Speedboat cruising around Zadar is hard to beat. This private tour links Ugljan and Ošljak with serious swim time, plus drinks and snorkeling gear included as you hop from cove to cove. In recent trips, I’ve heard skippers like Christian and Kristin described as fun and accommodating, which matters because you’ll be on the water for real—wind, sun, and all.

What I like most is how much comfort you get for the money: a brand-new luxury speedboat, fuel included, and plenty of included drinks (soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor). I also like the focus on water time—crystal-clear spots for swimming and snorkeling near Kostanj and later around the small inhabited island of Ošljak. One consideration: this is a fast, open-boat style outing, so it’s not a good match for people with back or heart issues or anyone who’s not a confident swimmer.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Use

• Private charter pace: you’re not squeezed into a mass group schedule
• Snorkeling gear included so you can get in the water quickly
• Kostanj bay swim stop with time for photos, snorkeling, and a relaxing break
• Ošljak visit for the feel of Croatia’s smallest inhabited island
• Preko free time around Jaz beach with room for a walk and casual bites
• Drinks + wine tasting moments built into the stops so your budget stays calmer

Private Speedboat from Foša Harbor: Fast, Fun, and Fully Supplied

Your trip starts with a private departure from the Zadar waterfront area, typically from Foša harbor. Meeting is set around Zadar Boat Tours, and pickup can be arranged at a nearby dockable location in the same area—handy if you’re staying close to the water.

You’ll ride on a luxury speedboat (described as brand-new), and the whole point is motion. That means you get island variety in a short window without spending your day on buses or slow ferries. It also means you should dress for wind and splashes, especially if you’re going during a cooler or breezy part of the day.

One smart part of the package is that you’re not paying extra once you’re on board. Fuel is included, plus snorkeling gear and drinks are part of the deal. If you’ve ever tried to price out boat day extras in Croatia, you’ll appreciate how often this one says yes up front: water, beer, wine, and liquor are all listed as included.

Zadar to Ugljan via Kostanj Bay: Where the Swim Stop Makes the Day

The first cruising leg takes you toward Ugljan, and the tour is timed so you reach a classic sandy-beach area at Kostanj. You’re given a real break here—there’s about an hour planned for swimming and snorkeling, plus photo time and sightseeing along the way.

This stop is the “get your bearings fast” moment. If you’re new to the Adriatic in this area, Kostanj is a great place to test the water before the smaller-island stops. The water is described as crystal clear, and that matters because snorkeling is only fun when visibility is good.

There’s also a built-in social rhythm: you can plan around the drinks service during this longer break. Spirits, wine tasting, and time to relax are part of what happens at this first main cove. The drawback? You’ll still have two short speedboat runs after this, so if you’re hoping for a long, lingering beach day on one single spot, this itinerary moves.

Tip for your comfort: bring sun protection that won’t blow off. Even on a “4-hour” day, sun and wind can stack up fast on an open-speedboat style ride.

Cruising Breaks Between Islands: The Short Runs Add Variety

Between the island stops, you’ll have short speedboat segments. The schedule includes brief travel periods (around 15 minutes at a time) as the route hops from one planned area to the next. It’s not constant throttle, but it’s enough motion to feel like an actual speedboat tour—not just a slow sightseeing cruise.

Those quick runs do two useful things for you:

• You get multiple coastlines and bays in one afternoon.
• You avoid that painful “we’re stuck on the boat for 90 minutes” feeling.

The tradeoff is physical: this style of ride bounces on waves. One of the standout comments from recent experiences was exactly that thrill ride sensation—so if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to prepare.

Ošljak, Croatia’s Smallest Inhabited Island: Small Size, Big Character

Next you’ll head to Ošljak, a stop built around the idea of going small—specifically, visiting what’s described as the smallest inhabited island in Croatia. You’re given about 50 minutes here, with sightseeing, photo opportunities, swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing listed.

This is where the tour feels most different from typical “island hop” days. Instead of another large town or a long beach strip, Ošljak has that quiet, out-on-the-water feel. If you love the sense of place—watching people, boats, and coastline details at a calmer scale—this stop will land for you.

Another good sign: marine life viewing is specifically mentioned. That doesn’t guarantee you’ll see something dramatic every time, but it tells you the stop is meant for water watching, not just standing around.

Possible drawback: because the island is small, the main value is time in the water and the scenery. If you’re expecting a big walkable village with lots of built-in attractions, the time may feel short.

Preko and Jaz Beach: A Real Village Feel Between Bites

After Ošljak, you’ll arrive at Preko, a village stop with about 1.5 hours of free time. There’s sightseeing and photo time built in, plus options to walk and swim again.

The beach area highlighted is Jaz, and the description includes cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and fresh seafood restaurants. That’s useful because it gives you choices for how to spend the break:

• If you want more water time, you can plan around swimming.
• If you want a land break, you can stroll and browse.
• If you want a quick meal, there are food options right there in the village.

Just know one thing: lunch is not included. So if you’re hungry, factor in the cost of whatever you choose at Jaz or around Preko. The upside is that you’re not paying for a preset lunch you may not like—you can pick your own pace and food.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and a Wine-Tasting Style Moment

This tour is more “included on the boat” than “bring everything yourself.” You get:

• Snorkeling gear
• Bottled water
• Drinks including soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor
• Fuel

And the way the day is structured suggests that drinks aren’t just a checkbox. Spirits and wine tasting are specifically mentioned as part of the main break time near Kostanj. That’s a nice way to turn the long swim-and-relax period into something more social, without making you hunt for a bar later.

Practical notes for you:

• If you plan to snorkel more than once, keep your sunscreen and goggles routine simple.
• If you’re sensitive to alcohol, remember the tour includes liquor and wine. You can still enjoy the water time and snacks, but pace yourself.
• Bring a small towel if you have one you like. Nothing is listed, so count on wiping off when you can.

Also, the tour guide is listed as live English-speaking. You’ll get guidance during the ride and at stops, which helps if you want to understand where you are and what you’re looking at while you’re moving fast.

Price and Value: What $397 Per Private Group Really Buys

The price listed is $397 per group (up to 1 on the listing). Because it’s a private tour, you’re not paying per seat the way you would on a big public boat. That can make it feel high if you’re solo, but it can also make sense when you compare it to how fast boat-day costs add up in many coastal destinations.

Here’s what you’re effectively “buying” with this price:

• A private luxury speedboat experience from Zadar
• Time on Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko without long transit days
• Included snorkeling gear and fuel
• A drinks package that covers water plus beer, wine, and liquor

So the value depends on your group size and how much you care about water time. If you’re the type who wants fewer logistical hassles and more time actually swimming, this format can be a strong match.

One more point: since lunch isn’t included, you’ll still budget for your own meal in Preko if you want one.

Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour can be a great fit if you want:

• A speedboat day with real swimming and snorkeling time
• A private setup with an English-speaking guide
• A route that mixes a beach stop, a tiny island experience, and a village break

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• Non-swimmers
• (Also noted) pets are not allowed

I’d add one more practical caution: because it’s a speedboat and you’ll bounce on waves, people who hate motion or strong sun/wind should think twice or be ready with protective clothing and a sensible plan for the first swim stop.

Practical Tips for a Smooth, Enjoyable Speedboat Day

To keep things easy and fun, plan for wind and water:

• Wear swimwear under clothes and bring something light for after swimming.
• Bring water-friendly footwear if you’re the type who prefers not to step barefoot on beaches.
• Pack sunglasses and a cap, but make sure they don’t easily fly off.

Also, coordinate your expectations around timing. You’ll have a few shorter speedboat runs between stops and two main break blocks for swimming/snorkeling time. If you go in expecting a long, uninterrupted beach afternoon, you might feel like the day is moving too quickly.

Finally, use the Preko window intentionally. With 1.5 hours there, you can either browse and walk or focus on a quick snack and another dip at Jaz. Decide early so you don’t waste time debating.

Should You Book This Ugljan–Ošljak–Preko Speedboat Tour?

I think you should book if you want a private, high-momentum afternoon that actually uses the water instead of just circling it. The included snorkeling gear, the drinks package, and the mix of Kostanj, Ošljak, and Preko make it a strong value if swimming is a priority for you.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable with a fast boat ride, you’re not a swimmer, or you need a calmer, slower outing with built-in accessibility. And if lunch matters to your budget, plan on buying it during your Preko break since it’s not included.

If your goal is a short trip from Zadar that feels like a real sea day—with time to swim, time to explore small-island scenery, and a village stop for a change of pace—this one fits nicely.

FAQ

Where does the tour usually start?

It usually starts at Zadar Boat Tours. Pickup is typically arranged at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, Zadar, but the operator can pick you up at any dockable location in the surrounding area where a boat can approach.

How long is the private speedboat tour?

The total duration is listed as 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What islands and areas does the tour include?

The tour focuses on Ugljan, Ošljak, and Preko, with swim stops around Kostanj and activities near Preko’s Jaz beach.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the price.

What drinks are included?

Drinks included are soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine, and liquor. Spirits and wine tasting are part of the scheduled breaks.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Do I need to be a swimmer to join?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, and wheelchair users.

Can I bring a pet?

No. Pets are not allowed.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers reserve now & pay later.

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