Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling

The best part of this four-hour trip is the mix of speedboat thrills and island time. You leave Zadar behind, skim across the water, stop for a swim in Pjescana Uvala, then slow down for the small islands of Ošljak and Ugljan. It gives you three different looks at the Zadar Archipelago in one half-day.

I like the clear swimming water at Pjescana Uvala and the chance to spend real time ashore, rather than simply passing islands from a boat. I also like the small group size, with no more than 10 people, plus the included drinks and snorkeling equipment. The main catch is practical: the boat can be wet and crowded, and the advertised €10 fee should be confirmed before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: Swim at Pjescana Uvala, wander quiet Ošljak, and explore the cafés and shore of Preko.
• A lively ride: Wind and waves can mean plenty of spray, so protect phones and expect to get wet.
• Friendly skippers matter: Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mateo, Mario, Gogo, and others have been praised for making the trip fun and adapting the route to the weather.
• Snorkeling is simple, not a reef safari: The water is clear, but marine life can be limited.
• Budget for the extra €10: Fees and taxes are listed separately, and cash may be requested at the dock.
• No toilet on board: Use facilities before departure and bring only water-safe personal items.

A fast start from Zadar harbor

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar, and the boat returns there after roughly four hours. The location is near public transportation, but allow time to find the right person and boat. The start has felt confusing at times, especially when several groups are gathering, so do not arrive at the last second.

If you are coming from a cruise ship, pay close attention to the extra transport cost. A taxi from the cruise terminal has been reported at about €20 each way. That can make a low-cost boat trip much less cheap than it first appears.

The boat carries up to 10 people. That keeps the group fairly small, but a full boat can feel tight. Several people have praised the boats as comfortable, while another account found a full load of 10 less pleasant. My advice is simple: pack light, sit where you can hold on, and do not bring anything that cannot get wet.

This is a speedboat outing, not a quiet yacht cruise. The ride itself is part of the fun. On a windy day, spray can hit you again and again, especially when the boat is full. A dry bag or sealed plastic pouch for your phone is a smart idea. You may also want a change of clothes.

Pjescana Uvala, the first swim stop

After about 15 minutes by speedboat, you reach Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj. It is a sheltered Croatian bay between the Dalmatian islands, with clear water and a sandy bottom. The stop lasts about 40 minutes, which is enough for a proper swim and a short try at snorkeling.

This is the strongest swimming stop on the route. You can see the bottom in good conditions, and small fish may be visible near the shore. The water is the attraction here, not a long guided nature talk or a major underwater site.

Snorkeling gear is provided, including masks and snorkels. Some people have found the equipment good quality, while others recommend bringing your own goggles for a better fit. The supplied equipment is useful, but do not expect a full marine-life tour. Clear water does not always mean lots of fish, and several parts of the route have little to see below the surface.

A little care is sensible at any rocky Croatian swimming spot. Sea urchins can be present away from cleared beach areas, so water shoes are useful if you plan to walk over rocks. They are not required for the normal swimming area, but they add comfort and protection.

There have been mixed descriptions of the exact setting. Many people enjoy the sandy bottom and clean water, while one account found litter and broken glass near an abandoned building. Conditions can vary, and the stop is best approached as a quick swim in a natural bay rather than a polished beach-club visit.

Ošljak, a quiet island with a slower pace

Ošljak is the smallest island in the Zadar Archipelago. Only a few families live there, so the mood is much quieter than in a busy seaside resort. You get about an hour to walk along the shore and look around at your own pace.

The island has a small ninth-century church and the ruins of a hospital from the Second World War. These are modest sights, not grand monuments, but they give the stop a sense of place. You are seeing a lived-in island with a thin population and a long, low-key history.

Do not come here expecting a sandy beach, a packed shopping street, or a long list of attractions. Ošljak is appealing because there is not much going on. You can stretch your legs, take photographs, sit near the water, and enjoy a break from the engine.

That quiet character will suit you if you like small settlements and unhurried walks. It may feel underwhelming if you want every stop to include a beach, shops, or a major sight. Some tours tie up near a harbor, and the shore can be more interesting than the water itself.

The skipper may give you ideas about what to see, but the level of commentary depends on who is driving. Joseph, Lovre, and several other skippers have been praised for sharing useful tips and local information. Other rides have had less explanation. If you want more background, ask questions as you go.

Preko, cafés and a possible swim to Galevac

The longest stop is Preko on Ugljan Island, with about an hour and a half ashore. Preko is a small village that becomes livelier in summer and much quieter outside the main season. You can stroll along the shore, swim from the small sandy beach on the right-hand side, or sit with a coffee overlooking the water.

This is the most flexible stop. You can make it active or easy. Bring the supplied snorkeling mask, or use the time for a drink and a view. The harbor area has cafés and shops, giving you more choice than Ošljak.

From Preko, you can swim toward Galevac, a nearby island with a small monastery among the trees. This is an optional idea, not a separate included stop, and you should judge the distance and conditions for yourself. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay near the beach and enjoy Preko from shore.

The village is also a useful reminder of what this tour does well. It is not just about racing from one photo stop to another. You get enough time to pause, look around, and choose your own pace. You are not forced into a group meal, guided walk, or paid activity.

Food is not included, so plan accordingly. The tour supplies bottled water and cold drinks, but no dinner or meal. Since Preko has cafés, you can buy something there, but bring payment and allow enough time to return to the boat.

What the skipper can add to the day

The quality of the day depends heavily on the skipper. Names praised in the feedback include Joseph, Lovre, Tony, Mateo, Mario, Gogo, Emilio, and Josef. That does not mean you can select a particular person when booking, but it does show how much the captain’s attitude shapes the outing.

The best skippers do more than drive. Lovre has been praised for being fun and friendly. Josef received strong praise for making the day enjoyable and offering excellent value. Mateo was described as professional and warm, while one skipper adapted the route because of the wind so the group could still make the most of the conditions.

Tony has been praised for good snorkeling equipment and an entertaining ride. Gogo was credited with giving plenty of time at the stops, while Mario adjusted the route on a windy day. These details matter because the weather can change the feel of the trip. A calm, talkative captain can turn a basic boat transfer into a social afternoon.

The less successful rides had a quiet driver who offered little information. If you want a guided history lesson, this may not be reliable enough. If you mainly want swimming, island walks, and a fast ride, the commentary may matter less.

Snorkeling expectations and swimming conditions

The word snorkeling can make this sound like a serious underwater excursion. It is better to think of it as casual snorkeling during a speedboat day. You receive equipment and have chances to swim, but the main rewards are clear water, sandy bottoms, and cooling off.

Some people have seen very little marine life. Others have enjoyed the swimming enough to call it the best part of the day. Water clarity, wind, sunlight, and the exact swimming spot all affect what you see.

Bring your own mask if fit matters to you. The supplied masks may be perfectly serviceable, but personal gear usually feels more comfortable. Water shoes are also helpful around rocky edges and areas where sea urchins may be present.

Life jackets and equipment have not always seemed sufficient in every account, particularly for different sizes. Ask the crew about the available safety equipment before leaving the dock, especially if you are not a confident swimmer. The group is expected to manage its own swimming ability, and you should stay within your comfort zone.

The real cost of a $38.71 trip

At $38.71 per person, this is inexpensive for a four-hour boat trip with three island stops, bottled water, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You are paying for access to places that would take more planning to reach independently, plus the fun of a speedboat ride.

The price becomes less clear once extras enter the picture. The tour information lists €10 per person for fees and taxes. Several people were surprised when this was requested as a docking fee, sometimes in cash and without a receipt. That is the biggest value concern.

Ask before departure exactly what the €10 covers, how it must be paid, and whether a receipt is available. It should not be a surprise at the dock. If you also need a taxi from a cruise terminal, the total cost can rise sharply.

There is no food included. Drinks are included, though the amount and selection may be limited. Bring money for a café or meal in Preko, and do not assume the boat will provide snacks.

Even with the extra fee, the tour can be good value if you want a simple half-day on the water. It is less attractive if you expect a polished boat, extensive guiding, abundant sea life, or a fully transparent all-in price.

Practical packing advice for a wet boat

Pack for swimming, not just sightseeing. A towel is not supplied, and there is no restroom on board. Use the bathroom before departure, and carry a towel in a dry bag or other waterproof container.

I would bring:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Water shoes, especially for rocky areas
• Cash for the €10 fee, cafés, and food
• Your own goggles if you care about fit

Do not leave passports, cameras, or loose electronics exposed on the boat. Spray can reach the seating area, especially on the return run or during rough weather.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this Zadar boat trip most

This suits you if you want an active half-day, enjoy swimming, and like moving between several places rather than spending a full day at one beach. It is also a good choice if you want a taste of island life without arranging separate ferries.

Families and mixed-age groups can enjoy it, provided everyone is comfortable with speed, spray, and swimming. Most people can participate, but the boat has no toilet and limited room for personal items.

It is less suitable if you dislike getting wet, need a calm and stable ride, or want a formal cultural tour. The small islands are quiet, and Ošljak in particular may seem too spare if you need constant activity.

The experience is also weather-sensitive. Wind may change the route, increase the spray, or affect snorkeling. That flexibility can help preserve the day, but it also means you should not expect every departure to look exactly the same.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want good-value time on the water, three different island stops, and a bit of speedboat excitement. Pjescana Uvala offers the best swim, Ošljak provides a peaceful walk, and Preko gives you cafés, a sandy beach, and more freedom to choose your pace.

Before paying, confirm the €10 fee, ask where the meeting point is, and prepare to get soaked. Bring a towel, protect your phone, and keep snorkeling expectations modest. If those conditions suit you, this is an easy way to add swimming and small-island scenery to a Zadar visit without committing to a full-day cruise.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and returns to the meeting point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar.

Which places does the boat visit?

The planned stops are Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko. Pjescana Uvala lasts about 40 minutes, Ošljak about one hour, and Preko about one hour and 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with bottled water and cold drinks.

Is food included?

No. Dinner and other food are not included. You can use the cafés in Preko during the longer stop.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on board, so use facilities before departure.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided. You should also protect personal items because spray can make the boat very wet.

Is there an additional fee?

The tour information lists €10 per person for fees and taxes. Confirm the exact charge and payment method before departure, since it may be requested separately from the advertised price.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.