Head to Croatia, the sunniest coastline in Europe, to enjoy optimal sailing conditions, crystal clear sea, and numerous nature resorts. Kornati islands are, without a doubt, one of the most memorable sites in the Adriatic, characterized by steep cliffs, rocky ground, and sinkholes typical for karstic terrain. Rent a boat to cruise around Kornati Islands – the largest and densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. The Kornati archipelago is a marine paradise with 89 islands, rocks, and reefs along a 238-kilometer stretch of coast. However, the precise number of islands varies depending on different sources. It’s probably best to trust the locals who say their count matches the number of days in a year. Here are the best options to visit this extraordinary national park in Croatia.
Kornati National Park tour
Despite the fact that there is no vegetation, or perhaps because of it, the Kornati National Park sailing provides the most reliable way to get an other-worldly cruising experience. There are several ways to organize your Kornati National Park tour.
How to get to Kornati National Park?
- Charter a boat with a skipper. Our boats are wonderful, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind private boat journey.
- Rent a bareboat. You’ll reach the Kornati National Park in 45 minutes instead of the two to three hours it takes on the bigger tour boats.
- Book a private one-day tour. Every Kornati Islands Private Tour is custom-made to meet the requirements of your family or group of friends.
- Take a ferry ride. Spend a few days on Long Island and visit the Kornati islands from there.
Kornati islands from Zadar
The Kornati Archipelago is located 7 nautical miles from Murter island, where the national park’s headquarters are located, and 15 nautical miles from Zadar and Šibenik. Amongst the several departure ports to choose from, you can rent a boat in Zadar and plan a custom itinerary sailing at your own pace and schedule. We offer a one-of-a-kind, personal boat adventure. Your trip aboard our vessel is certain to be memorable and enjoyable!
Kornati National Park sailing with a skipper
When you rent a bareboat or charter a boat with a skipper, you may go at your own pace and make swim stops as desired. If you don’t know how to navigate the boat by yourself, don’t worry, we’ll provide a professional skipper to secure anchors and show you the remote coves. We can also provide you with all of the necessary paperwork, including entrance tickets for the Kornati national park. A ticket is charged for each boat, regardless of the number of persons on board. There are no individual entrance tickets required. Tickets purchased online are less expensive than those purchased from park receptionists.
Kornati National Park tour by private boat
You may also make a Kornati Islands tour from Zadar if you rent a bareboat. However, you must first acquire entrance tickets and permits for mooring and overnight stay in the park at one of the sixteen anchorages. The islands are mostly uninhabited and some areas are highly protected. If you’re looking for more than just a relaxing week on a boat around the Kornati islands, we can arrange plenty of additional equipment. Kornati national park’s varied terrain allows for lots of sport activity possibilities, including kayaking, trekking, and mountain biking. However, it is totally forbidden to undertake individual scuba diving (which is not part of the organized and authorized groups!).
Kornati islands day trip from Zadar
If you intend to rent a boat and navigate through the national park yourself, you will need to acquire a permit, which goes toward the protection, maintenance, and promotion of the park. Alternatively, a Kornati islands day trip from Zadar can be arranged with us! We’ll take you on a cruise of the Kornati Islands National Park on a luxury boat to have a genuinely memorable experience in Croatia.
From late spring to early fall, there are possible departures every day that last up to 10 hours. The package with fixed prices includes boat rental, fuel, skipper services, and national park tickets. There are no additional costs.
We customize most of our Kornati daily itineraries to match the requirements of your family or group of friends, so we provide a private tour for you. We’ll get up close and personal with the Kornati Islands and lead you to isolated swimming spots in the bluest water imaginable. Our trip takes place within the Kornati National Park whilst many trips don’t actually go into the National Park.
Kornati islands sailing zones of strict protection
When you rent a boat to Kornati Islands, make sure to remember a few things.
Sailing is permitted throughout the Kornati National Park, except in the four zones of strict protection, which include areas surrounding Purara islet, Klint and Volić reefs, Mrtenjak islet, Kolobučar islet, and Small Obručan and Great Obručan islands. At these areas of high security, no visitors are allowed.
Please note that because the archipelago is a protected zone, you are only permitted to stay in certain locations for the night. The following bays and inlets are open for mooring and overnight stays with permission: Stiniva, Statival, Lupeška, Tomasovac Bay in Suha Punta, Šipnate, Strižnja, Lučica, Kravljačica, Vruje, Gujak, Opat, Lavsa, Piškera is the island of Panitula Vela, Smokica, Ravni Zakan, Anica bay on Levnaka island, Podbižanj and Koromašna.
Also, keep in mind that camping is not permitted outside of the designated campsites of Ravno, Žakan, and Levrnaka. Find more information here.
Best Kornati islands iour: A suggested itinerary
Set sail to Kornati islands from Zadar but don’t miss out on another precious gem of the Adriatic Sea – Telašćica Nature Park.
- Take a dip in the gorgeous blue waters of Anica Bay, which is located on the island’s southwest coast and is known as the “pearl of the Kornati archipelago.”
- In a turquoise sea surrounded by wild fish, go swimming or snorkeling.
- The calm waters off Lojena beach, the only actual natural sandy beach on the Kornati islands, will soothe your soul.
- Enjoy one of the numerous restaurants or taverns while savoring local seafood delicacies.
- Discover the island of Mana, which has the longest vertical cliffs among the Kornati islands.
- Hiking in the Kornati National Park moderately easy activity. Climb up Metlina — the highest point of Kornati
- Stop by the fort Tureta (6th century), which is the most prominent historical structure in the Kornati and offers a spectacular view of all islands – ideal location for capturing the best photos of your vacation.
- While heading to Long Island, don’t forget to stop by the well-known stone wall Memorial Crosses.
- Enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets — if you are lucky you might even see the dolphins.
Do you have questions about visiting Kornati Islands? Allow us to take you there! We are experts in boat rentals in the Mediterranean. Let us handle your most enjoyable vacations yet! Our goal is to provide flexible, well-planned, and customized boat trips in Croatia. For additional information, get in touch!