When exploring Croatia’s nature, there are not many activities better than kayaking—at least when exploring the beautiful Croatian coastline and many of its water bodies. Kayaking is an activity you must try when visiting or staying in Croatia for your vacation. This beautiful country has everything—the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, stunning lakes, calm rivers for relaxation, faster rivers for whitewater, and more adventurous kayaking.
If you are an experienced kayaker or never tried kayaking before, Croatia has a kayaking adventure for you. Through this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about kayaking in Croatia. We’ll cover topics such as kayaking regulations in Croatia, the best places to explore by kayak, the best kayak tours in Croatia, and much more.
Kayaking is the perfect activity for exploration and fun, but there are many other benefits to kayaking. You can enter the meditative state through the repetitive movement of your arms, and you burn calories while enjoying the landscape. There’s not really much more to ask for. Ah yes, kayaking is much more fun if you are not alone; that’s why most of the kayaks are two-seated ones, especially ones you can rent at almost any larger beach in Croatia. But even if you’re alone, you can have some serious fun while discovering some of the most hidden and remote parts of Croatia.
Anybody can go kayaking, don’t worry even if you never tried it before. You’ll learn the basics in no time. If you don’t feel like you’re fit enough, you don’t need to go for a 20-kilometer kayaking tour; choose something less challenging at the beginning and enjoy it at your own pace.
Our background in kayaking
We have been into kayaking as an activity for more than 15 years, and we have kayaked through some of the most unique parts of Croatia and tried some of the best kayak tours in Croatia. For the past 8 years, we have run our own adventure agency, with kayaking tours being the backbone of our adventure travel business in Croatia.
We are based in Makarska Riviera, the part of Croatia most famous for its beaches, which are considered to be the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia. We ran quite a few kayaking tours in these 8 years – Baćina lakes kayaking tour, Makarska Riviera sunset kayaking tour, Makarska Riviera night kayaking tour, and a few others. This is why we feel competent in writing this guide for kayaking in Croatia.
Apart from the guided kayaking tours we did, we spent a lot of time in kayak even when the season of the guided tours was over. Kayaking has simply become part of our lives. And what a good part of them.
Our pick of the best kayak tours in Croatia
Law Regulations Regarding Kayaking in Croatia
First things first, let’s talk about the laws and regulations regarding kayaking in Croatia. You surely don’t want to break any laws when you take the paddle in your hands. Well, good news for you: there are not so many regulations, but there are quite a few things to care about when kayaking. There used to be a rule for a long time that you mustn’t kayak further than 500 meters from the coast, but that regulation was later removed. However, if you are a beginner to kayaking, we definitely suggest you stay closer to the coastline.
The good thing is that kayaking near the shore in Croatia is better. You’ll stumble upon many secluded beaches, and you can stop whenever you want to. The bad thing is that you won’t be able to cross to some islands, even if they seem close. Still, don’t let this discourage you. You can always take your kayak on a ferry and explore any area of Croatia you would like.
Here are some considerations regarding kayaking in Croatia:
- Licenses: Kayaking generally does not require a license in Croatia. However, some organized tours might have specific requirements, especially if these are multi-day tours.
- Restricted Areas: Some areas, such as military zones or nature reserves, may be off-limits for kayaking. Check local guidelines. Some of the military zones are located on the coast, but you’ll easily spot these, and there are not so many of them.
- Safety Requirements: Life jackets are mandatory. Some areas may require additional safety gear. Always wear a life jacket; you look cooler when kayaking with it.
- Environmental Protection: Avoid littering and follow “Leave No Trace” principles to protect the environment of Croatia
- Permits: Some national parks, such as Krka, may require permits for kayaking, or kayaking might be completely forbidden, like Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Kayaking Equipment
Essential kayaking equipment includes a kayak, paddle, and safety vest. That’s what you should always have when embarking on a kayaking adventure. You should also consider having UV-proof clothes since you’ll spend most of the time in the sun. The hat and sunscreen are also very good ideas. Some other pieces of equipment worth considering taking with you are a water pump (for sit-in kayaks), an extra paddle, and a waterproof container.
