Kornati National Park is the kind of place you feel. You cruise among hundreds of islands, then you swim and snorkel in clear Adriatic water, with a calm pace that still packs in big views and a short climb. You also get an all-in-one day plan with breakfast and lunch included, plus drinks, fruit, and a local guide who keeps the story flowing.

I especially liked the small group size (max 22), which makes the day feel more personal and less chaotic. I also really appreciate that you’re not just watching from the boat: you get structured water time at beach and park stops, plus snorkeling gear for a proper look at the seabed.

One thing to consider: the day is not purely a long “lie on the boat and swim nonstop” party. The boat ride takes time, and while the water stops are great, some people may want more hours in the sea than what this itinerary allows.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group boat day (max 22) that stays friendly and manageable
• Snorkeling gear included, with time at multiple swim spots
• Panoramic viewpoints including the Fort area for wide Kornati views
• Breakfast + lunch + snacks and drinks so you spend less and snack more
• On-the-water dolphins possibility when conditions and timing line up
• English offered, with Aninka and Ivan guiding and steering the day well

Kornati Islands: why this boat day feels worth your time

Kornati National Park is famous for a reason: from the water, the island puzzle looks unreal—rocky coasts, tiny coves, and lots of “wait, how did that island exist?” moments. The best part is that the park is spread out, so a boat outing is the practical way to see real variety without sprinting between viewpoints.

This specific trip also has an easy rhythm. You start early, you move through several different settings (beach, fort area, main islands), and you get long stretches where you can just look and relax. That balance is a big reason the reviews lean strongly positive.

And yes, it’s family-friendly. That usually means you’ll find a mix of ages, and the crew’s approach tends to keep things organized without turning the day into a strict classroom.

Meeting point and timing from Zadar (so you’re not rushing)

You meet at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, Zadar, and the day starts at 8:00 am. The outing runs about 9 hours 40 minutes, and you end back at the same meeting point.

If you’re staying anywhere central, this is a simple pickup plan. The meeting point is also described as near public transportation, which matters if you don’t want to deal with parking or a late rental car return.

Pack like it’s a full day outdoors:

• Swimsuit and towel (this saves you from scramble-mode)
• Walking shoes for the fort area climb
• Sunscreen (the sun over open water is no joke)
• Bring snorkel-friendly comfort if you’re sensitive to cold water

What you eat and sip matters more than you think

The biggest value here is that you’re fed properly throughout the day, not just with a token snack. You get breakfast on board, coffee, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit. Lunch is included too, with wine and soft drinks served as part of the meal.

In real terms, this changes how you enjoy Kornati. When food and drinks are handled, you can focus on swimming, snorkeling, and that slow scenic cruising that helps you actually see what you paid to see.

You should also know about the food style. Lunch is described as simple but well executed in remote places, and one person specifically mentioned fish (mackerel) with sides like pickled cabbage and tomato. If you prefer vegetarian options, one review noted bread choices that can work for that (cheese options were available at breakfast).

Wi‑Fi is listed as included on board. Don’t count on it being lightning-fast out at sea, but it’s a nice bonus if you want to post a photo while you still have signal.

The first swim stop: Levrnaka and Lojena beach time

Your first major stop is Levrnaka, with about one hour at Lojena beach. This is where you get your first real chance to get wet and settle into the day’s rhythm.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time to swim in calm, clear water. Many boats let you jump in; this one also gives you gear and enough time to actually use it rather than doing a quick dip and racing off.

If you like seeing fish and rocks without a long swim, this beach-style stop is a good match. It’s also family-friendly: even if you’re not a confident snorkeler, you can still enjoy the water while others explore under the surface.

Panoramic viewing and the fortress climb at Tureta

Another highlight is the Fortress of Tureta area. You’ll get around one hour here for a hike up and a panoramic view.

This is the “stretch your legs” moment of the day. The climb is short enough that it doesn’t dominate the trip, but it’s long enough to earn the payoff: wide views across the island shapes and the coastline.

It’s also the type of stop where a guide’s personality helps. Aninka is repeatedly mentioned as engaging and multilingual, and at the church stop some people specifically noted her singing Ave Maria. Even if that particular moment doesn’t happen every time, it’s a good signal of the vibe: local knowledge, not just a march-and-point routine.

