Day 1: Zadar - Ždrelac
If you choose to spend your first night in the Marina, take advantage of the late afternoon to explore the enchanting Zadar Old Town. A leisurely stroll through its charming streets offers a chance to marvel at key landmarks, including The Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, Church of St. Donat,… and museums such as the Museum of Ancient Glass, Museum of Illusions, Captain's Tower and more. Cap off your evening with a delightful Mediterranean dinner at esteemed restaurants such as Proto, Giardin, Bruschetta, Pet bunara, Kornat, or Foša.
Alternatively, if you prefer to embark on your journey immediately, we suggest a brief boat ride to a nearby place for overnight stay such as Sutomišćica, Kukljica, or Ždrelac.
To ensure smooth preparation for the upcoming days, we highly recommend securing an online ticket for NP Kornati in advance at https://my-sea.com/en. For easier booking, each boat has a unique code that contains all necessary boat info, conveniently accessible in your boarding pass or boat documents book. Additionally, please be mindful to have cash on hand, as cashless payments are not accepted on the Kornati islands.
Day 2: Ždrelac - Vrgada - Kakan / Kaprije
Heading south, we cruise along the charming island of Ugljan, then past the scenic shores of Pašman, and through the captivating Biograd Gate—an exquisite segment of the Adriatic Sea.
Should you decide to take a refreshing swim break on any of the islands, be cautious of sea currents, particularly around the heart-shaped "island of love," Galešnjak.
A perfect spot for a break is the island of Vrgada, where you can choose an anchorage based on the wind conditions. Options include a shallow sand anchorage along the island of Artina with an attractive view of Vrgada (beach bar is nearby), the quiet shallow bay in front of the bay of Sv. Andrija (accessible only by dinghy, but offering the best hamburger within 20 NM), or the buoys in Kranje bay, accompanied by a small restaurant.
After a rejuvenating stop, continue your journey towards Kaprije (and Kakan), passing over the Murter Sea where the winds may pick up a little—embrace the experience, you're on a boat! The choice is yours between the small village of Kaprije (on the island of Kaprije) with mooring, electricity, shops, bars, and restaurants, or the serene anchorage along the island of Kakan (islets of Borovnjaci) featuring buoys amidst turquoise waters.
Day 3: Kakan / Kaprije - Šibenik - Krka (Skradin)
Today brings a new adventure as we set our course upstream along the Krka River.
But, before venturing into the river's embrace, our journey leads us towards Šibenik, where the passage through the channel of St. Anthony awaits, renowned as one of the most beautiful sea approaches in the Mediterranean.
Šibenik, situated at the confluence of the Krka River and the Adriatic Sea, is a city adorned with fortresses and a captivating cathedral. Its charming alleys provide an ideal setting for leisurely walks. Take a few hours to dock on the Šibenik waterfront, known as Šibenska Riva.
After exploring the treasures of Šibenik, venture into the Krka River canyon and brace yourself for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour journey to reach Skradin. While in Lake Prokljan, we suggest a short break to dive into the murky water. Experience the unique sensation as salty sea water and fresh river water intermingle. Due to the difference in density, two layers form - a surface of cold and sweet water, and at a depth of 2-3 meters, warm and salty sea water prevails.
If you choose to sail on the lake, please stay close to the waterway, as the lake isn't very deep.
Upon reaching Skradin, consider one of these options for overnight stay:
- ACI Marina Skradin - a marina equipped with all the benefits of ACI marinas.
- City Port of Skradin - a berth within the city, although without toilet facilities. The city of Skradin boasts several restaurants and bars.
- Bay and Restaurant Vidrovača - a berth on the restaurant's pontoon with the option of transportation to the city.
Day 4: Skradin (NP Krka) - NP Kornati
Skradin serves as the gateway to the Krka National Park, offering various modes of exploration, including organized boat tours (please note that our boat cannot and must not go to the park), walking, or cycling. Due to the park's popularity, we recommend embarking on a first boat tour (around 08:00) or during lunch to avoid crowds. The park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, creating a picturesque natural spectacle.
Following our inland adventure, we return to the sea, cruising towards Šibenik. En route, consider a stop at one of the shellfish farms to procure fresh shellfish for a delightful onboard lunch.
Take a break at the fortress of St. Nicholas in the channel of St. Anthony before continuing towards NP Kornati. Our destination lies in the extreme south of the archipelago, whether at the islet of Smokvica, Žakanj, or the bay of Opat on the island of Kornati. All three locations offer the option of enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: NP Kornati - Lojena bay - Sali
Navigating through the enchanting Kornati archipelago, our course leads us towards Dugi Otok. The Kornati, hailed as a "paradise for sailors" will unveil one of the most breathtaking island landscapes. Amidst the stunning nature, you have the opportunity to explore the "pirate village," the fortress of Toreta, or the church of Our Lady of Tarca.
Indulge in the pleasures of the day by swimming on the sandy beach in Lojena bay or embarking on a climb to the highest peak, Metlina (237 m), from Strižnje bay.
As the day concludes, head to Sali, where the local restaurants beckon with delightful seafood. Ensure you savor a drink or two at Maritimo, the bar of all sailors. A friendly heads-up: In Sali, you might receive two separate bills for mooring, but rest assured, it's not a scam, it’s a bureaucratic mess!
Day 6: Sali - Knežak / Iž
After a morning coffee, we set sail further north, with the first break of the day situated between the islands of Krava and Krknata.
The island of Iž awaits next, offering a serene spot for swimming between the islet of Knežak and the main island of Iž. For added convenience, a buoy near Knežak can be easily reached by dinghy.
Island Iž, characterized by its tranquil ambiance, represents an ideal haven for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere. The intact nature of this island, crystal-clear sea and the scents of wild herbs truly create a green paradise, where time seems to stand still, and tranquility prevails.
As the day progresses, a variety of dinner options present themselves:
- Stay on the buoy on your boat for a cozy onboard dining experience.
- Hop on the dinghy and head to Iž for a delightful dinner ashore.
- Navigate your boat to the port of Komoševo for an alternative dining venue.
- Opt for the marina Iž, providing a convenient choice for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Knežak / Iž - Frnaža Bay - Zadar
On the last day, the return route to the base in Zadar is determined by the boat's height:
- Boats less than 40 feet (mast height up to 17m) can reach Zadar by bypassing the island of Ugljan from both the north and south side (passing under the Ždrelac Bridge).
- Larger boats can approach Zadar exclusively by passing from the NW side, across the strait between the islands of Ugljan and Idula.
As the journey nears its end, departing from Iž on the route to Zadar, several small bays present ideal spots for swimming, including Svitla Bay, Suha Bay, Pavlešina Bay, Bay Mostir, Ćinta Bay, Frnaža Bay, Sabuša Bay, and Kostanj Bay.
After a refreshing swim, as you approach our base, take the opportunity to refuel. Our dedicated staff awaits your arrival on the pier, ready to assist with the boat handover.
Bravo, Skipper! Another week is behind you, with the last maneuver completed. It's time to unwind with something cold to drink and enjoy a well-deserved dinner in the city. Cheers to a successful journey!
