Mediterranean · NATIONAL PARKS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 7 national parks boat trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Set out with Nave Va from Ajaccio or Porticcio for a French-guided boat day along Corsica’s wild west coast. You’ll visit Scandola, stop for two hours in remote Girolata, cruise the Gulf of Porto, and see the red cliffs, caves, arches, and Capo Rosso Tower near Piana. Bring lunch, swimwear, a hat, and sun protection.
Travel from Split by air-conditioned coach to Krka National Park, where you follow scenic trails past waterfalls, old watermills, and stone houses. Your English-speaking host, often guides such as Tin, Lorena, or Marija, handles the practical details. A boat ride leads to Skradin for a walk and swim before returning to Split.
“Fantastic value for money. Bruno was a great guide & gave us some great tips for both the waterfalls and Skradin. We were going to just get transport ourselves but so glad we went with this option!”
From Porto, cruise the Gulf of Porto and protected Scandola Nature Reserve on a hybrid boat with live French commentary. You’ll stop 30 minutes in sea-access-only Girolata, watch for seabirds and caves, and can add a 1.5-hour run to the pink granite Calanche de Piana. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and food.
“Eine Stunde vor Abfahrt rief der Veranstalter an und wollte absagen wegen zu hohem Wellengang. Wir waren aber schon unterwegs und auf halber Strecke. Dann hat er die Abfahrtszeit um eine halbe Stunde nach vorne verlegt, was wir kaum hätten schaffen können und uns gesagt, dass die Tour heute 1h kürzer und ohne Aufenthalt in Girolata sein würde. Die Tour fand dann auf einem normalen Dieselboot statt, Guide nur auf Französisch, Infos konnten in einer Online-Broschüre nachgelesen werden. Anfahrt also Stress pur, Bootsfahrt zwar mit schöner Landschaft, aber lautem und stinkenden Boot nur 2 statt 3 Stunden ohne Preisnachlass. Das war Abzocke!”
Spend about five and a half hours on the Korkyra boat from Pula, cruising around Brijuni National Park, swimming at St. Jerolim, and watching for dolphins. Guides including Mario and Larissa explain the islands in several languages. Drinks are unlimited, while the meal is arranged separately before departure.
“Boat ready for our arrival Enjoyed trip and free time on the island which was 2 hours, plenty of time to swim. Food was very tasty, we had vegetarian and beef options. Only down side was that the dolphins made a no show ( animals what they like). Sunset over the sea beautiful. Would recommend.”
Spend nine hours cruising from Zadar through Kornati National Park and Telašćica Nature Park. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, wine, aperitif, and unlimited water, with time for swimming, hiking, photographs, and the famous salt lake. English commentary, a local crew, and park entrance fees are included in the listed price.
“Nice day with the friendly crew on the boat. Had a good time in the national parks for swimming and hiking.”
Travel from Split or Trogir to Krka National Park for waterfalls, forest trails, old watermills, and free time by the river. Your English-speaking guide, such as Dario, Darijo, Mia, or Mate, keeps the day organized, then sends you by boat to Skradin for swimming, lunch, and a relaxed stroll.
“really good trip. guide was super friendly and the what's app group really added to the experience of the day. the bus journey was really good taking in the views of trogir and surrounding islands. kkra waterfalls was stunning. I would definitely recommend the trip”
Join Giovanni and the Buriana Charter crew from Stintino for an eight-hour catamaran trip around Asinara National Park. Swim in clear bays, snorkel with marine life, visit the former super-prison and animal rescue center, then enjoy a three-course seafood lunch with wine, coffee, and a digestif aboard a boat limited to 12 people.
“Lo skipper Giovanni è stato molto simpatico e ci ha accompagnati in questa splendida giornata. Consigliatissimo!”
A coast, a kind of hull, or a day you already have in mind.
