Zadar: 3 Island Speedboat Tour with Wine and Snorkeling

Zadar’s best escape may be just offshore. This four-hour speedboat trip leaves the old city behind for Kostanj Bay, Osljak, and Preko, mixing clear water, short island walks, and a relaxed drink in the sun. I like the small group of up to 12 people, and I like that the route gives you more than a quick swim stop: Osljak offers a glimpse of island life, while Preko gives you time to wander.

I also like the friendly skipper-led style. Guides named Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, Fabrizio, and others have been praised for good music, helpful swimming advice, and local tips. The main drawback is practical: parking near the meeting point can be difficult in summer, there is no toilet there, and the €10 cash docking fee is extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different stops: Kostanj is for swimming, Osljak is for walking and history, and Preko is the longest stop for free time.
• Small speedboat group: The boat carries no more than 12 participants, making it more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Drinks are part of the outing: Expect wine, water, soft drinks, and two glasses of G&T, one at each designated stop.
• Preko gives you time to roam: The 90-minute visit allows for coffee, shops, a sandy beach, and snorkeling.
• Bring €10 in cash: This docking charge is paid on arrival and covers all three stops.
• Plan around the meeting point: Arrive 10 minutes early, allow extra time for parking, and use a toilet before you go.

Why this Zadar boat trip is worth considering

At $44 per person, this is priced as an easy half-day outing rather than a full maritime expedition. That distinction matters. You are paying for a modern speedboat, fuel, a local skipper, snorkeling gear, drinks, and three stops, but not lunch or hotel transport. Add the €10 docking charge, and your basic cost is about $54 before any food or coffee.

I see good value here for a first visit to Zadar. In four hours, you get a fast ride along the coast, time in a sheltered bay, two inhabited islands, and a chance to see the old city from the water on the return. A large boat could offer more space, but this small group format should make it easier to ask questions, move between stops, and get help with equipment.

The tour is also a useful break from Zadar’s stone streets and summer heat. The speedboat ride creates the sense of going somewhere, while the stops keep the pace from becoming just a coastal cruise. You are not spending all afternoon in one resort, and you are not rushing through five or six islands either.

The route is best for people who want swimming, casual sightseeing, and a social boat ride in one package. It is less suitable if you want a serious historical tour, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet private charter.

Meeting the boat near Zadar’s old city

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. You are asked to wait by the bench or the Tornado sign, arriving 10 minutes before departure. There is no toilet at the meeting point, so handle that before you arrive.

Summer parking can be a headache, and no parking is provided at the departure point. If you are driving, give yourself extra time. I would not arrive at the last minute and hope to find a nearby space.

The boat ride is led in English by a local skipper. The exact captain depends on the departure, but the guiding team has included Mario, Tony, Gogo, Roko, Fabrizio, Matteo, Johnny, Zvone, and others. The strongest praise consistently goes to the skippers’ attitude: friendly conversation, music, attention to less confident swimmers, and useful suggestions about food and places to visit.

That personal element is important. This is not a recorded commentary played over a loudspeaker. Your skipper may explain the islands as you go, point out places to eat, or adjust the mood of the ride with music and conversation.

Kostanj Bay: your first 40 minutes in clear water

After roughly 15 minutes by speedboat, you reach Kostanj, a sandy beach in a sheltered bay. This is the tour’s main water-first stop, with about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, cooling off, and sunbathing.

The water is described as clear and blue, and the bay gives you a simple introduction to the coast. You can jump in from the boat or head toward the sandy beach, depending on the conditions and instructions from the skipper. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

Forty minutes is enough to get wet and enjoy the setting, but it is not a long snorkeling session. If you spend time changing, taking photos, and waiting for equipment, your actual time in the water will be shorter. I would bring swimwear under your clothes and keep your expectations focused on a refreshing stop rather than a full marine-life outing.

This is also where the included drinks help set the tone. Wine, water, and soft drinks are available, with two glasses of G&T included during the stops. Drink sensibly in the sun, especially if you plan to swim soon afterward.

Osljak: a small island with a slower pace

The next ride takes about 15 minutes, followed by roughly 40 minutes on Osljak. This is the most distinctive stop because it shifts the focus from water to island character.

Osljak is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, with about 29 residents. It has traditional Mediterranean architecture, trees, a small hill, and quiet paths along the shore. One unusual local detail is that many residents share the same last name, a small reminder of how closely connected island communities can be.

You can walk around the shoreline or climb the hill for a wider view. Hidden among the trees is a church dating from the ninth century. The island also has ruins of a hospital associated with people suffering from plague during the Second World War. These details give the stop more weight than a simple photo break, but the visit remains brief, so you will only get a taste of the island.

