That first swim off a speedboat is hard to beat. In Zadar, this 4-hour island-hopping ride mixes swim stops with snorkeling gear, plus two Aperol Spritz per person while the skipper plays music and keeps things moving.

I especially like the small group feel (up to 12), because it makes the boat ride feel more social than cramped. And I love that the stops aren’t just for looking; you get real time in the water and enough time on islands to stretch your legs.

One thing to consider: there’s no toilet on the boat, so plan ahead and bring what you need for a salty, splashy half day on the sea.

Key highlights

• Two Aperol Spritz per person to keep the vibe summer-mode
• Snorkeling equipment and life vests included, with time for both swimming and chilling
• Small group capped at 12 for a calmer, more flexible experience
• Multiple swim stops and island time built into a tight 4-hour loop
• Local skippers who choose the best water spots based on conditions and timing
• Onboard music and a sound system, with a few guides even letting you help steer the playlist

Zadar Island Hopping by Speedboat: Why This Half Day Works

Speedboat tours can go one of two ways: either you spend most of the time traveling, or you actually get time where it matters. This one is built to do the second part well—short hops, then actual water time, then time on land to wander, snack, and cool off again.

What makes it feel special is the rhythm. You’re not just sightseeing from the edge of the port. You’re out over bright blue water, then in again—fin first, then towel life. If Zadar’s waterfront beaches feel a bit too “same-same” for your taste, this is a fast way to switch up your day.

Timing, Group Size, and What Your 4 Hours Really Looks Like

The tour runs about 4 hours total. Exact departure times vary by day, so check availability before you commit. The group stays small (max 12 participants), which matters on a boat—less bumping, more room to spread out when you’re not in swim mode.

A typical flow goes like this:

• You meet at the start location, then hop across the water quickly.
• You get a longer swim/snorkel stop right away so you’re not waiting around for the good part.
• Then you rotate between boat rides and island time, with a couple “secret stop” options depending on sea conditions and timing.

Also note the boat design choices. The tour info says you’ll have shaded areas and a sound system onboard, which helps on bright afternoons.

Meeting Point by the Bridge and Finding the Right Boat

You’ll start at Ul. Jurja Barakovića 7. The meeting spot is right next to the bridge, on the side where the entrance to the Old Town is located. Look for the boat named Abaris 23.

This is the kind of tour where showing up a little early pays off. Zadar’s Old Town area is easy to walk around, but you’ll want clear time to locate the correct side of the bridge and get settled before departure.

Stop 1 to Stop 2: Fast Start Over the Adriatic

After you meet at Ul. Jurja Barakovića 7, there’s a quick 25-minute speedboat ride. That’s long enough to get moving and feel like you’re out on an adventure, but short enough that the day still feels tight.

In other words: you won’t spend your whole half day commuting to somewhere you never really reach. The plan is to get you to the best swim timing first.

Stop 3: The Best First Swim—Snorkeling Gear Included

Your first real stop is the hidden bay stage, with about 1 hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is the portion designed to satisfy the most common reason people book: that moment when you lean over the side and the water is clear enough to spot what’s under you.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life vests, so you’re not stuck renting gear or improvising. If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll still get something out of it because you’re not required to do anything extreme. You can mostly treat it as a floating look-around session.

Practical tip: keep an eye on where you swim. One safety note from experience shared in traveler feedback: if you swim far from the boat in deeper areas, sea urchins can be a risk. Staying closer to the boat during early swims is the easiest way to reduce surprises.

Stop 5: Secret Stop Time—Walk, Swim, and Scenic Views

Next comes another 15-minute ride, then a secret stop with about 1 hour of free time. This is a flexible stop that typically includes a mix of:

• sightseeing and a short walk
• scenic views from the area
• swimming and snorkeling again

Why I like this structure: it gives you options. If you’ve had your fill of water for the moment, you can stretch your legs. If you just want saltwater time, you can go back in.

Also, the tour is designed around conditions. Sea state can affect how long you get at each place and which “secret stop” you’ll visit. So if you’re thinking of this as a strict checklist, you’ll be happier treating it as a “choose-your-best-day” plan.

Stop 7: Another Island Chance for Street Food and Shopping

After another 15-minute speedboat segment, you’ll reach the next secret stop with about 45 minutes. This one includes more on-the-ground time that can include:

• a visit and walk around
• time for sightseeing
• street food
• some shopping

That’s a nice balance after two swim-heavy sections. You get to switch gears from water gear to casual strolling. And because the stop is shorter, you won’t feel like you’re on a never-ending island schedule.

One quick caution: if you’re planning to buy something, bring cash. The tour info specifically notes cash as something to have.

Stop 8 and Return: The Last Ride Back to Zadar

The final boat segment is another 15 minutes before returning to the meeting point at Ul. Jurja Barakovića 7. Reviews and day-of experience notes often describe the ride back as the part that can feel more “energetic” if waves pick up.

