Sea kayaking and river kayaking are becoming more and more popular in Croatia. The best times for river kayaking are in the spring and early summer when the river flow is highest and the grade ranges from III to IV.

Sea kayaking is of course most pleasant in warm summer weather but watch out for the midday maestral winds, the cold northern bura and the southeastern jugo winds.

Because of the many sharp rocks, a polyethylene kayak is best for sea kayaking and don't forget to bring a snorkel and mask to enjoy the underwater life!

Where to River Kayak

Following are some of the best river kayaking destinations in Croatia:

Four Rivers of Karlovac
The Dobra, Mreznica, Korana and Kupa rivers all converge around in Karlovac, 55km south of Zagreb. The Dobra river has an magnificent canyon that provides one of the best kayaking and rafting routes in Europe. The shortest river is the Mreznica, composed of a series of small lakes connected by waterfalls. The Kupa is the largest river and has its source in Risnjak National Park. The Korana stems from Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Cetina River
This 100km river springs from the foot of the Dinara Mountains near Vrlika and empties into the Adriatic near Omis. The section between the Gubavica Waterfall and Omis is a popular rafting venue.

Where to Sea Kayak

Following are the best sea kayaking destinations in Croatia:

Elafiti Islands
The three islands are Kolocep, known for its fruit orchards and pebble beaches; car-less Lopud with 16th-century churches and monasteries; and Sipan, formerly a favourite of the Dubrovnik aristocracy. The islands are accessible from Lokrum and Dubrovnik.

Kornati Islands

This 147-island archipelago offers an unparalleled kayaking experience. The best jumping-off point is Sali on the island of Dugi Otok.

Travel Insurance

No matter which outdoor activity you engage in, I highly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance policy. You'll get the best possible deal by going through Travelex. The policies are flexible and can be purchased or upgraded at any point in your trip. Prices are highly competitive and coverage includes 24-hour emergency assistance, trip cancellation, theft, full medical reimbursement and an option for coverage of a wide range of adventure sports. There are also a number of extras such as travel alerts, language guides and on online travel journal.

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