Three islands, one fast boat, and lots of swim time. This private speedboat adventure from Zadar mixes island-hopping with real sea time, plus snorkelling gear and refreshments that keep the day easy. I like that the plan includes a couple of water breaks for swimming and snorkelling, not just speeding past scenery.

I also love the human side: a local skipper/guide runs it in a way that feels flexible to your group. One trade-off to plan for is that this is an open speedboat, so on windy days you can get spray and you should skip it if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• Private group pace with a local skipper/guide who adjusts time at stops
• Two swimming blocks at secluded spots, with snorkelling equipment included
• Preko on the Ugljan side for a slower shoreline break and souvenir shopping time
• Drinks + music on board to keep things social and relaxed
• GoPro included so you can focus on the day and not on your own camera

From Zadar’s Seafront to Islands: Where the Day Really Starts

The tour starts at Obala kneza Branimira 20A in Zadar. Get there about 10 minutes early. Your check-in is at the waterfront by the gas station, where you’ll be looking out for the boat that matches the picture they provide.

What I like about this start point is that it keeps things simple. You’re already on the coast, no bus rides, no long waits. Once everyone’s aboard, the skipper gets you moving quickly—there’s a short speed run first, then you’re already in the rhythm of island time.

This is a 4-hour experience, and it’s a private group for up to 9 people. That matters because you can actually enjoy the stops instead of watching a schedule fight your group’s energy.

Open Speedboat Reality: Enjoy the Ride, Dress for Spray

You should know this upfront: it’s an open speedboat. In strong wind or rougher seas, you may get sea spray during the drive. That’s not a deal-breaker in summer, but it does change what you wear and how you pack.

My practical advice:

• Bring clothes that can get dirty. Salt and splashes happen fast.
• Wear sunscreen before you board. You’ll be in direct sun with lots of deck time.
• If you’re a person who gets queasy easily, take the health warning seriously. This tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

Also, plan for the basic boat rules: you’ll have life vests on board, but you’re still in an outdoor setting. Comfortable shoes and a sensible attitude about wind help a lot.

Ugljan, Ošljak, and Galevac: The Island-Hopping Part That Feels Like Croatia

The whole point is the mix of islands and water moments around the Zadar area. The day includes time on Ugljan, with stops that also take you toward small island areas such as Ošljak and Galevac.

You’ll spend time cruising between stops by boat, with quick transfer legs that keep momentum. Then you’ll get proper breaks on land or at anchor—enough time to actually swim, snorkel, and walk around a bit.

This is one of those tours where the “travel” isn’t just movement. The sea ride is part of the experience—fast enough to feel exciting, but planned so you still get beach time.

Preko (About an Hour) for Beaches, Walking, and Shopping Time

One of the main scheduled stops is Preko, on the island-side opposite Zadar. You’ll have around one hour there, built for a few different styles of time.

What you can expect at this stop:

• A chance for photo stops and sightseeing
• Walking time and a guided component
• Time to shop for souvenirs and just wander the waterfront
• Water time too: the schedule includes swimming and snorkelling, plus a brief “different angle” moment from the way the route is set up

Why this stop works: Preko gives you a different feel than the Zadar seafront. It’s more laid-back and local, and you’re not just chasing photos—you’re getting a real shoreline break.

If you want the best value out of Preko time, keep your expectations balanced. It’s not a full-day city visit. It’s a compact island break that slots nicely between two swimming moments.

Secluded Beach Time for Swimming and Snorkelling

The heart of the day is the cove breaks—the moments where the boat pauses and you shift from engine sound to beach sound.

The schedule includes two separate hidden cove-style stops, each around one hour. At these breaks, you’ll have a mix of:

• Photo stops
• Guided tour / guided walk time (so you’re not just dropped into water with no context)
• Free time to relax
• A chance to swim and snorkel depending on conditions

You’ll have snorkelling equipment included, plus life vests for the boat ride. What’s not included: swimming fins and towels. If you’re picky about comfort in snorkel sessions, consider bringing fins you like. At minimum, pack a plan for drying off.

One more practical note: these are beach-and-water stops, so think “summer gear.” You’ll want sunscreen, something comfortable for walking in and out of the water, and a bag that can handle wet things.

Drinks, Music, and GoPro Photos Without the Stress

Part of why I’d pick this over a standard boat cruise is how much it feels like a shared day. You get refreshments (drinks) and music on board. That keeps energy up during the fast stretches, and it’s great for small talk with people from different countries.

Then there’s the camera moment. You get a GoPro camera to capture the adventure. The instructions are clear: approach the skipper for the memories. In other words, don’t wait for someone to guess you want photos—just ask.

This is a nice touch because it lets you enjoy the ride without juggling your own device the whole time.

Why the Skipper/Guide Makes It Worth Paying for Private

This type of private trip lives or dies by the guide. Here, the focus is on a local skipper/guide with English and Croatian. That bilingual part matters because it helps you understand where you are and what you’re seeing without gaps.

The big advantage is flexibility. You’ll notice it in how time at stops can stretch based on how your group feels. There’s a real “your day, your pace” vibe.

I’ve also heard stories of the skipper working with families in a calm, practical way—one family said their toddler even got to steer the boat under guidance. That’s not something you should assume will happen every time, but it does reflect the friendly, hands-on approach that can make this feel personal instead of transactional.

For most people, the guide’s local knowledge is what turns a fast boat day into an actual Croatia day.

Price and Value: What $286 Gets You (and What Costs Extra)

The price is $286 per group, up to 9 people. That’s how private boat tours can either feel expensive or feel like a bargain. The difference is how full your group is.

• If you’re booking for fewer than 9, it’s still a great value for a private experience, especially compared with per-seat tours that can feel crowded.
• If you can fill more of the group limit, the cost per person drops fast and starts to look very fair for what you get: speedboat time, guided stops, snorkelling gear, drinks, and a photo-capture setup.

Two important add-ons you should budget for:

• A mandatory docking and anchoring fee is not included: 10€ for adults, 5€ for children
• This fee is paid in cash on the boat at the end of the tour

So yes, plan cash.

Also note what you’re getting included:

• Local skipper/guide
• Snorkelling equipment
• Refreshments
• GoPro camera
• Life vests
• Music

Not included basics:

• Bathroom
• Food
• Toilet
• Towels
• Swimming fins
• Hotel pickup/drop-off

If you’re the type who likes everything handled—gear, drinks, guide, and a private pace—this price structure makes a lot of sense.

Weather, Safety, and Route Changes: How the Captain Handles It

The sea is the boss here. If weather conditions change unexpectedly, the captain can change the itinerary for safety. If conditions get bad enough, the trip may be postponed and you can choose a refund instead.

What you should do as a traveler:

• Check the forecast.
• If it looks like a windy day, dress for spray.
• If you’re worried about motion sickness, honestly, skip this one.

This is the kind of tour that’s worth doing when conditions are good, but it still runs with common-sense safety decisions when they’re not.

What to Bring (and Who Should Think Twice)

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Cash for the docking/anchoring fee
• Clothes that can get dirty
• Something practical for getting in and out of the water (the tour includes snorkel time, so comfort matters)

Not allowed:

• Baby strollers
• Bikes
• Baby carriages
• Explosive substances

Capacity and comfort limits:

• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for people over 120kg / 250lbs
• Not suitable for people prone to seasickness or with motion sickness
• Not suitable for children under 2 years

So who is this best for?

• People who love swimming and snorkelling
• Small groups who want a private feel
• Families who want a guided sea day rather than a crowded tour
• Anyone who values local knowledge and flexible pacing

Should You Book This Zadar Private Speedboat with Drinks?

I think this is a strong choice if you want Croatia water time without the stress. You get real swim/snorkel stops, guided time in Preko, and a private group setup that makes it easier to match the day to your comfort level.

But don’t book it if you’re sensitive to motion or you hate open-boat spray risk. This tour is best when you can enjoy the wind, feel the speed, and then cool off in the water.

If you’re looking for a one-day “island life” experience around Zadar, with drinks, gear, and a local skipper who runs the day like it’s meant for you, this is the kind of tour that can turn into a true highlight.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat adventure?

It lasts about 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the exact slot.

Where do we meet the boat?

You’ll meet at Obala kneza Branimira 20A, by the gas station on the seaside. Arrive about 10 minutes early and look for the boat matching the picture.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the local skipper/guide, snorkelling equipment, refreshments (drinks), a GoPro camera, life vests, and music.

Are docking and anchoring fees included?

No. There’s a mandatory docking and anchoring fee you pay in cash on the boat at the end: 10€ for adults and 5€ for children.

Is there snorkelling on the tour?

Yes. Snorkelling is included, and the schedule includes time at stops where you can swim and snorkel. Swimming fins and towels are not included.

Is the boat a private group?

Yes. It’s a private group and can take up to 9 people.

Is it suitable for kids and toddlers?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years. It also does not allow baby strollers or baby carriages.

What if the weather is rough?

If sea conditions change, the captain can adjust the itinerary for safety. If the weather is too bad, the trip may be postponed and you can choose a refund instead.