That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing if you’re sensitive to motion. A speedboat isn’t a slow ferry. It’s quick, fun, and sometimes a little bouncy.

Aperol Spritz Onboard: The Drink That Makes It Feel Like Vacation

The tour includes 2 Aperol Spritz per person. That’s a big chunk of what people remember later, because it turns the boat into a moving summer hangout, not just a transport-to-swim-stops situation.

You’ll also have unlimited water onboard. That matters on a half day in strong sun, especially if you’re getting in and out repeatedly.

The boat atmosphere is also part of the point. The info says there’s onboard music and a sound system. Some guides also let passengers help with the playlist, which is exactly the kind of small perk that makes a group feel relaxed instead of staged.

What’s Included vs. What’s Extra (That Docking Fee Matters)

The included items are solid:

• boat trip and skipper
• guide
• snorkeling equipment and safety equipment (life vests)
• 2 Aperol Spritz per person
• unlimited water

What’s not included is the docking fees:

• 10 EUR per adult
• 5 EUR per child
• noted as a total for all stops

So the real “all-in” cost is your tour price plus those docking fees. At $33 per person, the value still makes sense because you’re getting transportation by speedboat, gear, and timed swim stops with multiple islands in one go. You’re also saving yourself the hassle of figuring out ferries and coordinating swims on your own.

What to Bring for a No-Toilet Boat Day

This is where you can make or break the comfort level.

The tour doesn’t have a toilet on the boat, so:

• use the restroom before you arrive
• plan for swim-and-splash timing rather than frequent bathroom breaks

Bring:

• sunglasses and a sun hat
• swimwear
• a towel and change of clothes
• sunscreen
• beachwear
• cash
• a bag for wet stuff

A useful tip from onboard experience notes: if you sit toward the back, you can get splashed. A dry bag helps a lot for phones, wallets, and anything you don’t want salty.

Also, pets aren’t allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. It’s built for moving around and getting in and out at swim stops.

How the Skipper and Guide Level Changes the Day

The tour is guided, and the skipper choice is a big deal because it affects where you stop. The info emphasizes that the skipper knows the best spots, and that’s exactly how it should feel: you’re not just following a fixed map, you’re reacting to water and timing.

From guide names shared in experience notes—like Greg and Josef—you can expect a friendly, hands-on approach. One highlight that keeps coming up is how accommodating guides can be if you’re new to snorkeling or unsure where to go in the water.

And yes, some boats include a friendly dog onboard. Names like Ricky and Vicky show up in feedback, and it’s one of those small, memorable details that turns the ride into more than just a checklist activity.

Price and Value: Is $33 Worth It in Zadar?

At $33 per person, this is priced like a true half-day activity, not an all-day luxury boat tour. The included snorkel gear, safety gear, and the drinks help justify the price because you’re not paying extra for the basics you’d otherwise want.

Then you add the docking fees (10 EUR adult, 5 EUR child, total for all stops). Still, the math often comes out fair because you’re getting:

• a speedboat loop with multiple stops
• real swim time at a bay and on islands
• time to walk and snack on land
• drinks and water

If you’re coming from the cruise ship crowd or just trying to fill a short gap in your Zadar schedule, this type of tour gives you the coast experience fast, without needing to plan a full day of transport and returns.

Who Should Book This Speedboat Tour—and Who Might Skip It

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• swimming plus snorkeling without the work of organizing it
• a small group and an easygoing vibe
• islands you can reach quickly from Zadar
• a fun water-day without turning it into a long logistics project

It might be less ideal if you:

• need a toilet on the go
• don’t like speedboat motion, especially if the ride back feels choppy
• need wheelchair access (not suitable)

Should You Book This Zadar Island Hopping Adventure?

Yes, if you want the best parts of the Adriatic in one tight package. The snorkeling + swim time, the small group, and the included Aperol Spritz create a day that feels like a real vacation, not just an outing.

If you decide to book, do it with two preparations: bring sun and water comfort items (especially for the no-toilet boat), and bring cash for the docking fees and any snack or shopping you want during the shorter island stop.

If your main goal is beaches or walking only, you might be happier with a calmer plan. But if you want to swap Zadar streets for open water fast, this is one of the more efficient ways to do it.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat island hopping tour?

It lasts about 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the day you plan to go.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the boat trip, skipper, guide, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment (life vests), 2 Aperol Spritz per person, and unlimited water.

Are docking fees included?

No. Docking fees are not included and are listed as 10 EUR per adult and 5 EUR per child in total for all stops.

Where do I meet the boat in Zadar?

Meet at Ul. Jurja Barakovića 7. The speedboat is next to the bridge on the Old Town entrance side, and you should look for the boat named Abaris 23.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for babies or wheelchair users?

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. It’s also not suitable for babies under 1 year.