Organizing different Croatia kayak tours has been our summer job for many years before we decided to make a Croatia travel and outdoor portal out of Life and Ventures. We started with our kayaking adventures a long time ago, first working for other agencies in the adventure travel domain before ending with our own agency.
It was a job that filled us with energy, and honestly, we can’t get enough of kayaking even now when we are done with guided adventure tours in Croatia. Even when we were not paddling with our guests, we went on a kayaking tour of our own. Discovering new places, designing new adventures.
If you want to kayak in Croatia, you must know that there are many tours available. Croatia is a paradise for kayaking. We always suggest taking a guided tour and letting the good guide make your kayaking not just boring paddling, but an experience you will remember as a favorite of your holidays.
So now you know our background in Croatia kayak tours, you know why we feel confident to write this article and bring you our top pick of the best kayak tours in Croatia.
Why Kayaking in Croatia?
Why would you choose to kayak in Croatia? First of all, Croatia is a country with beautiful nature and we have written about that topic in our numerous posts. Kayaking as an activity is a very good way of exploring hidden and not easily accessible parts of the coastline. There are many other benefits of kayaking too. By kayaking, you get to chance to see parts of Croatia you might otherwise not see. Take the Zrmanja River, for example, it’s very hard to come to the places you see on a kayaking tour on the Zrmanja River.
Secondly, kayaking is a healthy activity and has many benefits. If you feel like you have been inactive during your vacation, kayaking is just a perfect way to activate a bit and make some good memories.
Here’s what makes Croatia perfect for kayaking:
- Crystal-Clear Sea: The Adriatic Sea’s transparent turquoise waters make kayaking a visual delight.
- Diverse Landscapes: Paddle through calm rivers, beautiful coastlines, hidden sea bays, and around stunning islands.
- Rich History: Many kayaking routes pass by ancient cities, fortresses, and landmarks, blending adventure with culture. What a unique blend can it be.
- Accessible for All Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Croatia offers routes and tours tailored to all skill levels. Kayaking is easy, don’t be afraid to try it even if you have never tried it before.
- Eco-Friendly Adventure: Kayaking is a sustainable way to explore the country’s natural wonders without impacting the environment. What’s better than exploring and following the Leave No Trace Principles
Top Croatia Kayak Tours
In the vast sea of Croatia kayaking tours, we suggest you choose at least one. Even if you have never tried kayaking before, you don’t need to worry, most of the people participating in kayak tours haven’t. And finally, kayaking is not hard to learn.
When making this list, we tried to cover the whole territory of Croatia. Also, we tried to cover both river and sea kayaking. In the future, we plan to make a separate list of different kayaking types.
1. Zrmanja River Kayaking
We are starting the Croatia kayak tours list with a unique kayak tour down the Zrmanja River. That’s where my Croatia adventure guide career started and it’s a landscape that will always have a special place in my life. I have kayaked down the Zrmanja river numerous times and every time was as beautiful as the first one.
All the Zrmanja river kayak tours start in a village called Kaštel Žegarski in the Zadar region. We speak about the swifter part of the river now. Few agencies run their kayaking business there and I was a kayak guide for Raftrek travel agency, one of the largest and most renowned adventure agencies in Croatia.
If the water level is higher, then there are no kayaking tours there but rafting ones. But during most of the summer, the water level is lower and the tours are done in a kayak for 2 persons. A lower water level doesn’t mean less fun. Kayaking down the Zrmanja River is one of the best activities to try if you like pure nature. The tour goes through the beautiful canyon of the Zrmanja river and you pass through many rapids on your way down the river.
- Highlights:
- Kayak through one of Croatia’s most beautiful rivers, surrounded by beautiful canyons and lush vegetation.
- Experience thrilling rapids and calmer sections, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
- Stop to swim in crystal-clear calm stretches of the Zrmanja River and explore waterfalls along the way.
- Why It’s Special:
- The Zrmanja River’s magical beauty and dramatic scenery create a perfect kayaking adventure.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for optimal water levels. Peak season is the time when this tour is most booked so book your place in time.
2. Dubrovnik Kayaking Tours
When in Dubrovnik, you need to try one of the Croatia kayak tours offered there. It’s simply an experience of its own. You get the chance to paddle outside of the city walls and observe them from a different perspective.
This is definitely a kayak tour you must try when staying in Dubrovnik. Most Dubrovnik kayak tours leave from the old port and they explore different places of Dubrovnik’s coastline. Some even go to a nearby island of Lokrum. These tours usually last for 2 and a half hours.
- Highlights:
- Explore the stunning coastline around Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
- Kayak to Lokrum Island, famous for its natural beauty and legends.
- Discover hidden sea caves and secluded beaches you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach
- Why It’s Special:
- Kayaking in Dubrovnik offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic walls and historical landmarks.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, when the Adriatic Sea is calm and warm.
3. Mrežnica River Kayaking
We are returning to the river landscape, just moving a bit north of the Zrmanja River now. Mreznica River is located near the Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the Mreznica kayaking tours are organized near the city of Slunj where the most beautiful landscape of this river is situated.
After being a kayaking guide on the Zrmanja River, I spent one month guiding the kayaking tours on the Mreznica River and, although it’s the river too, Mreznica offers a completely different landscape compared to the Zrmanja River. It’s much more lush and green. It’s beautiful.
The kayaking tour on the Mreznica River is slightly shorter than one on the Zrmanja and it usually lasts for around 2 and a half hours total.
- Highlights:
- Paddle through tranquil waters and enjoy cascading waterfalls.
- Enjoy the calm surroundings of lush forests.
- Stopping for a refreshing swim in natural pools.
- Why It’s Special:
- The Mrežnica River is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and immersive nature experience.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, late spring or early autumn
4. Makarska Riviera Kayaking
Back when we had our adventure agency and organized Croatia kayak tours, we had 2 of them that were being organized in the beautiful environment of Makarska Riviera – Makarska Riviera sunset kayaking and Makarska Riviera night kayaking tour. Both of these were among our most visited tours back then.
Makarska Riviera is a beautiful stretch of coastline and it’s best experienced from a kayak. It’s also a part of Croatia known to have some of the best beaches you can find anywhere in Croatia. And what’s better than exploring and discovering these from a kayak?
- Highlights:
- Paddle along the stunning coastline of the Makarska Riviera, known for its secluded beaches and cliffs.
- Explore hidden bays which can be reached only by kayak.
- Combine kayaking with snorkeling to discover the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea
- Why It’s Special:
- The blend of adventure and relaxation makes this a favorite for couples and families.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early autumn.
5. Korčula Kayaking
When it comes to islands in Croatia, let us just say that kayaking around the islands is a must activity if you are staying on any of the Croatian islands. For this purpose we will put recommendations for 2 kayaking tours on islands – Korčula and Hvar.
But no matter which island you visit, you’ll be able to either find a guided kayak tour there or at least rent a kayak and explore on your own or in good company.
- Highlights:
- Paddle around the charming island of Korčula, known for its medieval architecture and beautiful archipelago
- Visit nearby islets and enjoy the serenity of unspoiled beaches.
- Sample local delicacies during breaks.
- Why It’s Special:
- Combines cultural exploration with natural beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October.
6. Hvar Island Kayaking
Hvar is one of the most famous islands in Croatia and there are many kayak tours being organized there. Our favorites include the sea kayak tours starting from the Hvar town.
- Highlights:
- Discover the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of small islands near Hvar town.
- Enjoy the creystal clear Adriatic sea and explore hidden places.
- Stop at secluded beaches for a picnic or a swim.
- Why It’s Special:
- The combination of Hvar’s lively charm and the tranquility of the Pakleni Islands offers the best of both worlds.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, when the sea is calm and warm.
Essential Tips for Kayaking in Croatia
Here are some additional tips if you are interested in booking one of the Croatia kayak tours we mentioned in this article. Always try to find the best tour for yourself, no matter where you are staying at in Croatia. Some of the tours we mentioned are also worth a day trip to experience them.
- Choose the Right Tour For You: Consider your skill level and interests when selecting a tour.
- Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, water, snacks, and waterproof bags for your belongings. Most of the guided tours will provide all necessary additional equipment
- Wear Appropriate Gear: Comfortable swimwear is recommended.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment of Croatia.
- Check Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. You want to kayak in the best possible weather.
Why Guided Tours Are Worth It
Yes, you can rent a kayak almost anywhere and kayak on your own, but here are some reasons why guided Croatia kayak tours are worth it:
- Local Expertise: Learn about the history, culture, and ecology of the area from your kayak guides.
- Safety: Guides will make sure you have a safe experience, especially in areas with changing currents or winds
- Convenience: Tours provide all necessary equipment and often include additional activities like snorkeling.
Before you Venture to Croatia Kayak Tours
And that’s it, our recommendation of the best kayak tours in Croatia. We hope we helped in find the best one for you and that you will enjoy your kayaking experience, no matter where you are or if you choose to rent a kayak or book a guided kayaking tour.
The only thing that matters is for you to have fun and enjoy it. So have fun kayaking in Croatia!