Suppose you are renting a kayak somewhere in Croatia. In that case, you’ll probably get all the necessary equipment, including a kayak (usually sit on top kayak), paddle, dry bag for wallets, mobile phones, and stuff that needs to stay dry, as well as a safety vest. You need to take everything else – water, clothing, hat, food…
- Essential Gear for Kayaking in Croatia:
- Kayak and paddle.
- Life jacket (PFD).
- Waterproof dry bags for personal belongings.
- Safety whistle and first aid kit.
- Optional Gear Which is Good to Have:
- Snorkeling equipment.
- Sun hat and sunglasses.
- Water shoes for rocky entries and exits.
Types of Kayaks You Can Usually Rent in Croatia
If this is your first time kayaking, you’ll probably want to rent a kayak. There are plenty of options for this in Croatia. At most of the beaches in popular tourist places, you’ll see kayaks somewhere on the beach, which are usually available to rent. Most of the kayaks for rent in Croatia sit on top kayaks made for recreational purposes and are generally much safer for beginners.
If you are an experienced kayaker, you’ll want to rent a sit-in kayak. Fewer places are renting these, so you’ll need to search for adventure agencies in the area where you’re staying and ask them for renting options. The price of renting a kayak ranges between 10 – 15 Euros per hour and 40 – 50 Euros for the whole day. Most of the kayaks for rent are made of plastic; they are pretty fast and stable.
If you come to Croatia by car and you want to enjoy kayaking for the whole duration of your vacation, then you might consider buying one or bringing the kayak you may already possess.
Most common kayak types you can find in Croatia:
- Sit-on-Top Kayaks: Ideal for beginners and casual paddlers; easy to maneuver and stable.
- Touring Kayaks: Designed for long-distance trips, offering better speed and storage.
- Inflatable Kayaks: Lightweight and portable, making them great for easy transport. However, don’t go too far from the coast in these. They are perfect for lakes and calmer rivers.
- Whitewater Kayaks: Used for river kayaking on more challenging rivers such as Cetina or Zrmanja in Croatia
- Tandem Kayaks: Perfect for couples or families who want to paddle together. These usually have space for two adults or sometimes even two adults and a child.
Things to Check Before Going Kayaking
Always do your homework when planning a kayaking trip in Croatia. Check the forecast and necessary equipment. Do you have it all? Don’t go on a sea kayaking tour if there is a chance of thunderstorms forming in the area. Consult the maps when planning and find the best possible option for the best possible experience. It’s good to have a forecast app installed on your mobile as well as any kind of map so you can know where you are at any point during the tour. Keep in mind that your average speed in a kayak will probably be around 5 kilometers per hour (depending on the kayak type).
Make sure you have all the proper equipment mentioned in the previous part of this article. Be prepared for everything. Check the wind forecast, too. This is important because it can happen that the wind will start blowing upon your return, and it can make your kayaking a bit harder. A good wind forecast will let you know what to expect, and you can plan your way back accordingly. It’s better for the wind to blow in your back than at your chest.
Before kayaking in Croatia, make sure you check the following:
- Weather Conditions: Check forecasts for wind, rain, and temperature.
- Tides and Currents: Understand the water dynamics, especially for sea kayaking.
- Physical Fitness: Ensure you are physically ready for the kayaking tour you have chosen.
- Local Guidelines: Confirm any permits or restrictions for your chosen location. Make sure there are no prohibited areas along your way.
- Safety Measures: Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
Guided Kayaking Tours in Croatia
Depending on the region you are staying in Croatia, you might want to look for kayaking tours in your vicinity. We suggest you take the guided tour if you are a beginner at kayaking. A good kayaking guide will teach you the basics and will watch over you during the tour. It’s not a problem if you go kayaking alone to a nearby beach, but it might be a problem if you go kayaking alone on a river with rapids (never do this if you don’t have previous whitewater kayaking experience).
