Speedboat days beat slow ferry plans. On this private luxury speedboat run from Foša harbor, you skim along Zadar’s coastline and stop where the water looks made for a swim.

I love how often the skipper builds in water time and photo moments, and I especially like the fast, playful ride that makes the whole trip feel like a mini adventure. One heads-up: it’s a speedboat, so expect some bouncing and wind.

The best part for me is the mix of tiny-island wonder and local island life. You get time around Ošljak, Croatia’s smallest inhabited island, then you swing by Preko (Jaz beach) for an easy stroll and that laid-back seaside setup.

Key things I’d plan around

• Kostanj Bay water time with snorkeling gear included, so you’re not stuck watching from the deck
• Ošljak: a short-but-memorable stop on Croatia’s smallest inhabited island
• Preko + Jaz beach: walk around, grab a bite, and soak up the island vibe
• Drinks on board (soft drinks, water, beer, wine, liquor) plus a little tasting break
• A skipper-led private itinerary that can be tailored to what you actually want to do

Private luxury speedboat setup: what the $470 buys you

This tour is priced per group, up to 10 people. That matters, because you’re not paying for a seat on a crowded boat where you spend half your time fighting for shade. In a group of friends or a small family unit, the value can feel a lot more reasonable.

You’ll be on a brand-new luxury speedboat. The vibe is more like a hosted day on the water than a strict sightseeing bus route with checkboxes. And yes, the speedboat feeling is part of the fun—if you like momentum and quick views, you’ll be smiling.

What’s included is also pretty clear-cut: snorkeling gear, and drinks on board. According to the tour details, drinks include soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor, with fuel included as well—so you can focus on the day instead of doing mental math every time someone asks for another round.

From Zadar’s Foša harbor to Kostanj Bay: cruising with real scenery

The day kicks off from the Zadar Boat Tours area, with departures from Foša harbor. Early on, you get a short speedboat run—about 15 minutes of pure movement—so you’re out on the water quickly, not stuck wasting time.

From there, the big draw is the shoreline panorama as you head toward the Ugljan side. I like this kind of approach: you’re not just landing at stops, you’re seeing the coastline glide past in between.

Then comes Kostanj Bay, with a scheduled break time. This is when you’ll get your photo stop, spirits/wine tasting, and the chance to swim and snorkel. The water here is described as crystal clear, and that’s the whole point—snorkeling works best when visibility is strong and the seabed is easy to read.

A practical note: snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to pack it. Still, if you’ve never snorkeled before, treat the first minutes as practice time, not a performance.

Swim + snorkel time: how the water stops actually work

The tour is built around breaks that make swimming realistic, not rushed. After the cruising segment, you hit roughly an hour of break time that combines sightseeing on the way with a swim/snorkel window.

This is where you’ll get the most payoff from having drinks included. You can cool off in the water, then return to the boat for soft drinks, beer, wine, or liquor depending on what you like. It keeps the day feeling like a proper outing instead of a schedule that only exists to move you to the next “spot.”

From the itinerary style and the focus on marine life viewing, the goal is simple: get you close enough to see what’s underwater without turning it into a full-on training session. For non-swimmers, though, this is not your day. The tour is not suitable for people who can’t swim, so don’t bank on wearing gear and “hoping for the best.”

Ošljak: the smallest inhabited island stop that feels surprisingly special

At about the midpoint, you reach Ošljak, described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. Even with a limited time window (around 50 minutes plus the natural time built into arrival and departure), Ošljak is the kind of stop that changes how you remember the day.

You’ll get sightseeing time and the chance to swim and snorkel again. There’s also a “pass by” style moment, plus marine life viewing. That combination tends to work well on a speedboat day because you’re not waiting forever on land—you get quick access to water, views, and the novelty of being somewhere tiny.

What makes Ošljak compelling is that it’s not just a pretty postcard. A permanently inhabited island means you’re seeing something more “real” than a deserted sandbar. I like those stops because they feel grounded in daily life, not just scenery.

One consideration: because this is small and water-based, you’ll want to be comfortable moving with the boat ride and getting in and out for snorkeling. If you prefer totally calm, long beach lounging, this won’t match that mood.

Preko and Jaz beach: cafes, souvenirs, and a real island pace

Next up is Preko, with a longer break time (about 1.5 hours). This is the section where the trip shifts from “out on the water” to “take a breather on land.”

Preko is especially associated with Jaz beach, and the tour highlights the kind of easy, walkable seaside scene that makes time on foot worthwhile. You’ll have photo time, free time, and time to walk. The area is described as having cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants—so you can choose your own flavor of downtime.

