If you’re considering a day out on the water around Zadar, the Kornati National Park and Telaica Nature Park tour is one that often pops up in travel plans. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to see some of Croatia’s stunning islands and natural spots without the hassle of planning every detail. From the glowing reviews and details I’ve gathered, it’s clear this trip has a lot to offer—especially if you enjoy boat adventures and swimming.
What really appeals to me about this tour are the well-designed onboard amenities—like a spacious deck, Wi-Fi, and meals included—and the chance to cruise through some of the most breathtaking parts of the Adriatic. But, like many boat trips, it’s not without a few considerations. If you’re hoping to spend a lot of time exploring the parks on land or expect detailed guided tours, this might not be the trip for you.
All in all, this experience tends to suit travelers who love relaxing on a boat, enjoying good food and drinks, and taking in beautiful sea views. It’s a balance of sightseeing and leisure that many find satisfying, especially if you’re okay with spending most of your time on the water rather than hiking or exploring the parks closely.
Key Points
- Comfortable boat experience with plenty of space and amenities like Wi-Fi and a bar
- Includes meals—a fresh breakfast and a hearty lunch with wine
- Swim stops at beautiful spots like the Salt Lake “Mir” and other swimming locations
- Limited land exploration—most of the time is spent on the boat
- Good value considering food, drinks, and guides included in the price
- Suitable for those who enjoy swimming and relaxing, but not ideal for land-based park exploration
What to Expect from the Kornati and Telaica Trip
This full-day boat journey is all about soaking in Croatia’s stunning coastlines and islands. Priced at $59 per person, it offers a blend of scenic cruising, swimming, and good food—all aboard the Vagabundo, a boat designed with comfort and socializing in mind.
Planning more time in Kornati National Park? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary and Key Stops
The day begins with a warm welcome on the Vagabundo, anchored conveniently on the Liburnian coast. You’ll start with a fresh sandwich for breakfast—simple but satisfying, setting the tone for a day of relaxation. Once underway, the boat cruises through the awe-inspiring Kornati archipelago, which is often called the “Croatian Maldives” by some. With up to 155 islands, this area is a visual treat, though don’t expect a rigorous land exploration here.
You’ll get a chance to swim in the famous salt lake “Mir”, which many reviews highlight as a highlight—something you won’t find everywhere. The salt lake’s natural properties make for an unusual swimming experience, and it’s a great photo op too.
There’s also a stop in Telaica Nature Park, particularly around Telesaica Bay, known for its cliffs and scenic views. Some travelers enjoy climbing the cliffs at Telascica, but keep in mind that most of the time is spent on the boat—not exploring on land.
Meals and Drinks
The meals are included and well-thought-out. You’ll start with a fresh sandwich at the beginning of the day and later enjoy a lunch of grilled meat or fresh fish, accompanied by salad. There’s also unlimited water and juice, plus wine during lunch. Many reviews praise the food for being tasty and plentiful, making this a value-packed part of the trip.
The onboard bar is perfect for grabbing a drink while relaxing on the sundeck. Wi-Fi is also available, so you can share your photos or check in with friends if needed.
The Boat and Comfort
The Vagabundo is spacious, with enough room for up to 140 passengers, meaning it doesn’t feel cramped. The sundeck is ideal for sunbathing or just relaxing with a drink in hand. It’s worth noting that this tour is designed more for relaxation and swimming than for land exploration or guided park tours.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Enjoy This Trip?
This tour is best suited for those who love boat rides and swimming, and enjoy relaxing with good food and drinks. It’s quite casual and doesn’t focus on hiking or land-based sightseeing. If you’re traveling with children, reviews suggest it can be a fun adventure for families, especially with the swimming stops and friendly crew.
The Honest Bits: Drawbacks and Considerations
One of the more common reviews points out that most of the day is spent on the boat—not exploring the parks on foot. Craig mentioned, “You don’t get to see much of the parks apart from swimming locations,” which is an important note if your goal is to explore the parks themselves. There’s no detailed guided tour of the parks’ land features; it’s mostly about cruising and swimming.
Plus, some reviews mention park entry fees can be expensive, and you might need to purchase tickets separately or have them included in your booking. So, check whether your ticket includes entry, or be prepared to pay extra.
If you’re expecting a deep dive into the parks’ natural features and stories, this isn’t the trip for you. But if you want a relaxed day on the water, enjoying the scenery, and swimming at beautiful spots, you’ll probably be quite happy.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
– Relaxing, well-equipped boat with Wi-Fi and ample space
– Delicious, plentiful meals and drinks, including wine
– Multiple swimming stops in stunning locations
– Friendly guides providing basic information in English and Croatian
Cons:
– Limited park exploration—most of the time is spent on the boat
– No guided tours of the parks’ land features
– Park entry fees might not be included, adding extra costs
– Not suitable for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re up for a laid-back day with a focus on swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery, this trip offers good value. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate onboard comfort, tasty food, and socializing over drinks. Families with children have found it enjoyable too, especially since the atmosphere is friendly and the stops are safe for kids.
However, if you’re eager to explore the parks on foot or want a detailed guided experience of the parks’ natural features, look elsewhere. This tour makes a great option for those who prioritize leisure and scenery over active exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breakfast and lunch included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a fresh sandwich for breakfast and a generous lunch of grilled meat or fish, along with salad. Drinks including water, juice, and wine during lunch are also part of the package.
How many stops are there for swimming?
There are two swimming stops, including in the salt lake “Mir” and other locations along the route, giving you plenty of opportunities to cool off.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Many reviewers mention that children enjoy it, especially with the swimming stops and friendly crew. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
Do I need to buy park tickets separately?
Park entry fees are not included in the tour price. You may need to buy tickets for Kornati and Telaica parks separately unless they’re included in your booking.
What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and flip-flops. Remember, smoking and alcohol are not allowed onboard.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your itinerary changes.
Zadar: Kornati National Park and Telaica Nature Park Trip
“It was a good day out but you spend the majority of it on the boat. You don't get to see much of the parks apart from the swimming locations and th…”
Final Thoughts
This boat trip offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful spots without the hassle of land-based tours. It’s ideal for those who enjoy swimming, relaxing in the sun, and savoring good food and drinks on a comfortable boat. The overall value is quite good, especially considering the meals, drinks, and guide support included.
If your main goal is to explore the parks’ natural beauty on foot or get detailed commentary about the land features, you might find this trip too casual. But for a leisurely day on the water, soaking in views and swimming in unique locations, it’s a solid choice.
This tour really shines in providing a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery—making it a memorable part of any Dalmatian adventure. Just be sure to set your expectations around most of the experience being on the boat, not exploring the parks in depth.
Enjoy your trip planning and I hope this helps you decide if this boat adventure fits your travel style!
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