Magic island kayaking | 6 Days
Have a best kayak holiday in Europe and explore Magic islands of Vis & Bisevo. Explore impressive cliffs, caves and hidden beaches and visit spectacular Blue cave and Stiniva cove!
Toursummary
- Tour type: Multi day trips
- Activity type: Sea Kayaking
- Distance: 60 - 80 km
- Duration: 6 days
- Suggested minimum age: 12
- Number of days kayaking: 5
- Difficulty: Check FAQ, Moderate
- Point of special interest: authentic culture, gastronomy, Wild nature
Tour Summary
The impressive Island of Vis is a venue of undeniably the best kayak holiday in Europe. Having the largest concentration of nature monuments in the “Old continent” surely guarantees a spectacular sea kayaking experience! Medvidina Cave, Blue Cave, Stiniva Cove and the Komiza bay are just some of the stunning sights we’ll see during this tour. While paddling, we will enjoy views on its geological structure formed 220 million years ago, thus being the oldest on Adriatic.
The Island of Vis was closed to tourists and visitors until 1989., as being an important military outpost during Yugoslavia. Due to this fact, it preserved its intact natural beauty, local cultural charm, and slow way of life and till this day remained an amazing refuge for escaping tourist crowds. The island Vis is well-known for its secluded stunning beaches, fascinating cliffs and caves, and just spectacular coastline. Of course, we can’t forget its endless vineyards, olive & fig trees, and small authentic towns.
We will spice things up with a visit to the incredible island of Bisevo. There we have probably the most beautiful natural phenomenon of Croatia: the Blue cave! Let’s not forget the tasteful local gastronomy and tasteful dishes you will try. The freshest seafood prepared only with local ingredients and authentic local wine sorts surely guarantees a unique experience. Have the best holiday in Europe and join us on this spectacular Magic island kayak tour!
TOUR STYLE
- Supported tour with an English-speaking guide (ratio 8:1)
- Guest-house accommodation
- Breakfast, picnic lunch and farewell dinner included
- Daily mileages from 10-20 km
- Empty kayak paddling
- Optional hiking on some days
- Possible to opt-out of daily paddles if some need a rest or want to enjoy some other activities
- Experienced and BCU certificated English-speaking local leaders
- Fit to kayak 20 km at least one day
HIGHLIGHTS
- Komiza and Vis bay
- Blue cave and Bisevo island
- Stiniva beach – amphitheater shape beach
- Stunning bays and beaches
- Fascinating cliffs and rock formations
- The intriguing history of the Island
Day 1(Split town & Marjan hill)
We will start this journey with a meeting at the Red Adventures office in Split where you will be greeted by your guide and receive a detailed tour briefing and route introduction. To warm up and to get the feel for the kayaks that you will be using your guides will take you for a paddle along the scenic Marjan hill and the coast of Split. But before you hit the water, guides will also brief you on the gear, kayaking technique, microclimate opportunities and safety at sea. Once you start paddling along the coastline, you will pass many beautiful beaches, cliffs and sea rock gardens. The view of the old town with Diocletian’s palace, St.Dominus cathedral, and the Venetian old fort from the sea will surely make your day and provide you with a few memorable photo opportunities.
- Highlights: Marjan hill, Old town view
- Distance: 6Nm (10km)
- Meals: /
- As this is arrival day accommodation is on your own arrangement, however, Red Adventures can assist you with finding one
Day 2(Vis town - Okljucna bay)
It is time to say goodbye to the mainland for now, and board the ferry to Vis for a two-and-a-half-hour ride. The ancient town of Vis was one of the very first settlements on the Adriatic coast founded by Ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC. Its rich history exudes from every corner of the town. After disembarking from the ferry, you will have some free time to explore the town and immerse with the locals by sipping on a coffee or two in one of its many charming cafes.
After you gear up, it is time to go on the water and discover the Vis bay known for historical ship battles between the English and the French in 1811 after which the English took the island and made it their stronghold. While exiting the bay, you will pass the island Host named after the British general who led the British navy to victory during the before-mentioned battle.
Keeping in line with the military storyline, the next site on our route is a rather mysterious navy tunnel built by the Yugoslav army during the cold war, as part of Tito’s preparation for possible World War 3.
After fortifications, it is time to immerse yourself in nature, and that is exactly what you will be able to do as we paddle along the stunning north side of Vis island. Revel in the sight of dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches that are scattered along the way. Our final destination of the day will be the picturesque Okljucna bay where we will leave the kayaks for the night and have a short van transfer to Komiza village, our base for the next 4 nights. The fishing village of Komiža is one of the last authentic fishermen villages on the Adriatic, a place where one quickly adapts to the “take it easy” life philosophy which the locals call “pomalo”. And what better way to end this day than with some mouthwatering traditional delicacies and great local wines.
