Zadar Speedboat Tour: 3 Island Stops & Snorkeling Adventure

Summary

Speed across Zadar’s islands for swims, walks & slow moments

You’ll zip across the Adriatic from Zadar by speedboat with a small group, stopping to snorkel in crystal-clear bays and wander quiet islands where locals still live slow lives. Expect cold drinks onboard, stories from your skipper, and time for coffee or swimming before heading back — it’s that feeling you’ll want to hold onto.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the speedboat at Zadar’s little harbor, sun already sharp even though it wasn’t noon yet. Our skipper, Marko — friendly but not too chatty — handed out cold bottles of water and grinned when he saw my clumsy attempt to tie the life jacket. The engine started up and suddenly we were flying over blue water, salty wind hitting my face in a way that made me laugh out loud (and swallow a bit of sea spray — not as tasty as I’d hoped). First stop was Pjescana Uvala, this quiet bay with sand so pale you could see every little fish darting below. I dunked my head under with the snorkeling mask and heard nothing but my own breath and the distant thrum of the boat. Kind of peaceful, actually.

The next island was tiny — only a handful of houses, some old stone walls, and a church that Marko said was from the 9th century. He told us about families who still live here year-round; I tried to imagine winter on such a small patch of land. We wandered along the shore for a while, picking up smooth pebbles and poking around some ruins from World War II. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for cicadas buzzing somewhere behind us — I didn’t expect to feel so calm out here.

Last stop was Preko on Ugljan Island. It’s busier in summer but today felt easygoing, just locals chatting outside cafés and kids splashing at the edge of the little sandy beach. Marko suggested we swim across to Galevac island if we felt brave (I didn’t), or just grab coffee with a sea view. I picked coffee — sitting there with wet hair, watching boats come and go, thinking how different life moves here compared to home. The speedboat tour back to Zadar felt slower somehow, maybe because none of us wanted it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour with swimming and snorkeling

• Depart from Zadar by speedboat
• Swim and snorkel at Pjescana Uvala bay
• Explore small island and visit church ruins
• Visit Preko village and relax at sandy beach
• Optional swim to Galevac island monastery

Top questions

How long does the Zadar speedboat tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours with three stops plus travel time between islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included for use during your stops.

Are drinks included during the speedboat trip?

Cold bottled water and other refreshments are available onboard throughout the tour.

Can infants join this Zadar speedboat adventure?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap for safety reasons.

What are the main stops on this speedboat tour?

You’ll visit Pjescana Uvala bay, a tiny inhabited island with historic sites, and Preko village on Ugljan Island.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is provided; however, you can buy coffee or snacks at local cafés during stops.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No experience is needed; equipment is provided and locations are beginner-friendly.

Is hotel pickup included in this Zadar boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the harbor in Zadar.

What’s included

Your day includes all bottled water and cold drinks onboard plus use of snorkeling equipment at each stop; you’ll be guided by a local skipper throughout as you visit three different islands before returning to Zadar by boat.