Boat Trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park

Planning a day out on the water in Croatia? The boat trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park is a popular choice, offering a full day of island hopping, swimming, and scenic views. We’ve looked into this experience to give you a balanced overview of what it’s really like, so you can decide if it fits what you’re after.

What we like about this tour is its combination of relaxing cruising and opportunities to explore islands that are genuinely breathtaking. The crew’s friendliness and the included food and drinks also add value, making it a comfortable and enjoyable day. On the flip side, some reviews point out that the trip can feel a bit long, especially if you’re not used to being on a boat for hours at a stretch.

If you’re someone who loves stunning scenery, a taste of local culture, and a easy way to explore Kornati’s highlights in one day, this tour could be a good fit. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time on land, you might want to consider alternative options. Let’s break down what you can expect.

Key Points

• Comfortable boat experience with a spacious layout
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and wine to keep you energized
• Varied stops: swimming, hiking, and a visit to Kukljica
• A full-day adventure with good value for the price
• Crowd size may be a consideration, as it caps at 50 travelers
• Weather dependent: good weather is essential for the best experience

The Basic Setup: What’s This Tour About?

This full-day boat trip, operated by Tade Tours, is designed to give travelers a taste of the Kornati archipelago without the need to plan multiple excursions. Starting at 8:00 a.m. from Zadar, you’ll hop aboard the Sveti Ante, a boat that comfortably fits up to 50 guests. The journey lasts roughly 10 hours, with several stops designed for swimming, exploring, and relaxing.

The price is approximately $59.35 per person, which covers not just the boat ride but also onboard meals, drinks, and the convenience of an organized itinerary. It’s a good option if you’re looking for an all-in-one day trip with minimal hassle.

The Itinerary: How Does the Day Unfold?

Stop 1: Uvala Tomasovac

The day kicks off with a stop at Uvala Tomasovac, where you’ll have around 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy several activities. You can visit the Suha Punta tavern for a quick drink, swim at the nearby beach, or stretch your legs with a short hike. This spot is a good introduction to Croatia’s coastal beauty, with calm waters and scenic views.

What you should know: The stop is free of admission fees, so your main focus is on relaxing or exploring.

Stop 2: Kornati Islands National Park

The highlight of the trip is likely the second stop on Levrnaka Island, where you get around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here, you can swim in the famous Lojena Beach or hike up to the top of the island for panoramic views. The water is described as “crystal blue,” perfect for cooling off after the boat ride. If you’re into photography or just soaking in the scenery, this spot delivers.

Authentic feedback: Multiple reviews mention that the scenery here is stunning, with some travelers noting the opportunity to see dolphins nearby. It’s an ideal moment to relax and take in the natural beauty.

Stop 3: Kukljica

On the return journey, you’ll make a brief 40-minute stop in Kukljica, an old fishing village. This is a chance to grab a coffee or an ice cream, soak in the local atmosphere, and perhaps browse some shops. While short, this stop offers a slice of local life away from the more touristic spots.

Worth noting: The reviews seem to agree that crew timings are punctual and that this stop is a nice break from the boat.

Final Stop: Back to Zadar

The trip wraps up with a longer 6-hour cruise back to Zadar. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Ugljan and Pašman islands, as well as the impressive bridge connecting Ugljan and Paman. The ship also offers a welcome drink, breakfast, and a delicious onboard lunch that includes wine—sailing, eating, and drinking without wasting time on land.

Highlights: Many reviews praise the good food and friendly crew, describing the day as a “great day” with fantastic scenery.

What’s Included and What to Expect

• Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are served onboard, with wine, water, and juice included. The food is generally well-received, with some reviews mentioning good quality and generous portions.
• Comfort: The boat is described as comfortable and spacious, making it easier to relax even with the group size.
• Timing: The schedule is tight, with most stops lasting between 40 minutes and a couple of hours. This means you’ll spend a good chunk of your day on the water, which might feel a bit long for some.
• Group size: Limited to 50 travelers, maintaining a lively but manageable atmosphere.
• Weather dependence: As with most outdoor activities, the trip hinges on good weather for the best experience.

