Three stops, and you’ll be in the water. This Zadar speedboat outing strings together clear-water coves and friendly skippers, then tops it off with snorkeling in sandy, fishy shallows plus island walks and WWII-era leftovers. One thing to factor in: the tour price can feel misleading once you add the common on-the-day €10 docking fee.

You’re looking at about 4 hours on the water, with up to 10 people, English spoken, and bottled water plus cold drinks onboard. Snorkeling equipment is included (and captains like Lovre, Mateo, Joseph, Tony, and Mario are repeatedly praised for making the ride fun and adjusting the route when the weather turns). Quick heads-up though: there’s no onboard restroom, and the boat can spray you pretty thoroughly if conditions are windy.

Key points to know before you go

• 3 water-and-scenery stops instead of one long, repetitive swim session
• Snorkeling gear and cold drinks included, so you can travel light
• Captain-led route changes when wind or waves push the plan around
• Pjescana Uvala is the main snorkeling payoff, with sandy-bottom visibility
• Extra costs are common on the day, especially the €10 docking fee
• No restroom onboard, so plan your timing and stay flexible

The Zadar Speedboat Experience in Plain Terms

This is an adrenaline-leaning speedboat tour that mixes swimming with quick island time. You’re not booking a slow cruise with lounge chairs. You’re booking short hops between coves, plus moments to walk, take photos, and get back in the water.

The headline value is simple: for a price around $38.71, you’re getting multiple locations you’d otherwise piece together with ferries, buses, and your own time management. The catch is that the “all-in” feeling may need a bit of adjustment. The tour lists additional fees and taxes of €10 per person, and some people also report a cash docking fee asked on site.

The ideal setup is a small group (maximum 10). That usually means the snorkeling stops don’t feel like a zoo, and the captain can keep things moving at a pace that fits weather and sea conditions.

Meeting Point at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6: Get There Early

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. It’s also described as near public transportation, which is good news if you’re not arriving by cruise shuttle chaos.

Still, the check-in can feel confusing if you arrive right on time. My practical advice: show up a little early, keep your mobile ticket ready, and take a quick scan for the group staff or the boat team. If you’re on a tight itinerary day (especially from a cruise terminal), do yourself a favor and plan a bit more buffer time, because extra transfers can turn the day into a moving target.

If you’re coming from the cruise terminal area, some guests report needing a taxi (often around 20 euros each way). That’s not automatically included, so if your ship’s arrival timing is tight, budget for the transfer or pick a hotel close to the center.

Stop 1: Pjescana Uvala (Kostanj) for Sandy-Bottom Snorkeling

This is the star stop for a lot of people. Pjescana Uvala is a bay called Kostanj, reached in about a 15-minute speedboat ride from Zadar. The water here is described as crystal clear, with a sandy bottom you can see, plus small fish in the shallow areas.

You’ll get roughly 40 minutes. That’s enough time to get your mask on, check the water conditions, and do a couple of swim passes without feeling rushed. It’s also the kind of snorkeling where visibility matters as much as wildlife. If you’re hoping for coral gardens and giant fish, temper expectations. If you like clear water, sandy bottoms, and quick exploration, you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more.

One small but important detail: some people suggest bringing your own goggles or making sure the included equipment fits well. If your mask style is picky, bring what you know works. Also, if you need an appropriate life vest size, don’t be shy about asking for a fit right away.

If the sea is a bit choppy, stick to the designated swimming zones. The whole point is safe fun, not wrestling the current.

Stop 2: Ošljak Island Walk and WWII-Era Ruins

The second stop is Ošljak, one of the smaller islands in the Zadar archipelago. This is where the pace slows. There are only a few families living there, so you’re basically stepping into a quiet, lived-in slice of island life.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. The plan centers on a relaxed shoreline walk and a bit of sightseeing. There’s mention of a small church from the 9th century, plus ruins tied to a hospital from World War II. Even if you only linger for photos and a short walk, it breaks up the water time in a good way.

Here’s the practical tradeoff: this stop may feel more like an island pause than a beach-and-snorkel moment. Some boats pull up at a port or tied-off area depending on conditions. That means snorkeling isn’t always the main event, so go into this stop with the mindset of walking, stretching, and enjoying the setting more than hunting for marine life.

Stop 3: Preko on Ugljan Island, Plus a Sandy Beach Fix

Preko is a small village on Ugljan Island. In summer it’s lively; outside peak season it can be very quiet. Either way, it’s a nice change of scenery after the more cove-focused Stop 1.

You’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes. A key tip is that there’s a small sandy beach on the right-hand side when you’re there, and it’s an easy place to put your snorkeling masks to use if conditions are good. You can also grab coffee at one of the café spots with a view, which is a solid move if you need a dry break between swims.

