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Things to do in Dugi Otok

Our most recommended things to do in Dugi Otok

Zadar: Kornati and Telašćica National Parks Boat Trip

1. Zadar: Kornati and Telašćica National Parks Boat Trip

Embark on an inclusive boat trip with food and time for swimming. Combine your boat journey up the coast with exploring the National Parks at your leisure. Get ready for a sea adventure on the Croatian coast. Begin the tour at 8:15 AM as you board your ship. Immediately be spoiled with some delicious local Rakija and ham and cheese sandwiches for breakfast. Meet your tour guide and hear fascinating stories. Between 11:30 AM and 1:15 PM, enjoy free time to explore the Natural Park Telašćica on your own. Discover the views of the magnificent cliffs and bathe in the salt waters of Lake Mir. Also, go for a swim either in the sea or the lake. Admire the scenic views of the next stop, the Kornati National Park and Suha Punta Bay, before a delicious lunch of grilled meat, fish, and salad with Croatian wine. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Enjoy some juicy watermelon to help you stay hydrated on the journey back, arriving back at the pier at 18:00 PM.

Zadar: Day Trip to Kornati and Telascica by Boat with Food

2. Zadar: Day Trip to Kornati and Telascica by Boat with Food

Discover some of the most stunning islands in the Kornati archipelago and enjoy a visit to Telascica Nature Park on a full-day boat tour from Zadar that includes breakfast, lunchbox, and swim stops. Cruise past peaceful bays, rugged cliffs, and rocky meadows while listening to your guide's commentary. Meet the boat crew in the city harbor in the morning. Depart from Zadar and stop at the ports of Drazenica and Preko (Ugljan island). Soak in panoramic views of Mrtovac, Levernaka, and Mana islands on the way to Kornati. Savor a welcome drink and a sandwich for breakfast. Sail around the Kornati cliffs while your guide shares its history with you. Upon arrival in Kornati, enjoy 50 minutes of free time to explore the island. Don't miss the 6th-century Fort Tureta standing high on Tureta hill, and the Church of Our Lady of Tarac. Then, get back to the boat to sail onward to Telascica. Tuck into your onboard lunch grilled fish with salad or vegetarian pasta made in tomato sauce, accompanied by wine. As the boat drops anchor at Telascica port, get ready to make the most of your 2 hours in the bay. Once in Telascica Nature Park, you can walk to the 150-meter-high lookout for stunning views of the Adriatic and the Kornati islands, swim in Lake Mir or the open sea, or simply chill by the catering facilities to sip on cold drinks. Finally, settle back in for the 3-hour return trip to Zadar, admiring the coastline along the way. If needed, the boat will make stops at the ports of Drazenica and Preko.

From Zadar: Full-Day Kayaking Tour in Dugi Otok

3. From Zadar: Full-Day Kayaking Tour in Dugi Otok

On this full-day kayaking excursion you’ll experience the natural beauty of Dugi Otok, a rugged island located to the west of Zadar. When you arrive, a van will transfer you to the bay, where the kayaking adventure begins. During the tour you’ll encounter secret bays, numerous sea caves and soaring cliffs. Later, when you return to the starting point you’ll be transferred to the north of island, where you’ll have lunch. Afterwards, you’ll paddle your kayak to a sunken ship, which offers a spectacular snorkeling experience. The final part of the tour is spent at the white sandy beach of Sakarun, where you can relax, swim and play the local game of picigin – a real treat for all.

From Zadar: Kornati, Telašćica, and Ugljan Island Boat Tour

4. From Zadar: Kornati, Telašćica, and Ugljan Island Boat Tour

Discover some of Croatia's lesser-known islands on this boat trip from Zadar. Visit the charming fisherman's village of Kukljica on Ugljan Island, the picturesque Lake Mir in Telašćica, and the deserted Suha Panta bay. Stop for lunch at a seaside location that will remind you of Robinson Crusoe. Meet your guide in Zadar and hop on the boat that will lead you around the islands. Enjoy a breakfast of sandwiches as you listen to fascinating stories about the sights from your guide. Your first stop is at Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok island. Enjoy some free time to explore the island at your own pace. Stroll around the picturesque Lake Mir, climb to a viewpoint for breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea, or go for a dip in the lake or sea. Next, head to Suha Punta bay and take in breathtaking views of the Kornati National Park. There are no ferries, running water, or electricity at the bay, so prepare for a real-life Robinson Crusoe experience at lunch. Feast on grilled meat, fish, and salad, all washed with local Croatian wine. On your way to the next stop, enjoy organic seasonal fruit before arriving at Kukljica on Ugljan island. Enjoy some free time to explore this fisherman's village at your own pace. You could go for a swim, see the sights, or pick up some fresh, locally made ice cream. At the end of the day, sit back and relax as you take in some final views of the islands before arriving back to Zadar in the evening, just in time for dinner.

