Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour & Blue Bay Swim with Drinks

The best part of this Zadar boat trip is its mix of clear-water swimming and real island time. You get a quiet bay for jumping from the boat, then Ošljak’s old Dalmatian houses and Preko’s waterfront village, without giving up most of your day.

I like the small-group setup, limited to 10 people, and the friendly skippers, including Joseph, Jure, Josip, and Željko. I also like the practical extras: beer, bottled water, iced tea, life vests, and a mask for swimming. The main drawback is the open speedboat itself. On a windy day, spray can reach you, and there is no toilet aboard. Fuel also costs extra.

Key points to know before you go

• Three very different stops: Swim in a quiet bay, walk around tiny Ošljak, then spend longer in Preko.
• Small boat, personal service: Groups are capped at 10, with guides often helping with photos, drinks, and local information.
• Swimming is a major part of the trip: The first stop lasts about 50 minutes, and swimming is also possible at Ošljak and Preko.
• Preko gives you the most freedom: You have about 75 minutes for coffee, food, shopping, a walk, or a possible visit to Galevac.
• Budget for an extra fuel charge: The advertised price is $35 per person, but fuel is paid separately before departure.
• Prepare for a basic boat day: Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. There is no restroom on the boat.

Why this four-hour cruise works so well from Zadar

Zadar is a city you can enjoy on foot, but its best postcard views are often offshore. This trip gives you a quick look at the Zadar archipelago without asking you to commit to a full-day cruise.

The format is simple. You meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls, behind the Foša restaurant, then board a speedboat for a half-day loop. The ride itself is part of the fun. You skim across the Adriatic, watch Zadar recede, and get wide views of the coast and scattered islands.

I think four hours is a smart length. You get enough time for a proper swim and two island stops, yet you still have time for Zadar’s old town, the Sea Organ, dinner, or an evening walk. If you dislike spending an entire day on a boat, this shorter schedule is a real advantage.

The boat company has three boats, so the vessel that arrives may not be obvious at first. The meeting point can be busy, with several operators near one another. If you are unsure, take a photo of your location and send it to the provider on WhatsApp. That small step can save you from wandering around the dock.

The speedboat ride from the Foša waterfront

The starting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, on the waterfront opposite Zadar’s city walls. Boarding takes place behind the Foša restaurant, a central spot that is easy to reach from the old town.

The first ride lasts about 15 minutes. That is long enough to settle into your seat and enjoy the views, but not so long that you are simply waiting for the first stop. The speedboat gives you a more active ride than a large sightseeing vessel, though the tradeoff is less shelter and more exposure to wind and spray.

On calm days, that open design lets you enjoy the sea air and views. On rough days, you could get wet during the crossings. Wear swimwear under your clothes, keep a change of clothes in a dry bag, and avoid bringing anything you cannot afford to splash.

Skippers such as Joseph, Jure, Josip, and Željko have been praised for being friendly, attentive, funny, and informative. The experience depends partly on which of the company’s boats and skippers handles your departure, but the small group gives the guide room to answer questions and help with photos.

Blue Bay: the first stop is about getting in the water

After roughly 15 minutes, the boat reaches a secluded swimming bay in the Zadar archipelago. This is the most active stop and the clearest reason to pack beach gear.

You have about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as turquoise and crystal clear, and the usual way into the sea is by jumping directly from the boat. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, this stop will likely be the highlight.

A mask is included, but it comes without a snorkel tube. That is enough for looking below the surface while holding your breath, but it is not a full snorkeling setup. If you want to spend a long time examining the seabed, bring your own snorkel if you have one.

The boat carries life vests, and you can use them if needed. Still, this is not a guided snorkeling lesson. You are given free time to swim and look around, so stay within your comfort level and follow the skipper’s instructions.

This stop is also a good test of the tour’s pace. You are not rushed out of the water after a few minutes, but 50 minutes passes quickly once you include jumping in, swimming, drying off, and getting ready to leave. Bring a towel that dries quickly and apply sunscreen before boarding. Shade and shelter on an open speedboat may be limited.

Ošljak gives you a slower hour on land

The next crossing takes around 10 minutes, bringing you to Ošljak. This small island is known as the smallest inhabited island, and it offers a very different mood from the swimming bay.

You have about an hour here for a walk, sightseeing, free time, and possibly another swim. Ošljak’s appeal is its scale. Instead of a busy resort or a long list of sights, you get a compact island setting with old Dalmatian houses, quiet paths, and places to pause beside the water.

I like this stop because it makes the trip about more than swimming. You can stretch your legs, take photographs, and see a small piece of everyday island life. The old houses and simple setting feel more grounded than a polished beach club.

Do not expect a major town or a packed sightseeing program. Ošljak is best enjoyed slowly. Walk, look out over the water, and let the hour pass without trying to force a full itinerary onto a very small island.

For families, this can be a useful break from the boat. One child may love jumping into the sea at the first stop, while another may prefer exploring on land. For anyone prone to seasickness, the land time is welcome. A past passenger specifically liked the balance between time ashore and time at sea for that reason.

Preko offers the longest and most flexible stop

From Ošljak, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach Preko. This village on Ugljan Island gets the longest stop, about 75 minutes, and it is where you have the most choice in how to spend your time.

