Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition

8 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
87 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
While Croatia may be known for its beauty on land, the Adriatic Sea is home to a vast array of marine animals that need protecting, including sea turtles, giant devil rays, and the Adriatic dolphin. Recognizing their invaluable role in the ecosystem, researchers at The Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation work to educate the public and lau...
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$5,258
From$3,895
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Go dolphin-spotting in the Adriatic Sea with staff from a leading dolphin conservation organization
    • Stari Grad Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on
    • Hike through the the Island of Hvar
    • Bask in the crystal-clear waters and majestic blue light of the Blue Cave
    • Get creative with a three-course Croatian cooking class with a local chef
    • Kayak alongside charming Hvar Island to the Pakleni Islands

What's this trip about?

    While Croatia may be known for its beauty on land, the Adriatic Sea is home to a vast array of marine animals that need protecting, including sea turtles, giant devil rays, and the Adriatic dolphin. Recognizing their invaluable role in the ecosystem, researchers at The Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation work to educate the public and launch conservation initiatives across Northern Croatia. Through their efforts, the Institute has led several national and international conservation projects, including declaring the first Dolphin Reserve in the Mediterranean Sea! Travelers will go behind-the-scenes and aid in these dolphin monitoring expeditions with the The Blue World Institute collecting data on environmental conditions, locations and sightings, numbers of encountered dolphins, photographs of dorsal fins for photo-ID analysis, and data about dolphin behavior. In addition to collecting this data, get a taste of life as a marine biologist and learn how to read the information you collected and why it is important for the well-being of the dolphins. Additionally, we'll learn more about other marine wildlife on the island including loggerhead turtles. Beyond your time participating in dolphin conservation on the island of Lošinj, travel to the Southern islands of Croatia by boat. Experience the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad, a three-course cooking class from a local chef as you learn to make a Croatian speciality, peka, and kayaking to the Pakleni Islands. Hike through the old stone town, marvel at the rolling green hills, and have plenty of time to take in the natural beauty that is Croatia

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLošinj
End CityDubrovnik

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Croatia

Attractions

  • Hvar Island

Activities

  • Caving
  • Culture
  • Dolphin Swim
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • 7 nights lodging in standard level hotels along the water
    • All meals include one drink (soft drink or local wine/beer)
    • Volunteer project with the Blue World Institute
    • English-speaking local guide that is there to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
    • Reliable in-country transportation with experienced drivers.
    • Airport transfers
    • Admissions and entrance fees to national parks, historic sites and other scheduled events throughout the trip
    • All land and water transportation during the trip
    • $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
    • All gratuities for hotels and meals
    • Turnkey customer support from preparing for your trip to arrival back home

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy Beautiful Views on the Way to Lošinj

Meals: Dinner

Touch down in the Croatian Capital Zagreb, where you’ll meet your Discover Corps guide and get to know your fellow travelers. Together, we’ll travel about five hours to the island of Lošinj, taking in gorgeous views along the way – including from the deck of a ferry. On Lošinj, unwind over a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2: Track Dolphins with the Blue World Institute Team

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the morning of our first day of volunteering with the Blue World Institute, we’ll meet the expert team and learn about the fundamentals of dolphin biology and conservation. Then it’s time to head out into the Adriatic Sea o...

Day 3: Expand Your Marine Conservation knowledge and Explore the Blue Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today will be split into two distinct parts. We’ll begin by hopping on a boat to explore the incredible Blue Cave. In the afternoon, return to the Blue World Institute for another interactive conservation learning session, this time focused on biodiversity and sea turtles.

Day 4: Take a Final Dolphin-Tracking Trip and Explore Veli Lošinj

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It’s the last morning at the Blue World Institute, and you’ll spend it putting your newly gained marine biology knowledge to good use on one final dolphin-tracking trip on the water. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the postcard-perfect village of Veli Lošinj and its lovely beach at your own pace.

Day 5: Marvel at the Natural Splendor of Croatia En Route to Hvar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today will be spent passing through some of Croatia’s most striking landscapes as we make our way to the island of Hvar. Keep your camera on hand to capture the sweeping sea and land panoramas along the way as we travel by catamaran, van and boat.

Day 6: Learn to Cook the Croatian Way and Hike the Stari Grad Plains

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Wake up in the historic village of Stari Grad, our base for the next two days. After breakfast, we’ll head to the neighboring village of Vrisnik for a lesson in traditional Croatian cooking. Our optional hike back to the hotel will lead through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad Plains.

