Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb: Boat ride and Rastoke
The boat ride crosses the largest lake after you've walked the forest boardwalks.
A full-day guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park departing from Zagreb, with entrance ticket, a guided walk through both Lower and Upper lakes, a boat cruise across the largest lake, and a visit to Rastoke's historic watermills. The tour runs 10 hours and includes air-conditioned transport and an English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup is available on the small group option, while the bus group option meets at a central point.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Visit Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes
- Arrive at Rastoke village
- Explore watermills and waterfalls
- Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Guided walking tour of the park
- Boat cruise on the largest lake
- Panoramic vehicle ride in the park
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Zagreb hotels (on the small group option).
- entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- guided walking tour of the Lower and Upper lakes with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- boat ride across the largest lake (seasonal, weather dependent).
- panoramic vehicle ride through the park (seasonal, weather dependent).
- air-conditioned transport between Zagreb, Rastoke and the national park.
- visit to the Rastoke watermill village.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Petros d.o.o
Prices and times updated 8 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts in Rastoke, a village built along the Slunjčica and Korana rivers where old watermills line the banks and water cascades over stone. You'll walk through the preserved architecture and see how the rivers shaped the settlement before heading to Plitvice Lakes National Park, about an hour away. The park itself is the oldest in Southeast Europe and the largest in Croatia: 16 lakes connected by waterfalls, a UNESCO World Heritage site that most visitors to the region never see because it takes a full day and a guide to do it right.
Once inside the park, your guide leads you on foot through both the Lower and Upper lakes, covering roughly 5 miles on forest boardwalks and paths. The walking includes some steep sections, so comfortable hiking shoes matter. You'll see the waterfalls and the turquoise water from multiple angles as the guide explains what you're standing in front of. The boat ride comes near the end of the day. You cross the largest lake and get views of the park from the water, then a panoramic vehicle ride brings you back through the landscape before the return to Zagreb.
From November through March, the boat and panoramic vehicle don't run because of weather, so the tour becomes a full walking route of the Lower Lakes only and runs shorter. Air-conditioned transport moves the group between Rastoke and the park, and the whole day is structured so you don't have to navigate the park alone or figure out which lakes matter. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the day.
Is this one for you?Book the small group option if you need hotel pickup. Choose the bus option if you're meeting at a central location instead.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (3 to 6 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How much walking is involved in the Plitvice Lakes tour?
The tour covers approximately 5 miles (8.5 kilometers) on foot through the park's forest boardwalks and pathways, with some steep sections included. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential, and the walking is moderate in difficulty but sustained across the day.
Does the tour include a boat ride on the lakes?
Yes, a boat cruise across the largest lake is included near the end of your visit, along with a panoramic vehicle ride through the park. From November through March, depending on weather, the boat and vehicle rides do not operate, and the tour is conducted entirely on foot through the Lower Lakes instead.
What is Rastoke and why is it part of this tour?
Rastoke is a historic village situated where two rivers meet, known for its well-preserved watermills and cascading waterfalls. It's included as the first stop of the day to show you a different side of Croatia's water landscapes before you reach the larger lakes.
Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you book the small group option (up to 8 guests). The bus group option meets at a central meeting point instead of hotel pickups.
What should I wear and bring for a full day at Plitvice Lakes?
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good grip, as the boardwalks and forest paths have uneven surfaces and some steep sections. Bring water and sun protection. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the park, but carrying your own is practical for a 10-hour day.
Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb: Boat ride and Rastoke
10h · EN
from US$ 86 per person
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