Speedboats out of Zadar are pure attitude. On this half-day island-hopping run, you get open-water speed, swims in coves, and island-town wandering, all capped with included onboard drinks and easygoing group energy, usually limited to 12. I especially like the included drinks and the fact that snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) plus life vests are part of the deal.

One heads-up: it is an open boat with no indoor space, so you will feel the wind and sea spray, and there is no toilet onboard.

The highlight for me is how you build your day around real places, not just photos, with Preko getting the most relaxing beach-and-town time. Guides often keep things fun and organized, and names like Tom, Mateo, Simon, and Antonio show up often in the crew praise. The possible drawback is simple, you do not get one long, uninterrupted beach day, the schedule mixes swimming, a walking stop, and Preko, so plan your expectations around a tour pace.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Preko beach time plus a small-island swim option, with restaurants, cafes, and ice cream nearby
• Snorkeling included with masks and snorkels, plus life vests for easier comfort
• Included drinks onboard, typically water, iced tea, and three beers per person
• Open-air speedboat fun, with some shade at the back but no cover up front
• Variable stop options, so you get different coves and towns depending on weather and conditions

The Zadar to Islands Speedboat Plan, in Plain Terms

This tour is built for people who like motion. You start from the waterfront area by Nautica Zadar and then hop between bays and islands in a fast group ride, cruising roughly at 20-25 knots. The total time on the water is about four hours, which is just enough to feel like you escaped, without stealing your whole day.

What makes the experience “click” is the mix of swim breaks and short on-island stretches. One stop is mainly about getting in the water with snorkeling gear. Another stop gives you room to walk, hike a bit, and explore. Then you land in Preko, where you can swap sea time for a proper beach break and a stroll through a small town.

Because the boat is open and you are exposed to the elements, you are not looking at a slow, sheltered sightseeing day. You are looking at a Mediterranean day that feels active, social, and slightly chaotic in a good way, especially when the group is upbeat and the guide keeps the pace smooth.

Price Value: Why $38 Can Actually Feel Like a Deal

On paper, $38 sounds reasonable for a half-day speedboat. In practice, it feels better because the tour includes several items that you would usually pay for separately: snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), life vests, and unlimited water and iced tea plus three beers per person.

That matters because the main cost of a boat day is the boat itself, and the extras often come later as add-ons. Here, you get the basic swim and safety gear up front, and you do not have to hunt for a drink between stops. Docking fees are separate, but the tour still gives you a lot for the base price.

One more value point is how the guide runs the day. Reviews repeatedly flag attentive hosts who keep things organized and keep drinks moving. When the crew is on point, you spend less time wondering what is next and more time enjoying the water.

What the Boat Ride Feels Like, Wind, Spray, and All

This is a group speedboat tour with up to 12 people. It has no indoor space. The front is uncovered, and the back has an awning that gives some shade, but you are not going to hide from the sun or wind completely.

So here is what you should plan for:

• You will likely get sea spray.
• Your hair and clothes might get wet if conditions are breezy.
• You should treat this like a seaside activity, not a dry sightseeing experience.

The speed is part of the fun. You feel the coast, the wind, and the quick transitions between islands. If you do not like that kind of movement, or if the weather is rough, this may not be your best match. But if you want energy, this boat gives it.

Also note the skipper speaks English only. That is fine for most people, since the tour guide and crew handle what you need, but it is good to know what to expect.

Getting There on Time: Nautica Zadar Meeting Point Tips

The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite the city walls, and you should look for Nautica Zadar in the activity images. If you are unsure, send a picture of your location via WhatsApp to the provider so they can confirm you are in the right place.

Timing matters. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, because the boarding process is part of the tour flow. If you show up late, you risk getting left behind, and nobody wants that stress before a boat day.

If you are driving, plan for parking problems. The local reality is that getting a car placed can be difficult, so if you can use another transport option, you will probably thank yourself later.

