Four hours, three islands, one good snorkel. I love the small group setup (max 12) and the fact you get real snorkeling time at multiple stops. One consideration: there’s no toilet on the boat, so you’ll time bathroom breaks for the last island.

This is the kind of tour that works because it’s active without being exhausting. Skippers like Josep/Joseph, Luka/Lukka, and David consistently keep the pace friendly, and a bunch of departures even add a music playlist to the ride, which makes the short cruise sections feel less “just travel.”

It’s also a speedboat, so if you’re very sensitive to wind or choppy water, come with the mindset that you’ll be bouncing a little. You’ll still get gorgeous water and plenty of time off the boat to swim, walk, and take photos.

Key things to know on this Zadar snorkeling speedboat tour

• Ošljak first, then a surprise swim stop: You’ll get free time plus snorkeling right away, not only at the end.
• Preko gives you shopping and coffee time: It’s built for a proper island break, not just a photo stop.
• Small-group feel (12 people max): You’re more likely to get attention from the skipper/guide if you need help with gear.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: No last-minute rental or searching for a store that has your size.
• Plan for no toilet on the boat: Bring a quick “last stop only” mindset and you’ll be fine.

Zadar start point: meeting opposite Foša, what to bring, and the no-toilet reality

You’ll meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite Foša restaurant. Look for the guide wearing a white polo t-shirt. From there, it’s a short hop aboard a compact speedboat and you’re moving soon after.

Bring what you’d bring for a beach day: sun hat, towel, and drinks. The boat itself doesn’t have a toilet, and you’ll only find toilets on the last stop. That matters more than you’d think, especially if you want to spend the full snorkeling windows without rushing to the edge of the schedule.

Also note this if you’re driving: parking can be seriously difficult. If you’re coming by car, I’d plan extra time to find a spot rather than assuming it’ll be quick.

Between-island cruising: short rides that keep the day moving (and the music helps)

The tour is built around movement. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cruising at the start, then additional short transfers of roughly 10 minutes and another longer stretch around 20 minutes before heading back. Those timing gaps sound small, but they’re long enough to get a feel for the coastline and take photos from the water.

On the boat, you’ll likely notice it’s not a big “sit and forget” cruiser. You’ll feel the wind and motion more than on a ferry. A few past guests noted the sea can be bumpy, but the consistent theme is that the skipper keeps things smooth and safe.

One practical tip: seats can get wet, so wear something you’re comfortable with and keep a dry layer in your bag if you get chilled easily. (And if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack your favorite remedy before you leave shore.)

Stop 1: Ošljak island for walking, swimming, and snorkeling (about 80 minutes)

Ošljak is your first real island break, with about 80 minutes total. You’ll start with a sightseeing cruise segment, then arrive for time that includes a photo stop plus walking/hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is the stop I’d aim to be most “ready” for, because it sets your mood for the rest of the day. Wear your water shoes if you have them (the tour provides snorkeling gear, not footwear), and take a few minutes to look around before you jump in—calm entry points make snorkeling easier.

A few guests specifically encouraged climbing toward a higher viewpoint and mentioned a lighthouse area as a favorite place to jump in. Even if you don’t jump, walking up for the view is a great way to turn a swim break into a full island moment.

One gentle warning: 80 minutes goes faster than it sounds once you factor in changing, gear, a swim, photos, and drying off. I like to give myself a quick plan: walk first, then snorkel, then one last swim/photo before you board.

The surprise stop: a shorter snorkeling window with marine life viewing (about 45 minutes)

After Ošljak, you’ll cruise for about 10 minutes and then hit a surprise island stop. This is shorter—around 45 minutes—but it’s built for water time. Expect a photo stop, then snorkeling and marine life viewing, plus swimming.

This is the kind of stop that rewards you if you pay attention while you’re in the water. Keep your snorkel mask properly seated, slow down your kicks, and watch the area around where other swimmers are pointing. The included gear is there for a reason: this is a water-forward portion of the day.

Because the time is tighter than at Ošljak, don’t spend the whole 45 minutes on shore. Jump in early enough that you still have energy to enjoy the view after you snorkel.

