If you are planning a trip to Zadar and wondering what to do for a full day out on the sea, a boat tour to Kornati National Park is hands down one of the best experiences the Dalmatian coast has to offer. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know before booking your Kornati tour from Zadar — what to expect, what is included, and why this is a must-do excursion.
Kornati National Park is one of the most unique archipelagos in the Mediterranean. Officially declared a National Park in 1980, it protects a unique ecosystem of marine life, rare plant species, and dramatic geological formations shaped over millions of years. Located just off the coast of Zadar, it consists of 150 islands, islets, and reefs spread across roughly 320 square kilometres of crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. The islands are largely uninhabited — no crowds, no noise, just sea, stone, and sky.
The landscape is often described as lunar: dramatic white limestone cliffs, sparse Mediterranean vegetation, and an extraordinary sense of silence.
Our full-day tour visits both NP Kornati and Nature Park Telašćica — two completely different landscapes in a single day. This is what makes it exceptional compared to standard Kornati tours.
NP Kornati is all about open sea, dramatic rocky outcrops, and swimming in hidden bays surrounded by islands. You will have time to take a short walk to one of the higher points and soak in a panoramic view that genuinely stops people mid-sentence. Telašćica, on the other hand, offers towering cliffs, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and the famous Salt Lake Mir — warm, shallow, and unlike anything else on the Croatian coast.
No Kornati tour is complete without a stop at Levernaka Island, home to Lojena Beach — widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Adriatic.
Lojena is a sheltered cove with fine white pebbles and turquoise water so clear you can see the seabed at depth. Surrounded by raw limestone cliffs and Mediterranean shrubland, it offers the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, and simply soak in extraordinary natural surroundings. No crowds, no noise — just pure nature at its finest.
Located at the southern tip of Dugi Otok, Telašćica Nature Park sits right next to Kornati National Park and is almost always visited together on a full-day tour. Telašćica is famous for three extraordinary natural features:
Stretching for several kilometres, these sheer cliffs rise up to 161 metres above sea level and drop vertically into the open sea below. The views from the water are simply unforgettable — a perspective you can only appreciate from a boat.
Hidden just behind the cliffs is Jezero Mir (Lake of Peace) — a mysterious saltwater lake connected to the sea through underground channels. Several degrees warmer than the sea in summer, rich in healing mud, and surrounded by untouched nature. Swimming here feels like nothing else.
One of the largest and most protected natural harbours on the Adriatic, stretching nearly 8 km inland. Calm, deep green, and impossibly clear — a sanctuary for yachts, wildlife, and anyone lucky enough to visit.
The tour runs from 8:30 to 17:30, giving you a full day on the water without any stress. Departure is from Zadar waterfront.
This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to spend a full day on the sea, exploring pristine nature away from tourist crowds. It is suitable for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo travellers. The pace is relaxed — this is not an extreme adventure tour. It is about slow travel, good food, clean sea, and the kind of beauty that is hard to find elsewhere in Europe.
If you prefer a shorter trip, check out our Half-Day Island Tours around Ugljan — a gentler option that still delivers stunning Zadar archipelago scenery.
The boat ride to the first islands of Kornati takes approximately 2 hours, depending on sea conditions and the route taken.
Yes. Swimming is optional — you can enjoy the scenery, the food, and the atmosphere without entering the water.
Safety comes first. If sea conditions are not suitable, we will reschedule or offer a full refund. We monitor forecasts closely.
Yes. We offer fully private, custom-made tours to Kornati for groups of any size. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Ready to experience Kornati?
Booking with ZadarVista is simple — reach us by phone, WhatsApp, or through the contact form. We are a small, local operation, which means you get personal attention and real flexibility.
Spots fill up quickly in July and August — we recommend booking at least a few days in advance.
