From Zadar: Kornati National Park Day Trip with Breakfast & Lunch

Setting out on a boat trip from Zadar to explore Kornati and Telaica National Parks promises a day of stunning scenery, fresh sea air, and a taste of Croatian natural beauty. This tour offers a chance to cruise through over 120 islands, swim in salt lakes, and enjoy local food aboard a comfortable vessel. While the experience is generally pleasant, it’s worth noting that some travelers found the trip’s core Kornati experience somewhat limited and the boarding process a tad disorganized.

What I appreciate most about this tour is the chance to see many small islands and panoramic views without the hassle of planning individual boat trips or ferries. The inclusion of breakfast and lunch served on board adds a lot of value, especially for a full-day excursion, and the local guide’s commentary enriches your understanding of the region’s landscape and wildlife. Plus, the opportunity to swim in Lake Mir and climb to a viewpoint over the cliffs is genuinely memorable.

However, a main drawback that comes up frequently in reviews is the limited time spent in Kornati itself—some feel they only get about 15 minutes in the park before moving on. If your primary goal is to immerse yourself deeply in Kornati, this might feel rushed. Also, some guests comment on long boarding times and organization issues, especially at the start, which can test your patience. But if you’re happy with a scenic cruise with some swimming and relaxation, this trip offers plenty of enjoyable moments.

Key points / Takeaways

• Scenic Island Cruising: You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive through over 120 islands, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
• Salt Lake Swim: The highlight for many is the chance to swim in Lake Mir, a saltwater lake on Telaica, with the opportunity to climb to a viewpoint of cliffs and lagoons.
• Food & Drinks: The tour includes a breakfast sandwich, a grilled fish or meat lunch, and unlimited drinks, making it a good value for a full-day outing.
• Guide Commentary: Local guides provide live commentary, which adds context and makes the trip more engaging.
• Limited Park Time: Despite paying an additional fee, many feel the actual time in Kornati National Park is minimal—around 15 minutes—so it’s more of a quick look than an in-depth experience.
• Organization & Logistics: Some reviews mention lengthy boarding times and areas where boarding was not well organized, especially at different stops.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Out: Early Morning from Zadar

The tour kicks off at 8 AM from Ulica Nova vrata, a central point in Zadar. Expect to begin your day with a bit of a wait, as some reviews mention long boarding times. The boat itself is described as large with two decks—an upper outside deck and a lower covered area—perfect for taking in the views and staying out of the sun when needed. The large vessel can hold up to 50 travelers, so if you’re a smaller group, you’ll find yourself comfortably spread out.

Telascica Nature Park: Salt Lake Mir and Cliffs

The first major stop is Telascica Nature Park, about three hours in. Here, the star is the Salt Lake Mir, a saline lake that’s perfect for swimming. Many travelers appreciate this peaceful spot, and some describe their long swim immersed in green surroundings as a highlight. You’ll also have the chance to climb to the park’s highest viewpoint for a sweeping vista of 166-meter-high cliffs, the azure lagoon, and the salt lake.

The reviews suggest that the salt lake’s uniqueness is a strong selling point, with some visitors calling it “amazing.” Keep in mind, though, that admission tickets to the park are not included in the tour—so budget accordingly if you want to explore more beyond the swim.

Cruising the Islands: Lunch & Scenic Drive

Post-swimming, the boat cruises through some of the 120 islands that make up the Kornati archipelago. The journey is described as relaxing, with live commentary helping you understand the landscape’s significance. A welcome aperitif sets the tone for the day; then, a lunch featuring grilled fish or meat, accompanied by salads, is served on board. Vegetarian options can be arranged with prior notice, which is a thoughtful touch.

Guests frequently mention the value of the included meals—especially considering the price of around $61.29 per person. The unlimited drinks—wine or juice—are another perk, allowing you to toast the scenic views.

Quick Stop in Kornati National Park

The core of the tour’s appeal lies in the short visit to Kornati. According to reviews, you’ll likely only spend around 15 minutes in the national park itself. Some see this as a drawback—if your goal is to really explore and walk around the islands, this won’t fill the day. One reviewer, Bartlomiej, commented that “during the entire trip, we were in Kornati park maybe 15 minutes,” which may leave some feeling the experience is more about the boat ride than the land.

Lake Mir & Cliffs: The Final Highlight

The trip concludes with more time for swimming, relaxing, and taking in the scenery. The salt lake and surrounding cliffs are frequently praised as picturesque and peaceful. If you enjoy swimming in natural salt lakes and snapping photos of rugged cliffs, you’ll find this segment satisfying.

Who this tour is best for

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxing day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim and enjoy scenic views. It’s especially good for those who appreciate local food, guided commentary, and a leisurely pace. If your main goal is to spend extensive time exploring Kornati islands on foot or in depth, you might find the brief stop insufficient. The tour is also more suitable for those comfortable with some disorganization at boarding and quick transitions.

Price & Value: A Simple Breakdown

At about $61.29 per person, including breakfast, lunch, drinks, and a guide, this trip offers decent value, especially considering the scenic cruise and meals. However, the additional park entrance fee (not included in the ticket price) might add to your costs if you choose to explore the park more thoroughly. The review by Benjamin D highlights that some found the food and drinks limited, but most agree the overall value is fair for a full day of cruising and sightseeing.

Final thoughts

This boat trip from Zadar offers a good mix of scenery, relaxation, and light adventure. The guides’ local knowledge and panoramic views make it a memorable outing, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy those craving a deep dive into Kornati land. It’s ideal for travelers who like taking it slow, enjoying good food, and soaking up nature’s beauty from the deck of a boat.

If you’re after a scenic, laid-back day with some swimming and stunning vistas, this trip will deliver. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the time spent in Kornati itself—it’s more of a quick glance than an in-depth exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the boat is accessible for service animals and generally suitable for families.

How early should I book?
It’s recommended to book at least 12 days in advance since most travelers reserve well ahead.

What should I bring onboard?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The boat is large, but shade can be limited, especially on the upper deck.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be arranged with prior notice for the lunch.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers the boat trip, fuel surcharge, breakfast sandwich, lunch, drinks (water, wine, aperitif), and a local guide with live commentary.

Are entrance fees to the parks included?
No, entrance fees for Kornati and Telaica Nature Park are not included in the ticket price.

How long is the boat ride?
The total duration is about 9 hours, with most of that time spent cruising, swimming, and enjoying meals.

Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, cancellations up to 24 hours before departure are fully refundable.

Is the experience affected by weather?
Yes, if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Is the guide available in languages other than English?
One review mentions difficulty in getting a guide in French, indicating that language options may be limited or not always available.

In the end, this tour balances the appeal of Croatian sea views, good food, and light adventure. It’s best suited for those who enjoy relaxed days on the water rather than intensive island exploration. For a fair price, you get a taste of Croatia’s archipelago that’s easy to enjoy with family or friends.