Four hours, three islands, and a lot of ocean time. This small-group speedboat tour lets you see life on tiny Adriatic islands and then cool off with snorkeling in clear water.

I especially like that you get real time with your guide to ask questions, instead of feeling herded between photo stops. And the mix is smart: a short walk for views on Ošljak, museum-and-forest time on Otok Galevac, then a relaxed hour in Preko.

One thing to think about: Ošljak can be more rocky than beachy, so wear sturdy shoes if you want an easy landing onto the water.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Small group (max 12 travelers) means more questions and smoother boarding
• Ošljak’s climb is short (about 15 minutes to the top) and pays off fast
• 45 minutes anchored at Otok Galevac gives you real snorkeling time
• Saint Paul the Hermit museum adds a cultural stop, not just swimming
• Preko is your free-time payoff—beaches and local food nearby
• Bring swim gear and walking shoes because the islands aren’t all flat sandy steps

Why this Zadar island speedboat tour feels worth the money

This is a compact half-day out on the Adriatic, priced at about $36.30 per person for a 4-hour experience (approx.). For Zadar, that’s a fair setup when you count what you’re getting: a boat transfer, time on three islands, and snorkeling equipment included.

The value isn’t only the distance covered. It’s the way the schedule gives you both movement and downtime—boat time to connect the islands, then actual “do your thing” blocks once you arrive.

Also, the booking demand is strong (it’s commonly booked about 22 days in advance). That usually means the best departure times and guide slots get picked early, especially in shoulder seasons.

Price and logistics: what to expect before you step onboard

The headline price covers the tour, but one extra cost can catch people off guard: docking fees are 10€ per person (total for all stops). You’ll want to have that ready so nobody’s scrambling at the dock.

Your ticket is mobile, and the tour is offered in English. That matters more than it sounds—on island stops, having your guide explain what you’re seeing in plain language makes the whole thing feel less like random sightseeing from the boat.

Meeting point is at Zadar Boat Tours, Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000 Zadar. The tour ends back at the same spot, so you don’t have to plan a second ride home.

The boat ride: small-group pace and onboard extras

This isn’t a giant ferry situation. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re more likely to keep track of what’s happening and where your group is heading next.

Onboard extras are modest but helpful: WiFi on board and snorkeling equipment. In real terms, WiFi is mostly for quick messaging and navigation checks—not for streaming your life story.

If the water is choppy, expect the ride to feel more “speedboat” than “cruise.” The upside is that captains on this route are built for it—you’ll still get to the islands on schedule, even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Stop 1: Ošljak—tiny island living and fast, rewarding views

Ošljak is the star for sheer contrast. It has about 35 inhabitants, and it still feels like a place where people live off olives and fishing rather than off tour buses. You’ll get a mix of island life storytelling and a practical route to the viewpoint.

What you do here

You spend about 1 hour 20 minutes at Ošljak. There’s a top viewpoint reached by a walk of about 15 minutes, and it’s described as not difficult—so most visitors can handle it without turning it into a hike day.

What to watch for

Here’s the caution: the water access at this stop can be rocky. Some “beaches” sound soft on paper, but in practice you may be stepping over uneven edges to get into the water. If you want to swim or wade comfortably, bring shoes with grip.

Also, Ošljak is small. There aren’t shops or restaurants to rely on at this stop, so don’t count on buying snacks on the island.

Why it’s worth the stop

This is one of those places where the view does more than look pretty. When you see the Zadar canal from above and look out across the islands, you understand why this coastline is so tied to boats, ports, and sea routes.

Stop 2: Otok Galevac and the Saint Paul the Hermit museum

This stop is where the tour shifts from views to “slow down and take it in.” Otok Galevac (often described as part of the Ugljan islets area) is known for clear water and a lively underwater world, and you’ll have time to enjoy that.

Snorkeling time (and what that really means)

You’ll anchor here for about 45 minutes, with snorkeling equipment included. That time is long enough to do more than one quick lap—so you can get comfortable, look around, and then decide if you want to linger near the same area or move on.

And if you don’t feel like snorkeling the whole time, you can still enjoy the island from above the water line. The boat stop is structured so you aren’t trapped in a single activity.

Museum and forest walk

Along with the water time, you can explore a forest walk and historical sights, including the monastery museum dedicated to Saint Paul the Hermit. The setting adds meaning here. It’s not just a museum you pass through; it’s part of the island’s quiet rhythm.

You’re also given time to relax on beaches that are described as untouched, which is a nice change from more crowded coastal spots.

