Mikado Kornati Excursion

Kornati rewards slow travel. This full-day boat trip from Zadar takes you through Kornati National Park for panoramic island views, three well-spaced stops, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch by the sea. I especially like the small group of 20 people and the fact that park admission, food, drinks, guide service, and snorkeling equipment are included.

I also like the useful rhythm of the day: a light breakfast soon after departure, a swim at Lojena Beach, sightseeing around Tarac Bay, and a longer lunch stop on Kornat Island. The main drawback is the meal. The grilled fish or meat sounds fitting for the setting, but one meal report described overcooked fish, packaged salad, a few olives and feta, and no dessert or coffee.

The Details That Shape the Day

• Departure from Foša Port at 8 a.m.: You leave central Zadar early and return around 5:40 p.m., so this is a substantial full-day outing.
• Only 20 people: The boat is smaller than a large excursion vessel, which should make the day feel more personal and keep boarding and swimming stops manageable.
• Three different stops: You get a beach swim at Lojena, historic sights and a swim at Tarac Bay, then lunch and another swim at Suha Punta.
• Kornati National Park admission included: The $91 price covers the park ticket along with food, drinks, a guide, and onboard Wi-Fi.
• Swimming gear supplied: Snorkeling masks and swimming aids are available, though you still need to bring swimwear and a towel.
• English and Croatian guiding: The tour is conducted in English and Croatian, with a live guide throughout the day.

Why Kornati Works Best From the Water

Kornati National Park is made for a boat trip. Its appeal is not one famous monument or a single grand beach. It is the repeated change in view: pale rocky islands, narrow channels, low stone walls, open sea, and small bays that make more sense from the deck than from a road.

That is why the panoramic sightseeing matters. You are not simply being transported from one stop to another. The route itself is part of the outing, and the boat gives you a broad view of the archipelago as it passes.

The tour also gives you enough time at each stop to do more than take a quick photograph. The first two breaks last 60 minutes, while lunch at Suha Punta lasts 95 minutes. That longer final stop should feel less rushed, particularly if you want to eat and swim without keeping one eye on the clock.

Leaving Zadar From Foša Port

The meeting point is Foša Port, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Departure is scheduled for 8 a.m., so plan to arrive with enough time to find the boat and settle in before leaving.

The morning begins onboard with an aperitif, coffee, sandwiches, and fruit. This is a practical touch. You do not need to arrange a separate breakfast before an early start, and the food gives you something light before the first swim.

Drinks are available through the trip, including Coca-Cola, Fanta, various juices, wine, and water. Beer is not included, so do not count on that option. The drinks policy is generous for a day on the water, especially since the tour price already includes several meals and refreshments.

As the boat clears Zadar, the sightseeing starts naturally. You can use this part of the morning to settle into the boat, take in the islands, and ask the guide about the park. Wi-Fi is also available onboard, though the best use of the crossing is probably looking outward rather than staring at a phone.

Lojena Beach: The First Swim at Levrnaka

The first main stop is Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island, with about 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is the most beach-focused part of the day, and the sandy shore gives you a different setting from the rocky coastline seen from the boat.

A one-hour stop is long enough for a proper swim, a little time on the beach, and a look underwater with the supplied snorkeling mask. The tour also provides swimming aids, which can be useful if you want to stay in the water without spending the entire time actively swimming.

Pack your towel in an easy-to-reach place. You will not want to rummage through a day bag after stepping off the boat, and wet swimwear will stay with you for the rest of the trip. Hiking shoes are also listed among the recommended items, so bring them for walking on uneven ground around the islands.

The main limitation is that 60 minutes passes quickly once you account for getting ashore, swimming, drying off, and returning to the boat. If Lojena is your favorite stop, you may wish it lasted longer. Still, the stop gives the day an early burst of sea time instead of making the morning one long sightseeing cruise.

Tarac Bay, Tureta Fort, and a Church

The second stop is Tarac Bay, another 60-minute break that combines scenery, history, and swimming. The tour highlights the view over the Kornati archipelago from Tarac Bay, so this is the place to pay attention to the wider setting rather than focusing only on the shore.

You will visit a church and see Tureta Fort, adding a cultural layer to what could otherwise be a day devoted only to beaches. The fort gives the stop a clear point of interest, while the church offers another reminder that these islands have a past beyond their present role as a national park and boating destination.

You also have time for another swim. This mix is useful because not everyone wants to spend every stop in the water. You can walk, take photographs, look at the historic remains, or swim while others do the same.

The tour does not promise a long guided visit inside a museum or a detailed archaeological program. Think of Tarac Bay as an outdoor stop with a few important sights, not a formal history tour. That makes it easygoing, but people seeking extensive historical explanation may find the visit brief.

Lunch and Swimming at Suha Punta on Kornat

The final stop takes place at Suha Punta on Kornat Island. You get 95 minutes here for lunch and swimming, making it the longest break of the day.

Lunch consists of grilled fish or meat with a mixed seasonal vegetable salad. The choice between fish and meat is helpful, especially for people with different tastes in the same group. Food is served near the sea, which fits the setting and keeps the day simple: eat, enjoy the view, then return to the water.