- Highlights: Town of Vis, Navy tunnels, Okljucna bay
- Distance: 7Nm (12km)
- Meals: Picnic Lunch
Day 3(Okljucna bay - Komiža town)
After breakfast, we will embark on a 2-hour hike to Okljucna bay. We will be hiking through lush nature where our kayaks will be waiting for us to continue our sea adventure. Should you decide to skip the hiking, you can be transferred back to Okljucna bay by van. As we kayak along the coast, we will stop on a few charming beaches including the now-famous Barjoska beach where most of the movie “Mama Mia- Here we go again” was filmed. However, this beach is much more than just a film set, it is a location with beautifully preserved nature and perfectly round pebbles. Amazing natural scenery continues on in Komiza bay. Filled with equally mesmerizing beaches, many with freshwater springs that break out through greenish volcanic rocks. Today’s paddle will end in front of our accommodation in Komiza village.
- Highlights: Barjoska bay (Mama Mia set), Komiza bay
- Distance: Hiking: 8km; Kayaking 7Nm (12km)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Day 4( Island Bisevo visit )
Today we rest from kayaking and spend a day exploring the stunning Biševo island. A short boat transfer will take us to the island of Biševo. This island is famous for its amazing caves, sandy beaches and red wine sort Plavac Moli but mostly for its Blue cave phenomenon. After passing the channel between Vis and Biševo, we will enter the magical Blue cave. This cave is 18 meters long, 6 meters deep and 6 meters high and is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Croatia. Morning sunbeams that penetrate through the submarine opening reflect off the white bottom floor, colouring the cave blue giving the objects in the water a silver shimmer. It’s surely a jaw-dropping experience. After the Blue cave visit, we will have a hike to the heavenly sandy Porat beach, one of the rare white sand beaches on the Croatian coast. During the day you’ll hopefully get the chance to bump into a few of only 19 inhabitants still living on the island.
- Highlights: Blue cave, Porat sandy beach
- Distance: /
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Day 5(Komiža town – Rukavac bay)
Today we paddle along the famous south side of Island Vis. Its scenic coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs, coves and beaches sculptured by waves over thousands of years.
Lots of natural works of art will appear in front of us today, but we will emphasise just a few. Firstly we will mention the spectacular Gace (Pants) cliffs. This masterpiece is created by two huge pillars that rise from the sea and melt into the cliffs above. Therefore creating a shape that resembles the pants of a giant. Second today’s highlight is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Croatia – Stiniva beach, a secluded sanctuary surrounded by amphitheatre shaped cliffs. Some of the other noteworthy destinations you will see are Sebrna beach, a long pebble beach where the bottom of the water looks silver (hence its name Srebrna-Silver). And Pritiscina, a bay hidden between impressive cliffs that will seduce us with its tranquillity and pristine waters.
We will finish this fantastic day in Rukavac bay. From there we will have a transfer to Komiza back to our accommodation.
Since this is also the very last night of our sea odyssey, we will take you out for a farewell diner to try some local specialities such as Peka with lamb, veal or octopus with homemade bread and typical local wine made from authentic Vis grape sort Vugava.
- Highlights: natural caves and cliffs, Stiniva cove, Srebrna beach, Gace cave, Pritiscina bay
- Distance: 10 NM (18.5Km)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Farwell dinner
Day 6(Rukavac bay -Vis town)
Firstly in the morning on our schedule is a transfer back to Rukavac. Gear up and start paddling towards the final destination on our itinerary – Vis town. Along the way, you will be passing a group of islands Ravnik, Budikovac, Parzana and Greben. Finishing the first stretch paddling towards the imposing lighthouse of Stoncica. Break at the bottom of Stoncica bay in order to enjoy its sandy beauty and crystal clear waters.
The last stretch of paddling will take us from Stonica to Vis town. Once back in Vis town you will have the chance to walk around and look for some authentic souvenirs before we board the ferry back to Split.
- Highlights: Budikovac Island, Stoncica lighthouse.
- Distance: 8NM (15km)
- Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS
The tour runs from late April to mid-October. The ideal time is June to September with ideal weather conditions suitable for all levels of paddlers.
Departures are available each Monday during the following months:
| May | June | July | August | September | Other months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1099€ | 1149€ | 1199€ | 1199€ | 1149€ | 1029€ |
Note: The above prices refer to group departures with total of 4 or more participants. In case that the total number of participants booked is below 4, surcharge applies.
If you would like a particular set of dates or would like to organize an expedition for members of your kayak club, group of friends, or family, send us a message and ask for a private tour. For experienced paddlers, we can organize the tour all year round.
