5 Kayak Tours in Zadar to Build a Day Around

1.Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $66Our pick

Paddle Croatia’s Zrmanja and Krupa rivers with expert guides, clear water, swimming breaks, and a waterfall drop near Zadar. Transfer optional.

“Great trip, well worth the money. The transfer bus was waiting for us exactly where and when it said and driver was nice chap spoke perfect English. Me and three friends did this trip and met four other English people also coming into our transfer bus from Zadar to the river Zrmanja, journey takes just over 1 hour and is very scenic. The river is fab, not cold but so clear, you want to jump in any chance. The kayaks are decent and the training is quick and basic but it is ample, there really isn't much too it. Kayaks are double manned and in all i think there was…”

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2.Dugi Otok – full day kayak adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $139Top rated

Sea kayak day from Zadar to Dugi Otok for caves, cliffs, shipwreck snorkeling, and Sakarun picigin, with gear and dry bag.

“I had an amazing time on the kayak adventure. It was definitely a physical activity, but I really enjoyed it. The staff was super friendly and the organization was perfect. The only thing I would have liked is to spend a bit more time at the last beach — it was beautiful! Still, it was a fantastic experience and I would absolutely recommend it.”

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3.Dugi Otok Half-Day Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 135 reviews · 8 hours · from $100

Half-day kayak from Zadar to Dugi Otok: Veli Žal white sand, sea-cave swimming, optional cliff jumps, and a small-group guide.

“The others who signed up for the half-day cancelled last minute. We got lucky that there were spots open on the full-day, so we were switched to that without having to pay more, which was a great because we wouldn't have been able to reschedule to another day. We ate lunch at a restaurant that was nicer than where the half-day trip must eat because we were told lunch would be around 15€ per person and the restaurant we ate at was actually 20-60€ per person. Since the change happened the morning of the trip it makes sense that we didn't know. However, the black cuttlefish risotto was amazing. My…”

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4.River Zrmanja Guided Kayak Safari & Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 132 reviews · from $76

Half-day kayak on the Zrmanja River near Zadar, beginner-friendly paddling, waterfall views, and swim breaks. $76 per person.

“When we got to the meeting place, we met 3 young guides who explained everything. If you're not good with English, there's a lady who speaks Italian. The location is beautiful, but the 10 km can be a bit tiring for first-timers (like us). They'll wait for you if you fall behind. Overall, it was a great experience. Bring a beach towel, food, and drinks, and they'll be well kept in insulated boxes.”

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5.Full Day Dugi Otok Guided Paddle Board Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 17 reviews · from $112

Paddle Dugi Otok by SUP from Zadar, through old submarine tunnels, up Veli Rat lighthouse, and relax at Sakarun Beach with balote.

“We had an amazing day as a family exploring caves and islands on paddle boards with our wonderful guide. He got us to all the spots and even gave us bit of history of the island along the way. We had a great lunch and yummy ice cream before heading back to Zadar. Highly recommend”

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