A Short Break based out of Dubrovnik, kayaking around the Elaphite Islands of Lopud and Kolocep. Staying in a local guesthouse, you'll have a chance to sample the very best in local cuisine, as well as explore an untouched and stunning coastline, complete with caves you can only swim into and clear seas perfect for snorkelling.
Small Group Classic 5 days
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for two people sharing.
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For this short break, you are based for the duration on the island of Lopud. After an initial afternoon in Dubrovnik where you leave your bags after your flight and explore at leisure, you transfer in the evening to Lopud by ferry. The following morning, after a leisurely breakfast and meeting your group, you head out for a safety briefing and introduction to kayaking. Once you are all confident in the water, you kayak leisurely around half of the island to the beach on the other side, where you spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming. The next day, you kayak over to the island of Kolocep, which you circumnavigate, stopping enroute to sample some of the very best of the locally caught fish. Your next day, your final day of kayaking, is spent kayaking to the mainland to visit an old summer house and botanical gardens. That evening, you have the chance to go for a very special meal at a small holding on the island. The following day is departure day. You can either return to the mainland and spend some more time exploring Dubrovnik, or you can catch a ferry to Split, further up the coast.
Please note, this itinerary is subject to change, depending on weather conditions.
Day 1: Arrival
Today is your arrival day. You will be met at the airport and driven into Dubrovnik where you will have the chance to spend the rest of the day. Your bags will be stored for you, so you can explore the town. You will be picked up later in the evening (around 7.30pm) and taken to the port where you will catch a ferry to the island of Lopud where you will be welcomed by your local host. The boat ride takes about an hour. Once you have arrived, you will go for a meal or a drink with the rest of the group where you can get to know each other informally.
Day 2: Kayaking around Lopud
After breakfast, which is served on the terrace of the local restaurant, you will gather at the beach and start with the first instructions in a shallow protected bay: your guide will explain safety procedures and give tips on paddling techniques.
After the briefing, you will paddle along the outer scenic coast of Lopud to the sandy beach of Sunj - which is at the other side of the island. This is the main beach on the island and makes for a great place to spend the afternoon. There are two taverns to choose from for lunch and afterwards you can swim and relax on the beach. You will leave your kayaks on the beach for the evening and will walk back to your accommodation on the other side of the island. The walk itself is about 20 mins, although if you fancy more exercise, you can hike to the fort at the peak of the island.
For those wanting more paddling, there is the option of further kayaking to the island of St. Andrew. This is an additional 8kms (2 hours) paddling.
Dinner is included this evening.
Daily activity:
aprx. 1 hour of instructions 3 hours paddling
Paddling distance: 7.5km or 14 km (with St. Andrew’s)
(B, D)
Day 3: Kolocep - Lopud
After breakfast you will walk back to the beach and will paddle to the neighbouring island of Kolocep.
Paddling along the coast of the island, you will pass green forests touching clear water, breathtaking steep cliffs and will have the chance to see a stunning blue caves. After around 2 hours of paddling, you will land at a small beach in front of a water-front restaurant for lunch (included). Your freshly caught fish will be cooked in front of you and you can then sit back and enjoy the view of the water as you eat.
After lunch, you will continue paddling around the island, stopping off for a snorkel or a swim on the way back. You will return to Lopud beach later afternoon (or you can continue round to Lopud harbour if you want more paddling) and will then have an evening at leisure.
Daily activity:
Aprx. 3 hours of paddling
Paddling distance: 14 - 16km
(B, L)
Day 4: Lopud - Trsteno - Lopud
After breakfast you will paddle for about an hour from Lopud to Trsteno, an old seaside village with a rich history, famous for its collection of cultivated and exotic trees and plant species within an oldDubrovnik aristocratic summer palace. You can stop for a swim and enjoy lunch, either at a restaurant, or you can have sandwiches on the beach, enjoying the fantastic views of the islands.
After lunch, your guide will take you around the botanical gardens, pointing out local species and demonstrating an old olive mill and press. You will also see an old pavilion, aqueduct, Baroque fountain, and an old chapel.
