Zadar: Boat Tour with Snorkeling Gear and Drinks

Zadar’s best swimming spots are just offshore, and this four-hour speedboat trip gives you a simple way to reach them without renting a boat. You stop at Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko for clear water, snorkeling, village time, and island views, with music and drinks along the way.

I like the small-group feel and the friendly skippers, especially Luka, Lovre, and Tomislav, who are often praised for local stories and easygoing hosting. I also like the value: at $29, you get the boat, skipper, life jacket, snorkeling gear, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

The main caution is space. One outing had 12 people and felt cramped, with about eight people including the two skippers feeling more comfortable. You should also be a reasonably confident swimmer, though life jackets are available.

Quick points to know before booking

• Three island-area stops: Swim and snorkel at Ošljak and another Ugljan-area spot, then spend free time in Preko.
• Choose your mood: Morning trips suit calmer water, while afternoon departures can return with a sunset over the Adriatic.
• Skippers make the difference: Luka, Lovre, Tomislav, Dubravko, and other local guides mix driving with stories, music, and practical help.
• Good value at $29: Equipment, drinks, a life jacket, and a half-day on the water are included.
• Bring water shoes and cash: The boat supplies drinks and snorkels, but you should pack a hat, towel, water shoes, and some cash for personal purchases.
• Check the group size: A small group can feel almost private, while a full boat may feel tight during the ride.

A quick ride from Zadar into open water

The tour starts near a gas station, a plain meeting point rather than a scenic harbor. Once aboard, the speedboat heads out from Zadar, and the first ride takes about 20 minutes.

That short crossing is part of the appeal. You get open views of the coast and nearby islands without spending half the tour in transit. Music is part of the atmosphere, and the skipper usually lets the group settle into a relaxed rhythm rather than treating the ride like a formal sightseeing lecture.

The boats are set up for a mix of sitting positions, though comfort depends on the number of people aboard. A lightly booked departure can feel close to a private outing. At full capacity, expect less room to stretch out and more elbows during the ride.

The operator describes the activity as a four-hour trip. The exact order and length of stops can shift with weather, sea conditions, and the group’s preferences. That flexibility is useful, but you should not expect a rigid, clock-watching program.

Ošljak offers the first swim and snorkel stop

Ošljak is the first main stop, after the initial speedboat ride. You get about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is where the tour quickly becomes more than a boat ride. The water around the islands is clear enough for you to look below the surface with the supplied mask and snorkel. Several outings have produced good views of fish and small sea creatures, which gives the stop more interest than simply jumping in for a quick cool-off.

The boat carries snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask. Life jackets are also included, a useful safety net for anyone who is not a strong swimmer. Still, this is a sea-based activity, not a supervised swimming lesson. If you are uneasy in open water, tell the skipper early and use the jacket.

You can also jump from the boat, depending on the skipper’s instructions and the conditions. The combination of a swim, a look underwater, and time on deck makes this a well-paced opening stop. You are active without being rushed.

Ugljan brings more views and another chance to swim

After Ošljak, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes toward Ugljan County. This short ride lets you dry off, take photographs, and watch the islands change shape from the water.

The next Ugljan-area stop includes sightseeing, an aperitif, a photo stop, swimming, and snorkeling. It is another roughly hour-long pause, so you have time to choose your pace. You can spend the whole stop in the water, stay aboard with a drink, or split the time between swimming and photographs.

This is one of the tour’s strongest features. You are not pushed through a list of quick photo stops. The schedule allows a proper swim, which matters in the hot Dalmatian summer. The supplied equipment also means the people in your group can join in without needing to share one personal mask or buy gear locally.

The water itself is the main attraction. Expect clear Adriatic conditions, but do not assume every stop will have the same underwater sights. Sea life depends on weather, visibility, and the exact anchoring point. The guides can point out what you are seeing, and one former skipper was a maritime biologist, adding a useful natural-history angle to the outing.

Preko gives you a break from the boat

The trip then continues to Preko, a short cruise of about 15 minutes. Here you get the longest stop, listed at about 70 minutes, with time for a walk, photographs, sightseeing, swimming, and free time.

This break helps the tour feel balanced. Four hours entirely on a small boat can become tiring, especially for people who prefer firm ground after swimming. In Preko, you can stretch your legs, look around, find a place for a drink or meal at your own expense, or return to the water.

The exact food arrangement is not included in the tour price. Some outings have included a recommendation for a fish restaurant or a pleasant seaside café, but you should treat lunch as optional and separate from the booked package. Bring cash, as advised, if you want to buy something during free time.

Preko is also the best stop for people in a mixed group. Strong swimmers can stay in the water, while others can walk or sit with a drink. Families and couples who want a little island time, rather than nonstop swimming, will appreciate this pause.