For this portion, walking shoes matter. You don’t want slippery soles messing with your footing on a rocky path.

Main Kornati National Park time: lunch plus swimming

The heart of the outing is your time inside Kornati Islands National Park, paired with lunch on the island of Kornat for about two hours.

This stop is the “all together” package: you eat, you soak in the scenery, and you get more water time. The crew includes snorkeling equipment, and from the boat you can jump in, with multiple levels mentioned by people who’ve done the trip more than once. That means you can choose how you want to enter the water based on comfort.

Lunch timing works well with a day at sea. You’re not eating while everything is rushed. One review described the lunch as in an elegant, remote location—simple, but with enough beauty around it that it feels like part of the Kornati experience instead of a chore.

Wine is included with lunch. Beer is not included. One person mentioned extra beer was available for an added cost, so if you’re a beer-only drinker, plan on paying separately.

The boat ride itself: slow sailing and the dolphins bonus

A lot of people come to Kornati for the water, but the boat ride is part of the magic. Here, the sailing is described as slow, which is a gift if you want to actually enjoy the views instead of bracing against movement the whole time.

This trip also has a realistic chance of dolphins along the way. Several reviews mention seeing dolphins, with the captain described as careful not to crowd or scare them. That’s the right approach if you want wildlife moments without turning nature into a spectacle.

Boat comfort is another detail worth caring about. The boat is described as relatively small and quiet, with enough room to move and enjoy different viewpoints from upper and lower levels. If you hate being pressed together, the max 22-person size helps.

That said, here’s the balanced note: a couple of people felt the day spent too long cruising at sea and not enough time in the water. If your personal goal is maximum swimming hours, you should manage expectations and think of this as a guided “boat day with swims,” not an all-day waterpark.

Price and value: is $96.79 a fair deal?

At $96.79 per person, this is priced like a proper day experience rather than a bare-bones transfer. What justifies the cost is that key expenses are bundled:

• National park fees are included
• Breakfast and lunch are included
• Lunch with drinks (wine and soft drinks) is included
• A local guide comes along
• Snorkeling equipment is included
• Wi‑Fi, coffee, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit are included

If you had to piece this together yourself—boat rental, park entry, meals, and snorkeling gear—the total quickly balloons. Even if you only use the snorkeling for one stop, you’re still getting real value because the time and equipment are structured.

The main extra cost to anticipate is beer, which is specifically not included. Everything else that turns a sea day into a full day is covered.

Who this Kornati trip suits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This trip fits you best if you want:

• A single day that covers multiple Kornati settings without planning logistics
• Snorkel-friendly stops with included gear
• A small-group feel (not a massive cattle-boat)
• A family-friendly atmosphere that still feels like an adventure

I’d also say it works for solo travelers. People mention feeling at ease on board, and the group size helps you meet others without the pressure of constant socializing.

Where it may not match your style: if you’re a “sunbathe for hours in one spot” person, you might feel the day includes too much time cruising. And if you’re sensitive to a more relaxed, informal guiding style, consider that this is run by a small crew with a personal touch, not a corporate tour machine.

If that sounds like you, a private boat (or a more water-focused itinerary) could be a better match. But if you want the full Kornati story—views, fort area, park time, and swims—this one is hard to beat for the money.

Should you book Mikado Tours Kornati Excursions from Zadar?

I’d book it if you want an organized, value-packed Kornati day with snorkeling gear, proper meals, and enough time at the best stops to feel like you experienced the park—not just passed through it. The small max group size and the guide duo, Aninka and Ivan, seem to be central to why people love the day.

I wouldn’t book it if your top priority is maximum hours in the water with minimal cruising. Also, if you hate any lack of strict structure, this tour’s more relaxed pace might feel different than you expect.

If you’re visiting Zadar and you want one day that checks the big boxes—Kornati National Park, beach and snorkeling time, fort views, and included food—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

What time does the Kornati National Park excursion start?

It starts at 8:00 am at Ul. kralja Dmitra Zvonimira 6, Zadar.

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is about 9 hours 40 minutes.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. You get breakfast on board and lunch included, plus coffee and other drinks.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 22 travelers.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and walking shoes?

Bring your own bathing suits, towels, and walking shoes.

Is beer included?

No, beer is not included.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.