What the Kornati are
The Kornati archipelago lies west of Biograd, between Murter and Dugi otok. 89 mostly uninhabited karst islands stretch over a 320 km2 area; the national park covers about 220 km2 of that.
The defining sight: bare white-grey limestone cliffs (locally krune or "crowns") dropping straight into deep blue sea. The lack of vegetation gives the islands a stark, almost lunar quality - very different from the green Pasman channel coast at home.
Other highlights: hidden coves with crystal water, dozens of small konobas on the islands (open only in summer), and the chance to anchor your own boat or kayak in a place where no roads exist.
How to do the day trip from Biograd
Standard tour from Biograd harbour:
- Departure 9 a.m., return 6 p.m.
- Lunch on board (usually fish or chicken with salad)
- 1-2 swimming stops in protected coves
- Park entry fee usually included (otherwise about 15-25 EUR per person)
- Cost: 50-65 EUR per adult, kids half price
Boats range from 30-passenger party-style to 12-passenger smaller boats. Smaller is usually quieter and more flexible - ask before booking.
Book a day ahead in peak July-August. In shoulder season (May, June, September), you can usually walk to the marina at 8 a.m. and find a boat.
Private charter (couples, small groups): 400-800 EUR per group for a half-day or full-day on a small yacht with skipper. More flexibility, no fixed lunch.
What to pack
Essentials:
- Swimsuit (you will swim 1-2 times)
- Towel
- Sunscreen (high SPF; sun reflects off limestone)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water (boats sell drinks but at 3x mainland prices)
- Light jacket (windy on deck even in summer)
- Camera or phone (charge it before)
- Snacks if you have dietary needs (lunch on standard tours is set menu)
Not needed:
- Cash for the park entry (usually included)
- Snorkel gear (most tours provide; bring your own if you have it)
- Beach umbrella (boats have covered areas)
When to go and what to skip
Best months: May, June, September. Sea is warm, crowds are manageable, light is best. July-August are doable but boats are full and waters can be choppy with afternoon maestral.
Skip Kornati if:
- You only have one day in the area and have not yet seen Krka or Zadar (those are easier first trips)
- You get seasick - the open water past Murter can be choppy
- You have kids under 7 - 9 hours on a boat is too long
- It is windy - check forecast 24 hours ahead; some tours cancel in strong winds
The trip is worth it for: open water lovers, photographers, anyone who likes "off the map" places, snorkelers (water clarity is exceptional).
Alternatives to the standard tour
Sail your own boat: rent from Marina Kornati for a week and explore at your own pace. Bareboat charter 1,800-4,500 EUR per week for 38-45 ft yacht.
Sea kayak expedition: 3-7 day guided trip with camping or hotel base. Around 350-1,400 EUR per person all-in. Best done late May - September.
Half-day Pasman + edge of Kornati tour: shorter alternative, around 35-45 EUR per adult, 4-5 hours. Good for kids who would not last a full Kornati day.
Land-based view: you cannot really see Kornati from land. The closest viewpoint is Kamenjak above Vransko jezero - you see the silhouette in the distance but not the archipelago itself.