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

Zadar’s best short boat outing is less about checking off sights and more about getting out on the Adriatic. You’ll race across the water, stop for a swim in a quiet bay, wander the small island of Ošljak, and finish in the seaside village of Preko. The swim stop and the small-group setting are the two things I like most here. You get real time in the water, not just a quick photo stop, and a group capped at 10 keeps the outing fairly personal.

There are a few practical catches. The boat has no toilet, fuel costs extra, and rough weather can mean sea spray on an open speedboat. Still, at $35 per person for four hours, with beer, water, iced tea, a guide, and a mask included, this is strong value if you want a lively taste of the Zadar archipelago rather than a full-day cruise.

Key points at a glance

• A proper swim stop: Spend about 50 minutes in a secluded bay with clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling.
• Three island-area experiences: Visit Ošljak, explore Preko, and optionally see Galevac, with the route offering a mix of sea and shore time.
• Small boat, small group: Groups are limited to 10, and the open speedboat makes the ride fast and scenic.
• Friendly local skippers: Guides including Jure, Josip, Joseph, and Željko are praised for good humor, care, photographs, and useful regional information.
• Drinks included: You get bottled water, iced tea, and one beer per person, though food is not included.
• A half-day that leaves room for Zadar: The four-hour schedule lets you return with time to explore the old town, eat, or catch another sunset.

Why this four-hour boat trip works so well

I like this tour because it gets the balance right. You are not stuck on a boat for the entire outing, and you are not rushed from one postcard stop to another. The schedule gives you 50 minutes to swim, an hour on Ošljak, and 75 minutes in Preko. That is enough time to enjoy each place without turning the day into a tiring expedition.

The speedboat matters, too. The route includes several 10 to 15 minute rides, so you spend a good part of the trip moving along the coast with the wind in your face and islands passing by. It is a pleasant contrast to walking Zadar’s stone lanes under the hot summer sun.

The experience is limited to 10 people, but Aveta Speedboat Tours operates three boats. That means the boat assigned to your group may not be obvious at first glance. The meeting point is on the waterfront opposite the city walls, behind the Foša restaurant. If the dock feels confusing, take a photo of where you are and send it to the operator through WhatsApp.

Leaving Zadar behind the city walls

The tour starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, on the waterfront near the old city. You board behind Foša, close to the point where Zadar’s historic center meets the harbor.

The first ride lasts about 15 minutes. This is not dead time. It gives you a quick introduction to the scale of the Zadar archipelago and a chance to settle into the boat. The ride is part transport, part sightseeing, with broad views back toward the coast.

You should expect an open speedboat, not a covered sightseeing vessel. On a calm day, that makes the ride fresh and enjoyable. On a windy day, spray can reach the passengers, so wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes and keep your towel handy. A hat and sunscreen are essential.

The first stop: clear water and 50 minutes to swim

The first stop is a secluded bay described as a quiet blue-water swimming spot in the Zadar archipelago. This is the main water activity of the trip, and it is where you can jump from the boat, swim, and use the provided mask.

The equipment is limited to a mask only, without a snorkel tube. You can still look beneath the surface, but this is not a guided snorkeling session or a serious marine-life excursion. Think of it as a chance to cool off and see the clear water around the boat.

I would make this your priority stop. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes, and get in the water early rather than spending the whole break taking photos. Some families particularly like this part because jumping from the boat adds a little excitement without requiring a long swim.

The boat provides life vests, and you can choose to use one in the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the skipper for help before getting in. The crew members are repeatedly praised for being attentive and for helping people feel comfortable around the boat.

Ošljak: a small island with a local feel

After roughly 10 minutes on the water, you reach Ošljak. It is known as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia, and its appeal is its scale. You are not visiting a major resort or a town packed with attractions. Instead, you get a compact taste of old Dalmatian homes, quiet paths, and a slower island rhythm.

You have about an hour here for walking, sightseeing, swimming, or simply sitting near the shore. The old Dalmatian houses give the stop a more authentic feel than a purpose-built beach facility. It is a good place to slow down after the speedboat ride.

Keep your expectations sensible. Ošljak is small, so this is not a place for a long list of monuments, shops, or major sights. Its value lies in the setting and the chance to see a modest inhabited island. If you prefer busy streets and lots of choices, you may find the stop too quiet. I see that as part of its charm, especially in a half-day trip.

The guide may point out local details as you walk. Guides such as Jure, Josip, Joseph, and Željko receive especially warm praise for being friendly, funny, careful, and willing to wait while people take photographs. The exact skipper depends on which of the three boats comes for your group.

Preko and Galevac: your longest shore stop

The next boat ride takes about 15 minutes and brings you to Preko, a seaside village on the island of Ugljan. You have about 75 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the tour.

Preko offers a different experience from Ošljak. It feels more like a functioning coastal village, with narrow streets, waterfront views, places to have coffee, and opportunities to buy food or souvenirs. You can walk, swim, sit with a drink, or look for a Croatian meal. Food is not included, so bring cash if you want to eat or shop.

