Zadar: Private SpeedBoat Tour to Islands – Drinks Included

Zadar: Private SpeedBoat Tour to Islands – Drinks Included

If you’re dreaming of exploring Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coastline, this private speedboat tour from Zadar offers a perfect mix of scenery, relaxation, and authentic island life. Designed for those who value exclusivity and personalized experiences, it promises a four-hour adventure that hits some of the most picturesque spots in the area.

We particularly love the flexibility of this tour — it’s tailor-made for your preferences, whether that means more swimming, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the views with a drink in hand. The highlight for many is the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters and to visit the smallest inhabited Croatian island, Oljak, which sparks curiosity and wonder.

One potential consideration is the duration; with only four hours, some travelers might wish for more time to explore in depth. Still, this quick but comprehensive trip is ideal for those with limited time or anyone wanting a taste of Dalmatian island life without the fuss of larger group tours.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate quality, privacy, and authentic scenery, especially those eager to combine a boat ride with island hopping and a relaxed atmosphere. Families, couples, or small groups looking for an intimate adventure will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Private & Tailored: The tour is exclusively yours, allowing customization based on your interests.
• Comfort & Convenience: A brand-new luxury speedboat, with pickup from Zadar, ensures a smooth, comfortable ride.
• Inclusions: Drinks, snorkeling gear, and fuel are included, making this a hassle-free experience.
• Scenic & Cultural Highlights: Stops include Kostanj Bay, Ugljan village, Oljak, and Preko, each offering unique sights and activities.
• Ideal for Relaxation: Perfect for those wanting a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and unwinding with beverages.
• Limited Time: Four hours means a quick but intense taste of the islands — not for those seeking a full day of exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Closer Look at the Itinerary and What You’ll Enjoy

This private speedboat tour begins at Zadar Boat Tours in Foa harbor, a convenient launch point with easy access. After a brief safety briefing and introduction from your skipper, you’ll hop aboard a brand-new luxury speedboat—imagine a vessel built for thrill but equipped for comfort.

The First Leg: Cruising to Ugljan and Kostanj Bay

The initial cruise, lasting about 15 minutes, sets the tone with a lively yet scenic ride along the water. As you move out of the harbor, you’ll start to see the rugged coastline giving way to lush islands and quiet coves. The highlight here is the Kostanj Bay, a stunning sandy beach perfect for a quick dip.

What you’ll love: The panoramic views of the Zadar waterfront are spectacular, especially as you leave behind the busy cityscape and head towards the serenity of the islands. The boat bounces gently on the waves, creating that classic speedboat thrill, mentioned fondly by past guests as “bouncing on the waves” — a feeling of freedom and fun.

The First Stop: Swim, Snorkel, and Relax

After anchoring at Kostanj Bay, you’ll have time to swim and snorkel in the clear waters. The supplied snorkeling gear ensures you can explore underwater life — a simple but memorable activity that adds a layer of adventure. Plus, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and even liquor are available to keep everyone refreshed.

Authentic insight: One reviewer noted, “Drinks were flowing and the boat was such a thrill ride bouncing on the waves,” highlighting the joyful, carefree atmosphere.

Visiting Ugljan and Hidden Gems

Next, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes toward Ugljan, a charming island known for its quaint villages and scenic views. You get about 50 minutes here to explore the boat-friendly spots like the smallest inhabited Croatian island, Oljak.

Oljak is a true hidden gem — tiny but populated, with a unique charm. Past visitors loved the sense of discovery. One said, “Great bays to swim in, beautiful locations to look at and in between just a real SPEEDboat feeling,” emphasizing the thrill of the ride mixed with scenic beauty.

The tour includes marine life viewing and passing by scenic spots, giving you the chance to appreciate the area’s natural beauty from the water. The guide’s commentary often points out details about local history and geography, enhancing the experience.

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The Village of Preko and Its Beaches

Next stop: Preko, where about 1.5 hours are allocated for exploring, relaxing, or grabbing a coffee. This village has cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants — great for a quick stroll, a photo, or a swim at Jaz beach.

What visitors appreciate: “Plenty of time for sightseeing and swimming,” and “beautiful locations to look at” are common sentiments, showing the value of this stop.

Return Journey: Bouncing Back to Zadar

After your time in Preko, the boat sets off for the final 15-minute cruise back to Zadar, giving you plenty of chances to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the scenic views on the way back. The entire trip is designed to balance high-energy moments with relaxing breaks, making sure you return feeling refreshed but fulfilled.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value, especially with snorkeling gear, bottled water, drinks, and fuel included. It creates a seamless experience, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs for refreshments or equipment.

However, lunch isn’t included, so if you’re a foodie or want a more substantial meal, plan to bring snacks or plan for a meal after your trip. The focus here is on the boat ride, swimming, and exploring the islands, rather than dining.

The tour is priced for private groups, meaning your experience is exclusive and tailored, adding to its appeal for those seeking intimacy and flexibility.

Practical Details & Booking Tips

Pickup is typically from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, Zadar, but the operator can arrange docking at other locations within the city. The tour lasts about four hours, and availability varies, so check ahead.

Since the tour is private, it’s particularly suitable for couples, families, or small groups. The company states that children under 2, pregnant women, and those with certain health issues should consider this activity carefully — the boat ride can be bumpy, and swimming is part of the experience.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. One reviewer shared, “Our skipper was very accommodating and fun,” while others highlighted the excellent wine selection and beautiful bays to swim in.

Kerstin summed it up: “Great bays to swim in, beautiful locations to look at, and a real SPEEDboat feeling. We’d love to do it again,” capturing the essence of the experience — a lively, scenic blast with a touch of luxury.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private speedboat adventure is ideal for travelers who want a more intimate, customized experience. It’s perfect if you value exclusivity, comfort, and flexibility. The inclusion of drinks and snorkeling gear makes it particularly attractive for those who enjoy relaxed, water-based activities.

Families with older children, couples celebrating a special occasion, or small groups of friends looking for a memorable day out will find this tour hits the right notes.

However, if you’re after a full day of exploration or have mobility issues, you might want to look for longer or more accessible options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 2 can join, but consider the boat’s movement and swimming activities. Check with the operator if you have specific concerns.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is private and can be tailored to your preferences — just let the skipper know your interests.

Are drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor are part of the package.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a camera. The snorkeling gear is provided.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about four hours, with stops for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t part of the package, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this private speedboat tour from Zadar offers a lively and flexible way to experience Dalmatia’s islands in style. With stunning scenery, refreshing swims, and drinks included, it’s a great pick for those who want a blend of adventure and comfort. Perfect for small groups or couples, it provides a unique glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and authentic charm — all from the deck of a speedy, well-equipped boat. If you’re after a memorable, personalized day on the water, this tour deserves a top spot on your Croatia itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: