Crystal water and fast hops make this trip special. You’ll cruise out from Zadar through the Bay of Foša, then get multiple chances for crystal-clear swimming with snorkeling equipment provided. The tone feels friendly and practical, with guides such as Dino (and also Davide and Stella, depending on departure) sharing useful notes as you go.

You don’t just sit on a boat. You’ll get Ošljak free time and time on Preko (on Ugljan) to walk around, grab photos, and pick your own pace. The only real downside is practical: there’s no toilet and no food included, so plan your timing.

Key moments to know before you go

• Blue Bay Otrić swim slot: about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling right after the boat ride out.
• An hour on Ošljak: guided context, then time to explore on your own.
• Preko on Ugljan: about 1 hour with photo stops plus time for shopping and walking.
• Snorkeling gear is part of the deal: you’ll also have life vests and access to onboard sunshade.
• Unhurried stops for water time: the itinerary is built around multiple swim breaks, not just travel time.

Where the tour starts: the harbor wall setup

The meeting point is right in central Zadar: Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The boat is tied to the walls, so look for the speedboat docked along the harbor edge rather than a big marina building. If you’re early, you’ll have time to spot your group, confirm your departure, and get yourself settled before the “let’s go” energy takes over.

Also, this is one of those tours where being ready matters. Wear comfortable clothes that you can get wet in, and keep your change of clothes easily reachable. The trip runs for about 4 hours, so you’ll want to avoid a last-minute scramble for hats, towels, or water shoes.

One more small but important point: the tour recommends bringing cash. That’s a good clue that some time on land includes spots where you might want to buy a snack, a drink, or a souvenir.

Why a speedboat from Zadar feels smarter than you’d expect

This tour is built around short, efficient travel between islands, with real time spent in the water and on shore. The cruise route takes you through the Bay of Foša, and you spend enough time sailing to enjoy the coastline views without it turning into a long, boring transfer day.

A speedboat also changes how “island hopping” feels. Instead of waiting your turn for ferries or getting stuck in schedule gaps, you get a rhythm: ride, stop, swim, walk, repeat. You’re not racing the ocean—you’re using the boat to access multiple bays while keeping the day lightweight.

And because the plan includes both water breaks and land time, you don’t have to be a nonstop swimmer. If you want to snorkel, you can. If you’d rather stay on the surface and float, you can do that too—especially with life vests provided for safety and comfort.

Blue Bay Otrić: your first real swim-and-snorkel window

The day’s first big anchor is the stop at Blue Bay Otrić, with about 45 minutes scheduled for break, guided orientation, free time, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where the tour earns its reputation: you get a proper chunk of time in the water early enough that you’re not rushing your first swim.

What makes this stop practical is the structure. You’re not guessing what to do or when to do it—the guide gives the key info, then you get time to decide how long you stay in the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll have unlimited water onboard during the day.

If you want the most out of your snorkeling window, go in with a simple plan: give yourself a minute to get comfortable, then focus on steady, calm movement. The goal isn’t performance; it’s seeing the underwater world without feeling stressed.

Consideration: you should still expect some time that’s “just” scenic sailing between stops. If you’re hoping for continuous swimming nonstop, a 4-hour tour with multiple island walks still includes some time on the boat.

Ošljak Island: guided context, then about an hour on your own

After the first swimming break, you’ll head to Ošljak and get roughly 1 hour of free time on land. This is a nice balance: the boat gets you there fast, but the shore time lets you slow down and actually look at the place instead of only taking photos from the water.

You’ll receive info from your guide about what’s around before you head off on your own. That matters because even if you wander casually, you’ll have a sense of what you’re looking at—coastline viewpoints, the layout of the area, and the general vibe of the island.

Then you’re free to choose your pace: stroll for photos, take a breather, and enjoy the island views without feeling locked into a strict walking route. This portion is also useful if someone in your group doesn’t want to stay in the water for long.

Ugljan plus Preko: a quieter village feel with shopping time

The tour then shifts to Ugljan, one of the islands closest to Zadar’s orbit, and includes time connected to Preko. You’ll get another 1-hour segment that’s built for flexibility: photo stop(s), guided info, free time, shopping, walking, plus swimming and snorkeling.

This is the part that often turns “nice tour” into “I’m really glad we booked it.” Preko gives you something different from open water stops: a chance to step into a small town rhythm. Even if you only have time for a short wander, it’s the kind of place where you can grab a drink, browse a shop or two, and reset after time on the boat.

What I like about this setup is that it doesn’t force a single activity. You can prioritize walking and snacks, or you can keep it water-focused and use the snorkeling time if conditions are good.

Tip: since cash is recommended, you’ll probably find it useful here. Bring a small amount so you’re not stuck at checkout with a half-finished plan.

On the water: comfort, safety, and drinks that keep the mood right

Your boat ride includes a set of onboard basics that make a difference on a 4-hour outing. You’ll have life vests for safety, plus sunshade so you’re not baking during the sailing segments. That shade matters most when the sun is high and you’re waiting for the next swim stop.

As for drinks, the tour includes unlimited water. The experience also includes drinks on board, and many departures include additional options like beer and juice (depending on the guide and what’s been prepared). Either way, the practical point is simple: hydration is covered, and you’re not stuck trying to find water once you’re out on the route.

Guides also tend to keep things moving without rushing people. You’ll get information at key points, then time to choose what you want to do. That’s why the tour works well for mixed groups—people can have different “wins” even while doing the same itinerary.

Timing your day: how to make the return feel special

You’re on the water for only about half the day, so you can plan your other activities around the tour. A departure that runs later in the afternoon can make the return extra pleasant, because you’re heading back when the light changes. Some departures even come with that “sun going down on the way back” effect, which is a great bonus if you like warm photos and a calmer atmosphere.

Still, don’t build your entire schedule around perfect timing. You’re going to spend time sailing between islands, and the stops are the real event. Your goal is to arrive relaxed, swim when you feel like it, and enjoy the land time without turning it into a checklist.

Also remember: there’s no toilet and no food included. That doesn’t mean you’re stranded, but it does mean you should treat the tour like a day-out plan rather than a floating restaurant.

Price and value: what $49 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $49 per person for about 4 hours, the value comes from the mix of what’s included and what’s not.

Included:

• a guide
• the speedboat tour
• snorkeling equipment
• life vests
• unlimited water
• sunshade
• fuel

Not included:

• food
• a toilet

So you’re paying for access—fast boat transport to multiple island areas, plus the gear and structure that lets you swim and snorkel without bringing your own equipment. This is often more cost-effective than renting a boat yourself, especially if you’d otherwise have to arrange a skipper, fuel, and safety gear.

When it’s worth it: if you want the islands around Zadar but you don’t want the hassle of planning three separate activities and getting to each one on your own schedule, this tour is an easy shortcut. It’s also a strong choice if you want a guided experience with genuine water time, not just a sightseeing drive.

When it might not be worth it: if you dislike water activities, or if you need a toilet break and a full meal built into the plan, you’ll probably feel limited.

What to bring so you don’t spend the day worrying

Bring items that keep you comfortable through swimming and walking. The tour recommends:

• a hat
• a change of clothes
• comfortable clothes
• drinks
• cash

I’d add one practical idea based on the way these tours work: keep your change of clothes in a bag that stays closed. Spray and sea mist happen even when the swim time is brief, and you’ll feel better when you can change right after.

If you have water shoes, they can be useful for shore steps and getting in and out more comfortably (but the tour’s essentials are the provided snorkeling gear and safety vests). Most important is planning for the fact that no food is included, so if you get hungry fast, pack something small or plan to eat shortly after.

Who this tour fits best in real life

This is best for people who want an active, outdoorsy day without needing to be an expert swimmer. You’ll have snorkeling gear and safety support, and you’ll also have shore time where you can just walk and take in the views.

It’s also a good pick for:

• couples who want shared experiences (swimming + wandering)
• friends who want a flexible plan instead of one strict route
• families with older kids who can handle getting in and out of the water

It’s not a match for:

• wheelchair users
• babies under 1 year

Should you book the Zadar 3-islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want the islands around Zadar in a compact day, with multiple swim and snorkeling stops plus real land time on Ošljak and Preko. The value is strongest when you’re the kind of traveler who likes water breaks, simple logistics, and a guide who gives you enough context to enjoy the stops.

Skip it (or at least rethink) if the lack of food and toilet on board would make you uncomfortable, or if you’d rather do a slower, more land-based itinerary. If you can handle that trade-off, this is a fun, efficient way to see more coastline than you’d manage on your own in a single afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where do we meet the boat?

The meeting point is at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, where the boat is tied to the walls.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.

Is there safety equipment on board?

Yes. Life vests are included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included, and drinks are provided on board.

Is food included on the tour?

No, food is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No, a toilet is not included.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide provides English.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, a change of clothes, comfortable clothes, drinks, and cash.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users or babies?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not suitable for babies under 1 year.