BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Boat Rental in Zadar: Dugi Otok and the Kornati

Rent a boat in Zadar to sail to Dugi Otok, Telašćica bay and the Kornati: anchorages, national park, indicative prices and practical advice for the week.

Zadar is an often underrated starting point for northern Dalmatia. The easily reached historic town opens onto a dense archipelago that leads straight to two gems: Dugi Otok and the Kornati National Park. Renting a boat here means varied sailing, between sheltered channels and stark, rocky landscapes, away from the busiest southern charter routes.

Dugi Otok and Telašćica bay

Dugi Otok, the long island, marks the first big stop. Its Sakarun bay, with pale sand and shallow water, appeals to families, while the Telašćica nature park offers a striking contrast: sheer cliffs on the seaward side and a sheltered salt lagoon, the famous lake, on the other. It is an ideal protected anchorage to rest before pushing on to the Kornati. A short walk leads to the viewpoints above the cliffs, not to be missed at the end of the day.

The Kornati, a rocky maze

The Kornati National Park lines up dozens of near-deserted islands with bare relief and hidden coves. Sailing here takes some attention: a park entry ticket to plan for, sometimes deep anchorages, and winds that funnel between the islands. In return, you sail through scenery unlike anywhere else in the Adriatic. A local skipper at 150 to 350 € a day makes the first passage easier and knows the bays where you can spend the night safely.

Which boat to choose

A sailboat (1,500 to 4,000 € per week) is perfect for taking your time between Zadar and the Kornati; a catamaran adds stability for families and a shallow draft that is handy in the coves. Service fees range from 0 to 9 % depending on the platform, and gaps of 10 to 25 % for the same boat are common. Boat-Comparator compares these offers live, which helps you avoid overpaying at a single source.

When and how to sail

High season in July and August stays pleasant here, less clogged than central Dalmatia, but book early for the best boats. June and September offer a warm sea and freer anchorages. Watch for the bora, which can rise hard and fast off the mainland: check the forecast every morning and keep your route flexible rather than fixed.

Getting your week ready

Stock up on water and food before heading into the Kornati, where supply points are scarce. Carry enough fuel too, and scout in advance the bays where you plan to spend the night, since the sheltered spots are few and tend to go early in summer. It also pays to download offline charts, as mobile coverage can be patchy among the outer islands. See our boat rental in Zadar page and our Croatia boat rental guide to refine your plan. Finally, check the cancellation policy, which varies from one owner to the next.

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