7 Best Dubrovnik Kayak Tours That Are Worth Doing! (2024)
Set on the Adriatic Sea and home to a walled city of cobblestone streets, turquoise waters, and picturesque views, Dubrovnik is one of the most popular places to visit in the Balkans! And one of the best ways to discover and experience this beautiful city is via kayak! In this post, I’ll be sharing 7 Dubrovnik kayak tours that are worth checking out and tips on how to make the most of your time in Dubrovnik!
🇭🇷 PRO TIP: No time to read through all the different tours? Jump to the recap section, where I have a table that summarizes the 7 best Dubrovnik kayak tours!
7 Best Dubrovnik Kayak Tours (2024)
1. Adventure Dubrovnik – Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – taken by 3575+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2.5 hours
The Adventure Dubrovnik – Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour includes:
- Kayaking with an expert guide around Dubrovnik’s City Walls to Lokrum
- Learning the history of Dubrovnik and stories of Lokrum Island
- Time to eat, swim, and snorkel at a secluded beach
- Waterproof barrels to store personal belongings
- Multiple time slots to select from
- Bottled water + snacks
- BONUS: The evening tour allows for stunning sunset views and a chilled glass of wine
💸 Looking to get a lot of bang for your buck? This is the most popular, affordable, and one of the highest-rated kayaking tours available in Dubrovnik! On this tour, you’ll be split into smaller groups and an expert guide will go through a brief safety and kayaking lesson. (Yay for no kayaking experience being necessary! 🤠)
Afterward, you’ll paddle to Lokrum Island and Betina Cave as your guide regales you with stories of Dubrovnik’s past. Once at the cave, you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, or eat some provided snacks.
So, if you’re looking to get a lot of value for your money, this is an excellent tour to choose!
“Excellent trip with stunning views and a nice way to watch the sunset. Daniel was an excellent tour guide and had brilliant information. Would highly recommend.“
– Peter M. (See More Reviews)
2. X-Adventure Sea Kayaking Half-Day Tour in Dubrovnik
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – taken by 975+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours
The X-Adventure Sea Kayaking Tour includes:
- Paddling around the nearby island of Lokrum
- Swimming and Snorkeling at Betina Cave
- Hearing stories about Dubrovnik’s past
- Kayaking and snorkeling equipment
- Snacks & bottled water
- Maximum of 30 guests
🌊 Want more time on the water? For those looking to spend more time out on the water and who perhaps have more experience kayaking, this tour is a great choice. Compared to the previous tour, you’ll have an extra 30 minutes to kayak and explore around, which can make a whole world of difference during the high season. Thus, if you don’t want to feel rushed and are up for a longer kayaking excursion, this is a highly-rated Dubrovnik kayaking tour worth checking out!
“A fab way to see a different view of Dubrovnik’s city walls. Our guide Matilda, and all at X-Adventure were very friendly and welcoming. The tour was well-paced, catering for all kayaking abilities. We kayaked around Lokrum Island before visiting Betina Cave for some snorkeling. Water and snacks, provided by X-Adventure, kept us fuelled. Highly recommend this trip.”
– Susan M. (See More Reviews)
3. Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking Day or Sunset Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 – taken by 650+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 hours
The Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking Day or Sunset Tour includes:
- Taking in the ancient beauty of Dubrovnik’s 900-year-old City walls
- Venturing into the enchanting beaches & caves of Lokrum Island
- Enjoy a refreshing swim break at the captivating Betina Cave
- Option of a day tour or sunset tour!
Fancy viewing the sunset while on the water? For those looking to beat the afternoon heat, consider this 3-hour sunset sea kayaking tour. It has almost the same format as the previous tour in that you’ll kayak to Lokrum Island and then to Betina Cave to swim and snorkel.
However, the difference is that this tour gives you the option of kayaking in the evening, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sunset views while sipping on a glass of wine!
It was fantastic. Fred and Ivan were amazing guides. Kept us safe and well informed. The pitstops we made were stunning but also had historical value. Amazing!!!!!“
– Lauren (See More Reviews)
4. Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine Dubrovnik
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 700+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours
The Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine Dubrovnik includes:
- Experiencing Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island from a new angle at sunset
- Uncover hidden coastal gems inaccessible by land exploration
- The option of kayaking solo or with a partner
- Snacks and wine tasting during the tour
- Experience has won the Badge of Excellence
🛶 Unsure how much paddling you want to do? If you want to kayak at sunset and have a bit more say in the amount of kayaking you’ll be doing, this kayaking tour in Dubrovnik is for you!
