A speedboat day beats the usual Zadar loop. I love the small-group feel and the modern ride with a local skipper, plus the real swim-and-snorkel breaks in clear water. One heads-up: there’s an extra €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival.

This is the kind of tour that helps you actually feel the slower pace around Zadar’s islands. You’ll hop to Kostanj Bay for snorkeling, Osljak for island views and a bit of eerie history, then Preko for time on the water and a sandy beach break.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group (up to 12) means more personal attention on the boat and at stops
• Kostanj Bay is built for swimming with snorkeling gear included for the crystal water break
• Osljak is the smallest inhabited island of Croatia (29 inhabitants) with walkable viewpoints and ruins
• Preko gives you time to linger: coffee, shops, a sandy beach, and a longer water break
• Drinks are part of the rhythm: G&T glasses at stops plus unlimited wine, water, and soft drinks
• Parking and meeting-point facilities are limited: no toilets at the meeting point, and parking is a pain in summer

Why a small-group speedboat beats the big Zadar day

If you only have half a day in Zadar, you’ll feel the difference fast: the city is lively, but it can also get busy. This tour trades crowds for coastline. You leave from Zadar and spend your time on a speedboat where the route itself becomes part of the fun—fast sea air, coastline views, and quick access to quiet coves.

I also like that the group stays small, limited to 12 participants. That matters when you’re trying to get everyone positioned for boarding, enjoying the water stops, and staying on schedule without feeling herded.

The vibe is casual, but not chaotic. The guides and skippers (names like Mario, Tony, Johnny, and Gogo show up a lot in the experiences people share) keep things moving while still giving you time to actually enjoy each location.

Starting at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6: meeting-point reality check

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, and you’ll wait by a bench or near the Tornado sign. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early—not 2 minutes early, not “close enough.” Speedboat departures don’t like delays.

Three practical notes that can save your morning:

• There’s no toilet at the meeting point, so use facilities before you arrive.
• Parking isn’t available there, and in summer parking can be a major headache. Build extra time to find a spot.
• Towels are not included, so bring one if you want something dry and comfy after the swim breaks.

If you’re the type who likes a smooth start, you’ll appreciate these little constraints. They mean the tour can keep a steady pace once you’re on the water.

Kostanj Bay break: snorkeling gear + that 40-minute swim window

Kostanj Bay is your first proper water stop, and it’s timed so you don’t feel rushed. You get a 40-minute break at Kostanj (pješćana Plaža u uvali), and that’s enough time to do three things: get into the water, try snorkeling, and come up for air without panic.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not stuck renting or hunting for equipment right before the swim. The water is described as crystal-clear, which is exactly what you want for seeing the coast from above.

What to expect in practice:

• The boat ride gets you there quickly, and then the stop is long enough to settle in.
• You can choose your pace. If you’re a confident swimmer, go for a longer snorkel. If not, you can still enjoy a calm swim and sunbathing.

Possible drawback: water stops are weather-dependent. If it’s rougher out, you may spend more time floating and less time exploring. Either way, it’s a refreshing break in a 4-hour itinerary.

Osljak island time: the smallest inhabited island + walking options

Next up is Osljak. This island is the kind of place that feels like it was designed for slow wandering. It’s known as the smallest inhabited island of Croatia, with 29 inhabitants, and it’s described as having traditional Mediterranean architecture.

What I find interesting here is how many small details you can chase:

• There’s a small hill you can climb for a satisfying viewpoint.
• There’s a little church dating to the 9th century hidden among trees.
• Ruins include a hospital gathering people suffering from plague during World War II.
• There’s also a bar, so you’re not trapped into only walking and staring.

Your time here is around 40 minutes, which means you’re not doing a long hike. You’re doing the island version of a good photo walk—short paths, shoreline strolling, and quick stops for views.

One more quirk that makes Osljak memorable: it’s said that many locals share the same last name. That’s the sort of detail you only hear when you get close enough to feel how small the island community really is.

Preko island (1.5 hours): coffee views, sandy beach, and longer water time

Preko is where the tour shifts from scenic to social. During your 1.5-hour stop on the island, you get time to breathe, stroll toward the center, and slow down enough to look around.

Preko is described as being full of life in summer, with small local shops for souvenirs and the chance to grab a coffee with a sea view. Then you’ve got a sandy beach option—good for a comfortable swim, and it also works with the included snorkeling gear.

A great bonus detail: from Preko, there’s a hint that you can just swim to another nearby island called Galevac, where an ancient monastery sits hidden among trees. You don’t have to do it, but if you’re feeling confident in the water, it’s a nice extra mini-mission.

Practical caution: this is the longest stop. That’s a win, but it also means you’ll want to pace yourself. Don’t burn all your energy in the first 15 minutes. Save some time to wander the island and come back for snorkeling when conditions feel best.

Drinks and music at sea: the G&T schedule actually matters

This tour doesn’t treat drinks like a tiny extra. Drinks are built into the stops. You get:

• Two glasses of G&T, with one at each stop
• Unlimited wine, plus water or soft drinks

In other words, you’re not just toasting before you go. You’re sipping while you’re already enjoying the views. The vibe on the boat is also often described as fun and upbeat, with music playing during the ride—so you’re not stuck in silent commuter-mode.

