Zadar: 3-Stop Blue Lagoon & Snorkeling Cruise with Drinks

If you’re planning a day out on the waters around Zadar, Croatia, a speedboat tour visiting the Blue Lagoon, local villages, and islands offers a lively mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation. This particular tour, rated nearly perfect at 4.9 out of 5 with over 1,400 reviews, promises a quick-paced but fulfilling half-day adventure designed for travelers eager to see the best of Dalmatia’s coast without breaking the bank.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the expert guides and the stunning variety of stops—from tranquil snorkeling spots to charming villages with fresh seafood. The value, at around $24 per person, makes it appealing for those looking for a memorable outing without an expensive price tag. However, it’s worth considering that weather can influence the day’s flow, especially since a small fee for docking is added on arrival. This tour suits those who enjoy being on the water, exploring small towns, and socializing in a small group setting.

Key Points

• Authentic coastal experience with visits to three different locations, blending natural beauty with local culture.
• Expert guides and skippers who are praised for friendliness, knowledge, and making everyone feel at home.
• Great value considering the included snorkeling gear, boat ride, and the variety of stops.
• Flexible schedule with durations ranging from 2 to 4 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy travel itinerary.
• Small group size (limited to 12 participants) for a more intimate and social experience.
• Weather dependency and a small additional fee for docking, which are important considerations for planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

This tour offers a well-structured, straightforward way to explore the Dalmatian coast by speedboat. Starting from the central meeting point in Zadar, you’ll quickly be whisked away on a luxury speedboat—a sleek, fast vessel that ensures minimal fuss and maximum fun. The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, a true highlight. With gentle sands and clear, shallow water, it’s perfect for snorkeling and relaxing. The 40-minute swim is enough time to explore underwater life, and the reviews frequently mention how crystal-clear the waters are, making it a hit for those wanting to see marine life up close.

The next stop takes you to a charming village on Ugljan Island, where you can stroll along the shoreline, take a dip, or indulge in some local seafood, including fried sardines and calamari. The reviews often mention how delicious the food at this stop is and how small the price is for such a treat. You’ll love the laid-back vibe and the chance to soak in some authentic Dalmatian ambiance.

The third stop is at Island Preko, offering a mix of sightseeing and leisure. You can wander through the village, snap photos, or relax on the small sandy beach. For those interested in exploring further, a short boat ride will take you to Galevac, where an ancient monastery hidden among trees adds a bit of history to this scenic spot. Reviewers praise the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery, emphasizing how the calm, slow pace really lets you savor each location.

Throughout the trip, the skipper and guides excel at providing helpful commentary and keeping the atmosphere light—something many reviewers mention with warmth. The tour ends with a scenic return cruise back to Zadar, offering views of the coast and islands you missed during the day.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Departure

You’ll meet your guide at Ul. Kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 10 minutes before departure, ensuring a smooth start. The quick boat ride from Zadar to the Blue Lagoon takes around 15 minutes, during which you can start soaking in the sea views.

First Stop: Blue Lagoon Bay

Expect a 40-minute stop here, with time for swimming and snorkeling. The gentle sands and transparent waters make it an easy, enjoyable experience—perfect for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a break from land-based sightseeing. Several reviews highlight how impressed travelers are with the crystal-clear water and the underwater life they encountered.

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Second Stop: Dalmatian Village on Ugljan Island

You’ll have around 70 minutes here to walk along the coast, take photos, or simply relax. Many mention how delicious the seafood is—fried sardines and calamari are common highlights—and how surprisingly affordable it is to enjoy a meal in this quiet village. This stop allows for a genuine taste of local life, away from tourist-heavy spots.

Third Stop: Island Preko & Galevac Monastery

With about 75 minutes to explore, this stop combines sightseeing and leisure. Visitors have the chance to stroll through the town, relax on the beach, or snorkel again. A short boat ride takes you to Galevac, where an ancient monastery offers a peaceful retreat among trees. Reviewers rave about the informative guides and the beautiful scenery—a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.

Return to Zadar

The cruise back provides a 10-minute scenic ride along the coast, giving you views of the island formations and coastline you might have missed. Many agree it’s a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day.

The Guide and Group Atmosphere

Reviews emphasize that guides like Fabrizio, Johnny, Roco, and Bart are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. They keep the group engaged with interesting facts, offer drinks multiple times, and keep safety and comfort a priority. The small group size—no more than 12 participants—means a more personal experience, where everyone can chat and ask questions comfortably. Several reviewers even mention how guides went out of their way to recommend local restaurants and hidden gems.

Price and Value for Money

At around $24 per person, this tour is exceptionally affordable considering the included snorkeling gear, boat ride, and multiple stops. The small additional fee of 10 euros for docking covers the port fees and is paid in cash, so be prepared. Reviewers frequently mention how good the value is, especially given the variety of locations visited and the quality of guides and equipment.

While food isn’t included, the stops at villages offer plenty of opportunities to purchase local seafood at very small prices, making it easy to turn this into a full-day experience with minimal extra expense.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water for the day—though drinks are offered on the boat.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, but if you’re a serious underwater explorer, bringing your own might be worthwhile.
• Be aware that weather can affect the trip, and a small fee is payable in cash for docking.
• The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or recent surgery, as it involves walking and swimming.
• The timing is flexible, with durations between 2 and 4 hours, so check availability based on your schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed yet active way to explore the Dalmatian coast without spending a fortune. It’s a great fit for first-timers wanting a taste of Croatian island life, snorkelers looking to see underwater sights, or small groups who value an intimate local experience. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo and enjoy boat trips, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and fun.

However, those looking for a full-day experience or needing special accommodations might find this slightly short and basic. It’s best suited for visitors with limited time or those who prefer a more laid-back, social outing.

Final Thoughts

For a modest price, this speedboat tour from Zadar delivers a rich taste of Dalmatia’s coastal allure. The stops are well-chosen — from the tranquil Blue Lagoon to lively villages — and the guides’ warmth and knowledge elevate the experience. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and good value, making it a top choice for those seeking authentic Croatian waterside adventures.

The tour’s relaxed pace and variety of stops make it ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a quick escape from the land. The opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore quaint villages, and enjoy local seafood ensures a memorable, well-rounded day.

In the end, this experience is about creating happy memories without a hefty price tag—a true taste of Dalmatia’s charm, in a nutshell.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially if your children enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Just keep in mind the tour isn’t suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the luxury speedboat ride, skipper guide, snorkeling equipment, and three stops at different locations. Drinks are also included on board.

How long is each stop?
Each location typically offers around 40 to 75 minutes to swim, explore, or relax.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided, cleaned, and ready for use.

Are meals included?
No, food isn’t included, but you can buy local seafood at the villages for a small price.

What about weather?
Since the trip depends on good weather, check the forecast and provide a correct phone number for updates or possible rescheduling.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Wear comfortable clothes and swimwear for stops.

This tour from Zadar offers a wonderful way to see Croatian islands on an affordable, well-organized, and friendly trip. Whether you’re into snorkeling, sightseeing, or simply relaxing on the boat, it’s a solid choice for a memorable Dalmatian day.

You can check availability for your dates here: