Kornati feels different from a speedboat. With Speed Boat Zadar, I like the private freedom to shape your day with skipper Ivan, and I also like that you get real snorkel and swim time with gear provided.

One thing to think about: the listed rate isn’t all-inclusive. Kornati entry and a fuel surcharge are extra, and the whole plan depends on good weather.

Key takeaways

• Private by default: only your group is on the boat, so you can adjust the pace to your interests
• Early starts for quiet water: skipper Ivan aims for calm spots, not packed beaches
• Snorkel-ready time: diving masks and bottled water are included so you spend less time getting ready
• Northern Kornati focus: you’ll spend time around Lojena bay and Mana island
• Optional Telašćica upgrade: you can add another major park stop for extra entry costs

Private Speedboat to Kornati From Zadar: What You’re Really Buying

A speedboat day trip is the shortcut to a part of Croatia that feels built for the sea. Instead of watching islands from afar, you get to move between coves and choose where the day’s best moments happen.

For your money, you’re mostly buying control. This is private, so you’re not stuck following a rigid group rhythm. You can ask for a swim window when conditions are right, or spend a little longer at a spot that’s working.

I also like that the experience is set up to reduce the usual pain points of island hopping: you start with time on the water, you’re not waiting around all morning, and you’re not funneled into the most crowded viewing spots. Skipper Ivan has a reputation for finding quieter areas, and one review specifically called out hiking, swimming, and snorkeling away from the masses.

The 9:00 AM Start and How It Changes Your Day

This tour begins at 9:00 am at Speed Boat Zadar, Ul. Ivana Meštrovića 3, 23000 Zadar. That early timing matters more than it sounds. When you leave sooner, you get more chances to arrive before the busiest wave of day-trippers locks in their beach time.

Plan to treat the morning like the start of a long lunch party: sunscreen, water, and a quick change into swimwear if you can. Bring what you need for being out on the sea for hours—especially if you’re the type who likes to snorkel more than once.

Because it’s private, you can also talk with Ivan about what you want most that day. If your priority is calmer bays for swimming, ask to build the schedule around that.

Kornati Islands National Park: Northern Stops, Real Water Time, and Mana Island

Kornati National Park is often described in huge terms—lots of islands, islets, and reefs—but your day comes down to the details you can touch: where the boat docks or anchors, where the water is clear, and where you have room to move.

You’ll focus on the northern part of the national park. The big promise here is “nautical paradise” energy, but the practical payoff is that you get time to swim and snorkel in crystal-blue water—especially around Levrnaka’s Lojena bay.

Lojena Bay: Swim and Snorkel Time in Levrnaka

The best part of a Kornati day is usually the water, not the shoreline photos. In Lojena bay, you’ll have that chance to hop in, cool off, and look around underwater.

What’s included helps: you get diving masks and bottled water. So you’re not scrambling to rent gear for a short window. If you’re deciding between “wade and splash” vs. “actually snorkel,” this tour is aimed at the second option.

A small heads-up: you’ll want to bring your own lunch (more on that later), because the day is built around moving between spots and enjoying free time where the water is working.

Mana Island and Its Fortress: Power of Place

Mana island is the historical and visual counterweight to all that bright sea time. You’ll visit Mana and its fortress, which gives the islands their tougher, older-feeling side.

The value here is balance. If your day is only swimming and snorkeling, it can start to feel repetitive. Seeing fortress structures and island layouts gives you something to look at while you’re on the move or when you take breaks on board.

A “No Overcrowding” Approach That Actually Matters

One review highlighted the practical strategy: starting early and going to quieter places to hike, swim, and snorkel. That’s not just a nice thought. On islands like Kornati, the difference between a relaxing swim and a chore is often how packed the most popular coves get.

With this private format, you have a better shot at avoiding the loudest crowd scenes. You’ll still see other boats now and then—Croatia is busy in season—but the tour is designed to keep you away from beach chaos.

How “Free Time” Works on the Water (and How to Use It)

The tour gives you free time to sightsee, swim, and snorkel. That sounds straightforward, but it’s worth planning for how you’ll spend it.

Here’s a simple way to maximize your time:

• If you want photos, do a quick scenic look first, then snorkel when you’re ready to focus.
• If you’re not confident in open-water swimming, snorkel for shorter stretches and return to the boat often.
• If your group has mixed interests, ask Ivan to split the difference: one short hike stop and then more swim time.

