Complete Guide To Kayaking In Croatia

When you talk of kayaking opportunities, few countries in Europe can match what Croatia offers. With its crystal clear waters, beautiful coastlines, and over a thousand islands, it is an ideal destination for kayaking enthusiasts of all levels.

At Skyhook, we offer a Croatian kayak adventure on the fourth day of our Rafting the Cetina River trip.

But before you start your adventure, here's all the information you need!

Croatia is a kayaking paradise with its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty. The country has 1244 islands, meaning endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. You can paddle through hidden coves, secluded beaches, and picturesque bays while admiring the breathtaking scenery.

In addition, Croatia boasts an incredibly rich history and culture, making it an ideal destination if you want to combine adventure with sightseeing. You can paddle your way to ancient towns, mediaeval castles, and traditional fishing villages, all while enjoying the tranquillity of the Adriatic Sea.

The best time of year to travel to Croatia for kayaking is, without a doubt, in the summer (June to September).

During this time, the weather is wonderful and you will not need as much gear as you would when it is cooler.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to October) seasons are also relatively great, but you will need a neoprene suit to keep you warm.

Winter (November to March) is grey and cold, so it requires even more clothing. You face unpredictable weather and shorter days that may impact the quality of your trips.

If you prefer kayaking on Croatia’s rivers, choose the spring and autumn months instead of summer. This is because, in summer, the water levels in rivers drop so you may not get the thrilling kayaking experience you seek.

Quick Tips: Kayaking early in the morning provides an easier experience because water bodies are calm. In the afternoon, you can experience winds of varying strengths that may make kayaking harder. And yes, you can kayak in Croatia at night as long as you have a signal light (you'll even enjoy stargazing!)

Croatia offers a variety of kayaking experiences, from calm and peaceful paddles to more challenging adventures:

Kayaks are the best vessels to enjoy the views Croatia’s rivers have to offer because they are light and will allow you to sail smoothly through rapids and waterfalls, however big or small.

The most common locations for river kayaking in Croatia are:

We take you kayaking on Cetina near Omis Town, a picturesque river that has curved an amazing landscape of waterfalls, cliffs, tunnels, pools, and rapids over thousands of years. You're in for a mix of stunning postcard-style views and the thrill of cruising through rapids and mysterious tunnels. You will behold a striking view of where the Cetina River spills into the Adriatic Sea and a shipwreck just 3m deep. Your 3-hour trip will end in a lovely sandy beach where you can sun yourself while sipping a cocktail from the nearby bars.

All Zrmanja River Kayak trips start in a small town called Kastel Zegarski in Zadar and offer 4 hours of voyaging through uncharted nature with a vast array of flora and fauna. You will also pass many rapids along the river for an exhilarating adrenaline rush, and paddle to the awe-inspiring Krupa waterfalls.

Kayaking tours on the Mreznica River start near Slunj city where the landscape is most lush and spectacular. Mreznica’s views are more beautiful than Zrmanja’s but its tour is shorter (3 hours). Kayaking allows you to immerse yourself in the beautiful Mreznica forested canyons and waterfalls as you cruise along the mild rapids. You can even swim beneath the falls and pack a picnic for the trip.

Lake kayaking is a great adventure especially if this is your first kayaking excursion. Croatia’s lakes are incredibly scenic, super calm (no waves), and smaller, making it easy for you to return to your starting point.

For instance, the Bacina Lakes is a gorgeous group of 7 lakes surrounded by rugged nature that is particularly popular among tourists.

Skardin is another amazing location that offers both river and lake kayaking on river Krka which flows through the Krka National Park and Lake Prokljan with tranquil waters and beautiful beaches.

You can explore the beautiful coastline, hidden coves, and remote islands while soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Some of the cool areas to explore include Pag Island with its lunar-like landscape and the many tunnels that shielded submarines and boats during the bombardments.

If you are in Dubrovnik, you can kayak around the 900-year-old Old City’s walls to Lokrum Island. Along the trip, you will learn more about the region’s interesting history and what Dubrovnik life was like during Croatia’s struggle for independence.

You can also kayak around the Pakleni Islands, a group of islands opposite Hvar city and close to Hvar Island. The scenery is stunning; from the aquamarine, and crystal clear waters to the islands’ natural beauty.

Another place to take advantage of the endless pristine beaches of Croatia for snorkelling would be Pula. Here, you can kayak to Seagull Rocks coastline, snorkel in the caves, cliff jump, and learn more about Pula’s dramatic geology and history.

Quick Tip: To truly enjoy the beauty of Croatia’s coastline, you want to avoid seaports and large cities and opt for the wilder, more rugged areas. Even better, sea kayaking allows you to also enjoy other activities like swimming and snorkelling.

The best part about a Croatia kayak adventure is that you only need to remember one simple rule: you must not kayak over 500m from the shore. This is a common rule that applies in many countries for safety. If you are a beginner kayaker, we recommend you remain quite close to the shore.

You want to have the right gear before getting into your kayak for safety and maximum enjoyment. There is no stringent law imposing a fine for not having any specified item, but you should have at least these four items: a kayak, a paddle, a swimsuit, and a safety vest.

Also, bring some sunscreen and a sun hat to protect your skin from intense UV, a first aid kit, and, most definitely, a camera to capture the good moments!

You do not have to purchase kayaking gear while on vacation in Croatia. You may find kayaks available for hire on any of the kayak beaches. The kayaks available for renting are made of plastic and are effective and stable.

The rental cost ranges between £8.00 and £35.00 per day and you also get a dry bag for wallets, phones, and other important items.

If you do not find a place to rent a kayak, give us a call for assistance with renting options.

Quick Tip: If you are a beginner, choose a safer sit-on-top kayak, the sit-in ones are better suited for people with more kayaking experience.

The anticipation of your trip, gearing up, and reading maps can easily take away from the importance of adequate preparation.

For instance, you should install a forecast app and map to remain up to date with any drastic changes in the weather during your trip. You also want to watch the winds as they can make your kayaking harder.

Also, ensure you have all your gear to ensure your safety and maximise your experience while out there. Do bring your phone plus a solar charger in case you need to contact anyone during your trip, such as emergency services.

Finally, if you are new to kayaking, consider joining guided Croatia kayak tours like our Skyhook trip. A guide will teach you the basics and watch over you and your squad.

Kayaking alone to a beach not far out is seemingly safe, but when kayaking alone for the first time on a river with rapids can be dangerous. Best to plan your trip on calmer water bodies like lakes, the sea, and wider rivers with no rapids.

Kayaking is a good water sport because it allows for exploration while burning off extra calories. But, kayaking in a place as scenic and magical as Croatia makes the experience more special, especially with the thousands of islands to choose from.