Zadar: Private SpeedBoat Tour to Islands – Drinks Included

Fast boats and quiet coves, a rare combo. This private speedboat tour from Zadar is a smart way to see more than just the shoreline, with time for snorkeling and swimming in clear water. I also love that the day comes with drinks included, so you spend less time hunting for a cold beer and more time enjoying the ride. The main thing to consider is that it is a speedboat on open water, so you should expect a bouncy ride and it is not set up for non-swimmers or anyone with certain health concerns.

You sail from Foša harbor and cruise along the Zadar waterfront toward Ugljan, with stops that feel practical, not rushed. Between swim breaks, sightseeing, and a couple of short speed segments, the 4 hours are built around water time and photo moments. If you want control over the pacing, the tour can be customized, and the skipper handles the details in English.

The result is a “treat yourself” half day that mixes speed, scenery, and real time on the water. It is best when you like moving around and you are comfortable getting in the sea.

Key highlights at a glance

• Kostanj bay views plus a sandy-beach swim stop near Ugljan
• Ošljak, the smallest inhabited island in Croatia with sightseeing and water time
• Crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling breaks
• Drinks included with fuel, so the day feels all-in
• Private group feel with an experienced skipper and a more flexible pace
• Photo stops built into the route, not tacked on at the end

Why a private speedboat works so well around Zadar

Zadar looks great from land, but the coast tells a different story from the water. On this tour, you are not stuck staring at a coastline from the back of a bus, or waiting around for the “next stop.” You get that satisfying sense of motion, then you slow down for the parts that matter most, swimming, snorkeling, and short explorations.

The “private” part is not just marketing. With your own boat and your own skipper, you can usually spend more time where you want it, like a beach where the water feels inviting, or an island spot where you want photos without feeling rushed. For a 4-hour trip, that flexibility makes a big difference.

And I like that the experience keeps your energy budget in mind. You get quick cruising segments, then clear, scheduled break windows for swimming and sightseeing. If your ideal day is outdoors and hands-on, this fits.

Foša harbor to Kostanj bay: getting the best of the Zadar waterfront fast

The tour starts from Zadar Boat Tours, with a typical departure from Foša harbor. There is also a practical meeting point in the city, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and pickup is possible within the area where the boat can dock by. That matters because you avoid extra time crossing town just to start your boat day.

Once you leave, you immediately enjoy the Zadar waterfront while the boat gets up to speed. The schedule gives you a short cruise period, then a longer break in the area around Ugljan and Kostanj. This is a good design for first-time boat riders too, because you do not spend half the trip just traveling.

Kostanj bay is where the day turns from views to water. You get the chance to swim and snorkel in clear sea water, with snorkeling gear included. The itinerary also builds in a photo stop and sightseeing time, so you can take in the coastline without skipping the fun.

Swimming and snorkeling in Kostanj bay: what to watch for

This is one of the best parts of the half-day itinerary, because it gives you real time in the water, not just a quick dip. You are not guessing where to go either. The boat stops at a sandy-beach area near Kostanj, which is a straightforward place to get in and out.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from renting equipment or scrambling for it last minute. Also, the tour is set up for a comfortable rhythm: cruise a bit, then break, then cruise again. That keeps the day from feeling like one long stretch of waiting.

One consideration is comfort. Speedboats bounce when waves build, and you will feel that more if you are sensitive to motion. If you are prone to back pain or have heart-related concerns, the tour is not recommended. And it is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not for non-swimmers, so if you are still learning, you should sit this one out.

Practical tip: bring swimwear you are comfortable getting on and off quickly, and have sun protection ready. The best swim time tends to happen when you are not thinking about anything except the water.

Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island: a stop that feels special

Ošljak is the kind of place that sounds small until you see it on the water. The tour treats it as a major highlight, with a dedicated stop built for sightseeing plus swimming and snorkeling.

During the Ošljak portion, you have time for sightseeing and marine life viewing. You also get a pass-by moment where the skipper positions the boat for good views as you approach. That pass-by is useful because it lets you spot what you want to photograph before you decide how long to stay at the water.

What I like about this stop is that it breaks up the day in a satisfying way. You are not just repeating the same beach stop over and over. Ošljak changes the feel, from sandy swim time to a more island-horizon experience, then back to another water break afterward.

The schedule also keeps it efficient. After the Ošljak stop, there is another short speed segment before you reach Preko. So you are not spending the whole day idling in one spot.

Preko village and the Jaz beach break: more than just swimming

After Ošljak, the tour reaches Preko village, where you get a longer break. This is where the day shifts from “boat and water” to “small-town sea views.” The itinerary includes a photo stop, free time, time to walk, and another chance to swim.

Jaz beach near Preko is described as a sandy beach area with cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants. That is a big deal for your energy level. Even if you want to keep the focus on water, you can take a short walk, grab a snack if you want, and let the day feel more like a coastal outing.

You also get the kind of break that is hard to replicate on a rigid tour. Free time means you can do what fits your mood, stroll for photos, relax near the water, or spend more time with the sea if you are having fun.

One more practical point: because this is a private speedboat tour, you are not sharing the break time with a big crowd in the same way you would on a larger group boat. That usually translates into more calm decision-making, where you can choose your pace.

