All-Day Telascica And Kornati

Set out from Zadar for an all-day, 9-hour tour of Telašćica and the Kornati Islands. The itinerary covers both spots before returning to Zadar.

Overview

This is a full day at sea from Zadar aboard the Sveti Šime, a traditional wooden boat, running about 9 hours from an early morning departure near the INA gas station on Obala kneza Branimira. The day combines the Kornati archipelago with Telašćica Nature Park, plus a swim stop and lunch on Katina island. Drinks flow all day: a welcome aperitif at boarding, then wine, water and juice throughout the cruise, along with a sandwich breakfast and a cooked lunch.

The route starts with a long cruise toward Dugi Otok, where the boat passes along tall limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea. The first proper stop is Katina, inside Kornati National Park, with time to swim before lunch at a stone fisherman's house in a secluded bay, reserved for the boat's guests. Lunch is grilled mackerel and chicken fillet with side dishes. After that comes Telašćica Nature Park, where you get free time to swim in the salt lake Mir, walk to the sea cliffs, or just relax, before the cruise back to Zadar with an expected arrival around 6 PM.

It suits travellers who want a long, unhurried day on the water with swimming, scenery and a simple Dalmatian meal included. Reviewers frequently praise the crew and the homemade food, and one said the hours pass quickly. Note that entry tickets for both parks are paid separately on board, and there is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to the departure point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in ZadarCheck in at Obala kneza Branimira 27A near the INA gas station, with departure at 7:50 AM. No pickup is included.
2. Cruise toward Dugi OtokA 2.5 hour cruise along the coastline, passing the tall cliffs of Dugi Otok with photo opportunities along the way.
3. Kornati National ParkA 20 minute pass by the park's islands. Entry tickets are not included and are paid on board.
4. Katina island stopAround 1.5 hours for a photo stop, swimming and lunch at a traditional fisherman's house in a secluded bay.
5. Short crossing to TelašćicaA 30 minute transfer to Telašćica Nature Park.
6. Telašćica Nature ParkAbout 2 hours of free time to swim in salt lake Mir, walk to the sea cliffs or explore on your own. Entry tickets are extra and paid on board.
7. Return cruise to ZadarA 1.5 hour cruise back, arriving at Obala kneza Branimira with arrival expected at 6 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what to pack to how the extra park fees work.

• What to bring. The listing recommends swimwear, a towel and comfortable closed-toe shoes. You will want shoes that work for the boat deck and for the walking paths around Telašćica.
• Food and drink. Breakfast is a sandwich, and lunch is grilled mackerel and chicken with sides, served at a fisherman's house on Katina. Wine, water and juice are included all day; coffee, cola, beer and cocktails are sold at the bar for an extra charge.
• Pace of the day. Most of the day is spent on the boat, with two stops for swimming and exploring. Reviewers said there is enough time for swimming, though one would have liked more time at Telašćica.
• The crew. Reviewers again and again single out the staff as friendly, professional and available for questions. The music on board also gets a mention.
• Weather dependency. The tour is subject to change depending on sea and weather conditions, so the route or stops can shift. Much of the day is spent on the open deck.
• Getting there. Departure is at 7:50 AM from Obala kneza Branimira 27A, near the INA gas station. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to the waterfront in good time.

Common issues. Entry tickets for Kornati National Park and Telašćica Nature Park are not included and are paid when boarding the ship. One reviewer found the food a bit plain and noted the wine is not high quality, while others loved the homemade lunch, so expectations on the meal vary. The day is long, with hours of cruising between stops, and one traveller wished for more time at Telašćica at the expense of the Katina stop. The operator states the tour can change depending on sea and weather conditions.

Common Questions