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Travel tips

Kornati National Park Rules and Anchoring

Sailing through the Kornati archipelago requires knowing the strict regulations. Learn where you can anchor safely and which areas are off-limits.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

In short

  • Anchoring is only allowed in 16 designated bays.
  • Four specific protection zones ban entry completely.
  • Speeding (planning) is forbidden within 300 meters of the shore.
In this article
  1. Where can you anchor in Kornati National Park?
  2. What are the strict protection zones?
  3. What are the speed limits and sailing rules?
  4. Can you go scuba diving in Kornati?
  5. What are the rules for hiking on the islands?
  6. How do you dispose of waste?

Because Kornati National Park protects a delicate marine ecosystem, navigation and anchoring are tightly controlled. Visitors sailing their own yachts or charter boats must follow the rules to protect the environment and avoid fines. Most land is privately owned, meaning hiking is restricted to marked trails. Tickets & Prices

Where can you anchor in Kornati National Park?

You can only anchor or stay overnight in 16 designated bays and coves within the park boundaries.

Dropping anchor anywhere outside these 16 specific bays is strictly prohibited. If you prefer modern amenities, you can stay at ACI Marina Piškera. This marina offers moorings, a restaurant, and supplies. If you pay the daily berth fee at the marina, your park entrance ticket for the day of arrival and the next day until 7 PM is included.

What are the strict protection zones?

There are four areas in the park where visitors are not allowed to enter, anchor, or sail close by.

These strict protection zones are essential for preserving the marine biodiversity of the park. You cannot enter these areas under any circumstances. However, you can view them from a distance while sailing past.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator
A woman stands looking out at the islands of Kornati National Park.
Private Speedboat tour to National Park Kornati Islands8 h 4.9 (57)from $210

What are the speed limits and sailing rules?

Speeding or planning is strictly prohibited within 300 meters of the coastline of any island.

When navigating close to the islands, you must reduce your speed to protect the shoreline and marine life. You must also purchase a valid park ticket for each day your vessel is inside the park. Buy tickets online or on the mainland to save up to 50% on the entrance fee.

Can you go scuba diving in Kornati?

Autonomous scuba diving is only allowed in organized groups with a special license obtained in advance.

You cannot simply dive anywhere in the park on your own. Snorkeling with a mask and fins on the surface is allowed throughout the park, except in the strict protection zones. Reaching the park

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator
A boy stands on a boat bow ready to jump into the sea.
Excursion to Kornati National Park from Zadar9 h 40 min 4.6 (323)from $91

What are the rules for hiking on the islands?

Hiking is restricted to marked trails and paths because almost all land in the park is privately owned.

Less than 25% of the park is land, and local families own nearly all of it. Visitors must stay on the marked paths to avoid trespassing. Picking plants, hunting, or disturbing wildlife is strictly forbidden anywhere in the park.

How do you dispose of waste?

All waste must be disposed of at designated locations only.

Do not throw garbage into the sea or leave it on the islands. Keep your trash on board until you reach a marina or a designated waste collection point.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator
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Kornati Family Run Boat Trip with Private Island Lunch from Zadar10 h 4.8 (41)from $85

Questions travellers ask

Do you need a ticket for Kornati National Park?

Yes, tickets are charged per vessel per day. Buy them online in advance or on the mainland to get a lower price.

Can you swim in Kornati National Park?

Yes, swimming is permitted in the clear turquoise waters, except within the four strict protection zones.

Can you stay overnight in Kornati National Park?

Yes, but you can only stay overnight on your boat if you are anchored in one of the 16 designated bays or moored at ACI Marina Piškera.

private speedboat tourfrom $210 on Viator
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