The guided tours at Plitvice Lakes National Park cut through the confusion of this vast natural wonderland. Skip-the-line private tours are your best bet for avoiding the notorious summer crowds, while full-day excursions with boat rides give you the complete lake experience. I’m especially impressed with two unique offerings: the fascinating Zeljava military airbase tour (a real back-door find) and the thrilling buggy tours that let you explore beyond the typical tourist paths.
These tours come with knowledgeable local guides who know exactly when and where to catch the best views of the waterfalls. Best of all, they’re reasonably priced for what you get.
Let’s explore the top-rated tours at Plitvice Lakes.
Key Points
- The Zadar Full-Day Trip is a highly-rated 9-hour guided tour that includes a boat ride and walking tours, priced at €58 per person.
- Private guided tours ranging from 3 to 8 hours, priced from €108 per group, offer skip-the-line access, admission tickets, and activities like electric boat rides.
- Guided walking tours starting at $34.97 per person explore the park’s lush forests, lakes, and waterfalls with skip-the-line access.
- The 12-hour From Split Tours excursion, priced from $66.85 per person, includes a professional guide, a 5-mile hike, and various sightseeing options.
- The Abandoned Military Airbase Zeljava Tour, a 2-hour guided experience priced from $52.50 per person, offers a unique exploration of a former Yugoslav military installation.
Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
The Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Croatia’s stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour highlights the park’s 16 interconnected lakes, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas.
With a maximum group size of 15 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour includes a local guide who shares insights into the park’s native flora and fauna, as well as its rich history. Travelers can also enjoy a panoramic train ride and skip-the-line access, avoiding lengthy queues.
The tour is suitable for independent travelers and operates in all weather conditions, although it’s not accessible for individuals with serious medical conditions.
Based on 113 reviews, the Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour has an overall rating of 4.6, with travelers praising the knowledgeable and engaging guides, as well as the unique perspectives they provide on the park’s natural wonders.
For those seeking a guided experience to enhance their exploration of Plitvice Lakes, this tour is a highly recommended option.
Read our full review: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour Review
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Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Full-Day Trip With a Boat Ride
Departing from Zadar, this guided full-day trip takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
The 9-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing guests to discover the park’s iconic lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. Highlights include a boat ride across the serene lakes and guided walking tours through the park’s winding trails.
Visitors can expect to be captivated by the park’s mesmerizing turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. The tour is highly rated, with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 1,350 reviews, making it a popular choice for those seeking to experience the natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes.
Priced at €58.00 per person, this guided tour is an affordable and convenient way to explore one of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural treasures.
With pickup options available, the tour caters to visitors’ needs for a seamless and memorable Plitvice Lakes experience.
Read our full review: Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Full-Day Trip With a Boat Ride Review
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Abandoned Military Airbase Zeljava -2h Guided Tour
Although located within the boundaries of Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Abandoned Military Airbase Zeljava offers visitors a unique and captivating experience distinct from the park’s renowned natural beauty.
Spanning 2 hours, this guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of the former Yugoslav military installation, complete with underground passageways and historical insights from the knowledgeable guide, Antonio.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and engaging experience. Participants will be provided with a flashlight and private transportation to and from the site.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with a fear of dark or narrow spaces, serious medical conditions, or pregnancy.
Boasting a 5.0-star rating from 53 reviews, the Abandoned Military Airbase Zeljava tour is a must-do experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s history and a chance to venture into an abandoned military complex.
Priced from $52.50 per person, this tour offers exceptional value for an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Abandoned Military Airbase Zeljava -2h Guided Tour Review
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Plitvice Lakes Private Guided Tour
A captivating 3 to 8-hour private guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers visitors an immersive experience through the park’s iconic limestone canyons, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes.
Priced from €108.00 per group (up to 10 participants), this tour provides a personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide. Guests can choose to focus on the park’s lower or both lower and upper lakes, enjoying activities like walking, electric boat rides, and panoramic train rides.
With over 4.8/5 stars based on 191 reviews, the tour is praised for its friendly and informative guides, such as Dalibor and Nikola. Visitors recommend wearing comfortable sportswear and bringing weather-appropriate clothing.
The tour includes skip-the-line access, admission tickets, and insurance, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. Whether you’re seeking stunning natural landscapes, unique geology, or a deeper understanding of the park’s history, this private guided tour of Plitvice Lakes is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Plitvice Lakes Private Guided Tour Review
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3,5 Hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice Lakes
This 3.5-hour guided buggy tour provides an exhilarating way to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The tour is highly recommended by travelers, with a 100% approval rating across 36 reviews. Priced at $94.49 per person, the tour includes the use of a buggy, helmets, and gas, as well as the services of a knowledgeable guide.
The meeting point is in Grabovac, Croatia, with nearby public transportation and parking available.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate in this adventure.
Highlights of the tour include driving the ATVs, visiting an abandoned air base and Tito’s mansion, and enjoying the experience with children.
The tour has been awarded a Badge of Excellence, reflecting its high quality and the positive feedback from satisfied customers.
Read our full review: 3,5 Hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice Lakes Review
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Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride
For travelers seeking a more immersive and educational experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park, the guided walking tour and boat ride offer a wonderful opportunity.
Starting at just $34.97 per person, this tour explores the interconnected lakes and waterfalls within the park’s 29,685 hectares. Led by expert guides, visitors can choose from 3, 6, or 8-hour options to visit the lower lakes, upper lakes, or both.
The tour includes admission tickets, a local guide, and insurance, ensuring a stress-free experience. Guests will appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the value for money, with an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on over 1,000 reviews.
After exploring the stunning natural scenery, the tour concludes with a scenic return via panoramic train. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and rain gear, as the park’s unique karst landscape offers a diverse range of native species and photogenic views.
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From Split/Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Guided Group Tour
Travelers seeking a guided group tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park can opt for the From Split/Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Guided Group Tour, which offers a comprehensive 12-hour experience. Priced from $51.42 per person, the tour provides round-trip transportation, a guided sightseeing experience, and a one-way boat cruise within the stunning national park.
With a starting point in either Trogir or Split, the tour takes visitors on a 4-hour journey to the Plitvice Lakes, where they’ll spend 5 hours exploring the 16 emerald-turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, as well as a knowledgeable guide and driver.
Entrance fees to the national park vary by season, with adult tickets ranging from €22 to €35. Visitors are advised to wear warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring snacks.
Though the tour operates in all weather conditions, minor itinerary changes may occur. With an overall rating of 4.6/5, this guided group tour offers an exceptional value for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: From Split/Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Guided Group Tour Review
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Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour With a Boat Ride
Offering an immersive experience in Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour With a Boat Ride allows visitors to explore the park’s stunning natural beauty. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, this tour lasts between 3-8 hours and starts from $34.97 per person.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the walking tour takes guests through the park’s lush forests, past the mesmerizing lakes and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include a boat ride across the serene lakes, offering a unique perspective of the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
The tour also includes skip-the-line access, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a more active adventure, this guided tour provides the perfect opportunity to discover the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
With its reasonable pricing and excellent customer ratings, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to make the most of their visit to this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.
Read our full review: Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour With a Boat Ride Review
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From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Embarking on a captivating journey from Split or Trogir, the From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour provides an immersive exploration of Croatia’s renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park. Priced from $66.85 per person, this 12-hour excursion promises a comprehensive experience, with a professional English-speaking guide leading the way.
Highlights of the tour include a 5-mile hike to the Upper Lakes, showcasing the park’s 16 interconnected lakes and cascading waterfalls, including the majestic Veliki Slap. Visitors can also enjoy a sightseeing cruise, electric train ride, and panoramic boat tour, all while admiring the UNESCO-protected landscape.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, the tour offers flexibility and convenience.
Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, pack warm clothing, and bring cash for the park’s entrance fees, which vary by season. Though not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues, the tour operates in all weather conditions, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Croatia’s natural wonder.
Read our full review: From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour Review
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Recap
Plitvice Lakes National Park offers a variety of guided tours to suit different preferences and budgets. These range from full-day excursions with boat rides to shorter hikes and buggy tours. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning natural beauty, including its famous cascading lakes and waterfalls, with the guidance of knowledgeable local experts. The tours provide a convenient and informative way to make the most of a trip to this enchanting Croatian destination.