Speed boat Zadar: Islands without the crowds
A speedboat that goes where you want, not where the schedule says
You board a private speedboat in Zadar and spend four hours on the water with a skipper who takes suggestions instead of a fixed route. You get snorkeling gear, life jackets, bottled water, and the freedom to stop wherever appeals to you—a quiet cove, a rocky point, a small island village. No crowds, no schedule, no tourist traps. The skipper handles navigation and fuel; you decide how to spend your time.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Zadar nearby islands by speedboat
- Depart from Zadar harbor
- Visit Ugljan island
- Explore Ošljak island
- Discover Školjić island
- Enjoy uncrowded beaches and atmosphere
- Return to Zadar harbor
The Experience
Four hours on the water, just you and the skipper, heading out to islands most Zadar visitors never reach. Ugljan sits right across from the city—close enough that you're not spending half the day traveling, far enough that the beaches stay quiet. The boat carries snorkeling masks and life jackets, so you can drop anchor and slip into the water whenever something catches your eye. The Adriatic here is clear enough that you'll see the bottom.
What makes this different from the standard island tour is that there's no itinerary printed on a laminated card. You tell the skipper what interests you—a cove for swimming, a rocky point for snorkeling, a village to walk through—and that's where you go. Ošljak and Školjić, the two smaller siblings of Ugljan, sit nearby, and the boat moves between them depending on what you want to see and how much time you want to spend in each place. The skipper knows the area and the history, but he's not narrating from a script. You get information when you ask for it, not in a steady stream whether you want it or not.
The practical side: you're traveling private, so there's no waiting for other groups, no crowded beach moments, no feeling like you're one of fifty people doing the same thing. Bottled water is on board. The tour lasts four hours, though the skipper works with your schedule if you need flexibility. If you've got young kids, they can come along—the boat's stable enough for strollers, and the pace is relaxed. If you're not a strong swimmer or have heart concerns, this isn't the right fit, but for most people the physical demand is low.
What’s included
- Your tour includes private boat rental with skipper, snorkeling masks and life jackets, bottled water, and information about the islands and their history.
- Fuel and skipper fees are covered.
- You decide the route and pace—the boat adapts to your interests and schedule.
Operated by Speed Boat Zadar
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Croatian islands without the crowds or the fixed itinerary—the private boat and flexible schedule are what let you spend time where you actually want to be instead of where a tour bus drops everyone.
Traveler reviews
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How far are the islands from Zadar?
Ugljan is just across the water from the city. Ošljak and Školjić are nearby, so travel time between stops is short.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Diving masks, life jackets, and snorkeling gear are provided on the boat.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Infants and small children can travel, and strollers are welcome on the boat. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health.
What if I don't want to snorkel?
Snorkeling is optional. You can spend your time swimming, exploring islands on foot, or just relaxing on the boat. The skipper adapts to what you want to do.
How long is the tour?
Four hours is the standard duration. The skipper can work with your schedule if you need flexibility.
Is the tour really private?
Yes. It's a private boat tour, so you're not sharing with other groups. It's just you, your party, and the skipper.
What's included in the price?
Skipper fee, boat rental, fuel, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, bottled water, and local knowledge about the area and history.
Speed boat Zadar: Islands without the crowds
4h · EN
from US$ 135 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.9593 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider






























