4 days of sea kayaking from a fixed base on Dugi Otok (camp Kargita) — simple days, open sea, and quiet movement.
Let the sea shape your days, camp under pines, paddle a new route each day, and explore the coastline as it shifts from cliffs to coves, beaches to tunnels.
Overview
Based 4 days in Camp Kargita on Dugi Otok, we set out each day to explore the island’s coastline by sea kayak.
Our routes take us past the Veli Rat lighthouse, across clear sea above a sunken shipwreck, around the rocky point of cape Lopata, and toward the beaches of Sakarun and Veli Žal — some of the hidden gems we’ll visit along the way. We’ll also glide through part of Telašćica Nature Park, with a view of its towering cliffs. One of the days will lead us along the eastern side of Dugi Otok, where hidden coves, old military tunnels, and traces of the island’s history wait to be explored.
Along the way, there will be plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beaches, and enjoying simple games or moments of island life together.
Each day follows an easy rhythm: breakfast at camp, kayaking with a packed snack break during the day, and returning in the afternoon. Evenings are spent sharing dinners at the camp, relaxing under the pines, and soaking in the slow pace of the island.
This tour is about moving with the sea, discovering Dugi Otok’s coastline and enjoying the simplicity of days spent outdoors.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + first paddle to Saharun beach
The trip begins with a ferry ride from Zadar to Dugi Otok. We’ll meet you at the island’s port and transfer together to our base at Camp Kargita.
Once tents are set up and a light lunch is served, we’ll take a first short paddle in the afternoon to stretch out, get comfortable on the sea, and ease into the days ahead
- Overnight: camping
- Meals: lunch, group dinner
- Distance: 13.5 km
Day 2: Paddling west: Saharun beach, Veli Žal, Mežanj and Brbišćica
After breakfast at camp, we return to where we finished the day before and continue paddling along the western coast of Dugi Otok.
Starting on the sandy bay of Sakarun, we move toward the long beaches of Veli Žal and the small island of Mežanj, making stops for swimming and snorkeling along the way.
After a relaxed break, we continue along the coast past sea caves, exploring hidden corners of the shoreline, and finish the day at Brbišćica, a sheltered cove known for its cliffs and cave entrance.
- Overnight: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch/snack during kayaking, group dinner
- Distance: 16 km
Day 3 — Exploring the East Coast: Military Tunnels and Green Shores
On our third day, we shift to the eastern side of Dugi Otok, offering a different perspective of the island.
Starting near the old naval shelter in Božava, we paddle along a quieter, greener coastline where thick pine forests seem to pour straight into the sea.
We pass by the Dragove tunnels — hidden military structures once used to shelter ships/submarines — and follow the coastline south towards Brbinj.
This stretch combines the calm of the forest with the open blue of the sea, and offers a glimpse into the island’s layered history.
- Overnight: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch/snack during kayaking, group dinner
- Distance: 17 km
Day 4 — Telašćica Nature Park and Cliffs / Closing Paddle and Return
After breakfast, we pack our tents and gear, storing everything safely in the van before heading south toward Telašćica Nature Park, a protected area known for its cliffs, salt lake and dramatic landscapes.
Paddling through the sheltered bay, we pass small islands before reaching the point where we can see cliffs rising steeply from the sea.
There will be time for a break and swimming in Loišće Bay, exploring the area from the sea, and simply drifting along the coastline.
The route and pace are flexible, allowing us to adjust depending on sea conditions and group energy.
After returning from the paddle, going around in Nature Park we transfer to the catamaran port, say our goodbyes, and going back to Zadar.
- Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch/snack during kayaking
- Distance: 18 km
Food & Accommodation
- Breakfast is provided each morning at campsite Kargita.
- A simple packed lunch or snack is prepared for each paddling day.
- Dinners are provided and shared at campsite, or if we are lucky some fresh fish/ or meal under iron bell (peka) will be arranged during trip
- Please inform us in advance about any allergies or dietary restrictions, so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.
- Accommodation is at campsite Kargita, located in Veli Rat on Dugi otok
- Guests stay in tents , with all facilities available in campsites ( toillets, showers, electricity connection )
What to expect
This 4 – day tour is designed for those seeking an active adventure with the comfort of a fixed base.
It offers a balance between time spent on the sea, daily discoveries along the coast, and relaxed evenings at camp. You will paddle through a variety of coastal landscapes — from open bays and sandy beaches to rocky points, sea cave, and sheltered coves.
Each day brings a different section of Dugi Otok’s coastline, offering a mix of calm and more dynamic paddling depending on sea conditions.
With changing landscapes, clear sea, and simple, home-style meals under the open sky, this journey is a way to experience Dugi Otok at an easy pace, moving with the rhythm of the island living and the group..
What’s Included
- Van transfers during the tour
- Accommodation at camp Kargita, Dugi otok
- 4 days of guided sea kayaking tour
- All sea kayaking equipment (single sea kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bags)
- Breakfasts every day, packed lunches/snacks every day, and group dinners at the camp except last day of tour when is returning day
- Entrance ticket for Telašćica Nature Park
- Support and guidance from experienced and certified local guides
- Basic accident insurance during activities
Changes to the Tour Program
Our goal is to provide a safe and rewarding experience. The daily plan may be adjusted depending on weather, sea conditions (the sea has the final word, and we’ll always adapt as needed to keep the trip safe and enjoyable for everyone) or any other circumstances that may affect the safety or quality of the tour…
These adjustments may include changes to routes, timing, or specific locations visited.
If weather conditions aren’t suitable for kayaking, we’ll spend the day hiking island trails and exploring Dugi Otok from other perspective.
What to Bring
- Lightweight kayaking clothes (quick-dry shirts, shorts)
- Swimwear and towel
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
- Light wind jacket or shell
- Water shoes or sandals suitable for getting wet
- Reusable personal water bottle (minimum 1L capacity, count on brigning extra 2 l water for kayaking period each day )
- Fleece jacket, light sweater or some jacket for cooler evenings
- Headlamp or flashlight
- External battery pack for charging mobile devices
- Basic personal hygiene items
- Insect repellent (mosquito protection)
- Snorkeling gear( goggles, fins)
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Basic camping utensils (bowl, cup, fork, spoon, knife ( if you don’t have your own, rental is available- please let us know in advance)
- Camping stove and gas cartridge (if you don’t have your own; same as for the guideline before)
- Footwear and clothing suitable for light hiking:
Island trails can be rocky and uneven. Proper closed footwear with good grip and ankle support is strongly recommended; It’s not a mountain hike, but island rocks can surprise you — sturdy shoes = happy foot and ankles.
If you are renting camping equipment from us, you only need to bring your personal clothing,footwear, hygiene items and reusable bottle for water.
Preparation for the Tour
No previous kayaking experience is required,it will be very usefull but you should feel comfortable spending several hours a day outdoors and on the open sea.
A basic level of fitness is recommended, as we paddle between 10–20 km per day with breaks.
The pace is moderate and adapted to the group, with time for rest, swimming, and exploring along the way.
More information you can read on our essential blog category or if you have any questions contact us.
