Zadar: Kornati Lojena sandy cove & Telašćica Nature Park

Kornati and Telašćica in one smooth day. This Zadar cruise strings together the Kornati archipelago’s sandy coves and Telašćica Nature Park’s cliffs and saltwater lake, with a guide sharing stories while you sail. You’re not just looking from the shore, you’re out on the water, with breaks that actually let you swim.

I love the chance to swim at Lojena on Levrnaka Island, then climb up for sweeping views over the Kornati islands. I also like that the tour runs on included fuel: breakfast on board, then a proper lunch with grilled fish or chicken and wine.

My only caution is timing. The first land stop is about 1.5 hours, so if you want a long swim and a slower, bigger hike, you may feel a little rushed.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Lojena sandy cove swim on Levrnaka Island, plus snorkeling time in clear water
• Telašćica saltwater scenes at Lake Mir, with cliffs for panoramic views
• 150-meter-high viewpoints give you the big Kornati-and-Adriatic perspective
• Meals are built into the day with breakfast onboard and lunch plus wine
• Named local staff and captain energy comes up repeatedly, including Captain Nevon and guide Valentina

Why this Zadar cruise works so well for park lovers

This is a rare kind of day trip: you get two protected areas in one outing, without spending your whole vacation in transit. You start in Zadar, cruise into the open sea, then switch between “boat views” and “walk and swim” time.

The Kornati side is all about that island feeling. You sail between rugged shapes of the Adriatic, then hit Levrnaka Island for sand, water time, and optional views from higher ground. The Telašćica side flips the mood to dramatic cliffs and a saltwater lake scene, where you can choose between a hike up top or a swim at Lake Mir.

I like that the plan respects variety. You can spend the day as active or relaxed as you want, as long as you work within the time blocks.

Price and value: the $52 base plus the park fee add-on

The listed price is about $52 per person for a full day at sea (9.5 hours). What makes it feel like good value is that it bundles real costs you’d otherwise piece together: guide time, boat transport, and included meals.

Still, budget for the mandatory parks entry fee, which is listed separately at €16 per person (and €8 for kids ages 3 to 12, free under age 3). That means your total spend is not just the tour price, especially if you’re traveling as a group.

On the plus side, the food is not just a snack. Breakfast is included onboard (ham and cheese sandwiches plus a welcome drink), and lunch is included at the middle of the day (grilled fish or chicken with salad, vegetarian pasta option, and wine). If you would normally pay for lunch near the marina, this matters.

Boarding at Arbiana Cruises: meeting point, ports, and the rhythm of the day

You board at Arbiana Cruises. Boarding starts at 8:00 from the old town harbour next to the pedestrian bridge, coordinates 44.11522045252541, 15.22902301159522. If you’re driving, there’s a large parking area at Ravnice 2, about 10 minutes away, with a fee listed as 0.3€ per hour.

You may also see options for pickup from Draženica and Zadar old town ports, and the return can include optional stops at Draženica and the old town area. That flexibility can help if you’re staying outside the tightest Old Town streets.

In terms of pacing, the day is structured around two main stops, each with about 1.5 hours on site, plus sailing segments between them. Weather affects departures, too, so if conditions are unsafe you should expect the operator to adjust, including rescheduling or a full refund.

Levrnaka Island and Lojena Cove: swim time plus a climb for views

The first real moment of the day comes early. After a morning sailing stretch of about 2.75 hours, you reach Levrnaka Island. This stop is where the tour turns into a beach day, not just a sightseeing day.

Lojena Cove is known for its sandy shoreline and clear water. You’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling, and you can keep it simple: find a spot, get wet, rinse off later, and enjoy the sea breeze. If you’re the type who likes a little effort for the payoff, there’s also a walk up to the top of the island.

From up there, you get distinctive Kornati views across the islands and islets. It’s the kind of perspective you can’t fully recreate from the boat, because you’re changing your height and angle.

The trade-off is time. This first stop is about 1.5 hours, which is usually enough for a swim and a quick climb. If you want a longer hike plus extended beach lounging, it may feel like the clock is moving a bit fast.

Telašćica Nature Park: Lake Mir saltwater swim and 150-meter cliff views

After Levrnaka, you’ll cruise toward Telašćica. The sailing segment between stops is about 45 minutes, then you arrive at Telašćica Nature Park, a protected bay area famous for dramatic shorelines.

You get about 1.5 hours here to explore at your own pace. This is where your day splits into two great options.

First option, walk up to the 150-meter-high cliffs. The payoff is panoramic open Adriatic and Kornati archipelago views. If you’re into photos, this is the part that tends to generate the “how is this real?” kind of angles.

Second option, a swim at Lake Mir, described as a saltwater lake tucked between rocky hills. It’s a different kind of water experience than the sandy cove. The setting feels more tucked in, with the land shaping how the water sits.

If you want a break that is less physical, you can also grab a cold drink and relax at a nearby bar. That gives you a nice reset before the long cruise back toward Zadar.

Food onboard: breakfast sandwiches, grilled lunch, and wine you can actually use

One of the smartest parts of this trip is that food is handled for you. You do not have to hunt for a meal between boat and shore.

Breakfast happens during the morning sailing. It’s ham and cheese sandwiches plus a welcome drink. It’s simple, but it works well because it keeps you fueled before water time. If you’re used to coffee or juice with breakfast, plan on the fact that additional drinks may be sold on board.

Lunch is included when you’re at the middle of the day, tied to the Telašćica stop. You’ll get grilled fish or chicken, served with salad, plus wine. There’s a vegetarian pasta in tomato sauce option as well. Wine being included matters, because it’s not just a token splash.

From what I see described in feedback, the meals are filling and straightforward, not fancy. That’s usually a good match for a day with sun, walking, and saltwater.

What to pack for a 9.5-hour sea day in Dalmatia

You should pack like this is a long outdoor day, because it is. The essentials listed are hiking shoes and cash.

Cash matters because additional drinks are available to purchase from the onboard bar in cash. Wine is included with lunch, and you get a welcome drink at breakfast, but anything beyond that is extra.

For comfort, I’d also bring swimwear and a small towel if you have one. The itinerary includes swim and snorkeling time at Levrnaka and Lake Mir, so you’ll be happiest if you can actually change and dry off.

Also note the limits:

• Baby strollers are not allowed.
• Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

And if you’re thinking about mobility planning, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Who should book this Kornati and Telašćica day trip

This is a great fit if you want a “see it, swim in it, then see more” day. It suits couples, small groups, and anyone who likes being on the water but still wants actual time on land for viewpoints.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• want both Kornati island scenery and Telašćica cliff-and-lake scenery in one day
• like having included meals, so your day stays simple
• are comfortable doing short-to-moderate walking, especially the cliff climb to the 150-meter viewpoint
• want a guide-led experience in English, with local stories during the sailing time

If you hate boats, or you’re the type who needs long, slow exploration with minimal changing locations, this might feel too time-boxed. The stops are good, but they are not long enough for a full hiking day at either park.

Should you book this Zadar Kornati and Telascica day trip?

Book it if you want real Adriatic variety in one outing: sandy cove swimming at Lojena, plus cliff panoramas and Lake Mir at Telašćica, with breakfast and lunch built in. The value works best when you factor in meals and the guide, then budget the separate park entry fee.

Consider passing or comparing another option if you know you’ll want much more than 1.5 hours at Levrnaka for beach time and a longer climb. Also consider bringing extra cash if you want coffee, soft drinks, or anything beyond the included drinks.

Finally, if your trip dates are flexible and you’re aiming for clear weather, this is one of those day trips where the sea conditions can make or break the experience.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Zadar?

Boarding starts at 8:00 from the old town harbour next to the bridge for pedestrian access.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Arbiana Cruises in Zadar’s old town harbour next to the pedestrian bridge, coordinates 44.11522045252541, 15.22902301159522.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast is included onboard with ham and cheese sandwiches, plus a welcome drink. Lunch is included at the tour with grilled fish or chicken, salad, and wine, with a vegetarian pasta option also available.

Are the park entrance fees included?

No. A mandatory parks entry fee is listed separately at €16 per person, €8 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children below age 3.

How long are the stops at Levrnaka and Telašćica?

Levrnaka Island stop time is about 1.5 hours. Telašćica Nature Park also has about 1.5 hours of free time.

What should I bring, and do I need cash?

You should bring hiking shoes and cash. Additional drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar in cash.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Baby strollers are also not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not permitted.