Highlights
Women only multi-activity adventure holiday in Croatia
Island-hopping by paddleboard and kayak in an undiscovered paradise
Multi-activity adventure: SUP, kayak, cycle and hike to explore wild places
Cycle across islands through rural villages, hike to incredible view points at sunset
Delicious food prepared by local Agriturismo
Unique and authentic experience, staying in an off-the-beaten-path location!
SUP Holiday
Embark on an island-hopping paddleboarding adventure with Gutsy Girl this summer. Our multi-activity SUP and holiday takes you away from the tourist hotspots and away from mass tourism to discover an island paradise in Croatia.
Whether you're new to SUP or a seasoned paddleboarder, our expert coaching will cater to your skill level while you explore the remote and tiny islands, hidden beaches and secluded bays.
We'll explore the Zadar Archipelago, paddling between islands, discovering pebble-beach lagoons, sandy bays and snorkelling in turquoise blue waters. On land we'll hike to incredible viewpoints and cycle across islands, meandering through rural villages.
Immerse yourself in the local life sampling delicious food and embracing the unhurried island lifestyle. This truly authentic adventure allows you to make a positive impact on the communities we visit through responsible tourism practices.
Created for solo women travellers of all ages. No prior experience is required for our beginner weeks, take your first leap into adventure holidays with us!
LOCATION
The Zadar Archipelago is made up of 300 small islands in the Adriatic, with only 89 inhabited, some of which are situated within a mere 50 meters of each other!
Unlike the overcrowded Dalmatian hotspots, the archipelago provides a unique off-the-beaten-track adventure.
You’ll find low cost flights to Zadar from many UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Bournemouth.
We will be staying on Molat, a charming island with a permanent population of only 240. The harbour front village boasts more fishing boats than cars, creating a traffic-free environment. Everything is within walking distance, lending to the unhurried and tranquil pace of authentic island living.
PADDLEBOARDING
This SUP holiday is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders. Choose from our Entry Level week with coaching and guiding specifically designed for novices, or our intermediate weeks for those wanting to improve their skills and paddle longer distances.
If you're new to the sport - paddleboarding has a quick learning curve and you'll be gliding across the water and discovering new places on day one! Our highly skilled and knowledgeable instructors provide top-quality instruction to ensure your progress as a beginner, improver, or intermediate paddler.
Every day, you'll spend 5-6 hours on a paddleboard, honing your SUP skills and gaining confidence in the water while exploring the beautiful coastline of the islands.
We make learning SUP skills an enjoyable and immersive experience, teaching you how to improve efficiency, learning various types of turns, including step-back turns. By the end of this holiday, you'll leave as a self-assured, independent, and proficient paddler, ready for your next exciting adventure!
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These trips are designed to build your skills and confidence on the water, with paddling distances starting at 3km and progressing to 10km by the end of the week.
The focus will be on building a strong foundation for your SUP technique which will allow you to cover longer distances with ease. You’ll learn to turn your board with forward sweep stroke, cross-bow stroke and start to play with stepback turns.
Beginner Paddlers: No prior paddleboarding experience is necessary.
Improver Paddlers: Have had a formal lesson with a qualified instructor and been on a paddleboard a few times, but do not meet the requirements for intermediate level.
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Our Intermediate Weeks cater to those with previous SUP experience. Expect daily paddling distances of 10 - 12 km, in conditions that are more challenging than our Entry Level trips, and at a quicker pace.
Requirements for joining:
• You’ve taken a lesson from a qualified instructor and have learned SUP techniques.
• You’ve paddled at least 10 times, with at least 20 hours on a SUP.
• You’ve paddled at least 10 km previously.
• You can turn your board with a cross-bow stroke
• You’re comfortable with standing on the board for several hours at a time
• You can demonstrate good board control, especially in windy conditions, and are capable of knee paddling against headwinds.
• You can self-rescue and are comfortable with falling in the water.
• You are confident being on open water.
• You’re able to swim 100 metres in open water
• Have a good to high fitness level and a positive attitude towards challenge
KAYAKING
We will have the opportunity to swap our boards for kayaks, allowing us to go for longer tours and island hop to new locations. No prior kayaking experience is required, you’ll receive expert coaching and guiding.
Sea kayaking is optional, but encouraged!
CYCLING
We will cycle across the island of Molat on an quiet road with very few cars. It’s around 9km - an hour cycle across island, with a few hilly sections, we’ll meander through small villages and enjoy great views of the islands around.
At the end of our cycle we’ll jump on our paddleboards for an adventure across to another island, before returning back to Molat and cycling 9km - an hour home again!
This activity is optional!
HIKING
There’s nothing quite like a hike to get to the top of the islands to take in the incredible views. Our hikes have steady climbs that can be challenging but it’s well worth it for the views from the top!
Max distance 6km.
Food
We'll be immersing ourselves into the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle on this island. During the trip we'll have the unique opportunity to be hosted and cooked for by a local family, filling ourselves with delicious traditional dinners, fresh fish and sampling the olive oil and honey of the area.
Full board is provided; a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine all taken care of!
We can cater for all dietary requirements on this adventure!
ACCOMMODATION
You’ll be staying in comfortable, clean and simple apartments across the village.
Each is unique as the apartments are owned by local families, supporting our responsible and sustainable tourism.
Choose from a private apartment, private or twin rooms in shared apartments.
Examples of Accommodation
Availability varies for each trip, early booking is advised for private apartments and private rooms. Full facilities and amenities are shown at the time of booking
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
This active adventure offers the opportunity to explore beautiful islands while learning new paddleboarding skills!
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join us, however, you’ll need a good fitness level to enjoy all the activities of the week.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Activity Duration: Daily active time of 5-6 hours.
SUP Distances: Beginners start at 3km, progressing to 10km. Intermediate trips cover 10-12km. You’ll be on the water for the majority of the day!
Hiking: 6km hike with around 200 metres of ascent on uneven terrain. You’ll be hiking in the sun and heat, following a cycle and paddle.
Cycling: 9km cycling route each way, featuring climbs and descents - optional activity.
Multi-Sport Day: Embrace a full day with 18km of cycling, 8km of paddling, and a 5km hike. It's a rigorous day, but cycling and hiking are optional. The focus is on a steady, non-competitive pace and we encourage all guests to give it a try!
Consecutive Activity: Prepare for 5 days of back-to-back paddleboarding and varied physical activities. The week is action-packed which can be quite demanding.
Sun Exposure: Expect to encounter warm summer weather with substantial sun exposure, particularly in July and August.
1 Night in Zadar
To line up with low-cost flights and boat timings, you might want to stay in Zadar for a night before or after your trip. We highly recommend staying in Zadar, a vibrant city steeped in history with breathtaking Adriatic views! Explore ancient Roman ruins, savor delicious Croatian cuisine at bustling restaurants, or soak up the lively nightlife scene.
Once you’ve booked your spot, you can connect with others on your trip to arrange an extra day of exploring!
See our Blog on What to Do in Zadar
PRICE
Triple Room £1325 - £1375
Twin Room £1350 - £1450
Private Room £1500
Private Apartment £1550
Full accommodation amenities and facilities are shown at the time of booking.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
6 days of guided activities
5.5 days of paddleboarding or kayaking
Guided hikes and cycling
SUP tuition and coaching from qualified guides
Touring paddleboards, paddles, drybags and safety equipment
Bicycle and helmet hire
6 nights accommodation
6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners with wine or non-alcoholic drinks
NOT INCLUDED
Flights - Low cost options to Zadar from UK airports
Return catamaran tickets - approx 16€
Personal travel insurance
Beginner and Improver
Sat 1 June - Fri 7 June ⚡️ 3 spots left
Sat 8 June - Fri 14 June ⚡️ 1 spot - twin
Sat 15 June - Fri 21 June
Sat 29 June - Fri 5 July
Wed 3 July - Tue 9 July ⚡️ twin rooms only
Sat 6 July - Fri 12 July ⚡️ limited private rooms
Sat 27 July - Fri 2 August
Sat 3 Aug - Fri 9 August
Sat 17 Aug - Fri 23 August
Sat 24 Aug - Fri 30 August
Wed 4 Sep - Tue 10 September ⚡️ 2 spots left
Sat 14 Sep - Fri 20 September Fully booked!
Sat 21 Sep - Fri 27 September
INTERMEDIATE
Wed 10 July - Tue 16 July ⚡️ 2 spots left
Sat 10 Aug - Fri 16 August
Sat 7 Sep - Fri 13 September
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The closest airport is Zadar.
Ryanair has many flights from the UK to Zadar.
You may find that you’ll need to arrive a night before the start of your trip to be in Zadar in time for the boat to Molat.
Zadar airport is 20 minutes from the centre by taxi or 30 minutes by bus.
You could also fly to and from Split; it will take 2-4 hours by bus to get to Zadar.
Once you’ve secured your spot, you’ll be invited to join a WhatsApp group so you can arrange to share Airbnbs, hotels or taxis with other guests.
You’ll find lots of detailed information on travel on our FAQs.
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You will find full flight information and details in our FAQs
London Stansted (Ryanair)
Saturday to Friday Trips:
• Depart Friday 19:50 (overnight stay in Zadar), return next Friday 18:00.
• Depart Saturday 07:50, return next Friday 18:00.
Wednesday to Tuesday Trips:
Depart Tuesday 20:40 (overnight stay in Zadar), return next Tuesday 18:50.
London Gatwick (EasyJet)
Saturday to Friday Trips:
• Depart Saturday 06:05, return next Saturday 10:15 (overnight stay in Zadar)
Wednesday to Tuesday Trips:
• Depart Tuesday 08:10 (overnight stay in Zadar), return next Tuesday 12:15.
