Speedboat stops, sea air, and snorkeling in Zadar. This is a fast, small-group ride that shows you the real Adriatic coast, with snorkeling in crystal-clear water and wine enjoyed during the island breaks. You get the feeling that the sea is the main character here, not a photo line or a long bus ride.

Two things I really like: the modern speedboat with a local skipper who actually explains what you are seeing, and the way the stops are timed so you can swim, snorkel, and then still have time to wander. On top of that, the group stays limited to 12 people, so it feels friendly, not crowded.

One practical drawback to plan for upfront: there is a €10 docking fee per person paid in cash on arrival, and the meeting point has no toilet, so go before you arrive.

Key highlights you will remember

• Modern speedboat ride along the Zadar coast with a local skipper guiding the day
• Three swimming and island stops that balance active sea time with real breaks
• Kostanj Bay snorkeling in very clear water, plus time to sunbathe
• Ošljak island with history and a short hill walk plus a small bar option
• Preko downtime on a lively summer island with a sandy beach and snorkeling gear
• Local wine included, and drinks often keep flowing on board

Why Zadar by speedboat feels more like the Adriatic

Zadar can be busy, especially near the old town. This tour changes the tempo fast. You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, then you are out on the water quickly, with short sea legs and plenty of chances to look back at the coastline and the city approach.

What makes it fun is that it is not just sightseeing from the boat. You get real pause-and-play time at each location. Kostanj Bay is for water time. Ošljak is for history and walking. Preko is for island rhythm, a coffee, and optional swims. By the end, the old city view on the return feels like a proper finish, not a rushed afterthought.

Price and the €10 cash dock fee, what it means for value

The headline price is $33 per person for about 4 hours. For Croatia’s coast, that is a very reasonable rate when you factor in the speedboat, snorkeling gear, a local English guide, and included wine.

Just don’t forget the added cost: €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival. The good news is that it is described as covering the stops, not as a separate payment each time you land. Still, treat it like part of the real price and budget it.

A value tip: this is not a day trip built around a long lunch. Lunch is not included, and coffee is not included either. So if you want a meal on one of the islands, plan for that extra spending. If you prefer snacks or a light bite, the included wine plus island breaks can keep you comfortable without blowing your budget.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring for 4 hours on the water

Plan to show up 10 minutes early. The meeting instruction is to wait at the bench or by the Tornado sign. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so handle that before you go.

On what to bring, keep it simple:

• Your swimwear, because you will want to jump in when the boat pauses.
• Sun protection, since you will be outside a lot.
• A towel, because towels are not included.
• Cash for the €10 docking fee on arrival.

Also, expect a small-group feel, with the tour limited to 12 participants. That usually helps with organization. It also means the pace depends on the skipper’s decisions about where conditions are best at the moment.

Stop by stop: Kostanj Bay snorkeling and sun time

Your first big “get wet” moment comes at Kostanj Bay, specifically the pješćana Plaža u uvali area. After a short speed leg, you get about 40 minutes here. This is your cooling-off and snorkeling window.

What you should look forward to:

• The water is described as clyster clear, which is exactly what you want for seeing fish and moving confidently in the water.
• You have snorkeling equipment included, so you do not need to hunt down gear on arrival.
• You also get time beyond snorkeling, including swimming and relaxing.

How to make the most of the 40 minutes:

• Start snorkeling early, while you still feel fresh.
• If you are not a strong swimmer, stick to gentler edges and keep your breathing steady.
• Use the rest of the time to just float and enjoy the quiet. This stop is built for that slow sea pause.

A small consideration: 40 minutes sounds long until you are actually in the water. If you want lots of footage and long observation, arrive ready so you do not spend the first five minutes fussing with gear.

Ošljak Island: tiny population, big stories, short hill payoff

Next is Ošljak, often described as the smallest inhabited island of Croatia. It is also known for historical roots reaching back to Roman times, and it has a small community, listed as 29 inhabitants.

This stop is about 40 minutes of island time, and it is a neat contrast to the sea swim stop. Here you explore on foot, with a few interesting details that give you something to look for rather than just scenery.

