Detailed Tour Information
Planned Route Description
Google Maps Route
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Boat Tour Video
Detailed Tour Information
Full-Day Zadar Kornati Boat Trip – National Park Kornati Islands
Embark on an unforgettable full-day Zadar Kornati boat trip, a speedboat adventure through the breathtaking Kornati Islands! Departing at 9 AM from either Zadar or charming Petrčane, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Experience a scenic cruise through stunning channels and ancient passages that will leave you in awe. Then, dive into the crystal-clear waters for an exhilarating snorkeling experience teeming with vibrant marine life. Discover the historic island of Mana, where you can take in panoramic views and explore captivating film-set ruins. For those seeking excitement, challenge yourself with thrilling cliff jumping. As the day winds down, enjoy a refreshing swim in a secluded bay, far from the bustling crowds. Plus, savor the option to indulge in delicious local cuisine at a family-run restaurant. This Zadar Kornati boat trip promises the perfect blend of excitement, natural beauty, and relaxation. Don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime!
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION
DEPARTURE TIME
RETURN TIME
Approximately by 06:30 PM.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING WITH YOU
To ensure your comfort on tour, bring only the absolute necessities, such as: Valid ID, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, light athletic sneakers, sunhat and some cash for individual expenses. It could be helpful to bring a windbreaker jacket with you. The boat has a big cooler with a volume capacity of 70L in case you want to bring sandwiches (advisable) or preferred drinks.
BOAT TOUR INCLUDED
- Experienced Skipper & English Speaking Tour Guide
- Anchoring & Berthing Fees
- Fuel Cost
- Tickets to National & Nature Parks
- Tourist Tax
- Safety Equipment
- Snorkeling Goggles
- Diving Fins
- Light Fruit Snacks
- Bottled Water
- Fruit Juices
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING:
Depending on the weather and the sea, the itinerary for this boat tour may be altered. In bad weather, the Skipper will make immediate choices, provide behavioural guidance, and adjust the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. Whatever the case, and wherever you may be, we will do everything we can to ensure your stay is memorable and exciting.
Planned Route Description
Starting at 09:00 am from Zadar or Petrčane
According to the prior agreement, the departure is at 9 AM from Zadar or Petrčane. The journey begins through the Zadar Channel, between the island of Ugljan and the mainland. Upon reaching the southern tip of Ugljan, we pass under the Zdrelac bridge that connects Ugljan with the island of Pašman. We then continue through another channel, between Ugljan and Dugi Otok, to the Proversa Mala passage, which separates Dugi Otok from the Kornati archipelago. This passage was initially constructed during Roman times, and remnants of a 90-meter-long Roman economic complex can still be seen today. The passage was further deepened in the late 1980s.We continue through Telašćica Bay and reach the so-called “Kulf”
We continue through Telašćica Bay and reach the so-called “Kulf” the open sea. Passing between the southernmost tip of Dugi Otok and the islet of Sestrica, a breathtaking view opens up to the open sea, extending to the coast of Italy, approximately 60 nautical miles away. Our voyage continues as we pass the first islets of the Kornati archipelago, named Sestrica and Obručan, before navigating alongside the islets of Mrtovac and Levrnaka.The first stop is the islet of Balun or Mana
The first stop is the islet of Balun or Mana, depending on the wind and where we can find shelter. Balun’s underwater world is incredibly rich in marine life. With a bit of luck, in a tiny area, you might see fish that many Dalmatians never get to witness in their entire lives.
From the surface, large schools of seabreams can often be seen, including impressive-sized specimens of sheepshead bream and large shoals of salema porgy. With further swimming and careful observation, you may spot a dusky grouper weighing between 1 and 3 kg, large brown meagres near the southern tip at a depth of 12 meters, and, at the very tip, a school of dentex fish. These Adriatic predators may briefly grant you a glimpse before disappearing into the depths. Among them, dentex larger than 3 kg and occasional amberjacks weighing between 1 and 3 kg are often seen.
Of course, encountering these top predators requires luck, as it depends on the exact hour and day your group arrives. However, if there is any place where you have a great chance of meeting these underwater residents of the Adriatic, this is it. The location is simply outstanding due to its seabed configuration and strong currents. The area is protected from fishing, which means the fish behave differently here than in other parts of the Adriatic—they are tamer and more abundant.
This is one of the rare places in the Adriatic, and the Kornati in general, where you can swim among fish species that are usually very shy and cautious. Here, you can still witness an abundance of fish and other marine life. The Kornati’s shallow waters meet the deep Adriatic, where the seabed suddenly drops to depths exceeding 100 meters.
The first stop is on one of the islets among the Kornati, well known to our skipper, who is also an expert snorkelling guide for exploring the underwater world.
Exploring Mana Island
After snorkelling, we continued to the islet of Mana, a place of historical significance where a fishing village was built to film the 1959 German movie As the Sea Rages. The film’s plot takes place on a Greek island. We will dock at a small stone pier and take a short walk to the top, where the film set location is situated. The hike to the top takes about 10 minutes, so bringing sneakers with you is essential. Once at the top, it will become clear why Mana was chosen as a filming location. The panoramic view of the Kornati archipelago and the southern part of Dugi Otok is breathtaking, leaving you in awe. After enjoying the cliff view, we descend and, if weather permits, sail to the outer side of the island. Since this is an open sea, waves may sometimes make anchoring and swimming impossible. However, most of the time, the conditions are calm enough to anchor. The more adventurous and agile among us can climb the first cliffs, where they can jump from heights ranging from 4 to 9 meters. Of course, sneakers are also required here since the rocks are very sharp. These jumps are done at your own risk, but rest assured, our crew will guide and assist you, ensuring your safety at all times.Final Stop: Relaxing & Swimming
After that, we head for a swim at one of the many islets, away from the more commercialized bays and crowded spots. If previously arranged, we can also stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant nearby. By arrangement, there is also the option to visit a restaurant on Kornat that serves local island cuisine.
