Ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey by thoroughly examining the crucial information provided below.
It's worth noting that the dress code on the Croatian islands leans towards a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the mainland, allowing you to embrace a comfortable and laid-back style during your stay.
Rest assured, we supply all the essential paddling and safety equipment necessary for your adventure. Our kayaks are specifically designed for longer expeditions, capable of carrying a substantial amount of gear. However, it's important to acknowledge their limitations. Due to restricted storage space and the need to transport ample food and supplies, we recommend packing as minimally as possible. Aim to fit your personal items into a 20-liter bag to optimize space and ensure a hassle-free experience.
In Croatia, tipping is a customary practice. If you find yourself on the receiving end of excellent service, don't hesitate to express your gratitude through a tip. Croatians are known for their generosity in this regard. Keep in mind that prices in stores are generally fixed, and the tradition of bargaining is not prevalent in Croatia.
As part of our service, we provide meals throughout the trip and cover the expenses for meals in restaurants. However, it's important to note that guests are responsible for their own beverage costs. This ensures flexibility and allows you to choose and pay for the drinks that best suit your preferences during the journey.
Tour Difficulty
Tour Difficulty
Easy: a sea kayak tour of less than 15 kms (per day). Suitable for any level of fitness and for people without any sea kayaking experience.
Intermediate: a sea kayak tour of 15 to 18 kms (per day). Suitable for people who have kayaked on at least 2 previous day trips and for people who are not ‘unfit’.
Advanced: a sea kayak tour of 18+ kms (per day). Suitable for people who have kayaked many times before and for people with an average or above fitness level.
TripTypes
Trip Types
Pomalo: All of our trips are in Pomalo mood, a synonym for Slow, Time Does Not Exist , Laidback Island Lifestyle.This means that we paddle close to the coastline without any A-B point fast paddling.Sea Kayaking is enjoying!
Just sometimes when the weather is not on our side we have to speed it up :-)
Family: Trip suitable for Families and children from age of 8.Possible custom trips for younger children as well. We do separate departures with families.
Combo: Trips where we combine sports and sightseeing of Croatia.
Relaxploration: Trip where we explore the area in relaxing way without any rush. Suitable for beginner paddlers and Families.
Cultural: A subset of tourism concerned with a region's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of those people, their art, architecture, religion(s), and other elements that helped shape their way of life.
Gourmet: Tour where we combine adventures and delicious food. Most of the trips are guided by our MasterChef Šime Sušić-the first winner of Croatian MasterChef Show. We combine modern cooking techniques with traditional food recipes from specific area of Croatia.
Expedition: A trip designed for discovery and furthering of knowledge. We cover few Islands combined with long distances and the trip is usually longer than one week, however we take it Pomalo Way Anyway. Expedition trips are design in a way that we take most of the food and water with us and share the load. It is not suitable for beginners at all.
Boat Based Tour: Boat based adventure is a great combination of a scenic boat tour and a guided kayak tour. We usually paddle in the morning and afternoon with siesta after lunch and cruising along the coast to spend evenings in the protected bays or harbors. Our meals are prepared on the boat as well.
What to take - April, May & October
- 2 pairs of short
- 1 lightweight pants
- 1 warmer pants or thermal underwear pants
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 1 thermal underwear shirt
- 3-4 short sleeve shirts
- 1 long sleeve shirt for sun protection while paddling(preferably white colour). Lycra rash vest is also suitable
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- 1 lightweight waterproof paddling jacket/cag
- 1 lightweight fleece jacket
- 1 lightweight down jacket
- 2-3 pairs of lightweight socks
- 1 pair of thermal socks
- 3 to 4 pairs of underwear
- sandals or paddle booties
- running shoes or preferably a lightweight hiking boots
- head lamp with extra batteries
- sunglases (polarised) with a retainer or string to prevent the loss
- waterproof sun cream
- Insect repellent (just in case)
- Microfiber Towel
- Swimwear
- Small blowup pillow
- One litre water bottle
- Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap to keep on the wind or any other sun hat
- Small daypack,bum bag is good for holding small personal items while paddling or day walking
- A small dry bag or waterproof hard case for keeping the camera and handy valuables while paddling
- Minimal personal toiletries (biodegradable salt water soap may be desired)
- Lightweight and compact sleeping bag and inner sheet – sleeping bag can be hired from us if not already included in the tour.
- Do not forget your medications!
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Power bank
- Lightweight cycling gloves
- Cards/games, book or magazine
- Binoculars, Camera –bring sufficient film, batteries, and storage cards for digital cameras.
- Snorkeling gear(mask and snorkel only,or swimming googles)
What to take - June to September
- Inflatable sleeping pad and small blowup pillow
- Lightweight & compact sleeping bag(If already not included in the price)
- Tent (If already not included in the price.We also rent them)
- 2 pairs of short
- 2 pair of lightweight pants
- 2 long sleeve shirts
- 3-4 short sleeve shirts
- 1 long sleeve shirt for sun protection while paddling(preferably white colour). Lycra rash vest is also suitable
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
- 1 lightweight fleece jacket
- 2-3 pairs of lightweight socks
- 3 to 4 pairs of underwear
- sandals or paddle booties (eg.Teva) when kayaking or on the beach
- running shoes or preferably a lightweight hiking boot
- head lamp with extra batteries
- sunglases (polarised) with a retainer or string to prevent the loss
- waterproof sun cream
- Insect repellent (just in case)
- small towel (fast drying material)
- Swiming gear
- Snorkeling gear(mask and snorkel only,or swimming googles)
- One litre water bottles (cyclist bottles recomended)
- Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap to keep on the wind or any other sun hat
- Small daypack,bum bag is good for holding small personal items while paddling or day walking
- A small dry-bag or waterproof case like Pelican for keeping the camera and handy valuables while paddling
- Minimal personal toiletries (biodegradable salt water soap may be desired)
- Do not forget your medications!
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Power bank
- Lightweight cycling gloves
- Cards/games, book or magazine
- Binoculars, Camera –bring sufficient film, batteries, and storage cards for digital cameras.
Food and Refreshments
The tap water in Croatia boasts a commendable quality, particularly along the coastal regions where the absence of significant industrial activity ensures a pristine and crystal-clear sea. To enhance your hydration during the tour, we suggest carrying a 1.5-liter water bottle, and 7-liter bottles are conveniently provided for refilling personal containers.
Rest assured, the culinary experience in Croatian restaurants and bars is a safe and delightful one. Croatia maintains rigorous hygiene standards, with regular inspections conducted at dining establishments. In the initial days of our excursions, we prioritize the use of fresh meat, vegetables, and other ingredients. However, as the journey progresses, we may need to transition to canned foods or source supplies, as the warm temperatures prevalent in Croatia, often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, impose a short shelf life on perishable items stored in the kayaks.
Financial matters
As of 2023, Croatia utilizes the Euro as its official currency.
ATMs are conveniently accessible in resorts, towns, and cities throughout Croatia, spanning banks, supermarkets, and various other establishments. It's advisable to keep some cash on hand, as not every expense is covered in the trip price. Instances such as entrance fees to museums, cinemas or National Parks, as well as expenditures on drinks in restaurants and bars, and medical services may require cash transactions. Being prepared ensures a seamless experience as you navigate through the diverse offerings of this picturesque destination.
Photography
Our kayaking excursions predominantly unfold in a saltwater environment, and it's crucial to note that delicate electronics may be susceptible to damage.
Remember to pack additional memory storage and batteries for your digital camera, as opportunities to access electricity might be limited during the journey.
Our guides rely on solar chargers for their phones and GPS devices. If they aren't using them, feel free to ask if you can borrow them.
To minimize your load and mitigate potential damage, or to maximize storage space, it is advisable to keep your camera lenses kit to a bare minimum.
Consider using a dry case, such as Pelican or another reputable brand, to safeguard your electronic equipment from the elements and ensure a worry-free paddling experience.
Winds
These are the most significant winds in Croatia:
- Bura
- Levant
- Tramuntana
- Široko (Sirocco)
- Maestral
- Burin
- Lebić
- Nevera
Croatian winds can be characterized as being light to moderate from September to June with occasional storms, while July and August are generally calm with more frequent storms. During periods of high pressure, the Adriatic displays the classic rhythms of winds from the sea during the day and winds from land during the night. The bora (bura) and sirocco (siroko) are the most characteristic winds of the Adriatic and are largely responsible for weather patterns. They mainly blow from October to April. The maestral, blowing from the sea, and the burin, blowing from the mainland, are most common in the summer months. Several times a day weather reports are broadcast in Croatian and English. These reports include the current weather conditions, forecasts for the following 24 hours and any special messages or warnings. Weather reports are broadcast on these channels at the following times (UTC):
Rijeka Radio VHF (channel 24) / 05:35, 14:35, 19:35
Split Radio VHF (channels 07, 21, 23, 28) / 05:45, 12:45, 19:45
Dubrovnik Radio VHF (channels 04, 07) / 06:25, 13:20, 21:20
Bura
The bora, along with the sirocco, is the main wind on the Adriatic from September to May. It is a cold and dry wind, blowing from the northeast. It starts suddenly and blows squalls toward the sea. Generally the bora is created by the atmospheric pressure over Central Europe and over the Mediterranean. However, local buras also exist and are caused by the air cooled above the Karst Valley suddenly pouring down to the sea. These buras are sudden, often violent and short-lived. There are seven typical bura corridors: Gulf of Trieste, Kvarner, Velebit Channel (especially between the island of Krk and the mainland near Senj), Šibenik, Split-Makarska, Pelješac and Dubrovnik. The bora is strongest in the Velebit Channel and the Gulf of Trieste. It blows with less force along the western coast of Istria, in the Zadar Channel and in the Kornati Archipelago. The bura generally doesn't create large waves but instead very short, choppy ones. It become gradually less violent as one leaves the eastern coast, but as the wind diminishes the waves become larger. In the summer the bora blows as a local wind and lasts only a few days. In the winter it may continue for a week to two weeks. Islands without vegetation on the side towards the mainland and coves in which tree trunks grow leaning towards the south are indications that such places are bura prone. They should not be selected for overnight stays if the bura is likely. An indication that the bura might develop is the formation of a cloud cap over the highest mountain ranges, especially Velebit and Biokovo. If there are cloud formations on the tops and on the slopes on the lee side that move downward and are dispersed in the wind then the bura can be expected at any moment. If the cloud cap continues to increase then the bura is strengthening.
Levant
An easterly or levanat is the name given to a bora that blows at more or less constant force usually nearer to the east and during rain and cold. Easterlies of this kind, which are something between a bora and sirocco, are more frequent in the North Adriatic.
Tramontana
The tramontana is a mild type of bora. It usually blows from the north. Its force is weaker than the bora. It is less unpredictable, and the relief of the coastline affects its course. It is most frequent in the South Adriatic.
Sirocco
The sirocco, along with the bora, is the main wind on the Adriatic from September to May. It is a warm, humid wind blowing from the east-southeast to the south-southeast that blows with a constant force, of usually about 15-20 knots, and not in gusts. It is not a sudden wind like the bora but takes about thirty-six hours to develop. The sirocco blows the entire length of the Adriatic and brings rough seas, heavy clouds and rain. It is particularly strong where the coast is exposed to the open sea and where a channel allows the wind direct access. It may blow at any time of the year, but in the northern Adriatic it blows mainly from March to June while in the southern Adriatic from autumn until the end of winter. In the summer it generally lasts up to three days while in winter it can last up to nine days. The sirocco is usually preceded by calm seas and light winds. The barometer slowly drops while temperature and humidity rise. As the sirocco gains strength haziness to the southeast changes to small clouds moving from southeast to northwest. Waves develop gradually, a heavy swell develops in bays and the sea becomes choppy.
Maestral
The maestral is one of the prevailing summer winds. It is a local wind that blows from the sea towards land and is caused by temperature differences between water and land. When these temperatures are very different the maestral blows stronger. During the day the land surface is heated more quickly than the water surface, and as a result air currents blow from the sea and are drawn to land. The maestral usually starts between 9 and 11 in the morning and reaches its maximum strength between 2 and 3 in the afternoon. It always dies off before sunset. It generally brings good weather, provides a refreshing breeze during the heat of summer and is often accompanied by white cumulus clouds.
Burin
The burin is another common summer wind, blowing from the mainland towards the sea, and, like the maestral, is caused by temperature differences between water and land. During the night the air over the land surface cools more quickly than that over the water, resulting in air currents blowing from land to sea. The burin starts after sunset and usually stops just after sunrise. It is normally less strong than the maestral.
Lebić
The Lebic (or garbina) is a gale force wind from the southwest that brings heavy rain and creates high waves that are dangerous for harbors not protected to the southwest. The lebic develops on the southern side of a cyclone when there is a strong anticyclone at the same time that a strong cyclone passes to the north. As the cyclone moves along the coast, the wind suddenly veers to the southwest, reaching gale force. The wind will blow itself out as the low air pressure rises. If the cyclone moves to the northeast or east, the lebic will only blow for a short period. During the summer this is a locally occurring, warm nevera. At other times of the year it is a form of cyclone. Signals that a lebic may arrive are a sudden drop in barometer pressure and a low hazy line on the southwest horizon.
Nevera
The nevera isn't a type of wind but is a brief storm or squall wind from the west. Adriatic storms in the summer can be sudden and violent, creating a short-lasting swell; however, these storms generally do not last long and leave behind refreshingly cooler air. The nevera is most common from June to September and in the northern part of the coast as many originate in Italy and cross the Adriatic to arrive in Croatian waters from the northwest to southwest. With the arrival of the nevera there is thunder, lightning, heavy rain (or hail) and violent wind gusts. They usually follow the highest maximum temperature of the day and are confined to small local areas. They are rarer in the winter, but when they do occur in the winter they cover a wider area. It is difficult to predict the arrival of the nevera as signals of its approach are generally available only a short time before it develops. However, weather forecasts will sometimes mention that the nevera is possible. The main indicators of the arrival of the nevera include a sudden drop in the barometer, a rise in temperature, a decrease of relative humidity, cumulonimbus storm clouds and a warm wind blowing just before the nevera strikes from the opposite direction that begins gently and builds to strength. As soon as the nevera has passed the baramoter gradually returns to normal, the temperature slowly increases, the sea calms and wind becomes calm or very light.