Zadar: Kornati National Park & Cliffs of Telascica

Zadar: Kornati National Park & Cliffs of Telaica – A Practical Guide to Croatia’s Coastal Jewel

If you’re planning a day trip from Zadar to explore some of Croatia’s most iconic natural sites, the Kornati National Park & Telaica Nature Park tour offers a scenic and culturally interesting experience. While it’s not a hidden secret—this tour is quite popular—it delivers a well-rounded taste of sea, sky, and history that can leave you with lasting memories.

What we really appreciate about this boat trip is the comfortable, modern yacht that makes the long hours feel less like a grind and more like a pleasure cruise. The chance to visit two national parks in one day—Telaica with its salt lake and dramatic cliffs, and Kornati, a sprawling archipelago of islands—means you’ll get a good dose of Croatias’s coastal beauty.

However, a word of caution: the trip can be quite lengthy, with around 2 hours and 45 minutes of cruising before reaching the first stop. Some reviews point out the length can be a bit tiring if you’re not used to spending many hours on a boat. The tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic journeys, moderate activity, and a mix of natural sites and light historical exploration. If you’re after a relaxing, picturesque day that showcases Croatia’s coast, this tour hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable modern yacht enhances the experience with a smooth ride and ample space.
• Visiting two national parks in one day maximizes your sightseeing with minimal hassle.
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities at Kornati provide refreshing interludes.
• The guided tour includes culturally interesting sites like Tureta Fortress and Our Lady of Tarac Church.
• The lunch on board, with options like grilled fish or chicken, along with wine and water, adds value.
• Price includes most amenities but requires an additional fee for park entry (€16 per adult).
• The tour is weather-dependent, meaning cancellations can happen, so flexibility is key.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Departure from Zadar

Your day begins with a gentle cruise from the old town pier, set in the heart of Zadar. The GPS coordinates (44.11472558621183, 15.22234145745418) mark the meeting point. Expect a scenic 2 hours and 45 minutes of cruising across crystal-clear waters, with plenty of sun and breeze to enjoy from the deck. The boat itself is described as new and comfortable, which makes a significant difference when you’re spending hours aboard.

Telaica Nature Park – First Stop

After a relaxing sail, you’ll arrive at Telaica Nature Park, renowned for its peaceful bay and salt lake Mir—a unique feature in this coastal landscape. Here, you’ll have 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore freely. Many travelers love walking along the spectacular cliffs or snapping photos of the panoramic views.

The salt lake offers a chance to see an unusual environment where saltwater meets the rocky coast, creating a calm, reflective surface perfect for photos or just unwinding. Several reviews mention the spectacular scenery, with one traveler noting, “the views during the cruise were great,” and many appreciating the chance to relax and breathe in the fresh sea air.

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Lunch on Board

Returning to the yacht, a delicious lunch is served—options like grilled fish or chicken with fresh salad and bread. This meal is accompanied by wine and water, transforming the boat into a floating restaurant. Our guide emphasizes the quality of the food, viewing it as an important part of the experience. The inclusion of a ham and cheese sandwich for breakfast also adds to the relaxing, informal atmosphere.

Kornati Island – Second Stop

Next, the boat heads toward Kornat Island, the largest in the archipelago. Here, you’ll find ample time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply jumping off the boat into the clear blue sea—activities that many travelers find the most fun.

For history buffs, a short walk to the Ancient Tureta Fortress offers a glimpse into medieval life, while the Church of Our Lady of Tarac provides a more reflective, quiet stop. Several reviews note the beauty of the scenery and the charm of the island, although one reviewer mentioned that the length of the boat trip might feel a bit too long considering the limited time on each stop.

Return to Zadar

As the sun begins to set, you’ll make your way back, soaking in the last views of the archipelago and coast. Many travelers mention that the return journey is a peaceful way to unwind, with the gentle rocking of the boat and the fading light creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Practical Considerations & What to Know

Pricing is around $65 per person, which includes the boat ride, tour guide, meals, and water. However, there’s an additional park entry fee of 16 EUR per adult (8 EUR for children aged 3-12), which is not included in the base price. This makes the total cost slightly higher but still reasonable given the full-day experience.

What to bring: cash (for the park entry fee), sun protection, swimwear, and perhaps a camera to capture the stunning views. Note that strollers are not allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with small children.

Weather conditions can affect the trip; the operator emphasizes safety and may cancel or reschedule in bad weather. Flexibility here is helpful.

Language: The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most international visitors.

Booking options allow you to reserve and pay later, offering flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The majority of reviews are positive, highlighting the comfortable vessel, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. One reviewer, Stefania, praised the excellent onboard service and the breathtaking sites, although she noted the limited number of stops due to distance constraints.

On the flip side, some critics mention the length of the cruise as a downside, with one traveler feeling there was “nothing to see, nothing to do” during the long hours at sea. But even those who enjoyed it appreciated the views during the cruise and the opportunity to relax.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides combined with natural beauty and light historical exploration. If you like cruising comfortably in style, with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel, it’s an excellent choice.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate good food and wine in a casual setting, and for families willing to accept some long hours on the water. However, it might not be ideal for those seeking extensive island exploring time or travelers with mobility constraints, as strollers are not permitted and the tour is weather-dependent.

Final Words

This tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, scenic beauty, and light adventure at a fair price. The chance to visit two distinct national parks in one day adds significant value, especially for travelers wanting to maximize their time along Croatia’s stunning coast.

You’ll love the well-maintained yacht, the diverse landscape, and the delicious onboard meals. It’s a great way to see the coast without the hassle of planning multiple excursions, especially if you want a relaxed, scenic day that combines nature, history, and good food.

That said, remember it’s a long day at sea, so come prepared for a full day of sightseeing and relaxation. This tour is a solid choice for those wanting a taste of Croatia’s maritime wonders with a touch of comfort and class.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Zadar to Telaica?
It takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach Telaica Nature Park, allowing for scenic views and a relaxed journey.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the boat tour, tour guide, lunch with fish or chicken, wine, and water. The park entry fee (€16 per adult) is paid separately.

Can I swim or snorkel at Kornati?
Yes, there’s ample time for swimming, snorkeling, or jumping from the boat at Kornat Island, which many travelers find to be a highlight.

Are there any age restrictions?
While specific restrictions aren’t mentioned, strollers are not allowed, so small children should be able to walk or be carried.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the park fee, sun protection, swimwear, and camera. Pack light and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, as the boat and stops involve walking and uneven terrain.

What happens in bad weather?
All tours are weather-dependent, and cancellations can occur for safety. You may be rescheduled or receive a full refund if the trip is canceled.

Exploring Croatia’s coast from Zadar on this boat trip blends relaxing sailing, stunning scenery, and light exploration. Whether you’re after breathtaking views, a taste of history, or just a good day on the water, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience the Dalmatian archipelago.

You can check availability for your dates here: