SUP tour on the Makarska Riviera

If you’re considering a water-based adventure during your trip to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, a SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) tour along the Makarska Riviera offers both serenity and excitement. While we haven’t personally paddled these waters, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of a memorable experience.

What we love about this tour is its perfect blend of stunning scenery and accessible instruction — great for beginners and families alike. Plus, the opportunity to glide over crystal-clear waters and discover underwater reefs makes it stand out. However, it’s worth noting that this experience is not suited for non-swimmers or those over 220 pounds, which could be a limiting factor for some.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed yet active experience that combines sightseeing with some light aquatic fun. If you’re eager to see secluded bays and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Dalmatia, this is an option worth considering.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: Includes a thorough introduction to SUP riding, making it suitable for first-timers.
• Family-Friendly: The calm waters and gentle pace appeal to families with children over 1 year.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect views of underwater reefs, secluded bays, and the rugged coastline.
• Value for Money: At $69 per person, it offers a balanced mix of instruction, equipment, and guided exploration.
• Flexible logistics: Options for shuttle services from nearby towns enhance convenience.
• Limited for Non-Swimmers or Larger Participants: Not suitable for those over 220 lbs, babies under 1 year, or non-swimmers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the SUP Tour Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Arrangements

Your adventure begins at Watersport Center “Butterfly Diving,” conveniently located above the Konoba Dvor Restaurant. This spot is easy to find and provides a friendly, welcoming setting to start your day. The team offers a brief orientation before you step onto your paddleboard, covering basic techniques for balancing and paddling. This is particularly helpful for beginners, ensuring you won’t feel lost once on the water.

If you’re coming from other parts of Dalmatia—such as Makarska, Promeina, or Podgora—you can opt for a shuttle service. This service is paid on-site, with a small additional cost, and makes for a hassle-free start to your day, especially if parking in the area is tight. It’s a thoughtful touch that broadens access, although the shuttle is limited to groups of up to 8 passengers.

The 4-Hour Paddling Itinerary

Once briefed, you’ll set off on your 4-hour tour. The trip takes you along the scenic Makarska coast, with guides leading the way through some of the most picturesque spots. During the paddle, you’ll have opportunities to pause for swimming and snorkeling, breaking up the effort with relaxing dips in the calm waters.

The guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, offering tips on maintaining your balance and pointing out interesting sights. Their expertise is especially valuable for newcomers, helping you feel comfortable and confident on the board. It’s clear from reviews that their guidance enhances the experience — “Our staff was super friendly and gave tips on how to keep balance on a SUP,” says one happy paddler.

Highlights of the Tour

• Underwater Reefs: The waters around Makarska are known for their underwater life, and snorkelers can enjoy glimpses of fish and marine flora. The reefs are accessible from the SUP, adding a layer of discovery.
• Secluded Bays: The tour visits quiet, less-visited spots along the coast, perfect for relaxing away from crowds.
• Spectacular Landscape: Expect panoramic views of rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters that are truly postcard-perfect.
• Family Friendly: The calm waters and straightforward instructions make this a safe choice for families with kids over 1 year, as long as they’re competent swimmers.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price ($69):
– High-quality SUP and paddles
– Life jackets
– Guided instruction

Not included:
– Snorkeling equipment (can be rented separately)
– Transportation to and from the meeting point (though shuttle service can be arranged)
– Food, drinks, and sunscreen (bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life)

Having your own snorkeling gear would enhance the experience, as some reviewers mention the reefs as a highlight. The guides are happy to offer tips on what to look for underwater, making this a chance to combine paddling with snorkeling if you wish.

Practical Tips for Participants

What to bring:
– A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
– Food and drinks (packed snacks or water)
– Biodegradable sunscreen (to protect marine life)
– Beachwear for after-swim breaks

What to avoid:
– Alcohol or drugs (per safety guidelines)
– Littering (please keep beaches clean)
– Explosive substances or large amounts of alcohol in transport vehicles

Suitability:
This tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, those over 220 lbs, babies under 1 year, or elderly participants over 95. It’s designed for active, adventure-minded travelers with an interest in water sports and scenic landscapes.

Safety and Flexibility

The guides prioritize safety and comfort, providing life jackets and a clear introduction. The tour is designed to be relaxed but informative, with plenty of breaks and opportunities to swim. If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind to your booking.

The Real Value of the SUP Tour

For $69, you’re paying not just for the equipment but for an expert-guided experience in some of Croatia’s most beautiful waters. The combination of stunning views, secluded spots, and underwater exploration makes this a worthwhile choice for travelers wanting a blend of relaxation and gentle adventure.

The tour’s family-friendly nature and the fact that instruction is included mean it’s accessible even if you’ve never stood on a paddleboard before. The small group sizes and flexible shuttle options** also improve the overall value, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While some might wish for more snorkeling gear included or longer tours, the 4-hour window offers a solid balance of paddling, sightseeing, and swimming. The knowledgeable guides are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, making this not just a paddle but an educational journey into Croatia’s marine environment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This SUP experience is perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers who don’t mind light physical activity and want to see the Dalmatian coast from a different perspective. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate guided tours and are comfortable in the water, but not for those seeking intense adventure or long-distance paddling.

If your priority is stunning scenery and a relaxed pace, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value. The inclusion of snorkeling and swimming options adds a nice touch, turning a paddleboard trip into a small aquatic adventure.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the SUP tour on the Makarska Riviera presents a wonderful blend of scenery, relaxation, and gentle activity. It caters well to those new to paddleboarding or families looking for a safe, guided outing. The friendly guides, clear waters, and breathtaking landscape make it stand out as a memorable way to experience Dalmatia’s coast.

While it’s not suited for everyone—particularly non-swimmers or those with weight restrictions—most active travelers, or anyone eager to try paddleboarding with expert guidance, will find this offering to be excellent value. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic adventure in Croatia, this tour deserves a serious look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the guides provide an introduction to SUP riding, making it accessible for first-timers. They also give helpful tips on balancing and paddling.

Can children participate? Yes, but children should be over 1 year old and capable swimmers. The tour is family-friendly, especially in calm waters.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment? No, snorkeling gear is not included but can be rented separately if you wish to explore underwater reefs.

Is transportation provided? The tour starts at Watersport Center in Makarska. Shuttle services from nearby towns can be arranged at an extra cost.

How long does the tour last? The paddleboarding itself is about 4 hours, including breaks for swimming and snorkeling.

What should I bring? Hat, food, drinks, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear are recommended. Don’t forget your swimwear for breaks.

Are there any restrictions? Yes, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, those over 220 lbs, babies under 1 year, or elderly participants over 95.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How is the guide’s knowledge? Reviewers describe guides as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, which enhances the overall experience.

If you’re after a memorable, scenic, and relatively gentle water adventure in Croatia, this SUP tour along the Makarska Riviera offers excellent value, warm hospitality, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: