SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour

Introduction

Our review of the “Surprise Tour Kornati & Telascica Boat Tour” offers a glimpse into what promises to be a full day of scenic beauty, good food, and relaxed exploration. Designed for travelers who love being on the water and discovering unspoiled nature, this tour is a popular choice in Dalmatia.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances stunning scenery with informative guides and delicious meals — all at a modest price. Plus, the chance to enjoy quiet, pristine bays away from the crowds makes it particularly appealing.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the tour involves a full day on a boat, which might not be ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues. It’s best suited for active travelers ready to spend time on the water and exploring islands at a leisurely pace.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip that combines natural beauty, local cuisine, and a bit of adventure, this tour could be just right. It’s particularly suited for those who value authentic experiences and don’t mind a full day of sightseeing from a boat.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful Natural Settings: Kornati National Park and Telascica Bay are among Croatia’s most scenic spots.
• Inclusive Meals & Drinks: A hearty breakfast, delicious grilled lunch, and drinks—wine, water, soft drinks, grappa—are included.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides (English & Polish) make the experience informative and engaging.
• Quiet, Exclusive Stops: The boat’s unique route stops at secluded bays, away from the crowds.
• Comfort & Safety: The vessel is insured, equipped with necessary safety gear, and offers snorkel masks.
• Value for Money: At around $62 per person for nearly 10 hours, it offers a comprehensive mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point & Departure

The journey begins early at the Donja Riva dock in Zadar, the only suitable pier for boats. Arriving by 7:45 am is recommended so you’re ready to set sail at 8 am sharp. The boat’s capacity of 65 passengers makes it a relatively intimate experience—less crowded than some of the other larger tour boats that ply these waters.

First Stop: Kornati National Park

After leaving Zadar, you’ll cruise for just over 2 hours to the Kornati archipelago, a cluster of 89 islands known for their rugged beauty and untouched nature. The boat arrives at a particularly stunning bay on the island of Kornat—at this time, your boat is the only one there, giving you the feeling of having this wild spot all to yourself.

Here, you’ll have about 2 hours to swim, snorkel, walk along the rocky shores, or simply soak up the tranquility. Reviewers highlight how secluded and pristine this part of the trip is, with one noting the quietness of the bay—”a secluded bay with no other boat around, which was nice.” Snorkeling masks are available, and the clear waters are perfect for seeing marine life or just cooling off.

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Lunch & Exploration

Back on board, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring grilled fish and chicken, complemented by a seasonal salad. The water, soft drinks, and even wine or grappa are available throughout the day, making the meal feel like a relaxed Croatian feast. The reviews praise the generous portions and the quality of the food, which is quite a treat after a morning of swimming and exploring.

Following lunch, there’s some free time to wander around Kornat, take photos, or relax. The guides are known to be helpful and friendly, providing insights into the islands’ geology and history—adding a layer of context to your scenic surroundings.

Second Stop: Telascica Bay

Next, the boat heads to Dugi Otok’s Telascica Bay, often called Croatia’s most beautiful bay. Here, you’ll have about 2 hours to explore Salt Lake (Slano Jezero), an unusual saltwater lagoon with floating patches of salt—an intriguing natural wonder.

Travelers remark on the peacefulness of Telascica, with one reviewer noting they arrived when most other boats had left, enhancing the feeling of being in a private paradise. Swimming in Mir Bay, walking along the rugged coast, or simply relaxing by the water are popular options.

Return to Zadar

After a full day of exploration, the boat departs from Telascica and heads back to Zadar, arriving around early evening. The return journey offers lovely sunset views, and the entire trip totals about 9.5 hours, making for a full but rewarding day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a generous package, with breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling masks, and a guided experience all included in the ticket price of $62. You’ll also get some local aperitifs and wines, adding to the laid-back Croatian vibe.

However, you’ll need to pay the entrance fees for Kornati and Telascica—about 20 euros for adults and 10 euros for children—directly on board. It’s worth budgeting for this, as paying in cash is the only option.

Practical Tips

• Meet early at Donja Riva dock, with boarding by 7:45 am.
• Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.
• Avoid high heels, large luggage, or anything that might hinder your comfort or safety on deck.
• The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, wheelchairs, or seasickness concerns—check ahead if you’re unsure.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

From the enthusiastic reviews, it’s clear that this trip hits many right notes. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides, who help make the trip informative without being overbearing. The stunning views and peaceful bays seem to stand out as highlights—many mention how the early morning visit to Kornati’s secluded bay felt truly special.

The food and drinks are another big plus. Multiple reviewers mention the generous servings of lunch and plentiful drinks, including wine and even grappa, which adds a sense of celebration to the day.

Most find the pace just right—long enough to enjoy swimming and exploring without feeling rushed. One reviewer recommends bringing sport shoes for walking around the islands due to rocky terrain, which is good advice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat trip is ideal for active travelers who want to see some of Croatia’s most iconic natural sites without the fuss of organizing separate trips. It’s perfect for those who enjoy being on the water, swimming in crystal-clear bays, and savoring local cuisine in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Given the full-day format, it suits families, couples, or groups looking for an immersive experience in nature. However, those with mobility issues or prone to seasickness might want to consider other options, as the trip involves a significant amount of time on a boat.

The Sum Up

For around $62, this tour offers a comprehensive, authentic taste of Croatia’s stunning islands, combining seclusion, scenic beauty, and good food. The chance to visit Kornati’s untouched bays and the spectacular Telascica bay makes it a memorable experience.

The knowledgeable guides, inclusive meals, and quiet stops make this a value-packed journey that’s well worth your time. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a relaxed yet adventure-filled day on the water, away from typical crowded tours.

If you’re staying in Zadar and crave a full day of scenic exploration, this boat trip could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just remember to pack your sunhat, flip flops, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

How early should I arrive for the tour?
You should be on board by 7:45 am to ensure everything is ready to depart at 8 am.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9.5 hours, including travel, swimming, exploring, and meals.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water, soft drinks, wine, and grappa are available throughout the day.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees?
Yes, entrance fees for Kornati and Telascica, around 20 euros for adults and 10 for children, are paid on board in cash.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Snorkeling masks are available, just ask the crew, and you can enjoy the clear waters with ease.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-12 are welcome, though the full-day boat trip might be more enjoyable for slightly older kids comfortable on the water.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the Kornati & Telascica boat tour. It’s a chance to experience some of Croatia’s most beautiful natural landscapes in a relaxed, friendly setting—definitely a memorable part of any Dalmatian itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: