Four hours, three islands, and easy going. This Zadar speedboat tour is a simple way to get out on the water with a small group and a local skipper who knows where the good stops are.

I especially like the included snorkeling gear and the fact that you get real time on the islands, not just quick photo breaks. One thing to plan around: the tour is not for everyone, and there is also an extra docking fee (10€ adults, 5€ children) that you pay on site.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Small group of up to 10 people means less waiting around and more time at each stop
• Beer and water included so the Kostanj beach hour feels like a mini break
• Snorkeling gear provided for checking out marine life at Kostanj and Ošljak
• Ošljak time for photos and swimming at what’s described as Croatia’s smallest inhabited island
• Preko village on Ugljan gives you time to walk and enjoy the local pace
• Skippers like Kristijan Kačan and Luka stand out in feedback for friendliness and practical island tips

Why speedboat island time beats a long day on land

Zadar is a great base, but the islands are where the day really turns magical. This tour is built for that idea: you spend your time where the water and views are, with a brand-new speedboat and a local skipper steering the route. It’s also a smart length. Four hours is long enough to feel like you escaped the city, but not so long you lose the whole day.

The vibe is relaxed, partly because the group is capped at 10 people. That matters on a boat, where space and attention are limited. You’re not fighting a crowd for the best swim spot or trying to hear instructions over chatter.

Price-wise, $28 per person is appealing for the mix: speedboat transport, skipper guidance, snorkeling gear, and drinks. The one extra cost to remember is the docking fee on site, not included in the ticket.

Meeting point and first minutes on the water

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours along the waterfront. The skipper will wait in a boat with the company logo, so you’re not guessing which vessel to hop on. The tour runs in English with the skipper, which is helpful for getting quick context about what you’re seeing and where to swim.

Once you’re aboard, the ride is quick hop style. You’ll have a short speedboat segment before the first main stop. That pattern continues all afternoon, with short transfers and set swim or sightseeing windows.

Practical stuff to bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Anything you’d like for photos

Also, check your own comfort level with boat travel and water time. This experience is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it’s not recommended for people with back problems or heart problems, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

The itinerary in plain language: Kostanj, Ošljak, Preko

The schedule is straightforward, which is what you want on a boat day. You’ll cycle between quick speedboat rides and focused stops. The best part is that each island stop has a clear purpose, so you know exactly how to spend your time.

Here’s how the pacing works:

• First you head to a sandy beach where swimming and snorkeling are the point
• Then you move to Ošljak for shorter, scenic exploration and another swim chance
• Then you spend the longest visit in the village of Preko on Ugljan, with time to walk and enjoy the shoreline

Between stops, the boat ride gives you views from the water, and it keeps the day from turning into a bus tour where everyone sits and waits.

Kostanj sandy bay: where the beach break feels like a real swim stop

Stop 3 is Kostanj sandy beach in a bay (pješćana Plaža u uvali). You get a full hour here, which is the right amount of time to do something besides just dip your feet in. The plan includes swimming and snorkeling, plus time for sightseeing and marine life viewing.

This is also where the included drinks make sense. Beer and water are part of the tour package, so you can cool off, grab a drink, and settle into beach mode without needing to hunt for a place to buy refreshments.

What I like about this stop:

• It’s a sandy bay, so getting in and out of the water is simpler
• It’s long enough to do a relaxed snorkel session, then dry off and hang out

Possible drawback: since it’s a swim-focused stop, it’s not ideal if you really want a mostly land-based sightseeing day. You’ll want swimwear and a towel, and you’ll need to be comfortable in the water at least briefly.

Ošljak: a photo stop with swimming and snorkeling time

Next comes Ošljak, in the Zadar channel. This stop is shorter, about 45 minutes, and it includes a break plus photo time and sightseeing. You’ll also have swimming and snorkeling options, along with marine life viewing.

Ošljak is described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, which adds to the appeal if you like the idea of visiting places that feel small, specific, and local. It’s the kind of stop where a few good photos can actually make sense, because the island is the feature.

What to watch for during this stop:

• Use the photo break early if you want clear light and less crowding
• If you snorkel here, plan for a quick route rather than taking too much time getting ready

Because this visit is shorter than Kostanj, you’ll likely get more value if you decide what matters most to you. If you want the best underwater viewing, spend more time snorkeling and less time on shoreline strolls.

Preko on Ugljan: the best time for a village walk

Preko is where the tour starts to feel less like a beach day and more like a real island visit. You get about 75 minutes here, including a break, photo stop, sightseeing, and time to walk. Swimming and snorkeling are still on the table, but the village element is the change of pace.

