Arrive in the ancient city of Zadar, which dates back to Roman times. Stroll along the water to the gates of the walled old town and visit the Roman Forum – the largest on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Explore the city’s magnificent Romanesque churches and Venetian fortifications, and be sure to visit the famous “Sea Organ”.
Overnight: N/A
Meals: N/A
We'll meet at 8:30 am in the lobby of the Hotel A'Mare, hop on our van, and head for the ferry to the island of Dugi Otok. The ferry ride winds its way through the pine-scented islands of the Zadar archipelago. On Dugi Otok, you'll have your first Dalmatian coast paddle experience at Sakarun Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. Setting off from the white sand and shallow turquoise waters of the beach, we'll paddle down the east coast of Dugi Otok, where the vestiges of ancient terracing are visible on the green hills above the shoreline. We travel a short distance to the rustic village of Božava and our hotel. Božava is nestled in a deep, sheltered bay surrounded by lush forest and retains the charm of a traditional Dalmatian fishing village.
Overnight: Hotel Maxim Božava
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today, we explore the Kornati Archipelago, a collection of 140 islands that form the Kornati National Park. One of the most impressive features we see is the Cliffs of Mana Island, which rise dramatically out of the sea. As a National Park, it is protected, and the waters are rich in marine life. The diversity of marine species offers numerous opportunities for snorkeling, including underwater caves and reefs. Our evening will be in Žman, a charming small village surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Time seems to slow down in Žman, so after paddling, we enjoy this authentic Dalmatian experience with fresh local seafood at a local restaurant. After, we head back to Božava.
Overnight: Hotel Maxim Božava
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Setting out from Božava, we paddle offshore and land on the island of Zverinac, known for its lush Mediterranean vegetation, including dense pine forests and olive groves that give it a distinctly green appearance. With a charming harbor village that retains traditional Dalmatian character, it is one of the least-visited islands in the Zadar Archipelago. The waters around Zverinac are clear and full of marine life, making it an excellent place for snorkeling. Returning to Božava, we'll dine on the waterfront promenade, offering views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Overnight: Hotel Maxim Božava
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Paddling out from the village of Veli Rat and crossing to the island of Veli Lagann, we'll first kayak over and, conditions allowing, have the opportunity to snorkel the shipwreck of an Italian merchant ship that ran aground and sank in 1984. The clarity of the warm water makes snorkeling comfortable, and the appeal of being able to explore a wreck at snorkel depth is undeniable. After paddling, we'll catch the ferry back to Zadar and drive to Šibenik, one of the oldest native Croatian towns on the Adriatic. Charming Venetian-style buildings are a testament to Venice's long-standing influence in Dalmatia, while three fortresses underscore the town's strategic importance throughout its history.
Overnight: Villa Rosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we'll paddle through the dramatic limestone gorge formed by the Krka River before continuing to the medieval village of Skradin, located at the entrance to Krka National Park. After a visit to Krka's famous Stradinski Buk waterfall for a hike and a swim, you'll have lunch in Skradin and have time to explore this picturesque town that dates to Roman times. Before dinner in Šibenik, we'll visit Saint James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight: Villa Rosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
From a marina in Šibenik, you will paddle down the Krka estuary stopping to visit the imposing St. Nicolas Fortress that once protected the entrance to the city. Crossing the channel towards Prvic Island, there is a sunken ship eerily visible in the clear water before we enter the village harbor of Prvic Luka. This tiny village of red-roofed stone houses is the laid back essence of the Dalmatian Coast.
Overnight: Villa Rosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Launching from the town of Brodarica, we'll paddle to Krapanj, Croatia's lowest-lying inhabited island, with an average elevation of just one meter above sea level, making it unique among Adriatic islands. The island has a centuries-old tradition of sponge diving that dates back to the 16th century. Paddling further out, we'll wind our way through some of the tiny islets and uninhabited islands of the Šibenik archipelago, which create a scenic maze for kayakers exploring this lesser-known part of the Croatian coast. This evening's final celebratory dinner will be held at a hilltop restaurant specializing in classic Croatian cuisine.
Overnight: Villa Rosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we depart and drive south through the Dalmatian countryside, with a mid-morning drop-off at Split Airport (SPL), where there are easy options for transport to downtown Split or onward travel.
Overnight: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
