Preko: Lojena Beach, Kornati Islands and Telascica Boat Trip

One day, three kinds of water views. This full-day boat trip from Preko delivers open-sea sailing, time in Telašćica Nature Park, and a second stop on Kornat Island with a fortress and a small stone church. I like that it mixes guided storytelling with real time outdoors, plus there are swim moments in clear Adriatic water.

Two things I especially like: first, the variety of places in one day. You go from cliffs and bays to saltwater Lake Mir, then to the stark, rocky feel of Kornat Island. Second, the food is not an afterthought, breakfast is served onboard and lunch comes with wine. My only caution is simple: the schedule can feel tight if the boat is full, so you may spend more time boarding and waiting than you expect.

What You’re Really Buying With Your €65 Tour

At $65 per person (plus a required park fee), you’re paying for a structured day at sea with meals, a guide, and access to two big nature areas. If you want long beach time, plan this as a day of sights and short swims, not a slow, shaded resort day. If you’re flexible, like sea air, and want dramatic views you can’t drive to, it can feel like good value.

From the people I heard from, the day can be smooth and scenic, with friendly crew and solid food. The downside shows up in logistics: limited seating on departures from nearby spots can mean few outdoor seats, and some departures run late or shorten stop times.

Key Highlights You’ll Notice Fast

• Telašćica cliffs (150 meters) for panoramic views over the Adriatic and Kornati archipelago
• Lake Mir saltwater swim option between Telascica Bay and the sea
• Kornat Island fortress viewpoint plus a small stone church in a bare, quiet setting
• Crystal-clear Adriatic swim stops with chances to jump off the boat
• Food onboard that actually fills you up (breakfast sandwich, then lunch with wine)
• A guide who keeps you oriented even though much of the day is spent moving by boat

A Full-Day Sea Day From Preko: What the Rhythm Feels Like

This is a proper “out there” boat day. You start at Preko in the morning, cruise into the open water, then work your way through two main nature areas. Think rhythm over routine: breakfast, sailing, a main exploration stop, lunch, then the second island stop, and finally a longer cruise back.

You’ll be on the boat for a big chunk of time. That’s not a flaw if your goal is the views and the water. Several people liked the trip a lot for that reason, basically saying the best part is the scenery from the sea. But if what you really want is hours on a quiet beach with lots of shade, you should know the stops can be shorter than you imagine.

Also, the sun is a real factor. On one first-beach stop, there was little or no shade, which means you’ll want sunscreen, a hat, and a plan for where you’ll sit when you’re not in the water.

Meet the Boat Crew and Get Rolling With Breakfast

You’ll meet the tour at Preko’s harbor, and the boat comes for you. The meeting area is along the coastline near the Dado cafe bar. In practice, this is one of those days where “being ready early” matters, because the boat can arrive already busy.

Once you’re on board, breakfast is served while you sail out. You’ll get a ham and cheese sandwich plus a welcome drink. It’s a good setup because it means you’re not hungry while the boat is still doing its best “sea air” work.

If you’re coming from Zadar, plan extra time. One person recommended taking the ferry to Preko earlier, since the tour boat is waiting in Preko, and it can look full at boarding. The ferry cost mentioned was around €4 to €5, so it is not a huge add-on, but it does affect your day start.

Telašćica Nature Park: Cliffs, Lake Mir, and Picking Your Pace

The first major stop is Telašćica Nature Park, a protected bay at the southern tip of Dugi Otok. You typically get about 1.5 hours to explore at your own pace. That time window is short enough that you’ll want to move with purpose, but long enough that you can choose your style.

150-meter cliffs for big views

If you enjoy viewpoints, walk up toward the 150-meter-high cliffs. From there you can see the open Adriatic and the Kornati archipelago. This is the part of the day that feels most “Croatia on postcards,” because the sea view is wide and dramatic, not boxed in by buildings.

The trick is timing. Cliffs take effort, then you need to get back down and re-join the group before everyone boards. If you’re traveling with kids or you prefer not to do uphill walking, you can still enjoy the bay and skip the full climb.

Lake Mir swim stop for salty floating

You also have the option to swim in Lake Mir, a salt lake tucked between Telascica Bay and the Adriatic Sea. It’s one of those natural features that makes the trip feel special because it is not something you find on every coast.

Because it’s salty, expect buoyancy, and keep your water shoes handy if access is rocky. One nice thing is you can pick a low-key option too: if swimming is not your plan, you can relax near a nearby bar with a cold drink and just watch the water change color.

A practical note about stop time

Some people felt the stop time was tight, and in one case the day’s schedule had been shortened compared to what was first planned. So if you want both the cliffs and Lake Mir swim, don’t do them as a leisurely double. Do one first, then do the other only if you still have time to get back comfortably.

Lunch on the Water: Simple, Solid, and Worth It

Lunch is one of the best value parts of this tour. You eat onboard during the cruising stretch toward the second island. The menu is not fancy, but it is reliable for a day at sea: grilled fish or chicken fillet with salad, wine, and a vegetarian option (vegetarian pasta in tomato sauce).

People also described the welcome bread roll as delicious, which is exactly the kind of small detail that makes a boat day feel less like a chore. Portions can be a bit on the smaller side for some, so if you’re a big eater, you might want an extra snack plan of your own, like a granola bar before you get on board.

Drinks and the cash reality

Wine is included with lunch, which helps the value feel more “complete.” After that, additional drinks are sold onboard at the bar. It’s a good call to bring some cash, because at least one kiosk scenario was described as card payments not working there. Even if you never use cash for the bar itself, having it gives you peace of mind for small purchases.

Kornat Island: Fortress Views and That Middle-of-Nowhere Feeling

The second stop is on Kornat Island. This is where the scenery turns harsher and more minimal, like stone and sky with little else. You’ll visit a small stone church tucked into the barren terrain, then have the chance to climb up to a historic fortress.

This fortress viewpoint is the money shot for many people, because the view stretches across the archipelago in a way you can’t fully appreciate from photos. It also gives you a reason to tolerate the walking and the heat, since the payoff is big.

The church stop is short but memorable

The small church is easy to miss if you rush. Don’t. It’s tucked into the landscape, and it adds a human touch to a place that otherwise feels almost untouched. You’ll get a few minutes to take photos and soak in the quiet.

Jumping off the boat for the Adriatic swim

One of the best parts of the day is also the simplest: swim stops where you can jump into the crystal-clear Adriatic. People described the water as really clear, and that clarity is a big reason this tour works well for active travelers.

Because time can be short, think like this: get set up quickly, swim, then return. If you try to do a long sunbathing session, the day may run away from you.

Also, there’s a fun chance element. One person mentioned spotting a dolphin by accident. You can’t count on wildlife, but it is worth keeping your eyes on the surface when the boat is moving.

Timing, Crowds, and Why Seating Can Be an Issue

The most repeated practical complaint isn’t about the scenery, it’s about how quickly the boat fills. One person said their ship had no more outside seats because another boat loaded from two places. Another said getting on and off took longer than expected, which steals minutes from swimming and exploring.

If you care about outdoor views, arrive early, and be ready to accept that you may sit inside or on less ideal seating if the boat is packed. Once you accept that, the day makes more sense, because the schedule will still deliver two major areas plus the swim time.

Plan for lines and boarding delays

There can also be lines to get off the boat at stops, and that can add friction. One person reported that returning to the port took about an hour earlier than planned. That suggests the exact flow can vary by day, sea conditions, and crowd level.

My advice: don’t build your trip around a perfect minute-by-minute plan. Treat this as a flexible day at sea, not a tight city walking tour.

Value Check: Is $65 Worth It Once You Add the Park Fee?

The advertised price is $65 per person, but the mandatory park entry fee adds cost. You should budget €16 per person, €8 for children ages 3 to 12, and free under age 3. Add any extra drinks and you can see why some people felt the base price was high.

Here’s how I think about value for this specific day:

• You’re paying for two protected nature areas plus boat transport between them
• Meals are included: breakfast onboard and lunch with wine, so you’re not buying everything at random
• You get swim stops with actual water time, not just photo pauses

It is still fair to question value if you prefer lots of shore time, or if you want shaded beaches and lots of amenities. But if you’re after major viewpoints and the sense of open-sea travel, this is the kind of tour that justifies itself.

What to Bring and How to Avoid a Miserable Sun-Day

This is one of those tours where packing right makes a huge difference. Here’s what the tour info recommends, and I agree with it.

• Sun hat and sunscreen, because the day is mostly outdoors
• Towel and beachwear for fast change between boat and water
• Water shoes for easier access in rocky areas
• Bring a bag that can handle splashes, since the day involves swimming

A few extra practical tips based on what people said:

• Expect limited shade at some swim stops, so plan to spend more time in the water or bring long sun protection
• If you want the best chance at good access points, stay near the boat during swim windows, since some spots have clearer entries
• If you’re sensitive to delays, bring patience. The boat can be full and boarding can take time

Strollers and wheelchair access

The tour notes say strollers are not allowed, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you’re traveling with mobility needs, this is not the right match.

One person also described a mismatch between the stated stroller rule and what happened on board, with a family reporting priority when a stroller was present. I can’t promise that will happen, so I would still plan as if the no-stroller rule is real and follow it.

Should You Book the Preko Kornati and Telascica Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a full day at sea with major sights and swim time, and you like tours where the scenery is the main event. This tour is especially strong for couples, friends, and older kids who can handle walking a bit, climb steps to viewpoint areas, and enjoy the open-water feeling.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you need long, shaded beach time, or if you get grumpy when boat days run a little behind. Because stop times can feel short when the group is big, this works best for people who are happy with quick explorations, then getting back into the water.

My take: if you’re coming for Kornati Islands drama plus Telašćica Nature Park views, and you’re okay trading some shore time for boat magic, you’ll likely have a great day.

FAQ

What does this Preko boat trip include?

It includes the boat tour to Kornati National Park and Telascica, a guide, a welcome drink, breakfast (ham and cheese sandwich), lunch (grilled fish or chicken fillet with salad and wine, plus a vegetarian option), and insurance.

What is the main itinerary on the water?

You start in the morning from Preko, cruise to Telašćica Nature Park for about 1.5 hours, then continue to Kornat Island for the second stop, and return on a longer cruise back to Preko.

Are the park entry fees included in the price?

No. The mandatory parks entry fee is €16 per person (and €8 for children ages 3 to 12, with children under 3 free).

Is lunch and breakfast provided?

Yes. Breakfast is served onboard with a ham and cheese sandwich, and lunch is grilled fish or chicken (with salad and wine), with a vegetarian pasta option.

Can I buy drinks onboard, and should I bring cash?

Additional drinks are available at the bar on the boat, and it is good to bring some cash. One note from a participant said card payment was not possible at the only kiosk available.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or strollers?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and strollers are not allowed.