Zadar Islands: Speedboat Tour, Snorkeling & Ošljak Walk

Summary

Speedboat across Zadar’s islands for beaches, walks & sea life

You’ll ride a speedboat from Zadar with a local skipper, walk quiet paths on Ošljak island, snorkel in crystal Adriatic waters with included gear, and explore Ugljan’s pine forests and monastery museum before relaxing by the sea. It’s not rushed — you’ll have time to breathe it all in and maybe chat with locals along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the rail as the speedboat jumped over another wave — that’s how we started our day trip from Zadar. Our skipper, Luka, had this sun-worn grin and kept pointing out little islands I’d never even heard of. The air tasted salty and kind of sweet at the same time. First stop was Ošljak — apparently only 35 people live there? We met a fisherman fixing his net by the dock who waved like he knew everyone. Luka led us up a rocky path (not hard at all, even for me after too much bread at breakfast) to a spot where you could see the whole Zadar canal laid out below. I just stood there for a minute, not really saying anything.

Back down by the water, Luka handed out snorkeling masks — I always get nervous about fogging them up but these were actually decent. The sea here is so clear you can see your own toes wiggling above the sand, which made me laugh for some reason. There was this weird silence underwater except for my own bubbles; I spotted tiny fish darting around and some old bits of shell that looked like they’d been there forever. On Ugljan we wandered into a pine forest that smelled sharp and green — there’s a monastery tucked in there with an old museum about Saint Paul the Hermit (I didn’t know monks liked islands so much). Didn’t expect to find that.

We ended up with an hour to just wander or sit by the water at Preko. Some people went straight for cold drinks at a beach bar; I just sat on a stone wall watching locals chat in fast Croatian, waving their hands around more than Italians do. The light was starting to turn gold but nobody seemed in any rush to leave. I still think about that view from Ošljak sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Adriatic islands and snorkeling

• Visit Ošljak island and hike to viewpoint
• Snorkel and dive at Galevac islet
• Walk forest and visit monastery museum
• Relax on untouched beaches
• Explore Ugljan island and enjoy local food

Top questions

How long does the Zadar speedboat tour last?

The tour includes several stops and activities; expect most of your day to be spent exploring islands near Zadar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests during the island stops.

What islands are visited on this day trip from Zadar?

You’ll visit Ošljak (the smallest inhabited Adriatic island), Ugljan, and Galevac (Školjić).

Is this speedboat tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The walk on Ošljak is short and easy; specialized infant seats are available and it suits all fitness levels.

Are food or drinks included during the tour?

No meals or drinks are included; however, there are local bars and places to eat during your free time on Ugljan.

Does this private wine tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby if needed.

Will there be a guide on board?

Yes, you’ll have an experienced local skipper who shares stories about each island’s culture and history.

What’s included

Your day includes speedboat transport from Zadar with WiFi onboard, use of quality snorkeling equipment at each stop, plenty of time to explore Ošljak’s hilltop views and Ugljan’s pine woods plus entry to the monastery museum if you want it—just bring your curiosity (and maybe sunscreen).