Here is what makes Ošljak special:

• Traditional Mediterranean architecture, so it feels lived-in rather than stage-set.
• A small hill walk if you want a satisfying view.
• A little church from the 9th century hidden in the trees.
• Ruins of a hospital used during WWII for people suffering from plague.
• A local bar, because yes, you can grab a drink during the break.

The quirky detail I like: the locals have a shared-sounding pattern, where many people have the same last name. It is the kind of odd local fact that makes the island feel real in your head.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can walk in. You are likely stepping around uneven ground near shore areas. Also, if you want the church or the hill view, don’t leave it all for the last five minutes.

Preko Island: lively summer energy and a beach you can swim from

After Ošljak, you move to Preko, another island in the Zadar area, and this is where the mood turns more “island town day.” The time here is longer, about 1.5 hours.

Preko is described as full of life in summer. In plain terms, that means you get options: small shops, souvenir browsing, and coffee with a sea view. You can stroll toward the center and then head for the sandy beach.

What you can do at the beach:

• Cool off with a swim.
• Use the snorkeling gear again to explore the underwater life in the shallows.

A fun optional twist: from Preko, you can swim to a nearby island called Galevac. The idea is to search for a small ancient monastery hidden among the trees. It is optional, so only try it if you feel comfortable in the water and have time in your body.

The only caution I would add: this is the stop where you can lose time simply by hanging out, in a good way. Set a rough plan for yourself. If you want both the beach and the swim option, you need to keep an eye on the boat’s return time.

The speedboat ride itself: fast, smooth when it counts

Most boat tours either go slow enough to nap on deck or fast enough to feel like a roller coaster. This one hits a middle: quick sea legs, with 15 minutes between stops that keep the day moving.

The ride matters because it changes how you experience the coast. From the water, you get angles you cannot get from the promenade. You also get that sense of open space, especially compared with city walking.

Skipper quality seems to be a big part of why people rate this so highly. Names that come up include Roko, Racco, Mario, Joseph, Josef, and Josip. The pattern in the way they are described is that they are attentive, friendly, and willing to share stories about what you are seeing.

If you like a ride with some energy, you might appreciate that the boat can open up at points for a proper speedboat feeling. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan for it like you would for any fast open-boat day: eat lightly, bring water, and sit where you feel most stable.

Local wine on board: how it fits the stops, not just the drink

Wine is included, served during the tour breaks. This matters because the wine is not a random add-on that you drink at the dock before you leave. It is part of the rhythm of the day.

You do the water time at Kostanj Bay, then you move to land and get your island walking time, and then the boat rhythm brings you back together. Wine is a nice bridge between those moments. It also makes the experience feel more like a relaxed outing than a checklist of locations.

One more detail worth noting: some skippers reportedly offer additional drinks like beer along with the provided wine. The tour’s clear promise is wine, but you may see the crew keep a wider drink selection going.

Who should book this Zadar speedboat escapade

This tour fits best if you want:

• Action without fatigue: swim, snorkel, walk, repeat, all within four hours.
• A small group setting with a local skipper in English.
• A coast experience that feels more like living on the water than just looking at it from shore.

It is also a good match for couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a shared adventure without needing to plan ferry schedules or find snorkeling spots on your own.

You might prefer something else if:

• You hate boats or get motion sick easily.
• You want long, slow exploring with lots of café time, because island breaks are timed and the pace is part of the point.
• You are counting on a full lunch included in the price. Lunch is not included.

Should you book it? My honest call

If you want a value-focused half-day at sea that mixes snorkeling in clear water with island time on Ošljak and Preko, this is a strong choice. The included gear, wine, small group size, and the way the day is paced make it feel efficient without feeling frantic.

Book it if your ideal Zadar day includes getting out on the water, jumping in, and then walking around for small island details like a 9th-century church and WWII hospital ruins. Just budget the €10 cash dock fee, bring a towel, and show up early so you can start the day relaxed.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

You get a modern speedboat ride, a local skipper/guide in English, wine, snorkeling equipment, and 3 different stops.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

Is there an extra fee besides the listed price?

Yes. There is a €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival, and it includes all stops.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is a toilet available at the meeting point?

No, there is no toilet at the meeting point.

Do I need towels?

Yes, towels are not included.