Zadar: SpeedBoat Tour to 3 Islands – Swimming & Snorkeling

If you’re exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and want to experience its natural beauty beyond the city walls, a speedboat cruise around the Zadar archipelago might just be the highlight of your trip. This tour promises a mix of exhilarating boat rides, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and visits to charming islands, all packed into about four hours. It’s a great way to escape the crowds and get a taste of island life without going too far from Zadar.

What we really like about this tour is how compact and well-organized it is—covering three different stops with enough free time to relax, explore, and enjoy some snorkeling. Plus, the guides—many reviews praise them for their friendliness and knowledge—add a layer of warmth and local insight that can turn a good trip into a memorable one. The price is also quite reasonable, making it accessible for most travelers on a budget.

That said, a couple of things to keep in mind: this is a speedboat tour, so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer, more stable rides, it might be worth considering. Also, since it’s an open boat without a toilet onboard, you’ll want to plan accordingly, especially if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing. This trip suits those who enjoy active, scenic outings and don’t mind getting a little wet or windy along the way.

If you’re hoping to see the Dalmatian coast from a different perspective, love snorkeling, and want a straightforward, fun trip with small groups, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Quick, scenic escape: A 4-hour boat journey that covers three islands with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
• Small group experience: Limited to about 10 participants, making it more personal and relaxed.
• Includes local insights: Guides are well-reviewed for their friendliness and clear explanations.
• Value for money: At around $26, it offers a good balance of activities and relaxation.
• Multiple stops: Visit Oljak, Preko, and Galevac, each with its own charm and local flavor.
• Comfort considerations: No onboard toilet, so plan accordingly; expect some sea spray during the ride.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, right on Zadar’s waterfront, behind the restaurant Foa. It’s a straightforward meeting point—just make sure to send that quick WhatsApp message if you’re unsure of the exact spot. The small group limit (up to 10) really helps keep things intimate, and the crew generally provides a friendly, welcoming vibe from the start.

The Speedboat Ride

The cruise begins with about 15 minutes of sightseeing along Zadar’s coastline. This is a nice warm-up, giving you a glimpse of the city from the water and setting the scene for what’s ahead. The real thrill, though, comes during the main part of the tour—an approximately 45-minute “secret stop” for swimming and snorkeling.

Several reviews highlight that this swim spot offers crystal-clear water, perfect for floating around and exploring underwater. Keep in mind, some reviewers mentioned that snorkeling gear could be better, so if you’re a serious snorkeler, you might want to bring your own mask. During the ride, you should anticipate some sea spray—an open boat means no shelter, so be prepared for getting a bit wet if the weather is windy.

Exploring Oljak

Your first island stop is Oljak, the smallest inhabited island on the Adriatic coast. It’s known for its picturesque Dalmatian houses and natural scenery. You’ll get about an hour here, which is enough to walk around, relax on the pristine beaches, and soak up some sun. Several reviewers loved the peaceful vibe, and one noted how charming the island’s traditional stone houses are.

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The Village of Preko

Next, the boat takes you to Preko, a lively village with a relaxed atmosphere. Here, you have around 75 minutes to explore, walk through narrow streets, and get a taste of local Croatian life. It’s an excellent chance to see everyday island life, browse local markets, or grab a quick bite. The guides often recommend local foods and spots to visit, which many travelers appreciated for adding a cultural touch to the trip.

Galevac and the Final Stop

The last island is Galevac, a quieter spot perfect for wandering through its quaint streets and perhaps doing a little souvenir shopping. After about 10 minutes of cruising, you arrive here—another chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

Return Journey and Final Impressions

The boat heads back to Zadar, offering more beautiful views of the coastline and islands. A review mentions how peaceful and scenic the return ride is, rounding out a day that’s both active and relaxing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides and Crew: Multiple reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, often going beyond just narrating to sharing personal tips and recommendations. Josip, in particular, gets shout-outs for his engaging style.

Stunning Views and Snorkeling: The combination of crystal-clear waters and scenic islands makes the experience visually rewarding. Many mention the snorkeling stop as a highlight, especially if you love floating in calm, warm seas.

Good Value: At $26 per person, including guide, skipper, masks, water, beer, and ice tea, you’re getting a lot for a small price. The tour includes multiple stops and activities, which many travelers find worth the cost.

Small Group Atmosphere: Unlike large, crowded tours, this one offers a more relaxed vibe, perfect for those who want a bit of intimacy and personal attention.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essentials—being on the water means direct sun for hours.
• Prepare for getting wet: Pack a change of clothes, a towel, and beachwear.
• Plan bathroom needs: Since there’s no onboard toilet, make a quick stop at Zadar before boarding or wait until the last island.
• Snorkeling gear: If you’re particular about your equipment, bring your own mask—many find the provided gear adequate but basic.
• Cash: You might want some cash for small purchases or tips, as not all spots on the islands may accept cards.
• Weather considerations: If it’s windy or the sea is rough, expect some spray, which adds a fun element but can be uncomfortable for some.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a short, scenic escape from Zadar that combines a boat ride with plenty of swimming and exploring. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy small-group vibes, friendly guides, and beautiful scenery. It’s also a solid choice for those on a budget, given its reasonable price point and included amenities.

However, if you’re sensitive to cold or movement, or need a more stable, sheltered boat ride, this might not be ideal. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or require accessible facilities, keep in mind that the tour isn’t designed with wheelchairs or babies under 1 year in mind.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, including stops for swimming, exploring islands, and cruising.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, on the waterfront opposite the city walls, behind the restaurant Foa.

What’s included in the price?
A guide, skipper, snorkeling masks, life jackets, water, beer, and ice tea are included. Fuel costs (€10 per person) are paid on arrival.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?
No, the boat doesn’t have a toilet. You’ll have access at the last stop on Galevac.

What should I bring?
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat), a towel, change of clothes, beachwear, and cash for extras.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Will I get wet during the ride?
Yes, since it’s an open speedboat, expect some sea spray, especially on windy days.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not designed for very young children or babies under 1 year, mainly due to the boat type and lack of facilities.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with a pay-later option.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour offers a vibrant blend of scenery, activity, and cultural exploration—all wrapped into a manageable four-hour window. The combination of island walks, snorkeling, and scenic cruising makes it a well-rounded option for travelers who want a taste of Dalmatian island life without the long commitment of multi-day trips.

If you’re after a fun, affordable, and visually stunning experience, this tour hits many of those marks. The small group size and friendly guides elevate it from just another boat ride to a personal adventure. Just remember to bring your essentials, prepare for the open water, and enjoy the ride.

Ultimately, it’s best suited for those who enjoy active outings and are comfortable with a bit of wind and spray. It’s a solid choice if you want to see more of Croatia’s beautiful islands and make some great memories on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: