Speedboat days beat wandering every time. This Zadar islands trip is built for swimming stops, fast views, and a small group size that keeps the ride fun and easy.

I really like the mix of sand, village time, and snorkel-friendly waters in one 4-hour loop, plus the included beer and water. One thing to consider: it’s a moving speedboat outing, and it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or people with back or heart problems.

The best part is that you’re not just “passing by.” You get real time at each place—beach time at Kostanj, a photo-and-splash stop on Ošljak, and a slower window in Preko—run by a local skipper who’s there to help you find the right spot to swim.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small group (max 10 people) means less waiting and more personal attention from the skipper
• Kostanj sandy bay is your main swimming and snorkeling anchor stop
• Included snorkeling gear saves you time and hassle (and you get marine life viewing time, too)
• Preko village on Ugljan gives you a walkable break from the water
• Beer and water included keeps the whole outing relaxed, not rushed
• Docking fee extra (10€ adults, 5€ children) so you don’t get surprised later

Why Ugljan and Preko Make a Smart Day From Zadar

Zadar is great, but the best Adriatic moments usually happen just off the coast. This tour focuses on islands you can reach quickly, so your day stays simple: meet at the waterfront, hop onto a brand-new speedboat, and get multiple stops before you even feel the travel fatigue.

What I like about this route is the balance. You get open-water views while you’re riding, but you also get actual “do stuff” time: swim and snorkel, grab a drink, and then step into a real village rhythm in Preko. It’s the kind of day that works whether you want quiet beach time or a bit of walking and photos.

Speedboat Comfort, Small Group Size, and Included Drinks

This is a small group outing capped at 10 people, which is the difference between feeling like a number and feeling like you’re tagging along with a local skipper. You’ll board a speedboat with a company logo, and the guide is there on the waterfront to meet you with the group.

The trip runs about 4 hours, with short boat rides between stops (you’ll have a feel for the islands quickly). The speedboat aspect matters: it can feel lively, and that’s part of the fun, but it also explains why the tour isn’t for everyone (more on that later).

Another practical win is the drinks. Beer and water are included, so you don’t need to hunt for refreshments between swim breaks. In the reviews, skippers like Kristijan Kačan and Luka come across as friendly and professional, and at least one guide has even offered a local spirit at the end. That’s not the reason to book, but it’s a nice touch that makes the day feel personal.

Stop-by-Stop: Kostanj Sandy Bay and Your Best Swim Hour

Kostanj is your first big “time in the water” moment. After a short speedboat ride, you’ll reach the Kostanj sandy beach in a cove (pješćana plaža u uvali). You get about 1 hour here, which is exactly the right length for a relaxed swim and a real snorkel try.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you can gear up right away. The tour also notes marine life viewing, so you’re not just splashing—you’ll have enough time to look around and figure out what’s under the surface at your own pace.

What this stop does well:

• Sandy beach comfort: you’re not stepping straight from boat to rocks
• Long enough for two activities: swim first, then snorkel, or switch back and forth
• Scenic cruising views before and after the beach time

Potential drawback: because this is the main beach stop, it can feel like the busiest moment of the day. If you like a quiet entry into the water, go for an early swim and save lounging for later in the hour.

Ošljak: A Short Break With Photo Time and Easy Splashing

Ošljak is smaller and less about lingering, more about getting the feel of the area and grabbing photos. You’ll stop for about 45 minutes, with time for a break, sightseeing, and photo stops.

This is also another opportunity for swimming and snorkeling, and the route includes marine life viewing again. The idea here is to keep your day moving while still giving you that “Adriatic moment” in multiple places—not just one long beach stretch.

Why this stop matters even though it’s shorter:

• It breaks up the day so you don’t feel stuck at a single location
• It helps you see the “Zadar channel” island vibe from more than one angle
• It gives you a second chance to snorkel if you want more time after Kostanj

One consideration: if your top priority is extended walking or long beach lounging, you might find Ošljak a bit too quick. This tour is set up more for water time than for extended shore wandering.

Preko on Ugljan: Village Time, Walking Breaks, and Another Swim Window

Preko is the part of the day that feels more human-scale. After another short ride, you’ll reach the village on Ugljan Island for about 75 minutes.

Here the schedule shifts toward slower travel. You get a break, photo time, and time to visit and walk. Then, if you want, you can also swim and use your snorkeling gear again. That mix is why Preko works so well for different travel styles: you can do a short stroll for views and photos, then return to the water when you’re ready.

In practical terms, 75 minutes is enough to:

• walk a loop at your own pace
• get your bearings for the village streets
• take photos before everyone moves back toward the boat

Potential drawback: since this is not a full on-land tour, don’t expect museums or guided history stops. The value is the village atmosphere, the easy pace, and the way Preko balances the water-heavy itinerary.

What’s Included, What Costs Extra, and How $28 Adds Up

At about $28 per person, the headline price is easy to swallow, especially because several costs that often add up are covered here. Included items are:

• speedboat tour and the skipper
• snorkeling gear
• beer and water
• fuel

That matters because you’re not planning food around a boat schedule, and you aren’t paying separately for snorkel rentals. For many people, that combination is what turns an “okay” boat trip into a good-value sea day.

What is not included:

• docking fee: 10€ per adult, 5€ per child
• food
• gratuities

So yes, the total can tick up a bit with the docking fee, but you’re still likely to come out ahead compared to doing multiple paid activities (snorkel rentals, drinks, and separate transport). Also, the tour notes you can skip a ticket line, which helps if you’re trying to keep things moving at the waterfront.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want an islands day without committing to a full-day ferry or a long land schedule. It’s especially good for:

• people who like swim breaks and snorkel time
• visitors who want to see more than one island in a single outing
• couples, small groups, and solo travelers who prefer a cap around 10 people

But it’s not right for everyone. The tour isn’t suitable for:

• children under 2
• pregnant women
• people with back problems or heart problems
• wheelchair users
• non-swimmers
• anyone bringing pets (pets are not allowed)

If you’re unsure because of mobility or comfort on a speedboat, treat that as a real deciding factor, not a minor detail.

Tips to Make Your 4 Hours Smooth

A tour like this goes fast, so the best prep is simple.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

Even if you’re only out for 4 hours, the sun hits hard on the water. I’d also plan to keep your towel and sunscreen accessible, because you’ll move from boat to beach and back without a lot of downtime.

One more practical note: you’ll be with an English-speaking driver/guide, and the meeting style is straightforward. The skipper waits in a boat with the company logo at the waterfront, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. That reduces the stress of figuring out where you are when you’re bouncing between islands.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat Tour?

If your goal is an efficient islands day with real water time, I’d book this. The small-group setup, included snorkeling gear, and the way the schedule mixes Kostanj beach, Ošljak splash-and-photo time, and Preko village makes it feel like you’re getting variety instead of just “more water travel.”

I’d skip it only if you can’t handle a speedboat ride, you don’t swim, or you need full accessibility support on land and steps. If you fit the sweet spot—comfortable in the water, okay with a lively ride, and you like beaches plus a short village walk—this is one of the more satisfying value moves you can make around Zadar.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar Ugljan and Preko Islands speedboat tour?

The tour runs for about 4 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes the speedboat tour, a skipper, snorkeling gear, beer and water, and fuel.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Are there extra fees when we arrive at the dock?

Yes. There is a docking fee: 10€ per adult and 5€ per child.

Do you get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the stops include swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

Where do we meet the skipper?

The skipper will wait in a boat with the company logo at the waterfront. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the driver/guide?

The driver speaks English.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, and pets are not allowed.