Istria is a beautiful part of Croatia that we love so much. It’s a bit different than the rest of the country, and there is an evident Venetian influence in the architecture. All of Istria is simply amazing, but this time we bring you a story about kayaking in Pula, one of the most famous cities on the peninsula. Pula is a coastal city, and together with Rovinj, it’s one of the most visited coastal destinations. And where you have the coast, you know that there are going to be kayaking tours as well.
We have a decade-long background in kayaking in Croatia because we used to organize adventure tours there for that long. Our tours were being organized in southern Croatia, near the city of Ploče, but we kayaked in many other places along the Croatian coast. Kayaking is one of the best activities for coastal exploration, and in this article, we’ll tell you a bit more about it, particularly about Pula kayaking tours. We’re also going to put links to the highest-rated tours you can book in the area.
Let’s see what to expect out of kayaking in Pula.
Why Go Kayaking in Pula? The whole Istrian coast is great for kayaking, but the stretch near Pula is the best because of the nice cliffs and other features we will discuss in this article. We already mentioned that kayaking is an amazing activity for exploration, and there are also many health benefits of kayaking.
Here are a few more reasons why we believe kayaking in Pula could be the highlight of your vacation in Istria:
Beautiful Scenery : Kayak near the high cliffs, explore sea caves, and discover rocky beaches.Easy Access : Pula kayak tours usually start from central locations near Pula, such as Verudela Peninsula.Mild Waters : The Adriatic Sea is calm and perfect for beginners and families.Unique Experience : There are many spots that are only accessible by kayak, such as hidden sea caves and secluded bays.Perfect for All Ages : All of the kayaking tours in Pula are family-friendly and require no previous kayaking experience.
Top Kayaking Tours in Pula Like in the rest of Croatia, kayaking in Pula is organized over a whole day, with the tours early in the morning, around sunset time, and even during the nighttime. Each of these parts of the day means different conditions, so you can expect calm seas if going kayaking in the morning or a romantic atmosphere if you choose the sunset kayaking tour.
Here are a few of the top Pula kayak tours.
1. Kayaking with Sea Cave Exploration One of the highlights of kayaking in Pula is visiting local sea caves . Many tours will take you to the famous Blue Cave near Galebove Stijene (Seagull Rocks), one of the most famous coastline features near Pula.
Highlights :
Kayak into caves and observe natural rock formations
Swim or snorkel inside the caves
Optional cliff jumping
2. Sunset Kayaking Tours If you’re looking for a magical and romantic experience, a sunset kayaking tour in Pula is the best option for you. Our sunset kayaking tour on the Makarska Riviera was the favorite among the guests who joined our tours. In this tour, you’ll kayak along the coast near Pula and watch the sun as it sinks into the Adriatic.
Highlights :
Great sunset photography opportunities
Peaceful and romantic atmosphere
Often combined with snorkeling and cave exploration
3. Night Kayaking with LED Kayaks Now this is something different. Night kayaking tours are not so common in Croatia, so if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, here it is. Night kayaking in Pula is usually done in transparent kayaks equipped with LED lights. It’s truly a unique experience in a completely serene environment.
Highlights :
Unique and atmospheric kayaking adventure
Completely safe and guided by professionals, just like any other tour in this article
Great option for couples, families, and groups
What’s Included in a Kayaking Tour? Safety is in the first place in any guided kayaking tour in Croatia. If you are kayaking for the first time, we suggest you choose a guided tour instead of kayak rental. Each of the guided tours is always accompanied by at least one professional guide who will lead the tour and help you if necessary. Here’s what’s included in the price of ka ayaking tour in Croatia:
Kayak and paddle rental
Life jackets and dry bags
Snorkeling gear (available on some tours)
Professional guide
Basic kayaking and safety instructions
What to Bring You don’t need any special equipment, and here’s what you might consider bringing on a Pula kayaking tour:
Swimwear and light clothes
Water shoes (recommended for walking on rocky areas)
A waterproof camera or a GoPro if you want to capture some great photos. You can even use a mobile phone during the tour
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect you from the UV rays
A water bottle and some light snacks
Dry clothes to change into after the tour is done
Tips for a Great Kayaking Experience As we approach the end of this article, let us share a few more tips that can make all the difference:
Book as early as possible , especially if visiting Pula in the summer months (July–August).Choose a morning or sunset tour and avoid the midday heat.Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – guides accompany each tour, and you’ll get the basics of kayaking in no time.
Best Time to Kayak in Pula The kayaking season in Pula is usually from May to October , with the warmest and calmest sea in the period from June to September. Early mornings and sunset tours are the best times for a pleasant and less crowded experience. If you’ve been kayaking before, you have the option to rent a kayak in Pula too and explore on your own.
Before You Venture Into Kayaking in Pula Kayaking in Pula is one of the best activities you can enjoy in this historical city. All of Croatia is a kayaking paradise, with so many islands and great coastal features. So if you’re staying anywhere in Istria and looking for a nice, relaxing activity, kayaking should be at the top of the list. Istria is great for kayaking, but for many other activities too. Make sure you include some of them in your vacation and make some great outdoor memories.
Enjoy your stay in Pula!
