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

Taking a day trip from Zadar to Croatia’s iconic Kornati and Telaica National Parks promises a blend of stunning scenery, islands galore, and a chance to enjoy some salt lake swimming. This tour, offered by Croatica, is designed for those who want to see impressive landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. But as with all guided tours, it’s worth weighing what’s included—and what’s not.

We like that this trip provides clear value with meals included, a knowledgeable local guide, and a chance to see some of Croatia’s best-island scenery. The boat’s comfortable setup, with both covered and open decks, offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the views. Plus, the opportunity to swim in Lake Mir (Telaica’s salt lake) and explore some of the park’s most scenic spots makes it appealing.

One consideration is that reviewers have pointed out some issues with organization and the short amount of time allocated for each stop—especially for the famous Kornati Islands, where some felt the visit was too brief. It’s also important to note that entrance fees for Kornati and Telaica parks are paid separately, adding to the total cost. This tour will suit travelers who want a leisurely, guided introduction to the area, but those looking for a more immersive or independent experience might find it limiting.

This tour works well for visitors who value convenience, good food, and scenic boat rides. If you’re okay with a packed schedule and a bit of a crowd, you’ll find it a solid way to tick off some major sights in a single day.

Key Points

• Well-organized for a full-day excursion with meals and commentary included.
• Ideal for those wanting scenic island views with the comfort of a large boat.
• Swim in Lake Mir—a salt lake on Telaica—offering a unique natural experience.
• Some reviews mention limited time at Kornati, which could be a drawback for serious island-hoppers.
• Includes breakfast and lunch, with options for vegetarian meals, providing good value.
• Entrance fees to parks are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Knowledgeable guides and live commentary enrich the experience.
• Group size is capped at 50, ensuring a manageable and social atmosphere.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Vrata Sv. Roka in Zadar

Most tours kick off early at 8:00 am, giving you a full nine hours to explore. The meeting point is straightforward, near public transportation, which makes it convenient for most travelers. Expect to board a large boat with two decks—generously sized for groups of up to 50 people.

First Stop: Telascica Nature Park and Lake Mir

After a roughly three-hour cruise, you’ll arrive at Telascica, known for its cliffs and salt lake. The highlight here is swimming in Lake Mir, a saltwater lagoon with a distinctive green hue. According to reviews, this spot is a high point of the trip, offering a refreshing break amid stunning natural surroundings.

You might find, as some visitors did, that the time at this stop is enough to enjoy a swim and maybe climb to the highest viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of cliffs and lagoons. But be prepared for a possible short stay—some travelers felt the time was limited.

Second Stop: The Scenic Islands and Lunch

The boat then navigates through an impressive panorama of over 120 islands, giving a sense of Croatia’s island-rich coastline. During this section, a lunch of grilled fish or meat is served, along with a salad and beverages. The tour includes a welcome aperitif and unlimited drinks—wine or juice—which are appreciated by many for making the journey more relaxing.

Highlight: The Kornati Islands

While the tour aims to give a good overview of Kornati National Park, reviews note that the time spent within Kornati is often just about 15 minutes. Some say this is hardly enough to appreciate the islands’ rugged beauty, especially given the hefty entry fee paid at the boat. This short stop is likely more about viewing the landscape from afar than exploring in-depth.

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes back at the starting point around 5 pm, offering a full day of ocean vistas, island scenery, and natural wonders. Travelers generally find the experience fun and scenic but mixed in terms of value, especially concerning the time spent in the iconic spots.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the excellent views of the islands. One reviewer appreciated the excellent wine selection and the friendly crew, which made the trip enjoyable despite some organizational flaws.

Others, however, expressed disappointment with long boarding times and limited time at key stops. For example, one comment pointed out that the “fermate erano su spiagge difficili e quasi impossibile da raggiungere”—stopping at beaches that were hard to access—highlighting logistical challenges.

A few visitors noted that the boat was sometimes overcrowded, which could impact comfort. Still, the overall consensus is that taking the trip offers a memorable taste of Croatia’s seaside beauty—even if it leaves some wishing for more time at each stop.

Practical Details and What to Expect

• Duration & Timing: Nearly 9 hours, starting at 8 am, with a return around 5 pm.
• Transportation: Large, two-deck boat; comfortable but potentially crowded.
• Group Size: Max 50 travelers, which keeps things manageable but can still feel busy.
• Meals: Breakfast sandwich and a cooked lunch included—vegetarian options available if specified beforehand.
• Drinks: Water, wine, aperitif, and unlimited juice or wine, making it a relaxed affair.
• Cost: About $52.50 plus an extra $16 for park entrance fees, which some may find adds up.
• Supplies to Bring: Sunscreen, swimwear, and sturdy shoes for some optional climbing or walking.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, but some stops involve reaching beaches or viewpoints that may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

If you’re looking for an easy, guided way to see some of Croatia’s stunning islands and natural parks without the hassle of navigation, this trip offers good value. The included meals and drinks help make it a relaxing day, and the scenic boat ride is genuinely beautiful.

However, if your goal is to explore Kornati or Telaica in depth or to spend more time swimming and wandering on your own, this might feel a bit rushed. The short visits at each highlight mean you’ll get a taste, but not a deep dive.

This tour is best for travelers who enjoy organized group outings, are happy with a packed schedule, and want a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing. It’s also suitable if you prefer having food and drinks included, saving you from arranging those independently.

The Kornati and Telaica National Parks day trip from Zadar offers a solid introduction to Croatia’s stunning island landscapes. Its biggest strength is the combination of scenic boat rides, knowledgeable guides, and included meals that make for a convenient, all-in-one experience. The salt lake swim and island panoramas are genuine highlights that will resonate with nature lovers.

That said, the limited time at the most famous sites and a somewhat crowded boat can detract from the feeling of freedom and exploration. It’s a tour that works best for those seeking a relaxed, guided day with comfortable amenities rather than those wanting a highly immersive or independent adventure.

In short, if you’re happy with a well-organized, scenic cruise that hits the highlights and provides good value, this trip will satisfy your curiosity about Croatia’s famed islands. Just prepare for a busy day—bringing patience and a sense of adventure—and you’ll likely come away with some great memories.

How long is the tour?
The entire trip lasts about nine hours, from the morning meeting point to returning in the late afternoon.

What meals are included?
You’ll enjoy a breakfast sandwich at the start and a full lunch of grilled fish or meat, salad, and beverages, with vegetarian options available if requested beforehand.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water, wine, and an aperitif are provided, along with unlimited juice or wine during the cruise.

Is there any extra cost I should be aware of?
Yes, entrance fees for Kornati and Telaica parks are not included in the price and cost €16 per person.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable shoes for optional walks or climbs, and perhaps a towel for swimming.

How much time do you spend at each stop?
Generally, you’ll have about 3 hours at Telaica, but only around 15 minutes at Kornati, which may be brief for some.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that some stops involve reaching beaches or viewpoints that could be tricky with very young children or those with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering a full refund.

Whether you’re eager to see the islands’ beauty or just want a relaxing day on the water, this tour offers a balanced, convenient way to explore Croatia’s remarkable coastlines.