The price includes:
• Ferry transfer from Split to the island of Vis and back
• All overnights in apartments on island Vis (double room occupancy)*
• Breakfast on days 3, 4, 5 & 6
• Picnic lunch every day
• Special farewell dinner at a local tavern with traditional meal and drink
• High-quality Prijon sea kayaks with choice of a single or double kayak
• Full sea kayaking equipment including paddles, buoyancy aid, dry bags, spray deck, etc.
• Experienced & licensed kayaking guide (BCU qualified, English speaking)
• Sea kayak handling/safety briefing
• Sea kayaking technique instruction (on request)
• Excursion to Bisevo island with hiking (kayaking tour option possible depending on weather and group experience)
• Entrance to the Blue cave
• Photos from the tour
• All transfers on the island
• Snorkeling equipment
• Storage of excess luggage at our office during the tour
* Single room supplement is subject to an additional price depending on the season
The price does NOT include:
• Travel expenses to and from Split, Croatia
• Accommodation before and after the tour
• Accommodation in Split on day 1
• Travel insurance that covers sea kayaking
• Tips for your guide
• Personal expenses
• Drinks (except farewell dinner)
MEALS
Croatia and the Mediterranean offer great food and we always make sure that you try local dishes, delicacies and products to have a memorable gastronomic experience.
We include breakfast during the entire tour, except on the starting day. Depending on the group size we organize breakfast in a restaurant or our guide prepares itin the self-service arrangement at our accommodation location and will generally include cheese, ham, cereals, bread spreads, fruits, milk, coffee, tea, etc.
Each day during the lunch breaks our guide will offer you snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, fruits or energy bars.
Farewell dinner is organized in a local tavern with a special traditional dish called „Peka“ – where fish, octopus or meat is mixed with various vegetables, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs, and then baked to perfection under a bell. Of course, it will be followed by some of the finest local wines.
For other nights where dinner is not included, we will recommend you the best local restaurants depending on your budget making sure you try the best local cuisine offers.
Upon your booking, we will send you a simple online questionnaire making sure that your preferences, wishes and needs are met to the maximum. Based on your feedback, we will organize the most suitable meal arrangements, making sure we accommodate any of your dietary restrictions or needs.
For ecological reasons, we encourage our clients to bring their own reusable water bottles that will be filled out whenever needed.
ACCOMMODATION
The old fishermen’s town of Komiza, one of the prettiest coastal towns on the entire Adriatic Sea, still keeps that Mediterranean charm. Its 1500 inhabitants are still living an unspoiled and easy islander lifestyle that changed little in the past century. The town hosts a beautiful old port, many taverns, cafés and shops, and several pebble beaches all within walking distance.
We use comfy 3-star apartments and guesthouses where you will have a room with a private bathroom. We handpick the units making sure they are centrally located, with a character, and close to the sea.
The package includes double room occupancy, meaning two people being accommodated in a room with a two-person (double) bed. Twin beds are rarely available, and you should specifically require them upon booking.
Single room occupancy is available upon request and subject to additional supplement that depends on the tour season, ranging between €25 and €45 per night. Please contact us for more details.
Sea Kayaks
We choose to use German high-quality Prijon brand kayaks for our touring expeditions because of several reasons:
– Wide range of Prijon kayaks can accommodate any type of paddles. We have models for light, medium and high weight, short and tall paddles. We can adjust kayaks for each person individually thanks to their comfortable touring seat system, lightweight 3D-thigh braces and slide footrest. Therefore, you can easily find and adjust your individual seating position.
– High storage capacity enables you to take a lot of luggage and gear with you on your multi-day expedition. Being such a great load carrier, our expeditions are much more hassle-free.
– HTP material is perfect for Dalmatian rough coast and can tolerate some contact with sharp rocky coast, which makes our kayaking more trouble-free.
– Their fast and safe shape is designed for typical wind/wave situations on the Adriatic Sea, especially choppy waves during summer.
– Each kayak is equipped with a rudder which can come in handy for beginner’s paddlers, especially in windy situations. It makes tracking and turning much easier. If you don’t need it you can simply take it out of the water and paddle without it!
All kayaks in the Red Adventures fleet are not older over 3 years. We renew our gear regularly and keep them in a good shape.
Which kayak model to choose?
You choose between single and double touring kayaks depending on your preference and experience.
We have various single kayak models available that are usually distributed based on your weight, height and previous experience. If you are an experienced paddler with specific preferences, please let us know, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Double or single?
For those with a lack of extensive kayaking experience or questionable physical fitness, we strongly recommend double kayak use for comfort and safety. Our double kayak Prijon Poseidon offers outstanding performance while providing great comfort and stability. The reasons for using tandems are:
Speed: Length equals speed. Therefore, the longer waterline of a tandem kayak makes it considerably faster than a solo kayak.
