Split & Trogir: Krka Waterfalls Day Trip with Boat Ride

Summary

Krka waterfalls, river cruise, swimming and free time from Split

You’ll feel mist on your face at Krka’s waterfalls, wander shaded trails at your own pace, then drift downriver by boat toward Skradin. Swim or relax by the water before heading back to Split or Trogir—tickets and guidance included so you can just enjoy being there.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Split arguing with my travel buddy about how to pronounce “Skradinski Buk” (our guide Ana finally settled it for us, but I’m still not convinced). The bus was cool inside, which felt like a small miracle since the city was already warming up. Ana handed out our Krka tickets before we even got off—no lines, no fuss. I could smell pine and something sweet in the air as we walked down the path toward the waterfalls. There’s this low roar you feel before you see anything, and then suddenly there’s water everywhere—like a hundred tiny rainstorms all at once.

Ana gave us a few tips (“Don’t try to pet the ducks—they bite,” she said, which made me laugh), then let us wander for a couple hours. I lost track of time watching the way sunlight bounced off the spray. My shoes got soaked on one of those wooden walkways but honestly, it felt good. The main keyword here is freedom—you can just roam around or sit somewhere quiet and listen to people chatting in Croatian, German, Italian… I even heard someone singing softly by the water. When we met back up at the pier, Ana was there waving like she’d known us forever.

The boat ride down Krka river canyon was slower than I thought it’d be—in a good way. People went quiet for a bit as we drifted past steep green cliffs and old stone houses tucked into trees. In Skradin (which is still inside Krka), we had another two-ish hours to do whatever: some folks went swimming right in town, others grabbed lunch or just lay on the grass. There’s a spot where you can taste local wine if you ask ahead—kind of wish I’d tried that instead of my sad sandwich, but next time. On the way back to Split I kept thinking about that sound—the waterfalls mixing with voices and wind through leaves. It sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Krka National Park and Skradin

• Explore Skradinski Buk for 2.5 hours
• Take panoramic boat cruise on Krka river
• Relax and swim in Skradin town for 2 hours
• Return to starting point by coach

Top questions

How long is the Krka Waterfalls day trip from Split?

The tour includes about 5 hours in Krka Park plus travel time from Split or Trogir.

Is pickup included from both Split and Trogir?

Yes, pickup is available from both cities; note Trogir departures are only at 8:30 AM.

Do I need to buy my own ticket for Krka?

No, entrance tickets are arranged by your guide so you skip waiting in line.

Can I swim during this Krka Waterfalls day trip?

Yes, swimming is possible near Skradin during your free time in the park.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but you can visit local restaurants or request an agrotourism stop for wine tasting or food nearby.

How much free time do we get at each location?

You’ll have around 2.5 hours each at Skradinski Buk and Skradin within Krka Park.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Comfortable walking shoes, sports clothes, cash for entrance fees if needed, and swimwear if you plan to swim.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned coach transport from Split or Trogir (with early pickup), all entrance tickets arranged ahead so there’s no waiting in line, a guided intro with tips from a local escort at Krka’s entrance, a one-way sightseeing cruise through the river canyon inside Krka Park itself, plus plenty of free time to explore waterfalls or swim near Skradin before returning home in comfort.