Four hours, three swims, and local fruit. This Zadar speed boat trip is a simple way to get to Ošljak, Preko, and Galovac for snorkeling and lagoon time, with drinks flowing while you soak up the sun.

I especially like the fresh seasonal fruit served right on board, and the way you get real swim-and-snorkel time in calm, clear waters.

One thing to plan for, the trip doesn’t include 10€ adult docking and anchoring fees (5€ for children), so you’ll want some extra cash set aside.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Guide Goran runs the show with friendly, clear communication, and the vibe stays relaxed.
• Three stops in 4 hours means you spend time in the water, not just sitting on the ride.
• Provided snorkeling equipment makes it easy to jump in, even if you are not a hardcore swimmer.
• Organic fruits and included drinks keep the trip feeling like a proper afternoon out, not just transportation.
• Small-group energy often turns this into a more personal boat day, especially on less crowded dates.
• Crystal-clear lagoons with stops timed for swims are the main reason you book.

Starting from Zadar: Obala kneza Branimira 27 and the 4-hour rhythm

This tour starts and ends right back at Obala kneza Branimira 27 in Zadar. It is a half-day feel by design: the total time is 4 hours, with pre-ordered stops that are set up for visitors who want the water time without fuss.

The practical win here is timing. You are not piecing together ferries, schedules, and swim spots. Instead, you show up, get on a speed boat, and the day moves in a steady rhythm from one swim area to the next.

Also, this is not a giant party boat. Lots of guests talk about a small-group feel, and some even mention being just two people onboard on quieter days. Even when the group is larger, the plan still feels calm, with time to relax between water moments.

Ošljak, Preko, and Galovac: How the three stops actually play out

The trip is built around three stops: Ošljak, Preko, and Galovac. Think of it as two lagoon-style swim breaks plus one land time where you can stretch your legs.

Ošljak: swim-first, with goggles on hand

Ošljak is where you get the early payoff. The water is described as crystal clear, and many people highlight this first stop as the moment they loved most for swimming. If you want an easy start, this is it, because the schedule gives you time to get in, settle down, and enjoy the water instead of rushing.

Snorkeling is supported with equipment provided onboard. Even if you are new to it, you can usually put on the gear and just focus on floating and looking around.

A small caution, because this is a popular area, you may see other boats around during busier periods. The tour still aims to give you a good swim window, but if your top priority is total solitude, you may want to choose a less crowded day if you can.

Preko: a breather on land, plus roaming time

Preko is the town stop. You are free to roam the area, and it is also the stop where people mention having enough time to grab food and walk around at a relaxed pace.

One review mentioned exploring an island with a 6th-century chapel and then enjoying time in Preko. Even if you do not plan a long walk, the key point is you are not stuck just sitting on the boat while everyone else goes sightseeing.

This town component is valuable because the tour does not make you choose only between water and culture. You get both, and the land stop is long enough to feel like a real change of scenery.

Galovac: more lagoons, more swim time

Galovac is the second lagoon-style stop. People repeatedly call out the lagoons as the highlight, with that same theme of clear water and places that feel great for a swim.

If you like snorkeling, this is where you can do it again with fresher energy. If you are mainly there for swimming and sun, you still get enough time to do that comfortably. Many guests describe the tour pace as relaxed, which matters because a good swim break is about duration, not just access.

Snorkeling and lagoon time: what the provided gear changes

This tour includes snorkeling equipment. In practice, that means you can keep your packing simple. You do not need to buy or rent gear in Zadar, then worry about whether you got the right size or whether it will work on the first try.

The experience focuses on straightforward, fun water time. Grown-ups and families alike seem to come away happy because you can choose your level, snorkel for a while or just swim and float.

One small consideration: the tour stops are about water time, so bring what you need for comfort. If you tend to get sunburned fast, plan for it. The experience is in the open sun while you are on board between swims, and you will be in the water long enough that sun exposure adds up.

Speed boat comfort and the small-group vibe with skipper Goran

The boat is a speed boat, and the ride time between stops is part of the appeal. You spend less time in transit and more time where you actually want to be, in the water and at the stops.

A lot of the praise centers on the skipper. Goran comes up again and again, described as friendly, professional, and communicative. People also mention that he is flexible with timing, including adapting when guests want more time in a spot, as long as everyone agrees.

That flexibility is not a minor detail. In a tour with multiple water stops, a rigid schedule can make everyone feel rushed. A captain who reads the group and adjusts slightly can turn a standard “swim here, swim there” outing into something that feels more personal.

