One way to see Zadar’s islands without wasting a day on ferries is this fast speedboat loop. I like the three in-water stops (swim and snorkel with gear provided) and the way the pace gives you real time on land too, especially on Ošljak and Ugljan. The only real drawback: there’s no toilet on board, so plan for that before you leave the marina.

The cruise portion is short but scenic, with panoramic views as you glide through the Bay of Foša, then you’re back with enough energy left to enjoy Zadar afterward. Guides like Dino and Davide show up repeatedly in the feedback for clear directions and helpful pacing, and Stella also gets named for sharing island information. You’ll still want to bring the basics for sun and saltwater, since you’ll get in the water more than once.

Key things to know before you go

• 3 swimming locations with snorkeling equipment and life vests included, so you don’t need to pack gear.
• Free time on Ošljak (about an hour) to wander at your own pace after the guide gives local context.
• Preko on Ugljan (about an hour) gives you a town-and-sea mix: photo stops, a walk, shopping time, plus water time.
• Onboard drinks and unlimited water, plus sunshade, which makes the short ride back feel easier.
• The meeting point is simple: the boat is tied up at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.
• Expect a small-group feel; reviews mention boats carrying around 7–8 people, which keeps things less chaotic.

Why this Zadar 3-Islands speedboat setup makes sense

Zadar is great for island hopping, but doing it “the slow way” can eat half your day. This tour keeps the travel time tight so your time on the water actually turns into time in the water. In four hours, you get a mix of motion (panoramic cruising) and payoff (swim/snorkel stops and land time).

The other big reason I like this style: the stops are spaced so you’re not stuck on the boat for long stretches. You spend real chunks at each location—first for swimming and snorkeling, then for island time, then again for another water stop on the return. That rhythm is ideal if you want the islands to feel like islands, not just screenshots from a ferry window.

Getting started at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 (and what to bring)

You meet right in Zadar at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The boat is tied to the walls, so you’re not playing guessing games with docks. Once you’re aboard, the tour starts with a short speedboat ride—enough to get the sea air working on you, not so much that you’re bored before the fun.

Bring a hat, comfortable clothes, and especially a change of clothes. Water + sun + speedboat spray adds up fast. Also pack cash if you want to use the time in Preko for small purchases, since there’s no food included. If you’re prone to getting chilly on the return ride, keep that in mind too; the boat is moving, and the sea breeze can be real.

The Bay of Foša cruise: quick views, no wasted time

Before you even reach the first island stop, you cruise through the Bay of Foša. It’s one of those stretches where you can sit back, look left and right, and get the geography of the area quickly. You’ll see coastline angles that are hard to appreciate from shore, and that sets the stage for what you’ll do next: jump in when you find the clearest spots.

This “start-up cruise” also matters practically. It helps you settle in—figure out where the ladder or entry points are, see how the guide handles the group, and get a feel for the boat’s layout. By the time you’re at the first swimming location, you’re not standing there wondering what happens next.

Ošljak’s Blue Bay Otrić: where swimming and snorkeling take the lead

The first major stop is Blue Bay Otrić, with about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is the stop built for water lovers. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and life vests, so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than assembling gear.

What I’d do here: go in with a simple plan—snorkel first while you can still see fish easily, then spend the rest of your time just floating and swimming. With multiple stops across the day, this opening location sets the tone for the whole experience. If you’re picky about water clarity, this is the one where you’ll usually feel happiest you booked.

Practical note: you may want to protect your essentials from splash. Change clothes are your friend here—especially if you plan to walk around afterward on Ošljak.

The Ošljak island hour: guided context, then freedom

After the first swim stop, you disembark on Ošljak and get about an hour of free time. You don’t just drop anchor and disappear. The guide provides information about the area, then you’re free to wander at your own pace and pick what you want to see.

This hour is valuable because it breaks up the water-focused part of the tour. Instead of only thinking about snorkeling, you get to experience the island as a place where people live and move around. You can slow down, take photos, and walk off the “speedboat muscles”—and yes, you can always return to the water when you’re back on schedule.

A small consideration: the tour is short overall, so that island hour isn’t huge. If you like long hikes or serious exploration, you’ll probably want a different kind of day. If you want a taste of island life with enough time to cool off, this hour hits the right spot.

