Neil
Epic adventure across the loch. Great tuition and equipment. Had a great afternoon out.
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Sea kayaking through the Dalmatian Islands offers a unique chance to paddle through clear Adriatic waters, explore quiet coves and camp on remote islands. Choose from either a beginner-friendly 6 day expedition aimed at beginner level or an intermediate expedition aimed at more experienced paddlers, both starting and ending in the coastal village of Pakoštane.
6 Day Beginner Expedition:
Your trip begins in Pakoštane with an introduction and skills training day to get you comfortable with the equipment and paddling techniques. After the initial overnight stay in the village, you'll set out on a four-day wild camping journey across the nearby islands. You'll paddle through turquoise bays, rest on uninhabited beaches and gain practical expedition experience in calm but open waters. This format is ideal for newcomers with good fitness who want a blend of learning and adventure.
6-Day Advanced Expedition:
For those with previous touring experience, the 6-day format offers a more demanding and immersive expedition. After arriving and preparing your kit on day one, you'll head straight out into the Kornati Islands National Park. Expect longer paddling days, more remote landings and varied sea conditions. You’ll navigate through narrow island channels, camp on beaches well away from villages, and potentially reach the outer islands with views back to the Croatian coast and its limestone cliffs.
Both formats use single or tandem sea kayaks, depending on individual needs. The group meets the evening before the expedition starts to prepare, check kit and discuss plans. Wild campsites are chosen for their seclusion and access to good landing spots. You'll need to be prepared for some paddling in breezy conditions, although water temperatures and weather are typically mild during the spring and early autumn windows we operate in.
Trips are based out of Pakoštane, a small and welcoming village on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Positioned between Zadar and Split, it’s a convenient launch point for exploring the Kornati Islands, with easy access via bus and flight routes. The village itself has a good mix of cafes, shops, and accommodation options if you're choosing the Trip Only option.
From Pakoštane, the route heads out towards the Kornati Archipelago – a protected marine area that includes over 140 islands and islets. With warm, calm waters and minimal swell, this area is perfect for sea kayak expeditions. Expect remote island landings, limestone cliffs, and peaceful overnight camps, far removed from the busier tourist zones.
During the expedition phase, you’ll be wild camping in remote locations using lightweight tents and cooking setups provided by your guide.
For the nights before and after your expedition, you can arrange your own accommodation in or near Pakoštane. The Nord See campsite in the village is a convenient option with good facilities and direct access to the water.
For the 6 day beginner trip, no prior sea kayaking experience is necessary, but participants should have a reasonable level of upper body fitness and be comfortable spending multiple days outdoors. The training day ensures you're ready to handle the paddling days that follow.
The 6 day advanced pack and paddle expedition is better suited to those who’ve already completed some sea kayaking tours and had formal instruction in paddle skills, bracing, and self-rescue. You’ll need to be confident handling your kayak in waves and covering 20km+ in a day.
The team is made up of instructors and guides who live full-time in the northwest Highlands of Scotland and spend part of the year guiding overseas. This means you'll be travelling with experienced professionals who bring both technical expertise and a solid background in expedition leadership, weather awareness, and group safety.
Each trip reflects years of experience running self-contained sea kayak expeditions. The Fully Inclusive option offers great value by combining locally-based accommodation with freshly cooked meals and logistical support. For those wanting a more independent setup, the Trip Only format gives you flexibility to self-cater and arrange your own stay while still benefitting from top-level guiding throughout the expedition.
The beginner format is designed for novices and includes a training day followed by a five day sea kayaking expedition with wild camping. It's ideal for those with no prior sea kayaking experience but with a good level of upper body fitness.
The 6 day pack and paddle expedition is for intermediate to advanced paddlers who have some previous touring experience, ideally involving 20km+ paddling days, as well as training in key paddle techniques. This version allows you to venture further into the Kornati islands, including the outer islands and cliff-lined sections of the Adriatic.
Not for the beginner trip — this format is designed for those new to sea kayaking. The first day is used for basic skill-building, including control, paddling technique and safety drills. After that, you're guided through the island expedition with support from an experienced instructor. You will need to physically train prior to attending so you can enjoy full days in a kayak.
The pack and paddle expedition is a different story. You'll need to be confident in a sea kayak, familiar with bracing and rescue techniques, and used to paddling full days in variable sea conditions. It’s not suitable for total beginners or those lacking physical preparation.
We provide all sea kayaking equipment for both trip options, including kayaks (single or tandem), paddles, buoyancy aids and spray decks.
You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, mat, and tent unless you’ve arranged a shared one with someone else. Clothing should be quick-dry and suitable for warm weather paddling. A full kit list will be sent to you when you book, but pack light where possible as all gear must fit in your kayak.
Many people opt for the Nord See campsite which is a short walk from the village centre and is close to the expedition start point and offers good facilities including a restaurant and beach access. Booking.com also has local B&B and guesthouse listings.
Zadar is the closest airport, just 35 minutes away by road. You can reach Pakostane via bus from Zadar city using the FlixBus app, or share a taxi if arriving with others at a similar time. Zadar has regular flights from the UK including Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Split is also an option, around two hours south by road. Buses from Split to Pakostane are frequent and easy to book via FlixBus. For more flexibility, some people fly into Zagreb and then travel south by bus or train, combining the expedition with a bit of extra travel in Croatia.
You’ll have the option of either, depending on your experience and preference. Beginners often find tandem kayaks helpful, especially for building confidence and reducing fatigue over longer distances. They’re also ideal for pairs who want to paddle together and support each other.
More experienced paddlers usually prefer single kayaks for increased control and independence. Let us know what you’re comfortable with when booking and we’ll match you with the most suitable option. We’re happy to advise based on your paddling background.
Epic adventure across the loch. Great tuition and equipment. Had a great afternoon out.
We had an amazing time! Beautiful location and a great guide!
Operated by Mountain & Sea Guides, a partner of adventuro.
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