Two national parks, one boat day, lots of water. This Zadar excursion pairs the famous Kornati islands with Telašćica Nature Park, where you can swim in salt water and stop for big cliff views and photos.

I love the island lunch after time in the sea, because it breaks up the trip in a good, human way instead of just riding from one spot to the next. I also love that the boat includes alcoholic beverages and soda/pop, so the mood stays relaxed.

The main consideration is the extra cost for the park tickets (about €15 per person), and the tour depends on good weather, so plan your dates with that in mind.

Key things to know before you go

• Two real swim moments: Kornat Island + Mir salt lake in Telašćica
• Lunch on the island with drinks included: includes your midday meal plus alcoholic beverages and soda/pop
• Short, timed stops that avoid wasted time: about 1h50 on Kornat and about 2 hours in Telašćica
• Mir salt lake for warmer, saltier water: fun for swimming and easy for unique photos
• Smaller-than-you’d-think day trip: maximum 65 people onboard
• Budget the national park fees: €15 per person not included (kids up to 12: €7.50)

Why this Kornati and Telašćica boat day from Zadar works

If you like the idea of seeing Croatia’s Adriatic without spending a whole vacation driving and parking, this is a solid “one-day hit.” You start in Zadar early, then you’re out on the water for hours, with swimming stops built in and food handled for you.

The Kornati stretch delivers that postcard feel: open sea, rocky islands, and clean water where you can cool off. Then Telašćica adds a different twist with the Mir salt lake—saltier and warmer than the sea—plus dramatic cliff viewpoints that are made for pictures.

The value is in the pacing. This isn’t a day where everything feels rushed. You get actual time in the water twice, and you’re not scrambling to find lunch.

Getting to the water: 8:00 departure and where it ends

The tour starts at 8:00am. Your meeting point is Water polo, Ul. Zadarskog Mira 1358. 24, 23000, Zadar. Your return is at Liburnska obala, 23000, Zadar.

Because it’s a boat day, I like that it ends back in the same general Zadar waterfront area. It keeps your evening simple—no complicated transfers back to a hotel far from the center.

A couple practical notes from the tour details:

• Mobile ticket is used, so you won’t need paper.
• The location is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using a car.
• Service animals are allowed.

Kornat Island: sea time and a Robinson-style lunch break

Kornati is the biggest island in the group of Kornati islands, and it’s the name behind the national park. On this day, that matters because the island vibe is the point: you’re not just passing by—you’re stopping to swim and reset.

You’ll spend about 1 hour 50 minutes at Kornat Island. That’s a realistic window: long enough to cool off, swim, take a few photos, and still have time to eat without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

What I find especially good here is the lunch setup. It’s described as a Robinson-style lunch, meaning you’re eating in the middle of the scenery instead of treating the meal like a parking-lot stop. Pair that with the fact that lunch is included, and the day feels complete even if you’re not a “pack snacks all day” person.

Possible drawback: Kornati time is fixed. If you’re hoping for extra hours of swimming, this schedule won’t stretch that far. You’ll have to enjoy the water time you get, then move on.

Telašćica Nature Park and Mir: warmer, saltier swimming plus cliff photo stops

After Kornati, you shift from open island sea vibes to the special conditions inside Telašćica Nature Park. The headline feature is Mir, a salt lake.

You get about 2 hours in Telašćica. That’s enough time to do the main attraction—swimming in the lake—and also take in the scenery without turning it into a sprint.

Here’s the practical appeal of Mir: the water is described as warmer and saltier than the sea. In real terms, that usually means you can relax a bit more in the water and feel the difference in how it floats and how the water feels against your skin. It’s also a natural photo subject because the lake contrasts with the rocky coast and the cliffs of the park.

You also get time for photos of the cliff areas, which are part of Telašćica’s natural phenomenon. I like that this stop isn’t just about swimming. Even if you’re not the type to spend all your time in the water, the views give you something to do that feels genuinely different from the sea-only part of the day.

Possible drawback: Because the lake is the point, if you’re not a swimmer, you may find yourself wanting more time on land. The park time is still solid, but your enjoyment depends on whether water activities are your thing.

What’s actually included on board (and why it feels like a deal)

This tour includes more than just a seat on a boat. For $60.15 per person, you get:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soda/pop
• Restroom on board

That combination is what makes the day-trip price easier to swallow. Boat days in coastal Croatia can turn expensive fast once you factor in food and drink. Here, you’re not forced into hunting for a café at the wrong time—or paying premium prices just to survive the afternoon.

I also appreciate the inclusion of a restroom onboard. It sounds basic, but on a long day at sea it removes stress.

About the drinks: one review highlights that beverages on the boat are available and that the alcohol is part of the included package. For me, that’s the difference between a “sightseeing boat” and a more relaxed day out. You’re still there for the scenery, but you’re not waiting around sober and hungry.

Price and real cost: how to budget beyond the $60.15

Let’s talk numbers clearly, because this is where most people either feel smart or get surprised.

You pay $60.15 per person for the tour itself. On top of that, you should budget €15 per person for the Kornati and Telašćica park ticket fees. Kids up to 12 are listed at €7.50 per person for those admission fees.

So your true “all-in” adult budget is roughly:

• Tour price: $60.15
• Park tickets: €15

The exchange rate will decide the exact total, but the big idea is simple: the advertised tour price covers the boat experience and included meals/drinks, while the national park fees are separate.

If you’re comparing tours, I’d treat this as a boat-and-meals package plus add-on park entry. That’s usually a better way to judge value than just looking at the headline price.

Also note: the day depends on good weather. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That reduces the risk of losing money when nature doesn’t cooperate.

Timing and group size: what 65 people feels like

The maximum group size is 65 people. That’s not tiny, but it’s also not the mega-boat chaos you might fear.

In practice, this size tends to work well for:

• boarding and moving along without long delays
• enjoying the scenery without feeling like you’re packed shoulder-to-shoulder the entire day
• having enough energy on board for people to spread out during swim time

And because it’s English-offered, you’re not stuck guessing what’s happening at each stop. The format being English-friendly matters on a day where you’re trying to get the most out of your limited time at sea.

Where this fits best (and who might want a different option)

This is a good fit if you want:

• swimming at two different types of water (sea at Kornati + salt lake at Mir)
• included breakfast and lunch, plus drinks
• a day trip that stays anchored in Zadar with a straightforward start and end

It’s also a smart choice if you’re the kind of person who likes being on the water for the day rather than hopping between quick stops on land.

On the other hand, if you’re not interested in getting wet, the value shifts. Telašćica’s Mir stop is heavily water-focused, and Kornati’s appeal is also about sea time and island scenery.

The real bottom line: should you book it?

I’d book this if you want a single day from Zadar that combines iconic islands, a genuine nature-park stop, and food/drinks handled for you. The included meals and alcoholic beverages make the trip feel less like a pay-as-you-go outing and more like an organized day with real downtime built in.

Skip it (or at least consider alternatives) if:

• you’re very price-sensitive and don’t want to add €15 park entry fees
• you’re traveling during a stretch where weather is unpredictable and you can’t adjust plans if it gets canceled

If you can line up the day with decent conditions, this is the kind of excursion that leaves you feeling like you saw more than you could do on your own with one bus ride and a snack hunt.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Water polo, Ul. Zadarskog Mira 1358. 24, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Liburnska obala, 23000, Zadar, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00am.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is about 10 hours, including travel time.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

It includes breakfast, lunch, restroom on board, alcoholic beverages, and soda/pop.

What is not included?

Kornati and Telašćica park ticket fees are not included: €15.00 per person, and kids up to 12 are €7.50 per person.

Are there swimming stops?

Yes. You get time at Kornat Island and also time to swim at Mir salt lake in Telašćica Nature Park.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 65 people.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.