Zadar: Full-Day Sailing Trip to Kornati

5. Zadar: Full-Day Sailing Trip to Kornati

Sail toward the southern part of Dugi Otok Island. This is where the sea embraces Telašćica, whose name derives from the Latin "Telagus" (meaning 3 lakes). Relax on the boat with a book or sunbathe on deck. Enjoy views of the picturesque Mediterranean landscapes along the way. Chat with the skipper if you are interested in sailing and hear all the secrets of their ancient craft.  Upon arrival at Telašćica Nature Park, enjoy some free time to swim and snorkel. Go for a stroll and give a treat to the timid donkeys. There's a donkey reserve within the park and the coastal (or Dinaric) donkey is an indigenous Croatian breed. Currently, there are 14 donkeys living in Telašćica, while the entire area abounds with flora and fauna. The park has 3 smaller bays within its wider area. Telašćica is the largest and best-protected natural harbor on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. It has 5 islets, of which the small rock slab of Taljurić is the most extraordinary. Continue to Lake Mir in the southwestern part of the park. The salt waters of the lake derive from the underground canals that connect it to the sea. Archaeological excavations made in the area indicate the place was inhabited in the earliest periods. On the return journey, go to Stene (also known as the "Devil`s Cliffs"). Marvel at the vertical cliffs that rise up to 61 meters from the sea. They spread from Mrzlovica Cape on the northwest to the slopes of Veli Vrh on the southeast.

Kornati National Park and Telašćica Full-Day Boat Tour

6. Kornati National Park and Telašćica Full-Day Boat Tour

Discover the stunning Kornati National Park and Telašćica nature park by boat. Set sail from the port in Vodice, crossing the Adriatic sea to enter the national park. Cruise beneath impressive cliffs and admire the views as you enjoy lunch on board. Continue past the church of Our Lady of Tarac, and see the 16th-century Tureta fortress. Arrive at Telašćica and stop to appreciate this beautiful spot. Bathe in the salt waters of Lake Mir and swim in the clear blue sea. Visit a cliff-top lookout, relax in thick pine woods, or shop for souvenirs. Cruise back towards Vodice, passing Roman ruins and the Upper Kornati group of islands. See the fishing settlement of Tribunj before arriving back at the port in the early evening.

From Zadar: Dugi Otok & Kornati National Park Speedboat Tour

7. From Zadar: Dugi Otok & Kornati National Park Speedboat Tour

Discover the shipwreck of the Italian cargo ship "Michelle", Sakarun Beach, and the Golubinka cave on a full-day speedboat tour from Zadar. Visit Lojena Beach in Kornati National Park and the Lagnići cliffs on Dugi Otok island. Swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy free time in Vrulje. Meet your skipper at the dock in Zadar in the morning and take off on your Croatian adventure. Cut through the water in a comfortable RIB speedboat and keep your energy up with snacks, sodas, and water as you glide over the water. Stop at the at the Lagnići cliffs, on the northern part of Dugi Otok island, near the Veli Rat lighthouse. Snorkel uncover the secrets of the shipwrecked "Michelle" which serves as a home to many fish and some coral formations. Head to sandy cove of Sakarun where you can jump in the water and relax. Continue to Golubinka cave on the island’s west coast where you can snorkle through an underwater cave and admire the azure color of the sea. Cruise to Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island which is nestled in the prisine waters of the Kornati national park. Take a dip in these protected waters and search for local marine life. Make your way to sheltered Vrulje bay where you can have some free time to go ashore and purchase a delicious lunch. Finally, reach Mana Island, one of the most famous islands in Kornati archipelago due to its remarkable cliffs and its history of being used as a shooting location. Have some free time to enjoy the water or take in the sights before returning to your meeting point in Zadar.

