Kornati Islands: Small Group Boat Tour & Swim from Šibenik

Swim, taste, and wander Kornati’s wild islands by boat

You’ll cruise through Kornati’s wild islands with a small group, stopping to swim in hidden bays and taste fresh fish at an island restaurant. With a local guide leading you through stone-walled islets and quiet villages, you’ll feel both adventure and calm, plus plenty of sun on your face.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kornati National Park boat tour

• Depart from Mandalina pier, Šibenik
• Pass by UNESCO heritage site
• Pass by Bavljenac fingerprint island
• Stop for snorkeling and cliff diving
• Lunch at Kornati archipelago restaurant
• Visit Prvic island village

The experience

“That’s Bavljanac: see the lines?” our skipper Luka pointed as we drifted past what looked like a giant fingerprint pressed into the sea. I squinted in the sunlight, salt still drying on my arms after our first swim stop. The stone walls crisscrossing the island really did look like whorls. Luka told us how locals built them by hand to keep sheep in (or out? I forget which. He laughed at my confusion). The boat rocked gently and someone passed around cold water. I could hear gulls and that low hum of Croatian radio in the background.

I didn’t expect Kornati to feel so empty. Just rock, wind, and this crazy blue water everywhere. We stopped at a bay where you could jump straight off the boat for snorkeling (I hesitated, it was colder than I thought). The cliffs were sharp and white against the sky, and when I floated on my back it was so quiet except for distant voices from another group somewhere behind a headland. Lunch was at this little place on an island: rough wooden tables, grilled fish that tasted like smoke and lemon, some local wine. It wasn’t fancy but honestly perfect after swimming all morning. Our group swapped stories while Luka explained how these islands used to be full of shepherds, now mostly just fishermen in summer.

On Prvić island we wandered through narrow lanes where old men sat playing cards outside cafés. Someone ordered ice cream (I stuck to coffee, needed it after that wine). There’s this statue of Faust Vrancic in the square. Luka tried to tell us about his inventions but a dog started barking so loudly we all just ended up laughing instead. By then the sun had shifted and everything felt slow and golden. We headed back towards Šibenik with faces tight from sun and salt, kind of tired but in that good way you get after a long day outside.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Šibenik’s Mandalina pier, all entry fees to Kornati park areas, guidance from an English-speaking local skipper throughout every stopover, plus bottled water, drinks onboard, and lunch at an island restaurant before returning late afternoon.

Before you book

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Archipelago Tours

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Top questions

How long is the Kornati Islands boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours from departure to return.

Where does the Kornati boat tour depart from?

The departure point is the pier in front of D-Resort Mandalina, Šibenik.

Is lunch included on this Kornati Islands tour?

The tour includes a stopover for lunch at one of the best restaurants in the archipelago.

What should I bring for the Kornati day trip?

Bring bathing suits, towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, wind jacket, and maybe extra clothes.

Are drinks provided during the boat tour?

Bottled water and beverages are included throughout the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The description mentions stops for snorkeling but does not specify if equipment is provided. Check with operator before booking.

Are there any fitness requirements?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can infants join this Kornati Islands boat trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during the journey.