The Kornati are the densest archipelago in the Adriatic. What you need to know about tickets, zones and park rules is summarized here.
The Kornati lie off the northern Dalmatian coast and form the densest archipelago in the Adriatic. According to the park authority, Kornati National Park covers 89 islands, islets and reefs. Entering the park requires a ticket, and specific rules apply throughout the area. This guide sums up what experienced crews should know before heading in.
The archipelago stretches along the northern Dalmatian coast, between Šibenik in the south and Zadar in the north. The closest departure ports are Murter, Betina, Biograd na Moru and Zadar. The islands sit off Murter and Dugi Otok, not, as often assumed, anywhere near Dubrovnik.
The landscape differs clearly from the wooded islands of Central Dalmatia. Limestone, dry stone walls and sparse pastures define the scenery. Many islands are uninhabited, some are used seasonally for sheep grazing or olive growing. Exactly this barrenness is the appeal of the area: little infrastructure, plenty of space, clear water.
The national park protects only part of the wider archipelago. Entering the park zone requires a ticket per boat, with the price depending on factors such as vessel length. Tickets bought at official sales points outside the park or in advance are cheaper than buying inside the area. The park authority publishes new tariffs every year, so check the current price list before the season instead of relying on outdated figures from forums.
The ticket covers a defined time window and allows you to stay in the designated bays within the park boundaries. Passing through parts of the archipelago outside the park zone does not require a ticket. The boundaries are marked on charts and in the park authority's documents.
The rules protect a fragile karst landscape. Overnight stays and anchoring are only allowed in the designated bays. Open fires are banned throughout the park, as is collecting plants, shells or stones. All waste goes back on board and is disposed of ashore. Drone flights and fishing require a separate permit.
The park authority provides the full and current rules on its website and at the sales points. Since details can change from season to season, it is worth checking the official documents before your trip.
Northwest of the Kornati archipelago, Telašćica Nature Park lies at the southeastern end of Dugi Otok. Note the classification: Telašćica is a nature park, not a national park, and has its own ticket. The bay of Telašćica is considered one of the largest natural harbors in the Adriatic. Behind it rise the cliffs of Dugi Otok and the salt lake Mir, which is reachable on foot.
Many crews combine both areas in one trip, because the passages are short and the landscapes complement each other well: barren island maze in the national park, a deeply indented bay and cliffs in the nature park.
Honestly, the Kornati are not right on our doorstep. Our base is Marina Baotić near Trogir, and MANAIA's core cruising ground is Central Dalmatia with Šolta, Brač, Hvar and Vis. A detour to the Kornati means a longer trip with legs along the coast and, like any route, depends on weather and wind. The Bora can blow hard in this area, while the Maestral brings a reliable thermal breeze on summer afternoons.
If you would like to experience the Kornati with us, get in touch early. On a private charter, a longer trip towards northern Dalmatia can be discussed individually. For a classic week from Trogir, take a look at our seven-day route through Central Dalmatia. See yacht charter Trogir and Split for more on choosing your starting base, and the transparent weekly rates are listed under rates and services.
The price depends on factors such as vessel length and whether you buy the ticket in advance outside the park or directly inside the area. Tickets bought in advance are cheaper. The park authority publishes new tariffs every year, so check the current official price list before your trip.
The ticket is required for sailing and staying within the park zone. Passing through parts of the archipelago outside the park boundaries does not require a ticket. The exact boundaries are marked on charts and in the park authority's documents.
No. Overnight stays and anchoring are only allowed in the designated bays inside the park. This rule protects the fragile karst landscape and the seagrass meadows. The currently approved bays are listed in the park authority's official documents. Check the relevant park authority for current information before your trip.
Kornati National Park and Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok are two separate protected areas with their own tickets. Telašćica is a nature park, not a national park. Many crews combine both areas because they border each other directly and the passages are short.
Yes, but honestly the Kornati lie in northern Dalmatia, not right off Trogir. A visit means a longer trip with legs along the coast and depends on weather and wind. On a private charter aboard MANAIA, this can be discussed individually.
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