KORNATI ISLANDS - CROATIA

After your arrival at Hotel Sali, you will have a chance to relax before meeting in the early evening at the hotel for a pre-trip briefing. At this point, the details of the week's plans will be discussed in detail. Following this we will hold a brief acclimatisation swim in the waters of Sašćica bay, directly in front of the hotel.

We start the morning by heading down to the port to meet the main boat and boat pilot, before we head off for our first swim to Krknata. This swim is an excellent way to follow both the coast and the sea floor which is only a few metres underneath you. Being Sunday, you’ll hear the bells of the churches reverberate across the bay.

After a break for lunch and some time spent videoing your stroke, we journey by boat out to the island of Lavdara. We’ll swim along the eastern side of the island, with views of the local fish farms raising Sea Bream, Sea Bass and Tuna. This island serves as a rookery for many of the local birds as well. Later in the evening, your swim guides will hold an analysis session to review your stroke through video playback, where they will be able to offer technique advice to work on for the rest of the trip.

We begin the day by travelling to Telaščica Bay - an 8km-long protected bay which is home to over 25 smaller bays and 5 islands. We start the swim from an isolated hamlet and head out towards the prominent island of Farfariculak checking out an interesting crevasse/cove. After a break for lunch, we’ll cross to the western side of one of the inner bays for another coastal swim towards the Telaščica national park headquarters.

Once dry, we travel along Telaščica Bay before walking to the famous landlocked Salt Lake Mir (which you can swim in!) and taking in the views from the top of the stunning Dugi Otok cliffs with views of the wide open Adriatic. We’ll then ride a boat back to Sašćica bay.

Approaching midweek, today is a half day with a swim in morning and optional late afternoon hike. We’ll travel by boat to the other side of Lavdara for a coastal swim. This sheltered side of Lavdara is green and lush - quite distinct from our swim on Day 2. You’ll see traditional Croatian homes and examples of olive farming. You’ll return to Sašćica bay for lunch on your own. The guides can point you in the right direction for a short walk up to a viewpoint if you would like, or you can just relax for the afternoon before an optional group dinner, serving traditional Peka Croatian dishes.

Today, we head out to the islands of Brusnjak/Borovnik & Sit. Brusnjak/Borovnik are two islands separated by a shallow pass through. We’ll attempt to circumnavigate the entire two islands with the opportunity to keep an eye out for the elusive Adriatic octopus. Following lunch in a protected bay we’ll cross over to Sit for a lovely coastal swim, before returningto Sašćica Bay.

Today, we’ll explore the Kornati National Park further, swimming alongside the islands of Levrnaka and Silo. Kornati National Park is made up of 89 of Kornati’s 140 or so islands - the entire area can also loosely be characterised as ‘Kornati’. The first swim of the day begins along the coast of Levrnaka, with an opportunity to explore a World War II German patrol boat that was sunk by the British RAF. The swim begins in the shelter of Kornati before coming around the point open to the expansive Adriatic Sea. Upon completion of the swim, we’ll travel to a beautiful sandy beach (one of the only sand-covered beaches in Kornati) to moor and enjoy a post lunch dip. This is a great spot to swim to shore, discover shoals of fish or just simply relax before embarking on our afternoon swim.

In the afternoon, we’ll do a bit of sightseeing as we explore the cliffs of Mana and recreated Roman ruins from a 1959 German film. We head past cliffs that plunge deep into the ocean below, which are the nesting sites of Peregrine and Eleonora’s falcons. Additionally, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the Adriatic Bottlenose dolphins that frequent this area. We begin our journey back, stopping to swim the coast of Silo Island. This uninhabited island has wild sheep that may come visit the water and watch you swim. Together, these two swims make for a truly epic day! We’ll travel back to Sašćica bay to celebrate our week with a toast from our boat captains.

That evening, we’ll have a celebratory dinner to mark the amazing week and recognize your accomplishments.

This morning, we’ll enjoy a relaxed start to the day as we swim from in front of the hotel around the coast, towards Sali. It’s a short swim to end a fantastic week of swimming around this treasure trove of unique Kornati islands!

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three swim groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two support boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilot(s). Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

Seek out the magic of Dugi Otok island (long Island) in all its natural beauty and discover spectacular tourist destinations, like the Strašna Peć cave. Additional options include booking a massage along the hotel jetty, olive oil tasting at Zlatna Kap, diving at Kornati Diving Center or hiking the numerous trails.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

There are no other additional specific items required for this location.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to Sali is via flying into Zadar followed by a transfer to the Zadar Old City Port (Zadar Gradska Luka), and then a ferry onwards to Sali. It is possible to fly to Split but it takes considerably longer.

Getting There Via Zadar

From Zadar Airport, you can catch a local taxi from outside the arrivals area to the port. This journey takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around €27 for up to three passengers. Larger vehicles are also available to book via croatiatransfers.hr/

Finally, you can also catch public transport from the airport to the port. There is a local bus which departs from in front of the international terminal and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the port via the main bus terminal and the old town. Once published, timetables for public buses can be viewed at www.zadar-airport.hr/. The price for a one way journey from the airport to the Old Town Port is approximately €5.00 and tickets can be bought on the bus.

Ferry from Zadar Port to Sali Port

There are two ferry lines that will get you to the Port on the island of Dugi Otok. You have the choice of the national line, the 406 and a national high speed line, the 9406. Ferry tickets are from 10€ each way. For more information on timetables and where to collect your ferry tickets please visit www.gv-zadar.com. If you arrive early and wish to explore Zadar, there are left luggage facilities locally to make getting around easier for you.

Please note, Port Sali is currently shut. All ferries will arrive at the neighbouring port; Zaglav. A 10 minute bus transfer will be provided from Zaglav back to Sali, your original arrival destination. The cost of the bus transfer is 10 €. More information can be found at www.gv-zadar.com.

You will also have to catch the connecting bus at the end of your trip for the return ferry to Zadar.

Finding Hotel Sali

Get off at the 3rd stop on the bus. Head left past the sign for Apartman Long Islands and towards Bocac grill & hotel Sali. Once you reach Bocac Restaurant, turn right and the Hotel Sali reception will be 50 metres ahead of you. This walk should take no longer than 10 minutes.

We are based at the Hotel Sali for the duration of the trip. The hotel sits in a tranquil bay with views of the mainland. The accommodation is simple and is ideally placed for our week of open water swimming. Our accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with en suite facilities. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in Sali and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact the hotel directly via: info@hotel-sali.hr.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price, except for lunch on Day 4 which is at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. The average cost of dinner in a local restaurant is around 18-25 € Euro.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

The local currency is Euro €. There is a cash machine on the island but it is advised to draw some local currency out before arriving, just in case. You can also exchange currency at the hotel. Please note that most restaurants and local businesses do not accept credit/debit cards.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Croatia is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Croatia require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all E.U. member states, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Croatia.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

As of 1 January 2023, Croatia became part of the Schengen area. Travellers from other Schengen countries do not require a visa to travel to Croatia. Generally, citizens of European countries, regardless of whether their countries are Member States of the EU or not, do not need a visa to come to Croatia but do require a full passport, valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. The only exceptions to this rule are the Russian Federation, Belarus and the Republic of Turkey. Visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in the hotel reception.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.