Ugljan and Preko: town time plus another long stretch to enjoy the sea

Next comes Ugljan, and the tour’s land-and-water mix centers on Preko. You get about an hour here, and it includes time for photo stops, a guided element, shopping, and a walk—plus swimming and snorkeling.

I like that Preko time has variety. You’re not stuck choosing between water and town. Instead, you can do a bit of both: quick photos and a stroll first, then return to the sea for another swim/snorkel window. If you want souvenirs, a cold drink, or just an easy place to walk around without planning ahead, Preko is the part of the itinerary built for that.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, this is also where the tour can feel most balanced. You’re not only following a strict route; you’re given enough space to decide what you care about most during that hour.

The final return swim and onboard drinks: the easy wrap-up

After Preko and the inland time, the tour heads back toward Zadar with another swimming spot on the return. The boat ride ends where it began—back at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6—and that return water time is a nice closer. You’ve already enjoyed two water stops, so the third feels like a bonus rather than the main event.

On board, you have unlimited water, plus drinks during the trip. Several guides are noted as offering drinks repeatedly, and the overall vibe is casual and well managed. Sunshade is included too, which matters because speedboats may not feel sunny until you’re sitting there long enough to notice the heat.

If you’re planning your day: this tour is a great “start later and still see a lot” option. Many people like it as an afternoon outing, especially if you want those glowing sea-light views on the way back.

Snorkeling comfort and safety: what’s included, what’s up to you

You get the key safety items and gear: life vests, snorkeling equipment, and guidance from a live English-speaking guide. That’s a practical setup for most confidence levels. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy snorkeling with the right support and short water sessions.

Still, you control your comfort. Bring a hat, and consider water shoes if you’re sensitive about rocky entry points (the tour data doesn’t specify footwear, so this is more about personal comfort than a requirement). A change of clothes is also more than a convenience here—it keeps the day from ending with wet clothes and sand stuck everywhere.

One more honest point: this is a speedboat tour. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly before you’re on the water. The itinerary includes multiple speedboat segments, so you’re not on a slow ferry.

Price and value: what $49 buys you in real time

At $49 per person for a 4-hour experience, this tour is priced for value rather than luxury. You’re not paying for a full-day island residency. You’re paying for compact island access, a small boat feel, and the practical extras that add cost if you do them yourself.

Here’s what you get that’s hard to replicate cheaply:

• A guided speedboat route with time-efficient travel between islands
• 3 swimming/snorkeling stops with equipment provided
• Unlimited water and onboard drinks
• Fuel included, plus sunshade
• Life vests and a guide who keeps the timing working for the group

Food isn’t included, and there’s no toilet on board, so you’ll need to handle that on your own. But if you’re already okay with a light day or grabbing snacks before/after, the math starts to look good fast. You’re basically buying access to multiple island environments—plus the gear—without arranging transfers and managing entry points yourself.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is a great fit for people who:

• Want quick island time without planning separate boats or ferries
• Like swimming and snorkeling and don’t want to bring equipment
• Prefer a small-group feel (many reports mention boats carrying around 7–8 people)
• Enjoy a mix of water time and short walks in real seaside towns

It’s not a great fit if:

• You need wheelchair access (the tour says it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You’re bringing a baby under 1 year (also listed as not suitable)
• You want a long, slow, deep exploration day on one island (this is intentionally short and active)

Should you book this Zadar 3-Islands speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you want the islands near Zadar in a way that feels efficient and fun: three clear-water stops, real time on Ošljak and Ugljan/Preko, and drinks plus unlimited water keeping the day comfortable.

Skip it if you don’t care about swimming/snorkeling, or if you’re uncomfortable with boat rides and short time windows. Also consider choosing something else if you strongly need onboard facilities, since toilet access isn’t included.

If you’re on the fence, this is my simple decision rule: if you’re excited by the idea of jumping off the boat and spending real time in the sea three times in one afternoon, this tour matches that mood perfectly.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar 3 Islands speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the boat in Zadar?

Meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The boat is tied to the walls.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life vests.

Is food included?

No. Food isn’t included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You’ll have drinks on board, and unlimited water is included.

Are there toilets on board?

No. Toilet access is not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Is it refundable if plans change?

Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or infants?

No. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year.