Croatia’s natural beauty makes it one of Europe’s top destinations for exploring national parks. Its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests are easy to reach from popular cities like Zagreb and Zadar, giving travelers plenty of options to experience this scenic landscape. We especially love the Plitvice Lakes National Park Full day tour for its comprehensive experience, including hiking, train rides, and boat cruises—all with a small-group feel that makes it more personal and engaging. Whether you’re after a full-day adventure, a private customized trip, or something a bit different like an off-road ride, Croatia offers options that suit all interests and budgets.
Croatia is well-known for its well-preserved parks and variety of ways to see them. In this guide, you’ll find tours that range from classic, all-day explorations at Plitvice Lakes to short, budget-friendly trips from Zadar. We’ve included a mix of private, group, and even off-road adventures so you can pick what fits your style best.
Quick Overview
Our list covers five of the best national park tours in Croatia, each offering a different way to experience the country’s natural wonders. The list includes:
– A full-day private tour of Plitvice Lakes, with hiking, train rides, and boat cruises []
– A private day trip from Zagreb to explore lakes, forests, and wildlife, perfect for those who want a tailored experience []
– A day trip from Zadar featuring a boat ride and visits to waterfalls and lakes, ideal for travelers based in Dalmatia []
– An excursion to Plitvice suitable for groups, offering secure service and driver expertise []
– An off-road Pinzgauer adventure near Plitvice, perfect for those looking for a thrilling ride through Croatia’s countryside []
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park Full day tour
Rated 5.0/5 based on 20 reviews, this full-day tour is a favorite for travelers seeking a thorough exploration of Croatia’s most famous park. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded experience without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and round-trip transport, making it a convenient option. The small group—limited to 12 people—ensures personalized attention from your guide.
What makes this tour stand out is the variety of ways you’ll see the park’s highlights. You’ll ride a scenic train around the UNESCO-listed landscapes, hike along the lakes and waterfalls, and enjoy a boat cruise across Kozjak Lake. Your guide, often with decades of experience, will share insights about how the park’s unique limestone formations support hundreds of native species.
The tour’s itinerary includes the Lower Lakes, where you’ll skip the line at entrance no. 1 and walk downhill to the Big Waterfall, and the Upper Lakes, where the panoramic boat ride takes you across Lake Kozjak. Guests love the balance of active exploration and relaxing boat rides, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice if you want a comprehensive, hassle-free day with plenty of time to see all the major sights in a small-group setting.
2. Private Day Trip Zagreb-Plitvice Lakes National Park
Rated 5/5 from 5 reviews, this private trip offers a more personalized experience for travelers based in Zagreb. It’s ideal if you’re looking for flexibility and customized attention. The tour takes you through 29,685 hectares of lakes and forest, showcasing Croatia’s splendor outside the crowds.
What makes this tour distinct is its private format, allowing you to tailor your visit. Your guide will introduce you to the park’s native species and explain how its Dinaric karst geology shaped the landscape. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to avoid large groups and prefer a more intimate encounter with nature.
The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and entry to the park. You’ll have time to explore the lakes, waterfalls, and forests at your own pace, with your guide sharing expert insights and answering questions. This makes it ideal for nature lovers and those curious about the park’s ecological significance.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private option that suits travelers who want a deep dive into Croatia’s natural environment without the rush or crowds.
3. From Zadar: Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip + Boat Ride
Rated 4.5/5 based on 2 reviews, this budget-friendly day trip from Zadar is perfect for those staying in Dalmatia and wanting a quick, scenic escape. It includes an exploration of the park’s 16 lakes and waterfalls, including the Great Waterfall—Croatia’s highest—and a boat ride that offers a different perspective of the lush landscape.
The highlight of this tour is the chance to see both the Upper and Lower Lakes, with a guide explaining the park’s flora and fauna along the way. It’s a straightforward, efficient way to experience Plitvice if you’re limited on time but still want to see its most famous features.
While the tour is shorter, it still covers key attractions, making it suitable for travelers who want a taste of Croatia’s natural beauty without committing to a full day. Plus, the lower price point increases accessibility for budget travelers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, well-organized visit from Zadar, offering great value while hitting the major sights.
4. Excursion to Plitvice National Park
Though it doesn’t list a specific rating or reviews, this group excursion appeals to travelers who prefer reliable service and experienced drivers. It’s tailored for those seeking a hassle-free visit, with the security of a professional team managing logistics.
This tour emphasizes the trusted service and multi-year experience of its team, making it a solid choice for families or groups wanting peace of mind. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a straightforward experience and want to avoid the complexities of self-arranged trips.
While details are sparse, the focus on quality service and efficient transportation ensures you’ll spend more time enjoying the park than worrying about logistics. This tour is best for those who want a safe, comfortable outing with a knowledgeable driver and guide.
Bottom Line: A dependable, no-fuss option for groups or travelers prioritizing ease and security.
$529 per group up to 4
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pinzgauer Off-Road Adventure
At a price of $115 per person, this off-road adventure is tailored for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Using a Pinzgauer 4×4 or 6×6 vehicle, you’ll explore abandoned runways at the Željava Air Base and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
What makes this trip unique is the adventure component. You’ll ride through Croatia’s countryside in a classic military-style vehicle, discovering hidden landscapes inaccessible by regular tours. It’s a different way to experience the region’s rugged beauty, combining history and nature in a fun and active outing.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want a thrilling ride that offers spectacular vistas and a taste of Croatia’s less-trodden paths. The focus on off-road driving and unspoiled scenery makes it stand out from traditional park tours.
The main drawback could be the physically demanding nature of off-road riding, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a bit of adventure. However, the experience of exploring Croatia’s countryside in a Pinzgauer leaves many visitors saying it’s well worth it.
Bottom Line: An exciting option for adventure lovers eager to combine sightseeing with a dose of adrenaline.
$115 per person
How to Choose the Best National Park Tour in Croatia
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you want a comprehensive day with plenty of activities, the Plitvice Lakes National Park Full day tour offers unbeatable value. For a more personalized experience, the private trip from Zagreb is ideal. Budget travelers should look at the Zadar day trip, which includes a boat ride and covers the main sights at a lower price.
Those seeking a reliable, no-fuss group experience might prefer the excursion with trusted drivers, while adventure enthusiasts should consider the Pinzgauer off-road tour for its unique combination of scenery and thrill.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season (spring and summer), to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment. Think about the type of experience you want—whether it’s a relaxed walk through waterfalls or an adrenaline-pumping ride through the mountains—and choose accordingly.
Croatia offers a rich variety of ways to enjoy its natural parks. Whether you want the full package with train rides and boat cruises, a private tailor-made trip, or an adventurous off-road ride, there’s something for every traveler. For those who value detailed planning and expert guides, the full-day Plitvice Lakes tour is our top pick. Meanwhile, budget-conscious travelers and thrill-seekers will find plenty of options to suit their style. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you’ll get the best experience of Croatia’s stunning landscapes.