Zadar: Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko Islands Speedboat Tour

A speedboat day in Zadar is a fast way to get island time. This tour strings together three different moods, from a sandy swim at Kostanj, to Ošljak in the Zadar channel, to the village of Preko on Ugljan. You get short ride legs, then real time in the water and around the islands.

I like the practical value here: snorkeling gear is included, plus beer and water. I also like the small group size, max 10 people, which makes it feel like a personal skipper-led outing instead of a cattle-car cruise. One thing to consider is that it is not a great fit if you are a non-swimmer or you have mobility and medical limits, since you will be getting on and off a speedboat and doing swims.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group max 10 for a more personal experience on the water
• Snorkeling gear included, so you can actually use the clear sea
• Kostanj sandy beach gives you a simple, sandy shoreline break
• Ošljak is the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, with a quick photo and swim stop
• Preko on Ugljan gives you both strolling time and another swim window
• Beer and water on board, plus a local-skipper vibe that many people rave about

Speedboat time, island stops, and why this feels like a win

This is the kind of Zadar island tour that respects your time. Instead of spending half the day in transit, you get quick speedboat hops and then focused stops. That matters because the real reason people book Zadar islands by boat is the water, not the sitting.

The route is built around three distinct experiences. Kostanj is where you loosen up and swim. Ošljak is the “wait, this is small and inhabited?” moment in the Zadar channel. Preko is where you trade saltwater for street time, even if it is just for a long break and a walk.

Price-wise, $57 for a 4-hour speedboat tour is only a good deal if the included bits actually save you money or time. Here, they do. You are getting snorkeling gear, plus beer and water. Food is not included, but you are not paying extra for basic swim gear either. For many people, that turns the trip from a “boat ride” into an actual island day.

Finding Zadar Boat Tours and getting on the right speedboat

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours at the waterfront. The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo at the meeting point, so you do not have to wander the docks guessing. This is one of those small details that can make or break a morning schedule, and it sounds like this operator keeps it simple and on-time.

Your skipper is listed with English as the driver language. In practice, that means you should be able to follow stop-by-stop explanations, which helps when you are deciding how long to swim, snorkel, or just hang out.

Once you are aboard, expect an easy rhythm: get moving, reach the first bay, swim, then repeat. Many groups like this format because it is not fussy. You are not constantly listening to long lectures on deck.

Kostanj sandy bay: the easiest swim start

The first stop is Kostanj, the sandy beach in the bay (about 1 hour). This is a smart opener. Sandy shoreline is forgiving. It is easier to step into the water, easier to find your rhythm, and more comfortable if you want a relaxed swim before you commit to snorkeling.

This is also your main “equipment moment.” Snorkeling gear is included, so you can grab it right away. The tour experience is set up for both choices: you can snorkel, or you can simply swim and cool off. The stop includes time for sightseeing along the way and marine life viewing when you snorkel.

A practical consideration: water temperature can vary, and some people found the first swim a bit chilly. That is not a deal-breaker, but if you get cold easily, give yourself a minute, start with shallow entry, and do not force a long snorkel session immediately.

Ošljak in the Zadar channel: small island, quick decisions

Next comes Ošljak (about 45 minutes), a stop in the Zadar channel. The highlight is that Ošljak is described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. That title matters because it changes how you experience the stop. This is not about a full village tour. It is about the “wow, this is tiny” setting and the sea around it.

You get a break time and a photo stop, plus sightseeing and swimming and snorkeling options. With only about 45 minutes, you will want to decide early what you care about most:

• If you want photos, focus on quick shots first, then get in the water.
• If you want snorkeling, treat it like a window, not a marathon.

Many people like Ošljak because it feels like a real island detour, not a drive-by. But it is still a short stop, so you should not expect time for a long walk.

Preko on Ugljan: village time that doesn’t feel rushed

Then you land at Preko on Ugljan (about 75 minutes). This is the one stop that blends sea time with land time, and that balance is exactly why it works. You get break time and a photo stop, plus time to walk. You can also swim and snorkel again if you want.

Seventy-five minutes is a comfortable chunk for wandering. It is long enough to browse a few streets, get oriented, and grab a bite if you are hungry, but it is short enough that you will still feel like the sea day stays in control. Since food is not included, this stop is also where you can handle your own meal plan. Bring cash or a card you can use locally, and keep expectations simple: this is island strolling plus a snack and swim if you feel like it.

One practical note from the tour rhythm: you will be getting on and off the boat multiple times through the day. Having a towel and wearing swimwear you can move in quickly will make this stop far less annoying.

The boat ride itself: music, easy boarding, and a skipper-led pace

This tour is marketed as a speedboat adventure on a “brand-new” boat. Your experience will depend on your skipper and group, but the pattern is consistent: the ride is the fun part, and the captain helps shape where you spend your time.

