Sea Kayaking & Exploring Croatia & Montenegro

An adventurer’s version of the Riviera awaits. With nearly 1,200 islands, islets and reefs, the breathtaking stretch of coastline along Croatia to Montenegro could not be better suited for exploring by kayak. The O.A.R.S. Sea Kayaking the Dalmatian Coast trip allows you to discover the Elaphiti Islands off Dubrovnik in Croatia—including the Island of Sipin, Mljet National Park, and the Bay of Zuljana—where you’ll find amazing beaches and a mesmerizing underwater world. Bask in the sun, swim, snorkel and paddle through this blue water paradise. The trip then heads inland to the city of Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina for a glimpse at the incredible history and culture of this ancient region. Continuing our way down to Montenegro we visit some of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Adriatic Sea, Perast, Kotor and Budva. For the remainder of the trip we take in the area’s many architectural treasures influenced by the Greeks and Romans, as well as its natural treasures like the Bay of Kotor, one of the most deeply indented portions of the Adriatic coast, sometimes called the southernmost fjord in Europe. This nine-day adventure is perfect for travelers who want a picture perfect coastal vacation in an off-the-beaten path European locale.

Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

The picturesque seaport city of Dubrovnik is one of the most exquisite destinations in the Mediterranean. Often called 'The Pearl of the Adriatic' this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the starting and ending point of our Dalmatian Coast adventure. A powerhouse during the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik retains much of its historic character today and boasts many old buildings including the Arboretum Trsteno, the oldest arboretum in the world which dates back to before 1492, as well as the third oldest European pharmacy, dating back to 1317. Opportunities to absorb Dubrovnik’s ambience are found among the narrow alleyways, small squares, churches, monasteries and monumental fortresses that once protected this important shipping port. Visitors don’t want to miss the marble streets of Stradun in Old Town, the impressive facades and interiors of the Duke’s Palace, the sea front promenades, or a walk around the city’s wall, built between the 13th and 16th centuries and the most distinguishable feature of Dubrovnik.

Elaphiti Archipelago

The Elaphiti Islands consist of eight islands and five islets. Free of cars, each island is like an open-air museum of history, art, architecture and folklore, with no more than a couple of hundred permanent residents. Cypress, lemon, orange, olive and pine trees create a lush backdrop for the many beautiful beaches that bring people to these islands. Sipan, the largest islands in the Elaphiti archipelago, has many sheltered natural anchorages on its protected side and dramatic cliffs on the seaward side that make for exciting exploring via kayak. Sipan’s countryside, quilted in vineyards and olive orchards, is also home to more than 30 chapels, 15th-century monasteries, and numerous Gothic and Renaissance summer villas dot the countryside. One of the more wild islands, with 70 percent of its land covered by forest, is the island of Mljet. With its national park, series of saltwater lakes and caves on the outer coast, Mljet is one the more intriguing Elaphiti Islands.

Croatia: Scuba diving and snorkeling

The turquoise waters and sandy beaches of the Dalmatian coast, Elaphiti Islands and the area’s many bays make for some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Southern Europe. Divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to experience the spectacular underwater world of the Adriatic Sea, along with its incredible reefs, caves, underwater gardens and even wreck sites. Along the coast there are about 300 known archaeological sites that can be discovered. The Bay of Zuljana is a magnet for divers who are drawn to its 20 impressive scuba-diving locations, including the German WWII torpedo boat S-57, sunk by British Royal Air Force Spitfire planes in 1944. The Island of Lopud boasts the spectacular Sunj Beach which is an ideal place for snorkeling. Other favorite destinations for snorkelers include Prozura Bay, the Island of Kolopcep and Mljet National Park.