Stability: The extra width of a tandem kayak provides excellent stability. You’ll appreciate this most in choppy water, and when observing or photographing nature. The greater stability of tandems allows us extra freedom to travel in a greater variety of sea conditions.
Support: In case of rough weather conditions, two paddlers are always stronger than one. Two paddlers make a team and always better handle rough weather situations. Also, a double kayak gives a chance for one paddler to take a small break to relax, drink water or take a picture during kayaking.
Usual gear we are providing for your kayak trip:
– Paddle (TNP aluminum)
– Buoyancy aid (Aquarius MQ Pro PFD)
– Spray skirt (Prijon polyester)
– Dry bags, etc.
Carbon paddle (Prijon Stream) upgrade is available at the price of €5 per day.
What do I need to bring with me for kayaking?
The only thing you need to take with you is swimming wear, water shoes and sun protection (Lycra shirt, cap, sunglasses, sun cream). Kayaking gloves can be helpful too!
How big will the group be?
The trip runs with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8. In exceptional cases, the number can be up to 12 in which case we provide a second guide. We can organize bigger groups in private arrangement only, with up to 30 participants.
How fit do I need to be?
The level of kayaking is moderate. Each day involves 4-5 hours of paddling, so we recommend you are in good physical condition. In the case of windy weather, the difficulty level can go up and extend kayaking time. You must be able to swim.
What are the sea conditions there?
Island Vis is exposed to all wind, and wave directions, and conditions can sometimes be challenging. However, we take the weather seriously and adjust the itinerary based on wind direction, but make sure you do the whole itinerary. Currents and tides in Croatia are minimal factors.
Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
Previous kayaking experience is recommended but not mandatory. A good physical fitness level can substitute lack of experience.
What is the closest airport?
Split airport (SPU) is just 20 km away from our base. There are bus and taxi connections to the downtown.
You can also consider alternative airports Zadar (ZAD), Dubrovnik (DBV), and even Zagreb (ZAG) from which it takes 3-5 hours to reach Split by bus. Please contact us for more details if you consider alternative airports.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is in Split, Croatia. We recommend coming to Split one day before, as we have a briefing at our office the day before the tour. Also, Split offers a lot to see!
Where do I stay before and after the tour?
The tour departs in the morning, so we strongly recommend arriving to Split the day before the tour. The tour finishes in the late afternoon with a ferry transfer to Split, so an extra night in Split would generally be needed. You can consider extending your vacation on Vis if wished so. We can assist you with accommodation arrangements if required.
How do we get to island Vis?
We will take a ferry from Split that takes a bit over two hours, the same way back.
What about Bisevo island and Blue cave?
We will take a boat excursion to Bisevo island and visit Blue cave, all included in the package. We also do a nice hiking trip on the island.
Do I need to do the entire tour?
Most times, you can join the tour halfway or leave the tour earlier. Please contact us with your travel day options, and we will try to fit you in.
Single or double kayak?
We strongly recommend double kayaks for beginners for speed, stability, comfort, and safety. Please see the equipment info for more details on this. Consult our team for recommendations.
What should I pack?
We recommend bringing your swimsuit, long sleeve Lycra shirt, water shoes, towel, plenty of sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock). We recommend taking a book for your time off. Recommended clothes depend on the season, however, we recommend taking a long sleeve even during the summer in case of a chilly night. Bring your running/hiking shoes too. Please bring your own reusable water bottle for a water refill.
We will provide you with a suggested packing list to help you. Keep in mind to pack light because of limited space in the kayak.
What about the internet and battery recharge?
Your accommodation will have a Wi-Fi connection and electricity. The electricity socket standard in Croatia is European, types C, E, and F.
What is the weather like?
The Mediterranean climate here provides a lot of sun and pleasant temperatures. From May to October, the air temperature ranges from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius, while during July and August it often exceeds that number. Sea temperature usually exceeds 20 degrees in early June and reaches 26 degrees in July. During this period, it is mostly sunny, and it rarely rains.
| Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air (°C) | 15-25 | 20-30 | 23-33 | 25-35 | 25-35 | 23-30 | 15-25 |
| Sea (°C) | 17 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 20 |
| Rainy Days | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
What about payments there?
Kuna is the official currency in Croatia. You will use your credit card most of the time (restaurants, shops, and supermarkets). However, we recommend having some cash with you too. ATMs are available on the island.
Are there shops, bars, and restaurants available?
Komiza offers many restaurants and bars, a couple of supermarkets and a bakery too. Souvenir shops are available too.
Can we accommodate my special dietary restrictions?
Absolutely, upon reservation, you will receive a questionnaire through which we receive your dietary restrictions and preferences.
What about water?
Tap water is absolutely fine to drink here. During the kayaking, our guide will have water for re-fill. We encourage you to bring your reusable water bottle for environmental reasons.
Any other questions?
Contact our team with any further questions