Speedboat snorkeling feels like summer on fast-forward. You’ll hit three island stops for swims, views, and little breaks from sitting still, with the captain steering the day to the weather. It’s also small-group friendly, with snorkeling equipment and cold drinks included.

I really like how Stop 1 at Pjescana Uvala focuses on clear, sand-bottom water where snorkeling makes sense. Then Stop 2 and Stop 3 shift gears into slow island life, with time to walk shorelines and even grab a coffee with a view.

One possible drawback: the price can be a bit more than the headline once you factor in extra fees (listed as €10 per person), and the ride can be wet and splashy, especially on choppy water.

Quick Hits: What You Get on This Zadar Speedboat Day

• Three timed stops: swim-heavy first and third stops, plus a calmer island walk in the middle
• Snorkeling gear and cold drinks included, plus bottled water
• Captains adapt to wind so you’re not stuck in a plan that doesn’t fit the sea
• It can get very wet when the boat cuts through waves
• Fees add up: €10 per person is listed as not included, and it may be collected on site
• Small max group (10 people), but full boats can still feel crowded

Speedboat Energy: What 4 Hours Actually Feels Like

This is a straight-up water adventure. You’re not spending hours reading plaques or touring museums. You’re getting movement, salt air, and repeated chances to swim.

The total time is about 4 hours, with three stop blocks that give you real breathing room at each place (not just a quick photo stop). You’ll be on and off the boat, rinse-free, with your gear handled in the moment. Think “active afternoon,” not “lie-on-a-towel vacation.”

Also, plan for water reality. One thing that keeps coming up in feedback is how spray can find you. If you wear something you can’t stand to get wet, you’ll regret it. I’d treat this like a mini water park, not a boat cruise.

Stop 1: Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj) for Sand-Bottom Snorkeling

Your first swim is at Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj. It’s a beautiful bay reached by a short drive out from Zadar, tucked between Dalmatian islands. The key detail here is the water clarity: you can see the sandy bottom and small fish, which is exactly what you want when you’re snorkeling for the first time of the day.

You’ll get about 40 minutes here. That’s enough time to:

• suit up, check your mask fit, and do a couple of slow swims
• cool off without rushing
• snorkel right away while the water is calmest

What to expect if you’re hoping for a coral-world moment: this stop is more about clear visibility and small marine life than dramatic reefs. That can still be fun, especially if you like watching fish pop in and out of the sand area.

Practical tip: if the snorkeling fit matters to you, do a quick check once you’re in the water. Some feedback has pointed out that life vests and mask sizing can vary, so don’t just assume it’s perfect. Ask the captain or crew to help you get comfortable.

Stop 2: Ošljak Island Walks and Old Ruins Without Rush

Ošljak is a tiny island within the Zadar archipelago, with only a few families living there. The vibe is slower. This stop is less about swimming and more about getting out, walking the shoreline, and taking in island life at human speed.

You’ll have about 1 hour, which is ideal for a short stroll and a bit of sightseeing. Two specific sights make Ošljak interesting:

• a small church from the 9th century
• ruins of a hospital dating to World War II

Even if you’re not the museum type, these contrast nicely with the bright water around you. It’s a reminder that these islands aren’t just postcard backdrops. They’ve had real lives, real history, and real people in them.

Drawback to know: this is a small island with limited amenities. If you’re mainly chasing swimming time, you may wish this stop were longer. If you like walking and “quiet corners,” you’ll probably enjoy it more than you expect.

Stop 3: Preko on Ugljan Island for Coffee Views and a Second Swim

Final stop is Preko, a small village on Ugljan Island. In summer it’s lively; off-season it quiets down fast. Either way, you’ll get around 1.5 hours here, which works well for a relaxed swim plus land time.

The highlight is the option to head to the small sandy beach (on the right-hand side when you arrive). You can bring your snorkeling mask and do a quick swim right from the beach area. It’s also a good moment to just sit and watch the coastline.

There’s an extra “you can do more if you’re feeling it” clue here: from Preko, you can swim toward another island called Galevac to look for a monastery hidden among trees. I’d treat that as optional and only attempt it if conditions and your comfort level match. This kind of swim depends heavily on current, wind, and visibility.

Preko is also where people tend to enjoy coffee and scenery. One nice thing about this stop is that you don’t have to choose between swimming and comfort. You can do both.

Snorkeling Reality Check: Clear Water, Different Expectations

Snorkeling in this area usually means clear water and sand-bottom visibility. That’s a good thing. It lets you see what’s there without feeling like you’re guessing in the dark.

But here’s the balanced take: some people find the snorkeling more “calm and clear” than “packed with marine life.” If you’re expecting dramatic reef scenery, you might be slightly underwhelmed. If you like gentle, easy swimming with small fish and a calm underwater view, you’ll likely be happy.

