Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling

Four hours, three swims, and clear Adriatic water. This Zadar speedboat outing mixes snorkeling with island time, jumping between Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko, plus that speedboat energy that keeps the day moving. Captains like Lovre and Joseph also get repeatedly praised for being friendly and on it.

I love that the tour includes snorkeling equipment and cold drinks, so you can go from boat to swim without extra hassle. The other big win is the people running the trip, with guides such as Mateo and Mario called out for keeping things smooth and adapting the ride to conditions. One caution: the experience can feel more like swimming in clear water than a marine-life safari, and there is an extra €10 per person docking fee not included in the base price.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 10) means you are less likely to feel lost or rushed during boarding and stop times.
• Pjescana Uvala is built for easy snorkeling with clear water and a sandy bottom where you can see fish close to shore.
• Ošljak is for walking and atmosphere on a small island with a slow, local vibe rather than big beach time.
• Preko gives you a real village feel in summer, with a sandy beach spot and time to grab coffee with sea views.
• Snorkeling gear plus cold drinks are included, so you are not juggling extra purchases mid-trip.
• Some stops can be more harbor-like than beach-like, so your swim style may change depending on where the boat ties off.

Zadar speedboat snorkeling, the practical reason it feels fun

This is one of those Zadar trips that works because it is built around water time. Instead of spending the whole day on land, you get a fast ride between three coastal areas, with scheduled swim windows and enough breathing room to actually enjoy them.

You should also like the format if you hate over-planning. The day is about getting out on the water, using the included snorkeling gear, and spending short chunks of time exploring each stop. With a maximum of 10 travelers, it is also easier to manage your own timing, even if you want to stay closer to the boat during swims.

Price, value, and the €10 docking fee surprise

The base price is $38.71 per person, and the tour runs about 4 hours. At first glance, it looks like a bargain for a speedboat ride plus snorkeling equipment and drinks, and the overall value is still strong.

The catch is that €10.00 per person in all fees and taxes is not included. Also, some people report being asked for docking-related charges on the spot, so it is smart to be ready with cash just in case. If you are budgeting tightly, treat the price as something like $38.71 plus the additional €10 when you plan your day.

Even with that add-on, it still tends to make sense if you:

• want multiple water locations in one afternoon,
• do not want to organize transport between islands yourself,
• and plan to snorkel rather than just watch from the boat.

Meeting point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and how to not miss it

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the same point. It is near public transportation, which is a plus if you are not driving.

What you should plan for: meeting points in busy waterfront areas can feel chaotic, especially when boats are loading and multiple groups are moving at once. Give yourself extra buffer time, and arrive ready to identify the correct check-in spot quickly. If you have questions, ask early so you are not scrambling when the boat is already boarding.

Stop 1, Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj): clear water, sandy bottom, easy snorkeling

This first stop is Pjescana Uvala, often called Kostanj. It is about a 15-minute drive by speedboat from Zadar, and the payoff is the water. This bay is described as clear enough that you can see the sandy bottom, plus small fish close to where you enter.

You get about 40 minutes here, which is a good length for a real swim without burning your whole day. If you want low-stress snorkeling, this is the stop to prioritize. The sand-bottom visibility also makes it easier to orient yourself, which matters because the gear you bring plus your comfort level are what determine how much you enjoy the water.

Practical tip: if you will walk a bit or swim around edges, consider bringing sea footwear. One review also mentioned urchins off-dressed swimmers, and while most common swim areas may be cleared, you do not want a rough surprise when your feet hit the water.

Stop 2, Ošljak island: slow walks, a IX-century church, WWII ruins

Next comes Ošljak, a small island in the Zadar archipelago with only a few families living there. This stop is less about beach time and more about slowing down, walking along the shore, and soaking up the island rhythm.

You have about 1 hour. From what is described, you can check out:

• a small church dating to the IX century,
• and ruins of a hospital from World War II.

That mix makes the stop more interesting than a generic shoreline break. You are not just hanging out, you are getting a sense of how people lived here and how the island has changed over time.

Snorkeling expectations at this stop may be different than at Pjescana Uvala. Some shore access can be limited depending on where the boat ties off, so it is smart to treat this segment as island exploring plus short swims if conditions allow.

Stop 3, Preko on Ugljan Island: sandy beach time and a coffee-with-views option

Your final stop is Preko, a small village on Ugljan Island. In summer, it is lively, and off season it gets quiet, so the mood depends on your travel month. Either way, it is a more “village” stop than pure nature cove.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which gives you the most flexible window of the day. There is a small sandy beach on the right-hand side, and this is the moment to take advantage of your masks if you want another swim session.

There is also a practical, low-effort way to enjoy Preko: grab coffee at one of the cafés with a view. After two earlier swim segments, that kind of pause is genuinely nice.