Stop One: Swimming and Snorkeling in Blue Bay Otric (and Similar Coves)

Your first real swim moment centers on a bay suitable for anchoring and water time. In the typical run, you start with a short speed segment and then reach a swimming and snorkeling location such as Blue Bay Otrić. You get about 45 minutes here, which is a good chunk of time for a calm dip, then snorkeling, then a rinse of the saltwater sand habit.

Snorkeling gear is provided, including a mask and snorkel. You also get life vests, which makes the whole thing feel more approachable, especially if you are not a hardcore swimmer.

Water depth is listed as around 2-3 meters at the swim bay. That is shallow enough to feel secure and adjust easily. Your body gets the feel quickly, and it is easy to decide whether you want a quick swim or a longer look around the water.

A practical note from the experience pattern: water can be cold even in shoulder season. If you are going in April or late May, expect it to feel chilly at first, and then tolerable once you are in. Bring sunscreen anyway, because the sun can still be strong even when the water temperature is not friendly.

The Mid-Route Changeable Stop: Weather Decides the Best Spot

After the first swim, the exact next stop can shift based on weather forecast, sea conditions, wind direction, and crowd levels. That sounds vague, but it usually leads to a smarter day for you, because the crew is choosing what is safe and enjoyable rather than forcing a single fixed location.

In this phase, you might get:

• A fishing village or small settlement feel
• A secluded bay that is perfect for another swim
• A walking and exploring stretch where you can move on shore

Because the boat is moving, the goal is not long, deep hiking. It is more about stepping out, stretching your legs, and seeing the coast from a different angle. You will get time for short wandering, and then you are back on the boat for the next leg.

One review trend worth reading between the lines: people love the variety, but some also wish there was more time at the best beach stop later in the day. That is the trade-off you should expect from an itinerary built for multiple highlights rather than one long stay.

The Longer On-Shore Time: A Quiet Cove Stop With Walking and Swimming

There is an extra stop that gives you about an hour. This is the time window for the walking, light hiking, and off-boat exploration. It is also a good moment if you want to stretch your legs after sitting and floating on the boat.

What makes this stop valuable is the mix. You are not only getting wet, you are getting land time too. If you enjoy wandering for small views, footpath breaks, and simply moving your body in a new place, this is where that happens.

The cave and cave-like scenery is not guaranteed as a fixed item in the tour description, but some runs are described as including spectacular cave scenery like the Blue Cave. Treat that as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

Preko Town and Beach: Where the Day Often Becomes Relaxing

Preko is the stop that many people point to as the one they remember most. You get about an hour here, which is the longest stretch in a single location during the tour. That time includes a break period with options for swimming, walking, and simply doing nothing for a while.

Preko makes it easy to switch modes:

• If you want water, there is a sandy beach option.
• If you want a short swim adventure, there is a listed 20-meter swim to Galevac Island.
• If you want a break from saltwater, you can head to local restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.

One small practical detail that matters: there are showers by the beach, which can help you get the salt off your skin if you are continuing your day in town. Preko is also described as kids-friendly and not overly crowded during some visits, which is a big reason families rate the day so highly.

Time at Preko is the emotional payoff of the whole schedule. When you land there and the water is calm, you stop thinking about the boat timeline and start enjoying the place.

Drinks, Music, and the Guides Who Run the Vibe

The tour includes drinks onboard. You get unlimited water and iced tea, plus three beers per person. That is not a party on paper, but the day has a social feel, and the drinks help make it easy to chat with people from different countries.

The crew hospitality stands out in the way this tour is reviewed. Guides are repeatedly named, including Tom, Mateo, Simon, Antonio, Luka, and Don, and people talk about ice-cold beer and the host checking in with the group. If you care about having someone manage the energy, you are likely in good hands.

Music can also be part of the experience. Some reviews mention that you can play your own music, and that certain guides encourage choosing music and keeping the mood light. That matters on a speedboat day, because it turns a short ride into a shared experience.

Language is English only for skippers, so if you want deep history lectures, you might not get that. But you can expect guidance on what to do, when to swim, and where to be during boarding.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and the Stuff You Should Bring

Here is the practical checklist, based on what you are actually given and what you need to plan for.

Included

• Skipper and tour guide
• Snorkeling equipment: mask and snorkel
• Life vests
• Unlimited iced tea and water
• Three beers per person

Not included

• Combined docking fees, paid additionally in cash before the start of the tour
• Towels
• Swimming fins
• Food
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Cruise ship pickup and drop-off
• Toilet access on the boat

Bring

You will want the basics:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
• Towel, because you do not get one
• Comfortable shoes for the walking stop

If you are sensitive to cold water, go prepared. If you are going to wear fins, you should know they are not provided. You can still snorkel without fins, but fins help some people move more efficiently in the water.

Toilets and Other Small Constraints That Actually Matter

This is the constraint that can ruin a day if you ignore it. There is no toilet onboard, and there is only access to a toilet at the last stop. Take care of bathroom needs before boarding.

Also, this tour has physical limits:

• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for people with severe mobility impairments
• Maximum weight is listed as 120 kg (264 lbs)

These are not small technicalities. Getting on and off a speedboat, and moving around stops, needs your mobility.

Pets are also not allowed.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong fit for:

• Families who want a fun boat day with swim time and snacks available at Preko
• Couples who want a scenic half-day without spending extra time planning
• Solo travelers who want a social group with easy meeting, clear stops, and drinks onboard
• People who like active sightseeing, short walks, and swimming in different coves

This is a weaker fit for:

• Anyone who needs an onboard toilet
• Anyone who gets miserable in wind and spray
• People with mobility limitations, because the boat and stops are not designed for wheelchair travel
• People over the 120 kg limit

Timing, Crowd Feel, and Why the Itinerary Pace Can Be a Plus

You do not spend hours in any one place except Preko. That is by design. The pacing helps you cover multiple islands and beaches without turning the day into a long slog.

If your goal is a one-place beach binge, you may feel you want more time at Preko. If your goal is to sample several areas, walk a bit, then swim again, the tour pace makes sense.

I like the way it balances movement and breaks. You are not stuck on a boat the whole time, and you are not trapped on shore either. You get enough stops to feel like you experienced the coast, even though it is only half a day.

Should You Book the Zadar Island-Hopping Speedboat With Drinks?

Book it if you want:

• A fast, fun half-day on the Adriatic
• Included snorkeling gear and life vests
• Included drinks onboard, including beer
• A real town stop in Preko with sandy beach time and food options nearby

Skip it if:

• You need sheltered indoor comfort
• You cannot handle getting splashed in wind and sea spray
• You strongly prefer one long beach session over several shorter stops
• You need toilet access during the ride

If you match the tour style, it is great value for money and the reviews back up what matters most: the crew keeps the day running smoothly and the best moments land where you want them.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and where do I meet?

Meet at the waterfront opposite the city walls. Look for the Nautica Zadar photo shown in the activity images. If you are not sure you are in the right place, take a picture of where you are and send it to the provider on WhatsApp.

How long is the speedboat tour from Zadar?

The duration is listed as 4 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability to see which departures are offered.

What drinks are included onboard?

Unlimited iced tea and water are included, and beer is included as well, with 3 beers per person.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with life vests.

Are swimming fins included?

No. Swimming fins are not included, so you would need to bring your own if you want to use them.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No toilet is available onboard. You only have access to a toilet at the last stop, so plan ahead before boarding.

Do I need to pay docking fees?

Yes. Docking fees are not included in the price and are paid additionally in cash before the start of the tour. The listed amounts are 10 EUR for age 12 and older, and 5 EUR for age 11 and younger.

What should I bring for the day on the water?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. You will also want beachwear and the usual swim day essentials since the boat is open.