This is also where the drinks-on-board detail plays a subtle role. You can keep the day light: swim, snack, and stroll without worrying that your only meal options are whatever you grabbed before the boat. If you want to buy seafood later, you’ll have time.

What I’d plan for in your head: don’t overpack your attention here. This is a chance to cool down after swimming segments and let your eyes adjust from water sparkle to promenade life. The best use of Preko time is a short walk, a simple drink or snack, and then back to the boat when you feel ready.

Capitan-led service: what the trip feels like in practice

This tour is private, so you don’t have to share your day with strangers who treat sightseeing like a speed-running event. Instead, you’re with your group, and the skipper can tailor the day to preferences.

From past experiences shared in the guide team details, skippers can include capitan Kristin (in English) and Christian. Both are described as polite and accommodating, with enough flexibility to keep sightseeing time comfortable rather than squeezed.

You’ll also notice how the ride style becomes part of the experience. People who like a thrill often mention the speedboat bouncing on waves. That’s not a bug—it’s the thrill. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, plan around it with slow breathing, keeping your seat position stable, and avoiding standing during the fastest stretches.

Also, this is not a “handed you a headset and good luck” setup. You’ll have a live English tour guide, which helps a lot when you’re trying to understand what you’re seeing between stops.

Price and value: when this speedboat tour makes sense

The price is $470 per group up to 10 for a 4-hour outing. For some budgets, that looks steep until you compare it to what you’re getting: a private boat, snorkeling gear, multiple water breaks, drinks included, and a skip-the-line style experience.

Here’s how I think about the value:

• If you’re traveling as a small group, your per-person cost drops fast, and the private part matters. You’re not waiting around for a big boat schedule.
• You’re paying for convenience: snorkeling gear and drinks are handled for you.
• You’re paying for time on the water: multiple swim-snorkel opportunities are built into the day.

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll likely feel the cost more, because the group price doesn’t change. In that case, consider whether you want a private day, or if a shared boat might fit better.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short, high-energy day out on the water
• A mix of swim/snorkel time and island walking
• Drinks included in the experience so you don’t have to plan extra spending

It may not be the best match if:

• You’re not a strong swimmer. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.
• You prefer slow, easy sightseeing with minimal motion.
• You have mobility or medical constraints noted by the operator: the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with back problems or heart problems, or pregnant women.
• You’re traveling with a pet (pets are not allowed).
• Your child is under 2 years old.

Practical tips for your 4 hours on the water

The biggest practical factor is how you prepare your body for a speedboat day. Bring what you’d use for a seaside swim: something you can rinse, and quick-dry clothing for getting back on board.

Also, be realistic about snorkeling time. Even with gear included, visibility and comfort vary. If you’re new to it, keep your first session short and calm, then decide if you want to keep going.

A small planning tip: Preko gives you time on land, so you’ll likely want something easy to walk in. Jaz beach and the nearby cafe and shop area are part of the appeal, but it’s still an island stop where you’ll feel the need to move efficiently before heading back.

Finally, check your language needs. The guide is English, so you’ll be in good shape if that’s your comfort zone.

Should you book this Zadar speedboat tour to Ugljan islands?

I’d book it if you want a private, drinks-included speedboat day that balances swimming, snorkeling, and real island stops—especially if Ošljak and the Kostanj Bay swim time sound like your kind of memory.

Skip it if you need a calm, slow itinerary, or if swimming isn’t an option for you. The ride is fast, the water stops are central, and the tour is built around getting you comfortable in that environment.

If you fit the basics—can swim, don’t mind speedboat motion, and want a hosted private outing—this is the kind of tour that feels worth it long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

What’s the price?

It’s $470 per group, up to 10 people.

Where does the tour start?

Starting location is Zadar Boat Tours, and the speedboat departs from Foša harbor in Zadar.

Is pickup available?

You usually meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar, but pickup can be arranged anywhere in the area where the boat can dock.

What’s included?

Snorkeling gear is included. Bottled water and beer are included, and drinks on board are listed as soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor.

Is there a guide?

Yes, there’s a live tour guide in English.

How much time do you spend swimming and snorkeling?

There are scheduled break times where swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan, including time around Kostanj Bay, Ošljak, and Preko.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it’s a private group experience.

Is it suitable for young children, pets, or non-swimmers?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years old, pets are not allowed, and it’s not suitable for non-swimmers.

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