Mikado Kornati Excursion with snorkeling and hiking stops

Kornati is best seen from the water, where bare islands, quiet coves, and bright sea stretch in every direction. This full-day boat trip from Zadar mixes the scenery with three useful stops: swimming at Lojena Beach, a walk above Tarac Bay, and lunch with another swim on Kornat. I like the generous food and drinks, and I like the small group of about 20 people. The only catch is that the first two stops can feel short if swimming is your main goal.

I especially like that the day is not just a boat ride. You get a proper look at the islands, a short cultural walk, snorkeling gear, and a grilled lunch on Kornat. Guide Aninka has earned praise for clear English and thoughtful handling of the day. Bring hiking shoes, since the walk to the church and fort is rocky rather than a simple stroll along a pier.

Key points at a glance

• Lojena Beach gives you a real swim stop: Plan on about 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling on Levrnaka.
• Tarac Bay adds history and a viewpoint: Walk to the church and Tureta Fort before cooling off in the water.
• Lunch is served on Kornat: Choose grilled fish or meat with a seasonal vegetable salad.
• Breakfast starts the day well: Coffee, sandwiches, fruit, and drinks are available from the morning.
• The boat carries about 20 people: That is a more personal setup than a large excursion ship.
• The day runs long: Departure is at 8 a.m., with a return to Foša port around 5:40 p.m.

Why this Kornati trip works well as a full-day outing

The Kornati archipelago is a chain of islands made for a boat day. From the deck, you get a broad view of pale hills, sharp coastlines, small bays, and open water. The scenery changes slowly, so the cruise itself is part of the experience rather than merely transport between stops.

The timing matters. You spend roughly two hours cruising out, then visit three different places before another two-hour ride back to Zadar. That gives you plenty of time to watch the islands pass, but it also means this is not a quick half-day activity. You should set aside most of the day and expect a relaxed pace.

I like the balance. One stop is mainly for swimming, one combines a walk with sightseeing, and the last gives you lunch plus another chance to get in the water. You are not asked to hike for hours or spend the entire day sitting on board.

The group size is listed at about 20 people. That should make boarding, finding a seat, and following the guide easier than on a large boat carrying many dozens of people. It also helps the three stops feel more manageable, especially when everyone is heading toward the same beach or viewpoint.

Leaving Foša port with breakfast on board

The meeting point is Foša port at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6. Departure is scheduled for 8 a.m., so arrive ready for a full day outside. The morning begins with coffee, sandwiches, and fruit, which is useful because the first proper meal comes later on Kornat.

The breakfast is more substantial than a simple drink and biscuit. You can expect sandwiches with options such as cheese and salami, along with fruit. Coffee is available, and drinks continue through the day. Coca-Cola, Fanta, various juices, wine, and water are included. Beer is the notable exception.

That food service is one reason the $101 price feels reasonable. You are not paying only for a boat seat and a park entrance. The day also includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, a guide, snorkeling equipment, swimming aids, and Wi-Fi on board.

During the first cruise, use the time to settle in and watch the islands. The schedule allows about two hours of sailing before the first stop, so bring a light layer if you are sensitive to wind. You may want to sit in different parts of the boat as the views change, though the available seating arrangement is not specified.

Lojena Beach on Levrnaka: the first swim

The first stop is Lojena Beach on the island of Levrnaka. You have about 60 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling, with masks and swimming aids supplied. The beach is known for its sandy shore, a welcome change from the rocky coast found in many parts of Croatia.

This is the most straightforward water stop of the day. You can swim, look for fish with the snorkeling mask, or stay on the beach and enjoy the setting. The clear water and sandy bottom make it a good place to get comfortable in the sea before the later swim at Kornat.

An hour sounds generous, but it includes getting off the boat, reaching the beach, swimming, and returning on time. If you want a long, lazy beach session, you may find it a little tight. One practical way to use the stop is to change into swimwear before arrival and keep your towel and mask easy to reach.

I would not choose this excursion solely for beach time. The tour has several purposes, and the first stop is one part of a much longer day. If your priority is a quiet afternoon on one beach, a dedicated beach boat may suit you better. If you want to combine swimming with island scenery and a cultural stop, Lojena fits the plan well.

Tarac Bay, the church, and Tureta Fort

The second stop takes you to Tarac Bay in Kornati National Park. You get about an hour here, with time for a walk, sightseeing, and swimming. The walking section leads toward a church and Tureta Fort, with a viewpoint over the Kornati archipelago.

This is the most varied stop. You leave the water for a short hike, gain a higher view, and then have a chance to swim afterward. The view over Tarac Bay is the sort of scene that gives the park its character: open island shapes, spare vegetation, and sea stretching between the shores.

The church adds a human touch to an otherwise wild setting. One unusual detail is that the guide may arrange a surprise inside the chapel. The exact nature of that surprise is not guaranteed, so treat it as a pleasant possibility rather than a promised part of the booking.

Wear proper hiking shoes. The tour specifically recommends them, and that advice matters more here than on the beach stop. This is not described as a long hike, but the route to the church and fort is a walking and hiking segment, not a flat boardwalk.

An hour can pass quickly once you include the walk, the viewpoint, and a swim. I would put the walk first, then return to the water if time allows. If you are mainly interested in photography or the fort, you may wish you had more time. One Canadian booking gave exactly that criticism, asking for longer at the first two stops.

Lunch and a second swim at Suha Punta

The third stop is on the island of Kornat at Suha Punta. This is the longest break, lasting about 95 minutes in the general schedule, though the detailed timing gives roughly 105 minutes for lunch, walking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Lunch is grilled fish or grilled meat with a mixed seasonal vegetable salad. A vegetarian choice is also available according to the food arrangements described for the trip. The fish has received particular praise, and the meal is served close to the sea rather than in a city restaurant.

This stop is practical as well as scenic. By this point, you have been up since early morning and already spent time in the water, so a proper sit-down meal helps. Fruit and drinks remain available, with examples including grapes, peaches, apples, bananas, apricots, and blueberries.

You can swim or snorkel after eating, but allow enough time to dry off and return to the boat. The water stop is part of a wider break, not the full duration. If you want more swimming at this point, eat promptly rather than treating lunch as a long, leisurely restaurant visit.

I like the placement of this meal. It gives the day a pause before the long cruise back to Zadar. It also means the excursion does not depend on you bringing your own lunch, though you should still bring water-friendly clothing and a towel.

The return cruise to Zadar

After the Kornat stop, the boat heads back toward Zadar, with about two hours of sailing before arrival around 5:40 p.m. This is a good time to sit back, use the Wi-Fi if needed, and enjoy the final views without having to make decisions.

The return is also where the length of the tour becomes most noticeable. Ten hours is a serious commitment, especially for children or anyone who does not enjoy extended boat rides. On the other hand, the long sailing time is what allows the tour to reach several parts of the national park rather than staying near the departure port.

Drinks remain available during the ride, including water, soft drinks, juice, and wine. There is no beer included, so plan accordingly. The boat is described as comfortable and clean, but exact facilities and seating details are not provided, so do not book this expecting a luxury yacht experience.

What the $101 price really includes

At $101 per person, this sits above a simple sightseeing cruise but offers much more than transportation. The package includes:

• Breakfast with coffee, sandwiches, and fruit
• Lunch on Kornat
• Soft drinks, juice, wine, and water
• Kornati National Park admission
• An English or Croatian-speaking guide
• Snorkeling masks and swimming aids
• Wi-Fi on board
• Three stops with swimming, walking, or sightseeing

The national park admission alone is a useful inclusion because you do not need to arrange it separately. The meals also reduce the extra spending that can quickly add up on a full-day boat trip.

The value is strongest if you plan to use all parts of the day. Swimmers get two water stops and snorkeling equipment. Sightseers get the island cruise, Tarac Bay, the church, Tureta Fort, and the high viewpoint. Food-focused visitors get breakfast, fruit throughout the day, lunch, and drinks.

The value is weaker if you want only a long beach session. The tour moves on a schedule, and the first two breaks have several activities packed into about an hour each. You are paying for variety and convenience, not unlimited time in the sea.

Who should book this excursion

I would choose this for someone staying in Zadar who wants a single organized day in Kornati National Park. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who prefer having food, equipment, park admission, and guiding handled in one package.

It also fits travelers who want more than scenery. The church and Tureta Fort give the day a cultural and walking element, while Lojena and Suha Punta keep it active without turning the outing into a demanding hike.

The tour is less suitable for anyone who dislikes early starts, long boat rides, or fixed schedules. The group is small, but it is still a shared excursion. You cannot decide to stay at Lojena for another hour once the boat is ready to move.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and hiking shoes. I would also pack sunscreen and a small dry bag, though the supplied information does not specify storage arrangements. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Zadar plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Mikado Kornati excursion?

Book it if you want a well-fed, well-organized day that combines island views, two swimming opportunities, a short hike, and lunch in the national park. The small group, clear English guiding, included snorkeling gear, and steady supply of drinks make the $101 cost easier to justify.

Skip it if your ideal boat day means spending most of the time at one beach. The stops are thoughtfully varied, but the first two are not long enough for endless swimming. For most visitors who want to see Kornati in one day without arranging several separate details, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Mikado Kornati excursion depart from?

The tour departs from Foša port at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6 in Zadar.

What time does the tour leave Zadar?

Departure is scheduled for 8 a.m.

What time does the boat return?

The planned return to Zadar is around 5:40 p.m.

How long does the excursion last?

The total duration is 570 minutes, or about nine and a half hours.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes coffee, sandwiches, and fruit. Lunch on Kornat includes grilled fish or meat with a mixed seasonal vegetable salad. A vegetarian choice is also available according to the food arrangements.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, 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. The hiking shoes are useful for the walk near Tarac Bay, the church, and Tureta Fort.