Trip Guide: Island-Hopping SUP & Kayak Adventure Croatia

Spend six days paddling between Croatian islands in the Zadar Archipelago. Crystal-clear Adriatic waters, secluded beaches only accessible by board, and authentic island life where fishing boats outnumber tourists. This definitely isn’t Dubrovnik or Split – this is remote, unhurried Croatia that most visitors never see.

You’ll be based on Molat – population 240 – one of 300 islands in the archipelago. Only 89 are inhabited, and some are separated by just 50m of sea.

Whether you’ve never stood on a paddleboard or you’re already confident on the water, our guides will help you build skills while exploring hidden coves, cycling across car-free islands, and hiking to viewpoints with 360-degree views across the entire archipelago.

This guide covers everything you need to show up prepared and confident.

Woman paddling on a stand-up paddleboard on calm blue water with distant shoreline and mountains

Woman group walking near a white chapel on a lush island hillside overlooking calm waters

Getting There

Getting to Molat requires a bit of planning. You’ll fly into Zadar, then catch a once-daily catamaran to reach the island. The journey is part of what keeps this place special.

Flights to Zadar: Zadar Airport sits 20 minutes from Zadar Old Town. Flights don’t run daily from every location however, so check that your flights match your trip date. Alternatively fly in the day before or leave a day later and explore Zadar town.

Alternative routes: You can fly to Split Airport (2-4 hour bus to Zadar) or Zagreb Airport (3.5 hour bus to Zadar). However Zadar is the most straightforward option.

The Catamaran: This runs From Zadar Old Town to Molat and there’s only one boat daily.

You need to book tickets in advance at jadrolinija.hr. Depending on your flight times, you may need to arrive in Zadar the day before your trip starts or leave a day after. Full details of the catamaran times can be found in your customer portal after booking.

Staying in Zadar: We recommend staying in the Old Town for easy catamaran access. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Luggage Storage: There are several places in the old town offering luggage storage (€5-8 per day) so you can leave your bags and explore the city.

How do I get to Molat?

Fly to Zadar
Catch the daily catamaran from Zadar Old Town to Molat.

Zadar Airport sits 20 minutes from Old Town and you’ll need to be in Zadar by approx. 13:30 to catch the boat. You may need to arrive a day early depending on flight times.
Don’t forget to book your catamaran tickets in advance. Visit www.jadrolinija.hr/en to book.

What time is the catamaran?

There is one catamaran each day between Zadar Old Town and Molat. You must get the catamaran on the first day of your trip or you will miss 24 hours of your adventure. There is no private transfer to the island.

Catamaran times:

Arrival day catamaran: Leaves Zadar Old Town at 14:05 – arrives in Molat at 14:50
Departure day catamaran: Leaves Molat at 06:50- arrive in Zadar Old Town at 07:50

You are responsible for booking your catamaran ferry ticket which needs to be bought in advance to avoid it selling out. Book tickets from www.jadrolinija.hr/en.

What if I'm flying into Split or Zagreb?

From Split Airport: Take the airport shuttle bus to Trogir (5km, 10 minutes, tickets brought on board), then get the Flixbus from Trogir to Zadar (probook your ticket to guarantee a seat, this route sells out). This journey is faster than going via Split itself. The journey takes 2.5-4 hours depending on the bus.

From Zagreb Airport: Jump on the shuttle bus to Zagreb Central Bus Station (40 minutes), then catch the Flixbus to Zadar (3.5 hours).

Can I arrive late or leave early?

No. The catamaran on Day 1 is your only option – there are no other boats. Same for departure: the early morning catamaran is the only one that day. Miss these and you’ll need private transport, which is expensive and difficult to arrange, or will have to book your own accommodation.

Should I eat before the catamaran?

Yes. Have lunch in Zadar before the departure. We’ll paddle that afternoon (weather permitting) and you’ll need fuel. Meet other guests for lunch via your WhatsApp group if you want company.

How do I get from Zadar Airport to Old Town?

There’s a few options:
Uber or Bolt: 20 minutes, €30.
Local bus: €5 (timetable at zadar-airport.hr).
You can coordinate shared taxis with other Gutsy Girls via WhatsApp – many will be on similar flights.

Aerial view of a coastal Croatian town with church and marina at sunset.

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is rated moderate. You’ll be active 5-6 hours daily, but you don’t need to be an athlete. You do need good stamina and the ability to handle back-to-back active days in summer heat.

- Paddleboarding: 3.5 days on SUP boards covering 5-12km. You’re on the water most of the day, but with plenty of breaks for snacks and games
- Kayaking: Two full days in sea kayaks, covering longer distances to reach those further away islands
- Hiking: 4km with 200m ascent on uneven terrain. You’ll hike in sun and heat after cycling and paddling
- Cycling: 9km each way across Molat with some climbs (optional)
- Multi-sport day: 18km cycling + 8km paddling + 4km hiking all in one day.

The Challenge: Five consecutive days of activity. July and August bring intense sun exposure and warm nights and you’ll be moving your body every day, which can be demanding in the heat. If you can handle a full day hike and do regular cardiovascular exercise, you’ll manage though.

