Adrenaline Adventure on Speedboat with 3 stops and Snorkeling

Fast water, quiet islands, clear bays. This four-hour speedboat outing gives you a lively way to leave Zadar behind, with swimming at Pjescana Uvala, a walk on tiny Ošljak, and free time in Preko. I especially like the small group limit of 10 people and the included drinks and snorkeling gear. The main catch is that the extra €10 docking fee, cash payment, and unclear meeting arrangements can make the final cost less tidy than expected.

The pace depends heavily on wind and sea conditions. On a calm day, you can expect a thrilling ride, plenty of spray, and clear water. On a rough day, the boat may change course, and you should expect to get wet. Some captains, including Lovre, Joseph, Josef, Tony, Mario, Mateo, and Gogo, have been praised for being friendly and flexible, but the quality of guiding can vary.

Key points before you book

• Three very different stops: Swim at Pjescana Uvala, walk quiet Ošljak, then explore or relax in Preko.
• A true speedboat ride: The return can be fast and wet, especially when wind pushes up the waves.
• Small maximum group: The boat takes no more than 10 people, though a full boat may feel snug.
• Snorkeling is included: Masks and snorkels are supplied, but marine life may be limited.
• Bring protection for your belongings: Spray can soak bags, phones, towels, and clothing.
• Budget for the extra fee: The listed price is $38.71 per person, plus €10 per person in fees.

What the four-hour outing is really like

This is not a polished sightseeing cruise with a fixed script and constant commentary. It is a short, active boat day built around swimming, island stops, and the fun of moving quickly across the water.

The schedule allows about 40 minutes at Pjescana Uvala, one hour on Ošljak, and roughly 90 minutes in Preko. Actual time can shift with wind, boat traffic, and the skipper’s judgment. The route has changed on windy days, and that flexibility is useful. A good captain can choose a more sheltered bay and still give you a worthwhile afternoon.

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar and return to the same place. The meeting point has caused confusion, so arrive early and look for the local representative or boat staff rather than assuming the process will be obvious. If you are coming from a cruise terminal, taxi costs can add up quickly, with some people paying about €20 each way.

The boat holds up to 10 people. That is a sensible limit for a small speedboat, but a full boat can feel crowded, particularly when the sea is rough. The ride is part of the attraction, not just transportation. You may be sprayed repeatedly as the boat cuts through waves, so treat this as a water activity rather than a dry sightseeing trip.

Pjescana Uvala, your first swim near Zadar

After about 15 minutes by speedboat, you reach Pjescana Uvala, also called Kostanj. The bay sits among the Dalmatian islands, with clear water and a sandy bottom that is easy to see from the surface.

This is the best stop for a quick swim and your first try with the provided snorkeling equipment. The water can be wonderfully transparent, and the sandy bottom is pleasant underfoot. You may see small fish, but do not expect a major underwater show. The snorkeling appeal here is mainly the clear sea, easy swimming, and a refreshing start to the trip.

Conditions matter. On one outing, the area near the beach was described as untidy, with an abandoned building, broken glass, and rubbish nearby. That may not define every visit, but it is a useful reminder to stay in the designated swimming area and watch where you step.

I would bring sea shoes if you have them, especially if you plan to leave the main sandy section. Croatia is known for sea urchins in rocky water. They are less of a concern in cleared swimming areas, but bare feet are not a great idea along rough shoreline.

The stop is short, so do not waste the first few minutes deciding what to do. If you want to swim, get in early. If you want to snorkel, adjust the mask before entering the water. The boat provides equipment, but you may prefer your own goggles for a better fit.

Ošljak, a quiet island with very little fuss

The second stop takes you to Ošljak, the smallest island in the Zadar Archipelago. Only a few families live there, which gives the island a slow, quiet feel that contrasts with the speedboat ride.

You can walk along the shore and look for the small ninth-century church. There are also ruins of a hospital from the Second World War. These are modest sights, not a full museum or formal historic site, but they give the stop some character.

Ošljak is best suited to people who enjoy a peaceful walk and a break from organized sightseeing. You may find it too quiet if you want shops, a sandy beach, or a long list of things to do. There is no promise of a substantial beach stop here, and the boat may tie up in a harbor.

That is the trade-off. Ošljak is not exciting in the usual sense. Its value comes from the change of mood, the small scale, and the chance to see a lived-in island community without a crowded program. Take a short walk, look around, and enjoy the silence. You do not need to force the stop into something it is not.

Some outings have included a chance to spot dolphins near this part of the route, though that is a lucky sighting, not a planned feature. Keep your eyes open, but do not book the trip expecting wildlife.

Preko, Ugljan Island’s most useful stop

Preko is a village on Ugljan Island and the longest stop on the route. In summer, it has more activity, while the shoulder and off seasons can feel very quiet.

