Kornati National Park & Telašćica Full-Day Cruise from Zadar — Swim, Hike & Salt Lake
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness; requires ability to board a boat and walk short rocky trails for up to 90 minutes at stops.
Overview
Spend a full day slipping through the limestone islands of Kornati National Park, swimming around Levrnaka, and hiking to Telašćica's Salt Lake. This Zadar-based cruise pairs clear-water swims with cliff-top views and a practical onboard lunch.
Kornati National Park & Telašćica Full-Day Cruise from Zadar — Swim, Hike & Salt Lake
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On a clear morning the quay at Liburnska Obala hums with movement: fishermen ready their skiffs, cafes send out the smell of espresso, and a low-slung tourist boat bobs against the pier like a nervous animal. By 08:00 the engine thumps, ropes go taut and Zadar slides astern. The Adriatic opens up into a scatter of limestone islands — the Kornati — their pale rock catching the sun and throwing back a light that makes the sea look impossibly turquoise.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early at the pier
Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure at Liburnska Obala to board and secure a good spot on deck for views and shade.
Trim down for swims
Bring a quick-dry towel and reef shoes — beaches are pebble and seabeds can be rocky near shore.
Protect against the sun
Long stretches on deck and reflective water intensify UV; use SPF 30+ sunscreen and a wide-brim hat.
Watch weather forecasts
The bura wind can make crossings choppy; if winds are strong operators may cancel for safety—plan a buffer day in Zadar.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Cormorants and gull colonies
- Occasional bottlenose dolphins in open channels
History
The Kornati archipelago has been shaped by centuries of fishing, shepherding and Venetian navigation; the islands' sparse soils and stone walls show traditional land use.
Conservation
Kornati and Telašćica are protected areas with strict rules on anchoring and fishing to preserve marine habitats; visitors should avoid littering and follow guides' instructions.
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Adventure Hotspots in Zadar
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimwear & quick-dry towel
Essential for the crystal-clear swims at Levrnaka and the Salt Lake.
summer specific
Reef or water shoes
Protects feet on pebbled beaches and rocky hiking sections.
summer specific
Sun protection (SPF, hat, sunglasses)
Open-deck exposure and reflective sea demand reliable sun protection.
summer specific
Light daypack with water bottle
Carry layers, camera, and any seasickness remedies comfortably.