Preko is on the larger island of Ugljan, and that gives you the chance to feel the daily rhythm of a place that is more than just a view point. A walk here is a chance to step away from the waterline and actually experience the island as a community.

Why this stop is worth the schedule:

• It’s the longest visit after Kostanj
• You get both shoreline time and village time
• If you like souvenirs, snacks, or simply wandering, you’ll have room to do it

One consideration: if you’re determined to snorkel during every stop, Preko might feel like it’s rushing you. It helps to think of Preko as your window for walking first, then water time if you still feel good.

The speedboat experience: comfortable, but it’s still a boat day

Speedboat rides can be fun, and they can also be a reality check. You’ll get multiple short transfers across open water, which means you’ll feel the motion more than on a slower ferry.

The good news from feedback is that the ride is generally described as great fun. People also mention a friendly, professional skipper who keeps the day moving and answers questions. In particular, guides such as Kristijan Kačan and Luka come up repeatedly for being helpful and upbeat, and in one case, Kristijan Kačan offered a local spirit at the end, adding a personal touch that feels very Croatian.

So yes, it’s an adventure, but it’s also organized. The small group size and set stop times help you relax. You’re not on your own trying to figure out where to go next.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and why those details matter

This tour includes beer and water, plus snorkeling gear and fuel. Those inclusions matter because they remove the small annoyances that often add up on island days. You do not need to bring gear, you do not need to plan a separate drink stop, and fuel is handled.

Snorkeling gear being included is especially important. Even confident swimmers often hesitate if they’d need to source equipment on arrival. Here you can jump into the water with what you have, then adjust based on conditions.

Also, when drinks are included, it changes the feel of the beach hour. You’re not thinking about finding an ATM or a café. You can spend more of your energy on the actual water time and photos.

Price check: what $28 gets you, plus the docking fee reality

At $28 per person for a 4-hour speedboat tour, the value comes from the full package. You’re paying for transport between islands, a skipper, and time on three different stops, with snorkeling gear and drinks included.

The one financial add-on you should expect is the docking fee:

• 10€ per adult
• 5€ per child

That means the true all-in cost is a bit higher than the headline price, but you still end up with a structured half-day that covers islands you would otherwise need separate planning to reach.

If you’re comparing, ask yourself one question: would you otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, snorkeling equipment, and drinks? If not, this ticket starts to look like a clean, low-hassle deal.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want an island day from Zadar without a long commute
• Like a mix of swimming and sightseeing
• Want snorkeling gear included
• Enjoy small-group tours with a skipper who offers practical tips

It’s not a good fit if you:

• Are not comfortable swimming (non-swimmers are not suitable)
• Have heart problems, back problems, or need wheelchair access
• Are pregnant
• Travel with pets (pets are not allowed)
• Have very young children, since it’s not suitable for children under 2 years

If you’re on the fence because of water comfort, be honest with yourself. The itinerary includes snorkeling and swimming at multiple stops. Even with gear provided, you’ll still need the comfort and ability to participate safely.

Choosing your timing: why the departure time matters

The tour lasts 4 hours, but the exact start time depends on availability. When you pick your slot, think about the kind of day you want:

• Earlier departures often feel calmer for swimming
• Later departures can bring different lighting for photos
• Either way, your three-stop structure stays the same, and the boat hops are short

If you’re sensitive to heat, you’ll probably prefer a cooler part of the day, and you’ll want sunscreen no matter what.

Should you book this Zadar Ugljan and Preko speedboat tour?

Yes, if you want a straightforward way to see the Zadar islands and you’re comfortable with a swim-and-snorkel plan. The combination of small group, snorkeling gear, and included beer and water makes the day feel easy, and the stops add up to more than just one beach.

I’d think twice if you know you won’t swim, or if mobility or medical conditions could make a speedboat day uncomfortable. Also, factor in the docking fee so there are no surprises.

If you book, you’ll set yourself up for an island afternoon where the time is well used, the boat ride is part of the fun, and you get a real village moment in Preko instead of only seeing shore from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar: Ugljan and Preko Islands SpeedBoat Tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

What islands and stops are included?

The tour includes Kostanj sandy beach, Ošljak, and the village of Preko on Ugljan Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

Beer and water are included.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. The docking fee is 10€ per adult and 5€ per child.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Zadar Boat Tours at the waterfront, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers. Pets are also not allowed.