Stepping foot on Croatian soil was a breath of fresh air.
We had been in Italy for a month and while we loved the romance of the country, we were tired of their non-caring attitude; Especially in Venice. We felt as if they thought, “if you don’t like our service or establishment, who cares? someone will be here to take your place tomorrow.”
Kayaking Croatia
Croatia was an entirely different story. Located in the Balkan Peninsula, it still has those old fashioned values where people are nice to one another and they greet you with a smile when you say hello. They care whether you are having a good time or not and give you water with your meals and coffee. They don’t charge you a €3 sitting fee or inflated price just to sit down at a table. Everyone is welcome and everyone is a friend.
We were visiting Croatia to kayak our way around some of the islands of the north.
We arrived in Rijeka and were instantly drawn to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. We pulled up a chair on the patio of McDonalds to take advantage of their free wifi and cappuccino from the McCafe while we looked for a place to stay.
Visiting the Balkans? Check out 8 Unforgettable Things to do in Slovenia
Using Google maps on our iPhone, we searched for nearby hotels and then hopped on line to book a room at one of the hotels on the water. Our trip was taken care of by American Express Gold Rewards as we were on a trip decided by our readers. Would we be kayaking in Croatia or Kite Boarding in Spain? It was up to your votes and clearly you can see that Croatia came out a winner.
View from our Hotel Window in Rijeka, Croatia
We only had one night in Rijeka before heading over to the beautiful island of Rab so it was a quick stay but we enjoyed the warm breeze of the Mediterranean. We took a ferry up the coast and arrived at an ancient walled city sitting on the Adriatic Sea.
Rab, Croatia – We've Arrived
Our Kayaks await us as we step off the ferry
Jogi and Bafo of Sea Kayak Croatia greeted us as we stepped off the plane. They were easy to spot as their kayaks were attached to the roof of the van. Staying true to Croatian hospitality, they took us out for a coffee before dropping us off at our hotel that they scoped out for us. They were careful to ask if they took American Express and to their surprise, both of the hotels that they chose for us, did.
They dropped us off to go shopping for our 8-days on the water. We’d be carrying everything with us in our kayaks and we had to go through our gear to see what we’d be bringing with us and leaving behind. We scaled it all down to two dry bags plus another dry bag for our camera gear.
Bafo packed much lighter than us, but as we packed up our boats the next morning, we were amazed to find that it all fit.
Sea Kayak Croatia Owner, Jogi, Checking our Gear before we Leave
I was a little worried paddling a kayak filled with gear as we’ve only paddled in empty boats, but I was quite surprised how stable it was. As Jogi and Bafo told us, a full kayak is more stable than a light one and he was right.
It was here that we said goodbye to Jogi,the owner of Sea Kayak Croatia nd started our journey alone with Bafo. Bafo is a serene man who truly loves to paddle and is so proud of his native land. He talked to us about history and politics, wildlife and kayaking.
Our Guide Bafo, Doing what he loves – Kayaking
He and Bafo had just finished a 200km paddle along the coast to scout out more routes. They are always looking for other places to take their clients and their love for paddling keeps them exploring even when the season is slow.
The morning was peaceful and relaxing, as the waters remained calm. We stopped for lunch in a quiet bay and ate some home made local food made by Jogi’s wife.
Bafo Makes Sure Deb's Ok as she pulls in for lunch
It was the little things like this that made the trip special. We had our choice of any Kayaking company in Croatia but we liked the personal touches of Sea Kayak Croatia. It’s a family run two man operation. Bafo guides while Jogi takes care of booking day trips, answering emails and preparing for the next group. His dad helps him out once in a while to pick up the clients and take them to the ferries. They make sure to take care of every detail.
But most importantly, they take great care in making sure that you are having a good time.
Having a great time with Sea Kayak Croatia
After a full day of paddling, we set up camp on a deserted beach and enjoyed our first night out on the water. With a boatload full of food and some home made wine courtesy of Jogi’s dad we enjoyed a picture perfect sunset over a neighbouring island.
Sunset over the Islands of Croatia
It was a perfect ending to a perfect day and as we tucked into our cozy sleeping bags, we thanked our readers for choosing our extraordinary adventure.