Liverpool (Ryanair)
Saturday to Friday Trips:
• Depart Saturday 06:10, return next Saturday 10:10 (overnight stay in Zadar on Friday).
Manchester (Ryanair)
Saturday to Friday Trips:
• Depart Friday 20:05 (overnight stay in Zadar), return next Friday 17:55.
Newcastle (Ryanair)
Saturday to Friday Trips:
Depart Friday 17:10 (overnight stay in Zadar), return next Friday 14:55.
Birmingham, Bournemouth, & Leeds Bradford (Ryanair)
Wednesday to Tuesday Trips:
Flights arrive and depart in alignment with overnight stays before each leg of the journey.
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ARRIVAL
There is one catamaran each day to Molat from Zadar Old Town.
You may need to fly a day before your trip starts to ensure you are in Zadar in time for the catamaran on arrival day.
You will need to buy your own tickets for the catamaran. You can do this online in advance or in person on the day. You’ll find lots of detailed information on travel on our FAQs here.
You must be in Zadar by 13:30 to catch the boat at 14:05
DEPARTURE
You will catch the 06:50 catamaran, that arrives in Zadar at 07:50.
The airport just 20 minutes away this lines up well for morning flights departing after 10:00.
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This active adventure offers the opportunity to explore beautiful islands while learning new paddleboarding skills.
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join us, however you’ll need a good fitness level to enjoy all the activities of the week.
What to Expect:
Activity Duration: Daily active time of 5-6 hours.
SUP Distances: Beginners start at 3km, progressing to 10km. Intermediate trips cover 10-12km. You’ll be on the water for the majority of the day!
Hiking: 6km hike with around 200 metres of ascent on uneven terrain. You’ll be hiking in the sun and heat, following a cycle and paddle.
Cycling: 9km cycling route each way, featuring climbs and descents - optional activity.
Multi-Sport Day: Embrace a full day with 18km of cycling, 8km of paddling, and a 5km hike. It's a rigorous day, but cycling and hiking are optional. The focus is on a steady, non-competitive pace and we encourage all guests to give it a try!
Sun Exposure: Expect to encounter warm summer weather with substantial sun exposure, particularly in July and August.
Consecutive Activity: Prepare for 5 days of back-to-back paddleboarding and varied physical activities. The week is action-packed which can be quite demanding.
Other Considerations:
Accommodation: The apartments on this trip are simple but comfortable.
Air Conditioning: Available in shared living spaces, but not in bedrooms. Fans provided; expect warm summer nights during July and August.
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In the unlikely event that weather conditions prohibit us from paddling, we will arrange alternative activities - sadly we cannot control the weather but we can keep our fingers firmly crossed!
We will ensure there are fun activities for you to take part in even if the weather is not ideal, and we cannot provide refunds for a change of activities due to weather or other conditions outside our control.
None of our itineraries are set in stone - we will always move things around to make the most of the conditions we have on any given day.
Packing list
We'll keep it pretty casual, mostly we will live in active/sports wear. Please consult the weather forecast here to help with your packing closer to your departure date.
WE PROVIDE:
20l dry bags
SUP boards, leash, carbon fibre paddles & safety gear
Bike helmets
Snorkelling equipment
YOU WILL NEED:
Activities
Small backpack (for carrying belongings on hikes)
Swimwear (a couple of sets)
UV protection t-shirt / rash vest
Neoprene aqua shoes with a good sole (shoes you can get wet and protect feet on sharp rocks and sea urchins).
NO wetsuit booties - difficult to take on and off
NO flip flops - not secure enough
Quick-drying leggings / or shorts
Long sleeve top(s) - to protect you from the sun and spiky vegetation on hikes
Quick dry t-shirts
Cap / sun hat
Sunglasses - with floating strap
Trainers / shoes for hiking
Casual clothes / sports wear for hiking and cycling
Water bottle(s) or water bladder - at least 2 litres capacity (insulated bottles keep water cooler if hot weather forecast)
Snacks - NB local shopping options are limited
Towel - a lightweight one is fine, just for taking to the beach
Waterproof case for phone
Raincoat (weather dependent but good to pack in case)
Rehydration tablets / electrolytes (if hot weather forecast)
Evenings
Casual evening clothes - 2 sets is adequate!
Warmer clothes for the evenings (weather dependent)
Light fleece or jacket for the evenings (weather dependent)
Sandals and / or trainers for evenings (weather dependent)
Personal
Toiletries
Personal medication
Insect repellent
Bite cream
Sun block (often not available to buy on Molat)
Cash (we recommend €50-100 - NB no ATM on the island)
Travel adapter (standard European 2-pin plug)
Optional items
Shorty wetsuit/long john wetsuit - optional but may be useful for early or late summer trips
Carabiner(s) - for attaching items to your board
Gloves for paddling
Compeed / plasters
Small dry bags (for organisation within provided dry bags)
SPF chapstick
Tea bags / coffee for your apartment!