Three swims and fast sailing in one day. This Eufemija Kornati National Park cruise from Zadar gets you to the islands quickly, then gives you real time to swim and hang out at three swim stops—Lojena Beach, Mana Island, and Kukljica. I also like the fast boat approach, which helps you spend more of the day where the water is the point.

One thing to plan for: Kornati National Park entry is not included in the $70 price, and you pay an 8€ ticket on the boat.

Key highlights at a glance

• Fast sailing to the Kornati area so you lose less time crossing open water
• Three full stops for swimming, photo breaks, and sightseeing
• Guided National Park time plus panoramic cruising through the archipelago
• Lunch with unlimited red and white wine and self-serve syrup soft drinks
• A friendly, upbeat crew, with musical moments reported by many
• Possible dolphin sightings on the route back toward Zadar

Zadar to Kornati: Why this Eufemija cruise feels efficient

If you’re trying to do Kornati in one day, time matters. This tour is built around a simple idea: get moving fast, then slow down where it counts—beaches, viewpoints, and swimming coves. It’s a 10-hour day, but the schedule is designed so you’re not stuck sightseeing from a seat for half the trip.

The cruise also keeps the day varied. You’ll have stretches of sailing with big open views, then you’ll hop off for breaks where you can actually cool off, swim, and walk a bit. That mix is a big reason people rate this highly: it feels like you’re getting both the postcard views and the beach time.

And the “joy” part isn’t just marketing. The trip is set up around roughly 5 hours of sailing/panoramic cruising and 5 hours of relaxation and swimming, with three separate stops to break up the day.

Price and value: What the $70 really covers (and what doesn’t)

At around $70 per person for a 10-hour boat day, this can be good value in a region where boat trips often cost more for less time in the water. Here’s what’s covered:

Included food and drinks:

• Breakfast (a sandwich-style breakfast) plus appetizers
• Lunch with a fish, meat, or vegetarian menu
• Unlimited red and white wine during lunch
• Free syrup soft drinks from self-service machines

Included activities:

• Boat ride through the Kornati Archipelago
• Three stops for swimming, sightseeing, and panoramic viewing
• Guide (including guided time in the National Park)

What’s not included:

• Kornati National Park tickets, 8€ per person, purchased on the boat
• Other drinks beyond the wine and syrup soft drinks

So you’ll want a little extra cash ready for the park ticket. If you’re budgeting, it’s also worth doing the math early: the 8€ entry is additional, but the rest of the day’s food, wine with lunch, and the guide are already handled. That’s why this ends up feeling fair for a one-day hit.

Pickup points and timing: The 8:00 AM start that shapes the day

The day starts early enough to still feel like a whole vacation, but not so early that it steals your evening. Pickup has two options along Zadar’s waterfront:

• Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV
• Obala kneza Trpimira 40

You’ll gather around 8:00 AM, then set off shortly after, around 8:20 AM. During the first stretch, expect breakfast pastries and a refreshing beverage, then time to settle in and enjoy the ride.

The schedule is paced to land the best breaks at the most useful moments:

• 10:20 AM first stop at Lojena Beach
• 1:00 PM stop at Mana Island
• 2:00 PM guided park sightseeing/boat cruising time
• 4:00 PM final stop at Kukljica
• 5:00 PM return toward Zadar, arriving around 6:00 PM

That return timing is practical. You won’t get back so late that the rest of your trip evaporates.

The Lojena Beach stop: Where swimming time actually starts

The first swim stop is at Lojena Beach, around 10:20 AM, with a break of about 2 hours. This is the moment many people end up loving most, because it’s a proper swim-and-relax window rather than a quick photo stop.

What you can expect:

• A beach setting with time to swim and hang out
• Photo time and a bit of guided/organized visiting
• Enough freedom to choose your pace—just water time, or a bit of walking

A practical tip: the shoreline can be mixed. Wear water shoes if you’re sensitive to rocky spots. One of the common notes is that the beach can have areas that feel less smooth than you’d want in bare feet.

Also, keep expectations realistic about crowd levels. This tour is fast and may arrive earlier than some other boats, which can help you get some quieter time at the start. As the day goes on and other groups arrive, the vibe can shift from relaxed to busier—but you still get enough hours to enjoy it.

Mana Island and the Kornati cruising: Views plus guided context

Next comes Mana Island, around 1:00 PM, with about 1 hour there. This stop is shorter than Lojena, but it’s still built for actual water time: swim, snorkel-style exploring if you like, and a little sightseeing/photo time. If you want variety, this is where it happens—you’ll feel the archipelago change character between stops.

Then, you get guided time inside Kornati National Park around 2:00 PM, plus more panoramic cruising. The guide’s role matters here. Without that bit of interpretation, National Park time can feel like you’re just staring at rocks. With the guide, you get a better sense of how the area is shaped and why the islands look the way they do.

What I like about this section is the pacing. You’re not forced to cram everything into one long walk. You’ll rotate between being on the water for big views and having short, focused moments for sightseeing.

One more useful note: the cruise route gives a chance for sea life sightings. Dolphins have been reported on the trip, especially around return sailing—nothing you can count on, but it’s a pleasant possibility.

Kukljica on Ugljan: A fishing village break before Zadar

The last stop is Kukljica on Ugljan Island, around 4:00 PM, again with about 1 hour. This is less about beach lounging and more about atmosphere: a traditional fishing village feel, narrow streets, and a chance to stretch your legs away from the water.

What you can do here:

• Photo stops and light sightseeing
• Time for wandering through the village streets
• A chance to cool off and refuel before the return

Some people rate the first stop as the most enjoyable and find the final stop less exciting. That doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile. It’s still a different kind of scene, and it’s a nice contrast to the earlier swim-heavy moments.

If you’re the type who likes a bit of local texture—architecture, everyday harbor life—Kukljica can be the best final memory even if you don’t spend the whole hour in the water.

Food, wine, and the crew: The part you remember

This tour doesn’t treat meals like a checkbox. You’ll get:

• Breakfast to start the day
• Lunch with a choice that typically includes fish, meat, or vegetarian options
• Unlimited red and white wine during lunch
• Self-serve syrup soft drinks

One common theme from the experience is that the crew keeps things friendly and easygoing. There’s also mention of music and singing. Even if you’re not the loud-into-fun type, a relaxed crew tends to make the whole day feel more like a social outing than a rigid bus tour.

Another practical bonus: seasickness worries are reduced for many people because the sailing between islands is reported as smooth. Still, if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your own remedy. The day depends on the sea that day, not the forecast you hoped for.

What to bring for a long boat day in summer light

A boat day in the Kornati area is about sun, salt, and changing between deck and shoreline. For this tour, bring exactly what you’d want for a full day on the water:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes plus beachwear
• Water shoes (especially if you want to walk near rocky spots)
• Anything you need for comfort on a long day: think light layers for the breeze

You don’t want to be hunting for these things at the last minute. Summer glare on deck is real, and you’ll be stopping long enough to get truly wet.

National Park tickets: The one extra cost to expect

Plan for this upfront. Kornati National Park tickets are purchased on the boat for 8€ per person. The tour notes that you can buy them there, so you don’t need to line up beforehand.

Children aged 0–3 are noted as free for entrance. For everyone else, budget the ticket cost into your decision. If you’re paying 70-ish dollars for the cruise, that extra 8€ still feels reasonable because the rest of the day—guide, boat time, meals, and wine—is already included.

Who this tour suits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a good fit if you want:

• A one-day Kornati experience without stress
• Real swimming time (three separate stops)
• Lunch included, with wine at lunch
• A guide so the National Park part means something, not just photos

It might be less ideal if you hate boats. This is a cruise day first, beach day second. You’ll be sailing a lot, even with the stops. It’s also a group format with a set schedule, so it’s not the best match if you want total freedom to linger somewhere for hours.

Also, if you’re expecting only soft sand beaches and calm walking, be aware that some stops can include rocky shoreline sections. Water shoes solve most of that problem.

Should you book the Kornati tour with Eufemija boat in Zadar?

I’d book this if you want the easiest path to Kornati in one day and you like your plans with both water time and guided meaning. The combination of fast sailing, three swim-friendly stops, and a lunch setup with unlimited wine hits a sweet spot for most budgets.

I’d think twice only if you’re very sensitive to paying extra for park entry, or if you’re looking for a private, slow-paced tour with no schedule. For a group day out, this feels organized, generous with time, and good value on a per-hour basis—especially once you factor in the food and wine.

If your goal is: Zadar to Kornati, beaches to swimming, and a day that doesn’t drag, this is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the Kornati National Park tour?

The tour runs for about 10 hours.

Where are the pickup locations in Zadar?

Pickup options are along the waterfront at Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV and Obala kneza Trpimira 40. Drop-off uses the same two areas.

Is the Kornati National Park ticket included in the price?

No. The ticket costs 8€ per person and is purchased on the boat.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are 3 stops designed for swimming, sightseeing, and panoramic viewing.

What food and drinks are included on board?

You get appetizers plus breakfast (sandwich-style) and lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian). During lunch, red and white wine are unlimited, and syrup soft drinks are available from self-service machines.

Are drinks other than wine and syrup soft drinks included?

No. Other drinks are not included.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes. There is a live tour guide, and Kornati National Park includes guided sightseeing time.

What languages is the guide available in?

The guide operates in English and Croatian.

What should I bring for the stops?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, beachwear, and water shoes.

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