SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku)

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Exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian coast often involves boat trips, but not all excursions are created equal. The SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour offers a well-rounded day of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views—perfect for those who want a taste of Croatia’s best without spending a fortune. This tour promises a relaxed, authentic experience, with knowledgeable guides speaking both English and Polish, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

What we really like about this trip are the intimate visits to unspoiled islands—particularly the Kornati archipelago, with its stunning bays, and the Telascica bay, known for its salt lake and incredible natural beauty. The inclusion of local food and drinks makes it feel like a proper Croatian day out. A possible snag? The long sailing times to reach the first stops might be a challenge for those prone to seasickness or who prefer a faster, more action-packed schedule. This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, natural beauty, and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

  • Authentic Experience: Small group size and less commercialized route offer a more genuine Croatian adventure.
  • Beautiful Stops: Kornati and Telascica are among the most striking spots along the Adriatic.
  • Value for Money: At around $47, including meals and snorkeling gear, it’s a solid value.
  • Good Food & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and drinks enhance the day’s enjoyment.
  • Time for Relaxation & Exploration: Plenty of free time for swimming, walking, and taking photos.
  • Guides in Multiple Languages: Helpful for international travelers, including Polish speakers.
You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from Donja Riva, Zadar’s old town port, at 8 am, so arriving by 7:45 am is essential. This meeting point is the only dock that provides access to the tour boat, which is a smaller vessel with a capacity of 65 people—making it less crowded than many larger tour boats. The departure time means you’ll start your day early, but this allows for a full 9.5 hours of adventure, packed with scenic cruising, exploring, and relaxing.

The Itinerary: What Happens During the Day

The tour’s itinerary is thoughtfully structured to maximize your time at each highlight while allowing for plenty of downtime.

Cruise to Kornati National Park: The journey begins with a pleasant cruise that lasts about 2 hours and 40 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the sea breeze. While some reviews mention the sailing time as lengthy, it’s also part of the experience—so bring a hat, sunscreen, and patience.

Kornati Island & Bay: Once you arrive at Kornati, you’ll get around 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore this uninhabited paradise. You can swim in the clear waters, snorkel with the masks provided (if available), walk around the island, or just relax on deck. The highlight here is the seclusion—your boat is often the only one in the bay during your visit, amplifying the feeling of discovering a secret corner of the Adriatic. According to one guest, “jumping into the water from the ship and seeing fish and starfish was captivating,” and the staff’s attentive service, offering chilled drinks and snacks, added to the enjoyment.

Lunch & Free Time: Before lunch, there’s a chance to stretch your legs, explore, or continue snorkeling. The lunch is simple but tasty, featuring grilled fish and chicken with seasonal salads. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that hits the spot after a morning of swimming.

Telascica Bay & Salt Lake: After lunch, the boat heads to Dugi Otok and the famous Telascica Nature Park. Here, you get around 2 hours and 15 minutes to either swim in the bay or explore the Salt Lake (Slano Jezero). This small, natural wonder is a salty lake with a unique landscape, offering a different experience from the open sea. Many reviews praise Telascica as “the most beautiful bay” and a highlight of the trip, so expect stunning scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.

Return Cruise: The tour then makes its way back to Zadar, with additional sightseeing and cruising time (~2.4 hours), giving you a chance to unwind and enjoy the views one last time.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Unlike some larger, more commercialized boat trips, this one emphasizes authenticity and comfort. The boat is well-equipped, with insurance and necessary safety gear, and the presence of guides in multiple languages ensures clear communication and a richer experience. The inclusion of snorkeling masks, available upon request, is a bonus for underwater explorers.

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Food & Drinks: A Highlight

The tour truly shines when it comes to catering. Starting with sandwiches and aperitifs in the morning, then wine, water, soft drinks, and grappa available throughout the day, you’ll never feel thirsty. The lunch of grilled fish and chicken, coupled with seasonal salads, provides a satisfying break amid the day’s activities. One guest’s comment about the “good value for money” underscores how well the food complements the overall experience.

Cost & Value

At around $47 per person, including meals and snorkeling masks (if available), this tour offers good value. The entrance fee for Kornati and Telascica parks (~30 euros for adults, 20 euros for children) is payable on board, so budget for that extra cost. Many reviewers find the price justified by the scenic stops, the quality of food, and the intimate nature of the trip. One traveler noted that the tour’s less commercial feel and the chance to visit Kornati alone make it stand out against other excursions.

The Downside: Long Sailing Times & Sea Sickness

A common critique is the length of the cruise to reach the main stops, which can be tiring if you prefer shorter trips or are prone to seasickness. The journey’s slow pace means a good book, sun protection, or music can help pass the time. Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues or those sensitive to motion, as it involves several hours at sea.

Authenticity & Overall Experience

From reviews, it’s clear that many travelers appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. Several mention the friendly staff, who make extra efforts to ensure comfort and enjoyment. The small group size and less commercialized route deliver a more genuine Croatian experience, avoiding the crowds larger boats often attract.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love scenic cruising, swimming, and exploring unspoiled islands. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a longer boat ride to reach the most beautiful spots, and who value good food and drinks as part of their day. Families with children aged 4 and above will find it manageable, though those with mobility issues or seasickness concerns should consider other options.

The Sum Up

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - The Sum Up
The Kornati & Telascica Boat Tour from Zadar offers a well-balanced day of natural beauty, good food, and relaxed sailing. Its focus on authentic scenery and small-group intimacy make it stand out among the many day trip options along Croatia’s coast. Travelers who appreciate a slower pace, quality local cuisine, and the chance to explore some of the Adriatic’s most stunning bays will find this tour rewarding.

While the lengthy cruise times might challenge some, the payoff is the feeling of discovering pristine islands and bays largely untouched by large crowds. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and leisure, with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and take photos.

In short, it’s a good value for the experience offered—especially if you want a memorable day that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic Croatian charm.

FAQ

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children? Children aged 4 and above are welcome, and children up to 4 years old go free. The trip’s relaxed pace and swimming stops make it suitable for families, but keep in mind the long boating time.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Remember, high heels, large luggage, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed on the boat.

How much does the entrance fee cost? The parks’ entrance fees are paid on board: approximately 30 euros for adults and 20 euros for children aged 4-12, payable in cash.

What language is the guide in? Guides speak both English and Polish, making it accessible for a diverse group.

Is snorkeling gear provided? Yes, snorkeling masks are available upon request, so bring your swimwear and enjoy underwater exploration.

How long is the cruise? The total trip lasts about 9.5 hours, with cruise times typically around 2-2.5 hours each way, plus stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility.

What is the food like? Breakfast includes sandwiches and aperitifs, followed by a lunch of grilled fish, chicken, and seasonal salad. Drinks are available throughout the day.

Are there any restrictions? The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or seasickness. Also, certain activities like fishing, feeding animals, or riding animals are not allowed.

Is this tour eco-friendly? While specific environmental policies aren’t detailed, the smaller group size and focus on natural sites suggest a more responsible approach than larger, commercial excursions.

This boat trip from Zadar offers a genuine slice of Croatia’s stunning coast, combining scenic beauty with comfort and good value. Whether you’re after peaceful bays, snorkeling adventures, or simply soaking up the sun, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: