REVIEW · ZADAR
Excursion to Kornati National Park from Zadar
Book on Viator →Operated by Mikado Tours - Kornati Excursions · Bookable on Viator
Kornati day trips are where Croatia feels postcard-real, and this one is built for an easy, family-friendly full day. I like that you get multiple chances to get in the water, with snorkelling equipment included, not just a quick dip. I also like the mix of boat time plus on-land breaks, like the Fortress of Tureta viewpoint.
One thing to think about: the day is long, around 9 hours 40 minutes, with a slower pace on the boat—so if you’re hunting for nonstop swimming, you may want to compare options.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth your attention
- Kornati National Park From Zadar: Why This Day Trip Works
- Boat-Trip Comfort: Small Group, Deck Time, and a Slow Pace
- Meeting Point and Morning Setup at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira
- Breakfast, Kornati Views, and the First Moment of Wow
- Levrnaka and Lojena Beach: Snorkelling Time That’s Actually the Point
- Fortress of Tureta Hike: Short Climb, Real View
- Lunch on Kornat Island: Croatian-Style, Remote, and Included
- The Boat Day in Real Terms: How the Time Adds Up
- Value for Money: What $96.79 Buys You
- What to Bring (So You Don’t Waste a Minute)
- Who This Tour Fits Best
- Should You Book This Kornati Day Trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Kornati excursion from Zadar?
- What does the tour cost?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is snorkelling gear provided?
- Do I need to bring a swimsuit and shoes?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Is beer included?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key highlights worth your attention

- Small group size (max 22) keeps the boat from feeling chaotic
- Snorkelling gear included, plus real beach time at Levrnaka
- Tureta Fortress hike is short, but the views are the payoff
- Food and drink included all day, including breakfast and wine
- Named local guides: Aninka and Ivan lead the experience
- Dolphins can happen on the way (watch from the deck)
Kornati National Park From Zadar: Why This Day Trip Works
Kornati National Park is basically an island maze. From the boat, you see hundreds of islands scattered across the Adriatic, and the colors shift as the light changes. It’s one of those places where you don’t need a long lecture to appreciate it—you just need time on the water and a few well-chosen stops.
This excursion is scheduled as a full day, starting at 8:00 am and returning to the same meeting point. That’s ideal if you want to see the park without turning your trip into a logistics puzzle. You also get a local guide, plus national park fees and meals handled for you, which makes the day feel smoother.
Other Kornati National Park tours we've reviewed in Zadar
Boat-Trip Comfort: Small Group, Deck Time, and a Slow Pace

The boat is set up for day-hopping around islands, and the group size caps at 22. That matters more than you’d think. When you’re sharing a small vessel, crowding affects everything: where you can stand, how easy it is to move when you’re boarding or going to the next stop, and whether deck time feels enjoyable or stressful.
From what’s described, you’ll have spots to watch the scenery from different levels, and you’re not trapped in one place. People also note the ride is slow enough to enjoy the view without getting constantly tossed around. That slower motion is a plus if you get travel-sick, or if you just want a relaxed day at sea.
Meeting Point and Morning Setup at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira

The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. The tour begins at 8:00 am, and it ends back at the same place. It’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.
Bring walking shoes and plan for sun. Even on a boat, you’ll spend time on decks and on land. And if you want to swim right away later, have your bathing suit and towel ready so you’re not rushing in the middle of the day’s rhythm.
Breakfast, Kornati Views, and the First Moment of Wow

After you meet, the day starts with breakfast on board. You’ll also get coffee and fresh fruit as the trip gets rolling. It’s a nice setup because it means you’re fueled before the water stops.
Early on, you’ll also get a panoramic view of Kornati—the kind of first look that helps you understand why the park is such a visual place. Seeing the island patterns from above gives context for what you’ll experience at the stops later.
Levrnaka and Lojena Beach: Snorkelling Time That’s Actually the Point

Stop 1 is Levrnaka, with swimming and snorkelling on Lojena beach. You get about 1 hour here, and that timing is built around a key goal: get you into the water while conditions are good and the boat plan stays realistic.
What I like about this stop is that it’s not just “here’s a dock.” The stop is designed for water time, and snorkelling equipment is included. You’ll also find that jumping off the boat and swimming along the coast is part of the fun—so even if snorkelling isn’t your thing, you’re still not sitting around.
Practical note: pack sunscreen like you mean it. Multiple people call out sun protection as a must. On a boat day, you can burn faster than you think, especially if you’re out on deck between swims.
Fortress of Tureta Hike: Short Climb, Real View

