Makarska: Guided Sea Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling Stop

Exploring Makarska from the water offers a fresh perspective that many travelers overlook. This guided sea kayaking tour promises a blend of scenic beauty, gentle adventure, and opportunities for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. It’s ideal for those who love a bit of outdoor activity combined with natural beauty but don’t want to spend all day paddling.

Two standout features make this tour especially appealing: the chance to see Makarska and the Biokovo mountains from a very different angle—on the water—and the stops at some of the area’s most beautiful beaches, including the hidden Nugal beach. On the flip side, some might find the physical aspect a little tiring, especially if they’re not used to paddling. Still, with plenty of rest stops and a relaxed pace, it’s accessible for most beginners and families.

This experience is perfect for active travelers, families with older children, or anyone curious about the coastline beyond the usual sightseeing spots. If you enjoy being outdoors, discovering lesser-known beaches, and learning about local landmarks, this tour should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Experience the coastline, mountains, and cliffs from the water—offering a fresh and intimate perspective.
• Inclusive Experience: All necessary gear, a guide, and snacks are provided, making it a hassle-free adventure.
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Opportunities to snorkel in clear waters and relax at beautiful beaches.
• History & Nature: Knowledgeable guides share stories about local landmarks like the 19th-century lighthouse.
• Suitable for Beginners: With a relaxed pace and frequent breaks, it’s accessible even for first-timers.
• Value for Money: At around $53, it offers a full day of active sightseeing with many memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This guided sea kayaking adventure starts on a small beach just below the restaurant Lavander. From there, you’ll paddle eastward along the Makarska coast, exploring beaches, cliffs, and landmarks that are often out of reach from the shore. With an expert guide leading the way, the trip combines physical activity with breathtaking scenery, making for a memorable day.

The tour usually lasts several hours, encompassing a variety of stops that keep it engaging without feeling rushed. It’s designed to give you a different angle on Makarska’s beauty—away from the crowded promenades—by gliding along the water and weaving between the coastline’s most scenic spots.

The Itinerary: From Land to Sea

Starting Point – The Small Beach by Lavander

Meeting at the small beach below the popular restaurant Lavander, you’ll find the kayaks ready and waiting. It’s a relaxed start, where guides will provide brief safety instructions and gear up everyone with life jackets and waterproof bags—important details that make the experience safe and practical for everyone.

Paddle to the Lighthouse of St. Peter

Your first stop is the historic 19th-century lighthouse of St. Peter, perched on a small peninsula. Here, the guide shares snippets of history, helping you appreciate the lighthouse not just as a navigation point but as part of local maritime heritage. The paddle to this lighthouse is gentle, providing enough time to get comfortable with the kayaks, especially for first-timers.

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Exploring the Osejava and St. Peter Peninsulas

Next, you’ll paddle around the Osejava and St. Peter peninsulas, marveling at the striking cliffs and rugged coastlines. The smell of pine and salt fills the air, and the views of the mountains rising behind the coast are simply stunning. Watching the cliffs from the water offers a different appreciation of their scale and beauty.

Reaching Nugal Beach and Hidden Coves

From here, the tour continues toward Nugal Beach, a secluded spot famed for its unspoiled beauty and crystal-clear waters. This stretch is particularly picturesque, with rocky inlets and lush greenery. Here, you’ll have time to take a break, enjoy some fresh fruit provided by the guide, and snorkel in the inviting water. The reviews highlight how snorkeling in these waters is a real highlight, with clear visibility and abundant marine life.

The Return Journey

After soaking in the scenery and perhaps cliff jumping or simply relaxing in the water, you’ll paddle back to the starting point. The return trip is often just as scenic, with plenty of opportunities to admire the coastline from a new angle. Some reviewers mention a bit of tiredness but also a sense of accomplishment and happiness at having explored this part of Croatia differently.

What’s Included & What to Prepare

The tour provides high-quality kayaks and paddles, along with a guide fluent in English who shares knowledge about the area’s history and natural features. Safety gear such as life jackets are included, and waterproof bags keep your essentials dry. Refreshments like fruit salad are offered during breaks, which adds a nice touch of hospitality.

It’s worth noting that snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer. The tour also features optional cliff jumping or sunset watching, depending on whether you opt for a morning or evening trip.

What to Bring

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. Since it’s an outdoor activity in the sun, these essentials really matter. The guides recommend not bringing unaccompanied minors, and it’s best suited for those who can swim and are comfortable in the water.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Highlights

• Expert Guidance: Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience. One reviewer mentions a guide being “very helpful,” especially with kids.
• Variety of Stops: The combination of beaches, cliffs, and historical landmarks keeps the trip engaging. The snorkel stop at Nugal Beach is frequently highlighted as a favorite.
• Great Value: For about $53, you get a well-organized, full-day adventure that combines physical activity, sightseeing, and relaxation—much more than just a kayak rental.
• Authentic Perspectives: Paddling around the coast offers unique views and photo opportunities, perfect for capturing the rugged beauty of Makarska.

Possible Drawbacks

Some reviews note that paddling can be tiring, especially for those not used to it. The physical effort required might be a concern for very young children or those with mobility issues, as the activity involves some stamina and balance. However, the frequent breaks and relaxed pace help mitigate this.

Weather conditions are a factor—if seas are rough or windy, the tour might be canceled or rerouted. This is typical for outdoor water activities, so travelers should be prepared for flexibility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This kayaking trip is best suited for active travelers who want a more personal, up-close experience of Makarska’s coastline. Families with children over 8, groups of friends, or solo adventurers will find it rewarding. It’s perfect for those who enjoy gentle physical activity combined with stunning scenery and the chance to swim and snorkel in clear waters.

It’s less ideal for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or non-swimmers, as safety and comfort in the water are key. Also, be aware that if the weather turns bad, the tour might be canceled, so it’s good to have a flexible itinerary.

This guided sea kayaking tour in Makarska offers a rare chance to see Croatia’s Dalmatian coast from a different angle. The experience combines natural beauty, historical interest, and light adventure into a package that’s both accessible and memorable.

The knowledgeable guides and well-organized stops ensure you get the most from your time on the water, while the opportunity to snorkel at Nugal Beach adds a highlight for water lovers. For around $53, you’re getting a full day of activity that balances exploration with relaxation—a real value for those looking to add some active fun to their Croatian holiday.

Overall, if you’re seeking a scenic, educational, and physically engaging way to experience Makarska’s coastline, this tour offers a genuine, enjoyable adventure. It’s a fantastic way to see the city and mountains from a different view, and it’s highly recommended based on the many positive reviews.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible, with a relaxed pace and plenty of rest stops. Even first-timers have enjoyed it, according to reviews.

What should I bring?
You should bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. These essentials will keep you comfortable and protected from the sun.

Are snorkeling masks included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, so you can enjoy exploring underwater in the clear waters of Nugal Beach.

Can children participate?
Children over 8 are generally suitable, as long as they are comfortable swimming and paddling. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to favorable weather or sea conditions. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, reviews mention it’s a full and satisfying experience lasting several hours.

Are the kayaks single or double?
Default is double kayaks, but if a pairing cannot be made, a single kayak may be assigned.

Is there transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at the small beach below Lavander Restaurant.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for non-swimmers or pregnant women due to water safety considerations.

To sum it up, this sea kayaking tour in Makarska offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, gentle adventure, and cultural insight. It’s perfect for those wanting an active day in Croatia’s stunning landscape, with the bonus of snorkeling and historical stories. Highly recommended for travelers who appreciate genuine experiences and good value.

You can check availability for your dates here: