Reviewed · KORNATI & DUGI OTOK BOAT TRIPS

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku)

4.4 · 21 reviews 9h 30m From $47 Operated by The Best Zadar Experience j.d.o.o · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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That first jump into the water sets the tone for the whole day. I like this Kornati and Telascica boat tour because it keeps the itinerary focused on real swim time in clear bays, and it feeds you well with breakfast and a proper grilled lunch aboard. The big plus for me is how the schedule gives you time on Kornat before the day’s crowds, plus Telascica’s Mir Bay and the Salt Lake area. One thing to consider: you pay a separate entrance fee on board, so check the total cost before you go.

You’ll start early in Zadar at Donja Riva, then head out toward the Kornati National Park archipelago. The boat carries about 65 people, which helps the day feel less like a factory outing and more like a long, relaxed sea day with a live guide. If you’re prone to seasickness or have limited mobility, this is not a great match, since the day involves boats, walking, and open-deck time.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Book

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Book

  • Up-close Kornati bay time, including swimming and snorkeling where the water is clear enough to spot fish.
  • Two swim-focused island blocks, about 2 hours on Kornat and about 2 hours on Telascica.
  • Meals and drinks included, from breakfast sandwiches to grilled fish and chicken lunch, plus wine, water, soft drinks, and grappa.
  • Snorkeling gear on request, with masks mentioned as available if you ask.
  • More personal pacing than typical Zadar trips, with a small-boat feel and a route that reaches Telascica later than many competitors.

Morning From Donja Riva: The Part That Makes the Day Work

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Morning From Donja Riva: The Part That Makes the Day Work
This tour runs as a full day at sea, starting with a clean, early departure from Donja Riva, the dock that serves ships looking out over the islands from Zadar’s old town. The ship leaves at 8:00am, and you really want to be on board by 7:45am.

Why that matters: boat tours on the Adriatic do not wait around. If you arrive late, you risk missing boarding time, and this itinerary is built around strict time blocks for swimming and island visits. If you’re anything like me, you’ll do better by arriving early, taking a quick look at the dock area, and getting settled before your day begins.

Cruise Time and the Group Size Effect (About 65 People)

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Cruise Time and the Group Size Effect (About 65 People)
You’re not just “going on a boat.” You’re spending most of the day with the same group, and with a capacity around 65 passengers, the day feels more manageable than the large mega-trips. You’ll also have a guide with you on board, with languages listed as English, Polish, and Croatian.

Two practical notes here:

  • Boats move at sea pace, so bring patience. Some people want faster sailing time, and that’s not something you can control.
  • You’ll likely be standing, walking, and changing locations on the boat, so wear shoes that won’t make you regret it later.

Breakfast Aboard: Simple, Filling Start for Sun and Salt Water

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Breakfast Aboard: Simple, Filling Start for Sun and Salt Water
Once everyone is set, the day begins with breakfast on board: sandwiches plus an aperitif. Drinks are available throughout the trip, including wine, water, soft drinks, and grappa.

If you’re sensitive to breakfast timing, this is helpful. You’re fed early enough that you can enjoy the morning swim without spending the whole first hour thinking about food. It’s also a comfort when the weather is warm, because you already have fuel and hydration ready to go.

Kornati National Park: The Clear-Water Swim That People Remember

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Kornati National Park: The Clear-Water Swim That People Remember
Kornati National Park is one of those places you hear about and then forget until you see it. The day’s Kornat moment is built around a strong idea: give you time on a specific island area where the bay is good for swimming and snorkeling, not just a short photo stop.

You get about 2 hours on Kornat for a mix of:

  • walking and exploring
  • swimming
  • snorkeling (snorkeling masks are mentioned as available if you ask)
  • photos and general hanging out

What you can realistically do there

You’re not on a guided walking tour for hours. This is more about open freedom within a protected nature setting. That matters because it lets you pace yourself. If you want to spend the full block in the water, you can. If you prefer to look around first, that’s workable too.

Why this Kornat bay time is the main selling point

A lot of Adriatic boat trips feel similar, with long stretches on the water and short stops. This one is described as one of the less commercialized options and, importantly, includes a stop in a beautiful bay on Kornat where your boat is the one there at that time. That combination is how you end up with water time that feels less rushed.

Also, the water is clear enough that you might spot fish and starfish while snorkeling. No guarantees, but it’s exactly the kind of place where snorkeling feels worth it rather than symbolic.

A small word about timing

The itinerary is clearly scheduled, and the Kornat block includes time for lunch later in the day. Plan your energy like this: eat when it’s offered, then use the swim window you have. If you like to linger in the water, start early within your block so you don’t feel pressured later.

Lunch on Board Terrace: Grilled Fish, Chicken, and a Seasonal Salad

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Lunch on Board Terrace: Grilled Fish, Chicken, and a Seasonal Salad
Lunch is served out of the boat, on the terrace area. The menu is grilled fish and chicken with a seasonal salad.

This is one of those details that changes how you experience a sea day. You’re not surviving on snacks. You get a proper meal, and since drinks are available too, you can take a real break from the sun without feeling like you have to find a restaurant later.

One practical tip: after swimming, you’ll probably want water and shade. Use the lunch break to reset before the next bay stop.

Head Toward Telascica Nature Park: Mir Bay and the Salt Lake

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Head Toward Telascica Nature Park: Mir Bay and the Salt Lake
After Kornati, the route turns toward Telascica Nature Park, tied to Dugi Otok. Here the experience shifts from “best bay swim” to “best bay plus a natural feature.”

You’ll have around 2 hours in Telascica, with time for swimming in Mir Bay or around the Salt Lake area. This includes Slano Jezero, often described as a salt lake and treated like a small natural wonder in the context of the day.

What to do with your Telascica time

You’ll be able to:

  • swim
  • walk around to explore
  • snorkel
  • take photos and enjoy the view from land spots when you have a dry moment

Since the time is about two hours, I suggest a simple rhythm:

1) get into the water early if you want snorkeling time

2) take a break on shore

3) then do walking and photos

It keeps you from spending your best sunlight minutes just drying off.

A realistic expectation

This is nature, not a theme park. You’ll probably like it most if you treat it as slow and scenic. If you’re expecting something like a long beach with many commercial facilities, manage that expectation. The value here is the setting and the time in the water.

The Return Cruise to Zadar: Plan for a Long, Light-Over-Heavy Day

After Telascica, you cruise back to Zadar. The schedule includes multiple cruising segments, and the total duration is listed as 570 minutes, which is roughly a long half-day plus the necessary sea time.

What to do on the way back:

  • keep an eye on sun exposure, especially after two swim blocks
  • drink water even if you feel fine
  • have a light layer ready if the wind picks up

If you’re prone to seasickness, this is the part where you’ll wish you had prepared. The tour specifically notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so if that’s you, think hard before booking.

Price and Value: What You Pay, What It Covers, and What You Must Add

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - Price and Value: What You Pay, What It Covers, and What You Must Add
The base tour price is listed as $47 per person in the summary, but the detailed pricing provided shows:

  • Adults: 70 euro
  • Children up to 4 years: free
  • Children 4 to 12 years: 35 euro

Then there are entrance fees that are not included. You pay them on board:

  • Adults: 30 euro (cash only)
  • Children 4 to 12: 20 euro (cash only)

So for an adult, you should expect roughly 100 euro total when you add the on-board entrance fees to the tour price. That’s not automatically bad, but it’s the kind of detail that changes the decision. If you’re comparing options, compare the all-in cost, not only the headline price.

What makes it feel like value anyway

This tour includes:

  • breakfast sandwiches and aperitif
  • a full lunch (grilled fish and chicken) with seasonal salad
  • drinks throughout the day (wine, water, soft drinks, grappa)
  • a guide on board (English, plus Polish and Croatian support)
  • snorkeling masks mentioned as available on request

When a boat tour includes meals, drinks, and guide time, the daily price stops feeling like pure transport. You’re paying for a structured sea day with built-in activities.

What to Bring (and What Will Annoy You On Deck)

SURPRISE TOUR KORNATI & TELASCICA Boat Tour(po Polsku) - What to Bring (and What Will Annoy You On Deck)
You’ll be happiest if you pack for sun, salt, and comfort.

Bring:

  • comfortable shoes
  • hat
  • swimwear
  • towel
  • sunscreen

Don’t bring:

  • high-heeled shoes
  • oversize luggage, or large bags
  • mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs
  • anything that creates safety issues (the list is quite strict)

Even if you think you can travel light, double-check your bag. Boat tours tend to be tight, and the rules help keep everyone moving quickly between swim and walk stops.

Who This Kornati and Telascica Boat Tour Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

  • snorkeling and swimming as the centerpiece
  • a day with real meals instead of snack-level food
  • a smaller-feeling group size around 65 people
  • a route that spends more time where the water is worth it

It’s not a good match if:

  • you need wheelchair access, or you have mobility impairments
  • you are prone to seasickness
  • you want very fast, high-speed cruising with minimal waiting

Also, if you care about exact service details, keep in mind that some people have had complaints about drink service style and pacing. That doesn’t mean the day is bad, but it’s a reason to go in with realistic expectations for an all-day boat schedule.

Should You Book? My Practical Take

If your idea of a perfect day in Zadar is swimming in clear water, eating well on a boat, and using your time in Kornati and Telascica efficiently, I think this one is worth serious consideration. The two swim blocks and the included meal-and-drink setup are the big drivers of value.

Before you book, do these two things:

  • budget for the on-board entrance fees in cash (adults 30 euro, children 4-12 20 euro)
  • aim to arrive at Donja Riva early, since the ship departs at 8:00am and boarding by 7:45am is emphasized

If you do those, you’ll likely enjoy the day for what it is, a structured sea outing focused on water time in two memorable parts of the Adriatic.

FAQ

What time does the boat depart from Zadar?

The ship departs at 8:00am, and you should be on board by 7:45am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Donja Riva, part of Zadar’s old town and the dock area for ships.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 570 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Included are an aperitif, breakfast (sandwiches), drinks throughout the trip, lunch out of the boat terrace (grilled fish and chicken with seasonal salad), snorkeling mask if available by request, insurance, and a guide on board.

Do I have to pay entrance fees for the parks?

Yes. The entrance fee for NP Kornati and PP Telascica is not included and should be paid on board.

How much are the entrance fees?

For entrance fees paid on board, adults are 30 euro and children ages 4 to 12 are 20 euro, paid cash only.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Snorkeling masks are mentioned as available if you ask.

How much time do I get on Kornat and on Telascica?

On Kornat you have about 2 hours for swimming, walking, and snorkeling. On Telascica you have about 2 hours for swimming in Mir Bay or the salt lake area, plus snorkeling and walking.

What drinks are available during the trip?

Drinks listed as available include wine, water, soft drinks, and grappa throughout the entire trip.

Who should not book this boat tour?

The tour notes it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people prone to seasickness.

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