Preparing for a Sea Kayaking Expedition in Croatia

Preparing for a sea kayaking expedition means thinking practically.

You’ll be out on the open sea, camping, paddling, and moving between islands like Dugi Otok and the Kornati National Park — often without easy access to shops or roads.

Having the right equipment is key to comfort, safety, and enjoying the experience.

This guide covers what to bring, how to pack, and what’s included when you join a Garma Expeditions team on a sea kayaking adventure in Croatia.

Here’s what to bring (and why it matters).

Sea Kayaking Essentials

We provide all expedition kayaking gear, including:

• Top-quality Prijon sea kayaks (Seatron GT, Seayak Classic, Touryak)
• Paddle + spray skirt
• PFD (life jacket)
• Dry bags for personal gear
• Safety gear: bilge pump, tow rope, sponge

Our kayaks are fast, stable, and ready for open sea crossings. Even if you’re new to kayaking, you’ll feel secure and supported from day one.

What You Should Bring

• Quick-dry clothes (avoid cotton)
• Sun hat with strap
• Sunglasses with cord
• Thin paddling gloves (optional)
• Light sandals or water shoes (that can get wet)
• Swimsuit + packable towel
• Personal dry bag for snacks, camera, sunscreen

Camping Gear & Sleeping Setup

Most nights, we camp — whether in organized sites, remote coves, or designated wild spots. Occasionally, we stay in simple stone houses (when it is described in itinerary for the trip).

We can provide if you don’t have your own (let us know on time):

• Lightweight tent
• Inflatable sleeping mat
• Cooking gear (stove, gas, utensils)
• Camping cutlery (a pot, fork, knife, spoon)
• Small, lightweight camping chair and a small camping table (1 can be shared for 2 persons).

What You Bring

• Reusable water bottle (non-plastic, 1–1.5l) that you can keep within easy reach while paddling.
Each kayak will also carry an additional water tank with at least 6 liters of reserve water, which you can use to refill your bottle during breaks.
We recommend bringing a thermo flask because it helps keep your water cool for longer, which can make a big difference under the summer sun.
And if nothing else, after several days at sea, it’s also a great way to prevent your water from “cooking” in the bottle – staying refreshed is always the best option!

If you’re used on using a hydration bladder (camel bag) from previous outdoor adventures, feel free to bring it — it fits easily behind the seat in the cockpit and is a practical and convenient option on the sea.

• Sleeping bag (3-season recommended)
• Lightweight inflatable sleeping mat that can be packed down small, so it doesn’t take up too much space in your gear
• Small, packable backpack (20–30 L) that can be easily compressed to take up minimal space in your gear — it will come in handy for short hikes or island explorations on days when kayaking might not be possible due to weather conditions
• If you enjoy exploring underwater, feel free to bring your mask and fins.

Due to the limited storage space in the kayak, we recommend smaller swimming fins — they’re easier to pack and lighter to carry. Plus, they’ll give your legs and quadriceps a good workout during snorkeling breaks which is a nice change of pace for muscles that work differently while kayaking.

• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Microfiber towel
• Eco-friendly toiletries
• Personal bowl, cup, and cutlery
• Small camping pillow (optional)
• Earplugs (if silence gets… too silent)

For Wind, Rain & Cool Days

Even in summer, conditions on the Adriatic can shift quickly — especially while sea kayaking around Dugi Otok or Kornati.

Pack for the unexpected:

• Waterproof jacket (essential)
• Lightweight fleece or long sleeve base layer
• Windproof pants (or a light shell)
• Wool socks
• Buff or beanie

Footwear for Island Trails

In case of wind or rough conditions, we don’t sit around — we hike.
And while these aren’t high mountains, island trails are rocky, sharp, and slippery — you’ll want solid footing.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes or trail runners with grip and ankle support
• No flip-flops or soft-sole sneakers for walking
• Camp shoes or sandals for evenings (optional but appreciated by tired feet)

Food, Water & Fuel

Depending on the trip, we organize food together or provide it directly — often a mix of fresh, local and simple.

What you should bring:

• Snacks: dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, chocolate (essential fuel)
• Water: at least 2–3L/day in bottles or hydration packs
• Your own cutlery, cup, and bowl (we can help if needed)

We love keeping things light but tasty. If you’re lucky — meal under the bell (peka), grilled fresh fish or a shared pot of brudet may appear.

Personal Must-Haves

• Sunscreen + SPF lip balm
• Personal medications
• Waterproof case for phone/passport
• Power bank (limited charging spots)
• Notebook or book (yes, people journal on sea rocks!)
• Light reading or sketchbook
• A sense of humor — very useful in headwinds

Extra Advice from the Field

• Everything will get salty — it’s part of the charm
• Dry bags are your best friends
• Don’t overpack — the sea teaches minimalism
• Use several smaller dry bags instead of one large one, and organize them by category and how often you’ll need them — especially for paddling days. That way, the things you’ll reach for during breaks are right within hand’s reach, not buried somewhere deep in the kayak
• When packing up, keep heavier items closer to the center of the cockpit and lighter ones toward the bow and stern for better balance
• A simple “cheat sheet” for what’s packed where can also help — if possible, use dry bags with a transparent section so you can see what’s inside, or use different sizes and colors to tell them apart. Less searching during breaks means more time for swimming and relaxing
• Don’t be shy about packing a small foldable chair, a table, or a bit of foam for sitting on rocks — it’s not unnecessary luxury, but minimalism that offers a kind of comfort no sofa can replace after a day of paddling, while waiting for dinner 
• Bring shoes you trust, not shoes you want to break in
• Less is more, but no headlamp = no dinner prep after dark

One Backpack. One Kayak. Everything You Need.

Sea kayaking in Croatia means traveling lightly — but meaningfully.
You won’t need much. But what you bring matters.

Because when you’re fully equipped — not overpacked — the experience opens up: more time to paddle, to explore, to be present.

Whether you’re kayaking on the open sea of Dugi Otok or Kornati, hiking, or stargazing from your tent… the less you carry, the more you notice.

And that’s kind of the point.

Ready to see how a real adventure  looks like?

If you’d like to discover how all of this comes together on the sea, check out our expeditions  or accomodation based trips and see available dates and spots for 2026.

See you on the sea — and maybe on the trail, too.

– The Garma Team 🌊