Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

Speedboats and turquoise water, in four hours. On this Zadar 3 Island Speedboat Tour, you get crystal-clear swimming time and a friendly English-speaking guide (Josip and Jure are two names I saw repeatedly) who keeps everything running smoothly. The main thing to plan for is that there is no toilet on the boat, and if the sea is choppy, you may get sprayed since it is an open speedboat.

I like this half-day format because it mixes real island time with cruising views of the Adriatic, not just one quick photo stop. You also get drinks included, including beer per person plus bottled water and ice tea, and the group stays small, limited to 10 people.

Key Things That Make This Speedboat Tour Worth Your Time

• 50 minutes to swim and snorkel in a secluded bay with clear turquoise water
• Up to 3 island-focused stops, including time on Ošljak and the village of Preko
• Ošljak island time for island life, plus walks, sightseeing, and beach time
• Preko village time with coffee, shopping, and a relaxed pace (with optional Galevac time depending on the day)
• Included safety and comfort basics, life vests, mask only, and cold drinks on board

Zadar’s Coastline From an Open Speedboat: What the Ride Actually Feels Like

This tour is built around short, fast stretches by speedboat, then enough time ashore to feel like you truly switched places instead of just passing by. You are cruising the Zadar archipelago for about 4 hours total, with a small group capped at 10 people, so the vibe tends to stay personal rather than chaotic.

Because it is an open speedboat, you should dress like you might get a little wet. The operator warns that if the day turns windy and the sea gets rough, you could get hit with occasional sea spray. Even if it is not rough, expect some water mist in motion, so sunglasses, sunscreen, and something to cover your shoulders help.

Logistics are simple but not complicated. You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, on the waterfront opposite the city walls, and boarding happens behind restaurant Foša. One practical detail: this company runs three boats, so the right boat will come for your group at the meeting point.

The First Swim Stop: Snorkeling Setup and That “Jump Off the Boat” Feeling

The schedule starts with a speedboat ride and then a longer stop for water time, with about 50 minutes at the swimming and snorkeling spot. This is the portion that most people talk about for a reason. The bay is described as secluded, with crystal-clear turquoise water and beautiful natural surroundings, which is exactly what you want for quick snorkel work and an easy swim.

Important gear note: the tour includes a mask only. You do not get a snorkel tube included, so if you are a person who loves proper snorkeling, bring your own snorkel if you have one. That said, even without extended snorkeling gear, the main value here is simple: you can hop in, swim around, and enjoy the clear water with minimal fuss.

If you are worried about comfort, pack like you are going swimming more than you are going touring. Bring a towel, beachwear, and a change of clothes. Also, remember the boat has no toilet and you only get toilet access at the last stop, so use bathroom breaks before you board and plan to be flexible with timing.

A bonus angle worth knowing: dolphins do get sighted in this area, and one recent group reported seeing them. You cannot count on it, but it is a nice thing to keep your eyes open for while you are cruising out to the islands.

Ošljak Island in About an Hour: Walk, Look at Old Houses, and Swim

After the first water stop, the boat heads to Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island in the region. You get about 1 hour here, which is not meant for a long hike or a big land adventure. Instead, it is the perfect length for a short walk, a bit of exploring, and some beach time without rushing.

Ošljak is appreciated for its old Dalmatian houses and picturesque island feel. What you are really buying with this stop is atmosphere. You get to step off the speedboat into a place that feels quieter than the Zadar waterfront, with narrow island lanes and a calmer rhythm.

There is also swimming time during the Ošljak stop, so this tour keeps its promise of being more than a sightseeing cruise. If you love the idea of combining views with water time, this is where it clicks.

One consideration: Ošljak is an island, so you will likely want proper footwear for walking around and sunscreen for your time ashore. The tour provides the basics like life vests, but sun protection is on you.

Preko Village and Optional Galevac Time: Coffee, Shopping, and Real Local Pace

Next comes Preko, a village on the mainland side of the archipelago route. You get about 75 minutes here, which feels generous compared to a lot of island-hopping tours that give you 20 minutes and a hard stop for photos.

