Family Dubrovnik and Croatian Islands Adventure

Over View

Based on the island of Lopud, just three quarters of an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik, this week long active family holiday is ideal for water lovers. Spend the week exploring inlets, bays and neighbouring islands by kayak. Learn how to SUP (stand up paddle boarding), cycle on Sipan island and venture into Dubrovnik to explore its winding limestone streets and grand baroque buildings.

Snorkelling and swimming – In the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic

Stand up paddle board – Ideal for beginners or experienced paddle boarders. No previous experience needed!

Kayaking between islands – Explore grottos and golden sandy beaches

Historic Dubrovnik – Exploring the alley ways and charming streets of Dubrovnik's old town

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip in Dubrovnik

Arrive in Dubrovnik, transfer to the Port of Gruz to catch the ferry to the island of Lopud. The ferry takes 55 minutes and offers panoramic views of the bay of Dubrovnik as well as the outer islands.

There are four daily scheduled ferries per day to Lopud island departing at 1000, 1400, 1630 and 2000. If you arrive in Dubrovnik earlier than your scheduled ferry then you may wish to explore the old town before taking the ferry across. Bags can be left at the ferry port.

Upon arrival in Lopud harbour we take a short walk to our guesthouse. Our Leader plans to meet you in the guesthouse reception at 19.00 for the welcome meeting. After this we have dinner included at a local tavern. There are no other activities planned today.

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Dubrovnik International Airport (airport code DBV) by no later than 18.00 to meet the last ferry at 20.00. The Port at Gruz is 14 miles, around 30 minute drive from the airport.

If you are making your own way to the port, please advise Explore in advance your preferred ferry time so we can arrange your ferry tickets and then on the day you will need to meet your Explore rep in front of the Travel Corner – Obala Stjepana Radica 40, 20000, Dubrovnik.

Day 2 Introduction demonstration to sea kayaking. Sea kayak to Sunj Beach on Lopud, beach games. Walk back to Lopud town along island tracks

Introduction demonstration to sea kayaking. Sea kayak to Sunj Beach on Lopud, beach games. Walk back to Lopud town along island tracks
Breakfast is served on the terrace offering views of the neighbouring inlets and islands. After breakfast take a short stroll down to our kayaking base for an introduction and safety demonstration to kayaking including paddle strokes and getting comfortable in our boats.

Our first excursion sees us paddle from the harbour around to the opposite side of Lopud, the wonderful sandy beach of Sunj where we spend the morning playing water games.

An especially popular beach game in Croatia is called Picigin. It’s basically ‘keepie-uppie’ ball game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air as long as possible, but in acrobatic fashion with a great deal of jumping, diving and kicking. There are no winners or losers, just great fun!

In the afternoon we’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and jump from rocks, which are all very safe with plenty of deep water. Leaving our kayaks on Sunj beach, we walk back over the island to our guesthouse, a distance of just over 2km along a mainly flat track, to get ready for dinner.

Day 3 Introduction to ‘SUP’ stand up paddle boarding with a full day to practice. Sunset paddle from Sunj to Lopud town

Stand up paddle boarding has recently had a surge of popularity around the world. Originating in Hawaii, it’s a sport that is accessible to everyone, easy to learn and lots of fun. The inflatable boards are very buoyant allowing for maximum stability, a tall paddle is used to navigate and propel the board.

After an introductory lesson we have the rest of the morning to put into practice and refine our skills in the calm waters of the Adriatic. Late afternoon we walk across the island to reclaim our kayaks and paddle back to our kayak base, pausing to see the sunset. The perfect way to end the day.

Day 4 Paddle to the Green Grotto, swim and snorkel

Returning to our sea kayaks after breakfast, we head out to explore Lopud’s coastline starting in a shallow protected bay before venturing out across the channel to the island of Sipan. Heading south and west, we first paddle to a natural stone arch which is a perfect photo-op. Under this archway, you can see the Adriatic Sea open up in all of its glory.

Next, we regroup and paddle along the coast to the hidden Green Cave. We’ll then tie up our kayaks and get ready for a wonderful morning of swimming and cliff jumping. But first, we’ll grab snorkels and masks and swim down through the cave’s opening. Inside, there is plenty of room for swimming and even standing. This large, and safe, cave opens up to reveal an ethereal green light caused by the sun’s reflection off the sandy bottom.

We continue on to the delightful fishing village of Sudurad on Sipan, for a lunch of local delicacies (not included). Following lunch, we paddle back toward Lopud and our guesthouse. Total kayaking distance – 10 km

Day 5 Early morning ferry to Dubrovnik, full day for sightseeing, late afternoon ferry back to Lopud

After an early breakfast, take the ferry back over to the mainland to see Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Now essentially fully restored following damage from shelling in the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991-92, the Old Town still retains its unique atmosphere and charm. UNESCO granted it World Cultural Heritage status, as one of the world’s finest examples of a fortified medieval town. For fans of Game of Thrones, the iconic red-tiled roofs of Dubrovnik will be familiar as the setting of King’s Landing, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms.

Our local guide will accompany us to the city gates, providing an overview of the best sights to take in, followed by free time to further explore the town under your own steam. You may choose to get a view from above by taking the cable car to a nearby hilltop or by enjoying a walk around the city walls (the walk of the full course is 1940 metres). You may also like to visit the Franciscan Monastery, Dominican Monastery or the cathedral in the old town. Return to Lopud by ferry late afternoon.

Day 6 SUP in the morning, afternoon ferry to Sipan island, biking on the island and beach time

This morning we have further time to try stand up paddle boarding in the calm waters of the bay.

Late morning take the ferry to Sipan, the largest and most scenic island in the Elaphiti Archipelago and its harbour town of Sudurad. Trade our paddles for pedals and explore Sipan Island, a traditional fishing island with just two villages and one road connecting the two.

Biking across the middle part of the island which is mostly flat with old olive growths, vineyards, stone villas and wild fig trees (a perfect dessert for late August, as they can be picked freely while biking past them). We make a stop at the Saint Spirit fort-church, built in 14th century as a defence against Turks. It’s possible to climb up the steps onto a flat roof and see the whole of Sipan Island from the top.

Continuing to the village of Sipanska Luka on the island’s north end, we’ll stop for a bite to eat at one of the region’s best kept restaurant secrets. Relax with a swim in the Adriatic before heading back the way we came, making the short ferry trip back across to Lopud and our guesthouse.

Day 7 Free day. Optional day trip to the incredible fjord-like scenery of Montenegro

Free day. Optional day trip to the incredible fjord-like scenery of Montenegro
Designed as a free day, be as active as you want, enjoying more time on the Lopud’s beaches or take an excursion via ferry back to Dubrovnik for further sightseeing or go on our optional white water rafting tour to beautiful Cetina river (suitable for children over 8 years old) or take a day trip to Montenegro, just over 90 kilometres from Dubrovnik and home to the historic lakeside town of Kotor.

Day 8 Trip ends in Lopud

Departing Lopud this morning after breakfast, we take the ferry back to Dubrovnik’s port at Gruz and onward transfer to Dubrovnik International Airport (airport code DBV). The first ferry departs Lopud at 6.20am and the earliest your flight can depart is 10.30am.
There are later scheduled ferries at 0710, 1210 and 1800.