Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking&Snorkelling Guided Day/Sunset Tours

Stepping into Dubrovnik’s waters offers a whole new perspective of this historic city. While wandering through its famous walls or admiring its charming Old Town is an absolute must, nothing beats seeing it from the sea on a kayak. This tour combines adventure with breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for travelers seeking a mix of active exploration and relaxed sightseeing.

From the feedback, we know guides like Dragon and John make the experience memorable, blending local stories with safety and fun. We love that the tour is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, offers a fantastic snorkel stop at Betina Cave, and includes small-group settings for a more personal touch.

That said, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include a visit to Lokrum Island — just passing by it — and there’s no onsite changing room or toilets. But if you’re after an authentic, scenic, and engaging outdoor activity, this tour offers great value and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Best suited for those who love adventure, stunning coastal views, and a bit of history with their water fun.

Key Points

Expert Guides: Local, knowledgeable guides like Dragon and John enhance the experience with fun facts and safety tips.
Stunning Scenery: Paddle beneath the Dubrovnik city walls, enjoy views of Lokrum Island, and swim in the unique Betina Cave.
Small Group Feel: With typically 10 people per guide, you’ll get personalized attention and better chances for photos.
Snorkeling & Swimming: The cave stop is a highlight, perfect for a refreshing break and underwater exploration.
Flexible Timing: Morning, afternoon, or sunset options mean you can choose your preferred light and mood.
Great Value: All equipment, safety gear, and a waterproof bag are included, making this a hassle-free adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Dubrovnik Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour

Starting Point and Accessibility

Currently, due to construction work in the park, the tour begins at a pier next to Restaurant Orhan (linked here). From there, you’ll take a short walk around the city wall to reach the beach with the kayaks. The starting point might seem a bit tricky to find at first, but the instructions are straightforward—just arrive 10 minutes early to get ready and listen to safety instructions from your guides.

Parking in Dubrovnik can be expensive and limited around the Old Town. The recommended option is to use a nearby parking garage like Best in Parking, about 15 minutes’ walk away. This saves stress and ensures you’re not rushed for your paddle session.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts around 2 hours, which includes paddling, stops, and some downtime for swimming and photos. While most groups are kept small (around 10 people), larger groups (up to 20) are possible on busier days or when guides are in safety boats. The emphasis on small groups means you’ll get better attention, and guides can tailor the experience to your pace, making it suitable for beginners without feeling crowded.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Pile Bay: The activity kicks off with a safety briefing and basic paddling instructions. From here, you’ll paddle beneath Dubrovnik’s iconic walls—an experience that feels like stepping into a postcard. The entire paddle covers approximately 4 km, which is manageable even for those with limited kayaking experience.

Betina Cave Stop: About 30 minutes are set aside for swimming and snorkeling at Betina Cave, an accessible-only-by-sea spot. Reviews highlight the cave’s beauty with comments like “The caves are beautiful and our guide is quite fun,” and “Getting to snorkel in a cave with fishes swimming around was incredible.” This is a true highlight, especially since the cave is often busy with other tours, but guides like Dragon do their best to ensure everyone has space to enjoy.

Passing Lokrum Island: After the cave, the paddle continues towards Lokrum Island, offering scenic views and interesting stories about the area. Many reviewers appreciated the chance to see the city from this perspective, describing it as “a surreal experience paddling along the wall and to the cave,” with underwater life visible when snorkeling.

Return Journey: The paddle back to the starting point is a relaxed cruise along the coastline, with some guides sharing local history and fun facts. Ivan, a guide praised for his storytelling, kept the group engaged, making the whole trip both informative and entertaining.

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Water, Equipment, and Safety

All necessary equipment—kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and snorkeling gear—is provided. You’ll receive a waterproof 60L bag to protect your belongings, which you can bring along on the kayak. The sit-on-top double kayaks are stable and easy to handle, even for novices, and single kayaks are available in specific cases.

Safety is clearly a priority, with a safety boat on standby and guides monitoring the group closely. The activity is suitable for children over 5, as long as they can sit comfortably and paddle with assistance. Non-swimmers can join if conditions are calm, but choppier seas may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

Weather and Conditions

Weather can impact the experience, as with any outdoor activity. Windy days or choppy seas may result in tour cancellations or rescheduling. The guides do their best to inform and adjust accordingly—so checking the forecast beforehand is advisable. As most reviews note, even in windy conditions, guides like John and Didi ensure everyone feels safe and has fun.

Cost and Value

Priced around the mid-range for guided water activities, this tour offers excellent value considering included gear, expert guides, and the scenic stops. Many reviewers mention that the experience exceeded their expectations, with some calling it “the highlight of their trip” and praising the knowledgeable guides for making it memorable.

Additional Tips

• Bring sun protection: sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are essential.
• Wear swimwear and carry a towel if you plan to swim.
• Flip-flops or water shoes are recommended for comfort on and off the water.
• Arrive early to avoid missing the start, as late arrivals are not accommodated.
• No toilets or changing facilities are available at the start point, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This kayaking and snorkeling experience suits active travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor activities and want a different angle to see Dubrovnik. It’s ideal for those with a basic level of fitness who can paddle for about an hour and a half with breaks. Families with children over 5, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun, engaging adventure will find this tour especially rewarding.

It’s also a good pick for travelers who appreciate expert guides, as reviews consistently praise guides like Dragon, John, and Rocco for their friendly, informative approach. If you’re after stunning coastal views, a quick swim in a cave, and a chance to learn some local stories, this tour ticks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

This sea kayaking and snorkeling tour in Dubrovnik combines adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insights in a way that few other activities can match. You’ll paddle beneath the city walls, snorkel in a cave filled with fish, and enjoy stunning views of Lokrum Island—all led by expert guides committed to safety and fun.

The small group size and inclusion of all gear make it accessible and hassle-free, while the opportunity to see Dubrovnik from the water offers a fresh perspective on this historic city. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast or a traveler looking for a memorable outdoor experience, this tour is well worth considering.

The mix of active paddling, scenic stops, and engaging storytelling makes it a highlight for many visitors, as reflected in the glowing reviews. Plus, the option to choose a sunrise, afternoon, or sunset tour lets you tailor the experience to your preferred atmosphere.

All in all, if you’re craving an authentic, fun, and visually stunning adventure in Dubrovnik, this guided sea kayaking and snorkeling trip delivers a satisfying mix of activity and awe-inspiring scenery.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, including paddling, a swim break at Betina Cave, and scenic views.

Where do I meet for the activity?
You need to arrive at the pier next to Restaurant Orhan, as the park is currently under construction. Follow instructions to find the small passage around the wall leading to the beach with the kayaks.

Can I bring my belongings?
Yes, a waterproof 60L bag is provided for your valuables, which you can bring on the kayak.

What equipment is included?
All kayaking gear, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and water are included.

Are children allowed?
Children over 5 years old can participate, sitting in the middle of the kayak with adult supervision.

Will I see Lokrum Island?
You’ll pass by Lokrum Island but won’t disembark. The focus is on paddling along the coast, with some stories shared by the guides.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t have kayaking experience?
Yes, the activity is suitable for beginners. Guides give safety briefings and paddling instructions beforehand.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops or water shoes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a plus.

What about weather conditions?
Bad weather such as high winds may lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Always check the forecast before booking.

Is there a restroom or changing facilities?
No, there are no changing rooms or toilets at the starting point; plan accordingly.

In summary, this Dubrovnik sea kayaking and snorkeling tour offers an excellent way to experience the city’s beauty from a different angle. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to snorkel in a cave, it’s a memorable adventure worth adding to your Croatian itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: