A speedboat day in Croatia feels fast and free. This private trip links the Ugljan waterfront with swims, snorkeling time, and a visit to Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island.

I particularly like the brand-new luxury speedboat setup and the fact that you get snorkeling gear plus drinks handled for you. It keeps the day feeling easy—more time watching the coastline and less time planning what to bring.

One consideration: this is a fast, open-water ride. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers, people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or kids under 2 years.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Private, tailor-made timing: you’re not stuck with a rigid group pace.
• Kostanj Bay swim time: sandy beach scenery paired with snorkeling in clear water.
• Ošljak is the main character: visiting Croatia’s smallest inhabited island changes the feel of the day.
• Preko gives you a real village break: time to walk, snack, and browse near Jaz beach.
• Drinks and snorkeling gear are included: soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor on board.
• The boat ride is the fun part: plan for bouncing on waves and enjoy the speed.

Why the Ugljan–Ošljak–Preko Loop Is a Smart Zadar Day

Zadar is one of those places where the coastline begs to be seen from the water. This route makes that happen without turning the day into a long ferry shuffle. You’ll cruise from Zadar’s harbor area to island beaches and then slow down long enough to actually enjoy them.

What I like most is how the trip mixes three moods. Ugljan brings classic shoreline charm and sandy beach time. Ošljak is smaller, quieter, and very “how is this place real?” Preko adds a village rhythm with space to stroll and grab food.

Also, you’re not just riding from point A to point B. The skipper can customize the plan to match what you care about most, whether that’s longer swims, more photo stops, or extra time walking around.

Meeting the Boat in Zadar (Foša) and Getting the Timing Right

The tour starts at Zadar Boat Tours, with a usual pickup address listed as Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar. The operator notes you can also be picked up elsewhere in the area if they can dock by boat—so if you’re staying nearby, ask what’s possible.

The total experience is about 4 hours, and it’s structured to keep the motion frequent while still giving you meaningful breaks. Expect short cruising segments—about 15 minutes at a time—between the bigger stops. That pacing is great if you want variety rather than just one long swim.

One practical tip: wear swim-ready clothes and keep a dry layer handy. The ride itself can be cool and salty, especially if there’s any wind, and you’ll likely want to move from cruising to snorkeling to relaxing without hunting for your bag.

Kostanj Bay on Ugljan: Sandy Beach Views and Real Swim Time

The first island area is Ugljan, with a focus on the shoreline around Kostanj Bay. The route includes a scenic cruise first, then you’re set up for the fun part: swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

This stop is the one that’s easiest to love right away. You get a sandy beach setting, and it’s the best time to ease into the day—saltwater, sun, and the view of the coast sliding by on the approach. Since snorkeling gear is included, you can go straight to it rather than spending time figuring out equipment on the spot.

There’s also a built-in break window for photos and sightseeing. That matters because the coastline here isn’t just pretty—it’s the kind of view that looks different from the water than from shore. If you’re the type who likes to take a quick look, then actually swim for a while, this first stop fits your pace.

Possible drawback: you’ll be balancing time between enjoying the beach and getting water time. If you know you want a lot of snorkeling, tell the skipper early so they can lean the schedule that way.

Cruising the Coast Like It’s Your Own Day

Between major stops, you’re on the speedboat often enough to keep the day feeling like an experience, not a checklist. That cruising time isn’t dead travel; it’s when you get the strongest “Zadar from the sea” feeling.

The boat is described as a brand-new luxury speedboat, which should translate to a smoother ride than older craft. Still, speedboats do what speedboats do: you can expect bouncing on the waves, and the reviews highlight that thrill factor. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is where you’ll want to be cautious, and you may want to check whether the skipper can take a gentler line when possible (they can customize, so it’s worth asking).

Also, the group is private. That means you’re not stuck with the slowest person deciding when you stop for pictures. You can keep your rhythm—cruise, swim, snack, photo—without negotiating with a larger crowd.

Ošljak: Visiting Croatia’s Smallest Inhabited Island

Then comes the stop that tends to feel different from the start: Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. You get a solid block of time here (about 50 minutes) to see the island and enjoy the surroundings.

