Kayaking in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a city that combines historical and cultural charm with natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the islands around Dubrovnik to appreciate their natural wonders.

One of the best ways to explore the rugged coasts of the Dalmatian islands is definitely by kayak. On kayaking tours in Dubrovnik, you can venture inside hidden bays and caves to appreciate the view and swim in the crystal clear waters.

Here's all you need to know about kayaking tours, one of the most scenic outdoor activities in Dubrovnik.

What are the best kayaking tours in Dubrovnik?

Guided sea kayaking tour with snack

Take advantage of Dubrovnik's location to go kayaking and explore the coasts near the city.

Make your way to the meeting point at Pile Gate, where your guide will be waiting for you to explain safety information and instructions for maneuvering the kayak. Kayaking is simple and safe, no there's no need to worry if you're only a beginner.

The kayaking tour heads to Lokrum Island, which is located about one kilometer away from Dubrovnik. The island is the perfect size for a kayaking tour, as you can easily circumnavigate it. The kayaking tour includes several stops on the coast of Lokrum for swimming and relaxation.

The guide will inform you about the places you'll visit by adding naturalistic and historical information, including some of the scenes of violent fighting during the wars in the Balkans.

You will also explore a sea cave and a lovely beach accessible only by the sea where you can take a break, swim and even enjoy some snorkeling. Adventure Dubrovnik, one of the best local tour operators, manages this kayaking tour.

Morning or sunset kayak tour with snacks

This kayaking tour is another great option to spend a morning or afternoon among the bays of the Dubrovnik coast. This kayaking activity is offered by Dubrovnik Walks, another well-known tour operator in Dubrovnik.

The itinerary is very similar to the previous tour. You can choose between a morning option and a sunset option, both of which last approximately 3 hours.

The kayak tour heads to the island of Lokrum, where you can visit several bays, beaches and caves. On the way back, you will pass by the Betina cave, which is located along the mainland coast and offers an excellent environment for snorkeling.

One-day kayak excursion to Koločep

The island of Koločep is the southernmost island in the chain of the Elaphite islands and is relatively close to Dubrovnik. Many consider the island of Koločep to be the most beautiful of the archipelago, due to the fact that it's sparsely inhabited and has an indented coastline full of bays, caves and beaches, perfect for a kayaking tour.

Start the activity in the morning by getting to know your guide and the rest of the group. Take the ferry from the port of Gravosa in Dubrovnik to Koločep. The cost of the ferry is included in the tour price.

The kayak tour will cover much of the island's coast, passing fantastic cliffs, crystal-clear caves, deserted beaches and picturesque villages. You can enjoy lunch at one of the island's restaurants or bring a packed lunch. You will return to Dubrovnik by kayak in the afternoon.

Are there any combo tours available with kayaking tours in Dubrovnik?

Yes, you have many options to choose from to combine a kayaking tour in Dubrovnik with other types of tours, including snorkeling, cycling and even Game of Thrones tours.

Booking a combo tour is a great way to save money and ensure you make the most of your time in Dubrovnik. Compare the options below and see which one would best fit your needs and interests.

Small-group sea kayaking and snorkeling tour

This kayaking tour is mainly focused on snorkeling in Dubrovnik. Depart from the center of Dubrovnik to paddle along the Dalmatian Coast to the south. The destination is Betina Beach and Cave, which is known for its exceptional snorkeling environment.

This kayaking tour lasts approximately 3 hours, of which you'll spend approximately 1 hour in the Betina cave. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Elaphite Islands kayaking and bike tour

On this kayaking tour, you'll have a chance to visit two Elaphite islands: Lopud and Šipan. These two islands are quite large and can be easily explored on a kayak or bike tour. They are located further north of Koločep, and therefore a ferry is required to reach them.

Start the day with the ferry from Dubrovnik to Lopud for the start of your kayaking tour, which goes north towards the small island of Ruda. Afterward, you will continue the kayaking tour to the city of Šuđurađ.

You'll explore part of Šipan island by kayak and then exchange the kayak for a bike. The cycling tour will cover the central part of the island, where there are vineyards, olive groves and old farmhouses. The route is mostly flat.

There will be a stop at the Holy Spirit's fortress, before reaching the village of Šipanska Luka, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, there will be time for a swim in the sea before starting the reverse route by bike and kayak.

You'll then return be ferry from the island of Lopud to Dubrovnik. This full-day excursion is a perfect opportunity to see different natural landscapes through two enjoyable sporting activities open to all levels: kayaking and cycling.

Full day sea kayaking and snorkeling at the Green Cave on Šipan Island

On this kayaking adventure, you'll discover the Green Cave on Šipan Island, which offers a fantastic environment for snorkeling, including the lesser known Green Grotto.

The day starts with the ferry from Dubrovnik to Lopud, where the kayak tour will begin. You will start paddling towards the island of Šipan, then skirting the island in a southwestern direction. The first visible natural attraction will be a stone arch, which is a wonderful photo opportunity.

Later you'll arrive at the Green Grotto, a large natural cave you can only enter by swimming, so you'll need to hop off your kayak and put on your snorkeling gear to proceed. The name of the cave is due to the emerald green color of the water from the light's reflection, which you'll be surrounded by as you snorkel into the cave.

After about an hour in the cave, you'll continue towards the fishing village of Šuđurađ, where you can enjoy an excellent lunch in one of the local restaurants. You'll then pass by Ruda Island to explore another cave during the return by kayak to Lopud island.

Kayaking and Game of Thrones tour

Experience two of the best experiences in the area by combining a kayaking tour with a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik. You have the flexibility to choose to do both tours on the same day or on different days.

The kayaking tour lasts approximately 3 hours, where you'll travel to the island of Lokrum to explore its bays, beaches and caves. On the coast of the mainland, you'll pass by Betina cave, well known for its great snorkeling spots, especially the cave snorkeling.

The second tour is a typical Game of Thrones walking tour in Dubrovnik. The King's Landing scenes were filmed in the Dubrovnik fortress. An expert guide will explain all the details and background of the shooting locations within Dubrovnik's walls.

In addition to the historic center, you will also visit the Fort of San Lorenzo. Please note that Forte di San Lorenzo requires a cash payment of 50 HRK (approximately €7) at the entrance, which is not included in the tour price.

Kayaking and hiking tour of Lokrum Island

With this experience, you'll discover the island of Lokrum by kayak. The itinerary is similar to the other kayak tours previously listed, but also includes a hiking tour of the island.

In addition to sea caves, rocky beaches and crystal clear waters, the island of Lokrum offers a well-preserved natural landscape with an abundance of local flora and fauna. During the trekking excursion, you'll see peacocks, wild rabbits and lots of native birds. The island also offers many typical restaurants for a wonderful and authentic meal.

Game of Thrones kayaking tour

This unique experience combines visiting Game of Thrones filming locations with a kayak tour. In this case, they are not two different tours, but rather a single one, completely by kayak.

Begin the kayaking trip from Pile Bay, under the Lovrijenac Fortress, which is the filming location of the Red Fortress. Your guide will explain the safety information to you before setting off on the kayak tour. The itinerary at sea will pass by several shooting locations of the series and the expert guide will explain all the information about it.

The kayak tour follows to the island of Lokrum, where Quarth's scenes were filmed. You can also enjoy snorkeling and some walking tours on the island.

Kayaking and wine tasting tour

If you want to end your kayak adventure toasting the sunset with a glass of local wine, you should definitely choose a kayaking and wine tasting tour. You'll follow similar routes to take in Dubrovnik's City Walls and the views from Lokrum Island.

After a few hours or a full day of paddling, you'll post up on a beach — Sveti Jakov, St. Jacob or Pile Bay — to enjoy appetizers like octopus salad and a meat and cheese or vegetarian platter, paired with a glass of Croatian wine and a beautiful sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

How much do kayaking tours in Dubrovnik cost?

Kayaking tours in Dubrovnik range from €30 to €140 depending on how many destinations you visit and the duration of the expedition. There are also price differences for smaller groups, additional activities like cycling or snorkeling and extra amenities, such as wine and snacks.

The most basic kayaking tours to Lokrum Island cost around €30. When you venture further out, like on a kayak excursion to Koločep, you'll need to pay about €50.

Kayaking tours plus wine tasting will either cost about €40 or €90, depending on if you're simply provided with a glass of wine on the beach or you have a proper wine tasting at a beach-side restaurant.

Kayaking tours combined with a walking tour of Game of Thrones filming locations cost between €50 and €75. More extensive kayaking trips to the Elaphite Islands of Šipan and Lopud cost from €80 to €140.

What's included with a kayaking tour in Dubrovnik?

On a kayaking tour in Durbrovnik, you'll be provided with everything you need to enjoy a few hours, a half day or a full day enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

You'll have the essentials (a kayak, paddle and life vest), but you'll also be provided with useful equipment like a dry bag or barrel to make sure your personal items don't get wet. Many tours also include water and snacks, plus a glass of wine at the end.

If you booked a combo tour, you'll also receive a bike and helmet for a cycling tour and a ferry ticket, if needed. For kayak and snorkeling tours, you'll be provided with a mask and snorkel.

What are the best places for kayaking in Dubrovnik?

Lokrum Island

Lokrum is the most common destination for kayak tours in Dubrovnik. The island is located only about a kilometer from Dubrovnik and can be reached in a few minutes by kayak. Lokrum is a beautiful island that offers sea caves, crystal clear waters and beaches, as well as excellent local restaurants.

Koločep Island

The island of Koločep is part of the Elaphite Islands. Koločep is further away from Dubrovnik than Lokrum and is often reached by ferry to reduce sailing times.

Koločep is very beautiful and offers many opportunities for snorkelers. A kayak tour along the Koločep coast is the best way to discover hidden bays and caves that are only accessible from the sea.

Betina cave

Betina Cave is located on the coast of the mainland south of Dubrovnik. The cave is easily accessible by kayak and offers an exceptional environment for snorkeling. Many kayaking excursions include a stop at Betina Cave.

Šipan Island

Šipan Island is the largest of the Elaphite Islands and is home to plenty of nature and agriculture. There are valleys and hills with olive groves and vineyards. The coast is equally beautiful with inlets and caves that can only be visited by sea, including the Green Grotto.

For these reasons, the island of Šipan is a perfect destination for an excursion by kayak, sailing or to combine a tour by sea with one by land. There are numerous fishing villages on the island, such as Sudurad and Sipanska Luka.

Green Grotto

The Green Grotto is located on Šipan Island and is relatively unknown to many travelers and even the local people. The cave is located in the southwestern part of the island.

The best part is that it's wide enough to go inside and snorkel around. You can even walk and follow short routes inside. This cave is called the Green Grotto due to the emerald reflections that dance across the natural stone walls of the cave.

Game of Thrones locations

The famous Game of Thrones series was partially filmed in Dubrovnik. Many forts in the historic center served as a backdrop for famous locations from the series, such as King's Landing and the Red Fortress.

Several kayak tours include a walking tour of Game of Thrones' locations or the visit with the kayak itself, along the coast of the city.

Where do kayaking excursions in Dubrovnik start?

Most of the kayak tours depart from the small beach under Pile Gate. The guides will be waiting for you at Pile Gate.

Trips to the Elaphite Islands use a ferry and therefore depart from the port of Dubrovnik.

Read carefully the meeting point details available on the tour confirmation.

How long do kayaking trips from Dubrovnik last?

Kayaking tours from Dubrovnik have different durations depending on the destination(s) and type of tour.

Kayak tours to Lokrum Island last approximately 3 hours, whereas the kayak excursions to the Elaphite Islands (Koločep, Lopud and Šipan) are full-day tours and will last about 8 hours.

Kayak tours combined with a walking tour of Game of Thrones filming locations last from 3 to 4 hours. Kayaking plus bike tours generally last about 6 hours.

Are kayaking tours wheelchair friendly?

Yes and no. Although many kayaking tours in Dubrovnik are not wheelchair friendly, some tours are wheelchair accessible. Be sure to confirm accessibility options with the tour provider prior to booking.

Are kayaking tours in Dubrovnik safe?

There are no significant safety concerns when kayaking, especially in Dubrovnik. Maneuvering a kayak is very simple and it is virtually impossible to tip over in the calm Mediterranean waters in the area. However, each participant must wear a life jacket provided by the tour operator.

Kayaking tours in Dubrovnik are suitable for all people with average physical ability. However, kayak tours are not recommended for:

• pregnant women
• people with severe back problems
• people with reduced mobility
• people with seasickness problems
• adults over 65.

Are children allowed on kayaking tours in Dubrovnik?

Yes, children of different ages can join Dubrovnik kayak tours. However, the minimum age requirement varies depending on the tour operator. Some tours are appropriate for children as young as 5 years old, while other tours are only for kids 12 years and above.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Kayaking tours are dependent on good weather conditions. If the activity cannot be done safely due to bad weather, it will be canceled and you will receive a full refund. Otherwise, you can choose to reschedule your tour for another date.

When is the best time to go kayaking in Dubrovnik?

Located in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik enjoys an excellent Mediterranean climate. The best season for kayaking in Dubrovnik is definitely summer from June to September, when the air and water temperatures are warm enough to spend the day and swim in a bathing suit.

In March, April, May, October and November, there are many sunny days with pleasant temperatures and a kayaking tour can be done safely. On colder days, it will be less pleasant.

Also, if you visit Dubrovnik in the summer, sunset kayak tours are a great option to see the striking colors of the sky as the sun descends below the horizon.

Which other water activities can be done in Dubrovnik?

• Boat tours in Dubrovnik
• Snorkeling in Dubrovnik
• Jet ski rentals in Dubrovnik
• Scuba diving tours in Dubrovnik
• Stand-up paddleboarding in Dubrovnik

Travel tips

• Practice Your Paddling. If you're a beginner, take some time to learn proper paddling technique. This will help reduce fatigue and ensure a more enjoyable experience.
• Pack Snacks. Bring some energy-boosting snacks, like trail mix and bananas, especially for longer tours.
• Stay Eco-Friendly. Don't leave any trash behind and be careful with sunscreen – opt for reef-safe varieties.