Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice

If you’re thinking about taking a boat trip to Croatia’s famed Kornati Islands and Telascica Nature Park, you’re probably curious about what the experience truly offers. We’ve looked into a popular full-day tour departing from Vodice that promises impressive views, opportunities for swimming, and a taste of local flavors. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the feedback and itinerary details give us a good sense of what to expect.

What we love about this tour is how it combines a scenic cruise with multiple stops, allowing you to soak in the dramatic coastline, explore ancient sites, and relax in peaceful bays. The inclusion of a hearty onboard lunch adds to the experience, making it feel like a well-organized day out. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the views may not always be as picture-perfect as some might hope—some visitors found the islands to be quite barren and less picturesque than expected.

This tour seems best suited for travelers looking to see a lot of Croatia’s rugged coastline without the hassle of planning individual excursions. It’s a good fit if you enjoy being on the water, appreciate historical sites, and want a relaxed way to spend most of your day exploring islands and nature parks.

Key Points

• Scenic water views of the Kornati Islands from the boat are a highlight.
• Multiple stops for swimming, exploring, and relaxing at Telascica Nature Park.
• Hearty onboard lunch included, offering fresh fish and chicken.
• Good value for the price—around $94 per person—for a full-day experience.
• Informative commentary enhances understanding of local landmarks.
• Group size is capped at 70 travelers, avoiding overly large crowds.

What the Tour Offers: A Deep Dive

The Itinerary Breakdown

This full-day cruise lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting at 9:00 am from Vodice’s Obala Vladimira Nazora. As you set off, you’ll cruise beneath the towering cliffs of Kornati, with highlights like the Klobuar cliff, the highest in the park, providing fantastic photo opportunities. The boat moves through the middle channel around 11:15 am, where the onboard lunch is served—this is a good time to relax and enjoy the views while munching on fresh fish, hake, or chicken, complemented by wine or juice.

You’ll pass landmarks such as the Our Lady of Tarac Church, a Romanesque structure built atop an early Christian basilica, and the Tureta fortress, a well-preserved Byzantine fortress from the 6th century designed to oversee navigation in the Adriatic. These sites add a touch of history to your scenic day.

Telascica Nature Park: A Highlight

At around noon, the boat arrives at Telascica Nature Park, a peaceful bay famous for its salt lake and dramatic cliffs. Here, you have about three hours to swim in the salt lake or the open sea, walk along the trails, or just relax. According to reviews, the salt lake is a real treat — “We ate well, the staff was great, and the scenery was beautiful,” says one traveler.

The park’s viewpoints offer sweeping views of the cliffs and islands, and some visitors enjoy buying souvenirs or grabbing a bite at nearby restaurants. So, whether you’re into swimming, exploring, or just soaking up the scenery, this stop offers a good balance.

Return Journey and Final Stops

After leaving Telascica around 2:45 pm, you’ll cruise through the Roman-era archaeological remains in the passage called Mala Proversa, passing through the upper Kornati group of islands with views of uninhabited islets and rugged coastlines. The journey back offers more spectacular scenery and a chance to reflect on the day.

What Travelers Are Saying: Authentic Insights

Many reviews highlight the stunning views from the water, with some describing the cruise as “beautiful” and the crew as “very knowledgeable and patient.” For example, a traveler noted, “It was a bliss to sit in the shade, drink my coffee, and watch the coastline and islands.”

Others appreciated the quality of the onboard meal, describing it as “fresh” and “delicious,” with one reviewer calling the fish hake or chicken “great.” The crew’s organization and friendliness also received praise, with comments like “lovely well-organized crew on a great ship.”

However, some visitors felt that the scenery might not always meet expectations. One person mentioned, “I had expected some spectacular views from Kornati NP, but saw mostly barren islands with a few small ports or houses.” This suggests that if you’re after postcard-perfect islands, you might find some areas less lush or dramatic than anticipated.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 70 travelers, the tour is sizable but not overwhelming, which helps keep the atmosphere lively yet manageable. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with shaded areas to escape the sun.

Cost and Value

At around $94.72 per person, the tour offers a full day of activity—including transportation, a guided cruise, stops, and lunch. While it’s not the cheapest option, many consider it good value considering the scope of sights covered and the included meal. For those wanting to see a wide stretch of Croatia’s coastline in one day, it can be a practical choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is especially suitable for those who love being on the water and enjoy scenic cruising. It’s a good pick for travelers interested in historical sites like the churches and fortresses, or for anyone looking to relax at a salt lake and take a dip in the sea. If you’re looking for a more adventurous or in-depth exploration of individual islands, you might find this tour a bit too broad or rushed.

Families with older children could find it enjoyable, especially if they’re comfortable on boats. However, those seeking a more private or intimate experience might prefer smaller, more tailored excursions.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this boat tour from Vodice offers a solid way to explore Croatia’s Kornati Islands and Telascica Nature Park without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The combination of scenery, history, swimming, and good food makes it a well-rounded day out. While the scenery isn’t always picture-perfect, many travelers find the experience relaxing and enriching.

If you’re after a leisurely day on the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming and sightseeing, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Just keep in mind that some areas may be more barren than lush, and if you’re chasing dramatic landscapes, you might want to temper expectations.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for travelers comfortable on boats and with older children. The duration and stops are manageable for most.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, a guide commentary, stops at key sites, and a full onboard lunch with drinks.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 8 and a half hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5:30 pm.

Are there opportunities to swim?
Yes, you can swim at Telascica lake or in the open sea, which many reviews highlight as a favorite part.

What are the main sights viewed from the boat?
Expect stunning views of the cliffs, the church of Our Lady of Tarac, the fortress of Tureta, and the surrounding islands.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather—if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

How many people typically go on this tour?
It can accommodate up to 70 travelers, making for a lively but not overly crowded experience.

What if I want to explore more islands?
This tour covers a broad section of Kornati and Telascica, but for more specific or in-depth exploration, separate trips might be necessary.

Is there any special equipment needed?
No special gear is necessary, just bring water, sunscreen, and swimwear if you plan to swim.

If you’re eager to see Croatia’s famous rocky islands, enjoy a relaxing day on the water, and don’t mind some barren landscapes along the way, this Kornati & Telascica boat tour is a solid option. It balances scenic beauty with cultural sights and a comfortable pace, making it a good choice for most travelers seeking a memorable adventure.