This is the kind of place where the point isn’t big sights. It’s atmosphere. The waters and the island scale work together, so you get that sense of being somewhere local and lightly visited. You’ll also have a chance for swimming and snorkeling again, plus time to look around and enjoy marine life viewing as the boat passes and you’re in the water.

What makes this stop valuable is the contrast. After spending time on Ugljan’s sandy beach zone, Ošljak strips everything down. It’s less about a busy shoreline and more about the feeling of small, real-world island life—at least as much as you can observe during a boat stop.

Practical consideration: this is not described as a long walking excursion. The time is enough to look, swim, and soak in the island mood, but if you want lots of land exploration on foot, you’ll likely enjoy Preko more.

Preko Village and Jaz Beach: Walk, Snack, and Soak Up Island Life

Preko is where your day gets more human-scale. You arrive for about 1.5 hours and get a mix of downtime and options: photo stops, sightseeing, a walk, and swimming.

The shoreline here is tied to Jaz beach, and the description calls out cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants. Even if you don’t plan a full meal, this is the kind of area where you can buy a snack, sit for a moment, and let the pace slow down.

Why that matters: boat trips can rush your senses. Preko gives you a break that’s not just “back on the boat.” You can stretch your legs, look at the village rhythm, and choose what kind of rest you want—active (more swimming) or relaxed (a quick coffee or snack).

One note: lunch is not included, so treat this as your chance to eat on your terms. If you’re the type who prefers not to spend time deciding, it can help to have a small plan for what you’ll get—something simple after time in the water.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and the Value Behind the Price

Let’s talk value, because private speedboat pricing can swing your budget fast. At $397 per group (listed as up to 1 in this information), this trip is clearly aimed at people who want privacy and convenience more than bargain travel. You’re paying for a boat experience that includes gear, fuel, and drinks—so you’re not assembling the day from multiple purchases.

Included in the price:

• Snorkeling gear
• Bottled water
• Drinks (soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, liquor)
• Fuel

That list matters because snorkeling days often come with add-ons—gear rental, a guide-led activity, then beverages. Here, you’re already stocked, and you can keep your focus on the water.

Also, the drink setup is part of the fun. Reviews specifically mention that wine, beer, water, and ice tea were included, and skippers like Kristin (polite and time-respecting) and Christian (fun and accommodating) show up in the feedback. The common thread is that the onboard vibe isn’t overly formal. It feels like a real private day out, not a rigid service line.

Small drawback: lunch is not included. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it means you should budget for at least a snack or meal during your Preko time.

Who Should Book This Speedboat Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip is best for you if you want:

• A private day on the water without sharing with a crowd
• Multiple swimming/snorkeling windows rather than one quick stop
• A mix of scenery and island character across Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko
• Included drinks so you can relax and enjoy the ride

It’s not a match if any of these apply:

• You don’t swim (non-swimmers are not suitable)
• You have heart problems, back problems, or are pregnant
• You need wheelchair access (not suitable)
• You’re traveling with pets (pets not allowed)
• Your child is under 2 years old (not suitable)

If you’re healthy, comfortable on boats, and excited by speed and water time, this is the kind of tour that delivers a full sensory day. The schedule is active, but it has enough breaks to keep you from feeling rushed.

Should You Book This Private Speedboat Tour to Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko?

I’d book it if your ideal Zadar day includes swimming + variety and you want a private, drinks-included speedboat instead of another long day of walking and waiting. The standout value is that snorkeling gear, fuel, and drinks are handled, and the stops are chosen for contrast: sandy beach time, a tiny-island visit, then a village break where you can wander.

If your main goal is a relaxed, purely scenic cruise with minimal water time, you might find the schedule a bit “activity-forward.” And if you’re sensitive to boat motion, plan carefully since speedboat rides can mean bouncing.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Zadar private speedboat islands tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours, with starting times based on availability.

Where does the tour start?

The starting point is Zadar Boat Tours. A usual pickup address provided is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, and pickup may be possible elsewhere in the area if the boat can dock there.

What islands are included?

You’ll visit or spend time around Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks included in the price include soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private group experience.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for non-swimmers.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are pets allowed on board?

No. Pets are not allowed.

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