We love kayaking. It’s one of the best activities you can do in Croatia. When you have such a beautiful coastline as Croatia has, kayaking is among the top activities for the exploration of the coastline features. We have also been kayaking guides in Croatia for almost a decade and we organized a few different kayaking tours in the southern part of Croatia, some 60 kilometers away from Omiš and in the vicinity of the city of Ploče. This article will be all about Omiš kayaking, who is this activity perfect for, who can do it, and what types of kayak tours in Omiš are there.
Omiš is a small town located at the mouth of the Cetina River and it’s often considered to be the best place for active tourism in Croatia. Some of the best adventure tours in this country can be found in Omiš. Cetina River is also one of the best rivers for rafting in Croatia as well as for he kayaking tours. In fact, many of the activities in Omiš are somehow tied to the Cetina River – canyoning, rafting, and kayaking. Omiš is a great kayaking destination because it offers options for both sea and river kayaking. Here’s all you need to know about kayaking in Omiš.
Why Go Kayaking in Omiš? First of all, why would someone choose to go kayaking in Omiš in the first place? As already mentioned in the introduction, Omiš has great river and sea kayaking options and you can choose which one you prefer. Both options are great, but knowing how beautiful Cetina Canyon is, it would be our first choice for the Omiš kayak tour. Here are some other reasons why we believe that kayaking in Omiš should be an activity to consider if visiting this picturesque town in Dalmatia:
Breathtaking Scenery – You’ll kayak near the rising cliffs of Cetina Canyon, observe old fortresses, and enjoy lush vegetation .Variety of Routes – You can choose between the calm Cetina River or the open Adriatic Sea . Both options are great and you can even combine them.Adventure Hub – Omiš is full of all kinds of adventures like zipline, rafting, or canyoning , and you can easily combine these with kayaking.Perfect for All Levels – It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, you’ll find a tour that suits your skills and wishes.Close to Split – Omiš is located just a short drive away from Split and it’s perfect for a half-day or full-day trip from the second-largest city in Croatia.
Top Kayaking Experiences in Omiš There are many kayaking tour operators in Omiš but there are just two different kinds of tours and these are usually either on the Cetina River or along the coastline near Omiš. As we already said, Cetina River would be our first choice since we already kayak a lot along the coastline. The Cetina River is the most ‘adventurous’ river in Croatia . You can kayak in its lower part, middle part is reserved for all kinds of white water sports like rafting and whitewater kayaking, while its upper canyon is perfect for canyoning tours.
In this article, we will also include links to some of the highest-rated Omiš kayak tours. Here are the 2 most common types of tours you can find in Omiš.
1. Cetina River Kayaking
Route: Paddle along the calm lower section of the Cetina River , from the canyon all the way to the Adriatic Sea.Highlights:
Peaceful water, perfect for families and beginners
Paddle through one of the most amazing river canyons in Croatia
These tours are the perfect blend of nature and easygoing adventure
Duration: 2–3 hoursIncludes: Kayak, life vest, paddle, dry bag, and professional guide
2. Sea Kayaking from Omiš Coastline
Route: Paddle from Omiš along the Dalmatian coastline near it, enjoy the views of cliffs that surround Omiš, and explore quiet bays and beaches along the way.Highlights:
Explore secluded beaches
Enjoy open-sea paddling and views of nearby Brač Island
Swim and snorkel stops in secluded bays
Duration: Half-day or full-dayIncludes: Sea kayak, life vest, snorkel gear (in some tours), guide, dry bag
What Makes Kayaking in Omiš Unique? Many different kayaking tours are available all across Croatia. Here’s what makes kayaking in Omiš different from most other similar tours in Croatia.
You’re kayaking in the heart of Croatia’s outdoor adventures , in a place where the Cetina River meets the sea.
Combine kayaking with a visit to Omiš Old Town , one of its fortresses that are located within the town, or a hike up to Fortica Fortress .
Kayaking is less intense than rafting or canyoning , both of which are organized near Omiš. This makes kayaking perfect for a relaxing, but still active outing.
The area’s geographical features like canyon, forest, and the sea offer a perfect backdrop for kayaking.
What to Bring to Omiš Kayaking There are not many things you need to bring to a kayak tour in Omiš. When it comes to kayaking equipment, you’ll get it from the tour providers. You can consider bringing:
Swimsuit and towel Water shoes or sandals Sunscreen, glasses, and hat Water bottle and snacks Spare dry clothes to change to after the tour
Who Can Join? The great thing about most of the kayak tours in Croatia is that they are easy and almost anyone can enjoy this activity. Most of the kayaks used in these tours are double-seated ones which means that you’ll kayak in pairs. Many tours accept children below 6, but check this before making a booking.
Families with kids (ages 6+) Couples visiting Croatia and looking for a romantic but active experienceSolo travelers or groups seeking relaxing outdoor fun No prior kayaking experience is needed
Best Time to Kayak in Omiš Kayaking is an all-year-round activity, still kayaking in some periods is more fun than in others. Although we love kayaking in winter and during the rough sea, when it comes to ‘usual’ kayaking tours, we prefer calm sea and sunny days. Here’s what to expect when it comes to Omiš kayaking:
May to October is the usual kayaking season in Croatia and most of the tour providers organize guided tours during this periodMornings and evenings offer the calmest waters and best light. Also, most of the kayak tours are organized at these times of the day.Summer (July–August) is peak season in Croatia, so we suggest booking your tour as soon as possible
Before You Venture kayaking in Omiš So will it be kayaking or some other tour in Omiš in your case? We have to admit we still haven’t kayked in Cetina River, although we have a lot of kayaking experience and we did most of the other adventure tours available in Omiš. However, Cetina is one of our next kayaking destinations. We did a boat tour through the lower Cetina River Canyon and all we can say is that its landscape is absolutely amazing for activities such as kayaking.
Enjoy your adventures in Croatia!
