Speedboat time beats the bus every time. In just 4 hours you’ll cut across the Adriatic from Zadar to Preko and Ošljak, with swimming and snorkeling built into the schedule. I like that you get proper time in two water stops plus on-board drinks and a guide who’s friendly and willing to work around what you want. One thing to plan for: the 10 euro per person port fee isn’t included.

What makes this trip feel like good value is the mix of movement and breaks. You’re not stuck sitting—there’s a 45-minute speedboat run to get you to Preko, then another 20 minutes to Ošljak, with a 75-minute Preko stop and a 1-hour swim-and-snorkel stop after that. Still, it’s a half-day, so if you want long beach time or a slow pace, you may feel a bit rushed.

Here’s the practical picture: meet at the pier in front of the gas station INA, go out in the morning, enjoy coffee and water time, then head back to the same pier. If you’re the type who likes sun, quick dips, and a couple of charming island-town moments without committing to a full day, this one fits.

Key things I’d plan around

• Two swim-and-snorkel windows: Preko (with snorkeling) plus Ošljak (swimming and snorkeling).
• On-board drinks included: ice tea and beer, plus fruit and refreshments during the ride.
• Masks included: you should be set for snorkel time.
• Preko includes a walk and coffee: not just water time—there’s a village break.
• Port fee adds up: budget 10 euro per person on top of the ticket price.
• Same meeting point end: you start and finish at the pier in front of INA.

Why This Zadar Speedboat Is a Smart Half-Day Choice

This tour is built for people who want the Adriatic experience without burning a whole day. You get two distinct settings—Preko on Ugljan Island and Ošljak—with a speedboat schedule that keeps you moving while still giving real time for water activities.

I also like that it’s not only about swimming. Preko includes coffee and time to walk, so you get a taste of island life instead of doing two quick dips and heading home.

The overall vibe is practical relaxation. You’re in the sun, on the water, with drinks onboard, and you’re guided in English and Croatian. The guide is also described as very friendly and accommodating, even tailoring the day to visitors’ wishes—so if you have a preference (more swimming, more time to walk, etc.), it’s worth asking.

Price and Logistics: The Real Cost After the Port Fee

The ticket price is $30 per person, and the tour lasts about 4 hours (departure times depend on availability). What you should remember is the small add-on: a 10 euro per person port fee is not included.

That means the true cash you’ll spend on arrival is your ticket plus the port fee. If you’re comparing options, treat that port fee like part of the baseline cost, not an afterthought.

On the plus side, the price covers more than just transportation. You’re getting fuel, a professional skipper, and snorkeling. And you’re not buying your way through the trip with constant extras—you have ice tea and beer included, plus fruit and refreshments on board. For a short tour, that’s where the value shows.

Meeting at INA: Getting on Board Without Headaches

You’ll meet at the pier in front of gas station INA. The listed start point is Obala kneza Branimira 27, and you end back at that same meeting point, so there’s no confusing “finish somewhere else” scramble.

This is the kind of tour where showing up a little early pays off. Get your swim essentials sorted (you’ll want to be ready for quick snorkeling stops), then you can settle in and enjoy the ride instead of rushing.

The tour includes a live guide in English and Croatian, plus a professional skipper. In plain terms: you have someone helping with the experience and someone running the boat safely and confidently.

The First Speedboat Leg: Zadar to Preko (45 Minutes)

After you depart from Zadar in the morning, you’ll head to your first destination via a 45-minute speedboat ride. This stretch is short enough to feel like part of the experience rather than travel punishment.

What I think you’ll appreciate here is momentum. You don’t waste time; you’re already on the water, and you start looking for swimming opportunities pretty soon after the ride begins. If you’re the type who gets antsy on long sightseeing days, this format helps.

Also, this is where the on-board “settle in” time matters. The trip includes refreshing drinks and fruit while you’re traveling. So you’re not stuck waiting until you arrive to start enjoying the trip.

Stop in Preko: Coffee, Walking, Swimming, and Snorkeling (75 Minutes)

Preko is where the tour adds a human scale. You get 75 minutes, which is enough time to do a short walk, grab the included coffee, and still make space for the water.

Here’s why Preko works well as a first real stop: it gives you a chance to switch gears. One moment you’re traveling at speed on the boat; the next you’re in a village setting where you can stretch your legs and pick your preferred mix of land and water time.

You also get swimming and snorkeling during this stop, with snorkeling listed as included and masks included in the price. If you’re trying snorkeling for the first time, Preko is a good place to do it because you’re not dealing with back-to-back travel right after.

A small consideration: Preko time is enough for water plus a walk, but it’s still only 75 minutes. If you plan to do a long swim session, you’ll want to budget your time so you don’t miss the walk and coffee.

The Jump to Ošljak: Short Boat Transfer, Big Payoff (20 Minutes)

After Preko, you take another 20-minute speedboat ride to Ošljak. This transfer is short on purpose: it keeps the overall trip within the 4-hour window while still giving you two separate swim zones.

This also changes the mood. You go from the village-style pause to a more “water-focused” rhythm, which suits people who come here mainly for the sea time and snorkeling.

And because you already had one stop, you’re not doing everything for the first time. You’ll likely be more relaxed on this leg and ready to spend your energy where it counts.

Ošljak: Your Main Swimming and Snorkeling Hour (1 Hour)

Ošljak is your longer water block: 1 hour of swimming and snorkeling. This is where the trip becomes most about the water.

If you’re deciding how to use your time, I’d do it like this: spend the first part on snorkeling (since you’ll want decent energy at the start), then switch to swimming if you want a more relaxed vibe.

This hour is long enough to feel like you got something substantial, but short enough to keep the trip from turning into a full-day slog. It’s a good balance for people who want real sea time without losing the rest of the day.

Also, you’ll already know what to expect by now. You’ve handled boarding, listened to the guide, and used the snorkeling gear once already, so the second stop can feel smoother.

Drinks on the Ride: Beer, Ice Tea, and Fruit That Actually Helps

One of the best practical perks is that the trip keeps you refreshed throughout. The included items list ice tea and beer, and the day’s description also notes refreshing drinks and fruit onboard.

That matters more than it sounds. On a speedboat day in the sun, hydration and shade breaks are not optional. Having drinks included means you can focus on enjoying the ride and the stops instead of planning purchases.

I also like that the tour includes snorkeling as part of the package. With masks included, you can treat snorkeling time as a real activity rather than an add-on you have to figure out on your own.

What the Friendly Guide Experience Adds to Your Day

You’re not just hiring a boat—you’re getting a live guide (English and Croatian). The standout from the feedback is that the guide is described as very friendly, accommodating, and willing to tailor the trip to visitors’ wishes.

That’s a big deal on a half-day schedule. When time is limited, small adjustments can make the difference between feeling rushed and feeling satisfied. If your priority is more swimming, or you want a bit more walking, ask early. A guide who’s willing to adapt can help you get the most from the Preko (75 minutes) and Ošljak (1 hour) windows.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Style)

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• Sun + sea time with snorkeling built in
• A half-day plan that still includes a village-style pause in Preko
• A guided experience without turning the trip into a long lecture

It may not be ideal if you want:

• A slow, all-day beach routine
• Very long snorkeling sessions
• A lot of flexibility to change the schedule once you’re out on the water

But if you’re happy with a structured four-hour plan that hits two water stops and one village break, you’ll likely enjoy the pacing.

Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat?

I’d book it if you’re looking for an efficient, high-energy Adriatic day: two chances to swim and snorkel, a proper Preko break with coffee, and drinks onboard to keep things easy. The guide’s accommodating style also sounds like the kind of small bonus that makes a short trip feel bigger.

Just be sure you factor in the 10 euro per person port fee so you’re not surprised. If you want to avoid stress, show up ready to swim and plan your time so you don’t try to do everything perfectly at once.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the speedboat trip from Zadar?

The duration is listed as 4 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Where do I meet, and where do I return?

You meet at the pier in front of gas station INA (start point: Obala kneza Branimira 27) and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included on the tour?

The itinerary includes Preko on Ugljan Island and Ošljak, with time for swimming and snorkeling at both.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, and masks are included in the price.

What drinks are included on board?

The included items list ice tea and beer, and the trip description also notes refreshing drinks and fruit during the ride.

Is the port fee included in the price?

No. A port fee of 10 euro per person is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.