The reviews you gave show a strong theme around the skipper personalities, and you might hear things like friendly guidance, local storytelling, and a relaxed party-leaning vibe with music on board. Captains named Luca, Kristijan, Kristijan Kačan, Kristian, and Luka show up in the feedback, which is a good sign that English speaking instruction is handled well.

There is also a small but meaningful detail: people mention a cool box with waters and beer. That turns the trip into a “swim, drink, repeat” day without having to stop for snacks between locations.

One more value signal: the transport quality is rated highly, with 97% of reviewers giving a perfect score for transport. That does not guarantee every detail will be identical for every departure, but it does point to reliability and a decent boat condition.

Snorkeling gear included: what to expect from the sea time

Snorkeling gear is included, which is important because it removes friction. You do not have to pack gear or rent it in Zadar. You can just show up with swimwear and sunscreen and go.

You will have multiple chances to use it:

• Kostanj for about an hour
• Ošljak for about 45 minutes
• Preko for about 75 minutes

That repeated access is valuable. Even if you do not love snorkeling, those swim windows can be a relief from walking around town. And if you do like it, you get enough time to try it, adjust, and try again.

Since the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, the assumption is that you are comfortable in open water at least at a basic level. If you are more cautious, talk to your skipper at the start. Use the first stop to test how you feel before you commit to longer snorkeling.

Drinks, food, and how to plan a simple day

Beer and water are included. That is a real part of the value math because it saves money and keeps you hydrated during sun and sea time.

Food is not included, and gratuities are also not included. So you will likely do one of two things:

• Eat during the longer Preko break
• Or bring a snack and keep meals light

The sweet spot here is to plan around Preko as your main land break for food. Kostanj and Ošljak are more about swimming and photos, so do not plan on a full meal there.

Also, the tour is 4 hours total. You do not have time to over-plan. I recommend you pack your essentials, then let the day be flexible based on your comfort in the water.

What to bring, and what to skip

The tour list is straightforward. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

This is not just generic beach advice. It matches the real flow of the trip: repeated water entries, sun exposure, and getting dry quickly between stops.

Skip anything that slows you down. This is a speedboat day, not a sit-down sightseeing schedule. Also note that pets are not allowed, so plan for that if you are traveling with animals.

Who this tour is best for (and who should pass)

This is best for people who want a classic Zadar islands day without overthinking it. In particular:

• You like swimming and you are comfortable doing it from a boat
• You want a small-group experience, max 10 people
• You want a mix of sandy beach time and a village walk

It may not work for you if:

• You are a non-swimmer
• You are over 264 lbs (120 kg)
• You have back or heart problems
• You are pregnant
• You need wheelchair access
• You are traveling with pets
• You are traveling with children under 2 years

Those limits matter. Speedboats involve getting in and out, balancing, and being in and out of water quickly. If you are unsure, treat the “not suitable” list as a safety guide rather than a suggestion.

Price and value: $57 for a sea day that actually fills the hours

At $57 per person for about 4 hours, the value hinges on three things you get for free or included:

1. Speedboat transport between multiple islands and bays
2. Snorkeling gear, so you can participate in the main activity
3. Beer and water, which makes the ride feel like a complete experience

Food is not included, but you do get a long stop on Ugljan at Preko where you can eat on your own schedule. So you are not paying for meals, yet you still get a realistic chance to grab lunch.

The small-group cap of 10 also matters for value. If you hate crowded tours, this is one of those rare “island time” options that does not feel like a mass event.

The main cost “gotcha” is personal spending for food and anything you want beyond what is included. If you go in with that mindset, the price feels fair for a speedboat itinerary that gives you multiple swim windows.

Should you book the Zadar islands speedboat tour?

I would book this if you want a straightforward, water-first day around Zadar, with real breaks on Kostanj, Ošljak, and Preko. The included snorkeling gear and drinks turn it into more than a scenic ride, and the small group size makes the day feel less scripted.

I would skip it if you are not comfortable swimming, if you have health or mobility concerns listed as not suitable, or if you want a meal included and a longer land tour. This is an island-by-sea day, and it stays focused on that.

If you are deciding between “boating around town” and “actually using the sea,” this tour is built for the second option. Pack what the tour asks for, wear what you can swim in, and plan your lunch around Preko.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar islands speedboat tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You start at Zadar Boat Tours at the waterfront. The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo.

What islands and stops are included?

The tour includes a stop at Kostanj sandy beach, a stop at Ošljak, and a stop at Preko on Ugljan.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the tour.

Are drinks included?

Beer and water are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

What language does the skipper speak?

The driver/skipper speaks English.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is this tour refundable if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.