Mikado Kornati Excursion with snorkeling and hiking stops

Kornati is best seen from the water, where hundreds of bare island ridges spread out in every direction. This small-group boat trip gives you three useful stops: a swim and snorkel at Lojena Beach, a short walk to a church and Tureta Fort, then lunch by the sea on Kornat. It is a full day, but the route has a good mix of water, views, and walking.

I like the well-stocked boat, with breakfast, fruit, coffee, soft drinks, wine, and lunch included. I also like the careful shape of the day: Lojena is for swimming, Tarac Bay adds history and a viewpoint, and Suha Punta gives you time to eat and swim without rushing. The main drawback is simple: some people will want longer in the water at the first two stops.

Key points at a glance

• Three different stops: Swim at Lojena Beach, walk above Tarac Bay, then eat and swim at Suha Punta.
• A proper full-day outing: Leave Foša port at 8 a.m. and return to Zadar at about 5:40 p.m.
• Food and drinks are covered: Breakfast, fruit, lunch, coffee, water, soft drinks, and wine are included.
• A useful small-group size: The boat carries about 20 people, making the day more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Kornati views from the sea: The long outward and return cruises are a major part of the experience, not just transport between stops.
• Bring more than swimwear: Pack a towel and proper hiking shoes for the walk near the church and fort.

Why Kornati works best as a boat day

The Kornati archipelago is a place of open horizons and dry, rocky islands. From Zadar, the boat gives you the right viewpoint. You see the islands as a chain rather than arriving at one isolated beach and missing the wider setting.

The cruise sections take about two hours each. That is a long time on the water, so I would not book this trip if you want constant activity. I would book it if you enjoy sitting outside with a drink, watching islands pass, and taking photographs between stops.

The advertised duration is 570 minutes, while the stated schedule runs from 8 a.m. to about 5:40 p.m. In practical terms, reserve almost the entire day. The early start is useful because it leaves time for three stops, lunch, and the long return to Zadar.

The group size of around 20 people is another plus. It should feel more manageable than a large party boat, especially when the guide is explaining the route or organizing the stops. Recent departures have included guide Aninka, whose clear English and attentive approach were especially appreciated. Guide availability can change, but English and Croatian are the stated tour languages.

Starting at Foša port with breakfast

The meeting point is Foša port, at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. The boat leaves at 8 a.m., so arrive ready to board and with your swimming things easy to reach.

Breakfast is served on board. Expect coffee, sandwiches, and fruit. The sandwiches include simple fillings such as cheese and salami, making this more of a useful morning meal than a formal breakfast. Fruit is available during the day as well, with previous menus including items such as grapes, peaches, apples, bananas, apricots, and berries.

I like this arrangement because you do not need to find an open café before an early departure. It also lets the first part of the cruise stay relaxed. Sit back, eat, and watch the Dalmatian coast give way to the Kornati islands.

Drinks are available throughout the trip. Water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, other juices, coffee, and wine are included. Beer is the notable exception, so do not assume it is part of the open drink service.

The two-hour cruise into Kornati National Park

The first cruise is a sightseeing run through Kornati National Park. There is no single landmark that explains the area better than the view from the boat. Island after island appears low, dry, and rocky, with the sea filling the spaces between them.

The guide adds context as the boat moves through the archipelago. This matters because the scenery can look spare at first glance. The appeal is in the pattern: pale stone, clean water, small bays, and long island profiles with very little development.

You will want sun protection and a way to keep your phone dry. The supplied information does not specify covered seating or storage arrangements, so take care with cameras and bags near the swimming stops. Wi-Fi is available on board, but I would treat it as a convenience rather than the reason to book. The views are the real entertainment.

The two-hour outward cruise also sets the pace for the day. If you need frequent movement or become restless on boats, this trip may feel long. If you enjoy a slow passage through an unusual island region, the cruise is a valuable part of the experience rather than dead time.

Lojena Beach: the first swim and snorkel

The first stop is Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island, with about 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is the most direct water stop of the day. The beach is known for its sand, and the clear sea makes it a natural place to use the included mask.

You can swim, look for fish, or simply stay on the beach. Swimming aids are available, which is helpful if you want extra support in the water. The stop is long enough to get in, cool off, and snorkel without turning the whole morning into a beach day.

Still, an hour passes quickly. You need to allow time for getting ready, entering the water, drying off, and returning to the boat. If swimming is your main goal, organize your belongings before arrival and put your swimsuit on under your clothes.

The timing is also a useful compromise. A longer stop would please swimmers, but it would reduce time at the other islands. Several people wanted more time here and at the second stop, so keep expectations realistic. This is a sightseeing tour with swimming breaks, not a dedicated snorkeling charter.

Tarac Bay, the church, and Tureta Fort

The second stop takes you to Tarac Bay, where you have about an hour for a short walk, sightseeing, and another swim. This is the most varied stop. You are not simply moving from one beach to another.

The walk takes you to a church and toward Tureta Fort. The reward is a broad view over the Kornati archipelago, one of the strongest photo opportunities of the day. The route is described as a short hike, but the instruction to bring hiking shoes should be taken seriously. Sturdy footwear will make the walk more comfortable on uneven ground.

This stop adds a little culture and history without turning the excursion into a formal history tour. You get a church, a fort, and a viewpoint, then time to cool off in the bay. The church may also bring an unexpected moment during the visit, since the guide sometimes has a surprise connected with the chapel. The exact nature of that moment is not guaranteed, so treat it as a pleasant possibility rather than a promised feature.

An hour is enough for a compact walk and swim, but not for a long exploration. Stay aware of the meeting time. The open view can make you want to linger, and the boat will not wait for a slow return.

Lunch and swimming at Suha Punta on Kornat

The final stop is Suha Punta on the island of Kornat. The schedule gives you about 95 minutes in the main description, while the detailed timing allows roughly 105 minutes for lunch, walking, swimming, and snorkeling. Either way, this is the longest stop and the least hurried part of the day.

Lunch is served near the sea. The included meal is grilled fish or meat with a mixed seasonal vegetable salad. It is a sensible menu for a day outdoors, and the meal gives you a proper pause after the morning swims and walk.

If you prefer fish, this is a particularly good setting for it. If you do not eat meat or fish, check the available option before booking. One recent account described a vegetarian choice, but the formal meal description lists fish or meat, so the safest approach is to confirm the alternative directly.

After eating, you can swim or snorkel again. I like the order of this stop because lunch does not end the active part of the day. You can return to the water once you have eaten, or sit by the sea and enjoy the quiet before the boat heads back.

The longer stop also helps balance the shorter first two breaks. Even so, it is not a private beach afternoon. Lunch, walking, and swimming all share the same block of time.

What is included for the $101 price

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Kornati islands. The value depends on how many included services you would otherwise pay for separately.

Your price covers:

• Breakfast with coffee, sandwiches, and fruit
• Drinks during the trip, including water, juices, soft drinks, and wine
• Grilled fish or meat with seasonal salad for lunch
• A guide in English or Croatian
• Admission to Kornati National Park
• Snorkeling mask and swimming aids
• Wi-Fi on board
• The boat ride and three planned stops

That package is stronger than a simple sightseeing cruise. Park admission, two meals, drinks, equipment, and guiding remove many small extra costs. You also get a full day on the water instead of a short transfer to one beach.

I would consider the price fair for someone who wants an all-in-one day and does not want to arrange a boat, park ticket, food, and snorkeling gear separately. It is less attractive if you only want a few hours of swimming or if you already have your own boat access.

The small group adds value too. Around 20 people is large enough to keep the price reasonable but small enough for the guide to keep the day organized. The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with food and drinks available during the cruise.

Who should book this excursion

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a broad introduction to the Kornati islands in one day. It works especially well for first-time visitors to the area, couples, families with older children, and anyone who likes a mix of scenery, swimming, food, and a little walking.

It also suits people who prefer a planned day. You do not need to decide where to stop, what to eat, or how to get park admission. The route has a clear rhythm, and the guide handles the day in English or Croatian.

You should think twice if you want long, uninterrupted snorkeling sessions. The stops are generous enough for a swim, but the first two are limited to about an hour. You should also think twice if you dislike several hours of boat travel or want a high-energy excursion with activities running all day.

Bring swimwear, a towel, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a light layer for the boat. Keep your phone and wallet in a waterproof pouch if you have one. The tour supplies a mask and swimming aids, so you do not need to carry your own snorkeling equipment unless you prefer a personal fit.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Zadar plans depend on weather or changing travel dates, but they do not replace checking the forecast before you go.

Should you book Mikado Kornati Excursion?

Book it if you want to see a lot of Kornati in one well-organized day, with food, drinks, park admission, and snorkeling equipment already handled. The strongest parts are the wide island views, the Tarac Bay viewpoint, the good mix of stops, and the attentive guiding associated with recent departures led by Aninka.

Do not book it expecting a full beach day or hours of snorkeling. You will spend a large part of the day cruising, and some people will wish the first two stops lasted longer.

For most visitors staying in Zadar, I think the $101 price is reasonable because it combines transport, guiding, meals, drinks, equipment, and entry to the national park. Bring proper shoes, accept the long boat sections, and you get a well-rounded day in one of Croatia’s most distinctive island regions.

FAQ

Where does the Kornati excursion leave from?

The meeting point is Foša port at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar.

What time does the boat depart?

The boat departs at 8 a.m.

What time does the excursion return to Zadar?

The stated return time is approximately 5:40 p.m.

How long is the tour?

The activity is listed as 570 minutes, making it a nearly full-day excursion.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Croatian.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on Kornat includes grilled fish or meat with a mixed seasonal vegetable salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, coffee, Coca-Cola, Fanta, various juices, and wine are available during the trip. Beer is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and swimming aids are included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and hiking shoes.