The meal deserves realistic expectations. It is included and convenient, but it may not be the strongest part of the outing. One detailed assessment found the fish too cooked, the salad industrial and pre-packed, and the portions of feta and olives modest. There was also no dessert or coffee. If you care deeply about food quality, bring a small extra snack, though the included breakfast, fruit, lunch, and drinks should cover the basic needs of most people.

The 95-minute stop helps compensate for a simple meal. You are not being rushed straight back onto the boat after eating. There is time to swim at Suha Punta, sit near the sea, and enjoy the last major stop before the return journey.

The Boat, Group Size, and Onboard Comfort

A group of 20 people is one of the strongest practical features here. It is small enough to avoid the feel of a mass outing, while still large enough to keep the price reasonable for a full-day national park cruise.

The listing describes the boat as a human-sized vessel, which is useful information for setting expectations. This is not a private charter, and you will share the space with other people, but the group should feel more manageable than an excursion carrying a very large crowd.

Drinks remain available throughout the trip, and Wi-Fi is included. The guide speaks English and Croatian. Snorkeling masks and swimming aids are supplied, so you do not need to rent basic equipment separately.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Hiking shoes are recommended because the stops are not limited to smooth resort paths. You should also pack sun protection and any personal items you need for a full day outside, although those particular items are not listed as included.

Is $91 a Fair Price?

At $91 per person, this is not simply a boat ride. The price includes a 9.5-hour outing, entrance to Kornati National Park, breakfast, lunch, an aperitif, drinks, a guide, snorkeling equipment, swimming aids, and Wi-Fi.

That package gives the tour solid value if you want to see several parts of the park in one day. Organizing the same trip independently would require arranging transport, park access, food, and equipment separately. You would also need to find a boat route that reaches Lojena Beach, Tarac Bay, and Suha Punta in one schedule.

The value is strongest for people who want convenience and variety. You get beach time, historic sights, open-water views, and a prepared meal without having to make several decisions during the day.

The value is less obvious if your priority is luxury dining, a private boat, or long hours at one beach. The lunch sounds functional rather than special, and three stops mean the day is divided into set blocks. You are paying for access to a broad slice of Kornati, not for a slow private cruise.

Who Will Enjoy This Kornati Excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full day away from Zadar and prefer an organized route with the main practical details handled. It suits people who enjoy scenic boat travel but also want regular chances to swim and walk ashore.

It is a good match for:

• Couples and friends who want several different island stops
• Families who appreciate included food, drinks, and swimming aids
• People who want Kornati National Park admission included in the price
• Anyone who prefers a small group rather than a very large boat
• Visitors who enjoy a little history along with beach time
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want equipment supplied

You may want to reconsider if you dislike early starts, long days on the water, or set departure times. The boat leaves at 8 a.m. and does not return until about 5:40 p.m. You should also choose another option if a high-quality seafood lunch is central to your plans.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive prepared for both swimming and walking. Bring swimwear, a towel, and hiking shoes, as the tour specifically recommends all three.

Keep your towel, footwear, and dry clothes where you can reach them quickly. You will move between boat, beach, historic sights, and lunch stop, so a simple day bag is easier than a large suitcase-style bag.

Use the first breakfast as a light start, then save room for the included lunch. Since fruit and drinks are available, you should have basic refreshments across the day, but an extra snack can be sensible if you tend to get hungry between stops.

Do not expect beer to be available as part of the included drinks. Coca-Cola, Fanta, juices, wine, and water are listed, but beer is specifically excluded.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if the weather or your Zadar plans are still unsettled, but check the current availability and starting time before booking.

Should You Book Mikado Kornati Excursions?

Book it if you want an efficient, well-stocked day in Kornati National Park, with three meaningful stops rather than one short photo break. The strongest reasons are the small 20-person group, included park admission, supplied snorkeling gear, and the balance between scenery, swimming, and historic sights.

Go in expecting a simple included lunch, not a memorable restaurant meal. If that trade-off works for you, $91 is a reasonable price for nearly ten hours of transport, guiding, food, drinks, and access to several islands. The 4.9 rating from 15 reviews also points to very strong overall satisfaction, with the clearest praise focused on the beauty of Kornati and the well-planned stops.

FAQ

Where does the Kornati excursion depart from?

The tour departs from Foša Port at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar.

What time does the boat leave?

Departure is scheduled for 8 a.m. Check availability when booking to confirm the current starting time.

When does the tour return to Zadar?

The boat is scheduled to return at about 5:40 p.m.

How long is the excursion?

The full experience lasts approximately 9.5 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is described as a small group experience for up to 20 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on Kornat Island includes grilled fish or meat with a mixed seasonal vegetable salad.

What breakfast is provided?

Breakfast includes coffee, sandwiches, and fruit. An aperitif is also included.

Which drinks are available?

Included drinks include Coca-Cola, Fanta, various juices, wine, and water. Beer is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and swimming aids are included, and you can swim and snorkel with fish during the stops.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and hiking shoes.