Later that afternoon, you will kayak back to Lopud for your last night on this island. Dinner is at your own expense, but you have the chance tonight to go for a meal at a local farm where you can eat locally produced food.
Daily activity:
Aprx. 2 -3 hours of paddling
Paddling distance: 7 km
(B)
Day 5: Departure
Transfer from the island of Lopud to Dubrovnik airport.
(B)
Guide price is based on recommended accommodations. Alternative accommodations and upgrades are available. Please get in touch for alternatives and upgrade options.
You will need to fly to Dubrovnik (DBV). Your holiday will start on either a Saturday or a Sunday (please check individual dates for departure day) and you can arrive at any time during the day. The airport is serviced by several airlines in the UK.
- From the South East - you can reach Dubrovnik from Stansted (Easyjet), Luton (Wizzair) or Gatwick (Easyjet, British Airways, Thomson, Monarch)
- From the Midlands - you can fly from Birmingham (Monarch, FlyBe and Thomson) and from EMA (BmiBaby)
- From the North - you can fly from Manchester (Thomson and Jet2), Leeds Bradford (Jet2) and Newcastle (Jet2)
- From Scotland - you can fly from Edinburgh with Jet2.
Joining Instructions
You will be met at the airport and transferred to Dubrovnik, your bags will be looked after allowing you to spend the day exploring the City before meeting up again to catch the evening ferry over to the Islands. Depending on your arrival time it is possible to put you on an earlier ferry on request.
For planning flight times:
OUTBOUND FLIGHT TIMES
ON SATURDAY:
For May & Sept, there are ferries from Dubrovnik run at 10:00, 14:00, 16:30 and 20:00. Please make sure your flight arrives in good time to catch one of these ferries.
ON SUNDAYS:
From 01 - 28 June, there are ferries from Dubrovnik that run at 09:30 and 20:30.
From 29 June - 26 Aug, there are ferries from Dubrovnik that run at 09:00, 11:45, 18:15 and 21:00.
RETURN FLIGHT TIMES
ON THURSDAYS:
For 01 May - 28 June and 27 Aug - 30 Sept, ferries return to Dubrovnik at 06:15 (arrives Dubrovnik 07:15), 12:10 (arrives Dubrovnik 13:10) and 18:05 (arrives Dubrovnik 19:05), so it is usually fine to book flights from 10:00am onwards.
For 29 June - 26 Aug, ferries return to Dubrovnik at 06:15 (arrives Dubrovnik 07:15), 12:10 (arrives Dubrovnik 13:10) and 18:45 (arrives Dubrovnik 19:45), so it is usually fine to book flights from 10:00am onwards.
4 nights private accommodation Lopud
4 breakfasts
1 dinner & 1 lunch in local restaurant
3 days sea kayaking guide service
Fully equipped sea kayaks (paddles, life jackets, spray deck)
Ferry tickets
Transfers as indicated
The Dubrovnik region and Elaphite islands enjoy a typically Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and mild winters. Rainfall is low but cannot be ruled out any time of the year
This short break is ideal for those visiting the Dubrovnik area and wanting to experience some of what the islands have to offer. This trip is ideally combined with a couple of nights staying in Dubrovnik itself, or with a trip up to Split, which is easily accessible by boat or car.
This trip is as much about experiencing the food and way of life on the islands as much as as the kayaking. Accommodation and restaurants have been chosen for their authenticity and local ownership, so don't expect 5* ratings. That said, the warmth and friendliness of your hosts will easily compensate for the lack of a marble bathroom.
The suggested minimum age for this trip is 12. If you have younger children, you might want to consider the family kayaking holiday.
This is a group holiday. The minimum group size for this trip is 4 and the max is 20. The guide to kayakers ratio is 1/8
You don't need to have previous experience of kayaking for this holiday. Your guides will give you a full briefing before you head off on your first full day. A reasonable level of fitness is, however, recommended. On each of the days, there is the possibility to be more / less active. Additional paddling can be added for those wanting more of a challenge, likewise you can opt out of some of the longer trips if you want.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
Our customers agree - a conversation with an expert makes for a better trip. Call us now or request a call back out of hours.
Call 855 686 7694 9am and 6pm GMT Monday to Friday
Or request call back weekday evenings or Saturdays
On the first week the guides and staff were really flexible on times to transfer to and from Lopud which was really helpful. We were due to leave Dubrovnik on the 6 pm ferry on the Sunday but as it was so hot we decided to take the earlier ferry as suggested by the Adria rep.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik was comfortable. We explored a little outside Dubrovnik city and wondered if it might have been nicer to stay nearer one of the little coves, five minutes from the city gates to get out the city.
The sea kayaking week was excellent. Great guides and good trips. The accommodation was really comfortable - lovely family and the air condition was rather essential! I think we had booked a family trip but the guides asked if we would like to join a larger group which we did and this worked really well. Kayak trips were superb - about the right length and a good mix of destinations including the botanical gardens and lots of time to swim and snorkel. It was surprisingly manageable despite the heat. At the end we wished we had booked the 5 day tour. The farm evening meal was great fun.
The two nights at Hotel More were a lovely bit of luxury. Really liked the hotel - quite small and slightly away from the main areas of activity in the bay. Again good advice on how to get around from staff.
The second week with Huck Finn was also excellent. A good mix of activities - the rafting day in Bosnia was particularly good as we got to see a different country - quite a contrast with Croatia. Guides were again really good - very well informed and all trips were well organised. All transfers good. We had breakfast and evening meals with a local family which were lovely - lots of traditional cooking and they catered really well for different dietary requirements. The accommodation was rather more basic. We had two rooms on an upper floor with a shared bathroom so not our own space. It seemed that the accommodation varied quite a lot with others having small apartments with kitchens and fridges, which would have been helpful. Weather had cooled a little by then which was good as we would have had no means to cool the rooms down at night. Having said that our owner was a lovely lady - made us cakes and apple strudel when we came home at the end of the day.
All in all an excellent trip!
David W
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 25 August 2017
My kayak tour with Tour dust is an experience I will treasure forever. I believe Johnny is exactly the type of guide everyone hopes for on a trip like this. Upbeat, funny, enthusiastic, and an incredible level of skill in this sport. I have been kayaking for many years, but, being over 60 years old now, I certainly appreciated knowing we were in such very, very capable hands.
And the other people who took part in the trip? What a great bunch! It's hard to believe we were mostly complete strangers just one week ago. I will treasure those friendships forever as well.
Stephen M
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 06 October 2014
I had a great time on my kayaking trip. The transfers/transportation were right on time and well-organized, the accommodation was comfortable and the meals were just fine. Our guides, Amir and Ivan were amazing and should be recognized for their warmth, skill, flexibility and all around greatness. Our group had a nice mix of solo/couple/group travellers and we got on really well.
One thing to note is that the trip description says that no skill beyond reasonable fitness is required. I'm more than reasonably fit, but I found it quite difficult to cover the distances scheduled for each day in the conditions we encountered. So, you might consider making a note that beginners or people without significant upper body strength might find solo paddling to be quite challenging. That said, Ivan was so patient and supportive as I struggled my way through. I'd probably still be out there paddling if it wasn't for him!
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in seeing a quieter side of the Croatian coast.
Andrea S
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 07 July 2014
On the first week the guides and staff were really flexible on times to transfer to and from Lopud which was really helpful. We were due to leave Dubrovnik on the 6 pm ferry on the Sunday but as it was so hot we decided to take the earlier ferry as suggested by the Adria rep.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik was comfortable. We explored a little outside Dubrovnik city and wondered if it might have been nicer to stay nearer one of the little coves, five minutes from the city gates to get out the city.