Preko is the stop where the tour becomes more “Croatia on land.” You can do a walk, enjoy sightseeing, and (if you want) get coffee. There is also time for shopping, with the chance to pick up simple souvenirs. For food lovers: the description points out the option to purchase Croatian cuisine, though food itself is not included in the tour price.

The schedule also notes that you can visit Galevac. Since the itinerary provided does not give Galevac its own time block, I would treat it as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed separate island stop. Either way, you should expect more than just a “stand on the pier” kind of village break.

This part of the day is ideal if you want a pause from the water and a chance to reset. You can stretch, browse, and enjoy the local feel before the ride back to Zadar.

Drinks, Mask-Only Snorkeling, and the Comfort Stuff That Matters

This tour does a nice job of handling the basics. Included items are life vests, a mask only, bottled water, ice tea, and beer per person. In practice, this is a big value add because you do not have to buy drinks during your stops, especially on a half-day schedule when you want minimal decisions.

Just be clear on what is not included. Food is not included, and there is no restroom on the boat. Also, the mask is included but snorkel tube equipment is not. If you are planning to snorkel seriously, bringing your own snorkel can make the water time more enjoyable.

One thing I liked in the feedback style for this operator: people repeatedly mentioned that the ride feels organized and the mood stays relaxed. The tour is listed as small group and the transport gets very high satisfaction scores, with 99% of reviewers giving it a perfect score. That matters because speedboat days are all about trust, especially when you are getting on and off a boat in open water.

Price and Value: Why $35 Can Work, Plus the Small Extra Cost

At roughly $35 per person for a 4-hour tour, the value depends on how much you care about two things: (1) getting real swimming time and (2) not renting a car just to reach the islands.

You are paying for transport, a guide, and multiple stops with water time, plus safety gear and drinks. That is a lot to pack into half a day, especially if you are using Zadar as a base and want an easy day trip without driving.

One caution that affects the math: fuel cost is not included in the listed price and is paid additionally before the start of the tour. So the total you spend may come out higher than the headline rate. Still, even with that extra, this kind of outing tends to be cheaper than planning a private boat or arranging a more complicated day trip.

Before You Go: Simple Tips for a Smooth Dock and a Better Swim

You can make this day easier with a few small steps.

• Arrive a bit early at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, because boarding happens behind restaurant Foša and multiple boats operate nearby.
• If you are uncertain you are in the right place, the operator asks you to take a photo of your location and send it on WhatsApp.
• Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, and a change of clothes.
• Bring cash, since you may want to buy coffee and shop in Preko.
• Plan for a day with no onboard toilet, and use facilities before departure or during the final stop only.

Also, keep the weight restriction in mind. The tour is not suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg), and it is not suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Should You Book This Zadar 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a straightforward half-day plan in Zadar that mixes speedboat cruising, real swimming time, and short island walks. This is especially worth it if you do not want to spend a full day traveling, and you care more about water time and island vibe than about a long, structured tour.

Skip it if you need an onboard restroom, if rough weather makes you uncomfortable in open boats, or if you are looking for a fully accessible experience. And if you love snorkeling with proper gear, consider bringing a snorkel tube since the tour includes mask only.

If you fit the sweet spot, this tour is one of the simplest ways to experience Zadar’s archipelago in a single afternoon, with included drinks and multiple chances to jump in the Adriatic.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the speedboat tour?

Meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Boarding is behind the restaurant Foša.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No, there is no toilet on the boat. You will only have access to a toilet at the last stop.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes a mask only, without snorkel/tube equipment.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer per person, bottled water, and ice tea are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

How many stops are there?

You have a swimming and snorkeling stop, then island time on Ošljak, and a longer stop in Preko (with possible additional island time for Galevac depending on the day).

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Do I pay only the listed price?

The listed price is $35 per person, but fuel cost is not included and is paid additionally before the start of the tour.