From a value standpoint, that matters. In a lot of “cheap-ish” boat tours, drinks are either not included or they feel like a token gesture. Here, the drinks are part of the experience flow, especially at Kostanj and Preko where you’re taking breaks to swim.

One more detail worth knowing: if you want a comfortable swim experience, you’ll appreciate that the crew provides support like life jackets for those who want them (this is specifically mentioned in people’s experiences). So you can focus on the water without second-guessing your safety.

The 4-hour schedule: fast transport, real pauses

Let’s translate the timing into what it feels like.

You start with a boat ride out of Zadar for around 15 minutes to your first bay. Then you get the first 40-minute swim/snorkel break at Kostanj. After that, there’s another 15-minute ride to Osljak, followed by 40 minutes on the island.

Then comes the longest payoff: Preko, with 1.5 hours for swimming, snorkeling, and wandering. Finally, you slowly head back to Zadar for scenic views on the way, with additional short boat segments throughout.

Why this timing works:

• It’s structured enough that you don’t feel like you’re waiting around.
• It’s flexible enough that you can swim at your own pace.
• You still get island time, not only “jump in, jump out” water stops.

If you hate rushing, you’ll probably do best by treating the island time as the main goal—save your snorkeling energy for Kostanj and the sandy beach at Preko.

Price and value: $44 with the €10 docking fee

The advertised price is $44 per person, for a total 4-hour speedboat tour. On top of that, there’s a €10 docking fee per person, paid in cash on arrival, and it’s said to include all stops.

Is it still good value? In my opinion, yes, because you’re getting multiple things that boat tours often split up:

• Modern speedboat transport around the Zadar coastline
• A local skipper/guide
• Included snorkeling equipment
• Three separate locations with meaningful stop time (40 minutes, 40 minutes, 1.5 hours)
• Drinks that are more than a token

Your biggest cost surprise risk is the cash docking fee. If you arrive without cash, you might end up stressed at the worst possible moment. So I’d treat the €10 docking fee as part of the real price in your planning.

Also factor in what you’re saving. There’s no hotel pickup, and no lunch is included, so you’re paying for the transport, guide time, equipment, and the experience stops. That can be a fair deal if your priority is water time and island hopping.

Who should book this, and who might prefer another day

This tour fits best if you want:

• A short Zadar escape from the city’s crowds
• Lots of time on the water, not just sightseeing from a pier
• Included snorkeling gear and structured swim breaks
• Fun, social energy onboard with drinks during stops
• Small-group attention (up to 12)

You might choose something else if:

• You strongly dislike being on a schedule. Stops are timed, and you’ll be back on the boat after each break.
• You want a full-meal food experience. Lunch and towels aren’t included, and the stops include time for coffee and exploring rather than a dedicated meal.
• You need bathroom access at the departure point. There’s no toilet at the meeting point.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can still work well because the schedule is compact and the swim breaks are the main event—but you’ll want to be realistic about comfort in open water and use safety gear if needed.

How to get the best out of Kostanj, Osljak, and Preko

Do a little prep and you’ll enjoy the day even more.

Bring:

• A towel (not included)
• Cash for the €10 docking fee
• Sun protection you can reapply
• Swimwear ready under your clothes if you like saving time

Plan your timing:

• Arrive 10 minutes early at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.
• If you’re driving, don’t assume parking is easy nearby.

Water-smart habits:

• For snorkeling, give yourself a few minutes to get comfortable with breathing and buoyancy before you start looking around.
• Save some energy for Preko’s sandy beach break. It’s your longest time in the water.

And most of all: talk with your skipper. People often mention guides like Tony or Mario being friendly and helpful with route info and safety. If you ask where conditions feel best for swimming, you’ll likely get practical advice.

Should you book this Zadar 3-Island Speedboat with wine and snorkeling?

Book it if you want a fun, small-group island-hopping day where the stops are long enough to swim, snorkel, and actually walk a bit on Osljak and Preko. The value is strongest if you’ll enjoy the drinks during the water breaks and want snorkeling gear included.

Skip it if you need a toilet on-site at the meeting point, aren’t comfortable with speedboat travel, or you’re not interested in being in the water at multiple stops. Also budget for the extra €10 docking fee in cash.

If your ideal Zadar memory includes clear water, island walking, and a boat ride that feels lively without being chaotic, this is a very sensible pick.

FAQ

How much does the Zadar 3-Island Speedboat Tour cost?

The price is $44 per person for the 4-hour tour.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What stops are included during the tour?

There are 3 stops: Kostanj Bay (about 40 minutes), Osljak (about 40 minutes), and Preko (about 1.5 hours).

Are drinks included, and what kind?

Yes. You get 2 glasses of G&T (one at each stop), and unlimited wine, water, or soft drinks.

Is there an extra docking fee?

Yes. A docking fee of €10 per person is paid in cash on arrival, and it includes all stops.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included.

What about toilets at the meeting point?

There is no toilet at the meeting point, so plan ahead.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is a small group limited to 12 participants, with a live English guide and local skipper.