A speedboat, three stops, real swimming time. This Zadar outing mixes adrenaline rides with clear-water snorkeling and quick island breaks, including coves like Pjescana Uvala and quieter spots around Ošljak and Preko. I especially like how the day is paced so you get time in the water, not just sitting on a boat, and how the host experience can make a difference, with captains such as Lovre and Mateo showing up in the feedback as friendly, capable guides.

One thing to watch is money and meeting flow: there’s an extra €10 per person listed for fees and taxes, and some people found check-in a bit chaotic at the meeting spot. The good news is the crew tends to keep things moving, and the whole tour stays to a small group size.

Key Highlights (Quick Take)

• 3 swimming and exploring stops across the Zadar Archipelago, not just one cove
• Snorkeling gear included, plus cold drinks and bottled water
• Small group size (max 10), which usually means less waiting around
• Sandy-bay snorkeling option at Pjescana Uvala, with clear water and fish views
• Preko on Ugljan Island for beach time, coffee, and a possible swim toward Galevac
• Flexible routing when conditions change, depending on wind

Zadar Speedboat With 3 Stops: What This Half-Day Feels Like

This is the kind of tour that works best when you want an active afternoon in Zadar rather than a long day of transit. You’re on a speedboat for a big chunk of the 4 hours, then you hop off for swimming, snorkeling, and short walks. The itinerary is built around three different settings, so you’re not repeating the same scenery every time you get back on board.

You’ll start in Zadar and head out to the smaller bays and islands that make the area famous. The snorkeling part is the headline, but the scenery is the co-headliner: clear water, island villages, and shoreline views that look different at each stop.

The best part, for me, is that you don’t have to plan anything complicated. You just show up, grab the snorkeling kit, and go. With a small group (maximum 10 travelers), it also tends to feel more like a guided day on the water than a mass excursion.

Where You Meet in Zadar, and How Not to Lose Time

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. That’s the start point, and the tour ends back at the same place.

Here’s the practical tip: some guests reported the pickup/check-in area feeling confusing, especially if there are no clear name signs or if you arrive right at the last minute. So arrive a little early, and have your phone ready with your mobile ticket. If you’re traveling from a cruise area, plan for the possibility of extra ground transport costs, since one review noted a taxi ride from a cruise terminal.

Also, expect a quick handoff, not a slow, choreographed welcome. This is a speedboat tour. The day runs on timing, and the staff probably needs you to be on board and ready to go when your slot arrives.

Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj): The Best First Swim Break

Stop one is Pjescana Uvala, sometimes referred to as Kostanj. It’s a Croatian bay that’s about a 15 minute drive from Zadar by speedboat, tucked between Dalmatian islands. What matters most here is the water: guests describe it as crystal clear, with visibility down to the sandy bottom and small fish.

You’ll get around 40 minutes here, which is a solid window for:

• a relaxed swim
• putting on snorkeling gear
• doing a couple of passes to enjoy different angles of the seabed

Snorkeling at this stop is the most straightforward, because the bay has a sandy bottom and you can focus on the water clarity. If you’re newer to snorkeling, this is likely the best place to start, since the environment is easier to read visually than more challenging cave or channel spots.

A quick consideration: if you’re expecting huge “showcase reefs” packed with wildlife, your experience may be more about clear water, fish, and the feel of snorkeling in a calm cove than about dramatic marine life. Some feedback calls snorkeling out as more pleasant than spectacular. Still, for most people, this stop is the best opening taste of why Zadar is worth leaving land.

Ošljak Island: Quiet Walks, an Old Church, and WWII Ruins

Stop two is Ošljak, a smaller island in the Zadar Archipelago with only a few families living there. This stop is more about slow island time than hard activity. About 1 hour gives you enough time to walk the shoreline and enjoy the calm.

What I like about Ošljak is that it offers “in-between” variety. You’re not just swimming. You can wander and soak up a slower pace, then come back to the boat ready for stop three.

There are also points of interest mentioned in the tour description:

• a small church dating to the IX century
• ruins of a hospital from World War II

That mix gives you something to look for beyond water. If you enjoy spotting details while you walk, this is a good stop. If you’re mainly there for snorkeling, you might treat this as your decompression break, then save your energy for Preko.

Preko on Ugljan Island: Beach Time, Coffee Views, and Galevac

Stop three is Preko, a small village on Ugljan Island. In summer, it’s lively, but off-season it gets very quiet. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is generous compared to many “short swim stop” tours.

This stop has two big advantages:

1. You get real time on land as well as water.
2. There’s a sandy beach area, with an easy “grab your mask and go” vibe.

Preko also has coffee shops with views, so you can do a simple break that feels like island living rather than a rushed port stop. If you want a practical plan: swim first, then grab a drink on shore while you dry off.

A fun extra clue from the tour notes: from Preko, you can swim toward another island called Galevac to look for a small monastery hidden between the trees. That’s not something you should force in rough water, but if conditions look good, it adds a sense of adventure without needing a second excursion.

