Zadar: Kornati and Telaica Cruise with Ticket Included

If you’re looking to explore Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coastline, a cruise through Kornati National Park and the Telaica Nature Park** offers a fantastic way to do it. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a clear picture of what you can expect from this full-day adventure. Expect gorgeous island vistas, a mix of relaxing and active moments, and plenty of opportunities to unwind and soak up nature’s beauty.

What we really like about this experience is the well-rounded itinerary, the friendly and informative guides, and the value for money—especially with all included meals and drinks. However, a quick heads-up: the stops are relatively short, which might leave some wanting a little more time at each location. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Croatia’s natural splendors without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

This tour is especially great for those who love scenic boat rides, enjoy a good meal with wine, and don’t mind a full day on the water. It’s less suited for travelers prone to seasickness or those with mobility restrictions, as the tour involves some walking and hiking, and strollers aren’t allowed. If you’re seeking a relaxed yet immersive day exploring islands and salt lakes, this trip could be just right.

Good To Know

• Beautiful scenery and island views that showcase Croatia’s stunning coastline
• Inclusions like breakfast, lunch, wine, and park entry fees add great value
• Short stops mean limited time at each location, so plan accordingly
• Guides and staff are praised for their friendliness and knowledge
• Variety of activities including swimming, hiking, and sightseeing
• Weather-dependent — the route and schedule may change if conditions aren’t safe

You can check if your dates are available here:

What Makes This Tour a Good Choice?

At first glance, this tour offers a lot for the price—around $66 per person—which is quite reasonable given the inclusions. Many reviewers highlight that the cost reflects good value, especially considering the meals, park entry fees, and guided commentary. Over 425 travelers have given it a solid 4.3-star rating, with many praising the scenery, food, and the friendly crew.

The tour runs for about 9 hours, making it a full-day experience that takes you from the busy streets of Zadar to some of Croatia’s most scenic spots. The meeting point in Liburnska Obala is straightforward to find, right next to the Old Town bridge, making this accessible even for travelers arriving later in the day.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Morning Departure and the Cruise to Kornati Islands

The day kicks off early with a scenic cruise from Ulica Nova vrata towards the Kornati Islands, a chain often celebrated as the “stone pearls of the Mediterranean.” As you glide through a landscape dotted with 89 islands, your eyes will be treated to dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and tiny islets—the kind of views that make you forget about the world for a while.

During the cruise, you’ll be served a breakfast sandwich—a simple ham and cheese affair—that energizes you for the day ahead. Many reviews mention the friendly crew and the good quality of the food as highlights, with passengers appreciating the informative commentary provided by guides like Victoria and Petra. The boat feels comfortably sized, with enough space to relax inside or outside, with plenty of seating options for sunshine or shade.

Stop 1: Levrnaka Island

Once on Levrnaka, you’ll have about an hour or so to enjoy the beach and the clear waters. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s an option to hike up a stone hill to take in spectacular views. Reviewers mention that the time here is enough to swim or snap some photos, but others note it’s a tight schedule if you want a proper hike or extensive exploration.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch on the Boat

After returning to the boat, a lunch service offers grilled chicken, fresh fish, or a vegetarian pasta in tomato sauce. While some reviews mention the food is straightforward, most agree that for the price, it’s more than adequate and allows you to focus on the stunning scenery. Many also appreciate the wine and rakija—a Croatian brandy—that are served as aperitifs, enhancing the relaxed, vacation vibe.

Stop 2: Telaica Bay and Salt Lake Mir

The journey continues to Telaica Bay, one of the largest natural ports in the Adriatic. Here, you’ll find about 25 small beaches and towering cliffs of Dugi Otok, which rise up to 161 meters. The highlight is the Salt Lake Mir, which is notably warmer than the surrounding sea—a perfect spot for a swim. Reviewers often mention that this salt lake is a unique experience, with some describing the water as soft, warm, and perfect for relaxing.

You might also go on a short hike to appreciate the panoramic views, or simply enjoy swimming and lounging. Many visitors are delighted by the diversity of birdlife, which adds a peaceful, natural element to the experience.

