half day group speedboat tour of the islands around Zadar

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is the quick escape from the city to three clear-water swimming spots around Ošljak and Ugljan. You get island views, snorkeling, and time on shore without giving up a full day of sightseeing.

I like the small, friendly feel, plus the practical extras: snorkel gear and drinks are included. Captains such as Tomislav and Dubravko have also taken photos for guests and shared useful restaurant tips. The main drawback is that this is an active speedboat outing, not a quiet sightseeing cruise, and the extra docking fee raises the final cost.

Key points

• Three water stops: Swim and explore underwater rocks, fish, and other sea life around Ošljak and Ugljan.
• A real island visit: Preko gives you time to walk, take photos, swim, and enjoy free time ashore.
• Friendly captain-led trip: Skippers Sara and Lovro are named for the experience, while Tomislav and Dubravko have also led departures.
• Good value at $31: Boat transport, skipper, life jacket, water, iced tea, homemade liqueur, and snorkeling gear are included.
• Choose your timing carefully: Morning trips return around midday, while afternoon departures can finish near sunset.
• Budget for the dock fee: Adults pay €10, and children up to age 11 pay €5.

Why this short boat trip works well from Zadar

Zadar is surrounded by islands, but seeing them properly can take planning. This half-day speedboat trip keeps things simple. You meet near the gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 16, board with an English-speaking guide, and head out toward the islands without arranging your own boat, equipment, or route.

At $31 per person, the price is appealing for a four-hour outing on the water. You are not paying only for transport. The fee also covers the skipper, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur. Add the €10 adult docking fee, or €5 for children up to 11, when working out the real cost.

I see this as a good middle ground between a large group cruise and a private charter. You get the social side of a group trip, but the speedboat lets you reach several places during a short outing. The mood is casual. Music, cold drinks, swimming, and time in the sun matter as much as formal sightseeing.

The route is suited to people who want to get wet. If you prefer a slow, shaded boat ride with a detailed talk about every island, this may feel too active. If you want clear water, a few island views, and an easy way to spend a morning or afternoon, it makes good sense.

Leaving Zadar by speedboat

The meeting point is at Obala kneza Branimira 16, near a gas station. Allow time to find the exact boarding spot and arrive ready for the water. The activity ends at the same place, so you will not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The first ride takes about 20 minutes. That is long enough to see Zadar recede and feel the change from city break to island outing, but short enough that you are soon at the first stop.

A speedboat gives the route some zip. You cover more ground than you would on a slow passenger boat, though the ride can feel lively on open water. Hold onto loose items, protect your phone, and keep your hat secure. The supplied life jacket is there for safety, and you should follow the captain’s instructions when moving around the boat.

The guides named for the tour are Sara and Lovro. Captains mentioned in the trip feedback also include Tomislav and Dubravko, so the exact skipper may depend on the departure. The common thread is an English-speaking, captain-led trip with a relaxed style rather than a formal lecture.

Ošljak: your first hour in the water

Ošljak is the first main stop, reached after the opening boat ride. You have about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where the trip quickly shows its purpose: less looking at the sea from a seat, more getting into it.

The water is described as crystal clear, with underwater rocks and colorful fish visible through the mask. Snorkeling equipment is included, which makes this stop easier for people who did not pack their own gear. You can look below the surface without needing to rent equipment on the island.

You should bring water shoes if you have them. Rocky entries and seabeds are common around island swimming spots, and footwear makes getting in and out more comfortable. A towel is also essential, since the tour provides water and iced tea but not personal beach gear.

An hour is a useful amount of time here. You can swim, look for marine life, and dry off without feeling rushed after only a few minutes. Still, this is not a full beach day. If you like long stretches of reading on shore, the schedule may feel busy.

Ugljan brings more swimming and island views

After Ošljak, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes toward Ugljan in Zadar County. The route includes another stop for photos, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and an aperitif.

The appeal of Ugljan is the mix of activities. You can stay in the water, sit on the boat, or take photos of the surrounding islands. The crew supplies water and iced tea, and homemade liqueur is offered for adults who want to try a local-style drink. Some captains have also offered extra small touches such as fruit, though you should not count on those at every departure.

The boat itself gives you options for where to sit. Some people want an open spot for sun and views. Others prefer a more protected place between swims. Since this is a group trip, the best seat may not remain yours all afternoon, so pack light and keep your belongings together.

This part of the route is especially good for people who enjoy a flexible rhythm. You are not being pushed through a long list of monuments. Instead, the captain adjusts the feel of the stop around swimming, snorkeling, photos, and conversation.

Preko is the longest stop

The boat then continues for about 15 minutes to Preko, where you have the longest break, listed at about 70 minutes. This is more than a quick photo stop. You can visit, walk around, take pictures, swim, snorkel, and enjoy free time.

