Fast boats, clear water, island life in four hours. I love the modern speedboat ride and I love the Kostanj Bay snorkeling stop with crystal-clear water. This is also one of those rare half-day trips where you get real island rhythm instead of just racing from viewpoint to viewpoint, plus a glass of local wine during the pauses.

One thing to plan for is cost and comfort: there’s an extra €10 docking fee paid in cash on arrival, and the meeting point has no toilet—so go before you head there.

Key highlights you’ll feel fast

• Modern speedboat + local skipper driving the day, with the pacing set for swimming breaks
• Kostanj Bay (about 40 minutes) for snorkeling in very clear water
• Osljak island time (about 40 minutes) with a small-hill walk and village stops
• Preko (about 1.5 hours) for swimming, snorkeling, and an easy stroll for coffee and small shops
• Wine included during the tour stops
• Small group (max 12), which makes it easy to talk with people from different countries

Speedboat energy from Zadar, without the all-day grind

This tour is basically made for people who want the Croatian coast to feel like it’s actually moving. You start in Zadar, then spend the next several hours bouncing between coastlines and islands on a modern speedboat, with a local skipper guiding you along the way. It’s not a slow sightseeing crawl. The vibe is: fast ride, stop, swim, look around, repeat.

The big win here is that the tour doesn’t just point at water—it gets you in it. The Kostanj Bay stop is built around a swim and snorkeling in clyster-clear water, with enough time to cool down and actually explore. Then you shift from the water to island time on Osljak and Preko, so your day has variety rather than just one long beach break.

If you like meeting new people but still want your own space, the small group (limited to 12) helps a lot. You’ll end up chatting naturally while boarding, during photo moments, and on the quieter island walking segments.

Price and logistics: what $33 really turns into

The listed price is $33 per person, with the tour lasting about 4 hours. That’s a strong value for what you’re getting: speedboat transport, a live English guide, snorkeling equipment, and wine included, plus multiple island stops.

But don’t miss the one add-on: a €10 docking fee paid in cash on arrival. The tour info also says that docking fee includes all stops, so you’re not dealing with surprise payments each time you land. Just be ready with the cash when you arrive.

Also note what’s not included:

• Lunch and coffee
• Towels
• Hotel pickup/drop-off

Practically, that means you should plan on a snack or a drink strategy for your own time on Preko, especially since Preko is where you’ll likely want a coffee or a quick bite from island spots. And yes—bring a towel or plan to dry off with whatever you’ve got on hand.

Where to meet (and the one bathroom problem)

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, waiting at the bench or by the Tornado sign, about 10 minutes before departure. The tour notes specifically warn there’s no toilet at the meeting point, so treat that as your real “logistics checkpoint.”

It’s a small thing, but it matters on a day built around swimming and multiple stops. If you wait until you’re out on the islands to handle it, you’ll lose time and comfort. I’d plan ahead, bring a swimsuit, and keep your essentials easy to access so boarding and re-boardings stay smooth.

Also, the tour starts on different times depending on availability, so check your exact departure window before you lock in the rest of your day in Zadar.

Stop 1: Kostanj Bay for snorkeling in clear, calm water

Your first big water-focused moment is Kostanj, at the sandy beach area in the bay (listed as pješćana plaža u uvali). You get about a 40-minute stop, which is long enough to do the full cycle: jump in, snorkel, float around, and then climb back out without feeling rushed.

This is the stop you’ll remember because the water quality is the headline. The tour description frames Kostanj as having unusually clear water, and the snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not scrambling to rent gear on the spot.

The practical upside: snorkeling time here works as a reset. Zadar’s old-city walking and coastal views can make your legs tired. Kostanj gives you a different kind of break—cooling off in the sea and spending time where the water is actually worth it.

The one drawback to keep in mind is simple: you need to be comfortable getting in and out of the water as part of the experience. If you’re expecting a mostly dry, lounge-by-the-boat day, this isn’t that kind of tour.

Island Osljak: the tiny-history stop that feels lived-in

After Kostanj, the tour heads to Osljak for a traditional village stop that includes photo time, sightseeing, and walking for about 40 minutes.

Here’s what makes Osljak different from a standard island stop:

• It’s described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia
• It’s said to have 29 inhabitants
• It’s referenced as having Roman times background
• A quirky detail: many locals have the same last name
• You can climb a small hill for a satisfying view
• There’s a small church from the IX century hidden in the trees
• Ruins of a hospital connected to plaque sufferers during WWII are also mentioned
• There’s even a bar on the island if you want a drink

That mix of tiny settlement + visible remnants + walking options is why this stop works. It’s not just pretty scenery. It gives you enough time to wander a bit, take photos, and then decide how much energy you want to spend on the hill walk.