Zadar: Boat Tour to the Nearby Islands

8. Zadar: Boat Tour to the Nearby Islands

Visit a beautiful Croatian island on this boat tour from Zadar. Get access to areas that the larger tourist ships cannot reach. Marvel at the beauty of Ugljan island. Stop for a swim at the beach and see old villages.  Meet your guide at City Bridge and embark on your boat trip. Admire panoramic views of the city center from the water. Drive towards the island and enjoy the views of some pristine beaches and stop for a swim in the crystal clear water. Explore charming villages with coffee bars and souvenir shops. Admire the old red-roofed stone buildings on the shore. After some time learning about the history of the island with your guide, you will return back to Zadar.

From Zadar: Dugi Otok Half-Day Kayak Adventure

9. From Zadar: Dugi Otok Half-Day Kayak Adventure

Explore the natural beauty of the island of Dugi Otok on a half-day kayaking adventure from Zadar. Delight in the white sandy beach of Veli Žal, and swim in a hidden cave. Begin your tour by boarding a ferry at Gaženica port in Zadar and cruise for 1.5 hours to Dugi Otok. Admire the beauty of the magical Zadar archipelago on the sunny deck during the ride. Upon arrival in Brbinj, Dugi Otok, meet your guide in front of the ferry, then take a 15-minute ride to Veli Žal. Once at the beach, choose how you want to spend the first part of your adventure. Soak up some rays on the beach, go for a swim, explore the surroundings in a kayak by yourself, or join your guide on a ride around the island of Mezanj. 2 hours later, transfer to another bay where the real kayaking adventure starts. Paddle out in your kayak with a certified local guide, and try cliff jumping, swimming, and diving in an astonishing cave that changes color depending on sun reflection/the angle of sunlight.

Zadar: Sakarun Bay, Golubinka Cave & Veli Žal Speedboat Tour

10. Zadar: Sakarun Bay, Golubinka Cave & Veli Žal Speedboat Tour

Hop on a private boat in Zadar and head to Sakarun bay, Veli Žal beach and Golubinka cave on the outer part of the island. Visit the most magical places to make your holiday getaway memorable. While cruising towards the uninhabited side of Dugi Otok, whose name (Long Island) uncovers its 45-kilometer length, cruise past the islands of Sestrunj, Rava, Iž, Zverinac, Molat. Stop near the sunken ship near Lagnići islands to snorkel and explore the shipwreck from the 80s. Proceed past the Veli Rat lighthouse towards Veli Žal beach which is home to the most turquoise waters of the Adriatic. The beach Veli Žal (Big Beach) is situated on the uninhabited side of Dugi Otok in the open waters. Explore this best-kept secret of the archipelago. Next, head to the remote Golubinka cave to immerse in the pristine wilderness and beauty of nature. The cave itself lets some light in, which then explodes in many beautiful colors making the water inside look and feel magical. Snorkel and swim in these waters to enjoy the cave. Then, start going back towards the famous Sakarun bay. Meet pristine white sand, turquoise waters, a beach bar, and a restaurant in the pine forest. Lie on the beach, dip your feet in the crystal clear water, and relax to the sounds of waves.

Other Sightseeing Options in Dugi Otok

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What people are saying about Dugi Otok

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 1,356 reviews

I really enjoyed this trip! I went on my own and there were a few other solo travellers, couples and families etc. The boat wasn’t too busy, plenty of drinks (squash, water, wine, even some raki to try). We were given a roll for breakfast and we had an apple after lunch (which was fish, chicken and salad). Maybe bring more snacks if you’re likely to get hungry. The tour itself was great, I really enjoyed my time on each island and the staff on board were really helpful and friendly. It was definitely relaxing and worth the money in my opinion. Thank you for a great day!

Nous avons passé un très bon moment, tout était très bien organisé. Les paysages sont exceptionnels, les arrêts sont laissent le temps d’aller se promener et de se baigner. A prévoir (même en octobre): - maillots de bain - serviettes - argent liquide car les boissons (café, thé, coca, etc..) sont payantes à bord

Loved it! We were served food, water, wine and juice. Kristina was very nice and helpful. The boat itself it’s quite old and not really comfortable but for the price is ok. Visited places were beautiful but it would be to stay a little bit longer. Overall good value for money.

Boris was fantastic, knowledgable about the islands and gave good insights during his talks. Was very interesting to explore the islands and see things I wouldn’t have seen if I stayed in Zadar. Would highly recommend

Very pleasant day with a charming skipper. To do again with great pleasure…