Zadar: SpeedBoat Beach Escape to Islands Snorkeling, Drinks

Travelers seeking a quick, fun escape from the busy streets of Zadar to the nearby islands will find this speedboat tour an appealing choice. Offering a blend of crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and lively atmospheres, it’s a fantastic way to experience the Dalmatian coast without breaking the bank. With a 4.9-star rating from over 160 reviews, this tour consistently earns praise for its mix of authentic sights, friendly guides, and value.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the small-group setting of just 10 people ensures an intimate experience, far from the crowded boat tours. Second, the knowledgeable local skipper makes a real difference, sharing insights and taking you to spots that larger vessels often overlook. One potential consideration: the tour lasts just 4 hours, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure, this might feel a bit fleeting. Still, if you prioritize quality over quantity and love active, scenic outings, this tour suits many types of travelers perfectly — especially those eager to explore islands in style and comfort.

Key Points

• Authentic experience with small groups and local guides.
• Multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
• Excellent value at around $25 per person, including gear and drinks.
• Scenic routes with picturesque views and charming villages.
• Limited to 10 participants for a personalized, relaxed vibe.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Speedboat Beach Escape from Zadar

This four-hour adventure is designed for those who want to dip into the Dalmatian islands without the hassle of a full-day tour. The focus is on relaxing, exploring, and enjoying the natural beauty and small communities of Ugljan, Oljak, and Preko. The tour departs from Zadar with a brand-new speedboat that whisks you across the waters at a lively pace, making every minute count.

The price is quite attractive—around $25 per person—and includes snorkeling gear, beer, and water, which keeps hydration and relaxation high. The tour doesn’t include food, so travelers who want a full meal should plan to bring snacks or plan to eat during the stops. There’s a fuel surcharge of EUR 10 per person, but even with that, the overall value remains strong considering the sights and activities packed into four hours.

The Route and Stops: What You Can Expect

Zadar Waterfront Departure

Your journey begins at the official Zadar Boat Tours meeting point, where the skipper, identifiable by the company logo, waits in a clean, well-maintained boat. Being on time is key—reviews consistently mention punctuality, which is appreciated when you’re on a tight schedule.

Kostanj Beach and Scenic Bay (1 Hour)

The first stop takes you to the sandy beach of Kostanj, situated in a small bay. This spot is prized for its peaceful atmosphere and inviting waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Reviewers like Marina from Germany describe the experience as “amazing,” noting how the vibe, music, and boat comfort made it feel like “a dream.” You’ll have plenty of time to splash around, and the included snorkeling gear makes it easy to appreciate the underwater life.

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Oljak Island (45 Minutes)

Next, the tour moves to Oljak, the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. Here, you can take photos, relax, or jump into the sea again. The scenic views and crystal-clear waters are a common highlight, with many reviewers emphasizing the beautiful turquoise bays. Adina from Romania describes her experience as “fun,” especially enjoying the scenery and snorkeling.

Preko Village on Ugljan Island (75 Minutes)

The largest stop is the charming village of Preko on Ugljan Island. With over an hour and a half to explore, you can wander the streets, snap photos, or find a local spot to grab a meal or a drink. The reviews showcase how much guests enjoy having ample time to relax and explore. Andrew from Qatar mentions how he appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable captain who took them to “two small bays for snorkeling,” and how they enjoyed walking around Preko, “having lunch and a dip in the sea.”

Return to Zadar

The final 15-minute ride back offers scenic views and a chance to reflect on a trip that packs in diverse sights and activities. Many guests find the time flies—Adina quotes her experience as “definitely recommend,” noting how the stops felt just right.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour includes a speedboat, snorkeling gear, and drinks—a good deal considering the prices in the region. The drinks are mostly water and beer, so it’s a casual, laid-back vibe. This makes it perfect for travelers who want to keep things simple and focus on fun and scenery.

However, the EUR 10 fuel surcharge per person is an added cost that travelers should be aware of in advance. Since food isn’t included, planning for snacks or a meal during the free time at Preko is advised. Tips are not included but appreciated if you enjoy the experience.

The group size is capped at 10 people, which helps keep the experience personal and relaxed. This smaller group size is a significant advantage for those who value a less crowded, more intimate outing.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

From start to finish, this tour feels like a well-balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. The speedboat ride is exhilarating but smooth, allowing you to enjoy the breeze and the view. The stops are well-paced—long enough to soak in the scenery and take photos, short enough to keep the energy high.

The scenic routes showcase some of Croatia’s best coastal views, with the boat zipping past rocky shores, lush islands, and tranquil bays. The atmosphere onboard is lively but not chaotic—music adds to the fun, and the friendly skipper shares local insights that enrich the experience.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the guides, describing them as both passionate and knowledgeable. The good value for money is echoed across reviews, especially given the included snorkeling gear and drinks. The fact that the boat is described as “clean” and the overall organization as “timely” further underscores the professionalism behind this tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This speedboat adventure is ideal for adventurous travelers, families with older children, or anyone craving a quick, scenic escape. If you enjoy active, outdoor experiences with a social element, you’ll likely find this tour hits the spot. Couples or small groups seeking an authentic, relaxed day around the islands will appreciate the intimate atmosphere.

If you’re a foodie or want a full-day experience with multiple meals, you might find the 4-hour schedule too brief. Likewise, those with mobility issues or non-swimmers should note the tour’s limitations, as swimming and snorkeling are core activities.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, especially considering the price point. For about $25, you get a well-organized, guided speedboat tour that covers stunning scenery, charming villages, and underwater exploration. The small group size, knowledgeable skipper, and inclusion of drinks and snorkeling gear make it a great value in the Croatian coast.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced combination of sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor without the hassle of a full-day commitment or large groups. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic experiences and friendly guides. If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and relaxed way to see some of Croatia’s best islands, this outing is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 4 hours, allowing plenty of time for multiple stops, swimming, and exploring.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the speedboat ride, snorkeling gear, and drinks (beer and water). Additional costs like fuel surcharge (€10) and food are separate.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or those with certain health or mobility issues. Non-swimmers should be cautious as swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These essentials will keep you comfortable during the stops.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking also offers flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Where do I meet the skipper?
The skipper will wait at the waterfront in a boat bearing the company logo. It’s easy to find and close to central Zadar.

To sum it up, the Zadar SpeedBoat Beach Escape offers an authentic taste of Dalmatia’s islands with a focus on fun, scenery, and local flavor. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a short, lively, and well-organized adventure that fits comfortably into a busy travel schedule. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, this tour provides a smart blend of active exploration and relaxing island time, all at an affordable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: