Plan a day beyond the city
Day Trips from Zadar: Islands, Waterfalls and National Parks
Choose an island day, a waterfall walk or a shorter boat experience to match your holiday.
Start with the day you want
Do you want to spend the day at sea, walk through a waterfall landscape or leave room for time in Zadar? Start with that choice, then compare the route, transport and inclusions. This guide covers excursions available through Best of Zadar; use each product page for its current programme and booking details.
Compare day trips from Zadar
| Trip | Main focus | Time to set aside |
|---|---|---|
| Kornati National Park | Island scenery and a full day on the water | Full day |
| Dugi Otok by speedboat | Bays, island views and swimming stops | Full day |
| Best of Dugi Otok & Kornati | Both island areas in one speedboat itinerary | Full day |
| Krka Waterfalls and Skradin | Waterfall walking and free time in town | Day trip |
| Plitvice Lakes | A lake-and-waterfall landscape inland | Day trip |
Kornati National Park from Zadar
Choose Kornati if your priority is the Adriatic island landscape and a day aboard a boat. Compare the actual stops and inclusions before booking: tour names alone do not tell you how long you will spend ashore or swimming. Our tour page sets out the Kornati and Telašćica itinerary.
Explore the Kornati tour →Dugi Otok by speedboat from Zadar
A Dugi Otok speedboat day suits visitors who want to travel between island locations and enjoy swimming stops. Check the programme for your chosen trip rather than assuming every Dugi Otok tour has the same route. Wind and sea conditions can affect the itinerary.
Explore the Dugi Otok speedboat tour →Best of Dugi Otok & Kornati from Zadar
This combined excursion is an option if you want Dugi Otok and Kornati in one day. At Lojena, the stop is for swimming, usually around one to one and a half hours. Lunch is optional on Kornat if the group wants it; it is not a lunch stop at Lojena. Access to Golubinka cave depends on wind and waves.
See the combined speedboat itinerary →Krka Waterfalls and Skradin from Zadar
Choose Krka for a waterfall day with time in Skradin. The main visit centres on Skradinski buk, not the whole national park. In summer, you can swim at the beach in Skradin town. Swimming at Skradinski buk waterfall is prohibited. The park ticket is included in our tour price.
Explore Krka from Zadar →Plitvice Lakes from Zadar
Choose Plitvice when you want the lake landscape to be the main event of the day. Allow time for the inland journey and read the walking itinerary before booking. Routes vary in length and effort. Swimming in Plitvice Lakes National Park is prohibited.
Explore Plitvice from Zadar →Still deciding between Krka and Plitvice?
Compare travel, walking routes and swimming rules before choosing your national park day.
Shorter boat experiences
You do not need to give up a full day to enjoy the sea. Compare our half-day boat trips, sailing tour from Zadar and Zadar sunset boat tour. Check the exact duration and departure before planning other activities around it.
What to check before booking
- Departure point, meeting time and expected return.
- The walking route or boat type and whether it suits your group.
- Park admission, meals and other inclusions.
- Swimming stops and any weather-dependent access.
- Cancellation terms and what happens if conditions change.
Comfortable footwear and sun protection are useful for both land and boat excursions. Add swimwear and a towel when your itinerary includes swimming, and follow the trip’s specific packing advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which day trip from Zadar should I choose?
Choose Kornati or Dugi Otok for an island and boat day, Krka for waterfalls with time in Skradin, or Plitvice for an inland lake-and-waterfall itinerary. The right choice depends on your available time, walking preferences and comfort on a boat.
Should I choose Krka or Plitvice from Zadar?
Krka is closer to Zadar and combines Skradinski buk with Skradin town. Plitvice involves a longer inland journey and offers several lake walking routes. Compare the itinerary and walking expectations before choosing.
Can I swim on a national park day trip?
Swimming at Skradinski buk and in Plitvice Lakes National Park is prohibited. On our Krka trip, summer swimming is at the beach in Skradin town. For boat trips, check the published swimming stops and follow the crew’s instructions.
Are park entrance tickets always included?
No. Read the inclusions for each excursion. Our Krka tour includes the park ticket in the price. Do not assume that all national park tours have the same ticket arrangements.
Find your excursion from Zadar
Compare the current itineraries and choose the day that fits your holiday.
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