You may also visit Galevac, a small island near Preko. The supplied schedule places Preko and Galevac together, but it does not specify how much time is spent on Galevac or whether every group walks there. Treat it as an optional nearby sight rather than a guaranteed extended visit.

Seventy-five minutes sounds generous, but it can pass quickly. If you are traveling with young children, allow time for getting off the boat, walking, finding a café, and returning to the meeting point. One family felt that more time at the final stop would have helped them see more. I agree that Preko rewards a focused plan: decide whether you want a swim, a meal, a walk, or shopping before you step ashore.

This stop also helps people who are prone to seasickness. The trip divides its time between the boat and land, so you are not moving on open water for four straight hours.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat is part of the attraction. Several people describe the newer boats as clean, comfortable, spacious, and in good condition, particularly for groups of seven or fewer. A 10-person group is the stated limit, so comfort can depend on which boat you receive and how full it is.

The ride itself is quick and exposed. You get better views than from a large enclosed vessel, but you also feel the wind, sun, and waves more directly. In rough weather, expect occasional spray and possibly wet clothes. If you want a quiet, dry, stable ride, this is not the ideal format.

The pace is not relentlessly fast. The boat rides last about 10 to 15 minutes between stops, and the skipper controls the speed according to conditions. The most praised guides are not just drivers. They keep drinks available, explain what you are seeing, help with photographs, and create an easy mood on board.

Beer, bottled water, and iced tea are included. The beer allowance is one per person, while water and iced tea are listed as included drinks. Food is not provided, and there is no onboard restroom. Use a toilet before departure, then plan to use one at Preko, the last stop with restroom access.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, I consider this one of the better-value ways to get beyond Zadar without committing to a full day. You receive four hours of boat transport, a guide, life vests, a swimming mask, several drinks, and visits to two islands plus the surrounding island area.

The comparison that matters is not simply boat time. A private speedboat outing would cost far more, while a larger cruise boat may offer a smoother ride but less flexibility and a less personal feel. This trip gives you a small group, a proper swim break, and enough time ashore to make the price feel reasonable.

There is one extra cost to watch for: fuel is not included and is paid before departure. The information provided does not give the exact fuel amount, so ask the operator about it when booking. That extra charge does not erase the value, but you should include it in your budget rather than treating $35 as the complete final cost.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to you if you want a first taste of the islands, enjoy swimming, and have only half a day available. It suits couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who like meeting people, and families with children who can manage an open boat and island walks.

It also works well as a first or second day activity in Zadar. You get familiar with the coastline, see the city from the water, and return with plenty of time for the old town, the Sea Organ, dinner, or an evening walk.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the operator sets a maximum passenger weight of 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Boarding, moving around the boat, and getting ashore at swimming and island stops all require physical ease.

It may not suit you if you dislike sun, wind, boat motion, or getting wet. A rough sea can make the ride bumpy, and the lack of a toilet is a real issue for some people. Check the forecast, use the bathroom before boarding, and pack as if you might get sprayed.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes. Cash is useful for food, coffee, shopping, and any small purchases in Preko.

Wear footwear you can manage around a boat and on island paths, though no special equipment is listed as required. Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet.

Pets and bikes are not allowed. The tour is conducted in English, so you should be comfortable following English instructions from the skipper, especially around boarding, swimming, and returning to the boat.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check the available departure slot when you book. If the sea looks very rough, ask about conditions before setting out.

Should you book the Zadar island tour?

Book it if you want clear-water swimming, quick island visits, and a friendly small boat at a modest price. The strongest part of the experience is the mix: a secluded bay for swimming, the quiet character of Ošljak, and the more practical village atmosphere of Preko.

I would not book it for a serious snorkeling trip, a long cultural tour, or a luxury cruise. You get a mask but no snorkel, drinks but no food, and a lively open boat rather than a covered vessel. For most people staying in Zadar, though, four hours is a smart amount of time. It gives you a genuine taste of the Adriatic without using up the whole day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 on the Zadar waterfront, opposite the city walls. Boarding is behind the Foša restaurant.

How do I find the correct boat?

Aveta Speedboat Tours operates three boats, so the boat may not be immediately obvious. If you are unsure, take a photo of your location and send it to the activity provider through WhatsApp.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides, swimming stop, time on Ošljak, and time in Preko.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The company operates three boats, and one of them will collect your group.

Is a guide included?

Yes. An English-speaking live guide and skipper are included. Guides named in the tour information and guest feedback include Jure, Josip, Joseph, and Željko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

A mask is included, but a snorkel tube is not. The tour also provides life vests.

Are drinks included?

Yes. One beer per person, bottled water, and iced tea are included. Food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no restroom on the boat. You will have access to a toilet at the final stop, so use the bathroom before departure.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is paid separately before the tour starts. The exact additional amount is not stated, so ask the operator before departure.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The tour uses an open speedboat, and rough or windy conditions can cause sea spray and wet passengers. Bring suitable clothing, a towel, and a change of clothes.