Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat

A few minutes after leaving Zadar, you are in clear water around Ugljan, choosing between a swim, a drink in the sun, or snorkeling around rocks filled with marine life. That quick change from city waterfront to open sea is the main appeal of this four-hour speedboat trip.

I like the small group, capped at 12 people, and the easygoing way the skipper can adjust the outing. I also like the choice built into the day: spend more time in the water, wander around Preko, swim to Galevac, or stop for seafood in Kali. The main drawback is simple: there is no toilet on board, and the advertised $25 price does not include the €10 docking fee per person.

• Three water stops give you repeated chances to swim and snorkel.
• Preko on Ugljan adds a sandy beach, cafés, restaurants, and access to tiny Galevac.
• Kali is an optional final stop for seafood and cocktails if you want a break from swimming.
• A maximum of 12 people leaves more room than a large sightseeing boat.
• Snorkel masks, water, and iced tea are included, but towels and food are not.
• Skipper Bart has been praised for splitting the group so people can choose different activities.

From Zadar’s Waterfront to Ugljan’s Clear Bays

The boat leaves from Obala kneza Branimira 27A in Zadar and returns to the same meeting point. From there, the first ride is short, so you do not lose much of your half-day sitting on the boat.

That matters. Many island trips spend a large part of the day getting to the first stop. Here, the focus is on swimming, shore time, and a few well-chosen places around Ugljan. The speedboat is also a practical fit for a four-hour outing, giving you a sense of the nearby islands without using up your whole day.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. I consider that one of the strongest features of the trip. A small group makes it easier to hear the skipper, get help with the snorkeling equipment, and find a comfortable spot without the crowded feel of a large excursion boat.

The speedboat itself is described as clean, with enough space to sit comfortably. You receive fuel, a skipper, snorkel equipment, water, and iced tea as part of the experience. You need to bring your own towel and food if you want either one.

Pjescana Uvala: Your First 45 Minutes in the Water

The first stop is Pjescana Uvala, a quiet bay on Ugljan. You get about 45 minutes here, with no admission charge and no complicated shore program. The point is the water.

You can swim in the clear sea, sit in the sun with a drink, or use the provided mask and snorkel to look around the rocks. The area is described as having coral-filled rocks, so this is the best early chance to see what is below the surface rather than simply floating around.

I would treat this as a relaxed start, not a formal snorkeling lesson. The tour provides equipment, but you should be comfortable in the water and responsible for your own pace. If you prefer not to snorkel, the stop still works well for a quick swim or a quiet break on the boat.

The 45-minute limit keeps the day moving, but it can feel brief if you want long, unhurried time in the water. You will have two more opportunities later, so the schedule works better for people who like variety than for anyone seeking one long beach session.

Preko on Ugljan, With Time for Galevac

After the first swim, the boat heads to Preko, a settlement on Ugljan. You have about an hour and a half here, making it the longest stop and the most flexible part of the trip.

Preko gives the outing a useful change of pace. Instead of staying on the boat or beside an isolated cove, you can walk around, visit a sandy beach, stop at a café, or sit down for local food. The restaurants offer local specialties, so this is the logical place to buy a meal if you want something more substantial than the included drinks.

The small island of Galevac is only about 20 meters from the mainland. You can swim across if you feel comfortable, then explore its small shores and enjoy a different view back toward Preko. That crossing is one of the more distinctive details of the trip, though you should judge the water and your own ability before attempting it.

You have enough time here to make your own choice. Some people can spend the whole stop at the beach. Others may prefer a café, lunch, or a swim to Galevac. The tour is not trying to force every person into the same activity, and that flexibility appears to be one reason skipper Bart has been so well received. He has been praised for dividing the group so different people can get what they want from the stop.

The tradeoff is that the stop is not a guided cultural visit. You are being given time in Preko, not a detailed walking tour. That suits you if you want freedom, but it may disappoint you if you expected a formal introduction to Ugljan’s history or village life.

The Final Choice: Another Swim or Seafood in Kali

The last part of the outing gives you another decision. The boat can take you to a rocky beach for more swimming and snorkeling, or you can sail to Kali, a fishing village on the island.

The rocky beach keeps the focus on the sea. You have about an hour, enough for another swim and a final look below the surface. After two earlier water stops, this option works especially well for people who came mainly for a half-day on the Adriatic.

Kali offers a different kind of finish. You can visit a restaurant serving seafood specialties, then stop at a nearby beach bar with music and cocktails. This is a useful option if you have had enough swimming or want a proper meal before returning to Zadar.

