Speedboats make Zadar feel bigger. In a half day, you get guided stops around Ošljak and Ugljan, with snorkeling gear included and real time in the water instead of just looking from the shore. I especially like the combination of crystal-clear swims plus local touches like homemade liqueur and music on board.

The itinerary also builds in a relaxed rhythm, so you are not sprinting between views. One thing to plan for: a docking fee applies if you are adults or bringing kids, and you will want the right footwear because you may be stepping around rocks and coves.

Quick hits before you go

• Snorkeling equipment included, plus life jackets and water on board
• Guided stops around Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with multiple chances to swim
• Homemade liqueur and cold drinks served during the cruise and breaks
• Time for photos and a shoreline walk at the Preko stop
• Late-afternoon departures can catch sunset, and you might even spot dolphins
• Meet near Obala kneza Branimira 16, with pickup near a gas station

Speedboat thrills with Ugljan and Preko within reach

If Zadar’s old streets are your thing, this tour is the perfect counterweight. You trade time on land for sea time, with a fast ride between islands and coves that look like postcards but feel personal once you are in the water.

The big draw is that you are not doing this as a ferry ride or a long day cruise. This is a half-day, group speedboat tour that hits the places people go to swim, not just places you pass by. And the guides are described as skippers like Sara and Lovro, with guests also sharing experiences with hosts such as Tomislav and Dubravko, which is a nice sign the day has an actual human touch, not just a timetable.

There is also a practical comfort factor. The boat ride is short enough that you are not exhausted by the time you reach the first swim stop, and the schedule includes enough time at each location that you can do more than one water moment.

Price that makes snorkeling feel cheap, plus what costs extra

At about $31 per person for a 4-hour tour, you are paying for guided boat time plus the gear. Most “snorkel days” elsewhere charge a separate rental fee, and here the snorkeling equipment, life jacket, and water are included.

You also get real add-ons listed in the experience: ice tea and homemade liqueur. That matters because on small boat tours, food and drink can be the difference between a fun afternoon and a mildly annoying one. The drink situation looks especially popular, with guests describing homemade liquor flavors they loved and an easy, friendly atmosphere.

Just note the one clear extra cost: a dock fee. Adults pay 10 EUR, and children up to 11 years pay 5 EUR. If you know you will be traveling with kids, bring cash just for that line item.

Getting on board at Obala kneza Branimira 16 (and what to bring)

The meeting point is Obala kneza Branimira 16, and the start is near a gas station. That is convenient because you can get to it without needing a complicated transfer system, and it also means the return ends back at the same spot.

Because this is a water-focused tour, pack with the same mindset you would for a beach day. Bring:

• Hat
• Towel
• Water shoes
• Cash

That last one is not just for the dock fee. It is also smart for small purchases if you end up wanting something on your own time afterward.

One more note that helps: bicycles are not allowed. If you are arriving by bike, plan a separate parking or rethink that last leg.

The Ošljak stop: swim, snorkel, and reset the day

After a quick speedboat ride from Zadar, you reach the first real hang time at Ošljak. The stop is about 1 hour, and it is built around sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is where the tour starts feeling worth it. The sea conditions around this area are described as crystal clear, and the snorkeling gear lets you see underwater rocks and fish, not just the surface shine. When a guide times the swim right, you get that sweet spot where you are comfortable enough to stay in the water, but not rushed.

What to watch for: Ošljak is all about coves and steps down to the water. Water shoes help a lot if the entry spots are rocky. If you prefer not to snorkel, you still get a standard swim option and a relaxed window to sunbathe.

A small scheduling advantage here is that this first stop happens early enough in the day that you are still fresh. If you are nervous about swimming in open water, this is the right place to ease in.

Ugljan’s best photo and swimming moments

Next comes Ugljan, reached with a short cruise segment. There is a 15-minute boat cruise, and then you get a mix of time:

• Photo stop
• Aperitif
• Sightseeing
• Swimming and snorkeling (about 1 hour)

This section feels like the “greatest hits” part of the day because it blends viewpoints with water time. The photo stop is not just a quick moment for a single picture, it is described as paired with sightseeing and a little pre-swim pause. In practice, that helps you orient yourself, so the coastlines you see later make more sense.