The Return Journey and Overall Atmosphere

As your day winds down, you’ll cruise back to Zadar, with plenty of time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Some reviewers highlight the friendly crew and attentive staff who often go out of their way to make everyone comfortable—like Victoria, who was praised for her professionalism, and the younger staff who kept energy high.

Throughout the trip, passengers frequently comment on the beautiful scenery, informative guides, and delicious meals. Several mention that the wine and rakija make the perfect accompaniment to the stunning views, creating a laid-back, celebratory atmosphere. Others note the occasional dolphin sightings, which add a touch of magic to the cruise.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers the boat tour, entry fees for Kornati and Telaica, guide services, breakfast and lunch, and unlimited water. This makes it a cost-effective way to see two of Croatia’s most beautiful spots without extra charges. Be aware that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point.

You can expect to purchase additional drinks at the bar, and cash is recommended for any extras. The tour begins in the morning—check availability for specific times—and lasts about 9 hours.

What to Bring

Given the outdoor setting, packing essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, and sunscreen is important. Even if the weather looks fine, some reviewers mention bringing a jumper or towel to stay warm if it’s chilly in the morning. Beachwear is obvious for swimming, but don’t forget cash for extras.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and people prone to seasickness might want to consider this. Baby strollers aren’t allowed, which could be a downside if traveling with little ones.

Weather and Route Changes

Since the trip is weather-dependent, poor conditions might lead to route changes or rescheduling. The crew prioritizes safety, which some reviewers appreciate, even if it means missing a planned stop.

Based on reviews, guides like Victoria and Petra stand out for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. Many mention how the crew went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable and informed. Several travelers appreciated the balance of relaxing and active moments, including swimming, hiking, and sightseeing.

The short stops are a common point of discussion—while some find an hour sufficient, others felt they’d like more time to explore or relax on each island. The food gets mixed reviews—while some say it’s “decent” or “tasty,” others wish for more variety or better presentation. Still, most agree that it’s good enough for the price, especially when paired with the breathtaking scenery.

Many travelers find the value undeniable, especially considering the included entry fees, meals, and drinks. The trip is often described as peaceful, scenic, and rejuvenating, making it a great choice for those seeking a relaxing day on the water rather than a high-energy adventure.

This tour is perfect if you’re after beautiful island vistas, salt lake swimming, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, or small groups wanting a curated experience that balances sightseeing and leisure. Foodies and wine lovers will enjoy the local drinks served onboard, and those interested in photos and scenic views will find plenty of picture-perfect moments.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a longer time at each stop or have mobility restrictions, you might find the short stop durations somewhat limiting. It’s also less suitable if seasickness is a concern, as the boat ride can be choppy at times.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the meeting point in Liburnska Obala, near the Old Town bridge in Zadar.

What should I bring?
Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, sunscreen, beachwear, and some cash for extras.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s unlimited water, and wine and rakija are served as aperitifs. Additional drinks are available for purchase at the bar.

How long are the stops?
Stops are approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, which includes time for swimming, exploring, or hikes. Some reviews mention this feels a bit short, especially for hiking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not explicitly, and baby strollers aren’t allowed. The trip involves some walking and swimming, so it’s better suited for older children or teenagers.

Can the route change due to weather?
Yes, the trip is weather-dependent, and routes or stops may be altered for safety reasons.

This boat tour from Zadar offers an affordable, scenic, and relaxed way to experience some of Croatia’s most iconic natural spots. You’ll love the stunning island views, the friendly guides, and the included meals and drinks. While the short stops might leave some wishing for a little more time to explore, the overall balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation makes it a worthwhile choice for many travelers.

If you’re eager to see Kornati’s dramatic islands, enjoy a local Croatian lunch, and unwind with good company and beautiful scenery, this cruise should be on your radar. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting a peaceful day at sea with a touch of adventure and plenty of photo opportunities.

Experience the natural beauty of Croatia with a well-organized, value-packed day trip that captures the essence of Dalmatia’s coastlines and islands. Perfect for relaxation, scenery, and a bit of adventure all rolled into one.

You can check if your dates are available here: