Excellent activities make excellent holidays. The time of laying on the beach and enjoying the sea and sun is over. Everybody wants to add some extra value to their vacation nowadays. That’s why we bring you an article with the list of the best Makarska water sports you can enjoy during your Makarska Riviera holiday.
Believe us, you don’t want to spend your holiday without any exploration. It might feel good just to swim and sunbathe, but in the end, that kind of vacation will leave you empty and not satisfied once it ends. And you want just the opposite. Makarska Riviera is one of the most beautiful parts of Croatia and it’s worth discovering and exploring all it offers.
Introduction to Water Sports in Makarska
Wherever you have a sea (and other bodies of water) near you, you know that there are going to be some activities that go hand in hand with the sea. The same is true with Makarska too. Makarska water sports we listed below are some of the best ways to add serious fun to your vacation.
There’s a bit of everything for everybody. Whether you want to feel an adrenaline rush or you just want to relax, you can have it. Our list covers not only the city of Makarska and water sports to enjoy in this city but also everything you can enjoy in a place that is located nearby, for example on Baćina lakes or in the Cetina river canyon near Omiš.
There are some unique things you can’t do in Makarska and rafting is one example. To enjoy a rafting tour you need to drive to the Cetina Canyon near the city of Omis which is just 30 minutes away from Makarska. Not so far for a few hours of fun and adrenaline combination in a stunning Cetina canyon.
Then some other water activities are a bit further from Makarska, but still worth exploring. Bacina lakes kayaking or SUP tours are one of these tours that are being organized in the mesmerizing nature of 7 Bacina lakes, a unique landscape located less than 1 hour of driving away from Makarska. A place worth visiting.
Our list of the best water sports you can try in Makarska and nearby
Kayaking
When it comes to Makarska water sports we start with one of our favorite activities – kayaking. We have been in the kayaking business (organizing guided kayaking tours) for years and we know everything there is to know about it. Not only the kayaking have numerous benefits, but it’s also one of the best ways to explore secluded parts of the coastline.
A good thing is that Makarska and Makarska Riviera have many such hidden coastal gems and some of them are best enjoyed in a kayak. Take a famous Nugal beach for example. It’s a beach not so far from the Makarska city center and it has been proclaimed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. To reach it you can either walk through the forest or use a kayak and paddle along the shore.
When it comes to kayaking in and around Makarska, you have many options. You can either rent a kayak and go on an adventure of your own, or you can book a place on a guided adventure tour. The choice is yours, either way, the fun is guaranteed.
- Why Try It: Kayaking is a peaceful way to explore the hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters of Makarska’s coastline.
- What to Expect:
- Paddle along the calm Adriatic waters, discovering secluded beaches and kayaking beneath rocky cliffs.
- Guided tours are available, often including stops for snorkeling and swimming.
- Tips:
- Early morning or sunset kayaking tours offer the best conditions and stunning views.
- Bring a waterproof bag for your belongings. You will get these if you book a guided kayak tour.
Boat Tours to Nearby Islands
Makarska is a hub for a variety of boat tours that leave the city port each day and visit some of the best sports on the nearby islands or along the Makarska Riviera coastline. There are many places you can reach if you book a boat tour from Makarska and some of them are – the famous Zlatni Rat beach on Brač island, Hvar town on Hvar island, famous Blue Cave on Biševo island.
When it comes to water sports in Makarska and water-based activities you can do here, booking one of these tours is a must.
- Why Take a Tour: Makarska is a starting point to some of Croatia’s most famous islands, including Brač and Hvar.
- What to Expect:
- Full-day excursions that include swimming stops, island exploration, and traditional Dalmatian meals on board.
- Options range from group tours to private boat charters.
- Tips:
- Book in advance during the summer months since the offer is limited.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery on your boat tour.
Jet Ski
Jet skis are very popular water sports anywhere in the world and the same is with Makarska. If you are a lover of high speed and adrenaline, then this is one the best Makarska water sports for you. Usually, there are areas where you can go with the jet ski you rent and you can’t go outside of them. These are usually marked by buoys and the jet ski will automatically turn off if you go outside of the range.
- Why Try It: For adrenaline junkies, jet skiing provides a thrilling way to experience the Adriatic Sea.
- What to Expect:
- High-speed rides along the coastline, with opportunities to explore nearby islands or hidden bays.
- Rentals are widely available at Makarska’s main beach and nearby areas.
- Tips:
- Wear a life jacket and follow safety instructions from the rental providers.
- Check the fuel range if planning to cover greater distances.
Parasailing
Parasailing is another popular entry when it comes to water sports in Makarska. When you are going to visit Makarska, you’ll see parachutes with people tied to and being tugged by the speedboats. You can see these in every tourist place in Croatia and they are a pretty common sight in Makarska and every neighboring town.
It’s a fun activity everybody wants to try. You are tied to the parachute that is dragged by the speedboat and you can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape as you are being lifted higher and higher in the air.
There are a few ways you can enjoy Makarska parasailing, you can go alone, in a pair, or with 2 other persons in a single ride.
- Why Try It: Experience Makarska from a bird’s-eye view as you fly high above the water.
- What to Expect:
- Tandem or solo parasailing rides offer breathtaking views of the coastline and Biokovo Mountain.
- Smooth takeoffs and landings directly from a boat.
- Tips:
- Book during clear weather for the best visibility.
- Wear secure footwear or go barefoot.
Cetina River Rafting
Rafting is one of the Makarska water sports which is more in the adrenaline rush activities domain. All of the rafting tours near Makarska are being organized near the city of Omis, in the canyon of the Cetina River. Many agencies are doing these kinds of tours since rafting is one of the most popular activities you can do on the Cetina River.