The sea kayaking week was excellent. Great guides and good trips. The accommodation was really comfortable - lovely family and the air condition was rather essential! I think we had booked a family trip but the guides asked if we would like to join a larger group which we did and this worked really well. Kayak trips were superb - about the right length and a good mix of destinations including the botanical gardens and lots of time to swim and snorkel. It was surprisingly manageable despite the heat. At the end we wished we had booked the 5 day tour. The farm evening meal was great fun.
The two nights at Hotel More were a lovely bit of luxury. Really liked the hotel - quite small and slightly away from the main areas of activity in the bay. Again good advice on how to get around from staff.
The second week with Huck Finn was also excellent. A good mix of activities - the rafting day in Bosnia was particularly good as we got to see a different country - quite a contrast with Croatia. Guides were again really good - very well informed and all trips were well organised. All transfers good. We had breakfast and evening meals with a local family which were lovely - lots of traditional cooking and they catered really well for different dietary requirements. The accommodation was rather more basic. We had two rooms on an upper floor with a shared bathroom so not our own space. It seemed that the accommodation varied quite a lot with others having small apartments with kitchens and fridges, which would have been helpful. Weather had cooled a little by then which was good as we would have had no means to cool the rooms down at night. Having said that our owner was a lovely lady - made us cakes and apple strudel when we came home at the end of the day.
All in all an excellent trip!
David W
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 25 August 2017
My kayak tour with Tour dust is an experience I will treasure forever. I believe Johnny is exactly the type of guide everyone hopes for on a trip like this. Upbeat, funny, enthusiastic, and an incredible level of skill in this sport. I have been kayaking for many years, but, being over 60 years old now, I certainly appreciated knowing we were in such very, very capable hands.
And the other people who took part in the trip? What a great bunch! It's hard to believe we were mostly complete strangers just one week ago. I will treasure those friendships forever as well.
Stephen M
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 06 October 2014
I had a great time on my kayaking trip. The transfers/transportation were right on time and well-organized, the accommodation was comfortable and the meals were just fine. Our guides, Amir and Ivan were amazing and should be recognized for their warmth, skill, flexibility and all around greatness. Our group had a nice mix of solo/couple/group travellers and we got on really well.
One thing to note is that the trip description says that no skill beyond reasonable fitness is required. I'm more than reasonably fit, but I found it quite difficult to cover the distances scheduled for each day in the conditions we encountered. So, you might consider making a note that beginners or people without significant upper body strength might find solo paddling to be quite challenging. That said, Ivan was so patient and supportive as I struggled my way through. I'd probably still be out there paddling if it wasn't for him!
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in seeing a quieter side of the Croatian coast.
Andrea S
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 07 July 2014
The trip was so well organised, and all the staff were great. The kayak equipment provided was fine for both beginners and the more experienced in the group, and both our guides were brilliant. Accommodation was good, and it was lovely to stay with a local family. We all loved the pancakes for breakfast served with lemons from the garden! All the group felt that we had experienced a very real side of Croatia and there was an excellent balance of guided and independent time.
Julie B
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 30 June 2014
We had a very good holiday.In brief summary:
Amir, the guide was great.
The accommodation on Lopud was fine, very clean and when we asked for hot water and cups, a Thermos was supplied. Breakfast was also fine, apart from the coffee which was not good.
The evening meal which was included was not so great. Hannah and I both chose a vegetarian risotto but were then served vegetables with pasta which neither of us would have chosen and we did not enjoy. There was no choice for pudding and we were served some pancakes which again, we would not have chosen. I think that giving people more of a choice would be an improvement.
Transport was also fine, in fact the driver who collected us from the ferry, dropped us near a beach in Dubrovnik and recommended some places to go so we had a very enjoyable 3 hours while waiting for our flight.
Turned out that we were the only people in the group on the short trip and everyone else was there for the week. It would have been good to have been aware of this as it was all a bit odd when the information emerged.
Otherwise, a very good holiday.
Sarah Y
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 09 June 2014
I'd just like to say thank you for arranging the Croatia trip, I had an amazing time and would do it again in a heartbeat :)
Ashvinder K
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 31 July 2013
I really loved this trip. Croatia is simply stunning and I will certainly go back there. Kayaking is a brilliant way to explore the beautiful coast. The highlights for me were the simple pleasures - exploring caves; playing around with my waterproof camera; the satisfaction of paddling over to the mainland in the heat of the day and once there, diving off the harbor walls.
