You can fit a whole sea day into half a morning. This small-group speedboat trip from Zadar sends you to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Galevac for snorkeling in clear turquoise water, then wraps with a photo stop at The Greeting to the Sun. I really like the mix of time in the water and short, meaningful stops where you actually learn something. One heads-up: this is active—there’s plenty of swimming/snorkeling time—so it’s not a good match if you struggle with repeated water breaks or if you’re dealing with health limits.

For $51 per person, you’re getting more than transportation. You’ll have snorkeling gear, safety equipment, an English guide, and even onboard perks like WiFi, a Bluetooth music speaker, and an underwater GoPro camera. The one drawback for some people is that the schedule shifts with weather, including added or adjusted stops, which is great if you’re flexible and less great if you’re chasing a very exact timeline.

Key points to know before you go

• Up to 11 people, English guide included: you get a more personal pace than big-boat tours.
• Snorkeling gear plus an underwater GoPro camera: you’re set up to film the sea life, not just float around.
• Island variety in one half day: Ugljan for the water, Ošljak for nature and island character, Galevac for beach time and a walk.
• Weather-friendly planning: the itinerary can change so you still get the best water and views.
• On-board comforts: Bluetooth music, WiFi, and an ice-box with water and beers.

Speedboat to the Islands: What the 4 Hours Is Like

This is a fast, fun format: you’re on a modern speedboat most of the morning, stopping often, and then getting right back into the water. The whole trip runs about 4 hours, which means you’ll see several islands without spending your day in transit.

If you like your travel with movement—sun on your face, salt water, quick swims, and short stops for photos—you’ll likely love how this flows. If you prefer long beach lounging or slow sightseeing, you may find the pace a bit busy.

Getting There at Obala kneza Branimira: Simple Rules That Matter

The meeting point is the INA gas station along Obala kneza Branimira 20A. The speedboat arrives 15 minutes before the tour start, and the boat is only allowed to wait at the meeting point for a limited time.

So your best plan is to show up early and be ready to board quickly. Bring your swim stuff mindset from the start—this tour is about being in the water, not just watching it.

The First Swim Stop Near Ugljan: Clear Water and Snorkel Time

Your day starts with a short speedboat ride, then you head toward Ugljan Island. This first real stop is built for water time: you’ll swim in turquoise, crystal-clear Adriatic water and snorkel to look for fish.

What I like about opening with this is that you’re not “waiting to start enjoying” the trip. You get your first dose of the sea early, and you can judge conditions from the beginning—if the water’s good, you’re off to a strong start.

Practical point: snorkeling can be more tiring than people expect, especially if you keep moving to find fish. Pace yourself, do the fun stuff, then enjoy the break when it comes.

Ošljak Island: Smallest Inhabited Island and Big Nature Mood

Next up is Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. Here, the stop combines sightseeing/photo time with time for more snorkeling and swimming.

The best part is the way the stop is framed: Ošljak is covered by a park-forest with pines, cypresses, and holm oaks, plus olive trees and Mediterranean scrub. Even if you don’t go far on land, you still get that sense of an island that’s more than just a shoreline for photos.

This is also where the “learning” shows up. You’re not stuck with a long lecture; instead, the guide adds context while you’re at the water and around the island environment. You get history and geography without feeling trapped on a timetable.

Preko Area to Galevac: Walk the Island, Then Choose Water or Rest

After a quick boat hop, you reach the area of Preko and then island time on Galevac. Galevac is known for its shallow sandy beaches, and this is the part of the tour that lets you slow down for a bit.

You’ll have a break time of about 1 hour on Galevac. You can take a walk around the island and learn about the area’s history while breathing in the smell of Mediterranean herbs. Or, if you’d rather keep things simple, you can head straight back into the turquoise water for more swimming and snorkeling.

I like this flexibility. It means you can match the day to your energy level: walk if you want photos and stories, or stay in the water if you’re chasing the best visibility.

The Short Secret Stop and the Return to Zadar

If the weather allows, the itinerary can include additional natural attractions and extra short stops. In the plan you’ll also see a brief photo-and-swim stop with snorkeling time—short enough to feel like a bonus, long enough to count.

Then you finish with a quick photo stop at The Greeting to the Sun, before returning to the meeting point at Obala kneza Branimira 20A.

This last stretch keeps things light. It’s not a full sightseeing tour of Zadar, but it gives you that visual postcard moment that helps the trip feel complete.

Weather Can Change the Plan, and That’s Usually a Good Thing

You’re sailing in open water, so you should expect the guide to adapt. The itinerary can be modified for safety reasons, and if the experience can’t run due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

For me, that’s one of the key values here: the tour is designed to get you water time without gambling your safety. You’re not locked into one exact sequence of stops if conditions shift.

So if you’re flexible and you pack the right mindset—go with the sea, not against it—you’ll likely have a smoother day.

Guides Matter: Marin and Petar’s Style of Teaching

The best part of a tour like this is when the guide makes the day feel personal without turning it into a classroom. Recent guides named in bookings include Marin and Petar, both praised for being cool and for explaining a lot.

Marin is specifically mentioned for helpful explanations and for adapting to the weather. Petar shows up in feedback as a guide who kept the experience enjoyable and set a great tone early.

The practical takeaway for you: you’ll get information tied to what you’re actually seeing—island vegetation, island character, local history—so the stops don’t feel random.

What’s Included: The Value Beat Is the Water-Time Extras

The included items are where the $51 starts to make sense. You get:

• Boat and skipper/guide
• Safety equipment
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bluetooth music speaker
• GoPro underwater camera
• Passenger insurance
• Ice-box with water and beers
• WiFi on board
• Fuel

Two things I think most people underestimate:

1) Snorkeling equipment means you can actually snorkel without scrambling to rent gear.

2) The GoPro underwater camera is huge for families of memories—you can capture what you came for, not just shaky phone footage.

On top of that, the ice-box with water and beers helps the post-swim mood. You’re not stuck paying for basic refreshment at every stop.

The One Extra Cost: Anchorage and Protected Areas

There’s an added fee of 5€ per person for berthing, anchorage, and protected areas, payable by cash at check-in.

It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth planning for so you’re not surprised at the start.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This tour is labeled as very active, with many stops for swimming and snorkeling. It recommends an intermediate activity level, and it’s not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• People with low level of fitness
• People over 55

If you’re within the recommended range and you actually enjoy being in the water, this is a great match. It’s also ideal if you like small groups—limited to 11 participants—and you want a day that mixes sea time with short, informative stops.

If you’re recovering from an injury, or you’re sensitive to physical activity, you’ll likely feel pressured by the frequent water breaks. In that case, a calmer boat or a land-based day might suit you better.

My Take: Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if your dream day in Zadar looks like this: clear water, quick island hops, snorkeling with fish, and a walk on a small island where you learn a little while you breathe in the herbs.

You should also book it if you care about value-add extras. Snorkeling gear plus the underwater GoPro is the kind of combination that makes a short tour feel more like a full experience.

I’d hesitate if you want a laid-back day, or if swimming/snorkeling sounds like a chore. The tour is active by design, and weather flexibility means the pace may shift to protect the experience and keep you safe.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Zadar island-hopping speedboat tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What places does the tour visit around Zadar?

You’ll go toward Ugljan Island, stop at Ošljak, spend time on Otok Galevac (Galevac), and include additional photo and snorkeling stops depending on weather. The day also includes a photo stop at The Greeting to the Sun.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

What group size should I expect?

It’s a small group limited to 11 participants.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, the live guide speaks English.

Is there any extra cost besides the $51 price?

Yes. There is a 5€ per person cash fee for berthing, anchorage, and protected areas at check-in.

What’s provided onboard for comfort and media?

The tour includes WiFi on board, a Bluetooth music speaker, and a GoPro underwater camera. There’s also an ice-box with water and beers.

What if weather conditions are not ideal?

The itinerary can be modified for safety reasons. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the INA gas station at Obala kneza Branimira 20A. The speedboat arrives 15 minutes before the start, and the boat only waits at the meeting point for a limited time—so arrive early.