Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

Zadar’s best break from old-stone streets may be a four-hour speedboat ride into the nearby island world. You’ll stop at Blue Bay Otrić, spend an hour exploring Ošljak, then visit Preko on Ugljan, with swimming and snorkeling woven through the route. The boat keeps the day moving without turning it into a long transport exercise.

I like the small-group feel and the generous time in the water. I also like the mix of stops: one is mainly for swimming, one is quiet and walkable, and Preko gives you cafés, shops, and a proper village to explore. Guides such as Dino, David, Davide, and Stella have been praised for being friendly, flexible, and attentive with drinks and local information.

The main limitation is simple: there is no toilet on the boat, and food is not included. The route is built around sun, sea, and short island walks, so it is less suitable if you want a full sightseeing tour or need step-free access.

Key points to know before you book

• Three sea stops in four hours: You get repeated chances to swim and snorkel rather than spending most of the outing in transit.
• Blue Bay Otrić starts the water time: The first stop lasts about 45 minutes and is aimed at swimming and seeing fish.
• Ošljak gives you an hour ashore: Use it for a quiet walk, photos, and a look at one of the small islands near Zadar.
• Preko is the most developed stop: You have about an hour for walking, shopping, beach time, or a relaxed drink.
• A small boat changes the mood: Past outings have used boats for roughly seven or eight people, leaving more room than many larger excursions.
• Water and snorkeling gear are included: Bring a hat, dry clothes, cash, and your own extra drinks if you want more choice.

Why this four-hour island trip works so well from Zadar

The appeal is its balance. You are not committing to a full-day cruise, yet you still get open-water views, three different stopping points, and time to leave the boat. At $49 per person, that is strong value if you want swimming and a taste of island life rather than a formal sightseeing program.

The trip begins at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. From there, you pass through the Bay of Foša and head out along the Zadar coast. The speedboat makes the ride part of the experience, but the route is short enough that you still spend much of the four hours stopped in pleasant places.

The scale matters. Reports from past departures describe groups of around seven or eight people, and one boat was described as having the room of a larger vessel while carrying fewer people. That means less crowding around the snorkels, more room to sit, and an easier conversation with the skipper. Group size can vary, so treat this as a small-group format rather than a guaranteed private boat.

Blue Bay Otrić, your first 45 minutes in the sea

Your first stop is Blue Bay Otrić, reached after roughly 20 minutes by speedboat. The scheduled break lasts about 45 minutes and includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

This is a good opening stop because you can get into the water early, before the day becomes a series of walks and viewpoints. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask unless you prefer a particular fit. The water is described as clear, with fish visible around the swimming areas.

You should expect a sea stop rather than a long beach visit. The point is to swim, look below the surface, and enjoy the bay from the boat. If you dislike cold water or do not swim confidently, a life vest makes it easier to join in, though you should still tell the guide what you need.

This first stop also sets the pace. You are not rushed into a quick photo and back aboard. Forty-five minutes gives you time to swim, try the mask, dry off in the sun, and settle into the relaxed rhythm of the outing.

Ošljak, an hour for quiet island time

After another 15-minute boat ride, you reach the stop described as a quieter island area, associated with Ošljak. Here you have about an hour for a walk, photographs, more swimming, and snorkeling.

Ošljak is the stop to choose if you want a slower break away from shops and restaurants. You can leave the boat and wander at your own pace, using the guide’s information to decide how far to walk and what to look for. The hour is long enough to do more than step ashore for a photograph.

The exact character of your visit depends on where the boat ties up and what you choose to do. You might spend the whole hour in the water, or split it between a short walk and a swim. That flexibility is useful, especially for mixed groups where one person wants to snorkel and another would rather stay on land.

I would save your camera battery for this part. The small-island setting, water, and coast provide the kind of views that do not require a formal attraction or museum. Just keep your belongings secure on the boat and remember that the tour is not built around a long, guided historical walk.

Preko on Ugljan, the most complete stop

The final island stop takes you to Preko on Ugljan after another 15-minute ride. You get about an hour for a walk, photos, shopping, swimming, snorkeling, or a look around the village.

Preko is the most useful stop for visitors who want a little local life with their sea time. It has a more developed feel than a quiet swimming bay, with places to browse and a village atmosphere. You can buy souvenirs, find a place to sit, or simply walk around before returning to the boat.

Several people have singled out Preko as the favorite stop, and I can see why. It gives the tour a change of pace. Blue Bay Otrić is about the water, Ošljak is about quiet island time, and Preko gives you a small-town pause. You are not forced to choose between culture and swimming because the hour allows room for both, though you will need to keep an eye on the meeting time.

Do not expect a full afternoon in Preko. An hour is enough to get a feel for the village and perhaps buy something small, but not enough for a long meal or extensive shopping. Food is not included, and the schedule is too short to treat this as a restaurant stop. If you plan to eat, do not assume the tour will provide it.

The return ride and what is actually included

After Preko, the boat makes one more stop at sea before returning to Zadar. The listed route allows about 20 minutes for the final ride back, with drinks available onboard during the return.

Unlimited water, fuel, sunshade, snorkeling equipment, life vests, and an English-speaking guide are included. That package covers the basics well. You can focus on the islands instead of renting a mask or worrying about a separate fuel charge.

The drinks deserve a small clarification. Water is specifically included, and several past outings also offered beer, juice, or other refreshments. Because the instructions also tell you to bring drinks, I would pack your preferred beverage rather than count on a full drink menu. Bring cash for anything you buy at Preko.

There is no toilet onboard. This is not a major issue for a four-hour outing, but it is worth planning around, especially before departure. The boat also has shade, but you should still bring a hat, comfortable clothing, and a change of clothes after swimming.

What the guides add to the experience

The guide is more than someone steering the boat. The route includes free time, so you need clear instructions about where to meet and how long you have. Guides named Dino, David, Davide, and Stella have been praised for making the trip easy, offering island information, checking on drinks, and adjusting the pace to the group.

That flexibility is one of the strongest parts of the experience. A small boat lets the guide notice if people want more time in the water or a calmer stop on land. It does not mean you can redesign the entire route, but it does make the day feel less rigid than a large coach-style excursion.

The language is English. If you want a highly detailed archaeological or historical presentation, this may feel light. If you prefer useful local context, friendly conversation, and help with the practical parts of the day, the format should suit you well.

Is $49 a good value?

For $49, you receive four hours of boat transport, fuel, a guide, life vests, snorkeling equipment, water, shade, and several opportunities to swim. You also visit Ošljak and Preko rather than stopping only at anonymous bays. That makes the price particularly fair for anyone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride and snorkeling gear.

The value improves if you enjoy the sea. You get at least three water-focused stops, plus time ashore, and the boat itself provides coastal views as you move between locations. Past departures have also been praised for having enough time at each stop instead of making the whole outing feel like a race.

The price is less attractive if your priorities are food, long village visits, or a private charter. You pay for a compact island-and-swimming experience, not a full meal, a luxury cruise, or a lengthy guided tour. The lack of a toilet is another small trade-off for the compact boat.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families with older children who want a manageable half-day on the water. It also suits people staying in Zadar who have already seen the old town and want a change of scenery without giving up an entire day.

It is a good fit for confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, and anyone happy to spend free time at their own pace. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the boat and the island walks, but you should be comfortable around a marine setting and tell the guide if you need a life vest or extra help.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year. Bring a hat, comfortable clothing, cash, a change of clothes, and drinks. Sunscreen is a sensible addition, though it is not listed among the required items.

The best time slot may depend on your plans. One past departure began at 4 p.m. and returned as the sun was going down, which made the ride home especially pleasant. Starting times vary, so check availability and choose a departure that gives you the kind of light and pace you want.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want clear water, a small boat, and three varied stops without paying for a full-day cruise. Its strongest points are the generous swimming time, friendly guides, practical equipment, and the contrast between quiet Ošljak and more social Preko.

Skip it if you need a toilet onboard, a wheelchair-accessible activity, included food, or a long guided history tour. For most visitors looking for a relaxed and fairly priced way to see the islands near Zadar, this is one of the better half-day choices. The flexible small-group setup makes it feel personal, while the four-hour length leaves plenty of time for dinner or another Zadar activity.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stops, island visits, and return to Zadar.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The boat is tied to the walls there.

Which places do you visit?

The route includes Blue Bay Otrić, Ošljak, and Preko on Ugljan, along with several swimming and snorkeling stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, along with unlimited water and a sunshade.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Water is included, and drinks may be available onboard, but you should bring any drinks you specifically want.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users or babies?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.