The City of Omiš is just 30 minutes of driving away from Makarska. There are also many rafting tours with the transfer from Makarska included so make sure you check these if you are interested in the Cetina rafting tour. Cetina river rafting tours usually last for 3 and a half hours and there are additional offers such as a rafting tour with a traditional lunch afterwards.
- Why Visit: Just a short drive from Makarska, the Cetina River offers an exhilarating rafting experience.
- What to Expect:
- Navigate rapids and calm stretches of the river, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs.
- Tours often include stops for swimming and cliff jumping.
- Tips:
- Suitable for beginners and families; no prior experience needed.
- Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet.
Canyoning
Canyoning is another activity from a more adventurous domain and it’s an activity that includes progressing through the canyon and often includes cliff jumping, repelling, waterfall jumps, and much more. If you are an adventure type, you have to try this. the closest canyoning tour to Makarska is being organized in the upper part of the Cetina River canyon, in the Zadvarje area and these tours are always accompanied by licensed adventure guides.
- Why Try It: For adventure seekers, canyoning on the Cetina River is a must.
- What to Expect:
- Navigate waterfalls, swim through crystal-clear pools, and abseil down cliffs.
- Professional guides are always accompanying and providing all necessary equipment and safety instructions.
- Tips:
- Moderate fitness levels are required.
- Bring a towel and a spare set of clothing for after the activity.
Diving and Snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are a must if you love to explore below the surface of the beautiful Adriatic Sea. The sea around Makarska is very clean and clear and it’s very suitable for both diving and snorkeling. If you are not sure about the difference between these two, let us say that diving is usually done in deeper parts while you are always near the surface when snorkeling.
If you are an inexperienced or beginner diver, we recommend you find a local diving club and go on a tour with them. If you are an experienced scuba diver, you just need to show your license and they could rent you needed equipment.
On the other hand, no previous experience is needed for the snorkeling sessions. It’s a perfect Makarska water sport in which anybody could participate. You simply need a mask to cover your face, everything else, such as diving fins, is optional. When it comes to masks, we recommend an easy-breath mask we use when snorkeling in Croatia.
- Why Try It: Discover the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea.
- What to Expect:
- Dive spots include underwater caves, coral reefs, and shipwrecks.
- Snorkeling tours offer a more relaxed way to explore marine life from the surface and with no prior diving experience.
- Tips:
- Beginners can take introductory diving courses.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear for flexibility.
Fishing
Fishing is also among the most popular water sports in Makarska. You need to have a valid permit to go fishing and this permit can usually be bought at local fishing clubs. You can also rent some equipment there. But you don’t need much to enjoy fishing, a few simple pieces of equipment could be enough and these could be bought almost anywhere.
There are even some organized fishing tours so check them out. The fishing can be done either from the shore or from a boat. Renting a boat can make you much more versatile when fishing and you can quickly come to many places.
We suggest fishing early in the morning when the sea is calm. Fishing can easily be one of the most relaxing of Makarska water sports.
- Why Try It: Enjoy a relaxing day on the water while trying your hand at fishing.
- What to Expect:
- Options include deep-sea fishing, coastal fishing, or traditional Dalmatian fishing experiences.
- Guides often share local fishing techniques and stories.
- Tips:
- Check for permits if fishing independently.
- Bring snacks and drinks for a comfortable outing.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP tours have become more and more popular lately and many visitors are coming to Croatia with their boards. These are perfect for exploring the nearby attractions and finding the hidden and secluded beaches along the way. If you don’t have your own SUP board, you can rent it basically on any beach.
But if you want to truly enjoy the Stand Up Paddleboard experience, we suggest you drive to Baćina lakes and join a guided SUP tour that is being organized there.
- Why Try It: A fun and accessible way to explore Makarska’s calm waters or at nearby Baćina lakes.
- What to Expect:
- Paddle along the coastline, discovering hidden beaches and caves.
- Rentals are widely available, with lessons for beginners.
- Tips:
- Wear sunscreen and bring water to stay hydrated.
- Start in the morning when the sea is calmest.
Wind and Kite Surfing
Constant summer winds that blow almost every afternoon make Croatia perfect for all types of wind-based water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing. We suggest you try one of these if you are into this kind of water sports that include a bit more speed and strength.
If you want to see what kitesurfing looks like, we suggest you visitthe Neretva River delta which is known as one of the best places for kitesurfing (kiteboarding) in Croatia. Neretva river delta is located 1 hour’s drive away from Makarska and it’s a place full of sandy beaches we suggest you visit it even if you don’t want to join any of the activities there.
Aerial view of kitesurfers at Neretva river delta, one of the best places for kitesurfing in Croatia. Situated near the city of Ploče in Dalmatia, Croatia.
- Why Try It: Experience the thrill of harnessing the wind to glide across the Adriatic Sea.
- What to Expect:
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers, with lessons and equipment rentals available.
- Nearby beaches like Baćina Lakes are perfect for these activities.
- Tips:
- Check weather conditions for ideal wind speeds.
- Wear appropriate gear to stay comfortable.
Before you venture
Some of these water activities we mentioned can be potentially dangerous, especially the ones that are being done at a high speed. Always make sure that the insurance is included in the price of all the tours you’re participating in. Legally, you must be ensured for all the adventure tours in Croatia and it’s included in the price of any serious agency.
Secondly, make sure you have all the necessary equipment for each tour. In most cases, these are provided by the tour organizer. If you are renting the equipment, make sure it’s in a good state and you have all the necessary parts to safely practice the activity you want.
And that’s it. Hope we have helped with this list of the best Makarska water sports. Enjoy your holiday on Makarska Riviera!