You can walk through the village, have coffee, look for food, shop for souvenirs, or swim. You may also have the option to visit nearby Galevac, depending on the timing and how the stop is handled. The tour description treats Galevac as an optional part of the Preko visit, so do not assume you will have a separate, lengthy island excursion there.

Preko is valuable because it gives you a sense of a lived-in Croatian coastal village. This is not only a photo stop from the water. You can sit at a café, browse local shops, and see how the waterfront works as an everyday place rather than a stage set for sightseeing.

Seventy-five minutes sounds generous, but it can shrink quickly. If you want coffee and a walk, choose one first and keep an eye on the meeting time. Families with young children may need most of the stop just to get from the boat to the village and back. One family with children aged seven and two would have preferred more time here, since walking at a young-child pace takes longer.

Food is not included, so bring cash if you want to buy Croatian food or a drink in Preko. The boat includes beer, bottled water, and iced tea, but the onboard drinks do not replace a meal. If you need lunch, plan to purchase it at this stop or eat before departure.

Drinks and the small-group feel

At $35 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day outing rather than a luxury charter. The value comes from the combination of transport, three stops, a live English-speaking guide, drinks, swimming time, and a group size of no more than 10.

Beer is provided per person, along with bottled water and iced tea. Several passengers especially appreciated having cold drinks ready during the ride. You should still bring your own water if you drink a lot in the sun, since the supplied amount is not described in detail.

The small group matters more than it may appear on paper. Ten people can still feel social, but it is easier to board, get instructions, and leave each stop on time than with a large coach boat. Skippers also have more chance to speak with you directly and take photographs.

The atmosphere is social but not built around a party. You are encouraged to meet the other people aboard, yet the main focus is swimming, scenery, and island time. That makes it a good fit for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children.

The main price warning is the fuel surcharge. Fuel is not included in the $35 and must be paid before the trip begins. Check the current amount when booking so you can compare the true cost with other Zadar boat tours.

What the boat day feels like in changing weather

An open speedboat gives you a close view of the sea, but it also leaves you exposed. On a calm, sunny day, that is a pleasure. You feel the wind, see the coastline from water level, and get a quick, lively ride between stops.

If the sea is rough, the ride can be bumpy and spray may reach you. This is not the best choice if you need a covered vessel or strongly dislike getting wet. Wear clothes that can handle salt water and bring a dry change for the return to Zadar.

There is no restroom on the boat. Use the bathroom before departure, then plan to use one at the final stop if necessary. The combination of sun, drinks, and four hours without onboard facilities makes this more important than it sounds.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You also cannot bring pets or bicycles, and the stated weight limit is 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. These restrictions relate to the small boat and the swimming and boarding setup, so consider them before paying.

Who will enjoy this Zadar island tour most

You should consider this trip if you want a short, active taste of the Adriatic rather than a full-day sailing trip. It suits people who want swimming, quick boat rides, island walks, and a little local village time in one package.

It is especially useful during a short stay in Zadar. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the water and still have time for the city. The four-hour format also works well if you have dinner plans or want to see Zadar’s evening sights afterward.

Families can enjoy it, but young children may make the Preko stop feel rushed. The first swimming stop is a good fit for confident swimmers and older children who like jumping from boats. For small children, confirm that the boat and boarding arrangements feel manageable before booking.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a detailed cultural tour, a serious snorkeling trip, or a quiet luxury cruise. The guide provides information about the area, but the experience is built around scenery, swimming, and relaxed exploration rather than a long historical lecture.

What to pack and how to meet the boat

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, beachwear, a change of clothes, and cash. A dry bag is a sensible extra for phones and wallets, especially if the sea is choppy.

The meeting point is behind Foša restaurant, opposite the city walls. Parking nearby can be difficult, so do not plan to arrive at the last minute by car. If you are driving, allow extra time to find a place and walk to the waterfront.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The tour is conducted in English.

Should you book the Aveta speedboat trip?

I would book it if you want a good-value half-day on the water with a real mix of activities. The strongest features are the 50-minute swim, the quiet character of Ošljak, the longer free time in Preko, and the friendly personal service from skippers such as Joseph, Jure, Josip, and Željko.

I would think twice if you need a toilet aboard, dislike open boats, have limited mobility, or want food included. Also remember that fuel costs extra, and the exact boat and skipper may vary because Aveta operates three boats.

For most visitors with clear weather, comfortable swimwear, and realistic expectations, this is a well-balanced way to see the coast around Zadar. You get three different stops, cold drinks, a small group, and enough time left to enjoy the city.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour meet in Zadar?

Meet on the waterfront opposite the city walls, behind the Foša restaurant, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. If you are unsure of your location, take a photo and send it to the activity provider on WhatsApp.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. The schedule includes roughly 15 minutes to the swimming bay, 50 minutes there, 10 minutes to Ošljak, one hour on Ošljak, 15 minutes to Preko, 75 minutes in Preko, and 15 minutes back to Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A mask is included, but it does not come with a snorkel tube. Life vests are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Each person receives beer, and bottled water and iced tea are available. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no restroom aboard the speedboat. You can use a toilet at the last stop, so take care of your needs before departure.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The tour uses an open speedboat, so wind and rough water can make the ride wet from sea spray. Bring suitable clothing and a change of clothes.