Kayaking Dubrovnik: The Best Tour to Do and More!
If you are in Dubrovnik and looking for a unique activity to do that involves a little exercise and unique views of the city, kayaking Dubrovnik is a great option!
We took a sunset kayaking tour from just outside of pile gate, visited two caves (one of which we were able to swim at) and then kayaked around Lokrum Island while the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
Was it challenging? Yes! Kayaking in the ocean can be tough. But, was it worth it? Also, yes!
Here is everything you will need to know including who to kayak with, where to meet, what to bring with you and more!
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Best Tour for Kayaking Dubrovnik
X-Adventures is a highly rated tour group for kayaking Dubrovnik. They are operated by Dubrovnik Fun Tours and provide excellent tour guides and make the experience fun!
I recommend doing the sunset kayaking cruise that takes you to a cave for swimming, brings you around Lokrum Island and then ends with a little local wine at sunset!
Our Experience Kayaking Dubrovnik
We kayaked in a group of 4, all of us having kayaked down rivers in Arkansas, but never kayaking in the ocean. We picked up the kayaking easy, but, be aware, kayaking in an ocean is much tougher!
Though it was a WORKOUT, the water is incredibly clear and the caves are cool to see. One of them, you can get out and swim in, but we really liked seeing the purple-colored coral that was in the second cave!
By the end of the tour we were ready to get back to shore because our arms were getting tired, but seeing the sunset and the walls of Dubrovnik from the water made up for it too!
About the Sunset Kayaking Tour with x-Adventure!
Cost: $61 per person
Time: 3 hours
Experience Needed? No, but it helps!
Meeting Point: Just down the stairs from Pile Gate. Address: Brsalje ul. 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
What to Expect on the Tour
The tour will start in Pile Bay and go just outside the city walls. This is when you will get the closest view of city walls from the sea!
The first stop is at Betina Cave Beach. Here you will be able to get out of your kayak and swim in the clear Adriatic sea. You will find little caves as well as cliffs to explore.
After spending about 45 minutes at Betina Cave, you will continue on toward Lokrum Island. You won’t actually get off on the island, but you will explore another cove with some of the clearest water where you can see purple-hued coral below.
After exploring the cave on Lokrum Island in your kayak, you will then continue along the other side of Lokrum Island and make your way back to Pile Bay as the sun sets.
You will end back at Pile Bay where you will receive your wine. Don’t expect an elaborate wine moment per the title of the trip. You do get a small bottle at the end, but it isn’t a glass of wine shared together at the end as you might expect.
How Much Time to Prepare for Kayaking Dubrovnik
The kayak tour is approximately 3 hours long with a starting time that will change depend on what time of year you take the tour (about 3 hours before sunset 😉).
Be sure to show up about 30 minutes early for the tour, especially if you don’t have much kayaking experience. Your guide will help instruct you on how to maneuver your kayak if you aren’t experienced.
How are the Crowds?
Sunset kayaking tours in Dubrovnik are popular. It is the most popular time to take a kayak tour and one of the most booked experiences in the city. So, if you plan to do this tour, do be prepared for quite a crowd, especially at Betina Cave where many go to snorkel as well.
X-Aventure also offers a daytime kayak tour that may be a little less busy if you are worried about the crowds.
Do You Need Kayaking Experience?
If you’ve never kayaked before, proceed with caution. You do get a bit of instruction on the general technique of kayaking as well as safety instructions. However, it is a brief education session and then you are on your way, so it doesn’t give you a lot of time to figure out the kayak before you start paddling in the open sea.
However, with this being said, you definitely CAN do this excursion without having ever kayaked. But it may be a frustrating tour without any kayaking experience.
Just be sure to let your guide know you need a little more instruction, and hopefully it will make the tour smoother for you!
Fitness Required
Kayaking in the sea is not a super easy feat. I (again) recommend having kayaking experience as well as pretty good endurance.
- If you have ever kayaked on a river or creek, but not the sea, know that it is VASTLY different and harder than floating down moving water.
Expect to be fighting waves and paddling constantly for most of the tour (when you aren’t swimming). If you are okay with and prepared for this, it will be a great experience! Most negative reviews of kayaking Dubrovnik are due to the amount of effort it takes to complete the tour.
However, if you are up for a bit of a challenge, this is a great way to add some adventure to your city break!
What to Wear and Pack for Kayaking Dubrovnik
- Swimsuit: Be sure to have a swimsuit since you will get out at the cave to swim!
- Waterproof sandals: The cave has a rocky bottom and it won’t feel good on your bare feet, nor will you want sneakers. Waterproof sandals will be your friend.
- Dry Bag: I recommend having a dry bag if you plan to bring a change of clothes, because with the waves and getting out to swim, etc your bag will likely get wet.
- Waterproof Phone Case: The water will be super clear, so be sure to have a way to take some underwater photos!
Don’t pack too much, though. There won’t be anywhere to store your belongings so everything you take with you will ride on your kayak.
Changing Area?
Negative. Come dressed in what you plan to wear on the tour! We did find a spot to change out of our clothes after the tour eventually, but there are not designated changing and/or toilet areas.
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Kayaking Dubrovnik Recap
As long as you are okay with some physical activity, this tour will be fun! It is super cool to see the Dubrovnik city walls up close from the sea and the water in the caves really is STUNNING.
Click here for a guide to Dubrovnik; when to visit, where to stay and more!
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