Drinks included and snorkeling gear ready: why this matters for value

This tour is unusual in a simple way: it tries to remove friction. Fuel and drinks are included, and snorkeling gear is part of the package, so you are not doing a last-minute run for bottles, ice, or equipment.

The drinks you get are more than just water. You can expect soft drinks and bottled water, plus beer, wine, and liquor. There is also time set aside for spirits and wine tasting during a break period. In other words, the day is planned around enjoying the ride, not just getting from point A to point B.

I also love that the included setup seems to be consistent with what people remember. In the experience feedback, guests specifically call out wine, beer, water, and even ice tea as part of the flow. That suggests you are not going to feel like the boat is “almost” supplying what you need. You settle in and enjoy it.

And gear inclusion is the unsung hero. Snorkeling can be fun, but only if you actually have what you need. Having snorkeling equipment provided helps you spend your brain power on where you look and what you spot, not on logistics.

Skipper style and keeping the day flexible in real time

The skipper experience is a key part of why people rate this tour highly. In feedback, I saw repeated praise for the skipper being accommodating and fun, plus providing plenty of time for sightseeing.

Two names come up in guest notes: capitan Kristin and Christian. The common thread is how they manage pacing, giving guests the space to enjoy locations without feeling pushed through like checklists. That matters in a coastal setting where conditions can shift, and where you might want more time looking at a view or lingering at the edge of the water.

A private tour also means your questions get answered immediately. Want to know where the water looks best? Ask. Want more time at a specific spot? If the route allows, you can often shape it. That is how you turn a standard itinerary into a day that feels personal.

One small reality check: this is still a scheduled 4-hour adventure with planned stops. Customizing usually means adjusting timing inside the route rhythm, not rewriting the entire geography.

Price and value: what $470 for up to 10 really buys

At $470 per group for up to 10 people, this can be good value if you treat it like a full private water experience, not like a bargain boat ride.

Here is what you are paying for, beyond the speedboat itself:

• A private group format, so you avoid the stress of joining the biggest crowd
• Fuel included, which matters for what the boat can reasonably cover in 4 hours
• Drinks included, including beer and wine, plus other beverages
• Snorkeling gear included, so you reduce add-on costs
• A live English guide, plus a skipper who manages the day

In practice, the “value” comes from bundling. If you had to piece together a charter, add drinks, rent snorkeling gear, and pay for a guide separately, the cost would likely climb fast. Here, it is one package price aimed at a relaxed experience where you can actually enjoy the water stops.

If you are traveling as a small group of 2 to 4, it can still be a splurge worth it, especially if everyone wants a speedboat day with drinks and snorkeling. If you are a bigger group approaching 10, the per-person cost drops naturally, and it becomes easier to justify.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A private speedboat experience with scheduled swim and snorkel breaks
• Time to see Zadar and nearby islands from the water
• A mix of sea time plus short sightseeing stops like Ošljak and Preko
• Included drinks that make the day feel like a celebration, not a chore

It is not a good match if you:

• Need wheelchair accessibility, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• Have back problems or heart problems, since it is not suitable
• Are non-swimmers, since it is not suitable
• Are pregnant, since it is not recommended
• Are traveling with pets, since pets are not allowed
• Have very young children, since it is not suitable for children under 2 years

If you are unsure, think about how you feel on bumpy rides. If you dislike motion or feel uncomfortable in open water conditions, choose a slower option instead.

Tips to make your 4 hours feel effortless

Because this is about short time windows, you will enjoy it more if you show up ready to swim and relax.

• Arrive with swimwear ready, and keep essentials easy to reach.
• Bring sun protection, the day includes swim time and open water views.
• If you snorkel, take a moment to adjust to breathing at the surface before you hunt for marine life.
• Keep your phone secure for water stops if you bring it, because you will be moving between boat and shoreline.

Also, tell the skipper what you want. The tour can be customized to fit your preferences, so if you want more time for swimming or a slower sightseeing pace, ask early when you are on board.

Should you book the Zadar speedboat to islands with drinks included?

If your goal is a high-energy half day with real water time, I would book this. The mix makes sense: Zadar waterfront views, a proper Kostanj bay swim and snorkeling break, a memorable Ošljak stop, then Preko and Jaz for a longer break with cafes and walking. Add in drinks included, snorkeling gear provided, and a private skipper, and it becomes an easy decision when you want an authentic coastal experience without extra planning.

I would skip it only if you cannot swim, dislike bouncy boat rides, or fall into the health and accessibility categories listed for non-suitability.

Bottom line: this is a great pick for couples, friends, and small groups who want the Adriatic to feel close, fast, and fun, with fewer logistics to worry about.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What is the price and group size?

It costs $470 per group and can host up to 10 people.

Where does the tour start and where is the meeting point?

It departs from Foša harbor in Zadar. The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, Croatia, and pickup may be possible in the surrounding area where the boat can dock.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling gear is included, along with drinks and fuel. Drinks include soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor. Beer and bottled water are specifically listed as included.

Is the tour private, and is there a guide?

Yes, it is a private group tour with a live English tour guide.

Is this tour suitable for everyone who wants to swim?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling time, but you need to be comfortable in the water.

What are the rules on pets and cancellations?

Pets are not allowed. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.