Boat Trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park

Planning a day on the water exploring Croatia’s stunning Kornati archipelago? This boat trip from Zadar promises a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and island-hopping. We’ve looked at the details, reviews, and what makes this experience worthwhile, so you can decide if it’s the right adventure for you.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its variety of stops, which combine stunning natural scenery with opportunities for swimming and hiking, and the onboard meals and drinks—a real bonus when you’re out on the water all day. But keep in mind that some travelers found the day a bit long and the stops sometimes too brief, so if you prefer more relaxed pacing or longer intervals on the beach, this might not be your ideal trip.

This tour is best suited for those who love being on the water, enjoy scenic island views, and want a hassle-free way to experience the Kornati National Park in one day. If you’re looking for a balanced blend of adventure and comfort, with good value for money, keep reading.

Key Points

• Comfortable and spacious boat ensures a pleasant ride even for longer hours.
• Multiple stops provide opportunities for swimming, hiking, and exploring small villages.
• All meals and drinks onboard add convenience, with some reviews praising the quality of food and wine.
• Flexible itinerary with options to swim, hike, or relax on the boat.
• Authentic Croatian experience without the need to organize land transport or multiple bookings.
• Mixed reviews highlight both the beautiful scenery and some concerns about timing and hygiene.

An Authentic Croatian Island Adventure

This full-day boat trip from Zadar is a popular way to explore the Kornati archipelago, a string of about 140 islands, islets, and rocks famous for their rugged beauty. The tour is operated by Tade Tours, and it costs approximately $59.35 per person, making it a reasonable choice for travelers looking to see the islands without breaking the bank.

The journey begins early, with the boat setting sail at 8:00 a.m. from Zadar. The vessel, Sveti Ante, is described as comfortable and spacious—an important detail since you’ll be spending around ten hours on board. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and manageable.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Uvala Tomasovac
The first stop offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some local flavor. Guests can visit the Suha Punta tavern or head straight to the beach for a quick swim. The hike options are also available here for those wanting to stretch their legs on land. The review from Glenn S mentions “a great day” with stops that include the beach and local snacks, emphasizing the relaxed pace of this segment.

Stop 2: Kornati Islands National Park (Levrnaka and Lojena Beach)
The highlight for many is the stop at Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island. With about two and a half hours allocated, you’ll have time to swim in the crystal-clear waters or hike to a viewpoint for panoramic views of the islands. Multiple reviews praise the scenery here—“fantastic views” and “beautiful islands” are common themes. One reviewer even mentions the thrill of seeing dolphins nearby, adding a special touch to the day.

Stop 3: Kukljica
On the way back, there’s a 40-minute stop in the old fishing town of Kukljica. This is a brief but charming chance to explore a traditional Croatian village, grab an ice cream or coffee, and soak in the local atmosphere. Reviewers find this stop pleasant, though some wish it were longer to explore more.

Final Stop: Return to Zadar
The last part of the trip involves cruising back through peaceful bays, rocky cliffs, and rocky meadows, with stunning views of the Ugljan and Paman islands, as well as the iconic bridge connecting Ugljan and Paman. The ship’s route offers spectacular photo opportunities and a chance to relax while taking in the scenery.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort

A standout feature of this tour is the meals onboard. The boat provides breakfast, a delicious lunch, and a selection of wine, juice, and water—all included in the ticket price. Reviewers like Glenn S note the “good food,” and many appreciate the convenience of having everything served without having to disembark for meals.

The onboard atmosphere is described as friendly, with some noting the crew’s professionalism and hospitality. For those who love good Croatian wine, especially after a hot swim, the onboard wine has received positive comments, although one review pointed out the alcohol is only for those 18 and over.

Timing and Pacing: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The itinerary totals about 10 hours, which some travelers find perfectly balanced, while others feel it’s a bit long. Melanie E mentions that “the trip was rather long,” and some reviews suggest that the last stop could have been longer with shorter first stops. If you prefer a more relaxed approach or shorter periods on land, this might feel a little rushed.

The cruise’s schedule is punctual, with stops and departure times generally well managed. This is important if you want to make the most of each stop without feeling hurried.

What the Reviews Say

The overall score is 4 out of 5 from 23 reviews, with praise for the spectacular island views, friendly crew, and good onboard meals. Many say it’s a “great day” and recommend the experience, especially for first-timers to Kornati.

However, some reviews highlight concerns about the duration of the trip—a few found the time at each stop to be too short—and hygiene issues in some cases, like dirty dishes or poor sanitary conditions, which might matter if you’re sensitive to cleanliness.

One traveler humorously pointed out that the boat, being older, “looks more worn,” but still functional. This suggests that the focus should be on the experience and scenery rather than luxury.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At about $59.35, the price includes transportation, multiple stops, breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Considering the convenience of having everything arranged and the opportunity to see some of Croatia’s most scenic islands, many find this to be good value. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for an all-in-one adventure that minimizes planning.

That said, it’s essential to keep expectations realistic about the pacing and the length of each stop. If you’re after a leisurely day or more time on land, you might want to consider other options or private arrangements.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, want a rundown of Kornati’s islands in one day, and value onboard meals and drinks. It’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple transfers or boat rentals. It also appeals to those who appreciate scenic views, swimming, and a lively group atmosphere.

However, if you prefer more time on the islands themselves or have specific hygiene concerns, you might want to explore alternative options or private tours.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. from Zadar, with the boat setting sail promptly.

How long is the entire trip?
The full-day excursion lasts approximately 10 hours, including all stops, swimming, hiking, and cruising.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and drinks like wine, juice, and water are provided onboard as part of the experience.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but alcohol is only allowed for those 18 and above.

How many stops are there?
There are four main stops, including Uvala Tomasovac, Lojena Beach, Kukljica, and the return route with scenic cruising.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boat is described as comfortable and spacious, suitable for longer hours at sea.

What reviews say about the scenery?
Multiple reviews praise the stunning views, with some mentioning dolphins seen nearby—a special treat.

What about hygiene and cleanliness?
Some reviews mention less-than-ideal hygiene, suggesting you might want to bring your own snacks or be cautious about dishes on the boat.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The schedule is fixed, but the stops offer options for swimming, hiking, or relaxing onboard.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This boat trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park offers a well-rounded experience of Croatia’s most iconic islands. It balances scenic cruising, opportunities for swimming and hiking, and onboard dining in a way that most travelers find satisfying. The inclusion of good food and wine, combined with the breathtaking views, makes it a solid choice for those who want a hassle-free day on the water.

While some may find the duration a bit long or desire longer stops, the trip’s value lies in its convenience and the chance to see a remarkable string of islands without much fuss. It’s particularly suited for first-timers eager to get a taste of Kornati’s beauty, or anyone looking for an active day with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and enjoy Croatian hospitality.

In summary, if you’re looking for a full-day Croatian island adventure that offers great scenery, tasty onboard meals, and a friendly crew, this tour deserves serious consideration. Just be mindful of your pacing preferences and hygiene expectations, and you’re likely to have a memorable day on the Kornati waters.