Traveling by kayak through the Adriatic differs greatly from paddling experiences on oceans, on the Mediterranean or in the northern seas. A clear, warm sea with countless small coves and beaches make sea kayaking on the Adriatic by far the best in Europe. On your voyages you will be accompanied by small shoals of fish, and encounters with tunas and dolphins are by no means rare. Travelling by kayak, you get to see places that a yachtsman could never reach – hidden bays with sandy, pebble or rocky beaches, shallow lagoons, caves. Numerous cultural monuments, striking architecture and local customs complement and further enrich an already glorious experience. From the Brijuni Archipelago in the north to the Elafiti islands and the island of Mljet in the south, island groups provide an ideal venue for an island-hopping adventure: from tiny port to tiny port, from bay to bay – just a few miles of paddling and many landings.
Distances between the islands are not long, and with a kayak you can easily enter river mouths (Mirna, Zrmanja,Krka, Cetina or the Neretva).The greatest interest is inspired by the national parks on some of the islands – Mljet, Brijuni and Kornati. It has to be stressed that each of those possesses its own quite specific qualities. Located in front of the old Dubrovnik port is the tiny island of Lokrum, and on it an exceptional forest reserve. Each and every one of the thirteen Elafiti islands is a first class kayaking destination: wonderful nature, summer residences dating from the Renaissance period, small stone churches and a serene life without motor vehicles. Quite apart from the features of interest, this will ensure regular provisions and a safe trip on the way from Cavtat or Dubrovnik, to Mljet. The Croatian sea is very safe and pleasant for kayaking trips. Most islands are elongated in shape and run parallel with the mainland coastline, which means that one side is always protected from rough winds and waves. Regarding winds, you must reckon with the midday maestral,
SEA KAYAKING
Traveling by kayak through the Adriatic differs greatly from paddling experiences on oceans, on the Mediterranean or in the northern seas. A clear, warm sea with countless small coves and beaches make sea kayaking on the Adriatic by far the best in Europe. On your voyages you will be accompanied by small shoals of fish, and encounters with tunas and dolphins are by no means rare. Travelling by kayak, you get to see places that a yachtsman could never reach – hidden bays with sandy, pebble or rocky beaches, shallow lagoons, caves. Numerous cultural monuments, striking architecture and local customs complement and further enrich an already glorious experience. From the Brijuni Archipelago in the north to the Elafiti islands and the island of Mljet in the south, island groups provide an ideal venue for an island-hopping adventure: from tiny port to tiny port, from bay to bay – just a few miles of paddling and many landings.
Distances between the islands are not long, and with a kayak you can easily enter river mouths (Mirna, Zrmanja,Krka, Cetina or the Neretva).The greatest interest is inspired by the national parks on some of the islands – Mljet, Brijuni and Kornati. It has to be stressed that each of those possesses its own quite specific qualities. Located in front of the old Dubrovnik port is the tiny island of Lokrum, and on it an exceptional forest reserve. Each and every one of the thirteen Elafiti islands is a first class kayaking destination: wonderful nature, summer residences dating from the Renaissance period, small stone churches and a serene life without motor vehicles. Quite apart from the fea-tures of interest, this will ensure regular provisions and a safe trip on the way from Cavtat or Dubrovnik, to Mljet. The Croatian sea is very safe and pleasant for kayaking trips. Most islands are elongated in shape and run parallel with the mainland coastline, which means that one side is always protected from rough winds and waves. Regarding winds, you must reckon with the midday maestral, the NE bura (bora) and the SE jugo (scirocco).
Equipment
Due to many sharp rocks it is safer to use a polyethylene kayak rather than laminated or collapsible ones. Two-seater or single-seat polyethylene kayaks manufactured by recognized European producers are available for hire. It would be remiss of you not to bring along a mask, snorkel and flippers, since they enable you to enjoy the clear and rich underwater world. It is not difficult to find overnight lodgings in a camp, on an island, in a pension, apartment or hotel; nor is it a problem finding a shop to replenish your provisions.
