Lake Prokljan

Lake Prokljan is a quiet karst lake in Dalmatia, sitting on the water route between Šibenik and the small town of Skradin, right where the Krka River widens out before reaching the Adriatic. It works as a natural continuation of the Šibenik Channel and doubles as the water gateway into Krka National Park.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake lies in the lower course of the Krka River, between the city of Šibenik and Skradin, roughly eight nautical miles from Šibenik. Its water is largely brackish, a mix of fresh river flow and seawater pushing in from the Šibenik Channel. Gentle, green karst hills typical of central Dalmatia surround the shoreline on both sides.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach is by boat from Šibenik. Excursion boats and private craft cross a narrow, scenic stretch of the Krka riverbed, sail across the lake, and arrive in Skradin. Skradin is as far as private sailboats and motorboats are allowed to go — beyond it, toward the Skradinski Buk waterfalls, only the official Krka National Park ferries operate. Skradin sits directly on the lakeshore and functions as the main jumping-off point for park visits.

What can you do on the lake?

Besides serving as a transit route toward the waterfalls, the lake and the adjoining stretch of the Krka are popular with kayakers and canoe paddlers. The calm, wind-sheltered water makes for relaxed paddling among reed beds and rocky banks. It's also a favored anchoring spot for sailors cruising the coast, who leave their boat in the Skradin marina and continue on foot or by ferry.

When is the best time to visit?

The boating and tourist season runs from late spring through early autumn, peaking in July and August when boat traffic on the lake and around Skradin is heaviest. Travelers who prefer quieter conditions tend to pick May, June, or September, when it's easier to get a spot on the waterfall ferry and the marina feels less crowded.

What's worth seeing nearby?

Right on the lake sits Skradin, a small stone town with narrow lanes and a harbor from which ferries depart for the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall inside Krka National Park. This stretch of water — from Šibenik across the lake to Skradin — is the classic approach for anyone reaching the park by boat rather than by road.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the lake? Yes, swimming is possible in several spots, though most visitors associate a swim more with the town beach in Skradin than with the open lake itself.

Can you sail your own boat all the way to the waterfalls? No — Skradin is the last stop for private vessels. Beyond that point, only the official Krka National Park ferries carry visitors upstream to Skradinski Buk.

How long does the crossing from Šibenik to Skradin take? The route covers about eight nautical miles and typically takes between thirty minutes and an hour, depending on the boat.

Is the lake good for kayaking? Yes, its calm, sheltered water and scenic shoreline make it a popular kayaking spot and a common addition to Krka River paddling trips.