Crystal-clear water, fast boats, zero fuss. This half-day island-hopping speedboat circles the Ugljan area and the Preko side of the coast, with built-in time for swimming and hanging out by the sea.

I especially like the snorkeling gear included and the way a small-group setup keeps the day flexible. With a max group size of 12, your skipper can steer the schedule toward what you actually want—more swimming, more relaxing, or a quick look around town.

One thing to plan around: there’s no toilet on the speedboat, and there isn’t a public toilet nearby at the start point either.

Key points I’d circle before booking

• Blue Bay Otrić is your first swim/snorkel stop, and you can stay on board if you’d rather not get in
• Kali stop changes based on wind, sea conditions, and the day’s best spots
• Preko + Galevac option gives you a sandy beach and a short swim to a nearby island
• Snorkel kit and drinks are included (mask + snorkel, plus unlimited water and iced tea)
• Small group (up to 12) keeps the pace calm and easier to manage
• Docking fees cost extra and are paid separately before boarding, in cash

Why This Zadar Speedboat Tour Feels Easier Than Ferries

If you’re short on time in Zadar, this is one of the most practical ways to get out to the islands without committing to a full day. A speedboat gets you across the water fast, and you still get breaks that feel like real island time—not just a quick stop-and-rush.

What makes it work is the rhythm. You’re not forced into one activity the whole time. One stop is built for swimming and snorkeling, another is set up for exploration or a meal, and the final town stop gives you options if you want beach time, shops, or something simple and relaxed.

The other big advantage is control. Your skipper adjusts where you stop (especially on the Kali section) based on conditions. That means less time stuck waiting and more time using the good weather and calm water windows.

Price and the Real Value of $36.28 (Plus Docking Fees)

The tour price is $36.28 per person for about 4 hours. On paper, that’s a lot for a half-day—until you look at what’s included.

You get:

• Snorkeling equipment (snorkel + mask)
• Unlimited water and unlimited iced tea
• Fuel included
• A skipper/guide
• A small-group experience with a customized pace

What’s not included is important and easy to overlook: docking fees are charged separately before entering the speedboat. The amounts are:

• 12 years and older: 10 €
• 11 years and younger: 5 €

So the true cost depends on age. Still, this tends to pencil out well if you’d otherwise pay for ferries, rent a mask, and buy drinks along the way. And the value is more about time efficiency: you’re paying to replace hours of transit and waiting with a tight swim-and-town loop.

Getting There on Time: Parkbank Foša Check-In Done Right

This tour starts at Parkbank Foša, 23000 Zadar. It runs on schedule, and you’ll want to treat that dock time seriously. You should arrive 5–10 minutes early and be exactly where it’s marked on the map.

Here’s what to expect at the meeting point:

• A manager checks your tickets.
• If the manager isn’t there immediately, it’s still usually close—he typically shows up 10–15 minutes before the start.
• If you have trouble, you can message using WhatsApp or iMessages.

Two practical cautions based on what people run into:

• There’s no public toilet nearby, so use facilities before you go.
• If you’re coming by car, expect traffic jams and parking challenges, so plan extra time.

If you’re getting dropped off from a cruise, you may need a short walk or a taxi hop to reach the meeting spot. I’d rather you budget time for that than gamble on being right on the minute.

Blue Bay Otrić: The Swim Spot Where You Can Do Less or Do More

Stop one is Blue Bay Otrić, where the boat anchors in clear water. This stop is built for swimming and snorkeling.

The smart part for mixed groups is the flexibility:

• You can jump in and use the included mask and snorkel
• Or you can stay on the boat, sunbathe, sit under the awning, and watch the water and shoreline from above
• There’s even a built-in vibe on board—music and drinks while you decide how adventurous you want to be

Duration is about 45 minutes. That’s enough to get a real swim in without feeling dragged down by long, slow waiting.

Weather note: if conditions aren’t suitable for swimming, the tour skips this station. That’s not a dealbreaker—good captains are thinking about safety and comfort first.

Kali Stop: Why the Captain’s Choice Is Part of the Fun

Stop two is Kali, but the exact location along the way depends on real-world factors: weather forecast, sea conditions, wind direction, and how busy certain spots are.

What that means for you: you’re not stuck with one cookie-cutter pier. Instead, you’re likely to get a location that matches the day’s best conditions. It might be:

• a fishing village setting
• a secluded bay for a refreshing swim
• or another spot chosen for what’s workable that day

Duration is about 1 hour 15 minutes.

This stop is also where you can start feeling the “island life” vibe. Even if you don’t swim, you’ll usually get time to wander, enjoy the views, and reset before the final town portion.

Preko and Galevac: Beach Time Plus a Tiny Island Swim

The final stop is Preko, a small town that gives you the most freedom of the trip. Duration is about 1 hour.

Here’s what makes Preko useful:

• There’s a sandy beach, which is also a big plus if you’re traveling with kids
• You can swim to Galevac Island, which is only about 50 meters away
• You can walk and explore Galevac once you get there
• If snorkeling interests you, the area around Galevac can be a good add-on

And if you’re tired from the earlier stops, you’re not stuck in “water mode.” There are shops and cafes where you can sit in the shade, cool down, and snack on something local.

Two practical notes from the way people handle the day:

• Getting in and out of the boat matters. If you have any mobility issues, take that seriously before you go.
• If you plan to walk around the island areas, swim shoes are a smart idea. Bare feet are not always the most comfortable option on uneven or rocky spots.

What Happens On Board: Drinks, Gear, and a Calm Half-Day Pace

The tour is comfortable for what it is: a half-day speedboat ride focused on water time. You’ll have a skipper/guide on board, and the crew sets the tone with simple entertainment—people talk about good music and a light, joking vibe.

Included onboard basics:

• Snorkeling equipment: snorkel + mask
• Unlimited water
• Unlimited iced tea
• Fuel covered in the price

Not included (so plan ahead):

• No food
• No towels
• No swimming fins
• No car parking and no transport to the meeting point

What I like about this setup is that it prevents decision fatigue. You don’t have to hunt for gear or pay for drinks. But you do need to bring the missing basics. If you’re the type who likes to step out for a swim, dry off, and then stroll, bring a small towel so you’re not improvising.

Also, you should assume there isn’t a place to change comfortably. I’d keep it simple: swim, rinse off as best you can, and use the town stops to cool down.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Struggle)

This tour isn’t physically demanding in the sense that it’s not a long hike. But it does require that you can move independently and get in and out of the boat.

It’s not a great match if:

• you have trouble stepping up/down
• you have health or age-related mobility limits
• you’re over 120 kg / 250 lbs (that limit is stated)

It’s a strong match if you want:

• a half-day water break from Zadar
• a real swimming stop with included snorkeling gear
• a small-group vibe (max 12) without feeling like you’re lost in a crowd
• a mix of sea time and short town time

If you’re traveling with kids, the Preko sandy beach is a standout. If you’re traveling as a couple or friends, the speed and the short, well-timed stops make it feel like a full day without the full-day commitment.

Timing That Works in Real Travel Days

This is about 4 hours total. That’s a sweet spot. It slots nicely into a travel day where you might want to keep the rest of the evening open—dinner plans, sunsets, or just walking around Zadar.

The trip also runs on a simple schedule: check in at Parkbank Foša, boat out for swimming and stops, then return back to the meeting point. The captain moves you between locations quickly, and each stop is long enough to do what you came for.

One timing tip that matters: arrive on time. The tour starts from a specific dock location, and people who rush the check-in often end up stressed. Build in a buffer and you’ll enjoy it more.

Weather is also part of the timing story. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat Tour?

I think this is a yes for you if your priority is swimming + island breaks in a half-day window, with snorkeling gear and drinks already handled. The mix of Otrić for water time, Kali for the captain-chosen best spot, and Preko for beach and options is a well-structured way to use your time.

I’d pause and reconsider if you:

• really need toilet access during the outing (there isn’t one on the boat)
• can’t manage steps getting in/out of the speedboat
• are trying to avoid extra costs (docking fees are charged separately and paid in cash before boarding)

If you’re coming to Zadar for the Adriatic water experience and want an efficient plan, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar island-hopping speedboat tour?

It’s about 4 hours on average (half-day).

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Parkbank Foša, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.

What islands or stops are included?

The tour includes a swim/snorkel stop at Blue Bay Otrić, a stop in Kali (the exact spot can vary), and a town stop in Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment: a snorkel and mask.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. You get unlimited water and unlimited iced tea.

Do I need to pay docking fees?

Yes. Docking fees are not included in the tour price and are charged additionally before entering the speedboat:

• 12 years and older: 10 €
• 11 years and younger: 5 €

Is food provided?

No. Food is not included.

Do you provide towels or fins?

No. The tour does not provide towels or swimming fins.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on the speedboat, and there is also no public toilet nearby at the meeting point.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.