What do you get when you combine kayaking with the crystal clear sea and stunning coastline? You get a dream activity and a great way of spending a few hours on your vacation. Hvar is the sunniest place in Croatia and one of the most famous islands of this small, but beautiful country. We have been kayak guides in Croatia for a long time before we decided to take a break and start working on this Croatia travel portal.
We guided a lot of people through their first kayaking experience in Croatia and we witnessed a lot of happy faces during our tours. So this article will be all about Hvar kayaking and what to expect out of this great activity on this beautiful island.
Hvar is known for many things and it also has perfect kayaking conditions
Why Go Kayaking in Hvar? Why would someone go kayaking in Hvar in the first place? As we already mentioned, we were kayak guides for almost a decade in Croatia and guided a lot of people through their first paddling adventures. It’s simply a great way to add a bit of activity and exploration to your holidays. But things go even further from that. Here’s why we believe that kayaking is one of the best activities you can enjoy in Hvar:
Access Secluded Beaches – Through kayaking, you have the chance to reach places boats and cars can’t. Once you find a perfect piece of the coastline for yourself, you can just exit the kayak and enjoy swimming and snorkeling.Stunning Scenery – Paddle past high cliffs, pine forests, and the nearby island archipelago of Pakleni Islands .Calm Waters – The Adriatic around Hvar is often calm and safe , especially during the summer and in the morning, making it perfect for kayaking.Eco-Friendly Adventure – Kayaking is a low-impact way to explore and enjoy nature.Close to Nearby Islands – You can easily kayak to the Paklinski Islands (known as Pakleni Islands), Jerolim , and Mlini .
Popular Kayaking Routes from Hvar When in kayak, you have the absolute freedom of exploration and you can plot a course to almost any destination you want to reach. Of course, be mindful of your fitness level and stay away from the open sea. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stay near the shore. Here are a few of the most famous Hvar kayaking routes.
1. Hvar Town to Paklinski Islands
What to See: Explore the famous Palmižana Bay , snorkel in the clear sea, and relax on secluded beaches.Level: Beginner to intermediate.Duration: Half-day or full-day trip.
2. Hvar Town to Jerolim and Mlini Islands
What to See: Naturist beaches, peaceful surroundings, pine forests.Level: Beginner.Duration: 2-3 hours round trip.
3. Southern Coastline of Hvar
What to See: Red Rocks (Crvene Stijene), sea caves, and high cliffs can be found on the stretch between Hvar Town and Sveta Nedjelja.Level: Intermediate to advanced (depending on the distance you want to cover).Best Access: From Milna or Dubovica .
Types of Kayak Tours in Hvar As we already mentioned, you either have the option to book one of the Hvar kayaking tours or you can rent a kayak and explore on your own. Both of these options have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re a kayaking beginner, we suggest booking a guided kayak tour since these are accompanied by a skilled guide who will safely lead you through the whole kayaking experience and introduce you to the basics of this great activity. Here are a few types of kayaking tours in Hvar.
1. Guided Kayak Tours
Perfect choice for kayaking beginners and those who want to learn about the area from a local guide .
These tours often include snorkeling stops and refreshments .
Group and private are usually available.
2. Sunset Kayaking
A more romantic and scenic kayaking experience with amazing views of the sunset over Hvar.
A great option for couples visiting Hvar .
3. Kayak Rentals
For skilled adventurers who want to explore this beautiful island on their own.
Available in Hvar Town and many other places on the island .
Rental shops provide all necessary kayaking equipment.
What to Bring for Kayaking in Hvar If you book any of the Hvar kayak tours or rent a kayak, you’ll get all the equipment needed for the safe experience – kayak, paddles, safety vests, and dry bags. Here’s what we suggest you bring on the tour:
Swimsuit and towel Hat, glasses, and sunscreen Water shoes or sandals Water bottle and some snacks GoPro or similar action camera (optional) Snorkeling gear (also optional but recommended, check if it’s part of the equipment provided on the tour or for rent)
Best Time to Go Kayaking in Hvar You can enjoy kayaking in Hvar anytime, but the experience is different in various periods of the year and the day. Here’s what to expect:
May to October is the best season for kayaking because of the mild weather.Early mornings and late afternoons are great periods because of the less boat traffic around Hvar and cooler temperatures.July and August are the busiest months in Hvar, so we suggest booking as soon as possible. If you go kayaking solo during these periods, beware of the dense marine traffic around Hvar Town.
Who Can Kayak in Hvar? A great thing about kayaking is the fact that almost anyone can try it and enjoy it. The limitations are minimal and both beginners and experienced kayakers will have some great fun paddling around Hvar.
Beginners: Most Hvar kayak tours are beginner-friendly and accompanied by a professional guide.Families: Some of these tours are suitable for children but make sure you check this before making a booking. Kayaks used in the tours are mostly double seated ones which means you kayak in pairs.Experienced Paddlers: If you are a long-time kayaker, you’ll want to experience some great routes to nearby islands or longer day trips. Even a multi-day kayaking adventure are option to consider.
Before You Venture Kayaking in Hvar Ready for some exploration in a kayak? I still remember our first kayaking tour on Hvar . It was almost 10 years ago and we started from Sveta Nedjelja and paddled to the famous Red Rocks that will become our favorite coastal feature of Hvar Island.
When it comes to kayaking, we think this stretch between Sveta Nedjelja and Hvar Town is the best place for kayaking because of the high cliffs that are located in this part of the coastline. But the rest of Hvar is equally beautiful with many secluded bays and other coastline features that are best enjoyed from a kayak.
Enjoy your kayaking adventures in Hvar!
