Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for your trip to the Kornati islands with details on sailing routes, park regulations, and essential packing lists.
Getting there
Getting to the islands
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat: Sail into the park with your own yacht or a rented vessel. You must purchase a valid park ticket for each day of your stay. | Varies (typically full day or multi-day trip) | Varies by vessel length and season | Always purchase your tickets in advance online or on the mainland to save up to 50% on entrance fees. |
| Tour: Book a full-day organized excursion boat departing from coastal towns like Murter, Zadar, or Šibenik. | 8-10 hours | €65 - €140 per person | Organized tours generally include the park entry ticket, a guide, lunch, and swimming stops. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round. The best sailing season is from May to September. Visit in May, June, or September for warm weather, clear waters, and fewer boats than the peak summer months of July and August.
What to bring
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Speeding is strictly prohibited near the coast.
Planning (speeding) is not allowed within 300 meters of any island's shoreline.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries
A typical 9-to-10 hour excursion covering the main highlights of the archipelago.
- Depart Zadar
Board your boat and enjoy breakfast as you cruise toward the islands.
- Swim at Lojena Beach
Stop at Levrnaka Island to swim in the clear turquoise waters.
- Lunch and Mana Island
Enjoy a provided meal and hike to the movie-set ruins on Mana.
- Return to Zadar
Arrive back at the mainland harbor.
A fast-paced 4.5-hour tour focusing on swimming and quick sightseeing.
- Speedboat departure
Leave Zadar and cross quickly to the national park boundaries.
- Hidden bay swim
Snorkel and swim in a quiet cove away from the larger tour boats.
- Telašćica Nature Park
Visit the neighboring park to see the salt lake.
- Back in Zadar
Return to the city in time for lunch.
Essential rules and packing
Pack a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, and snorkeling gear. Bring plenty of bottled water and reef-safe sunscreen. The islands have no natural shade, so a wide-brimmed hat is essential. If you plan to hike to Tureta Fort or Metlina Peak, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Respect the strict park rules. You may only hike on marked paths because almost all land is privately owned. Anchoring and overnight stays are restricted to 16 designated bays. Never enter the four strict protection zones, including Purara islet.
Easiest way to do it
Excursion to Kornati National Park from Zadar
9 h 40 min 4.6 (323)
- Fresh fruit
- Local guide
- National Park fees
- Snorkelling equipment
From$91per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you swim in Kornati National Park?
Yes. You can swim in most areas of the park. However, swimming is strictly forbidden in the four strict protection zones (Purara, Klint/Volić, Mrtenjak, Kolobučar, and Obručan islets).
Where are you allowed to anchor in Kornati?
Anchoring is only permitted in 16 specific designated bays and coves. Dropping anchor outside these approved locations is illegal.
Can you go scuba diving in Kornati National Park?
Autonomous scuba diving requires a special license obtained in advance. You must dive in an organized group with proper authorization.