One helpful clue for curious swimmers: from Preko you can swim to another area called Galevac, where people look for a monastery hidden between trees. The exact experience depends on conditions and distances, so do it only if you feel comfortable with open-water swimming and follow crew guidance.

Snorkeling gear, life vests, and what clear water means for what you will see

Snorkeling gear is included, and bottled water plus cold drinks come with the ride. That part matters because you are not stuck paying for rentals at each stop.

Also, several comments emphasize the water quality. Clear visibility can make snorkeling feel fantastic even if you are not surrounded by huge schools of fish. Think of it more as a chance to enjoy the underwater view and the fun of gliding through the water than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Be realistic about marine life. One account described snorkeling as kind of pointless due to limited wildlife, while another praised “amazing clear waters” and fun gliding. So you are aiming for a visually clean swim experience, not a reef expedition.

If you are concerned about fit, do not assume every mask and vest will feel perfect right away. There were complaints about snorkeling equipment and life vests not being available in enough sizes. When you board, check the fit immediately. If something feels wrong, tell the crew fast so adjustments can happen before you get in the water.

The ride style, wind changes, and why the captain earns the praise

A speedboat day is not the same as a calm ferry. You should expect spray and a bit of water-on-you energy, especially when the wind picks up. One review specifically warned about getting soaked, described the ride as continuous spray, and encouraged people not to bring anything they cannot afford to ruin.

The good news is the captains are often praised for handling that reality. Guides such as Josep and Mario were mentioned for keeping the experience fun, friendly, and adaptive. One person said the skipper adjusted the route based on wind to make the most of it, which is exactly what you want on a boat day.

If you want a trip that feels like an actual adventure instead of a slow sightseeing commute, this is where it shows. Holding on tight and embracing the splash is part of the deal.

How to plan your day around the swim windows

This outing is roughly 4 hours total, with stop times that add up quickly. That means you should think in terms of short, focused efforts rather than long lingering.

A good approach:

• At the first cove, plan your snorkeling first, since it is built for clear water and a sandy bottom.
• At Ošljak, shift gears to walking and quick swims only if the boat conditions make it easy.
• At Preko, use the longer time for a second swim plus a coffee break, since it has more flexible pacing.

Also, because there is no restroom available onboard, you should plan accordingly. Bring what you need to feel comfortable for a few hours at sea, including things like a dry bag or anything essential you do not want soaked.

What to pack for this 4-hour speedboat and snorkel loop

This is a wet day waiting to happen, so pack like you are going to get splashed. Here is what matters most based on what is included and what is not:

• Snorkeling gear is provided, but you might like your own goggles if you prefer a specific fit.
• Bottled water and cold drinks are included, but you should still think hydration-first before you swim.
• No towels and no restroom are available on board, so bring your own towel if you want one for after.
• If you care about foot comfort in shallow-entry spots, consider sea footwear.

And one small mindset tip: keep your valuables protected, since this is a speedboat with waves and spray, not a calm lake boat.

Is this tour for you, or is it the wrong kind of water day?

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• speedboat adventure, not a slow ferry shuffle,
• snorkeling breaks in clear water,
• and a simple way to see several places around Zadar without renting a car.

It may be a weaker fit if you need a detailed, talk-every-minute guided lecture. Some comments mention that certain guides were not especially talkative, and that some stops felt more like jump-in-and-go rather than guided sightseeing.

It is also worth matching your expectations to the stop style. One stop is described as beach-ready snorkeling, while other stops can be harbor-based with less beach access. If your ideal is a single perfect beach plus long snorkeling sessions, you might prefer a different format. If your ideal is moving between coves and islands for a few swims, this works well.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat snorkeling trip?

If you are visiting Zadar and want a fun half-day with included snorkeling gear, cold drinks, and three different coastal stops, I think it is a smart booking. The best parts tend to be the water clarity at the coves, the energy of the speedboat ride, and the fact that the crew can keep things running smoothly for a small group.

Just go in prepared for two realities: there is an extra €10 per person in fees not included, and the day can get wet. If you pack for spray, check your gear fit right away, and treat this as a swimming adventure more than a marine-life guarantee, you will likely have a memorable Zadar afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour from Zadar?

The experience runs for about 4 hours (approx.).

What is the price per person?

The price is $38.71 per person.

Is anything extra charged besides the base price?

Yes. All fees and taxes of €10.00 per person are not included.

What is included in the tour?

Included items are bottled water, cold drinks, and use of snorkeling equipment.

Is dinner or food included?

No dinner is included, and there is no food listed as part of the offer.

Do I have access to snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there a restroom on board the speedboat?

No. There is no restroom available onboard.

Where is the meeting point in Zadar?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

What is the maximum group size, and is the tour in English?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, and it is offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.