One more reality check: some tours can land at port-like areas depending on conditions. If your exact stop location ends up more harbor than beach, you can still enjoy the water, but the vibe might be less “cove beach day” and more “dockside swim.”

Boat Ride Reality: Wind, Speed, Spray, and Flexible Routing

This is an adrenaline-style speedboat, so it comes with the usual water-ride package: speed, turns, and spray. One review described the ride as getting very wet due to wind and a full boat, with water hitting the back as the boat cut through waves.

Plan for that. Bring nothing you can’t afford to get soaked, and keep valuables secured. If you’re carrying a towel, leave it at home or use something you don’t mind getting wet, since personal items like towels are specifically not included.

Also, wind matters. The tour requires good weather, and the captain may adapt the route when conditions change. That flexibility can be a positive, since you’re more likely to get usable swim windows rather than a boring, stalled day.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. A speedboat ride is not the place to “tough it out” if you already feel queasy on boats.

Snorkeling Gear, Life Vests, and What You Can Realistically See

Snorkeling equipment is included, plus bottled water and cold drinks. That means you should not be stuck renting gear or spending extra just to get in the water.

You may still want to bring your own goggles or even a spare pair, because one review noted snorkel equipment and life vest sizing could be inconsistent on a crowded boat. Another person said snorkeling was kind of limited in what you could see, even though the water was clear.

So here’s the balanced expectation:

• You’re going for clear water and enjoyable swimming.
• You’re likely to see small fish and sandy-bottom scenery.
• You may not see lots of dramatic wildlife, especially if conditions limit visibility or if you stay in deeper or more practical snorkeling zones.

Safety-wise, you’re on your own once you’re in the water, so treat snorkeling like a swim, not like a guided crawl through attractions. If you go into narrow areas or through spots that require strong swimming, don’t be shy about staying within the easier swimming zones.

One more tip from reviews: urchins can be present around rocky areas, so bring sea footwear if you like extra protection. Many designated beaches are cleared, but the safest approach is to assume the coastline can be unpredictable.

Price and Value Check: What $38.71 Really Buys

The price is listed at $38.71 per person for an approximately 4 hour experience. That’s a strong value on paper, because it includes:

• snorkeling equipment
• bottled water
• cold drinks
• a small-group speedboat day with three stops

But the true cost may be higher once you factor in what’s not included. The tour lists an additional €10 per person for fees and taxes. On top of that, some guests reported a separate cash docking charge request at the dock. Even if you don’t see that exact request, you should plan for the possibility that on-the-water fees happen in practice.

So my value advice is simple: budget for the published price plus the listed €10 fee, and carry some euros just in case. If you’re on a cruise, also check whether you can reach the meeting point easily without paying for a taxi.

Is it still good value? For many people, yes, because you’re paying for transport, time at multiple islands, and access to coves with snorkeling. The “bang for buck” is highest if you actually use the water time and don’t spend the day on shore looking for something to do.

Who Should Book This Speedboat Snorkeling Tour, and Who Might Skip

This tour fits best if you:

• want active time on the water with multiple stops
• like snorkeling in clear bays rather than searching for a rare “must-see” reef
• enjoy small-group experiences where captains like Lovre, Mateo, Josef, Mario, and Tony can keep the day fun and moving
• don’t mind getting wet and you’re okay with wind affecting routes

You might skip it if you:

• need a guaranteed, low-spray ride (this is a speedboat, and water spray is common when it’s windy)
• expect a restroom onboard (there isn’t one)
• are looking for a long, talky guided tour with deep onshore sightseeing
• require lots of marine life action, since snorkeling can be more about clear water than about abundance

It’s also best for travelers who can follow quick instructions and get in the water without needing a long warm-up.

Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat Tour With Snorkeling?

Yes, if you want a practical, half-day way to see real Zadar Archipelago scenery and spend meaningful time swimming. The combination of three stop types (clear sandy bay, quiet island walk, village beach time) is what makes the tour feel worth it. And with a small maximum group size, it usually stays friendly and easy to manage.

I’d book it with a bit of caution around two things: plan for extra fees beyond the base price, and assume you’ll get soaked a little, especially if the wind is up. If you pack smart (secured belongings, sea footwear if you want it, and dry backup clothes), you’re set.

If your goal is maximum snorkeling spectacle, keep your expectations flexible. But if your goal is a fun afternoon on the water with drinks, easy access to multiple coves, and a captain who helps you make the most of the route, this is a very solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

It runs for approximately 4 hours.

How many stops are included?

There are 3 stops: Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and cold drinks.

Is food or dinner included?

No. Dinner and other food are not included in the offer.

Is there a restroom available on board?

No. There is no restroom available onboard, and personal items like towels are also not included.

Are there extra fees on top of the listed price?

Yes. All fees and taxes are listed as €10 per person and are not included in the base offer price.

What weather conditions does the tour require?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.