Zadar: Boat Tour with Snorkeling Gear and Drinks

Salt air hits fast, then it turns into pure swim time. This Zadar speedboat tour spends real chunks of the day in the crystal-clear Adriatic, with multiple stops for snorkeling and sightseeing islands. What I like most is the practical setup: snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, and you get drinks on board like ice tea, beer, water, plus homemade liqueurs. The main catch is also the obvious one, it is not for everyone, especially if you are not confident around open water.

You also get a human touch that makes the day feel more like a friend showing you the coastline than a rushed sightseeing checklist. Skippers such as Luca, Lovre, Luka (spelled both ways in guides’ names), Tomislav, Dubravko, Tom, and Sara show up in past departures, and they tend to mix local stories with music and safety talk so you feel comfortable. If you hate crowds, you will want to pick an early morning or less popular departure, because group sizes can vary and some boats have felt squashed when there are more people aboard.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Snorkeling gear is provided, so you can show up and get in the water without hunting for rentals
• Multiple swim stops (including Ošljak, plus additional bays near Ugljan and Preko) give you more than one chance to see fish
• Drinks include homemade liqueur, along with water and ice tea (and beer is offered)
• Two pacing options: calmer waters in the morning, sunset vibes on an afternoon run
• Preko includes time on land, with a walk around the village plus free time, so it is not only water time
• You need the right footwear (water shoes help a lot when you step in and out of the sea)

Getting Oriented in Zadar: Speedboat Energy, Island Views, No Fuss

This is a 4-hour Adriatic islands speedboat outing that starts from Boat tour Adriatic. Your meeting point is near a gas station, so I’d treat that as your anchor, especially if you arrive before your departure time. Once you’re on board, the vibe is easy. You are not crammed into a long bus ride first, instead you get underway quickly and start seeing the coastline from the water.

The first speedboat leg is about 20 minutes. That matters because it warms you up for the rest of the day. You feel the motion early, you get used to the setup, and then the first real stop arrives when you are ready to swim.

Ošljak: Your First Real Swim-and-Snorkel Stop

Ošljak is the first major moment where the tour shifts from cruising to doing. You get roughly 1 hour here for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where you should plan to put on your mask and actually use the gear right away, because calm water plus clear visibility is what makes snorkeling worth the effort.

What I like about this stop is the timing. You are not asked to power through everything at once. One hour is long enough to get a feel for the water, float around, and then come up when you feel done. If you are still learning how to breathe through a snorkel, you can take it slow without feeling like the whole boat is waiting on you.

A practical note: snorkeling can be easier when you wear water shoes. You will still be stepping in and out, and footing in the sea around bays can be inconsistent. If you show up in sandals, you might end up doing the careful shuffle instead of enjoying the water.

Ugljan Cruise and Photo Stop: Aperitif Break With Sea Air

After Ošljak, the boat cruise toward Ugljan in Zadar County takes about 15 minutes. This is one of those legs where you can relax, grab a drink, and just take in the view from the water. It is also a nice buffer between swim sessions.

At Ugljan, you get a photo stop plus an aperitif moment, and then time for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling for about 1 hour. This structure is smart. The ride gives you a scenic intermission, then you get a second chance to swim when the light and water conditions might be a little different.

If you love photos, this is also one of the times when you will want to have your phone ready and dry. Salt spray is no joke, and the boat is moving. Bring something simple to secure it in your pocket or a small waterproof pouch if you have one.

Preko Village Time: Walk, Free Time, Then Back in the Water

Preko is the stop that turns the tour into more than just “boat plus swims.” There is another 15-minute boat cruise to get there, then the tour includes break time, a photo stop, a visit, and a block of free time. You also have time listed for walking, swimming, snorkeling, and a segment listed as class that likely adds a short guided moment on site.

You get about 70 minutes here. That length matters because it gives you choices. If you want to explore, you can take the walk and get a feel for village life. If you are still in your swim mood, you can mostly treat Preko as another sea stop with a land break rather than a full sightseeing run.

Past guests often describe this as one of the best parts, because it adds variety. You are not stuck swimming nonstop for 4 hours, and you can switch gears mentally. It is a good fit if you are traveling with someone who likes water but also wants land time.

Also, bring cash. The tour provides drinks on board, but free time is free time, and you might want to buy lunch or a coffee during your window in Preko. The fact that cash is specifically listed tells you to be ready.

The Zadar Return: Music, Liqueur, and Sunset Timing

From Preko, the boat cruises back to Zadar for about 30 minutes. This leg is often where the “wow” factor lands, especially if you are on an afternoon or sunset-focused departure. The tour notes that calmer waters are best in the morning, while afternoon tends to deliver the stunning sunset experience.