There is also a bar if you prefer a drink to a walk. That flexibility works well in a mixed group. Some people can explore while others sit in the shade or enjoy the water nearby.

The main limitation is the 40-minute schedule. You cannot thoroughly explore Osljak, linger over lunch, and make the hill walk all at once. Pick one or two priorities before you step ashore. I would choose the hill and church if you want the most memorable look at the island, or the shoreline if you prefer an easy stroll.

Preko: the longest stop and the most choice

From Osljak, the boat continues a short distance to Preko. You have about 90 minutes here, making it the most useful stop for travelers who want a little independence during the tour.

Preko is livelier in summer, with small shops, souvenirs, cafés, and places to sit with a sea view. You can get a coffee, walk through the center, or head to a small sandy beach. Snorkeling gear is available here too, so you can return to the water after your earlier stop.

This is where the tour feels less tightly managed. You have enough time to choose your own pace, but you should keep an eye on the meeting time. A coffee, a beach visit, and a walk to the center are possible, but you may not have time for every option.

One appealing side trip is Galevac, a nearby islet with an ancient monastery among the trees. The information provided for the tour suggests that you may be able to swim there from Preko. Treat this as an optional idea, not a guaranteed part of the route. Ask your skipper about conditions and timing before setting off, and do not let the swim make you late for the boat.

The longer stop at Preko is a strong reason to choose this excursion over a simple sightseeing cruise. You are not only looking at islands from the deck. You get time to walk, swim, buy a small souvenir, or sit with a drink and watch local life pass by.

The return ride and Zadar from the water

After Preko, the speedboat heads back toward Zadar. The return offers a last look at the old city from offshore, which gives you a different sense of its position on the coast.

The ride is part of the pleasure here. A speedboat covers the distance quickly, and the open-air view makes the journey feel like a proper coastal outing rather than transportation between stops. On a calm day, you will have a good chance to enjoy the changing view of the shore, though the exact feel depends on weather and sea conditions.

Some guides add personal touches. Gogo, for example, has been praised for making the experience feel special and for showing a group Zadar’s Sea Organ at night. That kind of extra attention cannot be promised on every departure, but it shows why the skipper matters so much to this activity.

What is included, and what you still need to budget

The price includes the modern speedboat, petrol, an English-speaking local skipper, snorkeling equipment, three stops, and the listed drinks. Wine, water, and soft drinks are available, along with two glasses of G&T, one at each stop.

You need to pay a €10 docking fee in cash on arrival. This covers all stops, but it is not included in the advertised price. Lunch, coffee, towels, and hotel pickup are also not included.

Pack lightly. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and cash for the docking fee and any food, coffee, or souvenirs on the islands. Since towels are not provided, that small item can make the difference between a comfortable ride home and a wet seat.

The boat is limited to 12 participants, which is a good middle ground. You get the social feel of meeting people from different countries without the scale of a large group cruise. It also means the boat may feel lively, especially when several people want to swim or talk, so do not book this expecting complete privacy.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who want an active but easy half-day near Zadar. One 11-year-old reportedly called it the favorite excursion of a cruise holiday, and the skippers have taken care to help less confident swimmers with life jackets.

It suits you especially well if you like variety. Kostanj gives you water time, Osljak gives you history and quiet paths, and Preko gives you the most freedom. The mix keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

It is also a good choice if you want help without being guided every minute. Your skipper handles the boat, fuel, route, and basic local information, while the island stops leave room for your own choices.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboat motion, need a guaranteed toilet throughout the outing, or want a long, serious archaeological visit. The tour is built around sea air, swimming, drinks, and short explorations. Its charm is its lightness.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when you choose your date.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Island Speedboat Tour?

The activity lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at Kostanj, Osljak, and Preko.

Which islands and locations does the tour visit?

The route includes Kostanj Bay, Osljak Island, and Preko Island. You may also be able to see or swim toward nearby Galevac from Preko, depending on timing and conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it at Kostanj and Preko.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, water, and soft drinks are included, along with two glasses of G&T, one at each designated stop.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour is limited to 12 participants, including the skipper.

Is the €10 docking fee included in the ticket price?

No. You must pay €10 per person in cash on arrival. This fee covers all three stops.

Is there parking or a toilet at the meeting point?

Parking is not available at the meeting point, and summer parking can be difficult. There is also no toilet there, so plan ahead.

Should you book this Zadar island tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with three different kinds of stops, friendly skipper interaction, and enough time to swim and explore. The route offers more variety than a basic boat ride, while the small group keeps it from feeling like a mass excursion.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a full-day island tour, or extended snorkeling. For most visitors with one free morning or afternoon in Zadar, though, the combination of Kostanj’s clear water, Osljak’s quiet island paths, and Preko’s relaxed cafés makes this a sensible and enjoyable use of four hours.