The choice may depend on the mood of your group. Families or mixed groups can appreciate having alternatives, since one person may want to swim while another would rather eat. The boat team has shown flexibility in handling these preferences, but you should understand that the final stop is not necessarily the same for every group or every departure.

Food in Kali is not included. The same applies to meals in Preko. The tour includes water and iced tea, but you should budget separately for lunch, seafood, coffee, ice cream, or cocktails.

What the $25 Price Really Covers

At $25 per person, the advertised rate is low for a four-hour small-group boat trip. You are paying for the speedboat, fuel, skipper, snorkel mask, snorkel, water, and iced tea, along with time at three separate locations.

There is one important cost to add: a €10 docking fee per person. That makes the basic outing effectively $25 plus €10, before any food or drinks you buy on the islands. The final cost is still reasonable for a half-day on the water, but you should compare the full amount rather than judging the headline price alone.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and snorkel. Someone who does not want to enter the water may find the price less compelling, since much of the schedule is built around bays, beaches, and rocky coves. The Preko and Kali stops provide alternatives, but this is not primarily a town sightseeing tour.

The included equipment also helps. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately, though you do need to bring a towel. Since food is not included, carry some spending money for Preko or Kali. The tour does not provide car parking, so use nearby public transportation or arrange your own way to the meeting point.

The Small Boat Makes the Day Easier

A maximum of 12 people is a useful middle ground. You get the speed and access of a small boat without booking a private charter. There should be less waiting when the group moves between the boat and the shore, and the skipper can respond to different interests more easily.

The reviews consistently praise the boat team’s friendly and helpful manner. Bart is specifically named, and his ability to accommodate different plans is worth noting. The skipper is also described as attentive, well spoken, and careful with the group while still giving people room to enjoy themselves.

That balance matters on a water trip. You want clear help with the boat and snorkeling gear, but you do not want a constant stream of instructions. The strongest feedback points to a relaxed crew that stays available without taking over the day.

The boat has no toilet. This is the practical issue you need to plan around. Use a restroom before departure, and keep the four-hour duration in mind if you are traveling with a young child or anyone who needs frequent facilities. One family with a three-year-old had a good time, but the lack of a toilet remains a real limitation for some people.

Timing, Weather, and What to Pack

The tour lasts about four hours and ends where it begins in Zadar. A morning departure at 10 am has been available, which leaves the rest of the day open for the Old Town, lunch, or an evening along the waterfront. Check the exact departure time when booking rather than assuming every date follows the same schedule.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Pack lightly, but bring the basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection
• Dry clothing for the return ride
• Money or a card for food and drinks in Preko or Kali
• Any personal snacks, since meals are not supplied

Water and iced tea are provided, so you do not need to buy drinks for the boat. The operator also provides masks and snorkels, but you may bring your own if you prefer a familiar fit.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which is useful because parking is not provided. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity is suitable for most people who can take part in a normal boat and swimming outing.

Who Will Get the Most From This Trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want active water time with some island freedom. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy making their own choices rather than following a tightly managed shore tour.

It is also a good match for a short stay in Zadar. In four hours, you see several nearby places without committing to a full-day island cruise. The repeated swim stops make the trip feel worthwhile even if you spend only a little time exploring on land.

Families can benefit from the flexible plan, especially if some people want to swim and others prefer a beach, café, or meal. The three-year-old child mentioned in the feedback enjoyed the outing, but parents should remember the missing toilet and bring anything needed for a young child.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to you if you dislike speedboat travel, need a restroom close by, or want a detailed historical tour. The experience is built around the sea, not monuments or long guided walks. It also may not be ideal for someone who wants a full meal included in the price.

Should You Book the Zadar Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day on clear water, a small group, several swim chances, and the freedom to choose between Preko, Galevac, Kali, and more snorkeling. The combination of three stops, included gear, and a responsive skipper gives the trip more variety than a simple boat ride.

Before you commit, add the €10 docking fee per person to the advertised $25 price, plan around the lack of a toilet, and bring your own towel and meal budget. If those details work for you, this is a practical way to reach Ugljan and enjoy the coast without surrendering your whole day.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours and returns to the meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 27A in Zadar.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat takes a maximum of 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included, along with water and iced tea.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food is not included. You can buy local specialties in Preko or seafood in Kali, depending on the stop chosen.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. The speedboat does not have a toilet, so plan to use facilities before departure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.