• watching for dolphins while sea kayaking below towering cliffs
• learning about the ancient and recent history of this little known area
• alternating kayaking with hiking, swimming, snorkeling and relaxing
• exploring the beautiful old city of Zadar

The fascinating Kornati Islands archipelago, with its 89 islands and small islets that was declared a National Park in 1980, is truly a sea kayaking paradise. We will explore its magnificent steep cliffs on the open sea side with rocky crowns on top, and the beauty of Telascica Nature Park and its peaceful bay surrounded by 13 small islets and Mir, its salted lake. We will admire the impressive cliffs of Dugi Island that rise 550 ft above sea. Watching for dolphins around cliffs and reefs, we enjoy the richest marine area in the Adriatic. We also learn about the history of the area as we see ruins and other signs of the Roman occupation of the 3rd century AD. In addition to paddling there will be lots of time for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. And at the end of a full day of activity, we return to our island campsite on the beach for delicious meals.

adventurous women who are new to sea kayaking and want to give it a try in a warm environment; and experienced sea kayakers who want to explore a new area that is just starting to attract the attention of sea kayakers. There is substantial paddling on some days (see itinerary). This is moderated to some extent by the availability of double kayaks (which we strongly recommend for anyone without prior kayaking experience) and taking breaks. However, any woman with shoulder problems should avoid this trip. Some prior upper body conditioning will be very helpful. Rating: 1  2  3  [4]  5

• two nights in a hotel in Zadar
• seven nights camping. This is at a public campsite, accessible only by boat, with showers, toilets, and a restaurant. There are also one - three nights camping on more primitive beaches

• an expert Croatian guide or two (most likely a man) and an Adventures in Good Company guide
• all lodging as described in the accomodations section
• single or double sea kayaks with lifejacket, sprayskirt, and dry bag
• all camping equipment including tents and sleeping bags
• roundtrip transfer by boat from Zadar to Levrnaka
• all meals from dinner the first night to breakfast the last except for one lunch
• entrance to Telascica nature park and National Park Kornati

arrive in Zadar by 5 pm on May 22

You are free to leave anytime on May 31

you can download the complete trip information here

The itinerary below is a general description of what we do. We may follow it exactly or we may modify it based on weather, group wishes, or other factors.

May 22: Arrive Zadar anytime today. We will meet at our hotel at 5 pm. After introducing ourselves and having a trip orientation, we will go out to dinner.

May 23: Depending on when we leave for Levrnaka today, we may have time to explore the old city of Zadar. This walled town, located on a peninsula that juts out into the Adriatic, is known for its Roman ruins from its days as a Roman colony, the Byzantine-style St Donat church, and 16th century walls built by the Venetians after they finally subjugated the rebellious city. At some point in the morning we will meet our Croatian guide and transfer by boat to Island Levrnaka, where our base camp is located. We get our first close up view of Kornati as the three hour boat ride passes by rocky islands and islets. We set up camp on arrival and then enjoy an open air dinner at the island tavern and watch the sun sink over the islands.

May 24: Levrnaka - Kornat
After enjoying breakfast (the coffee is great!) at our camp, we review safety measures and paddling techniques. From Lojena beach we head to Island Kornat, the largest island in the Park. We start with a short climb to the ancient Fort Tureta, a remnant of Roman occupation, and the little church Holy Mother of Tarca, Queen of the Sea from the Byzantine Era. We then paddle to colorful Kravljacica Cove where we stash our kayaks and climb Metlina (750 ft),the highest peak of Kornati.  From here we have a view of the whole Kornat archipelago. After our climb there will be free time to take a refreshing dip and rest, before returning to Levrnaka and dinner. 2h of paddling, 3.5h of trekking, Paddling distance: 6 mi

May 25: Levrnaka - Telascica Nature Park
After breakfast we head to Telascica nature park. On the way we pass the Island Vela Sestrica, where a lighthouse that dates from 1871 sits overlooking our passage. Continuing on to Lojisce Cove on Dugi Otok, we stash our kayaks and hike to Lake Mir and the steep cliffs of the island. The abrupt drop off of the ocean floor makes this a fascinating place to snorkel and the shade of the forest is an inviting place for a picnic. Following lunch we kayak beneath the high cliffs we have just visited. If we are lucky, we will also see the dolphins that inhabit this area. By the time we arrive back to camp we will be tired from a long day of kayaking and dinner at the camp will be very welcome. 5 - 6 hr of paddling, 1h of trekking, swimming and snorkeling. Paddling distance: 15 mi

May 26: Levrnaka - Mana - Lavsa
After breakfast and packing up, we kayak to the magical Island Mana, where we will see the remains of a fort that looks like it has been there for centuries (and has a rather fascinating history). After swimming and trekking on this beautiful island, we head towards Island Piskera where we make a lunch stop. During our rest we hear the story of this historical island that was a fishing village in the 16th century and once had about 40 houses on it. The remains of this habitation and old Roman foundations located in the sea are still here today. After our afternoon rest the tour continues to Island Lavsa where we will be spending the night and having dinner.  3 - 4 hr of paddling,1.5 h of trekking, swimming and snorkeling. Paddling distance: 8.7 mi

May 27: Lavsa - Ravni Zakan
After breakfast we will kayak beneath the highest Kornat cliff of Island Klobucar and trek along local islets with a picnic lunch. After our picnic we paddle to a fishing island, Ravni Zakan, and then return to Lavsa Cove where we spend another night and have dinner.  The history of Lavsa is still apparent in the remains of villae rusticae from the 1st. century and an ancient river and salt pan on the other side of the island that we can walk across too. Today it is a popular marina which fortunately means it also has a tavern with cold beer.  3.5 - 4.5 hr of paddling, 2 h of trekking, swimming and snorkeling. Paddling distance: 10.5 mi

May 28: Lavsa - Levrnaka
After breakfast we kayak back to Levrnaka, but this time we will travel along the northern part of Piskera to Island Veli Rasip where we stop for lunch. After lunch we will go trekking on this fascinating island and swimming in the turquoise colors of its coast. We then return to Levrnaka and the sandy Lojena Cove, unique in the whole archipelago. 3 - 4 hr of paddling, 1.5 h of trekking, swimming and snorkeling. Paddling distance: 10 mi

May 29: Levrnaka
We spend today relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach of Lojena. For those who want more adventure, we offer an optional kayak around Island Obrucan and then return to Lojena for lunch. In the evening, we will see the sunset from Island Mana and then enjoy a final farewell dinner at the tavern there. 2h of paddling, 30 min of trekking, swimming and snorkeling Paddling distances: 6 mi

May 30: Levrnaka - Zadar
Breakfast and packing up. On our boat ride back to Zadar, we bid farewell to the Kornat Archipelago and the magic week we spent there. Arriving back in Zadar in the afternoon, the hot showers feel particularly good. Clean and refreshed we go into the Old City for a final farewell dinner and then walk to the Sea Organ and Pathway to the Sun: definitely modern additions to the city but quite unique and delightful. Ending our journey in this old city, whose history mirrors so much of the whole country, is a fitting way to end out time here.

May 31: Home or on to other adventures
If you do not have to go home, we urge you to stay and visit Split, Dubrovnik, or Plitvice. Croatia is a beautiful and varied country and while we have come to know one part intimately, there is still much to see.