There is also music built into the experience. The tour highlights listening to your favorite music, and in practice the skippers tend to keep the vibe friendly and upbeat without turning it into a party boat. If you want quiet, bring a cover for your ears, but if you like a soundtrack, this is usually the moment the trip feels most relaxed.

And yes, the homemade liqueur shows up here too. It is the kind of detail that feels small until you taste it, then you remember it later. A couple of guides have been praised specifically for being thoughtful and for making the day feel personal, with extra touches like sending photos after the trip in some cases.

What You Actually Get On Board: Gear, Life Jackets, and Drinks That Save You Money

This tour is built around convenience. You get snorkeling equipment plus life jacket for safety. You also get water and ice tea included, and homemade liqueur is part of the onboard drinks.

Beer is also listed as part of the drink offering, along with soft drink options. The best value here is that you do not have to spend time or money sourcing basic essentials once you arrive. You show up with your towel and proper shoes, and you get the rest.

One thing I’d plan for is the reality of a speedboat day. You will likely get splashed. Even if you are not jumping in constantly, the deck can get wet. A towel is listed for a reason, and hat and water shoes help you stay comfortable rather than just surviving.

Price and Value: Why $29 for 4 Hours Can Feel Fair

At about $29 per person for 4 hours, this tour is priced in the “you should do this at least once” zone. The value comes from three practical things:

First, snorkeling gear is included, which removes a common extra cost and avoids the rental hassle. Second, you get multiple water stops, not one short swim and a quick photo. Third, the drink package helps, because you are not paying for soda, water, or local liqueur during the day.

Also, the pacing is not a full-day grind. You get a half-day format with enough time at each stop to actually swim. For many people, that is the difference between “we saw it” and “we experienced it.”

If you are watching your budget, I’d compare this against the cost of paying for a speedboat ride plus separate snorkeling rental plus bottled drinks. Even with modest assumptions, the included essentials make the price feel reasonable.

Who This Zadar Snorkeling Boat Tour Suits Best

This fits best if you want a small, active half-day on the water and you like the idea of splitting time between swimming and island viewing. It is a good choice if you are staying in or near Zadar and want an easy way to reach islands like Ošljak, Ugljan County, and Preko without complicated logistics.

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, and people over 95 years. If you have a medical or mobility concern, it is worth asking before you book, because the tour involves time on a boat and getting in and out of the sea.

Also consider your comfort level in the water. Life jackets are included, but comfort still matters. If you do not swim well or you get anxious in open water, you may want to choose the morning run for calmer conditions.

What to Bring, What to Wear, and the Little Things That Matter

The tour lists what to bring, and I’d follow it closely. Pack a hat for sun, a towel for drying off, water shoes for stepping in and out, and cash for any extras during free time. Bring your own sunscreen too if you use it, since the provided list focuses on essentials for comfort.

Not allowed is bikes, which is normal for a boat day. So if you are using a bike to get around Zadar, plan that portion separately.

Snorkeling Tips That Make This Tour Easier

I’m not going to pretend snorkeling is instantly easy for everyone. The good news is that this tour provides the gear and gives you time to get used to it.

Here’s how I’d make it smoother:

• Start at the first Ošljak swim session and practice breathing before you chase fish.
• Move slowly in the water. Big motions stir up sand and reduce visibility.
• If you get tired, switch to floating and looking instead of forcing long swims.
• Keep an eye on your footing when returning to the boat. Water shoes help more than you think.
• Use the second swim stop as a bonus, not a pressure moment. Even if the first stop is crowded or choppy, the later bays can still be great.

Should You Book This Zadar Boat Tour With Snorkeling Gear?

If your idea of a great day is sea air, clear water, and multiple chances to snorkel, I’d strongly consider booking. The combination of included gear, included drinks, and real time at islands like Ošljak and Preko is the sweet spot for value and enjoyment.

Book it if:

• You want an active half-day without renting equipment
• You like the mix of water time and a village break
• You are flexible about swimming comfort and want life jacket support

Skip it if:

• You hate boats or open-water steps in and out of the sea
• You are traveling with someone in the listed non-suitable categories
• You only want a purely scenic tour with no swimming component

If you can, choose morning for calmer conditions or afternoon for sunset timing.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is near a gas station.

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life jacket.

What drinks are included on board?

Water, ice tea, homemade liqueur, and beer (as part of the drink options) are included.

Is there a guide and what language do they speak?

Yes, there is a live tour guide, and the tour is in English.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a hat, a towel, water shoes, and cash.

Are bikes allowed?

No, bikes are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for young children or older adults?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or people over 95 years.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay later?

Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, so you do not need to pay at the time of booking.