Compare Kayak and Sail: Split to Dubrovnik by Adventure Unbound vs Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,189 | $ 3,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 524 | $ 487 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Array Adventure through Dalmatia’s glimmering Mediterranean waters as you sail and kayak your way from Split to Dubrovnik. Sail from Croatian island from Croatian island in search of secluded bays. Get up-close to hidden coasts and passing dolphins as you kayak through limpid waterways. |
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 |
Day 1: Sea Kayak Čiovo Channel
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Your nautical Croatian adventure begins today with a sea kayaking excursion from Split to Čiovo islet. Soak in the sunny horizon and the vividly turquoise waters as you paddle from coast to coast. Once we return to the harbor, board the awaiting Turkish sailing boat. Settle in and enjoy a welcome cocktail as we set sail to Brač’s Bobovišća Bay.
Day 2: Sail and Kayak Pakleni Archipelago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Wake up to glowing Mediterranean views onboard as we set sail to Hvar Island. Our cruise takes us to the western islands of the Pakleni archipelago, where we stop at the small Vodnjak Island. Once there, hop into a kayak for more intimate views of the Pakleni Islands, discovering hidden coves and idyllic pebble beaches. We make sure to stop at an ancient Roman villa nestled next to vineyards—a picturesque site that still breathes of its striking past.
Day 3: Sea Kayak Korčula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Local Hotel
Today’s cruise takes us toward Korčula Island. Once there, settle into your kayak once more for a paddle around Proizd islet. Though easily overlooked from the sailboat, our kayaks allow you to explore the hidden bays and coves ideal for snorkeling and swimming. You’ll definitely understand why it’s voted in the top 5 of the Adriatic’s beaches before returning to the boat for the evening.
Day 4: Sea Kayak Lastovo Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Enjoy the passing views as we sail toward Lastovo Island this morning. Serving as a Yugoslav army stronghold for years, Lastovo has recently become open to foreign travelers. Now, it’s a popular Croatian site yet still somewhat out of the way. Paddle around the stunning Lastovnjaci archipelago and its beauties largely obscured from foreign eyes. Later, paddle to the Saplun islet where we enjoy a relaxing break on the area’s only sandy beach.
Day 5: Sea Kayak Korčula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Our boat takes us to the eastern end of Korčula Island this morning. We anchor at Lumbarda town, where you can sip on some of Lumbarda’s renowned Grk wine while enjoying a fresh snack. Learn more about the wine’s history as you tempt your tastebuds before once again setting out to sea with a paddle from Lumbarda to Korčula town. There, we’re met with our sailboat.
Day 6: Taste Pelješac Wine, Explore Dubrovnik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Local Hotel
We continue our tour’s island-hopping bent with a stop at the Pelješac Peninsula, known as a wine mecca. Indulge in some wine tasting at the peninsula’s best wineries before setting off for Ston. Ston, known for it’s winding, white-stone walls resembling the Great Wall of China, also serves up some excellent seafood. Learn more about the historic saltworks as well as the expansive oyster fields before continuing to Dubrovnik. Enjoy a night out in Dubrovnik, exploring as you will
Day 7: Explore Dubrovnik and Konavle
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Take a tour through Dubrovnik’s many beauties this morning before traveling to Konavle, a small village tucked into Dubrovnik’s hinterland. Taste some local, traditionally prepared specialities for lunch. After, visit one of Croatia’s only remaining locations where you can witness the process of handmade silk. Learn more about the production process and the region’s deep connections to the trade. Return to Dubrovnik for a final farewell dinner and an evening on the town.
Day 8: Goodbye Croatia
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final morning in Croatia’s sunny climate before catching your return flight home.
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 on a dolphin-tracking, data-collecting boat trip. After lunch, a photo-identification workshop offers more insight into dolphin conservation.
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.
