Northern Delights - The 45th Parallel

Our itinerary offers a rough outline of our sea kayak adventure along Croatia's stunning coastline. Please note, that plans are flexible and subject to adjustments due to local weather and unforeseen circumstances. Safety and enjoyment come first, so we adapt to changes in wind and waves. Our experienced guides prioritize your experience, making necessary alterations for a memorable journey. While we've planned each day meticulously, expect exciting detours and spontaneous discoveries.

We will convene either at our designated meeting place during the day, facilitating room arrangements for those who have booked with us.

For those with independent bookings, we'll meet over dinner (details upon your arrival). Following dinner, we'll delve into the itinerary, trip plans, and essential information.

As guests arrive throughout the day, early arrivals can explore the charming old town center, and nearby beaches, or simply unwind.

Rest well for the upcoming adventure-filled days.

Meals included: Dinner

Our starting location may vary based on weather conditions, but our primary plan is to paddle along the East Coast. However, if we encounter strong north-eastern winds (known as Bura), we'll adjust our route to explore the western side, as indicated on the map, where we'll marvel at the City walls and Kalifront peninsula. Departing from the Mišnjak Ferry Port, we'll begin with a short paddle before turning towards the first segment of the Eastern coast Geological Park.

Our journey continues with a stop at the enchanting Bay of Mag, renowned for its red gravel beach and striking geological formations along the shore. As the sun sets, the landscape takes on an otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of Mars as the sunlight dances upon the red gravel. After a brief rest and lunch, we'll continue along the coastline until we reach Krklant beach, embraced by emerald and turquoise waters, adorned with rounded pebbles and featuring a small water source surrounded by imposing rocks and cliffs.

Depending on our timing, we may choose to spend the night here or press on to explore more cliffs and perhaps a cave before reaching the beautiful beach of Ilo. This expansive beach, the largest and most beautiful in this part of the island, captivates with its diverse beauty, boasting rounded pebbles of all sizes and vibrant cliffs adorned with colorful clay deposits.

As evening descends, we'll dine with a view of the majestic Velebit mountain range, savoring a well-deserved rest beneath the stars.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

After awakening to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a satisfying breakfast, we'll embark on the second leg of our journey through the stunning Geo Park. Our first stop will be a captivating cave, reflecting mesmerizing turquoise hues from its sandy bottom. Continuing onwards, we'll arrive at a picturesque pebble beach, a favorite spot for capturing photos, as the crystalline waters create the illusion of flying above the surface.

After a few more geological wonders we'll get to a small beach. Leaving our kayaks on the shore, we'll venture into the Medova Buža Cave, where a 160-meter swim awaits to reach its entrance. Here, you can choose to plunge through the underwater tunnel or leap from the cave's ceiling, plunging into the cool turquoise waters below. As we bid farewell to this coastline, paddling past the last bits of towering cliffs, the scenery transforms as we enter the sandy peninsula of Lopar.

While a long sandy beach in Lopar may not hold our interest due to its commercial nature, we'll make a stop at a nearby harbor to replenish our adventure kit with fresh supplies provided by our company. This serves as a convenient opportunity for any forgotten items to be retrieved from your suitcase or car upon our meeting.

Refreshed and restocked, we'll continue paddling along the sandy rock coastline, entering a small lagoon-like bay with shallow waters and sandy beaches. Our next destination is Sahara Bay, where we'll take a break for lunch and a well-deserved rest and swim. From there, we'll make a short crossing to reach the Island of Grgur, pausing briefly at a pebble beach on its southernmost tip.

Our journey then takes us to the area where the women's prison once stood, now marked only by a few stone ruins and a water collector. Passing through a small rock passage, the landscape transitions to captivating cliffs, crowned by bunkers that once served as guard lookout points for the prisoners of this political prison island.

Entering the bay of Arta, the ancient name for the island, we'll follow the crystal-clear waters to a pebble beach and the main prison site. Here, we'll enjoy a delightful restaurant dinner, soaking in the beautiful sunset and the wide-open view to the west.During dinner, we may be visited by a few deer looking for a snack; one particularly friendly deer may even eat from your hand.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we'll set out on our kayaks towards Grgur Point, where we'll embark on a 3.5 km crossing to reach the pebble beach on Prvić Island.

Prvić, the largest uninhabited island in the Adriatic, is a protected botanical and ornithological reserve, cherished by locals for sheep grazing and beekeeping. Renowned for its prized sage flower honey, and valued for its medicinal properties, Prvić boasts a dozen beaches along its western coast, framed by stunning shades of blue in its emerald coves.

Following a refreshing swim and cliff jumping, we'll explore the pristine shoreline and beautiful pebble beaches.

Upon reaching the island's northern tip, where the historic lighthouse has stood since 1875, we'll make a brief crossing to Krk Island, then head west for another beach stop, where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch.

After a relaxing break, we'll resume our paddling journey, passing more beaches and rocky outcrops until we reach the bay of Stara Baška.

Here, we'll replenish our water supply from a natural spring before heading to our beach camp at the bay's end. Here, we'll enjoy a taste of civilization as we set up camp near the beach bar, using its amenities for dinner and relaxing in beach chairs with a view of Rab and Grgur Islands in the distance.

No worries, the bar tends to close early, but the good news is that we can still purchase some cold beer and other beverages for our dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our longest paddling day. Our route along the picturesque coastline leads us to Krk town, where we restock on food and water and take the opportunity to explore the town.

Following a leisurely break, we embark on an hour-long crossing to Plavnik Island, renowned as both a zoological and botanical reserve and the nesting ground for Griffon Vultures.

While Griffon Vultures inhabit various parts of Europe, the Kvarner population is globally distinctive as these birds choose to nest directly above the sea, unlike their counterparts in mountainous regions.

The night is spent amidst the enchanting Holm oak forest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a fulfilling breakfast, we embark on our journey to navigate the stunning cliffs of Plavnik, paying close attention to the skies for vultures, as this island serves as their primary nesting ground.

As we traverse the narrow Krushia, spanning 1 km wide and known as the deepest channel in the bay of Kvarner, plunging to depths of 113 meters, we're greeted by the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the region.

Our ultimate destination is Cres Island, where we pause momentarily beneath the quaint village of Merag, taking in the tranquil surroundings before venturing further into the heart of this captivating island.

Crossing the 45th parallel, we're greeted by a coastline adorned with picturesque pebbly beaches, each one boasting charming stone cottage ruins that once provided shelter to fishermen and housed their boats and gear. The cliffs provide sanctuary to nesting Griffon Vultures while imposing rock formations stand as silent sentinels along the rugged shoreline.

The waters surrounding Cres Island are truly a marvel, inviting us to explore and indulge in the beauty that surrounds us. With each passing beach offering its unique allure, we're compelled to make a stop or two, immersing ourselves in the serene ambiance and natural splendor before reaching our chosen camping spot for the night.

Underneath the canopy of shimmering stars, we gather to enjoy a delectable dinner, relishing in the tranquility and serenity of the natural world that surrounds us.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we embark on a journey across the 5 km-wide channel, making our way back to Krk Island.

After a brief respite, we resume our exploration along the west coast, uncovering hidden gems and secluded beaches until we reach the Valbiska ferry port, typically around 1 pm.

It is here that our adventure draws to a close. Participants have the option to return to Rab Island with us or continue on their own path.

For those who left belongings at our Rab base, they will be transported via ferry.

Additionally, if your car remains on Rab, we can arrange its ferry transfer to your desired location.

Further details can be found in our additional notes section.

Meals included: Breakfast