Freedom Route
Hvar Multiday Sea Kayaking
Hvar island had civilization as far back as in the Neolithic era followed later by Illyrians, Greeks, Romans and many others. It would be impossible to give here even the shortest account of all the turns in the history shaping the island the way it is today; its culture, architecture, (the oldest public theater in Europe), the art of self-sustainability through fishing or construction of the endless dry-stone walls network, (recognized by Unesco), serving as the cradles of wine, lavender, olive oil and other products of agriculture. Story would of course be incomplete if we left out the archipelago of Paklinski islands, pebble beaches, hilltops and stunning rock formations, caves, vineyards growing on steep south islands’ slopes against the backdrop of the bluest Adriatic Sea. By taking local roads, trails or sea routes you are more likely to come across little villages off the main common places highlighted in every tourist map and these less frequented corners often hide either overlooked, not well known natural gems or cozy and relaxed family-run taverns serving delicious food in a most relaxing ambiance of the mythical Mediterranean.
JOURNEY AT GLANCE
Meeting in Hvar
setting out to Paklinski islands, overnight in tents
Kayaking around the archipelago to Milna/dinner/overnight in tents
Kayaking along south side of Hvar, stunning cliffs to Ivan Dolac/dinner/overnight in private accommodation
Kayaking to Scedro island/lunch and back/overnight in private accommodation
Kayaking and visit to a cave/free time/transfer to dinner in a nearby village/ overnight in private accommodation
Kayaking back to Hvar town/dinner/overnight in private accommodation
Farewell
DAY 1
We gather at a nice bar in Hvar town to get to know each other the evening before the tour and over a welcome drink discuss everything you need to know before we start paddling. Don’t worry if you miss this meeting, we will go through it again the next day.
DAY 2
Meeting at our kayak base in Krizna luka cove close to the center of Hvar. Along with preparing ourselves and packing the equipment we will have a safety briefing and set out. First paddling day we’ll take it easy and stop in few bays for swimming and snorkeling. Kayaking around gorgeous chain of isles stretched in front of Hvar town, known as Paklinski Islands is a fine introduction into our multiday adventure – crystal clear waters and almost untouched nature made this archipelago famous and loved by probably anyone who visited it. The sap (paklina) used in the past by boat builders gave these islets the name nowadays often misinterpreted as Pakleni. Needless to say they are protected marine area. By the end of the day we’ll reach our beach for the night. Sleeping in nature is the best way to connect yourself with it so that is exactly what we’ll do – set up a wild camp and sleep under the stars (in our tents of course). For the dinner we’ll visit one of the island’s hidden taverns after which we’ll enjoy the rest of the night under pine trees by the sea.
DAY 3
Waking up with nature is easy – early starters get rewarded with the most beautiful morning colors and the sounds of the sea. We won’t change your morning rituals and we’ll make coffee to start your day with breakfast before we go on. Planned departure is around 8:00am but we’ll start when everybody is ready. The route goes towards Milna bay making stops at coves along Hvar island’s south coast. Once we reach the place we’ll set up tents in a local campsite. It seems that when Milna area was “designed” they spared no pebble beaches. With the second paddling day already behind us we need to make sure to stay strong and happy so one of the local restaurants will host us for the dinner and make up for one more night to remember. After dinner feel free to take a walk by the sea in a romantic little bay of Milna.
DAY 4
After breakfast we’ll continue cruising along the island. Prepare yourself for a special visual treat ‘cause this part of our journey is a pure eye candy. We’ll kayak close to steep cliffs and land on some of the most beautiful pebble beaches on Hvar – places definitely not to be missed when traveling to this island. We’ll make a bigger stop in Sv.Nedilja – little village known for its high quality red wine coming from “crazy” vineyards on the steep slopes, and in the recent years for the most spectacular rock climbing routs. It’s also one of the most beautiful snorkeling areas around. Having done side activities or simply rested on the beach there are few more miles remaining to reach Ivan Dolac, another little village where we’ll spend the night staying in private accommodation so you can have all the luxury we skipped the first two days. To celebrate we’ve come this far-) we are eating out because we strongly believe that after such an eventful day we need a proper dinner at a cozy place to socialize and relax.
DAY 5
From Ivan Dolac we’ll cross the strait to the little island of Scedro. The island is located around 2 miles (3,5km) South-East of today’s starting point. We’ll either circle around it or explore its north side depending on the weather conditions. Scedro is almost uninhabited and is one of those places to provoke a true feeling of the Mediterranean untouched by people. Throughout history it’s been known for its safe bays among sailors and it’s also considered to be one of the probable islands Odysseus touched on his return home from the Trojan war – if you are ready to believe. When the lunchtime comes we’ll take you to one of the local taverns. Should we choose to paddle less that day we’ll have more time to explore Scedro on foot before crossing back to Hvar island in the afternoon, and who knows maybe we’ll even have a beautiful sunset on the water. In the evening if you feel like, we’ll be more than happy to organize dinner for you in one of the local restaurants.