You have about an hour and a half here, which gives you time to choose your own pace. On the right-hand side is a small sandy beach, useful for another swim. You can also take a break at one of the cafés, order a coffee, and enjoy the view from shore.

The village stop is more practical than Ošljak. You have a better chance of finding a café, a bit of local life, and a place to sit. At the same time, it can feel less like a remote island escape because the boat may tie up in a harbor rather than at an empty beach.

A nice option is to look toward Galevac, the small island across from Preko. The route information suggests that you can swim there and look for a monastery among the trees. Do not assume you have enough time or suitable conditions to make the crossing. Ask the skipper first, and only consider it if you are a strong swimmer and the sea is calm.

Preko is also where the lack of a planned meal becomes noticeable. No food is included, so use the café time for a drink or buy something before departure. The boat supplies bottled water and cold drinks, but you should not count on a full lunch.

Speed, spray, and the captain factor

The boat ride is the main source of excitement. On calm water, the speed gives the trip its energy without taking over the whole day. On a windy day, the spray can be relentless. One particularly wet outing felt like a 20-minute shower at the back of the boat.

Wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes. Keep phones, cameras, wallets, and passports in a genuinely waterproof bag. A normal day bag will not protect much if the boat hits waves at speed. Towels are not supplied, so bring one if you want to dry off between stops.

The captain can make a large difference. Lovre, Joseph, Josef, Tony, Mario, Mateo, and Gogo have all been singled out for being friendly, entertaining, professional, or adaptable. Josef adjusted the route in windy conditions, Mario allowed a teenage passenger to briefly drive the boat, and other captains gave practical suggestions for each island.

Still, the guiding style is not always the same. Some outings have included useful information about the islands and nearby sights. On others, the captain offered little commentary and mainly directed people toward swimming or lunch. If you want detailed cultural interpretation, this may feel light. If you prefer freedom and a relaxed skipper, that can be a plus.

Snorkeling: clear water, modest sea life

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and cold drinks. The gear has generally been considered usable, though there may not be enough life jackets in every size on every departure. If you need a particular vest size, ask before leaving the dock.

The sea is clear, but clear water does not guarantee abundant marine life. At some stops, there may be little to see beyond the sandy bottom and a few small fish. The pleasure comes from floating in clean-looking water and cooling off, not from a serious reef experience.

The weather can also affect snorkeling. Wind makes the ride rougher and the water less comfortable. One outing could not offer the expected snorkeling because conditions were poor. If swimming is your main reason for booking, keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Price, extra costs, and what you receive

At $38.71 per person, the base price is attractive for about four hours on the water. You get a speedboat ride, three stops, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and cold drinks. For a half-day in the Zadar area, that is good value if you want movement and swimming rather than a formal historical tour.

The important detail is the extra €10 per person for fees and taxes. This has been collected as a docking charge, sometimes in cash and without a receipt. It should be included in your mental budget from the start. The low advertised price looks less impressive once you add that fee, possible taxi rides to the meeting point, and any café food or drinks you buy in Preko.

You will also need to manage your own comfort. There is no restroom onboard, no meal, and no personal items such as towels. Four hours is manageable for most people, but use a restroom before boarding and bring snacks if you need regular food.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and bad weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a lively half-day, enjoy swimming, and like having several short stops rather than spending the entire day in one place. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable on a fast boat.

It is less suitable if you need a dry, quiet ride, a guaranteed sandy beach, detailed history, or a proper meal. People with limited mobility should also ask for more information before booking, since the stops involve getting on and off a boat, walking along shore, and possibly entering the water.

The group size matters. A full boat of 10 can be fun and sociable, but it will not feel private. If you want a calm, spacious ride, look for a smaller private charter instead.

My verdict: good value, with clear conditions

Book it if your ideal Zadar afternoon includes speed, sea spray, clear water, and a few island stops. The strongest parts are the route variety, flexible captains, included drinks, and the chance to see Ošljak and Preko in one outing.

Skip it if you dislike surprises around fees or want snorkeling with abundant fish. Go in prepared for a wet ride, bring sea shoes and waterproof storage, and treat the island stops as simple, relaxed breaks rather than major sightseeing attractions.

For the money, this is a lively way to see more of the Zadar Archipelago in four hours. Just budget the extra €10, arrive early at the meeting point, and let the skipper adjust the route if the wind turns rough.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and returns to the starting point in Zadar.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included?

The route includes Pjescana Uvala, Ošljak, and Preko. The planned stop times are about 40 minutes, one hour, and one hour 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and cold drinks are included.

Is food included?

No. Dinner or other food is not included. You can find cafés in Preko, and bringing a snack may be useful.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There is no restroom onboard, so use one before departure.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.