ll be moving between boat and shore. The tour doesn’t mention a gear storage setup, so I’d plan to keep it simple and dry-protect what you can.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a quick island day with swimming time and a village stop, without complex planning.

It’s a good match for:

• confident swimmers who want to snorkel with provided gear
• couples or friends who like a small-group pace
• people who want a mix of water time plus wandering in Preko

It’s not suitable for:

• children under 2
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with heart problems
• wheelchair users
• non-swimmers
• people over 264 lbs (120 kg)
• pets (not allowed)

If any of those categories apply to you, it’s worth looking for a different style of tour that matches your needs. This one is built around being on and in the water.

Timing tips: make it feel like the best 4 hours

The tour is 4 hours total, and you’ll want to treat it like a short window you can enjoy fully instead of a rushed checklist.

A simple approach:

• show up with swimwear already on under clothes if you can
• put on sunscreen before you’re out in bright sun for the boat leg
• plan to eat in Preko because food isn’t included

Also, the earlier or later you go, the more you may notice temperature differences in the first swim stop. That doesn’t ruin the tour—it just means your first water moment may take an extra second of courage.

Should you book the Zadar Ugljan islands speedboat tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a small-group speedboat day with multiple water stops, included snorkeling gear, and at least one real place to walk (Preko). For $57, the included gear plus the boat plus the drinks is the kind of bundled value that makes sense when you don’t want to piece together logistics yourself.

I wouldn’t book it if you want a long beach day or a slow, no-moving schedule. Ošljak is brief, and Kostanj is designed for swimming and snorkeling more than lounging. And if you’re not comfortable in the water, this route simply isn’t built for you.

If you’re in the right group—comfortable swimmer, sun-ready, and open to a lively boat ride—this is one of the easiest ways to experience the Zadar islands in a half-day.