Zadar: 3 Islands Speedboat Tour with Drinks and Diving

Three islands, three swims, one easy half day. This Zadar speedboat day is built around clear-water breaks and island wandering, with a route through the Bay of Foša that keeps the scenery rolling. You’ll hop in for swimming and snorkeling at multiple stops, then stretch your legs on Ugljan.

I love how much time you actually spend in the water. You’re not just looking at islands from the deck, you’re getting snorkeling equipment and real swim time, with guides like Dino, Davide, and Stella offering friendly guidance and drink service along the way. I also like the land portion, especially the hour in Preko on Ugljan, where it feels like a small, local pause instead of a rushed checklist.

One possible drawback: there is no toilet included, so plan for that before you go and be ready for wet breaks throughout the trip.

Key highlights to zero in on

• Three swim-and-snorkel stops with meaningful time at each location, not just a quick dip.
• Ošljak for about an hour of free time, where you can wander at your own pace after the guide orienteers you.
• Preko on Ugljan for walking and shopping, with time to photo, stroll, and grab small souvenirs.
• Comfort extras onboard, including sunshade, life vests, and unlimited water for the ride.
• Smaller-group energy is common, with some departures running around 7 to 8 people based on recent experiences.
• No onboard toilet, which matters more than you think once the boat is moving.

Meeting at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, then settling in

This tour launches from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls. That makes the start straightforward, and it also helps you spot your vessel quickly without guesswork. You’re heading out for a total 4-hour outing, so it feels like a full slice of the day, not an all-day marathon.

Before you step on board, I’d treat it like a beach day. Expect to be in swim mode multiple times, so you’ll want a swimsuit-ready plan, plus a change of clothes for afterwards. The operator recommends bringing a hat and comfortable clothes, and you’ll also be smart to bring some cash just in case you want to buy things during town time.

Cruising the Bay of Foša: fast views without the stress

Once you’re on the speedboat, the pacing is part of the appeal. You’ll cruise from Zadar through the Bay of Foša on the way to Ošljak, with a quick stretch of open-water time that’s perfect for taking in the coastline from the sea. It’s the kind of ride where you can actually look around, not just brace for bumps.

The total time on the water between stops stays short enough that you don’t lose the feel of a tour. A number of departures also run with small groups, and that can make the ride feel less chaotic and more personal. If you like your tours active but not exhausting, this rhythm tends to land well.

Tip: if you get motion-sick easily, consider what usually helps you on boats. The ride is a speedboat, so you’ll want to be prepared.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first swimming and snorkeling session

Your first major water break is at Blue Bay Otrić, with about 45 minutes to swim and snorkel. This is the stop where you can shake off land travel and get right into the main experience. You’ll get snorkeling gear as part of the tour, and life vests are included too, which takes some of the worry out of it.

What makes this stop work for most people is timing. Forty-five minutes is long enough to settle in, try snorkeling, and still have time to just float and enjoy the water. The water here is clear enough that you can see fish while snorkeling, according to guest experiences, which is exactly what you want from a first stop.

One more detail that makes the stop easier: sunshade is provided onboard. You’ll be alternating between deck time and water time, and having shade makes the waits less annoying, especially in warmer months.

Ošljak: about an hour of free time with guide context

After the first swim, you’ll disembark on Ošljak and get around 1 hour of free time. You won’t be dropped off with zero info. The guide shares orientation about the area, so you can wander with a bit more purpose instead of just drifting.

I like stops like this because they hit a sweet spot. You get a real change of pace from water to land, but you’re not stuck too long. In that hour, you can check viewpoints, take photos, and explore at your own rhythm.

The practical win is choice. Some people will want to walk for photos, while others will prefer a slower stroll. Because it’s free time, you’re not forced into a single route. And because the boat is ready when you are, you can also avoid over-tiring yourself if you’ve already done a couple of swims.

A long-ish break at a hidden swim spot and photo stop

Next comes another speedboat hop, then a stop described as a more secluded location, with a mix of guided info and photo time. This is where you get another chance to get in the water, and it’s timed at about 1 hour total at the stop, including walking, guided context, and swimming and snorkeling time.

If you’re the type who cares about variety, this part is important. Your first swim stop is about getting comfortable with snorkeling gear and water conditions. This second stop is where you can compare the water and the vibe, then spend more time on what you enjoyed most.

The itinerary structure also helps here. After the land hour on Ošljak, the longer break at the next stop gives you time to go back into swim mode without feeling like you’re just rushing to the next place.

Preko on Ugljan: walking, photo moments, and browsing

Your final land time is Preko on the island of Ugljan, again with about 1 hour. This is a more town-forward stop, and it shows. You’ll have time for a photo stop, a walk, and even shopping, so you can do the classic island-tour thing of picking up a small souvenir that’s actually tied to where you were.