Day 7: Go Kayaking and Sample Local Wine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, venture out on a kayaking excursion through the turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands before the choice to either tour two local wineries, or take a free afternoon to lounge by the hotel pool or explore the village.

Day 8: Fly Home or Continue on to Mljet for the Dubrovnik Extension

Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to say farewell to those on the eight-day program. If you’re in this group, you'll return to Split International Airport for your flight home. If you’re continuing on to the Dubrovnik extension (next page), you’ll board the boat to the island of Mljet.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,895
Price per day$487
Single supplement (single occupancy)$795
Last Updated: 12/16/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discover Corps.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Discover Corps

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Discover Corps is a volunteer travel company that is pioneering a new way to explore life and culture around the world in a way that rejuvenates the human spirit.

Our vision is of a world where people value our shared humanity and promote global citizenship while celebrating our many unique cultures.

Our mission is to give travelers a deeper understanding of life in communities around the world while helping to improve the lives of the people we visit.

We accomplish this by operating enjoyable and safe, enjoyable volunteer vacation programs that provide real connections between travelers and the communities. We specialize in trips for adults and families.

Our Trips and Projects

Discover Corps volunteer projects are driven by the local communities — not by us. We respond to requests where our travelers can make a meaningful contribution in a short amount of time. In order to maximize your time, our local staff plan everything in advance and provide you with the support you need while you’re there. From building classrooms and improving water systems to creating eco-friendly homes, we partner with local communities to help them achieve their development goals.

While our trips only last a week or two, we strive for a long-term impact by partnering with organizations that have ongoing relationships with the communities where we volunteer. This allows each of our volunteer groups to become a link in the chain of our partner’s ongoing work.

We are a certified B Corporation, which means we have passed a rigorous independent audit of our social, environmental, and legal practices. B Corporations (or Benefit Corporations) are recognized by the State of California as providing a social good.

Discover Corps operates trips for the National Peace Corps Association as well as other non-profit organizations and universities.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • One dinner
    • Tips for Discover Corps guide
    • Laundry services, phone calls, and Internet service

Accommodation

,Standard Lodging Stay in a cozy, comfortable hotel in the heart of the small island of Lošinj. Complete with all of your basic amenities and a pool, it is the sweeping views of the sea all around that make this hotel one to remember. In Hvar, experience true Croatian charm in a hotel with old stone walls, restaurants overlooking the water, and a central location making it easy to explore. Each room is different than the next, but each will make you feel right at home.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Optional Extension: Dubrovnik

Day 8: Venture to the Island of Mljet

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Depart Hvar and catch a boat to the island of Mljet for a relaxed hike and optional boat trip to nearby St. Mary Island, one of Croatia's largest national parks, to hike peaks for better views. Mljet is an island filled with bays, caves, steep coves, and salty lakes for those who need a dip in the water. Stay the night in Mljet before an early morning to Dubrovnik the next day. (B,L,D) (Guided)

Day 9: Tour Historic Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll travel to the spectacular city of Dubrovnik by boat. Here, you’ll be led on a guided tour of this remarkable place, taking in its historic Old Town and ancient city walls. After a farewell lunch with your guide, relax and explore the city for the rest of the day. (Guided)

Day 10: Spend a Free Day in Dubrovnik

Meals: Breakfast

Today will be a full day to wander around Dubrovnik, visiting the spots that appeal most to you. Your guide will leave you with some suggested activities to do independently including a Game of Thrones tour, a hike around the city, and charming places to eat. Browse the market for souvenirs, hit the beach, or head out on a boat trip – it’s all up to you. (Unguided)

Day 11: Return Home

Meals: Breakfast

The trip draws to a close today, as you and the other members of your group say your goodbyes and head to Dubrovnik International Airport to board your flights home.  (Unguided)

Extension Lodging

Experience a gorgeous 4-star hotel with a seafront setting overlooking Lapad beach and the blue-green Adriatic. With a luxury spa, fantastic dining options, and the nearby tree-lined promenade Uvala, you are close to the city center with plenty to do for a day out in Dubrovnik.

Additional Information

Custom Groups

Have a group of 6 or more? We can operate a trip for your group. Whether it’s a family reunion, corporate group, alumni association or a professional or student organization, we’ll make it easy and turnkey for your group to have an incredible experience.

Trip ID
discov1-CroDolDis

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