Explore Islands and Blue Bay Snorkeling Adventure on Speedboat

A quick boat trip, then clear-water snorkeling, all near Zadar. I like how the schedule strings together three different water stops, so you are not stuck at one spot all day. I also like that snorkeling gear and cold drinks are included, which keeps the day simple. One thing to consider: wind can affect the speedboat timing, so the day may run a bit shorter than expected.

This is a small-group outing (up to 12 people), run in English, and it returns to the same meeting point in Zadar. You start at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, then head out from the city toward the islands. If you hate waiting around with lots of other boats in one pickup area, arrive early and get your bearings fast.

Key things to know before you go

• Blue lagoon snorkeling at Pjescana Uvala in shallow, crystal-clear water with welcome drinks
• Ošljak island options, swim with masks or walk up toward a windmill viewpoint
• A village stop in Preko on Ugljan, with time for lunch or coffee by the sea
• Small group size up to 12, which usually means more personal attention during snorkeling
• Snorkeling gear and cold drinks included, but plan to bring towels since they are not provided
• No onboard restroom, so you will want to plan ahead before you board

Price and what you actually get for it

At $36.05 per person for about 4 hours, this outing is priced like a focused half-day experience rather than a long excursion. The value is not just the boat ride. You are paying for a route with multiple swim stops, plus snorkeling equipment and cold drinks included.

That matters because on island day trips, the extra costs and hassles can add up fast. Here, you are not expected to sort out gear on the spot, and you are not relying on buying drinks right away. You still cover things that are not included, like meals (dinner is not part of the offer), any fees and taxes listed separately, and towels.

For couples, friends, and small groups, this kind of straightforward plan often wins. You get variety without turning the day into a full-day slog.

Meeting point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, Zadar, and pickup reality

The tour starts and ends back at the same place: Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. It is listed as near public transportation, which is useful if you are using the bus or just want an easy walk from your hotel.

Here is the practical heads-up. The pickup area can feel chaotic because there are multiple boat tours around the same dock zone. If you want the calm version of this day, show up a little early, double-check you are at the right operator’s group, and watch for the right staff. Once you are oriented, the rest of the trip flows.

You will also be using a mobile ticket, so make sure your phone battery is not at 2 percent when it is time to board.

Pjescana Uvala: shallow blue lagoon snorkeling near Zadar

Stop 1 is Pjescana Uvala, close to Zadar. This is the “warm up and get in the water” stop, and it is chosen for a reason: the bay has low water and clear visibility, so snorkeling feels easier.

You get about 1 hour here. Before you head out, you receive welcome drinks. That is a small detail, but it helps. On sea days, the first entry into the water can be a mental hurdle, and a quick drink and regroup usually makes everyone settle faster.

Why this stop is a good opener:

• You start with calm, manageable conditions rather than jumping straight into rougher water.
• You get enough time to put the mask on, swim at your own pace, and still have time to come up, rest, and reset.

Possible drawback? Because visibility and conditions can vary with weather, the calmest snorkeling feel happens on good days. This tour requires good weather overall, so if the forecast looks messy, expect the operator to adjust plans rather than forcing it.

Ošljak Island: windmill walk or mask time on a quiet island

Stop 2 is Ošljak, described as a small, quiet island located between the blue lagoon and the Ugljan island side. You get about 1 hour total.

This stop is built for choice, which I appreciate. You can:

• Walk up the hill and aim for a windmill on the way, or
• Stay closer to the water and snorkel with the masks

The “between-the-stops” location is part of why it feels different from Pjescana Uvala. Even though you are still within the same general sea area, the mood changes. One stop is about crystal-clear shallows. This one lets you mix a bit of land time with swimming.

If you like gentle breaks between water sessions, Ošljak is also a nice reset. You can stretch your legs, then go back in without feeling rushed.

One consideration: if you are not into walking uphill, focus on the swim time instead. There is enough time here to do one thing well.

Preko on Ugljan Island: lunch, coffee, and a sandy break

Stop 3 is the last one: Preko, a village on Ugljan Island. You get about 1 hour 15 minutes, so it is longer than the other two stops.

This is the “shore time” portion of the day. Preko is described as lively in summer and quieter off season, which makes sense for a coastal village where the number of visitors changes with the calendar. You can use the time for lunch in a local restaurant, or coffee with a sea view.