Experience Level: Zero paddleboarding or kayaking experience is required. Our guides teach from the basics up. You must swim 50-100m confidently and feel comfortable in water. You’ll get on and off boards in rocky conditions, so water confidence matters.

Summer Conditions: The combination of daily activity, heat and multi-sport days, means you need good fitness to enjoy it fully.

I've never been on a paddleboard - will I slow everyone down?

No, this trip is for beginners. Experienced paddleboarders are welcome to join (who wouldn’t want to paddle in those crystal clear waters) and our guides will make sure everyone learns new skills, but the activity is geared towards those who may not have ever seen a board before.

How should I train?

Focus on cardiovascular endurance, as well as some upper body and core strength work. Swimming is also excellent preparation.

What if I can't keep up?

Guides manage mixed abilities daily and adjust the pace and routes to keep groups together. Paddleboarding and kayaking are core trip components though, so be prepared to participate.

Can I skip activities if I'm exhausted?

Cycling and hiking are optional. Paddleboarding and kayaking are essential to the trip. That said, if you’re genuinely struggling, talk to your host. We won’t force anyone onto the water if they’re dangerously tired, but you should arrive fit enough to participate.

Women on paddleboards in clear blue sea, gathered for an island-hopping adventure by the coast

Kayaks on calm sea near a wooded island with small houses

Sleep & Eat

Apartments

You’ll stay in locally-owned apartments scattered across Molat village. All are within a 5-10 minute walk of the harbour and dining room. Simple, clean, comfortable – they’re not luxury, but fine after active days.

Each apartment has kitchen facilities, a lounge, and sometimes outdoor space. All have WiFi and air conditioning in shared spaces. Bedrooms usually have fans only. Expect warm nights in July and August – Croatian summer heat doesn’t vanish after sunset, although it’s a little cooler on the islands.

Choose twin rooms in shared apartments, private rooms, or entire private apartments. There’s limited numbers of each, so book early for specific preferences. The accommodation you choose will impact the cost of your trip.

Meals

A local family prepares all your food in a private dining room. Try traditional Croatian cooking using local ingredients – fresh fish, meats, excellent salads and vegetables. You’ll have breakfast and dinner at the same location daily, whilst lunch is packed and eaten wherever you paddle to.

Breakfast: Muesli, fruit, scrambled eggs, meats, cheese, bread, honey and jams. Tea and coffee are also provided.

Lunch: Fresh salads with carbohydrates for sustained energy

Dinner: Two-course meals featuring regional dishes, with wine or non-alcoholic drinks included.Please flag all dietary requirements before arrival as island shopping is extremely limited. All dietary requirements can be catered for, we just need to know in advance.

The tap water on the island isn’t drinkable. Instead you’ll receive a 6L bottle per person in your apartment for drinking water. You can also refill water bottles at breakfast and dinner too.

Can I share with a friend?

Yes, we have a range of shared accommodation options, although we recommend one person books for both of you to guarantee you can select rooms together. Note that different dates have different options available.

My preferred apartment isn't showing - why?

It either isn’t available on your chosen date or someone else has already booked it. However, all apartments are similar in quality, so choose from what’s available. You’ll spend most time on the water anyway.

Can I do laundry?

Some apartments have washing machines, however most guests manage fine without doing laundry. If you’re worried we recommend bringing some soapflakes or travel wash with you instead.

What should I wear for dinner?

Sportswear is fine, although if you want to get the most from a summer dress or two that’s also fine. No dressing up is required though.

Can you handle my dietary requirements?

Yes, but tell us in advance. With a private chef, we accommodate all requirements easily, we just need to be aware as island shopping is minimal and food is planned out in advance.

Is alcohol included?

Wine and non-alcoholic drinks come with dinner. No discounts if you don’t drink alcohol – it’s bundled into meal pricing.

What can I buy on the island?

There’s a small supermarket with the very basics (cash only). There’s also a couple of bars and places to buy ice cream, but that’s it. Bring anything specific from home or Zadar.

Stuffed red and yellow peppers on a wooden board, topped with chopped herbs and spices.

Bright bedroom interior with double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and balcony doors.

Weather

Summer in the Zadar Archipelago means warm to hot weather, intense sun, and generally calm seas. July and August are hottest, so expect early starts to avoid the main heat of the day.

Temperature & Sun: Expect warm summer weather with serious sun exposure. You’re on the water for most of each day, which provides some cooling, but UV is intense. June and September are slightly cooler if you want to avoid peak heat. Apartments have air conditioning in shared spaces, and fans in bedrooms.

Sea Conditions: The Adriatic is typically calm in summer, but the wind can pick up during afternoons. This affects paddling. Guides always monitor the weather and will adjust activities, sometimes starting earlier to paddle before the wind arrives, or switching activities around.

What to Pack: High-factor waterproof sunscreen, a cap or sun hat, UV protection t-shirts and rash vests and sunglasses with floating strap. Just for the worst of island weather, we also recommend a raincoat.

Rehydration tablets or electrolytes are also useful if hot weather is forecast. Staying hydrated when active in heat for hours is essential, so make sure to bring your waterbottle too.