I was already confident in a kayak so found the pace easy. Our guides were friendly, relaxed and helpful. The only downside for me for a spot of seasickness on the first day, but luckily the waters were much calmer for the remainder of the trip.
The food was typical Mediterranean fare - tasty and simple. My accommodation was just as I expected, a basic, comfortable guest-house with a friendly hug from my landlady at the end of my stay!
Can you please pass on my thanks to the excellent mainland-based tour guide who put himself out to drop me in Dubrovnik old town on Thursday and looked after my bags so I could explore, before driving me the airport that evening. That's the sort of helpful, friendly touch that you wouldn't get with a bigger company.
5 out of 5 for everything!
Anne-Marie C
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 11 December 2012
We had a great time!!
Guides - 5
Accom - 4
Meals - 4
Prior - 4
Overall - 5
Paul R
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 28 July 2012
Would rate the trip as 6 out of 5. Don't think I can say anymore than that. Had a fantastic time with great paddling. My only problem was we didn't stay for the week. I will recommend it to as many people as I can and I will return. Great value for money.
Theresa T
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 22 June 2012
The guides on our trip to Croatia were really fun, knowledgable and helpful. They seemed to know absolutely everyone on the islands which was really nice and they always tried to include everybody in everything, even if their first languages weren't english. The guides were awesome.
The accomodation was very nice and authentic, everything you could ask for was provided and the views from the balcony were quite something
The pace and amount of paddling were good, shame one of the days we couldnt get out because of the bad weather which made the next day a bit harder but still very enjoyable.
The whole holiday as a package was very good. Everything was organised well even when the tourdust van broke down at the start, a replacement form of transport from dubrovnik was straight there. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone interested in kayaking at all, because as a beginner i was slightly nervous at the start but thought i become quite good at the end, which is a testement to the guides and the trip really. I just wish i can get enough money to go again next year!!
David L
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 13 December 2011
This is a great experience to see the real Croatia. I had never been on a group holiday before and was a little hesitant, however Filip and Radovan the guides were incredibly patient and I was blessed with a fantastic fun group.
Merihan T
reviewing Dubrovnik Kayaking Short Break
on 17 June 2011
A few comments on our recent trip
Organization Excellent including pick up and drop off
Our guide Amir was friendly, spoke good English, and competent as our instructor / guide, he went out of his way to give us a good holiday.
Accommodation , First island was fantastic with a friendly family, Breakfast was outstanding
second island was good although the breakfast wasn't up to the standard if the first.
Equipment was all of good quality and in good condition
overall the holiday was relaxing , enjoyable with sufficient paddling for two experienced paddlers,
the restaurants and bars produced food which was fresh, tasty and reasonably priced
we would highly recommend the holiday to friends and family
we will hopefully return again to do more in Croatia in the future
Andrew A
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 08 July 2014
My first time to Croatia, very impressed with the organisation from Tourdust, from booking, suggestions and assistance, to airport pickup and transfer.
Each day was planned by the guides and very well arranged. We'd meet for breakfast and discuss the itinerary. Nothing was set it stone, as such, and our feedback was welcomed.
The guides knowledge on history was amazing. Very thorough, and faultless English. Felt very comfortable asking questions of all kinds. We visited where "Game of Thrones" was filmed (tv programme) and also a botanic garden.
The kayaking was fun, we stopped for swims every now and again, and to visit caves. The ocean was pretty flat / calm most the time, which was nice.
The food was lovely and we ate in a variety of restaurants, which had been carefully chosen by the guides. All types of fish were served. And... If you ask to see the fish... Don't be surprised when it turns on with their heads on!!! (which I found out the hard way).
The Accommodation was very comfortable, especially on nights 1-4 in Lopud, with air-con, bathroom and balcony.
Very enjoyable trip, thank you Tourdust
Name W
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 18 June 2014
On the whole, I had a lovely time - the group dynamics weren't the best, but then I realise this isn't something you have any control over. The group size was good, and the kayaking and location were great.
My accommodation on Lopud was fine (clean but basic), though much nicer on Sipan (larger room with kitchenette and lovely location). I thought the single supplement was a little bit steep though.
Kit list - it might be worth reminding people to take a plug adaptor if they're from the UK.
Food - the breakfasts provided lacked a bit of imagination but were fine. I felt it worked well to have some lunches/dinners provided and not others.
The team in Croatia took good care of us from arrival to departure, in terms of picking us up from the airport, being flexible re what time we wanted to transfer to the islands, looking after our luggage whilst we looked round Dubrovnik etc.
Our guide, Amir, got the right balance of being friendly without being intrusive. I would have liked to have been challenged slightly more in terms of learning new skills in the kayak (or tackling more difficult conditions) but he was v.willing to share his knowledge when asked. I felt very safe knowing I had a member of the Croatian white water kayaking team looking after us!I was very impressed with Tourdust's service prior to departure - in terms of your prompt & helpful responses to my questions and friendly but professional manner. The trip details on your website were also very helpful. I would definitely use you again.
Anne K
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 18 June 2014
Three 50+ year olds had a fab time on the Croatian Island Hopping Holiday in June 2012. The trip was extremely well organised, but we didn't feel as if we were being over regimented. The kayaks were well maintained and we had the option of singles or doubles. The kayaking was challenging, due to unusually high winds, but was manageable if not a little tiring. We paddled between 12 and 19km/day. On a very windy day, the water activities had to be cancelled, but they were replaced with an equally challenging and enjoyable hike. We had the services of the guide for an extra day at the end of the week, which should have been a free day, this was an unexpected bonus to compensate for the missed day at sea. The accommodation was basic but adequate, our room on Lopud didn't have air-conditioning, which was fine in June, but may be uncomfortable in August. Other rooms in Lopud did have aircon. The food was plentiful, very fresh and lovely.
Joy M
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 14 December 2012
Brilliant in every respect.
Robert W
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 14 December 2012
Amazing time, 6 of us joined the group, the two guides were so lovely friendly and very helpful. The guest houses on both islands were very traditional and very nice and the owners so welcoming. Ben and Anna at Tourdust made organising this group holiday very easy by constantly keeping in touch and answering questions etc. The kayaks and equipment was very good and each day was an adventure. I would highly recommend Tourdust to others. Thankyou for a very good holiday. Anne's group Norwich
Anne H
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 09 October 2012
A great trip. There was a choice of single and double kayaks which were of good quality. The trips included a mix of coastal exploration and short crossings which was a good combination.. A star feature was a trip to a family small holding where we were fed copious quanties of home grown vegetables, goat and chicken reared on the farm and washed down with home made red wine and an interesting selection of liquers. At the end of the meal the guide got out is guitar and played and sang some classic English folky type songs. Accomodation but modest but fine and there was a good selection of restuarants. Obala on Lopad and the hotel on Sipad were very good value for a upmarket meal whilst the other restuarants we visited all had good fish.
Angela M
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 19 June 2012
I had a fantastic group, the local knowledge of the guides was invaluable in ensuring the group had the best possible experience. Great paddling, great guides, great good, great time had by all.
Tony L
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 19 September 2011
Sea kayaking is the ideal way to explore these beautiful islands. Warm clear seas, fantastic local cuisine and a very helpful company with local knowledge of all the best places to visit and eat.
Maureen B
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 12 September 2011
This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We enjoyed the kayaking whch was quite manageable even for a couple in their late fifties. The weather was brillinant and we met some really nice people. What more could you want - a bit of white water?
Neil B
reviewing Croatia Island Hopping Holiday
on 29 August 2011
Our itineraries are carefully designed by our experienced travel designers based on years of experience and customer feedback. For a custom itinerary tailored to you, please enquire giving as much detail as possible on your brief.