Morning calm or afternoon sunset

The choice of departure time changes the feel of the trip. The morning option is recommended for calmer water, which may suit anyone sensitive to motion or anyone who wants the clearest, most settled conditions for snorkeling.

The afternoon departure has a different reward. The air may feel cooler for swimming, and the return to Zadar can line up with sunset. The sunset ride is repeatedly singled out as a highlight, especially when music is playing and the boat is moving across open water.

Sunset is not guaranteed to look identical each day. Clouds and weather control the show. Still, if you are choosing between two available times and do not mind a later return, the afternoon trip offers more atmosphere.

The final boat ride back to Zadar takes about 30 minutes. This is a good time to enjoy the view, finish a drink, and let the skipper handle the route. A few outings have even had extra time added when conditions and schedules allowed, but you should not book on the assumption that an extension is guaranteed.

Drinks, music, and the local touch

The included refreshments make a noticeable difference at this price. You get water and iced tea, along with homemade liqueur. The tour description also mentions drinks such as beer, but the guaranteed inclusions specifically list water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur, so check the current offering if beer matters to you.

The homemade shots are a fun local detail rather than a major part of the tour. Flavors can vary, and one bottle was compared to cherry bakewell. If you do not drink alcohol, the soft drinks cover the basic need to stay refreshed.

Music helps keep the boat ride informal. In some groups, the skipper gives passengers a say in the soundtrack, which is especially fitting on an afternoon trip. The tone is closer to a friendly coastal outing than a formal cruise with a microphone.

The skippers are another major part of the experience. Luka is praised for being warm with children and for sharing information about the islands. Lovre is described as personable and attentive. Tomislav has been noted for local recommendations, drinks, and a welcoming manner. Dubravko has also been praised for his knowledge of Zadar and marine life.

The guide quality can vary by departure, since several skippers operate the tours. That is not a reason to avoid the trip, but it explains why the atmosphere may differ from one outing to the next.

How much value do you get for $29?

At $29 per person, this is strong value if you want swimming and island scenery rather than a luxury yacht experience. The basic price covers the boat ride, skipper, life jacket, snorkeling gear, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

A comparable self-organized day would require finding a boat, arranging a licensed skipper, buying or renting equipment, and working out where to stop. This tour removes those chores and gives you several locations in one half-day.

The price does not cover personal purchases during the Preko break. Food is not listed as an inclusion, so budget separately if you want lunch, coffee, or another drink on shore.

The value depends partly on group size. With six to eight people, the boat can feel personal and flexible. At 12 people, one person found the seating tight. If you care most about space and quiet, ask about the expected group size before booking or choose a less popular departure.

You also get more than transport. The skippers often take photographs, offer restaurant suggestions, and explain the islands and local sea life. Those extras are not formal guarantees, but they add a human touch that a basic transfer would not provide.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack a hat, towel, and water shoes. Water shoes are especially practical when getting in and out of the boat or walking at a shore stop. Bring cash for anything you buy during free time.

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment or a life jacket. Both are supplied. You may still prefer to bring your own mask if you need a particular fit.

This outing suits:

• Couples looking for a relaxed half-day on the sea
• Families with older children who can manage swimming and boat time
• Small groups wanting a social, informal trip
• Visitors who want island scenery without paying for a private boat
• Anyone choosing an afternoon trip for sunset views

It is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 95. The activity is also less suitable if you are uncomfortable in open water, although life jackets are available and the skipper can help you make sensible choices.

Bikes are not allowed on the boat. That is easy to overlook if you are combining the trip with cycling around Zadar.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather may affect the schedule, so that flexibility is useful when planning a Croatian holiday.

Should you book the Zadar boat tour?

I would book this tour if you want a reasonably priced mix of swimming, snorkeling, and island time without committing to a full-day excursion. The clearest reasons to go are the low price, included equipment, friendly skippers, and the chance to see sunset from the water.

Choose the morning if calm conditions and snorkeling are your priority. Choose the afternoon if you want cooler water and a more scenic return.

Before paying, ask about the expected number of people on your departure. A small group can make this feel almost private. A full boat will still offer the same stops and equipment, but you should expect tighter seating.

For $29, this is an easy recommendation for confident swimmers who want a social Adriatic outing. It is less appealing if you need lots of personal space, dislike speedboat motion, or want a guaranteed restaurant meal and a fully private experience.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar boat tour?

The activity is advertised as four hours. It includes boat rides from Zadar, stops around Ošljak, Ugljan, and Preko, and time for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and free time.

What is included in the price?

The $29 price includes the boat tour, skipper, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, water, iced tea, and homemade liqueur.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided. You should bring a towel, hat, water shoes, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under two are not permitted. The activity can suit older children who are comfortable with boat travel and swimming, and life jackets are available.

Is there a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The morning trip is recommended for calmer water. The afternoon trip is suited to people who want the chance to see sunset on the return to Zadar. Starting times depend on availability.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.