Preko gives the trip a little more variety. Ošljak and Ugljan focus heavily on the water, while Preko lets you step ashore and see part of island life at a slower pace. The route description also includes a class, though the exact form of that activity can vary with the captain and conditions.

This is the stop where the captain’s local advice may help. Tomislav has been praised for restaurant suggestions, and Dubravko has offered recommendations for the final stop. Ask directly if you want ideas for food or other places to see in the Zadar area.

Do not mistake the free time for a full island tour. You have roughly an hour, not an entire afternoon. Use it for a short walk, a swim, or a relaxed drink rather than trying to cover every corner of Preko.

The ride back can become the highlight

The return boat ride to Zadar takes about 30 minutes. Morning departures usually finish around midday, which works well if you want lunch in the city or have afternoon plans.

The afternoon version has a different mood. The trip ends with sunset, and the return across the water can be the prettiest part of the day. The lower light makes the island views feel calmer, and the ride back becomes a natural wind-down after swimming.

There is also a chance of seeing wildlife. One departure had dolphins on the way back, but that is a lucky sighting, not a promised feature. Keep your eyes open without making it the measure of a successful trip.

The afternoon schedule is worth considering if you dislike the strongest midday heat. One captain-led departure at 4 p.m. returned as the sun was setting, giving the group a memorable final stretch on the water. Check the available start times, since the exact schedule changes by date.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The $31 base price is strong for a half-day outing with transport between several island stops. A private speedboat would cost far more, while a standard ferry would not provide the same route, snorkeling equipment, or captain-led swimming stops.

Included in the price are:

• Speedboat tour
• Skipper
• English-language guidance
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Water
• Iced tea
• Homemade liqueur

The docking fee is separate. Adults pay €10, and children up to 11 pay €5. That is important because the advertised price is not the full amount for everyone.

You should also bring cash, along with a hat, towel, and water shoes. The tour supplies drinks, but your own water is still sensible on a sunny day. A swimsuit is an obvious choice, and a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch would be useful, although neither is listed as supplied.

The trip allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Zadar plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This outing fits couples, friends, and families who want several swims without spending an entire day away from Zadar. It also works well for a group celebration. One bachelorette party used the trip as part of its weekend and received city recommendations from the guide.

Snorkelers should find the route particularly satisfying. The supplied masks and snorkels let you see fish, rocks, and other small sea life without arranging equipment in advance. People who are new to snorkeling can stay near the boat and keep the activity easy.

The tour also suits anyone who values a personable captain. Tomislav has taken photos of people in the water and sent them afterward, while other captains have offered drinks, fruit, or local suggestions. These touches can make a group trip feel less anonymous.

It is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 95. Bikes are not allowed. You should also be comfortable boarding a speedboat, swimming in open sea, and spending time in the sun.

A few practical limits to keep in mind

The schedule includes several stops, so the day has a set rhythm. You will get swimming time, but not unlimited time at any one beach. If you want to settle in for half a day at one quiet cove, book a beach day instead.

The water is the main attraction, and conditions can affect how comfortable the ride feels. The provided information does not promise a particular beach, wildlife sighting, or exact swimming location beyond the named stops. Treat the route as a planned outline, not a guarantee that every moment will look like a postcard.

Captain style may vary. Sara and Lovro are named as the skippers for the activity, while Tomislav and Dubravko appear among the captains connected with departures. That is useful to know if you have read about a particular guide, but you should expect the person leading your trip to depend on the day.

Finally, take the afternoon option seriously. It offers cooler conditions and a sunset finish, but it also leaves less of the day for other plans. The morning trip is better if you want to pair the boat outing with an evening in Zadar.

Should you book this Zadar island tour?

I would book it if you want an affordable, active half-day on the Adriatic and like the idea of three water stops without organizing a boat yourself. The strongest reasons are the included snorkeling gear, the clear-water swimming, the short route from Zadar, and the friendly captain-led atmosphere.

I would skip it if you dislike speedboats, want a long quiet beach stay, or prefer a detailed historical tour. Remember the separate docking fee and bring the basic water-day kit: hat, towel, water shoes, and cash.

For most visitors with one free morning or afternoon in Zadar, this is a practical way to see more than the city waterfront. Choose the afternoon departure for sunset and cooler swimming, or the morning trip if you want the rest of your day free.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The activity lasts about four hours. Check the available dates and starting times when booking.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Obala kneza Branimira 16 in Zadar, near a gas station.

Where does the tour finish?

It finishes back at the same meeting point in Zadar.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, with boat rides between the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. Adults pay €10, and children up to 11 years old pay €5.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. You should also come prepared for swimming and time in the sun.

Can children join the tour?

Children under two cannot join. The provided information lists a €5 docking fee for children up to 11, but it does not give a minimum age beyond the restriction for children under two.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.

Who should not take this activity?

It is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 95. Bikes are not allowed.