Apply for your own Gold Rewards Card and see what benefits you can earn with American Express.
For your own Kayaking Adventures in Croatia visit SeaKayakCroatia
Maxi says
Damn. Now I feel super intrigued to go kayaking in croatia 😀
Wanda says
So glad you had good time in Croatia!
Robert Bogolin says
It’s nice to see such good photos especially now that the summer is almost gone.
Davor says
So glad you enjoyed Croatia. I do have to say in last few years things have changed and prices have increased a lot. You do get charged for almost everything. But, a lot of traditional values are still present. Good thing is that there are a lot of kayaking options these days.
Fiona says
I went to croatia on a cycling holiday, along the coastline – absolutely loved it, and thought each day how perfect the water looked! I would love to go back there and hire a kayak.
Gatis says
Articles like these are encouraging people like me to not only go kayaking but also visiting these wonderful places on Earth! Balkans have been on my travel list long ago but now it is coming dangerously close for me to go there! Thank you for nice photos!
Katharina says
Wow! It is just amasing!!
frankaboutcroatia says
So glad you had such a great time in Croatia, with lots of small, caring touches. Didn’t know about this company. I will check it out as I love small, family owned companies. They always treat you in a more personal way and people are more dedicated to what they do. Love your photos!
Dave and Deb says
Awesome Frank! You totally need to check them out. We had an amazing time with two amazing guys. I always love seeing good people succeed.
Riad Novak says
Your Eight days trip surely made me amazed. Want few more info about places, can u help?
Elizabeth says
Absolutely beautiful! What amazing scenery – I wish I could be there right now!
Tommy Ruhstorfer says
Kayaks are classified by their use. There are eight primary classifications: polo, slalom, whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping, sprint/racing and general recreation. From these primary classifications stem many sub-classes. For example, a fishing kayak is simply a general-recreation kayak outfitted with accessories that make it easier from which to fish. A creek kayak is a certain type of whitewater kayak, designed to handle narrow gully type rivers and falls. Also within these classifications are many levels of performance which further separate the individual models. In other words, not all touring kayaks handle the same.-^;’
Christa Kushlan says
Kayaking is the use of a Kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is defined by the International Canoe Federation (the world sanctioning body) as a boat where the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle. Most kayaks have closed decks, although “sit-on-top” kayaks are growing in popularity, as are inflatable kayaks which come without decks but which have air chambers surrounding the boat.'”^,
B says
Very Nice Pics and great article, Thanks for sharing.
Island Expeditions says
Sea kayaking in Croatia seems like fun! Have you guys ever been to Belize?
debndave says
Yes we have been to Belize. We loved it there and look forward to going back one day.
India Tourism Packages says
Picture seems to be natural.. Such an informative article…!
Jade Johnston says
Beautiful photos! I have always wanted to go to Croatia.. one day hopefully
debndave says
You’ll love it, and the amount that you travel, I know you’ll make it.
Natasha von Geldern says
The photos are stunning and it sounds like a wonderful adventure – I’d love to do something like this when I get to Croatia!
debndave says
Natasha, you should do something like this, and make sure to contact Jogi and Bafo. They’re great guys with hearts of gold!
Angela says
Wow gorgeous pictures!
debndave says
Thanks Angela, the scenery in Croatia is so beautiful it’s a dream to take photos there.
Chelle Roberts says
Hey Dave & Deb,
I didn’t realize you’ were in Italy/Croatia right now.
We’re in Italy on the Adriatic side. Looks like we missed you by a few days. It would have been nice to catch up. I don’t think I’ve seen you two since TBEX2010 in NYC.
I loved Croatia when I went in 2004. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Safe travels 😉
Emily in Chile says
So glad to hear you guys had such a good experience in Croatia. It’s one of my favorite countries, and I definitely felt that relaxed, friendly vibe when I was there.
Masha (2away) says
Amazing water! Croatia has been on my list for a long time now. Two times the trip has been planned and cancelled last minute. Have to get there soon!