There’s also a fun possibility: from Preko you can swim toward Galevac and try to find a small monastery hidden between trees. That’s not the same as a guaranteed sightseeing stop. Treat it as a bonus only if the sea is friendly and the captain says it’s feasible.

Some guests report that this stop can again involve harbor tie-offs rather than a classic easy beach landing. So if you want the best snorkeling, prioritize the earlier bay time at Pjescana Uvala.

The Speedboat Ride Reality: Hold On, Expect Spray

This is an adrenaline activity, and it can get wet. On windy days, the route may shift, and the return ride at full throttle can feel like a fast water blast. If you hate getting splashed, this is not your tour.

My advice is boring-but-effective:

• wear swimwear you’re okay with fully soaking
• bring sea-safe footwear if you want extra foot protection (urchins are a known sea hazard in Croatia)
• don’t carry anything you’d hate to lose or ruin
• keep your towel situation simple, since there’s no onboard restroom and no mention of towels provided

Also, hold on tight during turns. One reason people love the tour is the fun chaos factor, but safety comes first.

What You Pay: Value vs. Extra Fees (Don’t Get Surprised)

Let’s talk money like adults. The listed price is about $38.71 per person. The offer also notes that all fees and taxes add €10 per person, and some guests report a cash docking charge asked during the experience.

That means your true total can land higher than the headline figure. If you’re comparing excursions, include that €10 so your budget is realistic.

What you do get without extra fees:

• bottled water
• cold drinks
• use of snorkeling equipment (snorkel gear)

What you do not get:

• dinner
• a restroom on board
• personal items like towels

So you’re essentially paying for transport, time on the water, snorkeling gear, and drinks. Lunch is on your own. At the island stops, you may find cafés, but there’s no included meal in the plan.

Snorkeling: Clear Water Helps, Wildlife Varies

The snorkeling style here is mostly about visibility and calm zones. Pjescana Uvala is described as ideal for seeing the sandy bottom and small fish. That’s a good match for first-timers. It’s also why some guests say the snorkeling can feel underwhelming if they were expecting more dramatic marine life.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Spend time at the edges of the swimming area first, where it’s often easier to float and look down.
• Don’t force long swims. Short, controlled passes usually lead to better viewing.
• If you need extra confidence, use the life vest and stay within the safe zones the captain points out.
• If you have your own goggles, bring them. A few guests mention the included masks are fine but personal fit can be a deal-breaker for comfort.

If the captain suggests more adventurous swimming lines (like tight cave-style sections), take it seriously. Only attempt what matches your swimming comfort and what the crew confirms as safe.

Captains and Guides: Friendly, Chilly, and Sometimes Very Funny

This tour is heavily shaped by the captain’s personality. A lot of people praise hosts for being super friendly and chill, and for giving useful tips on each island before you head off.

Names that came up include Lovre, Mateo, Joseph, Tony, Mario, and Emilio, along with other captains like Josep, Gogo, and Josef. The pattern is consistent: when the captain is engaged, the day feels like a fun afternoon instead of just transport between stops.

One practical downside: not every guide is talkative. Some people want more history and structure. If you’re the type who likes constant commentary, you might need to bring your own curiosity (and ask questions when you’re on board).

The upside is that when weather changes, many captains adapt the route rather than canceling the whole plan. On windy days, you still get out there, and the captain tries to protect the best possible stop sequence.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

You’ll probably love this tour if:

• you want multiple swim stops in one afternoon
• you like speedboat rides and don’t mind getting sprayed
• you’re happy with snorkeling that rewards clear water more than huge marine spectacles
• you value good value and a small group feel

You might skip it if:

• you need guaranteed quiet and easy boarding without any splash factor
• you strongly prefer a restroom onboard (there isn’t one)
• you expect coral reefs and dramatic wildlife every time
• you’re uncomfortable with extra on-the-day costs like the €10 docking fee

It’s also a great fit for people staying in or near Zadar who want to do island time without complicated planning.

Should You Book This Zadar Speedboat and Snorkeling Tour?

Book it if you want a compact, active water day with snorkeling gear, drinks, and a clear-water bay as the main event. I’d also book it if you’re okay with the reality of the day costing a bit more than the headline because of the €10 docking fee, and you’re comfortable with no restroom onboard.

Think twice if you’re the kind of traveler who needs a perfectly smooth logistics experience and spotless “easy mode” snorkeling at every stop. Some stops can feel more harbor-like than beach-like, and snorkeling marine life can be modest depending on conditions.

If you go in with the right expectations, it’s a strong value afternoon: quick island walks, a big clear-water swim moment, and a boat ride that keeps things moving.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What stops are included?

There are 3 stops: Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. You get use of snorkeling equipment.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water, cold drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Are there extra fees during the tour?

All fees and taxes of €10 per person are not included in the listed offer price.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no restroom available onboard.

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