Possible trade-off

Because this stop includes both snorkeling and walking, plan to wear clothes and shoes you can actually move in. If you show up in flimsy sandals, you’ll feel it when the walking starts.

Stop 3: Preko—beaches, food breaks, and local atmosphere

Preko is the “human scale” payoff. It’s a small place, but the vibe is that you can actually slow down and do something simple: walk the waterfront, find a snack, or sit near the sea.

You get about 1 hour free time here. That hour is usually just enough to grab local food and cool off, without making you wonder when you’ll get back to the boat.

What makes Preko work after two island stops

After Ošljak and Otok Galevac, you’ve already had your views and your water time. Preko feels like a reset. Instead of more climbing or more swimming, you get a chance to breathe and choose what you want to focus on.

If you care about food, this is where you’ll want to put your energy—especially if you’re planning around what drinks are included onboard (more on that below).

Snorkeling tips that fit this exact route

Because you have only about 45 minutes anchored at Otok Galevac, your best strategy is to keep your “setup” quick:

• Put on your swim gear before you reach the water, if possible.
• Bring a towel and don’t count on one coming from the boat crew.
• If you’re prone to slippery footing, keep your timing slow when stepping in and out.

From practical advice shared by people who did the tour: bring togs/swimwear, a hat, a towel, and walking shoes. That kit turns the stop from stressful to easy.

Also, don’t over-plan what you’ll see underwater. The whole point is clear water and a chance to look around at the underwater life during your anchoring window.

Drinks on board: what’s included vs what people expected

This is worth saying plainly because a few comments flagged it.

On board, included drinks appear to be bottled water plus a shot of Rakia (local liquor). Some people expected things like unlimited beer or wine based on wording they saw. What they actually experienced was more limited.

So if alcohol is a big part of your vacation plan, don’t bank on a free-for-all. If you want something besides water and a small liquor pour, plan to buy it during your time in Preko.

Timing, pacing, and the guide experience

The tour is about 4 hours total and moves through three different island “modes”: viewpoint walk, snorkeling/monastery time, then waterfront free time.

You’ll notice a pattern in how the schedule feels:

• Ošljak is structured but short-walk friendly.
• Otok Galevac is where you get actual water time plus cultural time.
• Preko is flexible, designed for personal pace.

Guide quality seems to be a real strength. Names that came up include David, Joseph, Lovre, and Roko/Rocco (spelling varies by comment). The common thread is that guides took time to explain what you were seeing and help you with small practical needs like the best way to enter or exit when conditions or personal comfort required a different approach.

One small timing note: at the last stop, the free time can feel a bit rushed if you want a long sit-down meal. You still get an hour, but it’s not a full lunch-and-lounge situation.

Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)

This works best for you if you want:

• a half-day island trip without committing to a full-day boat,
• snorkeling that’s simple and scheduled,
• a mix of sea views and at least one cultural stop.

It’s also a good fit for families and mixed groups since the Ošljak walk is short and described as suitable for all ages, as long as you show up with decent shoes.

You might rethink it if:

• you’re expecting a stop with easy sandy beaches at every island,
• you strongly need unlimited alcoholic drinks included,
• you get uncomfortable with uneven rocky entries into the water.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat tour to the islands?

I’d book it if your ideal Zadar day looks like this: boat ride first, then a quick island climb for views, then clear-water snorkeling, and finally a calm hour in a real seaside town like Preko.

It’s also a low-risk pick in terms of guide support and overall satisfaction—this tour has an excellent 4.9 rating and is recommended by 98% of people who reviewed it. When something scores that high in a small-group format, it usually means the operation runs smoothly and the time allocation makes sense.

Just go in with the right expectations: wear sturdy shoes for rocky access at Ošljak, bring your swim essentials, and assume onboard drinks are limited to water plus a shot of Rakia.

If that fits you, this is one of the smarter ways to get out on the water without eating up your whole day.

FAQ

How long is the Zadar island luxury speedboat tour with snorkeling?

It’s about 4 hours (approx.), with time split between three island stops.

What does the tour cost, and are there extra fees?

The price is about $36.30 per person. Docking fees are not included and are listed as 10€ per person.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.

Where do you go on the tour?

You visit Ošljak, Otok Galevac, and Preko. Ošljak focuses on island views and walking; Otok Galevac includes a snorkeling anchor time plus the Saint Paul the Hermit monastery museum; Preko is your free-time stop.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Based on what people reported, the included onboard drinks are bottled water and a shot of Rakia. People also noted that unlimited beer or wine was not what they received, so it’s safest to plan for limited included drinks.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.