Ryan Hoody says
Such incredible pictures! You are really putting me on to the idea of traveling to Croatia in the near future. I have always been interested in Kayaking, but after seeing your pictures, I am convinced it is something I have to do sooner than later. Did you take your own kayaks, or did you rent them on site? Did you use a waterproof camera for the picture? Or were you willing to take a non waterproof one onto the water?
Thanks for the awesome pictures and inspiration,
Ryan
debndave says
Hi Ryan, Jogi supplied everything that we needed. We didn’t bring our own kayaks (I can’t imagine what that would cost in overweight baggage on the plane) but we didn’t need them. The gear was top notch. The cost of the kayaks was included in the package. We hired them for a 10 day excursion. It included our fantastic guide Bafo, food, lodging and kayaking gear and the kayaks. It’s incredible. We used both waterproof cameras (Olympus Tough Cameras) and our DSLRs kept in dry bags. IF you don’t have your own dry bags, they supply that too. Everyting including your clothes and sleeping bags go into a dry bag for safety and are locked away inside the kayaks. Hope you make it to Croatia, you won’t be disappointed.
Cheryl says
This Canuck wants to get herself to Croatia right now. You had me at that first photo! And so great that the hospitality of your guides was so great – I mean kicking back with his father’s wine and enjoying sunset. Now that’s the life! 🙂
Turtle says
It’s true, isn’t it, how the personal touches can make or break a trip? It sounds like you had some locals along the way who really wanted to make you feel welcome in their country. That kind of attitude (and presumably pride) really rubs off!
debndave says
Well said turtle. I think when people take pride in their country and business the service cannot help but be excellent. The Croatians we met simply wanted us to have the best time possible in their country and to love it as much as they do. It rubs off indeed.
Andrew says
I love that first picture. Just the silence of the waves and enough of a kayak nose to not just be a shot of the water. Croatia was a really great place to me even though I was on a tour. Lookign forward to going back. Especially to Rab. I have a friend who spends every summer there, and it does indeed sound amazing.
debndave says
I’m glad you liked Croatia to Andrew. We look forward to going back as well. We really only had the chance to explore Rab and the surrounding islands. There is so much more to see.
Cole @ Four Jandals says
Your 8 day trip sure does beat our 3 hour trip in Naples! Sounds like we need to get down to Croatia after Italy 🙂
debndave says
Yes, you must get to Croatia. It was a nice change after traveling in Italy too.
Barbara Weibel says
I do believe I’ll be in Croatia next spring/summer and I’ll have to look into doing this. I love to kayak! Gorgeous photos, BTW!
debndave says
If you love kayaking, you will love doing it in Croatia. And Jogi and Bafo are great guys to paddle with. Super friendly, giving and fun.
Christy says
That water is so clear! I can’t wait to visit Croatia myself. Gorgeous photos!
debndave says
Thanks Christy. Yes, we had never seen such clear blue water. We also couldn’t get over how salty it was. The Adriatic has a high density of salt.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required says
Looks like an amazing experience. We have a tandem kayak (which the salesperson called a “divorce boat” when we bought it). While we love kayaking in the Puget Sound, we would certainly jump on an opportunity to drop our (or any boat) in the warm, jewel-like waters of Croatia.
Sick with envy. Does that make you happy?! 🙂
debndave says
No no, it doesn’t make us happy;) We’d love to go kayaking with you guys sometime. It would be a blast! To make you feel better, the water was very cold in Croatia. We weren’t running to jump in that’s for sure:)
Calogero says
Wonderful photos!
Abby says
That was is just too gorgeous. No wonder you looked so great at tbex — that looks like quite a workout!
Jeremy Branham says
I love Rab! I listed it as one of my top off the beaten path places in Europe. The water here is amazing and I love the idea of kayaking around Croatia. There are so many fantastic islands and I like the idea of getting away from some of the tourist areas and just exploring the beauty of this country. In my house, I have a painting of the island of Rab. I would love to go back and visit and maybe even do a little kayaking 🙂
Ayngelina says
Wow I had no idea Croatia looked like this, absolutely gorgeous.
Laurence says
Now I can tell you how brilliant that first shot is – I just love the colour of the water! Makes me want to hop in a kayak right now! (Although the river at the bottom of the garden isn’t quiet kayak material)…