You might end up in trouble or die. If you are a beginner, always try to find some calm bodies of water such as the sea, lakes, and wide rivers with no rapids.
If you still want to experience the fun of whitewater kayaking, there are always guided tours on some of the most popular rivers in Croatia. There are not many of them, so you’ll remember their names easily – Zrmanja, Mrežnica, and Cetina. There are some other smaller ones, but these three are the most popular, and all of them have the possibility of booking guided kayaking tours. An exception is the Cetina River, where most of the tours are done in rafts. Zrmanja is an absolute must-visit place if you are visiting the Zadar region. Few agencies organize their trips there, so make sure you check them out.
When it comes to sea kayaking, if you want to experience something more than just going to a nearby beach, you should also join a guided kayaking tour. These tours are often organized to make the best possible experience in the area. Yes, they are a bit more expensive than simply renting a kayak, but they usually have some added value in them. A good guide definitely makes a difference.
You can call us biased since we used to run an adventure agency in Croatia, with kayaking tours being one of our most popular ones, but it’s true. Take, for example, our former Baćina lakes kayaking tour. Bacina lakes are full of hidden places that nobody will tell you about when renting a kayak, but if you go on a guided kayaking tour, you can be sure that you’ll miss nothing.
- Advantages of a guided kayaking tour:
- Access to local knowledge and hidden spots.
- Safety and equipment provided.
- Group discounts are possible.
- Popular Kayak Tours in Croatia:
- Sea kayaking around Dubrovnik’s city walls.
- River kayaking on the Zrmanja River.
- Island sea kayaking tour on Hvar
- Makarska Riviera sunset sea kayaking
Best Season for Kayaking in Croatia
When it comes to the best season for kayaking in Croatia, the short answer would be – summer. The reason is obvious: you can swim in the warm Adriatic sea (or rivers and lakes), and you don’t need as much equipment as you would need for winter kayaking, especially when it comes to neoprene suits and other special clothing. Spring and Autumn are also good choices, with the sea being a bit colder, but a good neoprene will make the cold disappear. Winter brings colder and more unpredictable weather and much shorter days, so have that in mind if you are planning a longer kayaking tour in Croatia during the winter.
When it comes to kayaking on rivers (especially whitewater kayaking), then summer might not be the best answer. You see, rivers have less water in them during the summer, so if you are seeking a real adrenaline rush, you might end up disappointed. Choose a Spring or Autumn month instead – April, May, September, and October will do just fine. Keep in mind that the water level may vary after every rain.
- Spring (April to June):
- Ideal for river kayaking due to higher water levels.
- Mild weather and fewer tourists all across Croatia.
- Summer (July to August):
- Best for sea kayaking and lake exploration.
- Warm waters and longer daylight hours.
- Autumn (September to October):
- Great for both sea and river kayaking, with pleasant temperatures and fewer people in Croatia.
Best Time of the Day for Kayaking in Croatia
Any, depending on what you’re looking for. Yes, even the night. We used to organize a night kayaking trip on Makarska Riviera, and it was one of our best tours. However, there are some things to have in mind. If you go kayaking early in the morning, there is a high chance that the sea will be calm and that kayaking will seem so easy and relaxing.
If you choose the afternoon for your kayaking adventure, then you can expect some wind (especially during the summer) since there is a wind blowing almost every day in the afternoon hours (known as the Maestral wind, blowing from the sea toward the land). If you want to try something different and go for a night kayaking, then you can also expect calmer water. Just make sure your kayak is near the shore, and you are equipped with the signal lights.
- Morning:
- Usually calm waters
- Cooler temperatures make it more comfortable for paddling.
- Late Afternoon:
- Ideal for sunset kayaking and enjoying the sunset.
- There might be some waves, though.
River Kayaking in Croatia
We already mentioned Zrmanja, Mrežnica, and Cetina as being some of the best rivers for kayaking in Croatia. All of these have their calmer parts as well as parts with rapids. For example, the Zrmanja River has a beautiful canyon starting at Obrovac City. We have kayaked this route a few times now, and we are always amazed by the beauty of this environment. If you want something more adventurous, then you start on the same river but at Kaštel Žegarski.
As we already mentioned, if you are a beginner or have never tried kayaking, it would be the best option to participate in a guided tour of the whitewater parts of rivers.
- Zrmanja River: Known for its crystal-clear waters and waterfalls.
- Cetina River: Perfect for beginners, with options for rafting and kayaking on calmer parts.
- Mrežnica River: A serene river with natural cascades and swimming spots. Located near the Plitvice Lakes.
- Neretva River: This is a great river in southern Croatia, with a delta full of channels, which are great for exploring.
Sea Kayaking in Croatia
The Adriatic Sea is the largest body of water in Croatia, and it has much to offer when it comes to kayaking. There are a lot of islands and lots of secluded beaches that are discoverable only by boat or kayak. When going on a kayaking tour in Croatia, always try to find the most beautiful part of the coastline to explore. Stay away from seaports and large cities. Nothing to see there. The wild and unexplored coastline is a much better experience.
There are many cool places along the coast that are perfect for kayaking. For example, Pag Island is specific because of its landscape, which resembles the surface of the Moon. And there are many secluded beaches that are not accessible on foot. There are some underground tunnels dug as retreats for submarines and boats during the bombardments. These are pretty cool to explore by kayak. Vis Island is full of them. If you are in Dubrovnik, you can kayak around the old city walls and go to Lokrum Island.
The point is to always try to find the best possible option when kayaking in Croatia. Use Google Maps to scout the area you are visiting or staying at. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any tips; we’ll gladly help you.
- Dubrovnik: Paddle around the iconic city walls and nearby Lokrum Island.
- Makarska Riviera: Explore hidden beaches and enjoy kayaking with a backdrop of Biokovo Mountain.
- Istrian Peninsula: Discover caves, cliffs, and the charming towns of Rovinj and Pula.
- Kornati Archipelago: Navigate through the maze of islands and experience untouched nature.
Kayaking on Lakes in Croatia
Kayaking on lakes can be a rewarding experience, too, and it’s the best option if you are a beginner in the world of kayaking. The lakes in Croatia are usually not so large, so the chance of you going too far is smaller. Everything is on a smaller scale, and it’s easy to return to the starting point.
Another cool thing about the lakes is that there are no such large waves at them, which can be a good thing. We used to run a Bacina lakes kayaking tour in Dalmatia, near the city of Ploče, and it was one of our most popular tours. One of the reasons for that is the place where the tour is organized – Baćina lakes. It’s a beautiful group of 7 lakes and a place of untouched nature. Make sure that the lake you are going to kayak on is not so small so your adventure doesn’t end before it starts.
Additional Tips for Kayaking in Croatia
Here are just a few more tips before you embark on a Croatia kayaking adventure:
- Hydrate: Always bring enough water, especially in the summer.
- Protect Yourself: Use sunscreen and wear lightweight, UV-protective clothing.
- Respect Nature: Avoid disturbing wildlife and leave no trash behind.
- Plan Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the area’s map and landmarks.
- Join a Group: If you’re a beginner, consider joining a group tour for safety.
Before you venture into your kayaking adventure in Croatia
Kayaking in Croatia can be an amazing experience, and it’s the best way to explore the country’s natural beauty. No matter if you’re paddling along the Adriatic coast, navigating serene rivers, or their more rapid parts, Croatia’s diverse landscapes will make your kayaking adventures unforgettable. With the tips and insights we covered in this guide, we hope you learned more about Croatia’s kayaking potential.
We wish you great holidays and enjoy kayaking in Croatia. And thank you if you stayed with us until the end of this guide.