What I like about Preko in this format is that it’s not just “see a spot, move on.” You get enough time to do a relaxed circuit. If you want a calmer break after multiple water sessions, this is the moment to slow down and reset.

In guest experiences, Preko is often singled out as a highlight because it feels charming and laid-back. That makes it especially good if you’re traveling as a couple or with family members who may not be all-in on snorkeling for every stop. The town time gives everyone something to do, even if water time is not your main goal.

Onboard comfort: drinks, sunshade, and a small-group feel

This tour includes unlimited water and a sunshade onboard, plus snorkeling equipment and life vests. That set of basics matters more than it sounds. Unlimited water keeps you from rationing, and the sunshade makes the downtime between swims far more comfortable.

Many guests also note that the guide keeps drinks coming during the ride, with some mentioning beers in addition to water. Even without focusing on alcohol, the key idea is simple: you’re not left wondering how you’ll get refreshed.

Group size seems to vary by departure, but you’ll often find it on the smaller side. Some experiences mention boats holding around 7 to 8 people, which tends to make the whole day feel easier. With fewer people, you usually get smoother coordination when it’s time to jump in and when the boat needs a quick headcount before leaving a stop.

What this Zadar speedboat tour is really worth at about $49

At around $49 per person for a 4-hour experience, the value is tied to how the time is allocated. You’re paying for a speedboat ride, a guide, and the gear that makes snorkeling possible, plus fuel and unlimited water. What you’re not paying extra for is what most people care about during warm-weather island days: the swim time and the ability to actually try snorkeling.

It also helps that you’re not spending the whole tour staring at the horizon. A big chunk of the experience is spent at three water locations, with enough minutes at each one to matter. That’s a stronger value proposition than tours where boat time dominates and land time is short and rushed.

Two cost caveats to keep in mind:

• Food is not included, so you may want to plan what you’ll do for lunch or snacks outside the tour window.
• There’s no toilet included, so you’ll want to go before boarding and use stops wisely while you’re on land.

If your goal is an active half-day in Zadar’s island water, this price usually makes sense because snorkeling gear, life vests, and multiple swim moments are all built into the ticket.

Practical tips so your swim time feels easy

Here’s how to make this day smoother from start to finish.

First, bring a change of clothes. You’ll likely get wet during multiple swims, and you’ll feel better walking around Ošljak and Preko without a soaked outfit. The tour also suggests comfortable clothes and a hat, which I agree with. Even when you’re in the water, you’ll spend time on deck.

Second, think about timing and energy. With multiple swim and snorkeling blocks, it’s easy to overdo it on the first stop. I recommend pacing yourself, doing snorkeling for a bit, then giving yourself a breather. The water is the point, but your comfort matters.

Third, bring cash. The tour notes cash, and Preko includes shopping time, so you might want the flexibility to buy something small if the mood hits.

Finally, remember the no-toilet detail. Since it isn’t included, you should treat it like a serious missing amenity. Go before you meet, then plan your land time for any bathroom needs.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short, high-reward island day from Zadar
• Multiple swim breaks, not just one
• Snorkeling gear included, plus life vests for peace of mind
• Enough land time to explore Ošljak and Preko without getting stranded

It may not be ideal if:

• You strongly need an onboard toilet
• You rely on wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re traveling with babies under 1 year

For couples, this is often a very natural choice because you get shared scenery, water time, and an easy land strolling rhythm. For families, it can work well if everyone is comfortable with water breaks and the boat transitions. If you’re traveling with someone who only wants to watch, the land stops help balance the day.

Should you book the Zadar 3 Islands speedboat tour?

If your idea of a perfect Zadar day includes swimming and snorkeling plus a couple of island towns, I’d say this is a solid booking. The biggest reason is simple: the schedule protects what you came for. You spend real time at swim locations, then you get meaningful land time on Ošljak and Preko instead of turning the day into a constant transit marathon.

Book it if you like small-group feel, want guides like Dino or Davide to help you make sense of what you’re seeing, and you don’t mind that the comfort amenities are focused on water time (sunshade, water, life vests) rather than full onboard facilities.

Skip it or think twice if the lack of a toilet is a dealbreaker for you, or if your mobility needs are better served by a different format than a speedboat with repeated boarding and swimming transitions.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Zadar?

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and the boat will be tied to the walls.

How long is the Zadar 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

What islands and stops are included?

You’ll visit Ošljak and Ugljan, with swimming stops at three locations, plus land time in Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

What drinks are included on the tour?

Unlimited water is included. Drinks are available on board during the ride.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.