The Pros: Why You’ll Like This Tour

Stunning scenery is the main draw. Many reviews highlight the views of Kornati’s jagged cliffs and peaceful bays. The boat’s route also includes passing under the impressive Ugljan-Pašman bridge, which is a sight in itself.

Excellent food and wine on board is another highlight. Travelers frequently mention the good quality, with many feeling that the meals offer good value for the price paid. The fact that drinks are included makes this a relaxing experience, especially after swimming or hiking.

Efficient itinerary means you get a taste of several spots in one day without wasting time on land. The stops at Lojena Beach and Kukljica are well-chosen for scenery and local flavor, respectively.

Friendly crew and smooth operation get lots of positive remarks. Many reviewers describe the staff as welcoming and punctual, which helps create a pleasant atmosphere on the boat.

The Cons: What to Keep in Mind

Long hours on the water can be tiring, especially if you’re not a big fan of boat trips. One review mentioned that the trip lasts around 10 hours with only about 2 hours and 45 minutes of actual beach or hiking time. If you prefer more land time or a slower pace, this might feel a bit rushed.

Crowded spaces on the boat could be an issue, especially on a sunny day when everyone wants to sunbathe or sit comfortably. Although the boat is described as spacious, some reviews note that the seating can feel limited.

The first stop’s short duration and the length of the entire trip may not suit everyone, particularly if you’re looking for a leisurely day or want more time to explore each location.

Weather dependency can impact your experience. Poor weather might lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable trip, although you’re typically offered a different date or full refund.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers who want a full-day adventure with scenic views and good onboard amenities. It suits those who enjoy water activities like swimming and don’t mind spending a fair amount of time on a boat. It’s also a solid choice if you’re after value for money—including meals, drinks, and multiple stops—without the hassle of planning each detail.

If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates organized tours and doesn’t mind a busy schedule, this trip will likely hit the right notes. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, more time on land, or less time on the water, you might want to consider alternative options or shorter tours.

Final Thoughts

The boat trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park offers a good blend of scenery, activities, and onboard comfort, all at a reasonable price. The included meals and drinks add to the value, and the stops at Lojena Beach and Kukljica help break up what might otherwise be a long day.

While it’s not perfect—some might find the hours on the boat a bit extensive, and the stops somewhat brief—many travelers have enjoyed the experience, especially those keen on seeing Kornati’s natural beauty up close.

If you’re after a lively, well-organized day with scenic highlights and don’t mind the potential for crowds or a longer schedule, this trip could be just right. For those seeking a more leisurely, land-focused experience, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally adult-oriented, especially since alcohol is only available for those 18 and above. Small children can sit on adults’ laps or in strollers, but no specific kid-friendly activities are mentioned.

What’s the meeting point?
The tour starts at the coordinates 468H+6G Zadar, Croatia, at 8:00 a.m. You should arrive on time for check-in.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel in time.

Are there any additional costs?
The tour price covers all the meals, drinks, and stops listed. Extra expenses might come from souvenirs or personal purchases during breaks.

How many people usually join?
The group is capped at 50 travelers, making for a lively but manageable environment.

Is there a restroom onboard?
While not explicitly mentioned, most boats of this size typically have basic facilities. It’s worth preparing for a quick stop if needed.

What’s included in the meal service?
Breakfast and lunch are served on board, along with water, juice, and wine—many guests praise the quality and the convenience.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 40 minutes in Kukljica to nearly 2.5 hours at Lojena Beach, balancing exploration with relaxation.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and all-in-one day trip in Croatia, the Zadar to Kornati boat tour offers a lot for its price. Just keep in mind the schedule’s length and the limited time at each stop. Happy sailing!