Sea Kayak Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

You'll be paddling for around four hours (approximately 13-15 km) each day along the stunning coastline and from island to island. There will be plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling or exploration on foot along the way. This trip is totally suitable for beginner or intermediate-level sea kayakers; however, a generally good level of fitness and stamina will help you enjoy your time on the water to the full. You must also be able to swim and should ideally feel comfortable on the open sea (although the option to return to shore is always available).

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

The weather on the Dalmatian Coast and its islands is usually pretty mild throughout the year, although adverse wind, sea or rainy conditions can be unpredictable with some disruptions possible at any time of the year. The best you can do is to be prepared for anything and come equipped with layers of clothing, sunscreen and waterproofs. Your host will be monitoring the forecasts during the course of the trip and will suggest alternative, safer kayaking routes in the event that sea conditions are not favourable.

Anything you don't need on the kayaking journey can be left at your host's office in Split and will be kept safe until the end of your trip. Kayaks will be filled with your personal stuff, camping gear and food/water so we recommend packing light and bringing only essential items. You'll be provided with dry bags to pack your clothes but you are welcome to bring some more to pack the smaller items like phones, cameras etc.

Tandem sea kayaks are used on this trip. They have a covered deck and are generally longer, faster and sit lower in the water than touring or sit-on-top kayaks. There's a spray sheet which you'll lock in yourself (full guidance will be provided by your expert kayak guides). You'll also learn how to steer using foot pedals to control the rudder. As these are double kayaks, you will be paddling in pairs.

The kayaks are usually German high-quality Prijon, which can easily be adjusted for each person individually thanks to their comfortable touring seat system, lightweight 3D-thigh braces and slide footrest. High storage capacity enables you to take a lot of luggage and gear with you on your multi-day expedition. HTP material is perfect for this area as it can tolerate some contact with sharp rocky coast, which makes your kayaking more trouble-free. Their fast and safe shape is designed for the typical wind and wave situation on the Adriatic Sea, especially choppy waves during summer.

If you are an experienced paddler with specific preferences, you can request a single kayak for a supplementary charge.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. We suggest the below as a guideline per person:

€30 per person, for the trip

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

The tap water on the islands is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles to fill up at the public fountains and at restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.

The climate in the islands of the Dalmatian Coast is mild for most of the year. It can get hot during the summer months of July to September with temperatures above 30°C, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to cool down in the sea thanks to the several swimming and snorkelling stops planned along the route.

During the months of May, June, September and October temperatures are generally milder (ranging between 17°C and 25°C). Rain is possible at any time of year, so do come prepared for this possibility. The average water temperature is about 18-24°C in May, June, September and October, with the latter part of the season a more favourable time of year if you are into snorkelling and swimming.

We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.