What happens if bad weather stops us paddling?

We’ll arrange alternative activities. No itinerary is fixed and we adjust daily based on conditions. We can’t control the weather, but we ensure you have exciting activities regardless.

When should I visit to avoid extreme heat?

June, September and October are cooler than July and August. All months are warm enough for swimming and paddling, but if you struggle with the heat, book early or late summer.

Will it be too hot to paddle?

Water provides opportunities to cool off, and we schedule activities to avoid the worst midday heat when possible. You need good sun protection and hydration though.
Heat is manageable if you come prepared. That said, July and August can be intense – if you overheat easily, choose June or September.

What if it rains?

Rain in Croatian summer is rare but possible so bring a raincoat. Paddling in rain isn’t miserable as you’re already wet. For prolonged bad weather though, we have backup plans and will adjust the itinerary.

Stand-up paddleboards on a calm sea near a rocky coastline with paddlers in the water

Good to Know

Money: Croatia uses euros. Molat operates on cash – the bars and supermarket don’t reliably accept cards. There are no ATMs on the island, so bring €50-100 for drinks, ice creams, and small purchases.

Communication: All apartments have WiFi and phone coverage is decent. You’ll be offline during activities but if you need to remain reachable at all times, inform your host.

Daily Schedule: Each day differs based on conditions. A flexible approach ensures the best experience. Some days start early to paddle before the wind or heat picks up. Others are more relaxed.

Getting Around Molat: Everything in the village is within 10 minutes walking. The island stretches 9km end to end and barely any cars exist here. It’s a peaceful, (almost) traffic-free environment.

Island Pace: Molat is a traditional Croatian fishing island with 240 permanent residents. Life moves slowly compared to home and shops close mid-afternoon

How much cash do I actually need?

€50-100 will cover the week comfortably as you’ll only need cash for drinks at bars, ice creams and any small supermarket purchases. Remember though that there’s no ATM on Molat, so it’s better to bring too much, than too little.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is entirely up to you and never expected. If your guide and host have looked after you well and you’d like to say thanks, it’s a nice gesture. As a rough steer, somewhere between €20 and €30 is a good amount. Cash is always easiest for this, so bring a bit with you if you think you’ll want to.

What's the actual group size?

It will be a maximum of 12 guests. Small groups mean better coaching, more flexibility and genuine connections. You’re not one of 30 people fighting for instructor attention.

Can I bring my own SUP board?

No. For ease, we provide quality Red and Starboard boards with carbon fibre paddles. Bringing your own means managing it on the catamaran, which is awkward and unnecessary.

Kayaks on clear blue sea near a rocky island coastline

Paddleboarders on calm turquoise water in a coastal bay with boats and a wind farm in the distance

Packing List

What We Provide

- Red and Starboard SUP boards (touring and race boards so you can try different styles)
- Carbon fibre paddles
- Board leashes
- Safety equipment
- Sea kayaks with paddles
- 20L dry bags
- Snorkeling gear
- Bikes
- Bike helmets

What You Need to Bring

- On the Water
- Swimwear
- UV protection t-shirt / rash vest
- Quick-drying leggings or shorts
- Neoprene aqua shoes
- Cap or sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Long-sleeve tops
- Quick-dry t-shirts
- Water bottle or bladder (2L capacity minimum)
- Waterproof phone case (if bringing phone on water)
- Raincoat

Optional Water Gear

- Shorty wetsuit (may be useful for early/late summer when the water is cooler)
- Paddling gloves (if prone to blisters)
- Small dry bags (for organisation within the provided large dry bags)
- Carabiner(s) (for attaching items to board)
- Floating sunglasses strap
- Land Activities
- Small backpack (for hikes)
- Trainers or hiking shoes
- Casual sportswear
- Quick-dry towel

Evenings

- Casual evening clothes
- Light fleece or jacket (evenings can cool down)
- Sandals and/or trainers

Personal

- Toiletries
- Personal medication
- Insect repellent and bite cream
- High-factor waterproof sunscreen
- SPF chapstick
- European 2-pin travel adapter
- Rehydration tablets/electrolytes (if hot weather is forecast)
- Snacks
- Compeed/plasters (just in case)
- Cash (€50–100 recommended)

Quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential. You’re wet most days, so cotton is useless. Swimwear, rash vests, and athletic wear perform best.

Packing Tips

Sun protection: The Croatian sun is intense and you’ll have hours of exposure daily. Long sleeves, high-factor waterproof sunscreen, hats, and UV clothing aren’t optional, they’re essential for safety and comfort. Don’t underestimate this.

Footwear: Aqua shoes need good soles and must slip on/off quickly. You’ll get on and off boards in rocky areas every day, often in places that are also home to sea urchins. Wetsuit booties take too long to manage and flip flops aren’t secure enough for scrambling on rocks.

Carry-on essentials: If you’re checking in luggage and are worried about delays, pack aqua shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and medication in your carry-on. These are impossible to replace on Molat.

Shopping reality: Molat’s supermarket is tiny and there’s nowhere on the island to buy outdoor or sports gear. Get anything you might need in Zadar before catching the catamaran.