Stop 2 is Fortress of Tureta, with about 1 hour for hiking and viewpoints. This is your “get your legs moving” break. It’s also the best kind of stop: short enough to stay enjoyable on a long day, but meaningful enough that you come back with photos you can’t get from the water.
Expect the payoff to be the view. People describe the climb as a straightforward way to see the park from above. If you’re with kids, it still tends to work because the time window is short and the goal is clear.
If you’re not confident on uneven ground, bring shoes with grip and take your time. You don’t want to treat this as a casual stroll if the surface is rocky.
Lunch on Kornat Island: Croatian-Style, Remote, and Included

Stop 3 is inside Kornati Islands National Park, with lunch on island Kornat for about 2 hours. Lunch is included, along with water, soft drinks, and wine—and there’s also Wi‑Fi listed as included.
What makes this lunch slot valuable is the setting. You’re not eating while the boat is racing to the next stop. You get enough time to reset, eat properly, and enjoy the island mood before the last stretch back to Zadar.
Some people also mention the lunch being prepared as a real meal, not just a quick sandwich. One person specifically described mackerel as part of what they ate. If you’re vegetarian, you might find there are options, but the exact menu isn’t guaranteed—so if dietary needs are strict, I’d message ahead.
The Boat Day in Real Terms: How the Time Adds Up

This is a long outing: 9 hours 40 minutes total. The structure helps: morning setup, a water-focused stop, a viewpoint stop, and a longer lunch stop.
Still, it’s not a nonstop “water party” all day. There’s boat time between stops, and the boat ride is intentionally paced so you can enjoy the views. That’s perfect if you want a relaxed day with breaks—less perfect if you measure success only by hours spent in the water.
A bonus if you like wildlife: some folks report seeing dolphins on the way. You can’t plan for it, but watching from the deck is worth it.
Value for Money: What $96.79 Buys You
At around $96.79 per person, the value is strong if you compare what’s included.
You get:
- Breakfast on board
- Lunch (with a proper meal feel)
- National park fees
- Local guide
- Snorkelling equipment
- Coffee
- Water, soft drinks, and wine
- Fresh fruit through the day
- Wi‑Fi
Beer is the one commonly mentioned extra: it’s not included. (One person noted beer being available for extra payment, such as €3.) So if you know you drink beer, that’s your “small add-on” to consider.
Also, you’re paying for access and planning. Kornati isn’t something you casually DIY without losing time. This tour handles the routing and the national park details so you spend your energy on swimming, hiking, and enjoying the islands.
What to Bring (So You Don’t Waste a Minute)
Here’s the practical packing list for this day:
- Bathing suit (you’ll likely want to swim at Levrnaka)
- Towel
- Walking shoes for the Tureta climb
- Sunscreen and a hat (deck sun adds up)
- A small snack backup if you’re sensitive to meal timing (not required, just comforting)
If you’re prone to sunburn, also pack after-sun or aloe. You’ll be outside, on water, under direct light.
Who This Tour Fits Best
This excursion fits best if you want:
- A full, classic Kornati day without a car
- Time for snorkelling and swimming with gear provided
- A short land walk to balance the water stops
- A small-group vibe (max 22) rather than a big crowd crush
It’s also a strong option for families because the day is structured, not chaotic. The stops are timed, and you’re not stuck in one place for hours. And for solo travelers, a small boat can feel more manageable than large tours.
If you’re a true “sunbathing for hours” person, you might want to compare how much water time you’ll get versus deck time. The pace is relaxed, but it’s still built around stops.
Should You Book This Kornati Day Trip?
If your goal is a balanced Kornati experience—boat views, real water time at Levrnaka, a short hike with a viewpoint, and meals covered—then yes, this is the kind of day that makes Zadar feel like more than just a base town.
Book it if:
- You want snorkelling equipment included
- You appreciate a small-group day
- You’re happy with a relaxed schedule rather than nonstop swimming
Consider alternatives if:
- You want maximum hours in the water with minimal land breaks
- You strongly prefer a quieter, less “guide-led” boat atmosphere
FAQ
How long is the Kornati excursion from Zadar?
It runs about 9 hours 40 minutes total.
What does the tour cost?
The price listed is $96.79 per person.
What’s included in the price?
It includes breakfast on board, lunch, national park fees, a local guide, coffee, water, soft drinks and wine, snorkelling equipment, fresh fruit, and Wi‑Fi.
Is snorkelling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.
Do I need to bring a swimsuit and shoes?
Yes. You should bring your own bathing suits, towels, and walking shoes.
Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, 23000, Zadar. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00 am.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is beer included?
No. Beer is not included.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it isn’t refunded.




























