Krka Waterfalls: Day Trip from Split with Boat & Swimming

Summary

Swim below Krka’s falls then drift by boat to Skradin for riverside calm

You’ll start your day in Split and head to Krka Waterfalls with a local guide who shares stories you won’t find online. Feel cool spray at Skradinski Buk, explore an old village, then take a boat cruise to Skradin. Swim where river meets sea or relax with lunch by the water—you’ll leave with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I’d seen so many photos of Krka Waterfalls before our trip from Split that I half-expected it to feel like a postcard. But standing there, with the spray actually cooling my face and the sound of water louder than I imagined, it felt way more alive. Our guide, Marko, had this way of weaving in little stories about the park—he pointed out an old stone house in the ethno-village and told us how people used to live right alongside all that rushing water. The air smelled green (if that makes sense), like wet leaves and river stones.

The walk down to Skradinski Buk was a bit crowded but worth it. I kept stopping just to watch sunlight flicker through the trees onto the wooden walkways—somehow everyone moved at their own pace here. At one point Marko laughed when I tried pronouncing “hydroelectric power plant” in Croatian (I butchered it completely). He showed us where Europe’s first hydroelectric plant still stands—didn’t expect that bit of history tucked into all this nature. There’s something about hearing local pride in someone’s voice that sticks with you.

After we’d wandered and snapped a hundred photos (I lost count), we hopped on the boat for Skradin. That ride was quieter than I thought it would be; just wind and low chatter, water slipping past. In Skradin, some folks peeled off for lunch or cocktails—I just sat near where the river meets the sea, letting my feet dangle over the edge. The water was chilly but not sharp. If you go for a swim here, don’t rush—let yourself float for a minute and look back upriver. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Krka National Park and Skradin

• Travel from Split to Krka National Park
• Explore waterfalls and natural surroundings
• Visit Jaruga hydroelectric power plant
• Enjoy free time in the park
• Take panoramic boat ride to Skradin
• Walk through Skradin town center
• Climb fortress for panoramic views
• Have lunch or cocktail in town
• Swim at beach where river meets sea

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Split to Krka Waterfalls?

It takes about 1.5 hours by bus from Split to Krka Waterfalls.

Is swimming allowed at Krka Waterfalls?

You can swim at Skradin beach where the river meets the sea, not directly under the main falls.

Does this day trip include a boat ride?

Yes, there is a panoramic boat cruise from Krka National Park to Skradin included.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but you have free time in Skradin for food or drinks.

Are there guides during the tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout the day trip.

What should I bring for this tour?

Sunscreen, sportswear, camera, swimsuit if you plan to swim—and maybe a towel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; meeting point details are provided after booking.

How much free time do we get inside Krka National Park?

You have some free time inside the park after visiting key sights with your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Split, entry into Krka with stories from an English-speaking guide, insurance coverage throughout, a panoramic boat cruise downriver to Skradin town and enough free time for swimming or exploring on your own before heading back together.