Comfort also matters. Some guests mention the boat decks being clean and well maintained, plus enough space to relax while drinks and fruit are on board. If you care about having a decent place to sit between stops, this is a good sign.

Drinks and ECO fruits: why the included extras matter

The tour includes organic fruits, plus drinks like white wine and juices and fruit brandy. On top of the listed drinks, guests also describe beer and water being served, which suggests you will not feel limited to just wine and juice.

This matters for value because the food and drinks are not an add-on you have to plan for. You do not have to budget for snacks just to keep yourself going between swim stops. The trip is half a day, and it includes those comfort basics.

The fruit is a standout. Guests mention things like watermelon, oranges and strawberries, and even fresh cherries plus cherry liquor as a highlight. If you like the idea of a snack that feels local and seasonal, this tour fits. It is not just generic refreshments.

If you drink alcohol, you should of course do so responsibly. The tour is still focused on swimming and enjoying time in the water, so pace yourself. The upside is there are plenty of non-alcohol options in the form of juices and water.

Price and logistics: $56 plus docking fees, and how it compares to going DIY

The price is $56 per person for a 4-hour outing. That is not a budget picnic price, but it also is not trying to be a luxury day. It sits in the “you are paying for convenience plus the water time” category.

Here is the practical math. The tour does not include combined docking and anchoring fees: 10€ for adults and 5€ for children. So your real total is closer to $56 plus those fees, depending on your age group.

Now compare it to DIY. The information you have points out that stops like Ošljak and Preko can be reached with a ferry for a couple of euros, letting you visit sights on your own. If your goal is purely to see towns or viewpoints and you do not care about a guided boat day with included drinks and snorkeling gear, DIY can be cheaper.

But you are also giving up the things that make this tour easy:

• you do not have to coordinate transport between swim areas
• you get snorkeling equipment without renting
• you get organic fruit and drinks included
• you get a captain who brings you to time-tested swim spots without you hunting around

So I see it like this: book this tour if you want a smooth afternoon on the water. Consider DIY if you want total control and you are okay paying for your own food, gear, and transport.

Crowds and timing: how to keep the day feeling calm

Zadar in season can be busy, and this tour’s main stops are also popular. The advantage is that the schedule is pre-set for large numbers of visitors, which typically means you do not get stranded or miss your best windows.

Still, you can improve your odds of a calmer day by choosing timing wisely. One guest specifically noted a Monday tour being less crowded, even describing being just their group on the boat. That kind of day can turn the tour from a group outing into something closer to a private experience.

So if your schedule is flexible, I would choose less busy dates when possible. If not, you will still likely have a great time, just with more boats around at the most popular swim spots.

Who this Zadar boat tour fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• a half-day break from city walking
• snorkeling and swimming in clear lagoon water
• a relaxing boat day where the food and drinks are handled
• a tour with a friendly captain, especially someone like Goran who people describe as attentive and communicative

It is also a good option if you do not want to over-plan. The stops are clear, the boat is ready when you show up, and you come back to the same meeting point.

If you are the type who hates any group travel energy, you might still enjoy it on quieter days. But on peak dates, you should expect some company at popular water areas since the region is well known.

Should you book this islands and lagoons tour?

Yes, if your goal is an easy, high-reward afternoon in the water off Zadar. You get a smart mix of lagoon swimming, snorkeling with provided gear, and land time in Preko, and the included extras like organic fruit plus drinks make it feel like more than a simple transfer.

I would hesitate only if you want the absolute cheapest option or you enjoy building your own plan with ferries and lunch stops. Also, remember the docking and anchoring fees are extra, so factor in the 10€ adult and 5€ child amounts.

If you want a relaxed boat day with clear-water swims and a skipper who makes the trip feel smooth, this is one of the more sensible ways to spend a half day around Zadar.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Obala kneza Branimira 27 in Zadar.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

What are the main stops on the route?

The stops are Ošljak, Preko, and Galovac.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks and fruits are included?

The tour includes organic fruits, white wine, juices, and fruit brandy.

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. Combined docking and anchoring fees are not included: 10€ for adults and 5€ for children.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The live guide is available in English and Croatian.

Is there free cancellation?

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

Does the booking offer a pay-later option?

Yes. It offers Reserve now and pay later, meaning you can book your spot and pay nothing today.

When does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.