There is also a small sandy beach within walking distance to the right. That detail is important because it means you are not only doing snorkeling. If you want to dry off, stretch out, and enjoy a break from being in swim gear, this is where you can do it.

Practical note: dinner is not included, so if you are hungry later, plan to eat during this Preko window. The day ends back at the original meeting point, and you do not want to count on finding food right away after you get back.

Timing can be a factor here. If wind slows the speedboat earlier in the day, the overall route may feel compressed, and the final stop can feel longer or shorter depending on conditions. The upside is that you still get your main chance to eat.

Snorkeling setup, included extras, and what you should bring

What is included:

• Cold drinks
• Snorkeling equipment (masks and gear)
• Petrol (covered in the tour price)

What is not included:

• Dinner, and generally no full meal plan
• All fees and taxes (as listed separately)
• No restroom on board
• Towels

That restroom point is not a trivia detail. Boats without restrooms change how you plan your time, especially on an outing that totals about 4 hours. Go before you board, and do not assume you can easily step aside during the route.

Also, towels are specifically not provided. Bring one if you want to be comfortable after snorkeling or before lunch/coffee in Preko. If you prefer to travel light, at least have something to dry off with before you sit down to eat.

Equipment is provided, which is great if you do not snorkel often. It also means you can spend less time hunting for rental shops in Zadar.

Wind, speedboat timing, and how the day may run

This is a speedboat route, and speedboats care about wind. One review feedback flagged that wind made the boat slower than usual and the tour got shorter. That matches how sea travel works in practice.

For you, the takeaway is simple:

• Build in flexibility. If the weather is windy, your schedule may shift.
• Treat the 4 hours as an approximate duration, not a promise down to the minute.

The good news is that the tour is designed to work as a short, focused excursion. Even if it runs a bit tight, you still hit the main trio of spots, with snorkeling and shore time built in.

If conditions are too poor, the experience requires good weather, and the operator will either offer a different date or a full refund. That is the smart way to run a snorkeling day.

The guide experience, English service, and keeping things easy

The tour is offered in English, and it runs with a small maximum group size of 12 travelers. When groups are small, your guide can usually keep a closer eye on everyone, especially during water time.

Some departures include a guide named Bart, who people praised for being attentive and for answering questions. That kind of presence matters more than you might think. Snorkeling feels better when you know what you are looking for and when you are not guessing how to use the masks correctly or where to swim.

Also, because this is a short itinerary, the guide’s job is basically to manage flow. The day is calm and organized when transitions between stops are smooth, and it usually depends on how well the crew handles boarding and regrouping.

One small caution for your expectations: the pickup area can look confusing because multiple boat tours operate there. Once you find the right group, the staff attention kicks in.

Who should book this snorkeling adventure from Zadar

This works best if you want:

• A half-day feel, not a long full-day commitment
• Multiple snorkeling opportunities rather than one long swim session
• A balance of water time and village time
• A small-group outing (max 12)

It is a strong choice for couples, friends, and groups who want a break from the city rhythm. The trip is also a good match if you are not interested in complicated logistics, since snorkeling equipment and drinks are provided and you return to the same Zadar meeting point.

If you are a complete beginner to snorkeling, starting at Pjescana Uvala is a smart way to begin because the water conditions there are described as low and crystal clear. If you already snorkel confidently, you will likely enjoy the variety of spots, plus the option to walk and explore at Ošljak.

Should you book? My take on whether it’s worth it

I would book this tour if you want a simple, value-focused snorkeling day that stays close to Zadar and gives you real variety. The combination of shallow blue lagoon snorkeling, a second stop with both walking and swimming options, and a final village stop for lunch or coffee hits the right notes for most people.

Skip it or be cautious if:

• You strongly dislike speedboat days in windy conditions, because timing can shift.
• You need an onboard restroom. There is no restroom on board.
• You do not want to bring a towel, since towels are not included.

If your goal is clear water, mask time, and an easy island break without a big planning headache, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Explore Islands and Blue Bay Snorkeling Adventure on a speedboat?

The tour runs for about 4 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Zadar?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia. The activity ends back at the same location.

What is included in the tour price?

Cold drinks and snorkeling equipment are included, along with petrol as part of the tour.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no restroom available onboard.

Do I need to bring towels?

Yes. Towels are not included, and you should bring your own personal items if you want them.

Is the tour offered in English, and how big is the group?

Yes, it is offered in English. The maximum group size is 12 travelers.