Sailing: the obvious draw
Marina Kornati in Biograd is one of the largest marinas in Croatia - about 700 berths and a working service yard. The Pasman channel offers protected water for beginners, and the Kornati archipelago is right there for advanced sailors.
Options:
- Bareboat charter: rent a yacht (with no crew) for a week - typical Saturday-to-Saturday in summer. Around 1,800-4,500 EUR per week for a 38-45 ft yacht. Book months ahead for July and August.
- Crewed charter: skipper + boat. Roughly +180-250 EUR per day on top of the boat.
- Sailing schools: ASA / RYA / IYT certifications. 5-day courses around 600-900 EUR per person.
- Day sailing: half-day or full-day on a small yacht with a skipper - around 400-800 EUR per group, max 6-8 guests.
For booking, the official Marina Kornati website lists most operators; ask around for recommendations because each charter base has a slightly different fleet condition.
Kayak and SUP - the easy choice
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is the most accessible water sport in the area. Rental shops on the Biograd promenade and at Soline beach charge:
- 1 hour: 10-15 EUR
- 2 hours: 18-25 EUR
- Half day: 30-40 EUR
- Full day: 50-65 EUR
Best spot: the bay between Sveti Filip i Jakov and Biograd in the morning, before the maestral wind picks up around 11 a.m. Soline bay is also protected.
Sea kayaks rent for similar prices, single or tandem. A great half-day route: from Soline beach south to Bosana / Crvena luka and back (about 4 km each way). Beach guides occasionally run guided kayak tours into smaller coves - ask at the rental shops.
Diving and snorkeling
Diving: a handful of dive centres operate in the area - Pasman island and the Kornati archipelago are the main dive sites. Expect 60-90 EUR for a single dive with full gear rental, 350-500 EUR for a PADI Open Water certification course (4 days).
For first-time divers, most centres offer a discover scuba experience - a half-day intro for around 80-110 EUR. No experience required.
Snorkeling is free if you bring your own gear. Best spots in the area:
- Bosana / Crvena luka - clear water, rocky underwater terrain
- Soline bay edge (south end, where the bay meets open water)
- Janice in Pakostane (towards the rocks at the western end)
- Pasman island coves (take the ferry, drive 10 minutes)
Buy snorkel sets at any of the seafront sports shops - around 15-25 EUR for a basic set.
Fishing charters
Half-day fishing trips with a local skipper - 60-90 EUR per person depending on season and boat. Typical trip: 4 hours, includes basic tackle, rod rental, and a small snack. Departure from Biograd or Pakostane harbour, usually 6 a.m. or 4 p.m.
Common catches in the Pasman channel: sea bass, sea bream, mackerel, occasional tuna. Some skippers offer night fishing for squid and cuttlefish - around 70-90 EUR per person, magical at sunset.
For families with kids 8+, the morning half-day trips work well - calm water, easy fishing for sardines and mackerel with handlines. Book a day ahead in peak season.
Jet ski, banana boat, and other "fun" water sports
If you want the loud version of water sports, the town beach in Biograd and the marina area have:
- Jet ski rental - 30-50 EUR for 15 minutes, 70-100 EUR for 30 minutes. License usually not required for short rentals but instruction included. Areas restricted to the marked zone.
- Banana boat / inflatable rides - 8-12 EUR for a 10-minute ride. Best with a group of 4-6. Loud, fun, no skill required.
- Tube / sofa rides - similar to banana boat, slightly less wet.
- Parasailing - 50-70 EUR per person for a 10-15 minute parachute ride. Available from the town beach in peak summer.
- Flyboard (the jet-powered hoverboard thing) - around 50-80 EUR for 15-20 minutes. Surprisingly hard the first time.
These are most reliable in July and August. In June and September you may find only some of them running.
Windsurfing and wing-foiling
Biograd is not the best in Croatia for windsurfing - the Pasman channel is too protected. The classic Croatian windsurfing destinations are Bol on Brac and Premantura in Istria. That said:
- Beginners can rent gear and take lessons at one of the surf schools - the calm water is actually ideal for first time on a board. 30-50 EUR per hour with instruction.
- Wing-foiling has been growing - the bay near Soline is wide and shallow enough for safe practice.
For experienced wind sport athletes, drive 30 minutes to Privlaka or Nin for proper conditions.