What to watch: because this is a small inhabited island, some areas can be uneven and shaded. Wear shoes you trust on rocky or uneven ground, especially if you plan to climb.

Preko: the busiest island break with swimming and an easy stroll

Next up is Preko, with about 1.5 hours on the island. Preko is described as full of life in summer, with small local shops and the kind of simple seaside hangouts that feel like the island’s daily routine instead of a staged tourist stop.

What you can actually do here:

• Visit the center with time to stroll
• Look for a small sandy beach
• Use the snorkeling gear again to cool down and explore underwater life

The tour description also makes it clear that Preko is where you can grab something quickly—like a coffee with a sea view—without it turning into a long meal commitment. Since lunch isn’t included, this timing is smart. You’re given a window where grabbing a coffee or a simple snack fits naturally.

Then there’s a bonus hint that adds extra freedom: from Preko, you can swim to Galevac, where a small ancient monastery is said to be hidden among the trees. It’s framed as something you can try to do, so treat it as an optional challenge if conditions and your comfort level allow.

If you’re deciding which part to prioritize, I’d think of Preko as the “choose your own pace” island stop—swim if you want, stroll if you want, and take a breather if you’re conserving energy.

The in-between boat rides: photo windows and scenic cruising

Between the major stops, the itinerary includes short speedboat segments—around 15 minutes at several points—plus additional cruising time with scenic views back toward Zadar.

This structure matters because it keeps the day moving without turning it into a sprint. You get these brief windows where the coastline and island scenery are the focus, then you land again for another swim or walking stretch.

Also, those transitions are where a good skipper makes a noticeable difference. The tour emphasizes a local skipper, and the experience is clearly built around having someone explain what you’re seeing as you move along the coast and islands. In past departures, guides with names like Mario, Roko, Racco, Josef, and Joseph have been associated with this type of trip, and the consistent theme is that the skipper adds stories and context while you’re underway.

Even if you’re not a “history person,” that narration helps you connect the dots. You’re not just bouncing between islands—you’re getting reasons for the different stops.

Wine on the water, and comfort that doesn’t cost extra

Wine is included during the tour stops, which makes this feel more like a coastal day out than just a transport-and-swim package. It’s a nice touch because you’ll have a moment to slow down after the faster segments—especially after snorkeling when you want to sit, dry off, and cool down.

Just don’t plan on everything being fully “beach comfortable.” Towels are not included, and coffee and lunch are not included, so you’ll want to bring what you can and accept that you’re paying for those extras yourself (or grabbing snacks on Preko).

As for comfort on the boat: it’s a modern speedboat and part of the point is speed. That means this isn’t the quietest ride in the Adriatic. If you’re sensitive to wind or you hate feeling bounced around, keep that in mind. But if you want energy, that’s exactly what you came for.

Who should book this Zadar speedboat escapade?

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• Snorkeling time with provided equipment
• A half-day that doesn’t steal your whole day from Zadar
• Multiple island vibes: the water-focused Kostanj stop plus island walking on Osljak and a calmer (but lively) Preko break
• A small group where you can meet people from different places without a huge crowd

It’s also ideal if you like guided storytelling but don’t want museums. The island details—like Osljak’s small hill view, the IX-century church, and even the WWII hospital ruins—are the kind of knowledge you pick up while walking, not while sitting indoors.

I’d think twice if you:

• Want a mostly dry, lounge-first itinerary
• Need guaranteed bathroom access during the meeting/early part of the day (there’s no toilet at the meeting point)
• Have zero interest in swimming/snorkeling

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if you’re in Zadar and you want the coast to feel alive. For roughly $33, plus the €10 cash docking fee, you’re buying: speedboat rides, a local skipper, three meaningful stop areas, snorkeling equipment, and wine. That combination is hard to beat for a 4-hour window.

I’d book it especially if you care about snorkeling and want island time that feels real rather than purely scenic. And if your schedule is flexible, the tour is designed with a reserve-now-pay-later style, so you can hold a spot while you sort the rest of your Zadar plans.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Zadar speedboat tour?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What stops does the tour include?

You’ll have time at Kostanj Bay (about 40 minutes), a traditional village area on Osljak (about 40 minutes), and Preko (about 1.5 hours), with shorter speedboat legs and scenic cruising between stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is wine included?

Yes. Wine is included during the tour stops.

How much is the docking fee and when do I pay it?

There is a docking fee of €10 per person, paid in cash on arrival. The info says it includes all stops.

Is there a toilet at the meeting point?

No. The meeting point has no toilet, so plan ahead.

What’s not included in the price?

Lunch and coffee are not included, and towels are not included.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is in English.

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