DAY 6
Today we deserve an easier day but nevertheless we have planned something special should the weather permit us. After breakfast we’ll get in our kayaks for a short paddle to visit an underwater cave hardly anyone knows about. Everyone with “a will to do and a soul to dare” will be rewarded with a different experience – something we like to call “our little secret” – a beach inside the cave. After the cave we’ll explore the area a bit or paddle straight back to Ivan Dolac and have the rest of day to relax. Since you’re on Hvar it would be a shame not to taste more of what this amazing island is offering so we’ll get a transfer to a local tavern in a nearby village on the inland to be served a dinner in a venue reflecting typical end ever evolving Dalmatian summer lifestyle. Later we return to Ivan Dolac to our accommodation.
DAY 7
We are back on the sea. After breakfast we’ll start going back to Hvar town visiting bays we missed on the way here. There is still plenty to see and discover, there’s always more pleasure to find…we’ll make few stops for swimming, snorkeling and picnic on the beach, or suggest a tavern along the way. Red rocks will surprise you, coves will embrace your kayaks, pebbles will massage your feet and hopefully winds and currents will go easy on us last 10 miles of paddling to be back to the same spot where we started our multiday trip. For our last night together you’ll sleep in Hvar town and eat in one of the best traditional taverns on the island. And after dinner you can explore the night side of Hvar. Owing a part of its fame to nightlife this town is possibly the best spot to go out on your last night on the island.
DAY 8
Departure. Farewell dear people, hopefully we’ll meet again sometime, somewhere. For those of you staying longer on the island we are there should you need any recommendation, suggestion or help in any way.
Kayaking in gorgeous waters
Amazing landscapes and wonderful pebble beaches
Great food
Experienced guide
Taste of Dalmatia and its lifestyle
PRICE
Price is provided upon request.
Min: 3 people Max: 12 people
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- 5 x overnight in double room in local guesthouses on Hvar
- 2 x overnight in tents
- 6 x meals (dinner or lunch)
- 2 x breakfast at campsite
- English speaking guide
- Sit-in sea kayaks with rudder, carbon paddle, dry bags, nylon spray skirt, snorkel
- Tent and self-inflating mattress
- Tourist tax
- Transfers as part of trip
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Lunches, dinners and drinks not clearly specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Any additional transportation nor clearly specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Sleeping bag - let us know if you need it and we'll rent one to you
WHAT TO BRING
This is our suggested list:
Good water shoes or sandals like Teva or Keen or similar
Swimming suit and towel
Sneakers and socks
Quick drying/breathable rain gear – jacket and pants
Breathable (nylon) or quick drying clothing; 3 tops, one long sleeved, 2 pairs of underwear – breathable
1 pair of pants
1 pair of shorts
1 bandana
1 pair of nylon socks
Dry bags
2 garbage bags 4 – 6 gallon size zip lock bags
Toiletries
Wide-brimmed hat with a chinstrap!!
Sunglasses with a cord!!
Good waterproof sun cream and lip balm Insect repellent (there may be mosquitoes)
Head lamp and batteries
Personal first aid kit
A small personal dry bag comes in handy for keeping a camera and valuables while paddling Lightweight cycling gloves can ease blistering (if you have not paddled for a long time)
Camping (plastic or metal) cup, plate and cutlery
Note: Itinerary can be altered in dependence on weather conditions, time of season, daylight hours, group size and fitness level. Let us know if you have any relevant medical conditions and dietary restrictions.
FAQ...
HOW BIG ARE THE GROUPS?
Minimum 3, ideal up to 8, maximum number is 12 people.
WHAT ABOUT PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS LEVEL NEEDED FOR THE TOUR?
Previous kayaking experience is definitely welcome, but even more than that it’s important to possess a recreational level of physical fitness; you are facing 4 – 5 hours of paddling every day so it helps if you have done it before. On a windy day (it sometimes happen-) you must be ready to paddle harder and longer. Ability to swim is also required.
MEETING POINT?
We meet in Hvar one day before the tour – let us know when you are coming and we'll give you the meeting time/space coordinates.
KAYAKS AND GEAR?
We use both single and double sit-in sea kayaks equipped with rudder. We provide carbon paddles, life vests, spray skirts, drybags...
The choice of kayak is yours – if not experienced then we reccommend a double kayak due to its stability and comfort. Bear in mind that double kayaks are also known as “divorcers“ or “divorce makers“, so make sure you know well your kayaking partner-)
CAN THE CONDITIONS AND WEATHER AFFECT OUR TRIP?
Being a remote island the winds and waves can sometimes be challenging, especially for a beginner. Nevertheless we have done this trip quite a few times, actually the founder of the company was probaby the first to have done it commercially (within a former company) while others followed.
We monitor the conditions and based on our experience, knowledge of the area, weather forecast and opinion of locals choose the best options for our paddling itinerary.
The climate is a mild Mediterrannean which means there's a lot of sun, the season of sunny weather usually starts in May and it goes all the way till mid/end of October. Second half of June, July, August and first half of September are rather hot (25°C – 35°C, 77°F - 95°F) with occasional rainfall.
CASH, CREDIT CARDS?
Always good to have some cash on you and you'll find ATMs in every mayor island town, while they'll be more scarse in smaller communities. There's still quite a few restaurants and bars on islands taking cash only so be prepared. Mayority of shops take credit cards.
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE?
Yes, for groups and depending on the time of the booking/season, feel free to ask and we'll get back to you.
THIS IS SUGGESSTED ITINERARY AND CAN BE CUSTOMISED UPON REQUEST.