The aperitif detail matters too. One of the nicest things on boat tours is when the drinks are not treated like an afterthought. Homemade liqueur shows up as part of the experience, and cold drinks are included, which makes the timing feel intentional, not random.

Potential drawback: if you are the type who hates waiting, this stop includes multiple activities in one block. It is not long, but it is not a single-purpose “only snorkeling” event either. If you want just one thing, bring a mindset shift. This is a mix day.

Preko break time, shoreline walks, and that in-water lesson

From Ugljan you cruise to Preko, another short 15-minute transfer. Then you get the longest stop on paper, about 70 minutes, with a lot of variety:

• Break time
• Photo stop
• Visit
• Free time
• Sightseeing
• Walk
• Swimming and snorkeling
• A class-style moment

That list might look busy, but it is a good kind of busy. Preko is where you get to split your time between the boat world and a more human island pace. The walk and sightseeing piece are a welcome change if you have had your fill of water-only days.

About that “class” item: the specific content is not spelled out in the tour details. Still, the structure signals a short educational or guided component while you are at the stop. If you like learning little sea facts without turning it into a lecture, this format usually works.

What I think you will appreciate most here is choice. You have free time, plus swimming and snorkeling options. If you want to hang back, you can. If you want one more water round before you head back, you can.

Heading back toward Zadar, maybe with dolphins and sunset

Your return includes a 30-minute cruise back toward Zadar, and you arrive back at the meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 16. That return segment is often more than just transportation. It is part of the mood.

One of the most memorable details shared by guests is the possibility of seeing dolphins on the way back. Nobody can guarantee that, but it is a strong sign that the route and timing sometimes line up with wildlife sightings.

Timing also changes the feel of the whole tour. The experience is described as having an afternoon option that can end with sunset, and some people booking later departures describe traveling back as the light turns golden. If you can match your day to that, it is a smart way to turn a half-day tour into a highlight.

And you still get enough time after the tour to keep your day going. A lot of the value here is that you are back around midday on some departures, which makes it easier to fit in lunch, a museum stop, or a relaxed evening walk in Zadar.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip it)

This tour is built for people who want water time, not just scenery. If you love snorkel days, this is the kind of half-day that makes sense: multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear included, and enough pacing that you do not feel churned through.

It is also a great match for:

• Couples who want an easy shared adventure
• Small groups who like a social-but-not-chaotic vibe
• Travelers who enjoy island hopping without committing to an all-day schedule
• Families who can handle a boat day, as long as the age requirements fit

There are clear “not for you” lines in the tour info:

• Not suitable for children under 2
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people over 95 years

If any of those apply, skip this one and look for an alternative that better fits your needs.

The guide matters more than you think

On this kind of speedboat day, the skipper is the difference between a standard tour and a memorable one. You will hear from the tour details that skippers include Sara and Lovro, and guests share experiences with Tomislav and Dubravko, including a friendly approach and time spent answering questions.

A few specific perks show up in the descriptions and stories:

• The use of homemade liqueur and cold drinks as part of the atmosphere
• The way swim stops are managed so you have time in the water
• Extra helpfulness like recommending restaurants after the tour
• In some cases, skippers taking photos while you are in the water, then sending them afterward

Even if you do not count on every extra, the overall pattern is consistent: people feel looked after. That is not a small thing on a boat day where wind and water conditions can shift.

Should you book this half-day speedboat tour?

Yes, if you want a high-value sea day with real snorkeling time and island views, without the commitment of a full day on the water. At $31 with snorkeling gear and drinks included, it is priced like an “easy win,” especially once you factor in that you will hit multiple swim locations and you are guided the whole time.

I would also book it if you like the idea of an island day that has variety. You get Ošljak for water time, Ugljan for viewpoints and another swim window, then Preko for a mix of shoreline walking and another chance to snorkel.

If you hate boats or you dislike water activities, then do not force it. This tour is built around the sea. Also remember the dock fee and bring cash, and plan to wear water shoes so you can enjoy the coves without stress.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Zadar?

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. The tour also ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes boat tour, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, water, ice tea, homemade liqueur, and a skipper (live guide in English).

Is the docking fee included?

No. A docking fee is listed as 10 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for children up to 11 years old.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is English.

What should I bring?

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

Who is this tour not suitable for?

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