What helps a lot:

• Go slow. Fast movement scares fish.
• Stay near the area where the water is shallow enough to see the bottom clearly.
• If you’re picky about fit, consider bringing your own goggles. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, but comfort is personal.

Also, don’t ignore the life vest. You’re on a speedboat day with changing water conditions. Wear the vest if that’s how you feel best. If you’re a confident swimmer, you may still want it for stability during boarding and splashing.

Captain and Group Feel: Friendly Hosts Matter

This tour runs with a small max group size (10 travelers). In practice, that can make things feel less hectic at stops and easier for the captain to manage. You’ll also see why people praise different captains by name. Folks talk about Lovre, Mateo, Mario, Tony, Emilio, and Josef/Joseph as particularly friendly and helpful.

What stands out across the best experiences:

• captains who are relaxed but attentive
• real effort to make sure everyone finds their swim rhythm
• quick route adjustments when wind changes the sea state

There are also a few negative notes. One review called out a guide who didn’t share much information. Another said the meet-up felt chaotic. That doesn’t mean every day is messy, but it does tell you to arrive early and be ready to ask simple questions.

Price and Value: What the €38.71 Sounds Like in Real Life

On paper, it’s $38.71 per person, about a 4-hour outing with snorkeling gear and cold drinks included. For Zadar, that’s solid value if you actually use the swimming time. The stops are close enough to keep the day moving, and you’re not paying extra for every short swim session.

But the “real life” math matters. The tour lists €10 per person for all fees and taxes as not included. In other words, you should assume your all-in cost is closer to:

• base price + the €10 fee
• plus any extra costs you add yourself (food, taxis, etc.)

One thing that can surprise cruise visitors: if you’re not starting right by the Zadar meeting area, you may need a taxi ride to reach the pickup point. One traveler reported a €20 taxi cost each way from the cruise terminal. That’s not guaranteed for every situation, but if you’re on a cruise, I’d budget for it.

Bottom line: it’s a good deal if you want a swim-focused afternoon and you’re ready for possible extra fees. It’s not the bargain choice if you want a fully all-inclusive day.

Getting There Without Stress: The Meeting Point Tip

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. It’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re staying in the city.

Still, a common complaint is that check-in can feel chaotic. That usually means you should:

• arrive a bit early
• keep your phone ticket handy
• take a moment to confirm you’re at the right boat group

If you’re coming from a cruise port, don’t assume it’s walk-on convenient. Plan for time to get to the Zadar meeting point, or you may feel behind before the boat even leaves.

What to Pack: Small Things That Save the Day

This is a boat day. You’ll get splashed. You’ll also be dealing with water shoes, sun, and wet towels.

Bring:

• Water shoes if you don’t want to step around barefoot (urchins are a known risk in the region, and some feedback specifically suggests sea footwear)
• a lightweight towel or something you don’t mind drying later
• a dry bag for your phone and cash
• sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

Skip:

• anything fragile you can’t afford to get wet
• large bags you’ll hate carrying on a wet dock

Also, note the practical downside: there’s no restroom on board. So you’ll want to handle that before you meet up.

When This Tour Works Best (and When It Doesn’t)

This tour fits best if you:

• want adrenaline speedboat energy plus swim time
• like short, scenic stopovers and don’t need constant narration
• are comfortable with “active travel,” including getting wet
• enjoy seeing a few different places in one afternoon

It may not be ideal if:

• you hate crowds even at small-group size (a full boat can still feel tight)
• you need a calm, dry experience
• you’re counting on caves or huge marine life on every swim (the day depends on sea conditions and what’s available at each stop)

If you’re a strong swimmer, you’ll likely have a great time. If you’re less confident, you can still enjoy it, but you should treat the vest seriously and swim within the safe, designated areas.

Should You Book This Speedboat and Snorkeling Day?

If you want a fun, time-efficient Zadar outing with clear-water swimming, included snorkeling gear, and a captain-driven route, I think it’s an easy yes. The price is fair for what you get, and the stops give you a nice mix of water play and island strolling.

I’d only hesitate if you’re very sensitive to two things: extra fees and a wet ride. If you’re okay with that, you’ll probably come away happy because this tour is built for active travelers who like the sea when it’s bright and inviting.

If you do book, go with a simple plan: show up early for check-in, bring water shoes, and treat the snorkeling as a calm, clear-water experience rather than a reef safari. Do that, and you’ll get the best version of this afternoon.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $38.71 per person.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.).

What stops are included?

You visit Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj), Ošljak, and Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no restroom available onboard.

Are there extra fees?

The offer lists all fees and taxes of €10.00 per person as not included. Food and dinner are also not included.