Like the other tours, you’ll make your way over to Lokrum Island. However, once you arrive, (if there are two tour guides), you’ll have the option of paddling around all of Lokrum Island or doing a shorter route. In addition, this tour gives you the option of doing a bit of cliff diving, which is not something offered on some of the other tours!
“A must do in Dubrovnik! Our guides were amazing and had a lot of knowledge they shared about the history of the city and showed us some great spots. Did some cave exploring, cliff diving and the wine at the end was divine.”
– Tiffanie B. (See More Reviews)
5. Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – taken by 325+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours
The Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting includes:
- Departing from Plaža Sveti Jakov, which is further South of Old Town
- Paddling around the Dubrovnik city walls and Lokrum Island caves
- Complimentary gourmet snack at Sveti Jakov Beach
- Wine tasting at a nearby beach restaurant
- Small-group experience limited to 8 guests
🏰 Staying in Dubrovnik near Ploče? For those who are located near the other side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town (the Southeastern side of the city), this tour might be preferable. Unlike the other tours that meet at Kolorina Bay, this tour departs from Sveti Jakov Beach.
Then, like the other tours, you’ll explore Lokrum Island’s hidden caves and beaches, pass Nudist Beach, Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and Betina Cave. Afterward, you’ll cap the experience off with a gourmet snack and a little wine tasting at a nearby restaurant right on the beach!
“Lovely small group kayak tour. Milo was very friendly and knowledgeable. This tour stated and ended from a beautiful secluded beach south of the old town and avoided the large groups leaving from the beach north of town…The perfect last day adventure to enjoy the city walls, caves and Lokrum island.”
– Delyse w. (See More Reviews)
6. Dubrovnik: Early Morning Kayaking Trip to Betina Cave
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 – taken by 400+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1.5 hours
The Dubrovnik: Early Morning Kayaking Trip to Betina Cave includes:
- Kayaking along Dubrovnik’s City Walls, Old Port, and Lazareti
- Swimming and snorkeling at Betina Cave Beach
- Gaining Insight into Dubrovnik’s Past
- Departing at 8 AM
🇭🇷 Hate to avoid crowds and looking for a more intimate experience? This is the perfect Dubrovnik kayaking tour for those who want a more private experience and don’t mind waking up earlier. With a departure that’s earlier than any other tour group, you’ll be able to paddle across through the Adriatic sea and learn about Dubrovnik’s history, legends, and mysteries while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere
And, when you arrive at Betina Cave Beach, you’ll be able to swim through the waters and observe the marine life without the huge crowds that normally appear during the afternoon and evening tours. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful and almost private kayaking tour in Dubrovnik, this is the best one!
“The trip was fantastic! During the early trip at 8 am it is still quite calm and really beautiful to see the city from the water. Nice break in the cave to take a refreshing dip. Our guides Mario and Eddie were also top notch. Good instructions, pace not too fast or too slow, took pictures. It was really fantastic! Highly recommended!“
– Celien (See More Reviews)
7. Full Day Kayaking and Snorkeling to Green Cave
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 9 hours
The Full Day Kayaking and Snorkeling to Green Cave includes:
- Kayaking around 3 different islands and exploring two villages
- Taking a ferry to Lopud island & kayaking to the island of Šipan
- Swimming and cliff jumping at the picturesque Green Cave
- Exploring and eating lunch in the fishing village of Šuđurađ
- Visiting the island of Ruda & kayaking into another cave
- Small group tour, max of 8 guests
- NOTE: Remember to bring euros for lunch!!
🤠 Craving a full-day kayaking adventure that’s off the beaten path? If so, consider doing this day trip from Dubrovnik to three Elaphite islands and two villages! You’ll start the adventure with a 1-hour ferry ride to Lopud Island. Then, you’ll receive your high-quality kayaking gear and make your way to the island of Šipan to visit the Green Cave sea grotto.
At the Green Cave, you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and do a bit of cliff jumping under the safety of your guide. Then, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious lunch of local seafood specialties in the village of Šuđurađ! Afterward, you’ll kayak into another cave and then make your way back to Lopud Island to catch the ferry back to Dubrovnik!
“Wow!! What an incredible experience! The scenery is gorgeous and the cave is just amazing!! Filip was an excellent guide and even took pictures for us.”
– Betsy L. (See More Reviews)
Dubrovnik Kayak Tours Comparison
I know it’s super easy to forget the details and differences between the tours, so here’s a little table I’ve put together detailing the main highlights of each tour. 🙂 You can click the tour name to see rates, availability, and all the important information regarding that tour.
🛶 PRO TIP: If you’re viewing on a mobile device, turn your phone sideways so that the information reads across the long side for better readability!
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Dubrovnik Kayak Tour | 2.5 hrs | > Paddling to Lokrum Island as your guide gives insight to Dubrovnik’s past > Swim, snorkel, & eat snacks at Betina Cave > Lots of bang for your buck! |
| X-Adventure Sea Kayaking Tour | 3 hrs | > Kayaking to Lokrum & learning about Dubrovnik > Swim, snorkel, & eat snacks at Betina Cave > 30-minutes longer than the tour above 🙂 |
| Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking Day or Sunset Tour | 2 hrs | > Kayaking to Lokrum Island & Betina Cave > Swimming & snorkeling at the hidden beach > Enjoying the sunset with wine & snacks |
| Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine | 3 hrs | > Paddling around Lokrum Island > Stop for swimming, snorkeling, & cliff diving > A wine tasting at sunset |
| Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting | 3 hrs | > Departs from Sveti Jakov Beach > Paddling around all of Lokrum Island > Gourmet snack + wine tasting |
| Early Morning Kayaking | 1.5 hrs | > Early morning departure at 8 AM > Swimming and snorkeling at Betina Cave > Much more peaceful & private experience |
| Elaphite Islands Kayaking | 9 hrs | > Kayaking to 3 beautiful Elaphite islands > Visiting 2 villages for lunch & sightseeing > Small group experience, limited to 8 guests |
Is a Kayak Tour in Dubrovnik Worth It?
From my completely biased perspective 😉, I think a kayak tour in Dubrovnik is worth it! First of all, it’s a fun way to get a different view of Dubrovnik that’s away from the throngs of people that you’ll normally encounter. I mean, paddling along the stunning coastline and witnessing the city’s magnificent architecture from the water gives you a unique perspective that you just can’t get from walking the crowded streets.
Secondly, a kayaking tour is a great way to beat the heat. My friend and I visited at the end of June and the beginning of July, and let me tell you — it was scorching hot in Dubrovnik. However, getting to swim and snorkel in the refreshing waters at the little cave beach was a fabulous way to cool off.
Finally, this tour is very accessible. What I mean by this is that whether you’ve kayaked before or not or whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or as a family, this is a tour for almost everyone. I say almost because younger kids aren’t allowed on the tour, but otherwise, it’s fantastic. The kayak tour guides are experts and provide all the necessary instructions and safety guidelines, so you can feel confident and at ease even if it’s your first time kayaking.
So, if you’re looking for a thrilling and refreshing experience while escaping the crowds, a kayak tour in Dubrovnik is the way to go. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, beat the heat, and have an amazing time even if you’re a beginner. Plus, with their relatively affordable pricing (depending on where you’re coming from), you get excellent value for what you pay — which we love! 😌
Tips for Planning Your Kayak Tour in Dubrovnik
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your kayaking experience in Dubrovnik.
- ✅ Plan ahead and reserve in advance: Kayak tours in Dubrovnik are very popular, especially during the summer month. To secure the dates and times that suit you best, try to book your kayak tour as early as possible.
- 🌞 Mind the weather & wear comfortable gear: Since you’ll be out on the water for several hours, make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately! I have a detailed list of what to bring in the next section 🙂
- 💧 Stay hydrated: Even though some of the tours provide water, I recommend bringing your own bottle as well to ensure you don’t become dehydrated during the kayak tour. Plus, I personally found the water in my bottle to be extra salty… so having my own water bottle to rely on was convenient.
- ⏰ Confirm meeting points & times: Double-check the designated meeting point! There are a lot of tour companies meeting in the same general area. Pay careful attention to the fine details. For example, instructions might say, “The guide will be holding a green umbrella or wearing a specific shirt.”
- 😅 Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey: Even if you’ve never kayaked before, try to embrace the experience, and don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or discomfort to your kayak guide! They are usually pretty good about adjusting the pace if needed.
What to Bring for Kayak Tours in Dubrovnik
Alrighty, here’s a comprehensive list of everything I recommend bringing with you, regardless of the kayak tour you select!
- 👙 Swimsuit & Rash Guard — Along with swimwear, you might want to bring a rash guard to prevent chaffing from the life vest and as added protection against the sun!
- 🌊 Microfiber Towel — Bring a towel to dry off. I recommend investing in a nice Microfiber towel since they are light, dry very quickly, and super compact.
✅ See the microfiber towel I travel with and recommend.
NOTE: I am 5’0″ or 153cm and have a medium-sized one, so I recommend anyone taller getting a large or XL one
- 📸 Go Pro or Waterproof Phone Case — If you want to take pictures while swimming and snorkeling around, I recommend getting a GoPro or a waterproof sleeve to put your phone in! I have a GoPro and love traveling with it since it’s so small, robust, and perfect for capturing some of my most adventurous excursions, like paragliding over Interlaken 😅
✅ Click to check out the latest GoPro camera or this highly-rated waterproof phone sleeve!
- 💧 Water Bottle — As I mentioned earlier, you should bring your own water bottle, especially if you plan on exploring the city after the kayak tour.
- 🌞 Lots of Sunscreen — Even when it’s cloudy out, make sure to slather on a LOT of sunscreen as the reflective waters make the sun extra potent.
✅ Here is the travel-sized bottle of sunscreen I like to use and always keep handy!
- 😎 Hat & Sunglasses — On my tour, I was the only one who didn’t bring sunglasses or a hat, and I regretted it. Save your eyes from having to squint so much!
- 🩴 Flip Flops or Water Shoes — The beaches in Dubrovnik are quite rocky. To make walking on them easier and less painful, wear flip-flops or water shoes!
- 💸 Cash — Tipping is pretty standard in Croatia, and it’s highly recommended to tip your tour guide if you enjoyed yourself. As such, I suggest bringing €5 – €10 worth of cash or coins with you!
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
Low-Cost Stay
- Hostel Angelina — Awesome hostel right in Old Town | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Jele Rooms — charming 3-star hotel away from the chaos | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Luxury Townhouse Baba — 2-minute walk from Old Town! | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10
- My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay here!
- Hotel Royal Neptun — Beautiful 4-star hotel I loved staying at! | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Fancy Stays
- Hotel Imperial — luxurious 5-star hotel right outside Old Town | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Hotel Excelsior — amazing beachfront 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Alternatively, feel free to use the interactive map below to explore additional housing options. You can input your travel dates and the number of people in your party to view even more accurate prices.
Visiting Dubrovnik: FAQ
For those looking for the most affordable yet valuable kayaking tour in Dubrovnik, Adventure Dubrovnik Kayak Tour is the best. However, if you’re looking to enjoy the sunset on the water, Sunset Sea Kayaking and Wine is the best tour.
The Dubrovnik kayak tours that I have described above range from $34 – $85 USD. That said, the average price is about $45 – $50 USD.
From my experience, most people just wear their swimsuit and a T-shirt or rash guard. On the tours, you’ll also be wearing a life vest. For more information on what to bring, click here.
On average, I would say it takes about 30 minutes to kayak from the beach in Pile (right outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town) to Lokrum Island.
Aside from kayaking, some other fun things to do in Dubrovnik that I highly recommend doing during your stay include a Game of Thrones Walking tour (loved love loved this!), hiking to Dubrovnik Vidikovac for a gorgeous panoramic view of the city, walking along the Dubrovnik City walls, and wandering the streets of Old Town!
Wrap-Up: 7 Best Dubrovnik Kayak Tours (2024)
With the city dating back to the 7th century, Dubrovnik is a city entrenched with an incredibly rich history and culture. And just like discovering a city through its local food, kayaking across the beautiful coastal waters surrounding Dubrovnik promises visitors an immersive experience and a new perspective of this enchanting city. So, if you’re looking for an adventurous and fun activity to add to your Dubrovnik itinerary, I highly recommend doing one of the many awesome Dubrovnik kayak tours!
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