Zadar: 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

Review of Zadar’s 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling and Drinks

If you’re looking to spend a few hours uncovering some of Croatia’s best-kept secrets, this speedboat tour in Zadar offers an energetic, scenic, and refreshing experience. You’ll zip across the water on a sleek vessel, visiting three islands—including a couple of well-known spots and a surprise hidden gem—while enjoying snorkeling, unlimited drinks, and the company of knowledgeable guides. It’s a lively way to soak up the natural beauty of the Dalmatian coast, especially if you love the idea of a quick, fun escape from the city.

Two things I particularly appreciate are the flexibility of free time at each stop—which means you can swim, hike, take photos, or relax as you choose—and the friendly, expert guides like Josip, who are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The boat is equipped with all the gear you need, including a GoPro for underwater shots, which is a thoughtful touch.

A potential consideration is the duration—while four hours is perfect for a quick adventure, it might feel rushed if you’re eager to linger longer at each island. The stops are well-paced, but for those craving a more leisurely exploration, this might be a point to weigh.

This tour offers a fantastic combination of adventure, scenic beauty, and value—with most reviews giving it near-perfect scores—making it a top pick for anyone wanting to experience the Dalmatian coast in a fun, social way.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate vibe.
• Expert Guides: Tours are led by friendly, knowledgeable guides like Josip and Luka—who are praised for their helpfulness and storytelling.
• Flexible Free Time: At each stop, you get options—swimming, walking, hiking, shopping, or just relaxing on the beach.
• Inclusion of Snorkeling Equipment and Underwater Camera: Make it easy to explore underwater and capture great memories without bringing your gear.
• Great Value for Money: For just $34, you get a scenic speedboat ride, multiple stops, drinks, and a memorable experience.
• Ideal for Active Travelers: Perfect if you enjoy a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and socializing in a compact timeframe.

Entering Zadar’s Island-Exploration Wonderland

Starting from Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, you’ll meet your guide opposite the Foa restaurant—look for someone sporting a red hat. From there, the speedboat whisks you out onto the water, giving you a quick 15-minute sightseeing cruise as your skipper, often Luka or Josip, gets ready to show you the islands.

The first real stop is Oljak, where you’ll spend around 80 minutes. Reviews rave about how well-organized and friendly the guides are, with comments like “Josip was incredibly friendly, informative, and fun,” making the experience engaging rather than rushed. You can walk, hike, swim, or simply enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Next, the surprise third island—a hidden gem—delights many travelers with its quiet beauty and marine life viewing. Expect about 45 minutes here to snorkel, swim, or just relax on the rocks. Visitors often comment on appreciating the crystal-clear waters and the well-preserved natural environment.

Preko, the third main stop, offers about an hour for a mix of activities—grab a coffee, explore small shops, or swim. The reviews highlight local restaurant suggestions and friendly guides like Luka, who are attentive and full of useful tips.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy multiple short sightseeing cruises, including a 20-minute return leg to the starting point, giving you plenty of chances to take photos and soak up the sea breeze. The unlimited drinks, including water and local alcoholic beverages, keep everyone hydrated and in good spirits.

The Attractions and Stops in Detail

Oljak: This spot is a favorite for many visitors because of its beautiful hikes and snorkeling opportunities. The 80-minute break allows enough time for a small walk with great views, a swim in the calm waters, or some quick photos. Several reviews mention how well-organized the stop is, with guides like Josip making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed.

Hidden Gem: This island is often praised as a quiet, untouched paradise, perfect for snorkeling and marine life watching. The 45-minute stop gives enough time to explore underwater, take photos, or just float and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Many reviewers love this part for its serene beauty and crystal waters—a highlight that’s worth the slight surprise element.

Preko: Offering a more laid-back atmosphere, this stop is ideal for those who want a quick taste of local life. You can grab a coffee or do some shopping if you like, and enjoy your free time swimming or snorkeling. The guides’ local tips help you find the best spots for food or drinks, adding a layer of authenticity to your visit.

The Experience on the Water

What sets this tour apart is the speedboat itself—fast, fun, and new-looking, with plenty of space to relax. The ride is often described as exciting but comfortable, with some reviews mentioning the upbeat music and lively atmosphere onboard. A notable feature is the underwater GoPro camera, allowing you to record your underwater adventures easily.

The drinks service is another standout—unlimited water and local alcoholic drinks—which helps keep everyone refreshed, especially under the Croatian sun. The guides are attentive, making sure your needs are met and sharing stories and tips along the way.

Music and vibe are often mentioned as adding to the overall fun, making it feel like a floating party at times. While the focus is on sightseeing and snorkeling, the lively environment helps create a memorable, joyous mood—something many travelers love.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys active travel, taking photos, and sampling local scenery, you’ll find this speedboat tour a fantastic fit. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a short, energetic trip rather than a full day of sightseeing. The small group size makes it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting a personalized experience.

Travelers who value expert guides with local knowledge and appreciate having free time at each stop will also find this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on boats, don’t mind a bit of speed, and like a good mix of adventure and relaxation.

However, if you prefer to linger longer at each destination or need a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year, wheelchair users, or those over 95—so plan accordingly.

Price and Overall Value

At $34 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering what’s included: speedboat rides, snorkeling gear, unlimited drinks, and a knowledgeable guide. The reviews consistently mention how worthwhile the experience is for the price—many labeling it as “worth every penny.” The short duration makes it an accessible option for a quick afternoon adventure, especially if you’re staying in Zadar and want a taste of island life without committing a full day.

While there’s a small docking fee (10 EUR per adult) to keep in mind, it’s a minor extra that’s typical for such tours. The flexible booking options—with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—give you peace of mind to plan confidently.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour in Zadar is a smart choice for travelers craving a lively, scenic, and active outing. It combines the thrill of a fast boat ride with multiple opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore a handful of beautiful islands. The guides, especially Josip and Luka, are frequently praised for their friendliness, local insights, and helpfulness, making the experience even more enjoyable.

If you love photography, water activities, and sampling Croatia’s beautiful coastline, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile investment. Its affordable price point packs a lot of fun, stunning views, and memorable moments into just four hours.

For those who want a quick, energetic taste of the Dalmatian Islands, this trip is hard to beat. Just remember to bring sun protection and a towel, and prepare for a day full of sunshine, sea, and smiles.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 4 hours, including multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the same meeting point – opposite the Foa restaurant at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6.

What’s included in the price?
You get the speedboat tour, guide, skipper, snorkeling equipment, underwater GoPro, unlimited water, and local alcoholic drinks.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, a small docking fee of 10 EUR per adult applies, payable at the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, making it easy to explore underwater life without bringing your own.

Can I swim during the stops?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight swimming as a favorite activity, especially in the crystal clear waters.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is suitable for children over 1 year old but not recommended for babies under 1 or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone for photos. Sunscreen and water are provided.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides speak Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and English.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 12 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

This Zadar speedboat tour truly offers a lively, scenic, and fun way to explore Dalmatia’s islands. Whether you’re chasing a quick adventure or looking to capture stunning views and underwater moments, this trip is well worth considering.