If you want the best photos here, position yourself quickly on the “waiting” side of the group. People who hesitate until the last moment often miss the cleanest light and the easiest angles.

Stop 3: Preko for coffee, shopping, and a full hour of free time (about 60 minutes)

Your final island stop is Preko, with about 1 hour on the ground. The schedule includes a sightseeing cruise, then a break with coffee, free time, shopping, and walking—plus swimming and snorkeling again.

Preko gives you the balance you might miss earlier. Ošljak leans more toward hiking/water, and this stop adds “real island errands,” like grabbing something to drink and browsing small shops. Even if you only walk and take photos, having shopping time matters because it makes the trip feel less like a sequence of swims.

The coffee timing is also a nice mental reset. If you’ve been in the sun, a hot drink after your first swim can make the last snorkeling round feel more comfortable.

My advice: use Preko to do the unhurried version of the day. Snorkel, sure, but also set aside 15–20 minutes just to wander without needing a checklist. That’s where you’ll feel the island rhythm rather than chasing the next action.

Guides and skippers: why Joseph, Luka, and David show up in the best memories

What makes this tour feel good isn’t just the route. It’s how the guide and skipper handle the “small moments” that can make a speedboat day either smooth or stressful.

Multiple guides have been referenced for their friendly, attentive way of running the day, including Joseph/Josep and Luka/Lukka, plus David and Luca. You’ll also see a consistent theme around communication: clear guidance about where to be and when, plus help with snorkeling when people need it.

There’s even a recurring detail about onboard playlists. Music during the short transfers makes the whole day feel more like a shared outing and less like a checklist tour. If you like travel days with personality, this kind of energy is a real plus.

Price and value: $35 for boat, guide, snorkeling gear, and three island breaks

At about $35 per person for a 4-hour experience, the value comes from the bundle: speedboat ride + guide + skipper + snorkeling equipment + multiple island stops. For a lot of coastal days, you pay separately for transport and gear, then you still don’t get much time at each place. Here, you get the transport and the gear rolled into the ticket price.

The small-group limit (12 people max) matters for value too. With fewer people, the snorkeling moments tend to feel more manageable, and it’s easier to hear instructions while boarding and exiting.

One caution from practical chatter: one guest flagged a possible €10 per person boat parking charge. That’s not something you should ignore when you budget, even if it’s not always highlighted up front. It’s smart to keep a little buffer in your plan so you’re not surprised when the bill shows up.

Also remember: the schedule is active and timeboxed. You won’t get a full-day island experience. You’ll get the “hit the best parts” version, which is exactly why this tour sells well in a limited time window.

Who should book (and who might want a different day)

This tour is a strong pick if you want island hopping with swimming and don’t want to spend your whole day commuting. It’s also a good fit for people who like structure but still want time to roam—Ošljak gives you walking/hiking energy, Preko gives you shopping and coffee, and both include water time.

It’s especially friendly for groups that want something more engaging than a plain sightseeing cruise. With snorkeling equipment included and stops scheduled around swimming, you’re not just looking at the Adriatic—you’re in it.

Limitations to keep in mind: the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years. Also, because it’s a speedboat with no toilet on board, this is not the best choice if you need frequent onboard breaks.

Should you book this Zadar snorkeling speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you’re in Zadar for a short stay and you want a practical mix of water time, island walking, and photos without paying for extra rentals. The included snorkeling gear and the multi-stop structure make it a clear-value way to see more than one island in a half-day.

Skip it only if you know you’re very uncomfortable with boat motion, or if you strongly need toilet access during the ride. If those concerns don’t apply, this is one of the easier “good day” plans you can build around Zadar’s coastline.

If you go, bring the towel and sun protection, aim to snorkel early at each stop, and give Preko some extra time for wandering. That’s where the day stops feeling like a timed program and starts feeling like a real island afternoon.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, opposite Foša restaurant. Look for a guide wearing a white polo t-shirt.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There is no toilet on the boat. Toilets are available only on the last stop.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, a towel, and drinks.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group with a maximum of 12 participants.