Because it’s private, you can also steer the day. The tour notes that they welcome your ideas and take your schedule into account. That’s one of those details that can turn an average day trip into a personal one.

Telascica Nature Park Upgrade: What Changes and What It Costs

There’s an upgrade option to add Telascica Nature Park. The only thing you’re told directly is that it’s another Croatian highlight and that it comes with an added entry fee.

Cost-wise, Telascica’s park entry fee plus the tour extension is listed at €60.00 per booking. Since the Kornati entry is also €60.00 per booking, you should think of this as two separate “park fees” if you add the upgrade.

What’s the practical effect? You’ll be adding another major park stop to fill more of the day’s scenery variety. If you’re the type who likes lots of different views in one outing, the upgrade can help. If you’d rather spend every minute in the water and keep things simple, skip it and lean harder into Kornati time.

Price and Value: The Real Cost Beyond the $205.16 Rate

The price is $205.16 per person for an approximately 8-hour private speedboat tour. That’s the base rate, but it doesn’t cover everything.

What’s included:

• Skipper fee and boat rent
• Diving masks
• Bottled water

What’s not included:

• Kornati National Park entrance fee: €60.00 per booking
• Telašćica entry (only if you upgrade): €60.00 per booking
• Fuel surcharge: €160.00 per booking
• Lunch: bring your own food and drinks, or you can be taken to a restaurant

Here’s the part to do the math on. The big extras—park entry and fuel surcharge—are per booking, not per person. That means your total per-person cost can drop a lot if you’re traveling in a larger private group.

If you’re traveling solo or as a small party, the fuel surcharge and park fees can feel heavy. If you’re traveling as two or more, this kind of private boat deal often makes more sense because the “fixed” costs get shared.

Also note the tour includes free time with swimming and snorkeling equipment. If you’d otherwise pay for boat transport plus snorkel rentals and multiple day-trip tickets, the value can start to look better quickly.

What to Pack: Lunch, Swim Gear, and a Smooth Day on a Boat

Lunch is not included. The guidance is simple: bring your own food and drinks, or you can go to a restaurant.

For a calmer day, I’d plan to bring snacks plus a real lunch. Even if you eat out later, you don’t want hunger to cut into swim/snorkel time. Also pack basics for boat time: a towel, swimwear, and something for sun protection.

Since the day can run long and you’re on the sea, keep electronics protected. You don’t need fancy gear—just common sense: a dry bag or a waterproof pouch goes a long way.

And because the tour requires good weather, pack with flexibility. If conditions are rough, the operator may switch dates or offer a full refund if they cancel due to poor weather.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private day on the water from Zadar
• Lots of time for swimming and snorkeling
• A more relaxed, quieter feel rather than a lineup at a popular beach
• Flexibility, so the day can be adjusted around your group’s interests

It’s also smart for couples and small groups who can split the per-booking fees, especially the fuel surcharge.

You might consider a different style of tour if you’re on a strict budget and hate add-on fees. The Kornati entry and fuel surcharge are significant, and if you’re just one person, the math can be less friendly.

Booking Wisdom: The Quick Checklist Before You Commit

Before you book, I’d focus on three things:

1. Are you okay with added park fees and a fuel surcharge on top of the base price?
2. Do you want to spend your day in the water as much as sightseeing?
3. Is your travel window flexible enough to handle possible weather-based rescheduling?

If you answer yes to those, this tour is likely to feel like money well spent.

Should You Book the Private Kornati Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if your ideal day looks like this: early start, calm coves, clear water, and a skipper who’s willing to take you to quieter spots. The included snorkeling masks and the emphasis on time in Levrnaka’s Lojena bay are the kind of details that make the day feel like more than just a sightseeing drive.

Skip or think twice if you’re expecting the $205.16 to be fully “all-in,” because Kornati entrance and the fuel surcharge are extra. Also, if weather isn’t on your side and you can’t adjust plans, you may not enjoy the uncertainty.

If you can line up good weather and want a private, sea-first day in Kornati, this is a very solid way to do it from Zadar.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour to Kornati Islands?

It lasts about 8 hours (approximately).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where is the meeting point in Zadar?

You meet at Speed Boat Zadar, Ul. Ivana Meštrovića 3, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the skipper fee, boat rent, diving masks, and bottled water.

What is not included?

Kornati National Park entrance fee (€60.00 per booking), an optional Telašćica park entry fee plus extension (€60.00 per booking), a fuel surcharge (€160.00 per booking), and lunch (you bring your own, or you can be taken to a restaurant).

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is private, and only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.